N-CSRS 1 d613410dncsrs.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: January 31, 2019

Date of reporting period: July 31, 2018

 

 

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.

 

 

CRESCENT SHORT DURATION HIGH INCOME FUND

The Fund’s investments in high-yield securities, including loans, restricted securities and floating rate securities are subject to greater levels of credit, interest rate, market and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

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

 

American Beacon Funds

July 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Performance Overview

    2  

Expense Examples

    4  

Schedule of Investments:

 

American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

    6  

Financial Statements

    17  

Notes to Financial Statements

    20  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

    39  

Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    44  

 

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term investment goals:

Institutional wisdom + earned alpha = enduring value.

 

u  We believe institutional wisdom comes from having more than 30 years of experience as manager of one of the country’s largest pension plans. As a fiduciary, we have built an investment due-diligence and oversight infrastructure, which we leverage across all our investment products. When selecting our investment managers, we focus on their people, processes and performance. We perform due-diligence reviews with each investment manager on a quarterly basis.

 

u  We believe earned alpha – that is, the returns of an actively managed

  fund beyond a benchmark – comes from employing and engaging investment managers we believe are best-in-class and who have defined, repeatable and proven processes. Our experience has shown us that, while it’s important to be mindful of short-term considerations, having a long-term focus helps manage expectations, mitigate risks and realize goals. Thus, we seek relationships with leading investment managers who display a willingness to undertake time-intensive research strategies. The resulting investment portfolios are differentiated from their peers and allow incremental changes to help address periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty.

 

u  

We believe enduring value comes from “putting a portfolio in place and sticking with the plan.” Our mutual funds provide you with access to institutional-quality, research-intensive investment managers with diverse processes and styles. In the long run, having such access and spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may better position you to reach your long-term investment goals.

During periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty – such as what we’ve seen thus far in 2018 – investing for the long term requires conviction. It isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move. It’s about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. It’s about developing an approach based on long-term participation, while seeking some measure of protection against ongoing volatility.

As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. Many of the sub-advisors to our mutual funds pursue upside capture and/or downside protection using proprietary strategies. The investment teams behind our mutual funds seek to produce consistent, long-term results rather than focus only on short-term movements in the markets. In managing our investment products, we emphasize identifying opportunities that offer the potential for high quality and lower risk.

At American Beacon, our approach is more than a concept. It’s the cornerstone of our culture. And we strive to apply it at every turn as we seek to provide a well-diversified line of investment products for your portfolio.

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 Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund (the “Fund”) returned 0.41% for the six-month period ended July 31, 2018, underperforming the Bank of America Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Cash Pay BB-B 1-5 Year Index (the “Index”) return of 1.59%. For additional comparison, the ICE Bank of America U.S. High Yield Index returned 0.55%, and the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index returned 2.12% during the period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended July 31, 2018

 

    

Ticker

  

6 Months*

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

  

Since Inception
10/1/2014

Institutional Class (1,3)

   ACHIX        0.49 %       1.84 %       4.15 %        3.34 %

Y Class (1,3)

   ACHYX        0.55 %       1.84 %       4.10 %        3.25 %

Investor Class (1,3)

   ACHPX        0.41 %       1.56 %       3.80 %        2.99 %

A without Sales Charge (1,3)

   ACHAX        0.29 %       1.43 %       3.75 %        2.91 %

A with Sales Charge (1,3)

   ACHAX        (2.26 )%       (1.12 )%       2.86 %        2.22 %

C without Sales Charge (1,3)

   ACHCX        0.03 %       0.78 %       2.98 %        2.17 %

C with Sales Charge (1,3)

   ACHCX        (0.97 )%       (0.22 )%       2.98 %        2.17 %
                    

BofA Merrill Lynch U.S High Yield Cash Pay BB-B 1-5 Year Index (2)

          1.59 %       3.29 %       4.82 %        4.13 %

 

*

Not Annualized.

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of the date indicated and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 2.50%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

2.

The BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Cash Pay BB-B 1-5 Year Index is an unmanaged index that generally tracks the performance of BB-B rated U.S. dollar-denominated corporate bonds publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market with maturities of 1 to 5 years. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

3.

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 were 1.27%, 1.37%, 1.57%, 1.67% and 2.42%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund’s sub-advisor actively allocates among traditional high-yield, floating-rate bank-loan and private-debt sectors of the bond market to seek attractive risk-adjusted returns with lower volatility than that of the high-yield market overall. This flexibility allows for dynamic allocation across markets and provides opportunity to invest outside of the traditional indices. During the period, the sub-advisor progressively reduced its allocation to traditional high-yield and increased bank loans. Much of the increase, however, came after the rise in yields in February 2018 when the Fund had a longer duration than that of the Index. At period end, high yield represented approximately 71% of Fund assets while bank loans were 19%. Private debt exposure held steady at 9%, and the remaining 1% was in cash. By period end, the Fund’s duration was 2.2 years, which was slightly shorter than the Index duration of 2.5 years.

The sub-advisor increased its allocation to floating-rate bank loans due to their attractive risk-adjusted characteristics and ability to perform well in rising rate environments. Bank loans have floating-rate coupons that fluctuate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). As the Federal Reserve System continued to raise interest rates throughout the period, LIBOR rose as well, which benefited bank loans by increasing their coupon.

The period was constructive for the credit markets as both high yield bonds and bank loans reported positive returns. High yield, however, underperformed bank loans due to rising yields. The Fund’s allocation to private-market holdings was accretive as these assets continued to contribute a premium level of income.

 

 

2


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

Sprint Corp., 7.250%, Due 9/15/2021           1.2  
Navient Corp., 5.875%, Due 3/25/2021           1.1  
Univision Communications, Inc., 5.125%, Due 5/15/2023           1.0  
Hertz Corp., 5.875%, Due 10/15/2020           0.9  
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 3.550%, Due 3/1/2022           0.9  
DISH DBS Corp., 6.750%, Due 6/1/2021           0.8  
Calpine Corp., 5.875%, Due 1/15/2024           0.8  
Bausch Health Cos, Inc., 7.000%, Due 3/15/2024           0.8  
Mclaren Finance PLC, 5.750%, Due 8/1/2022           0.8  
EMC Corp., 2.650%, Due 6/1/2020           0.8  
Total Fund Holdings      400       
       
Sector Allocation (% Investments)

 

Communications           15.0  
Consumer, Non-Cyclical           14.5  
Energy           11.3  
Financial           10.3  
Technology           9.4  
Consumer, Cyclical           7.6  
Industrial           6.8  
Basic Materials           6.7  
Service           4.9  
Consumer           4.1  
Utilities           2.8  
Manufacturing           2.4  
Health Care           1.6  
Telecommunications           1.4  
Media           0.7  
Defense           0.3  
Transportation           0.2  

 

 

3


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Expense Examples

July 31, 2018 (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 Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from February 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018.

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 Fund through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The “Hypothetical” lines of the tables provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Fund’s actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the 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 Fund, 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.

 

 

4


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Expense Examples

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
2/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
7/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
2/1/2018-7/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,004.90       $4.23
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.60       $4.26
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,005.50       $4.72
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.10       $4.76
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,004.10       $6.11
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.70       $6.16
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,002.90       $6.21
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.60       $6.26
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,000.30       $9.92
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.90       $9.99

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.85%, 0.95%, 1.23%, 1.25%, and 2.00% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (181) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

 

5


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 0.00%            
Energy - 0.00%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 0.00%            
Energy Exploration AssetA B       3         $ -
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 0.00%            
Pharmaceuticals - 0.00%            
Millennium Health LLCA B       4,651           200
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $26,255)

              200
           

 

 

 
    Principal Amount        
           
BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONSC - 23.19%            
Basic Materials - 1.05%            
Golden Nugget, Inc., 4.827%, Due 10/4/2023, 2017 Incremental Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)     $ 48,125           48,252
H.B. Fuller Co., 4.086%, Due 10/20/2024, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)                         112,606           112,558
Las Vegas Sands LLC, 3.827%, Due 3/27/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 1.750%)       105,830           105,565
Loparex Holding B.V., 6.584%, Due 4/11/2025, 2018 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       52,000           52,390
PQ Corp., 4.577%, Due 2/8/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       123,708           123,580
Prince Minerals, Inc., 5.899%, Due 3/20/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (6-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       124,688           125,208
Pro Mach Group, Inc., 5.097%, Due 3/7/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       124,688           123,752
Solenis International LP,            

6.179%, Due 12/18/2023, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)

      100,000           100,419

10.679%, Due 6/1/2026, 2018 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 8.500%)

      60,000           59,050
Univar, Inc., 4.577%, Due 7/1/2024, 2017 USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       88,630           88,837
           

 

 

 
              939,611
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer - 4.02%            
Albertsons LLC, 4.827%, Due 8/25/2021, USD 2017 Term Loan B4, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       38,902           38,734
Alphabet Holding Co., Inc., 5.577%, Due 9/26/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       124,063           116,256
AMCP Clean Acquisition Company LLC,            

Due 6/16/2025, 2018 Delayed Draw Term LoanD E

      5,226           5,226

6.334%, Due 6/16/2025, 2018 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)

      21,774           21,774
CHG PPC Parent LLC, 4.827%, Due 3/31/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       114,000           113,858
Community Health Systems, Inc., 5.557%, Due 1/27/2021, Term Loan H, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       23,429           22,996
Container Store, Inc. (The), 9.077%, Due 8/15/2021, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 7.000%)       109,435           109,709
Crown Finance US, Inc., 4.577%, Due 2/28/2025, 2018 USD Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       124,688           124,259
CSC Holdings LLC, 4.572%, Due 1/25/2026, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       124,688           124,479
CVS Holdings LP, 5.080%, Due 2/6/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       124,688           123,596
Dhanani Group, Inc., Due 6/27/2025, 2018 Term Loan BE       100,000           99,000
Endo Luxembourg Finance Co. I S.a.r.l., 6.375%, Due 4/29/2024, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       123,750           123,776
Global Appliance, Inc., 6.080%, Due 9/29/2024, Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       124,063           124,373
GYP Holdings III Corp., 4.827%, Due 6/1/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       71,434           70,719
IRB Holding Corp., 5.347%, Due 2/5/2025, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,688           125,414
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Due 10/13/2023, 2016 Term Loan BE       52,280           48,817
Next Level Apparel, Inc., Due 7/17/2024, 2018 Term LoanE       125,000           123,125
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc., 7.670%, Due 8/18/2022, 2017 Term Loan B, (6-mo. LIBOR + 5.000%)       124,063           123,907
Packers Holdings LLC, 5.347%, Due 12/4/2024, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,375           124,220
Parexel International Corp., 4.827%, Due 9/27/2024, Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       75,809           75,544
Rodan & Fields LLC, 6.072%, Due 6/6/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       100,000           100,625
RSC Acquisition, Inc., 6.750%, Due 11/30/2022, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (6-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       282,429           281,723
Scientific Games International, Inc., 4.903%, Due 8/14/2024, 2018 Term Loan B5, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       166,376           166,399
Shutterfly, Inc., 4.830%, Due 8/17/2024, Term Loan B2, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       125,000           125,469
SMG Holdings, Inc., 5.327%, Due 1/23/2025, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,688           124,843
SRS Distribution, Inc., 5.580%, Due 5/23/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       126,000           123,795
Staples, Inc., 6.358%, Due 9/12/2024, 2017 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       54,183           53,656
Strategic Partners, Inc., 5.827%, Due 6/30/2023, 2016 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       118,505           118,653
Team Health Holdings, Inc., 4.827%, Due 2/6/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       21,889           21,260
TGP Holdings III LLC,            

6.584%, Due 9/25/2024, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)

      194,196           194,681

10.834%, Due 9/25/2025, 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 8.500%)

      50,000           50,500

 

See accompanying notes

 

6


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONSc - 23.19% (continued)            
Consumer - 4.02% (continued)            
TMK Hawk Parent Corp., 5.580%, Due 8/28/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)     $ 124,076         $ 124,037
Varsity Brands, Inc., 5.577%, Due 12/15/2024, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       124,375           124,308
Wheel Pros LLC, 6.850%, Due 3/16/2025, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.750%)       168,000           166,320
           

 

 

 
              3,616,051
           

 

 

 
           
Defense - 0.28%            
Keyw Corp. (The), 6.597%, Due 5/2/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.500%)       89,000           90,001
TransDigm, Inc., 4.577%, Due 6/9/2023, 2018 Term Loan F, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       165,638           165,659
           

 

 

 
              255,660
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 0.58%            
California Resources Corp.,            

12.439%, Due 12/31/2021, Second Out Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 10.375%)

      12,000           13,230

6.831%, Due 12/31/2022, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.750%)

      13,000           13,206
Energy & Exploration Partners, Inc., 5.000%, Due 5/13/2022, 2016 2nd Lien PIK Term Loan, PIK (in-kind rate 5.000%)       6,830           69
Lucid Energy Group II LLC, 5.079%, Due 2/17/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       124,688           120,791
McDermott Technology Americas, Inc., 7.077%, Due 5/10/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 5.000%)       124,688           125,373
Medallion Midland Acquisition LLC, 5.327%, Due 10/30/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)                         124,375           122,237
PowerTeam Services LLC, 5.584%, Due 2/27/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,688           123,675
           

 

 

 
              518,581
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 3.50%            
1011778 B.C. Unlimited Liability Co., 4.327%, Due 2/16/2024, Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.250%)       186,620           186,426
Acrisure LLC, 6.592%, Due 11/22/2023, 2017 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       126,850           126,977
Alera Group Holdings, Inc., Due 7/25/2025, 2018 Term Loan BE       100,000           100,250
AssuredPartners, Inc., 5.327%, Due 10/22/2024, 2017 1st Lien Add-On Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       133,661           133,761
Asurion LLC,            

5.077%, Due 11/3/2024, 2018 Term Loan B7, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)

      100,273           100,111

8.577%, Due 8/4/2025, 2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 6.500%)

      101,436           102,852
Avolon TLB Borrower (US) LLC, 4.086%, Due 1/15/2025, Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)       146,000           144,922
Capital Automotive LP, 8.080%, Due 3/24/2025, 2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 6.000%)       116,900           118,654
Edelman Financial Center, LLC, 5.592%, Due 7/21/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       115,000           115,623
EIG Management Co. LLC, 6.079%, Due 2/22/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       103,740           104,345
First Data Corp.,            

4.069%, Due 7/8/2022, 2017 USD Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)

      143,345           143,328

Due 4/26/2024, 2024 USD Term LoanE

      35,000           34,984
Focus Financial Partners LLC, 4.827%, Due 7/3/2024, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       124,063           123,956
Franklin Square Holdings, L.P., Due 7/25/2025, 2018 Term Loan BE       100,000           100,125
Genworth Financial, Inc., 6.578%, Due 3/7/2023, Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.500%)       124,688           126,948
GGP, Inc., Due 5/4/2025, 1st Lien Term Loan BE       38,000           37,667
Hub International Ltd., 5.335%, Due 4/25/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       100,000           99,900
Iron Mountain, Inc., 3.827%, Due 1/2/2026, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 1.750%)       112,718           111,168
iStar, Inc., 4.842%, Due 6/28/2023, 2016 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       97,000           97,000
Jane Street Group LLC, 5.827%, Due 8/25/2022, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       82,179           82,898
Paradigm Acquisition Corp., 6.703%, Due 10/11/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan, (6-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       186,065           186,763
Prime Security Services Borrower LLC, 4.827%, Due 5/2/2022, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       72,816           72,890
PSAV Holdings LLC, 5.435%, Due 3/1/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (2-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       142,021           140,868
SBA Senior Finance II LLC, 4.080%, Due 4/11/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)       112,000           111,692
StepStone Group LP, 6.072%, Due 3/14/2025, Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       143,640           144,358
Travelport Finance (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., 4.830%, Due 3/17/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       53,000           52,916
VFH Parent LLC, 5.586%, Due 12/30/2021, 2017 Refinanced Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       52,492           52,788
VICI Properties LLC, 4.081%, Due 12/20/2024, Replacement Term Loan B,
(1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)
      115,000           115,090

 

See accompanying notes

 

7


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONSc - 23.19% (continued)            
Financial - 3.50% (continued)            
WEX, Inc., 4.327%, Due 6/30/2023, 2017 Term Loan B2, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.250%)     $ 76,072         $ 76,059
           

 

 

 
              3,145,319
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 1.57%            
Affordable Care Holding Corp., 6.919%, Due 10/22/2022, 2015 1st Lien Term Loan, (2-mo. LIBOR + 4.750%)       48,750           48,872
Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, 5.625%, Due 5/4/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)                         124,971           125,831
Avantor, Inc., 6.077%, Due 11/21/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       150,310           151,437
Beaver-Visitec International, Inc., 6.169%, Due 8/21/2023, 2018 Term Loan B, (2-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       100,651           100,651
DentalCorp Perfect Smile ULC,            

Due 6/6/2025, 1st Lien Delayed Draw Term LoanD E

      22,200           22,274

5.827%, Due 6/6/2025, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)

      88,800           89,096
ExamWorks Group, Inc., 5.327%, Due 7/27/2023, 2017 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       5,004           5,027
Gentiva Health Services, Inc., 6.125%, Due 7/2/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       97,738           98,471
Ivory Merger Sub, Inc., 5.840%, Due 3/7/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       101,745           101,428
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A., 5.517%, Due 2/24/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (6-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       124,688           123,649
MedPlast Holdings, Inc., 6.087%, Due 7/2/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       60,000           60,600
NVA Holdings, Inc., 4.827%, Due 2/2/2025, Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       124,688           124,064
Onex Carestream Finance LP, 6.077%, Due 6/7/2019, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       61,938           61,849
Pearl Intermediate Parent LLC,            

Due 2/14/2025, 2018 Delayed Draw Term LoanD E

      18,182           17,795

4.829%, Due 2/14/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)

      61,664           60,353
Press Ganey Holdings, Inc., 4.827%, Due 10/23/2023, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       97,442           97,412
Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc., 7.625%, Due 2/22/2024, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 5.500%)       124,688           124,922
           

 

 

 
              1,413,731
           

 

 

 
           
Manufacturing - 2.44%            
AECOM, 3.827%, Due 2/22/2025, Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 1.750%)       114,271           114,378
American Bath Group LLC, 6.584%, Due 9/30/2023, 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       246,250           248,097
Berlin Packaging LLC, 5.122%, Due 11/7/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       122,000           121,974
Berry Global, Inc., 4.086%, Due 1/19/2024, Term Loan R, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)       72,816           72,876
Brookfield WEC Holdings, Inc., Due 7/25/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term LoanE       100,000           100,641
BWAY Holding Co., 5.581%, Due 4/3/2024, 2017 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       48,510           48,359
Consolidated Container Co. LLC, 4.827%, Due 5/22/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       114,089           114,113
CPG International, Inc., 6.251%, Due 5/3/2024, 2017 Term Loan, (6-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       121,913           121,964
DG Investment Intermediate Holdings, Inc.,            

Due 2/3/2025, 2018 Delayed Draw Term LoanD E

      12,097           11,968

5.077%, Due 2/3/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)

      112,621           111,425
Edward Don & Company LLC, Due 3/31/2022, 2018 Term LoanE       98,500           98,500
Emerald Performance Materials LLC, 5.577%, Due 8/1/2021, New 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       124,396           125,056
Flex Acquisition Co., Inc., 5.337%, Due 12/29/2023, 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       123,438           123,196
Netsmart Technologies, Inc., 5.827%, Due 4/19/2023, Term Loan D1, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       75,815           76,004
Pisces Midco, Inc., 6.087%, Due 4/12/2025, 2018 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       125,000           125,118
SHO Holding Corp., 7.342%, Due 10/27/2022, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 5.000%)       243,750           224,250
Tank Holding Corp., 5.659%, Due 3/17/2022, 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       83,043           83,009
Titan Acquisition Ltd., 5.077%, Due 3/28/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       124,688           122,523
U.S. Silica Company, 6.125%, Due 5/1/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       149,625           149,508
           

 

 

 
              2,192,959
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 0.68%            
ION Media Networks, Inc., 4.830%, Due 12/18/2020, 2017 Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       75,000           75,093
Meredith Corp., 5.077%, Due 1/31/2025, Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       124,688           124,982

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONSc - 23.19% (continued)            
Media - 0.68% (continued)            
Radiate Holdco LLC, 5.077%, Due 2/1/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)     $ 137,928         $ 136,601
Standard Media Group LLC, Due 6/21/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term LoanE                         100,000           99,688
Univision Communications, Inc., 4.827%, Due 3/15/2024, Term Loan C5, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       17,547           17,021
UPC Financing Partnership, 4.572%, Due 1/15/2026, USD Term Loan AR, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       75,000           74,644
Virgin Media Bristol LLC, Due 1/15/2026, Term Loan KE       81,000           80,890
           

 

 

 
              608,919
           

 

 

 
           
Service - 4.70%            
Academy, Ltd., 6.092%, Due 7/1/2022, 2015 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       26,925           22,213
ADMI Corp., 5.327%, Due 4/30/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       140,000           140,000
Albany Molecular Research, Inc., 5.327%, Due 8/30/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,063           123,907
Allied Universal Holdco LLC, 5.827%, Due 7/28/2022, 2015 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       60,935           59,996
American Airlines, Inc., 3.827%, Due 6/27/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 1.750%)       55,525           54,554
ATI Holdings Acquisition, Inc., 5.578%, Due 5/10/2023, 2016 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       98,881           99,375
BioClinica, Inc., 6.625%, Due 10/20/2023, 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       85,378           80,895
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc., Due 2/3/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term LoanE       81,603           81,705
Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc., 5.072%, Due 6/15/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       68,000           68,114
Boing US Holdco, Inc., 5.613%, Due 10/3/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,376           124,842
Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services, Inc., 6.596%, Due 6/21/2024, 2017 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       123,750           124,292
California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., 8.080%, Due 8/23/2022, 2016 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 6.000%)       245,625           238,502
Camelot UK Holdco Ltd., 5.327%, Due 10/3/2023, 2017 Repriced Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       69,475           69,562
CareerBuilder LLC, 9.084%, Due 7/31/2023, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 6.750%)       26,576           26,609
EAB Global, Inc., 6.252%, Due 11/15/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       124,688           123,597
Heartland Dental LLC,            

Due 4/30/2025, 2018 Delayed Draw Term LoanD E

      13,174           13,067

5.827%, Due 4/30/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)

      87,826           87,113
IG Investment Holdings LLC, 5.684%, Due 5/23/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       121,615           121,919
Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.,            

6.071%, Due 10/16/2024, 2017 Delayed Draw Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)

      8,313           8,316

6.087%, Due 10/16/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)

      91,208           91,247

10.087%, Due 10/16/2025, 2017 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 7.750%)

      25,000           25,250
Kingpin Intermediate Holdings LLC, 5.580%, Due 7/3/2024, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       123,750           124,059
Lakeland Tours LLC, 6.341%, Due 12/15/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       124,688           125,390
Learning Care Group, Inc., 5.335%, Due 3/13/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,688           124,999
Mister Car Wash Holdings, Inc., 5.703%, Due 8/20/2021, Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       122,952           123,311
Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. LLC, 5.336%, Due 10/25/2020, 2020 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       45,880           40,436
NMSC Holdings, Inc., 7.501%, Due 4/19/2023, 1st Lien Term Loan, (6-mo. LIBOR + 5.000%)       250,000           250,000
Playpower, Inc., 7.084%, Due 6/23/2021, 2015 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.750%)       243,719           243,109
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., 5.342%, Due 5/1/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       95,000           95,119
Quidditch Acquisition, Inc., 9.079%, Due 3/14/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 7.000%)       109,725           110,274
Realogy Group LLC, 4.317%, Due 2/8/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.250%)       74,089           74,135
Red Ventures LLC, 6.077%, Due 11/8/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       102,188           103,107
Rentpath, Inc., 6.830%, Due 12/17/2021, 2017 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.750%)       118,788           106,217
Sabre GLBL, Inc., 4.077%, Due 2/22/2024, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)       109,724           109,758
Spin Holdco, Inc., 5.589%, Due 11/14/2022, 2017 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       72,816           72,920
Syneos Health, Inc., 4.077%, Due 8/1/2024, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)       37,327           37,292

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONSc - 23.19% (continued)            
Service - 4.70% (continued)            
Tribune Media Co., 5.077%, Due 12/27/2020, Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)     $ 4,219         $ 4,219
TruGreen LP, 6.078%, Due 4/13/2023, 2017 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       47,198           47,434
USIC Holdings, Inc., 5.327%, Due 12/8/2023, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       10,694           10,680
Vestcom Parent Holdings, Inc., 6.077%, Due 12/19/2023, 2016 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       123,434           123,125
Vivid Seats Ltd., 5.577%, Due 6/30/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       123,750           123,364
William Morris Endeavor Entertainment LLC, 4.930%, Due 5/18/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (2-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       142,000           141,350
World Triathlon Corp., 6.584%, Due 6/26/2021, Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)                         246,787           246,787
           

 

 

 
              4,222,160
           

 

 

 
           
Technology - 2.44%            
Almonde, Inc.,            

5.807%, Due 6/13/2024, USD 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)

      56,731           55,924

9.557%, Due 6/13/2025, USD 2nd Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 7.250%)

      124,825           120,189
AqGen Ascensus, Inc.,            

Due 12/5/2022, 2018 Delayed Draw Term LoanD E

      48,320           48,381

5.669%, Due 12/5/2022, 2018 Incremental Term Loan, (2-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)

      80,332           80,483
Capri Finance LLC, 5.592%, Due 11/1/2024, USD 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,375           123,753
Compuware Corp., 5.580%, Due 12/15/2021, Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       102,618           102,745
Dell International LLC, 4.080%, Due 9/7/2023, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)       155,218           155,231
Epicor Software Corp., 5.330%, Due 6/1/2022, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       124,041           123,753
GrafTech Finance, Inc., 5.590%, Due 2/12/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       123,801           123,647
MH Sub I LLC, 5.829%, Due 9/13/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       124,063           124,328
Microchip Technology, Inc., 4.080%, Due 5/29/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)       100,000           100,200
Navicure, Inc., 5.827%, Due 11/1/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       124,375           124,531
Omnitracs, Inc., 5.085%, Due 3/21/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       125,000           124,141
P2 Upstream Acquisition Co., 6.370%, Due 10/30/2020, 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 4.000%)       222,118           219,897
Plantronics, Inc., 4.577%, Due 5/30/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       100,000           99,854
PowerSchool, Due 5/30/2025, 2018 Term Loan BE       100,000           99,625
Riverbed Technology, Inc., 5.330%, Due 4/24/2022, 2016 Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       74,000           73,564
Sound Inpatient Physicians, 5.077%, Due 6/27/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.000%)       100,000           100,250
SS&C Technologies Holdings Europe S.a.r.l., 4.577%, Due 4/16/2025, 2018 Term Loan B4, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       32,246           32,327
SS&C Technologies, Inc., 4.577%, Due 4/16/2025, 2018 Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       84,066           84,276
Triple Point Technology, Inc., 6.327%, Due 7/10/2020, 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       83,268           73,692
           

 

 

 
              2,190,791
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunications - 1.37%            
Altice Financing S.A., 4.822%, Due 1/31/2026, USD 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       74,624           72,385
Altice France S.A., Due 7/13/2026, 2018 Term Loan B13E       100,000           97,734
Avaya, Inc., 6.322%, Due 12/15/2024, 2018 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)       124,375           124,911
Charter Communications Operating LLC, 4.080%, Due 4/30/2025, 2017 Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)       124,375           124,404
Flexential Intermediate Corp., 5.834%, Due 8/1/2024, 2017 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       124,063           123,494
GTT Communications, Inc., 4.830%, Due 5/31/2025, 2018 USD Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.750%)       31,000           30,669
Intelsat Jackson Holdings S.A., 5.827%, Due 11/27/2023, 2017 Term Loan B3, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       42,000           42,112
Marketo, Inc., 5.613%, Due 2/7/2025, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 3.250%)       125,000           123,789
Merrill Communications LLC, 7.592%, Due 6/1/2022, 2015 Term Loan, (3-mo. LIBOR + 5.250%)       79,727           80,524
NeuStar, Inc., 5.572%, Due 8/8/2024, 2018 Term Loan B4, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.500%)       124,063           124,489
Speedcast International Ltd., 5.001%, Due 5/2/2025, Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       126,000           126,315

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONSc - 23.19% (continued)            
Telecommunications - 1.37% (continued)            
Sprint Communications, Inc., 4.625%, Due 2/2/2024, 1st Lien Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)     $ 31,839         $ 31,831
Syniverse Holdings, Inc., 7.078%, Due 3/9/2023, 2018 1st Lien Term Loan, (1-mo. LIBOR + 5.000%)       124,688           124,704
           

 

 

 
              1,227,361
           

 

 

 
           
Transportation - 0.24%            
American Tire Distributors Holdings, Inc., 6.327%, Due 9/1/2021, 2015 Term Loan,
(1-mo. LIBOR + 4.250%)
      127,395           90,769
XPO Logistics, Inc., 4.064%, Due 2/24/2025, 2018 Term Loan B, (3-mo. LIBOR + 2.000%)                         125,000           125,215
           

 

 

 
              215,984
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 0.32%            
Calpine Corp., 4.840%, Due 1/15/2024, Term Loan B5, (3-mo. LIBOR + 2.500%)       111,712           111,777
Eastern Power LLC, 5.827%, Due 10/2/2023, Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       71,349           71,639
Helix Gen Funding LLC, 5.827%, Due 6/2/2024, Term Loan B, (1-mo. LIBOR + 3.750%)       104,460           105,199
           

 

 

 
              288,615
           

 

 

 
           

Total Bank Loan Obligations (Cost $20,895,548)

              20,835,742
           

 

 

 
           
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 57.66%            
Basic Materials - 3.64%            
AK Steel Corp.,            

7.625%, Due 10/1/2021

      300,000           305,250

6.375%, Due 10/15/2025

      125,000           115,313
CF Industries, Inc.,            

3.450%, Due 6/1/2023

      200,000           191,500

5.150%, Due 3/15/2034

      250,000           231,250
Chemours Co.,            

6.625%, Due 5/15/2023

      200,000           209,500

7.000%, Due 5/15/2025

      400,000           428,000
Cornerstone Chemical Co., 6.750%, Due 8/15/2024F       250,000           245,000
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc., 3.550%, Due 3/1/2022       850,000           823,437
Hi-Crush Partners LP, 9.500%, Due 8/1/2026F       100,000           99,250
Huntsman International LLC, 5.125%, Due 11/15/2022       250,000           257,500
PQ Corp., 6.750%, Due 11/15/2022F       350,000           367,500
           

 

 

 
              3,273,500
           

 

 

 
           
Communications - 11.53%            
Block Communications, Inc., 6.875%, Due 2/15/2025F       300,000           298,500
Cablevision Systems Corp., 5.875%, Due 9/15/2022       700,000           701,750
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp.,            

5.250%, Due 9/30/2022

      500,000           505,000

5.125%, Due 2/15/2023

      50,000           49,750
CenturyLink, Inc.,            

5.800%, Due 3/15/2022, Series T

      200,000           199,750

7.500%, Due 4/1/2024, Series Y

      325,000           339,628
Cequel Communications Holdings I LLC / Cequel Capital Corp., 5.125%, Due 12/15/2021F       250,000           249,375
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc., 6.500%, Due 11/15/2022, Series B       450,000           460,125
DISH DBS Corp.,            

5.125%, Due 5/1/2020

      75,000           74,438

6.750%, Due 6/1/2021

      750,000           753,975

5.000%, Due 3/15/2023

      350,000           302,750

5.875%, Due 11/15/2024

      200,000           166,000
EIG Investors Corp., 10.875%, Due 2/1/2024       350,000           380,625
Frontier Communications Corp.,            

7.125%, Due 3/15/2019

      250,000           251,250

10.500%, Due 9/15/2022

      250,000           226,875

8.500%, Due 4/1/2026F

      225,000           216,000
Level 3 Financing, Inc., 5.375%, Due 1/15/2024       400,000           396,000
Plantronics, Inc., 5.500%, Due 5/31/2023F       500,000           496,250
Qwest Corp., 6.750%, Due 12/1/2021       25,000           26,576

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 57.66% (continued)            
Communications - 11.53% (continued)            
Salem Media Group, Inc., 6.750%, Due 6/1/2024F     $ 175,000         $ 158,375
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.,            

5.375%, Due 4/1/2021

      250,000           251,562

6.125%, Due 10/1/2022

      150,000           152,625
Sirius XM Radio, Inc., 3.875%, Due 8/1/2022F       650,000           631,312
Sprint Communications, Inc., 6.000%, Due 11/15/2022       675,000           682,384
Sprint Corp., 7.250%, Due 9/15/2021                      1,000,000           1,051,250
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 6.500%, Due 1/15/2024       175,000           182,438
Townsquare Media, Inc., 6.500%, Due 4/1/2023F       175,000           160,563
Univision Communications, Inc., 5.125%, Due 5/15/2023F       900,000           859,500
Windstream Services LLC, 7.750%, Due 10/15/2020       150,000           135,000
           

 

 

 
              10,359,626
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Cyclical - 5.00%            
AV Homes, Inc., 6.625%, Due 5/15/2022       300,000           309,000
CEC Entertainment, Inc., 8.000%, Due 2/15/2022       250,000           221,250
EMI Music Publishing Group North America Holdings, Inc., 7.625%, Due 6/15/2024F       225,000           242,156
Golden Nugget, Inc., 6.750%, Due 10/15/2024F       350,000           349,125
MDC Holdings, Inc., 5.500%, Due 1/15/2024       500,000           495,000
MGM Resorts International, 6.625%, Due 12/15/2021       500,000           532,835
Navistar International Corp., 6.625%, Due 11/1/2025F       375,000           391,519
Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. LLC, 8.000%, Due 10/15/2021F       200,000           126,000
PF Chang’s China Bistro, Inc., 10.250%, Due 6/30/2020F       350,000           329,000
Scientific Games International, Inc., 10.000%, Due 12/1/2022       500,000           533,750
Tempur Sealy International, Inc., 5.625%, Due 10/15/2023       475,000           469,656
United Continental Holdings, Inc., 4.250%, Due 10/1/2022       500,000           488,750
           

 

 

 
              4,488,041
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 11.91%            
APX Group, Inc., 7.875%, Due 12/1/2022       175,000           176,313
Cardtronics, Inc., 5.125%, Due 8/1/2022       750,000           710,625
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.,            

8.000%, Due 11/15/2019

      350,000           343,000

6.250%, Due 3/31/2023

      100,000           93,000
Cott Holdings, Inc., 5.500%, Due 4/1/2025F       175,000           168,438
DaVita, Inc.,            

5.750%, Due 8/15/2022

      100,000           101,750

5.125%, Due 7/15/2024

      500,000           486,562
Dean Foods Co., 6.500%, Due 3/15/2023F       600,000           586,500
Encompass Health Corp., 5.750%, Due 11/1/2024       300,000           304,341
First Quality Finance Co., Inc., 4.625%, Due 5/15/2021F       700,000           680,750
HCA, Inc.,            

6.500%, Due 2/15/2020

      675,000           702,540

5.875%, Due 5/1/2023

      500,000           523,125
Herc Rentals, Inc., 7.500%, Due 6/1/2022F       366,000           386,130
Hertz Corp., 5.875%, Due 10/15/2020       850,000           840,310
Horizon Pharma, Inc., 6.625%, Due 5/1/2023       90,000           90,675
Horizon Pharma, Inc. / Horizon Pharma USA, Inc., 8.750%, Due 11/1/2024F       75,000           79,688
Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc., 9.000%, Due 8/15/2023F       175,000           152,250
LifePoint Health, Inc., 5.875%, Due 12/1/2023       525,000           548,730
MEDNAX, Inc., 5.250%, Due 12/1/2023F       225,000           223,313
Monitronics International, Inc., 9.125%, Due 4/1/2020       250,000           185,000
Nielsen Finance LLC / Nielsen Finance Co., 5.000%, Due 4/15/2022F       350,000           340,156
NVA Holdings, Inc., 6.875%, Due 4/1/2026F       250,000           248,750
Prime Security Services Borrower, LLC / Prime Finance, Inc., 9.250%, Due 5/15/2023F       350,000           374,937
Tenet Healthcare Corp.,            

4.750%, Due 6/1/2020

      200,000           202,500

4.375%, Due 10/1/2021

      200,000           199,250

7.500%, Due 1/1/2022F

      100,000           104,750

8.125%, Due 4/1/2022

      100,000           106,500

6.750%, Due 6/15/2023

      200,000           203,040
United Rentals North America, Inc., 5.750%, Due 11/15/2024       150,000           153,375
Universal Health Services, Inc., 4.750%, Due 8/1/2022F       350,000           352,625

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 57.66% (continued)            
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 11.91% (continued)            
Universal Hospital Services, Inc., 7.625%, Due 8/15/2020     $ 550,000         $ 550,775
Vector Group Ltd., 6.125%, Due 2/1/2025F       500,000           483,750
           

 

 

 
              10,703,448
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 7.74%            
Antero Resources Corp., 5.125%, Due 12/1/2022       300,000           300,750
Archrock Partners LP / Archrock Partners Finance Corp., 6.000%, Due 4/1/2021       250,000           247,500
Calfrac Holdings LP, 8.500%, Due 6/15/2026F       300,000           289,875
California Resources Corp., 8.000%, Due 12/15/2022F       175,000           156,625
Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP / Calumet Finance Corp., 6.500%, Due 4/15/2021       450,000           445,500
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc., 7.500%, Due 9/15/2020       54,000           54,068
Chesapeake Energy Corp.,            

8.000%, Due 12/15/2022F

      24,000           25,320

8.000%, Due 1/15/2025

                        100,000           102,500

8.000%, Due 6/15/2027

      275,000           281,187
Citgo Holding, Inc., 10.750%, Due 2/15/2020F       400,000           425,620
Crestwood Midstream Partners LP / Crestwood Midstream Finance Corp., 6.250%, Due 4/1/2023       200,000           204,000
Denbury Resources, Inc., 9.000%, Due 5/15/2021F       250,000           265,938
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc., 4.875%, Due 11/1/2043       200,000           144,000
EP Energy LLC / Everest Acquisition Finance, Inc., 8.000%, Due 11/29/2024F       175,000           176,750
Hess Infrastructure Partners LP / Hess Infrastructure Partners Finance Corp., 5.625%,
Due 2/15/2026F
      500,000           502,500
Hilcorp Energy I LP / Hilcorp Finance Co., 5.000%, Due 12/1/2024F       300,000           288,375
Jones Energy Holdings LLC / Jones Energy Finance Corp., 6.750%, Due 4/1/2022       350,000           210,000
Nabors Industries, Inc., 5.500%, Due 1/15/2023       425,000           409,585
Oceaneering International, Inc., 4.650%, Due 11/15/2024       500,000           477,219
Parker Drilling Co., 6.750%, Due 7/15/2022       250,000           203,750
Peabody Energy Corp., 6.000%, Due 3/31/2022F       75,000           77,250
SESI LLC, 7.125%, Due 12/15/2021       500,000           510,000
SM Energy Co., 5.625%, Due 6/1/2025       175,000           170,406
Summit Midstream Holdings LLC / Summit Midstream Finance Corp., 5.500%, Due 8/15/2022       500,000           495,000
Sunoco LP / Sunoco Finance Corp., 4.875%, Due 1/15/2023F       500,000           491,360
           

 

 

 
              6,955,078
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 5.63%            
Ally Financial, Inc.,            

4.125%, Due 2/13/2022

      150,000           148,500

5.125%, Due 9/30/2024

      300,000           306,375
Credit Acceptance Corp.,            

6.125%, Due 2/15/2021

      575,000           581,469

7.375%, Due 3/15/2023

      100,000           105,000
Equinix, Inc., 5.375%, Due 1/1/2022       250,000           258,438
Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, 5.750%, Due 12/1/2025F       50,000           48,500
Icahn Enterprises LP / Icahn Enterprises Finance Corp.,            

6.000%, Due 8/1/2020

      300,000           305,002

6.250%, Due 2/1/2022

      400,000           407,748
iStar, Inc., 4.625%, Due 9/15/2020       300,000           297,375
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co-Issuer Corp., 7.375%, Due 4/1/2020F       150,000           152,625
Ladder Capital Finance Holdings LLLP / Ladder Capital Finance Corp., 5.875%, Due 8/1/2021F       90,000           90,900
Navient Corp., 5.875%, Due 3/25/2021       1,000,000           1,015,000
Oxford Finance LLC / Oxford Finance Co-Issuer II, Inc., 6.375%, Due 12/15/2022F       175,000           177,625
SBA Communications Corp., 4.875%, Due 7/15/2022       400,000           398,500
Springleaf Finance Corp.,            

5.250%, Due 12/15/2019

      500,000           508,125

6.125%, Due 5/15/2022

      150,000           153,375

5.625%, Due 3/15/2023

      100,000           100,261
           

 

 

 
              5,054,818
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial - 4.21%            
BBA US Holdings, Inc., 5.375%, Due 5/1/2026F       50,000           50,374
CEMEX Finance, LLC, 6.000%, Due 4/1/2024F       250,000           258,550
Engility Corp., 8.875%, Due 9/1/2024       300,000           321,750
Gibraltar Industries, Inc., 6.250%, Due 2/1/2021       250,000           251,250
Grinding Media, Inc. / Moly-Cop AltaSteel Ltd., 7.375%, Due 12/15/2023F       575,000           598,000
Ingram Micro, Inc.,            

5.000%, Due 8/10/2022

      275,000           272,217

5.450%, Due 12/15/2024

      350,000           344,735

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 57.66% (continued)            
Industrial - 4.21% (continued)            
Manitowoc Co., Inc., 12.750%, Due 8/15/2021F     $ 300,000         $ 331,500
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc., 6.250%, Due 3/15/2026F       200,000           202,688
Standard Industries, Inc., 5.375%, Due 11/15/2024F       350,000           346,605
TransDigm, Inc., 6.000%, Due 7/15/2022       550,000           559,735
Tutor Perini Corp., 6.875%, Due 5/1/2025F       250,000           248,125
           

 

 

 
              3,785,529
           

 

 

 
           
Technology - 5.60%            
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., 7.000%, Due 7/1/2024       500,000           528,750
BMC Software Finance, Inc., 8.125%, Due 7/15/2021F       500,000           511,875
EMC Corp., 2.650%, Due 6/1/2020       750,000           731,202
First Data Corp.,            

7.000%, Due 12/1/2023F

      425,000           444,656

5.750%, Due 1/15/2024F

      300,000           306,810
Harland Clarke Holdings Corp., 8.375%, Due 8/15/2022F       150,000           143,430
Infor Software Parent LLC / Infor Software Parent, Inc., 7.125%, Due 5/1/2021, Cash (7.125%) or PIK (in-kind rate 7.875%)F                         650,000           656,500
Infor US, Inc., 5.750%, Due 8/15/2020F       100,000           101,375
j2 Cloud Services LLC / j2 Global Co-Obligor, Inc., 6.000%, Due 7/15/2025F       300,000           303,750
NCR Corp., 5.000%, Due 7/15/2022       500,000           493,125
Rackspace Hosting, Inc., 8.625%, Due 11/15/2024F       250,000           252,500
Solera LLC / Solera Finance, Inc., 10.500%, Due 3/1/2024F       500,000           552,879
           

 

 

 
              5,026,852
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 2.40%            
Calpine Corp., 5.875%, Due 1/15/2024F       750,000           753,750
NRG Energy, Inc., 6.250%, Due 7/15/2022       100,000           103,125
Talen Energy Supply LLC, 9.500%, Due 7/15/2022F       650,000           624,000
Vistra Energy Corp., 7.375%, Due 11/1/2022       650,000           678,437
           

 

 

 
              2,159,312
           

 

 

 
           

Total Corporate Obligations (Cost $52,483,233)

              51,806,204
           

 

 

 
           
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 16.40%            
Basic Materials - 1.80%            
Alcoa Nederland Holding B.V., 6.750%, Due 9/30/2024F       350,000           372,312
INEOS Group Holdings S.A., 5.625%, Due 8/1/2024F       250,000           247,500
New Gold, Inc., 6.250%, Due 11/15/2022F       700,000           659,750
NOVA Chemicals Corp., 4.875%, Due 6/1/2024F       125,000           120,744
Perstorp Holding AB, 8.500%, Due 6/30/2021F       204,000           213,221
           

 

 

 
              1,613,527
           

 

 

 
           
Communications - 3.08%            
Altice Financing S.A., 6.625%, Due 2/15/2023F       250,000           252,813
Altice Luxembourg S.A., 7.750%, Due 5/15/2022F       600,000           597,000
Nokia OYJ, 5.375%, Due 5/15/2019       375,000           379,687
Sable International Finance Ltd., 6.875%, Due 8/1/2022F       450,000           470,250
Virgin Media Finance PLC, 6.375%, Due 4/15/2023F       500,000           513,750
Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, 5.250%, Due 1/15/2021       250,000           255,000
VTR Finance B.V., 6.875%, Due 1/15/2024F       290,000           299,758
           

 

 

 
              2,768,258
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Cyclical - 2.35%            
Aston Martin Capital Holdings Ltd., 6.500%, Due 4/15/2022F       400,000           407,132
International Game Technology PLC, 6.500%, Due 2/15/2025F       375,000           396,116
Mclaren Finance PLC, 5.750%, Due 8/1/2022F       750,000           738,900
Silversea Cruise Finance Ltd., 7.250%, Due 2/1/2025F       250,000           270,625
Viking Cruises Ltd., 6.250%, Due 5/15/2025F       300,000           301,125
           

 

 

 
              2,113,898
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 2.20%            
Bausch Health Cos, Inc.,            

5.500%, Due 3/1/2023F

      625,000           592,187

7.000%, Due 3/15/2024F

      700,000           742,175

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 16.40% (continued)            
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 2.20% (continued)            
Clearwater Seafoods, Inc., 6.875%, Due 5/1/2025F     $ 100,000         $ 96,000
Mallinckrodt International Finance S.A. / Mallinckrodt CB LLC,            

4.875%, Due 4/15/2020F

      250,000           246,875

5.625%, Due 10/15/2023F

      350,000           301,438
           

 

 

 
              1,978,675
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 2.67%            
Ensco PLC,            

8.000%, Due 1/31/2024

                        175,000           176,750

5.750%, Due 10/1/2044

      225,000           163,688
MEG Energy Corp., 6.375%, Due 1/30/2023F       300,000           270,750
Noble Holding International Ltd., 7.750%, Due 1/15/2024       183,000           177,510
Transocean, Inc., 8.375%, Due 12/15/2021       250,000           267,500
Weatherford International Ltd.,            

5.125%, Due 9/15/2020

      500,000           505,000

4.500%, Due 4/15/2022

      250,000           231,250
Welltec A/S, 9.500%, Due 12/1/2022F       600,000           603,000
           

 

 

 
              2,395,448
           

 

 

 
           
Financial - 0.87%            
goeasy Ltd., 7.875%, Due 11/1/2022F       500,000           525,055
Travelport Corporate Finance PLC, 6.000%, Due 3/15/2026F       250,000           254,375
           

 

 

 
              779,430
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial - 2.42%            
Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC , 7.250%, Due 5/15/2024F       550,000           573,375
Bombardier, Inc., 6.000%, Due 10/15/2022F       550,000           554,125
Cemex S.A.B. de C.V., 7.750%, Due 4/16/2026F       500,000           550,380
Park Aerospace Holdings Ltd., 5.250%, Due 8/15/2022F       500,000           500,000
           

 

 

 
              2,177,880
           

 

 

 
           
Technology - 1.01%            
Open Text Corp., 5.875%, Due 6/1/2026F       400,000           410,000
Seagate HDD Cayman, 4.750%, Due 6/1/2023       500,000           500,924
           

 

 

 
              910,924
           

 

 

 
           

Total Foreign Corporate Obligations (Cost $14,817,414)

              14,738,040
           

 

 

 
    Shares        
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.95% (Cost $1,749,762)            
Investment Companies - 1.95%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 1.82%G H       1,749,762           1,749,762
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.20% (Cost $89,972,212)

              89,129,948

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.80%

              714,705
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 89,844,653
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B Value was determined using significant unobservable inputs.

C Bank loan obligations, unless otherwise stated, carry a floating rate of interest. The coupon rate shown on floating or adjustable rate securities represents the rate at period end.

D Unfunded Loan Commitment. At period end, the amount of unfunded loan commitments was $109,477 or 0.12% of net assets. Of this amount, $5,226 relate to AMCP Clean Acquisition Company LLC, $48,320 relates to AqGen Ascensus, Inc., $20,939 relates to DentalCorp Perfect Smile ULC, $8,669 relates to DG Investment Intermediate Holdings, Inc., $13,174 relates to Heartland Dental LLC, and $13,149 relates to Pearl Intermediate Parent LLC.

E Coupon rates may not be available for bank loans that are unsettled and/or unfunded as of July 31, 2018.

F 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 $31,338,823 or 34.88% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.

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

H 7-day yield.

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.

LLC - Limited Liability Company.

LLLP - Limited Liability Limited Partnership.

LP - Limited Partnership.

PIK - Payment in Kind.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of July 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Common Stocks

  $ -       $ -        $ 200       $ 200  

Bank Loan Obligations(1)

    -         20,835,742          -         20,835,742  

Corporate Obligations

    -         51,806,204          -         51,806,204  

Foreign Corporate Obligations

    -         14,738,040          -         14,738,040  

Short-Term Investments

    1,749,762         -          -         1,749,762  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 1,749,762       $ 87,379,986        $ 200       $ 89,129,948  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Unfunded loan commitments represent $109,477 at period end.

U.S. GAAP 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 July 31, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.

The following table is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets within the 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
1/31/2018
    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
7/31/2018
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
at Period end**
 
Common Stocks   $ 507     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ (307   $ -     $ -     $ 200 (1)     $ (26,055

 

**

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 Statement of Operations.

The common stocks classified as Level 3 were fair valued using private valuation reports provided to the Fund’s Sub-Advisor from a pricing vendor.

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 87,380,186  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    1,749,762  

Cash

    36,116  

Dividends and interest receivable

    1,243,893  

Receivable for investments sold

    2,210,890  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    31  

Receivable for tax reclaims

    2,377  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    11,771  

Prepaid expenses

    25,912  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    92,660,938  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    2,557,783  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    31,477  

Dividends payable

    2,458  

Unfunded loan commitments

    109,477  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    57,136  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    1,016  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    1,258  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    7,864  

Professional fees payable

    43,113  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    4,178  

Other liabilities

    525  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    2,816,285  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 89,844,653  
 

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 93,587,100  

Undistributed net investment income

    32,522  

Accumulated net realized (loss)

    (2,932,705

Unrealized (depreciation) of investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    (842,264
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 89,844,653  
 

 

 

 

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

 

Institutional Class

    8,779,842  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

    509,272  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

    82,439  
 

 

 

 

A Class

    131,442  
 

 

 

 

C Class

    53,303  
 

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 82,548,879  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 4,784,740  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 775,498  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 1,234,698  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 500,838  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 9.40  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 9.40  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 9.41  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 9.39  
 

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 9.63  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 9.40  
 

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 88,222,450  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 1,749,762  
A The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at period end.

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Statement of Operations

For the period ended July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Investment income:

 

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 7)

  $ 37,370  

Interest income

    2,569,564  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    2,606,934  
 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    333,386  

Transfer agent fees:

 

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    4,670  

Y Class (Note 2)

    2,194  

Investor Class

    691  

A Class

    45  

C Class

    5  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    29,590  

Professional fees

    37,192  

Registration fees and expenses

    34,268  

Service fees (Note 2):

 

Investor Class

    1,031  

A Class

    371  

C Class

    177  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

 

A Class

    1,801  

C Class

    2,531  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    8,099  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    2,526  

Other expenses

    3,495  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    462,072  
 

 

 

 

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

    (75,459
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    386,613  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    2,220,321  
 

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized (loss) from:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    (463,738

Change in net unrealized (depreciation) of:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    (1,271,227
 

 

 

 

Net (loss) from investments

    (1,734,965
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 485,356  
 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)              

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income

  $ 2,220,321       $ 3,897,464  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities

    (463,738       323,728  

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

    (1,271,227       (801,438
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    485,356         3,419,754  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Net investment income:

     

Institutional Class

    (2,026,937       (3,407,440

Y Class

    (129,265       (295,367

Investor Class

    (19,110       (86,903

A Class

    (33,231       (72,041

C Class

    (9,808       (21,430
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (2,218,351       (3,883,181
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 9):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    5,799,783         32,726,092  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    2,206,264         3,843,806  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (4,384,191       (10,553,290
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

    3,621,856         26,016,608  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

    1,888,861         25,553,181  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    87,955,792         62,402,611  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period*

  $ 89,844,653       $ 87,955,792  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed net investment income

  $ 32,522       $ 30,552  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund, a series within the Trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”), as amended, as a diversified, open-end management investment company. As of July 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, one of which is presented in this filing: American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund (the “Fund”). The remaining thirty-two active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”) organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative, and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors. RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

Class Disclosure

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

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 
Institutional    Large institutional investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 250,000  
Y Class    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 100,000  
Investor    All investors using intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or retirement plan sponsors.    $ 2,500  
A Class    All investors who invest through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or third party administrator. Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker, bank, or registered investment advisor which may include a front-end sales charge and a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”).    $ 2,500  
C Class    Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or through employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  

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

Significant Accounting Policies

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

 

 

20


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

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

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions, if any, of net investment income are generally monthly 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 Fund 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 from investments of the Fund is 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 Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”) deems fair and equitable, which may be based on the relative net assets of the Fund or nature of the services performed and relative applicability to the Fund.

Use of Estimates

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

Other

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

Concentration of Ownership

From time to time, the Fund may have a concentration of one or more accounts constituting a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities by holders of accounts that represent a significant ownership of more than 5% of the Fund’s outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Fund. As of July 31, 2018, based on management’s evaluation of the shareholder account base, two accounts in the Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund have been identified as representing an unaffiliated significant ownership of approximately 42% of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

 

 

21


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

2. Transactions with Affiliates

Management and Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements

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

 

First $5 billion

     0.35

Next $5 billion

     0.325

Next $10 billion

     0.30

Over $20 billion

     0.275

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

 

First $250 million

     0.40

Next $750 million

     0.35

Over $1 billion

     0.30

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Fund during the period ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

     Effective Fee Rate     Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

     0.35   $ 155,081  

Sub-Advisor Fees

     0.40     178,305  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     0.75   $ 333,386  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distribution Plans

The Fund, except for the A and C Classes of the Fund, 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 Fund 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 Fund does 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 Fund. 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 Investor, A, and C Classes of the Fund. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes, and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Fund.

 

 

22


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 and Y Classes of the Fund and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediaries transact with the Fund primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Fund. Certain services would have been provided by the Fund’s transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Fund’s transfer agent. Accordingly, the Fund, pursuant to the Board’s approval, has 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 Class and Y Class on an annual basis. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statement of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   $ 5,396  

As of July 31, 2018, the Fund owed the Manager the following reimbursement of sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees payable” on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:

 

Fund

   Reimbursement
Sub-Transfer Agent Fees
 

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   $ 670  

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Fund may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). Cash collateral received by the Fund in connection with securities lending may also be invested in the USG Select Fund. The Fund 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 July 31, 2018, the Manager earned fees on the Fund’s direct investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
 

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   $ 2,408  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Fund, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may participate in a credit facility whereby each Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating Funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the Funds because it provides added liquidity, and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a Fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Fund did not utilize the credit facility.

 

 

23


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the classes of the Fund to the extent that total operating expenses exceed the Fund’s expense cap. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                   Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

   Class    2/1/2018 -
7/31/2018
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
 

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   Institutional      0.85   $ 70,120      $ -        2021  

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   Y      0.95     3,802        -        2021  

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   Investor      1.23     820        -        2021  

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   A      1.25     506        -        2021  

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   C      2.00     211        -        2021  

Of these amounts, $11,771 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager to the Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at July 31, 2018.

The Fund has 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 Fund 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 Fund’s annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 2021. The Fund did not record a liability for potential reimbursements due to the current assessment that reimbursements are unlikely. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Crescent Short Duration High Income

   $ -      $ 180,253      $ -        2019  

Crescent Short Duration High Income

     -        201,928        -        2020  

Crescent Short Duration High Income

     -        175,701        -        2021  

The Distributor

Effective March 1, 2018, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”) replaced Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside”) as the Fund’s distributor and principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares.

RID is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Fund’s shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to the extent applicable, the Distributor receives, and may re-allow to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A Class and C Class shares. For A Class and C Class shares, the Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of A Class and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Distributor to the broker-dealers. The Distributor retains any portion of the commission fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

Prior to March 1, 2018, Foreside served as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Fund’s shares. Pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement between Foreside and the Manager in effect through February 28, 2018, Foreside received a fee from the Manager for providing administrative services in connection with the

 

 

24


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

marketing and distribution of shares of the Trust, including the registration of Manager employees as registered representatives of Foreside to facilitate distribution of Fund shares. Foreside also received a fee from the Manager under a Marketing Agreement pursuant to which Foreside provided services in connection with the marketing of a Fund to institutional investors. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement with the Trust in effect through February 28, 2018, Foreside received, and may have re-allowed to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A and C Class shares. For A and C Class shares, Foreside received commission revenues consisting of the portion of A and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by Foreside to the broker dealers. Foreside retained any portion of the commission fees that were not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

Sales Commissions

The Fund’s Distributor, formerly 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 July 31, 2018, there were no sales commissions collected by Foreside and RID for Class A Shares of the Fund.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Fund’s Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the period ended July 31, 2018, there were no CDSC fees collected for Class A Shares of the Fund.

A CDSC of 1.00% will be deducted with respect to Class C Shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Fund’s Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 1.00% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the period ended July 31, 2018, there were no CDSC fees collected by Foreside and RID for Class C Shares of the Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and American Beacon Apollo Enhanced Income Fund, each Trustee receives an annual retainer of $120,000, plus $10,000 for each Board meeting attended in person or via teleconference, $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time. The Board Chairman receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a $2,500 fee each quarter for his attendance at the committee meetings. Effective January 1, 2018, the Board Vice Chair receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. 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 Trusts according to its respective net assets.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

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

The NAV of each class of the Fund’s shares is determined based on a pro rata allocation of the Fund’s investment income, expenses and total capital gains and losses. The Fund’s NAV per share is determined each

 

 

25


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

26


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Attempts to determine the fair value of securities introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities. As a result, the price of a security determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the market value of the security when trading resumes. If a reliable market quotation becomes available for a security formerly valued through fair valuation techniques, the Manager compares the new market quotation to the fair value price to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund’s fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust the Fund’s fair valuation procedures.

Valuation Inputs

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

 

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

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

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

Common stocks 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. 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 generally categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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

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.

 

 

27


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Market quotes are considered not readily available in circumstances where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g., trade information or broker quotes), including where events occur after the close of the relevant market, but prior to the Exchange close, that materially affect the values of 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

Bank Loans and Senior Loans

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

Bank loans are fixed and floating rate loans arranged through private negotiations between a company or a non-U.S. government and one or more financial institutions (lenders). The Fund may invest in senior loans, which are floating rate loans that hold a senior position in the capital structure of U.S. and foreign corporations, partnerships or other business entities. Under normal circumstances, senior loans have priority of claim ahead of other obligations of a borrower in the event of liquidation. Senior loans may be collateralized or uncollateralized. They pay interest at rates that float above, or are adjusted periodically based on, a benchmark that reflects current interest rates.

 

 

28


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund may invest in such loans in the form of participations in loans and assignments of all or a portion of loans from third parties. In connection with purchasing participations in such instruments, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. When the Fund purchases assignments from lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights against the borrower on the loan. A Fund may acquire bank and senior loan assignments or participations. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the purchaser’s rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and, in any event, the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. A participation typically results in a contractual relationship only with the institution participating out the interest, not with the borrower. In purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, a Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.

The Fund earns a commitment fee, typically set as a percentage of the commitment amount. Such fee income, which is included in “Interest income” on the Statement of Operations, is recognized ratably over the commitment period. Unfunded floating rate loan interests are marked-to-market daily, and any unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is included on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Statement of Operations.

Common Stock

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

Corporate Debt and Other Fixed-Income Securities

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

Delayed Funding Loans and Revolving Credit Facilities

A Fund may enter into, or acquire participations in, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities are borrowing arrangements in which the lender agrees to make loans up to a maximum amount upon demand by the borrower during a specific term. A revolving credit facility differs from a delayed funding loan in that as the borrower repays the loan, an amount equal to the repayment may be borrowed again during the term of the revolving credit facility. Delayed funding loans and

 

 

29


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

revolving credit facilities usually provide for floating or variable rates of interest. These commitments may have the effect of requiring a Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when it might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the company’s financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that a Fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will at all times segregate or “earmark” assets, determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures established by the Trust’s Board, in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments.

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

Floating Rate Loan Interest

The coupon on certain fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest is not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. The coupon on a floating rate security is generally based on an interest rate such as a money market index, London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or a Treasury bill rate. Floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate obligations at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such securities are subject to interest rate risk and may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons. As short-term interest rates decline, the coupons on floating rate securities typically decrease. Alternatively, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupons of floating rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of floating rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline.

Foreign Debt Securities

The Fund may invest in foreign fixed and floating rate income securities (including emerging market securities) all or a portion of which may be non-U.S. dollar denominated and which include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities, including Brady Bonds; (b) debt obligations of supranational entities; (c) debt obligations of the U.S. Government issued in non-dollar securities; (d) debt obligations and other fixed income securities of foreign corporate issuers (both dollar and non-dollar denominated); and (e) U.S. corporate issuers (both Eurodollar and non-dollar denominated). There is no minimum rating criteria for the Fund’s investments in such securities. Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves special considerations that are not typically associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, frontier and emerging markets are markets that have risks that are different and higher than those in more developed markets.

High-Yield Securities

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

 

 

30


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

The Fund may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities may be sold privately, but are required to be registered or exempted from such registration before being sold to the public. Private placement securities are generally considered to be restricted except for those securities traded between qualified institutional investors under the provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). Illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Disposal of both illiquid and restricted securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expenses, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult to achieve. Restricted securities outstanding during the period ended July 31, 2018 are disclosed in the Fund’s Notes to the Schedule of Investments.

Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as the Fund, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange-Traded Products

The Fund may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or a sub-advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, the Fund’s shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund’s proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Fund’s shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

Payment-In-Kind Securities

Payment-in-kind securities (“PIKs”) are debt securities that do not make regular cash interest payments. PIKs pay interest through the issuance of additional securities. Because these securities do not pay current cash income, their price can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate. Federal income tax law requires a holder of pay-in-kind securities to include in gross income each taxable year the portion of the non-cash income on those securities (i.e., the additional securities issued as interest thereon) accrued during that year. In order to continue to qualify for treatment as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Internal Revenue Code”), and avoid federal excise tax, a Fund may be required to distribute a portion of such non-cash income and may be required to dispose of other portfolio securities (which may occur in periods of adverse market prices) in order to generate cash to meet these distribution requirements. The daily market quotations of the original bonds may include the accrued interest (referred to as a dirty price) and require a pro-rata adjustment from the “Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments” to “Dividend and interest receivable” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

5.  Principal Risks

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

Credit Risk

The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security, or the counterparty to a derivatives contract or a loan will fail to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its

 

 

31


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

obligations or default completely. A decline in the credit rating of an individual security held by a Fund may have an adverse impact on its price and make it difficult for a Fund to sell it. Ratings represent a rating agency’s opinion regarding the quality of the security and are not a guarantee of quality. Rating agencies might not always change their credit rating on an issuer or security in a timely manner to reflect events that could affect the issuer’s ability to make timely payments on its obligations. Credit risk is typically greater for securities with ratings that are below investment grade. Since a Fund can invest significantly in high yield investments considered speculative in nature, this risk will be substantial.

Floating Rate Securities Risk

The coupon on floating rate securities are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. The coupon on a floating rate security is a generally based on an interest rate, such as a money-market index, London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or a Treasury bill rate. Floating rate securities are subject to interest rate and credit risk. As short-term interest rates decline, coupons on floating rate securities typically decrease. Alternatively, during periods of rising interest rates, coupons on floating rate securities typically increase. Changes in coupons on floating rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of floating rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline.

High-Yield Securities Risk

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

Lower-rated securities are subject to certain risks that may not be present with investments in higher-grade securities. Investors should consider carefully their ability to assume the risks associated with lower-rated securities before investing in a Fund. The lower rating of certain high-yielding corporate income securities reflects a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer or adverse changes in general economic conditions may impair the ability of the issuer to pay income and principal. Changes by rating agencies in their ratings of a fixed-income security also may affect the value of these investments. However, allocating investments among securities of different issuers could reduce the risks of owning any such securities separately. The prices of these high-yield securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than investment-grade investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During economic downturns or periods of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that adversely affects their ability to service principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals or to obtain additional financing, and the markets for their securities may be more volatile. If an issuer defaults, a Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Additionally, accruals of interest income for a Fund may have to be adjusted in the event of default. In the event of an issuer’s default, a Fund may write off prior income accruals for that issuer, resulting in a reduction in a Fund’s current dividend payment. Frequently, the higher yields of high-yielding securities may not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities may expect, but rather the risk that such securities may lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of their issuer’s financial restructuring or default. Additionally, an economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on the high-yield securities market and on the market value of the high-yield securities held by a Fund, as well as on the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and interest on their borrowings.

 

 

32


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 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

Investments in investment-grade and non-investment grade fixed-income securities are subject to interest rate risk. The value of a Fund’s fixed-income investments typically will fall when interest rates rise. A Fund may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates if it invests in debt securities with intermediate and long terms to maturity. Debt securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than debt securities with shorter durations. Yields of debt securities will fluctuate over time. Following the financial crisis that started in 2008, the Federal Reserve has attempted to stabilize the economy and support the economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate (the interest rate at which depository institutions lend reserve balances to each other overnight) at or near zero percent. The Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times since December 2015 and has signaled additional increases in the near future. Interest rates may rise significantly and/or rapidly, potentially resulting insubstantial losses to a Fund. During periods of very low or negative interest rates, a Fund may be unable to maintain positive returns. Certain European countries and Japan have recently experienced negative interest rates on deposits and debt securities have traded at negative yields. Negative interest rates may become more prevalent among non-U.S. issuers, and potentially within the United States. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent a Fund is exposed to such interest rates.

Liquidity Risk

When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, such as derivative instruments, it can become more difficult to purchase or sell the securities at or near their perceived value. During such periods, certain investments held by a Fund may be difficult to sell or other investments may be difficult to purchase at favorable times or prices. As a result, a Fund may have to lower the price on certain securities that it is trying to sell, sell other securities instead or forgo an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Fund management or performance. Redemptions by a few large investors in a Fund at such times may have a significant adverse effect on a Fund’s NAV and remaining Fund shareholders. In addition, the market-making capacity of dealers in certain types of securities has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural and regulatory changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks and increased regulatory capital requirements for broker-dealers. Further, many broker-dealers have reduced their inventory of certain debt securities. This could negatively affect a Fund’s ability to buy or sell debt securities and increase the related volatility and trading costs. A Fund may lose money if it is forced to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs.

Loan Interests Risk

In making investments in loans that are made by banks or other financial intermediaries to borrowers, a Fund will depend primarily on the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest, and will also rely on the financial institution to make principal and interest payments to a Fund once it receives payment on the

 

 

33


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. Conditions in the U.S. and many foreign economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in certain instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. These events have reduced the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, and have made it more difficult for some borrowers to obtain financing on attractive terms, if at all. In some cases, traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yields to decline. Reduced liquidity in fixed-income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

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

 

 

34


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

players in the financial markets, and significant new investments in infrastructure and national defense. Markets may react strongly to expectations about the changes in these policies, which could increase volatility, especially if the markets’ expectations for changes in government policies are not borne out.

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

Other Investment Companies Risk

A Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including money market funds. To the extent that a Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, a Fund will indirectly bear fees and expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to a Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies. For example, a Fund’s investments in money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. A Fund must rely on the investment company in which it invests to achieve its investment objective. If the investment company fails to achieve its investment objective, the value of a Fund’s investment will decline, adversely affecting a Fund’s performance. To the extent a Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject.

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 Fund may have to invest at a lower rate, may not benefit from an increase in value that may result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security. Variable and floating rate securities may be less sensitive to prepayment risk. Extension risk is the risk that a decrease in prepayments may, as a result of higher interest rates or other factors, result in the extension of a security’s effective maturity, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in its price.

Unrated Securities Risk

Because a Fund may purchase securities that are not rated by any rating organization, a sub-advisor, after assessing their credit quality, may internally assign ratings to certain of those securities, in categories of those similar to those of rating organizations. Investing in unrated securities involves the risk that the sub-advisor may

 

 

35


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

not accurately evaluate the security’s comparative credit rating. To the extent that a Fund invests in unrated securities, a Fund’s success in achieving its investment objective may depend more heavily on the sub-advisor’s credit analysis than if a Fund invested exclusively in rated securities. Some unrated securities may not have an active trading market or may be difficult to value, which means a Fund might have difficulty selling them promptly at an acceptable price.

6.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

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

The Fund does not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended January 31, 2018 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statement of Operations.

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

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

As of July 31, 2018 the tax cost for the Fund and the respective gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Crescent Short Duration High Income   $ 89,978,068       $ 629,268       $ (1,477,388     $ (848,120

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

During the year January 31, 2018, the Fund had the following post RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund

  Short-Term Capital
Loss Carryforwards
          Long-Term Capital
Loss Carryforwards
 
Crescent Short Duration High Income   $ 1,116,531       $ 1,346,373  

7.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the period ended July 31, 2018 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
 
Crescent Short Duration High Income   $ 38,390,699       $       $ 30,678,490       $  

 

 

36


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in the USG Select Fund for the period ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        January 31,
2018
Share/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           July 31,
2018
Share/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Crescent Short Duration High Income   Direct     $ 2,182,064       $ 25,815,180       $ 26,247,482       $ 1,749,762       $ 37,370  

8.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 16, 2017, the Fund, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), entered into a committed revolving line of credit (the “Committed Line”) agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”) to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Committed Line is $50 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 1.25% per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds will pay a commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 15, 2018, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

Effective November 16, 2017, the Fund, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, entered into an uncommitted discretionary demand revolving line of credit (the “Uncommitted Line”) agreement with the Bank to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Uncommitted Line is $50 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate. The Uncommitted Line expires November 15, 2018 unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

The Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Other expenses” on the Statement of Operations, along with commitment fees, that have been allocated among the Participating Funds based on average daily net assets. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Fund did not utilize this facility.

9.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     547,609       $ 5,190,315         3,035,175       $ 29,281,462  
Reinvestment of dividends     215,581         2,026,743         353,215         3,406,053  
Shares redeemed     (214,292       (2,020,604       (536,404       (5,189,606
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     548,898       $ 5,196,454         2,851,986       $ 27,497,909  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     61,456       $ 582,201         216,234       $ 2,083,182  
Reinvestment of dividends     12,970         121,901         29,095         280,460  
Shares redeemed     (179,277       (1,691,859       (283,003       (2,725,395
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (104,851     $ (987,757       (37,674     $ (361,753
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

37


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     11       $ 101         28,126       $ 271,672  
Reinvestment of dividends     2,030         19,109         7,617         73,541  
Shares redeemed     (21,725       (205,095       (211,566       (2,043,360
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (19,684     $ (185,885       (175,823     $ (1,698,147
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     266       $ 2,500         83,232       $ 802,939  
Reinvestment of dividends     3,144         29,543         6,732         64,862  
Shares redeemed     (43,423       (408,127       (41,404       (399,151
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (40,013     $ (376,084       48,560       $ 468,650  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     2,630       $ 24,666         29,843       $ 286,837  
Reinvestment of dividends     954         8,968         1,959         18,890  
Shares redeemed     (6,205       (58,506       (20,299       (195,778
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (2,621     $ (24,872       11,503       $ 109,949  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

 

38


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months
Ended
July 31,
2018
          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2014A to
January 31,
2015
 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.59       $ 9.64       $ 9.01       $ 9.68       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.23         0.47         0.46         0.47         0.16  

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

    (0.19       (0.05       0.63         (0.67       (0.32
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.04         0.42         1.09         (0.20       (0.16
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.23       (0.47       (0.46       (0.47       (0.16

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.23       (0.47       (0.46       (0.47       (0.16
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.40       $ 9.59       $ 9.64       $ 9.01       $ 9.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.49 %C        4.45       12.38       (2.23 )%        (1.65 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 82,548,879       $ 78,914,147       $ 51,834,666       $ 36,971,459       $ 33,903,138  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.02 %D        1.07       1.26       1.27       2.24 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.85 %D        0.85       0.85       0.85       0.85 %D 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    4.86 %D        4.66       4.51       4.41       3.37 %D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    5.03 %D        4.89       4.93       4.83       4.76 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        75       95       72       31 %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 October 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Six Months
Ended
July 31,
2018
          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2014A to
January 31,
2015
 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.58       $ 9.63       $ 9.00       $ 9.68       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.23         0.46         0.45         0.46         0.15  

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

    (0.18       (0.05       0.63         (0.68       (0.32
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.05         0.41         1.08         (0.22       (0.17
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.23       (0.46       (0.45       (0.46       (0.15

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.23       (0.46       (0.45       (0.46       (0.15
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.40       $ 9.58       $ 9.63       $ 9.00       $ 9.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.55 %C        4.33       12.27       (2.39 )%        (1.68 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $   4,784,740       $   5,883,759       $   6,277,416       $  8,481,991       $     98,343  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.09 %D        1.14       1.36       1.29       7.71 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.95 %D        0.95       0.95       0.95       0.95 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    4.78 %D        4.59       4.42       4.80       (2.11 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    4.92 %D        4.78       4.83       5.14       4.64 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        75       95       72       31 %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 October 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

40


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months
Ended
July 31,
2018
          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2014A to
January 31,
2015
 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.59       $ 9.64       $ 9.01       $ 9.69       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.22         0.44         0.43         0.44         0.14  

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

    (0.18       (0.06       0.63         (0.68       (0.31
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.04         0.38         1.06         (0.24       (0.17
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.22       (0.43       (0.43       (0.44       (0.14

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.22       (0.43       (0.43       (0.44       (0.14
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.41       $ 9.59       $ 9.64       $ 9.01       $ 9.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.41 %C        4.04       11.96       (2.67 )%        (1.67 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $      775,498       $      979,646       $   2,679,338       $   3,560,159       $   189,898  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.43 %D        1.39       1.56       1.46       6.21 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.23 %D        1.23       1.23       1.23       1.23 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    4.44 %D        4.33       4.22       4.44       (0.41 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    4.64 %D        4.49       4.55       4.68       4.57 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        75       95       72       31 %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 October 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

41


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Six Months
Ended
July 31,
2018
          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2014A to
January 31,
2015
 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.58       $ 9.63       $ 9.00       $ 9.68       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.22         0.43         0.43         0.43         0.14  

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

    (0.19       (0.05       0.63         (0.68       (0.32
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.03         0.38         1.06         (0.25       (0.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.22       (0.43       (0.43       (0.43       (0.14

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.22       (0.43       (0.43       (0.43       (0.14
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.39       $ 9.58       $ 9.63       $ 9.00       $ 9.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.29 %C        4.02       11.94       (2.71 )%        (1.78 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $     1,234,698       $   1,642,414       $   1,183,362       $   1,033,329       $     98,255  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.32 %D        1.46       1.66       1.55       7.97 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.25 %D        1.25       1.25       1.25       1.25 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    4.55 %D        4.26       4.13       4.28       (2.37 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    4.62 %D        4.47       4.54       4.59       4.36 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        75       95       72       31 %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 October 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

42


American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Six Months
Ended
July 31,
2018
          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2014A to
January 31,
2015
 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.58       $ 9.63       $ 9.00       $ 9.68       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.18         0.36         0.35         0.36         0.12  

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

    (0.18       (0.05       0.63         (0.68       (0.32
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    -         0.31         0.98         (0.32       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.18       (0.36       (0.35       (0.36       (0.12

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.18       (0.36       (0.35       (0.36       (0.12
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.40       $ 9.58       $ 9.63       $ 9.00       $ 9.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.03 %C        3.24       11.10       (3.40 )%        (2.03 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $      500,838       $      535,826       $      427,829       $       456,828       $      97,911  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.08 %D        2.21       2.41       2.36       8.70 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.00 %D        2.00       2.00       2.00       2.00 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    3.80 %D        3.51       3.37       3.76       (3.12 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    3.88 %D        3.71       3.78       4.12       3.59 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    41 %C        75       95       72       31 %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 October 1, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

43


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

At in-person meetings held on May 18, 2018 and June 5-6, 2018 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) considered and then, at its June 6, 2018 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (“Trust”), on behalf of the American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund (“Fund”); and

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, Crescent Capital Group LP (the “subadvisor”), and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund.

The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements.” In preparation for its consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the subadvisor, 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 Fund as well as information from the Manager and the subadvisor. At the Meetings, the Board considered the information provided. Further, the Board took into consideration information furnished to the Board 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 the subadvisor.

 

   

comparisons of the performance of an appropriate share class of the Fund to comparable investment companies and appropriate benchmark indices, including peer group averages and performance analyses from Broadridge, and to the performance of any similar accounts or a composite of similar accounts, as applicable, managed by the firm;

 

   

comparisons of the 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 from Broadridge, and the advisory fee rates charged to other clients for which similar services are provided by a firm;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

information regarding administrative, accounting-related and cash management services that the Manager provides to the Fund 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 Fund, 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 Fund, and the Manager’s disaster recovery plans.

 

 

44


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

A firm may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of the firm based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations. 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 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 investment advisory contracts, such as the Agreements. 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 Fund and its shareholders.

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

In determining whether to renew the Agreements, the Trustees considered the best interests of the Fund. While the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement for the Fund were considered at the Meetings, the Board considered the 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 the Fund; (3) the costs incurred by the Manager in rendering services to the Fund and its resulting profits or losses; (4) comparisons of services and fee rates with contracts entered into by the Manager or the 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 the subadvisor from their relationships with the Fund.

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

With respect to the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered the level of staffing and the size of the subadvisor. The Board also considered the adequacy of the resources committed to the Fund by the subadvisor, and whether those resources were commensurate with the needs of the Fund 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

 

 

45


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 the Fund.

Investment Performance. The Board evaluated the comparative information provided by Broadridge and the Manager regarding the performance of the Fund relative to its Broadridge performance universe, Morningstar Category, and benchmark index, as well as the Fund’s Morningstar rating. The Board considered the information provided by Broadridge regarding Broadridge’s independent methodology for selecting the Fund’s Broadridge performance universe. The Board also considered that the performance universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for the Fund. 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 the Fund relative to the performance of the Fund’s benchmark index and appropriate composites of similar accounts. In addition, the Board considered the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor. A discussion regarding the Board’s considerations with respect to the Fund’s performance appears below under “Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the Fund.”

Costs of the Services Provided to the Fund and the Profits Realized by the Manager from its Relationship with the Fund. In analyzing the 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 (the “Fund Complex”) and at an individual Fund level, with the Manager sustaining a loss before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager. The Board also considered comparative information provided by the Manager regarding the Manager’s overall profitability with respect to the Fund Complex relative to the overall profitability of other firms in the mutual fund industry, as disclosed in publicly available sources. Although the Board noted that, in certain cases, the fee rates paid by other clients of the Manager are lower than the fee rates paid by the Fund, the Manager represented that, 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 Fund.

The Board also noted that the Manager proposed to continue the expense waivers and reimbursements for the Fund that were in place during the last fiscal year. The Board further considered that, with respect to the Fund, the applicable 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 the Fund. The Board also noted that certain share classes of the Fund maintain higher expense ratios in order to compensate third-party financial intermediaries.

In analyzing the fee rates charged by the subadvisor in connection with its investment advisory services to the Fund, the Board considered representations made by the subadvisor regarding the subadvisory fee rate schedule for a comparable client account. 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 that different firms likely employ different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

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

 

 

46


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Economies of Scale. In considering the reasonableness of the management and investment advisory fees rates, the Board considered whether economies of scale will be realized as the Fund grows and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints in the subadvisory fee rate for 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 the Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the Manager and subadvisor fee rate schedules for the Fund provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with the Fund.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Fund. The Board considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that accrue to the Manager and/or the subadvisor as a result of the advisory relationships with the Fund, 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. The Board also considered that the Manager may invest the Fund’s cash balances and cash collateral provided by the borrowers of the Fund’s securities in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, which the Manager manages directly. 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 Fund appear to be fair and reasonable.

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the Fund

The performance comparisons below were made in comparison to the 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 the 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, the Trustees viewed longer-term performance over a full market cycle as the most important consideration, because relative performance over shorter periods may be significantly impacted by market or economic events and not necessarily reflective of manager skill.

The expense comparisons below were made in comparison to the 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 the 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. The Trustees also considered the 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 subadvisor’s use of soft dollars was requested from the Manager and was considered by the Trustees.

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement with the subadvisor for the 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

   4th Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   5th Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   High Expense Ratio

 

 

47


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (three-year period ended December 31, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   4th Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   4th Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) the higher expenses associated with the Fund’s investments in bank loans and private debt than high yield (below investment grade securities), in which the funds in its Broadridge expense group, expense universe and Morningstar category primarily invest in; (2) the favorable performance of high yield in the past three years and the fact that the Fund does not invest in these securities to the same extent as many of the funds in its Broadridge performance universe and Morningstar category; 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 Agreement and Investment Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and subadvisor’s continued management of the Fund.

 

 

48


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:

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

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.

Irving, Texas

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

 

American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 7/18


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.

ACADIAN EMERGING MARKETS MANAGED VOLATILITY FUND

Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Investing in lower volatility securities may produce more modest gains than other stock funds as a trade-off for the potentially lower downside risk. The use of futures contracts for cash management may subject the Fund to losing more money than invested. The Fund participates in a securities lending program. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

SGA GLOBAL GROWTH FUND

Investing in foreign and emerging market 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 participates in a securities lending program. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

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

 

American Beacon Funds

July 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    6  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

    8  

American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund

    16  

Financial Statements

    19  

Notes to Financial Statements

    23  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

    46  

American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund

    51  

Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    56  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term investment goals:

Institutional wisdom + earned alpha = enduring value.

 

u  We believe institutional wisdom comes from having more than 30 years of experience as manager of one of the country’s largest pension plans. As a fiduciary, we have built an investment due-diligence and oversight infrastructure, which we leverage across all our investment products. When selecting our investment managers, we focus on their people, processes and performance. We perform due-diligence reviews with each investment manager on a quarterly basis.

 

u  We believe earned alpha – that is, the returns of an actively managed

  fund beyond a benchmark – comes from employing and engaging investment managers we believe are best-in-class and who have defined, repeatable and proven processes. Our experience has shown us that, while it’s important to be mindful of short-term considerations, having a long-term focus helps manage expectations, mitigate risks and realize goals. Thus, we seek relationships with leading investment managers who display a willingness to undertake time-intensive research strategies. The resulting investment portfolios are differentiated from their peers and allow incremental changes to help address periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty.

 

u  

We believe enduring value comes from “putting a portfolio in place and sticking with the plan.” Our mutual funds provide you with access to institutional-quality, research-intensive investment managers with diverse processes and styles. In the long run, having such access and spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may better position you to reach your long-term investment goals.

During periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty – such as what we’ve seen thus far in 2018 – investing for the long term requires conviction. It isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move. It’s about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. It’s about developing an approach based on long-term participation, while seeking some measure of protection against ongoing volatility.

As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. Many of the sub-advisors to our mutual funds pursue upside capture and/or downside protection using proprietary strategies. The investment teams behind our mutual funds seek to produce consistent, long-term results rather than focus only on short-term movements in the markets. In managing our investment products, we emphasize identifying opportunities that offer the potential for high quality and lower risk.

At American Beacon, our approach is more than a concept. It’s the cornerstone of our culture. And we strive to apply it at every turn as we seek to provide a well-diversified line of investment products for your portfolio.

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 Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund (the “Fund”) returned -7.72% for the six months ended July 31, 2018. The Fund outperformed the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (the “Index”) return of -11.94% for the period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended July 31, 2018

 

    
    

Ticker

  

6 Months*

 

1 Year

  

3 Year

  

Since Inception
9/27/2013

Institutional Class (1,3)

   ACDIX        (7.56 )%       6.64 %        4.28 %        3.04 %

Y Class (1,3)

   ACDYX        (7.59 )%       6.46 %        4.15 %        2.94 %

Investor Class (1,3)

   ACDPX        (7.72 )%       6.20 %        3.87 %        2.66 %

A without Sales Charge (1,3)

   ACDAX        (7.78 )%       6.19 %        3.82 %        2.61 %

A with Sales Charge (1,3)

   ACDAX        (13.06 )%       0.10 %        1.79 %        1.36 %

C without Sales Charge (1,3)

   ACDCX        (8.05 )%       5.35 %        3.05 %        1.84 %

C with Sales Charge (1,3)

   ACDCX        (9.05 )%       4.35 %        3.05 %        1.84 %
                     

Lipper Emerging Markets Funds Index (2)

          (11.56 )%       3.38 %        8.83 %        4.13 %

MSCI Emerging Markets Index (2)

          (11.94 )%       4.36 %        8.94 %        4.17 %

 

*

Not Annualized.

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of the date indicated and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

2.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a market capitalization weighted index composed of companies that are representative of the market structure of developing countries in Latin America, Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. One cannot directly invest in an index. The Lipper Emerging Markets Funds Index tracks the results of the 30 largest mutual funds in the Lipper Emerging Markets Funds category. Lipper is an independent mutual fund research and ranking service.

 

3.

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 were 1.48%, 1.56%, 1.78%, 1.91% and 2.68%, 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 over the six-month period due to stock selection and country allocation.

Stock selections in China, Malaysia, and Hong Kong contributed positively to the Fund’s relative performance for the period. Stock selections in Thailand offset some of the impact, detracting from the Fund’s relative return. In China, contributors included China Petroleum + Chemical (up 17.8%), and China Railway Group, Ltd. H (up 52.1%). Within Malaysia, Nestle (Malaysia) Berhad (up 27.0%) and Public Bank Berhad (up 6.3%) contributed to the Fund’s relative returns. In Hong Kong, a primary contributor was CNOOC Ltd. (up 9.8%). In Thailand, Advanced Information Tech F (down 25.6%) detracted from relative performance.

Relative contribution from country allocation was positive for the six-month period, primarily due to overweighting Egypt (up 0.9%) and India (down 4.5%). Underweighting Mexico (down 2.0%) detracted from the Fund’s relative performance during the period.

The Fund’s basic philosophy remains focused on investing in a well-diversified portfolio of low volatility stocks that aims to maximize risk-adjusted returns.

 

 

2


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Manila Electric Co.           1.6  
Hindustan Unilever Ltd.           1.5  
CEZ A/S           1.5  
Public Bank Bhd           1.4  
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.           1.4  
Alicorp S.A.A.           1.4  
Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank Ltd.           1.4  
CITIC Ltd.           1.4  
PetroChina Co., Ltd., Class H           1.4  
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class H           1.4  
Total Fund Holdings      239       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Financials           21.3  
Consumer Staples           21.0  
Telecommunication Services           13.0  
Utilities           9.5  
Information Technology           9.0  
Industrials           6.9  
Consumer Discretionary           6.2  
Energy           5.5  
Health Care           4.0  
Materials           3.6  
       
Country Allocation (% Equities)        
China           27.3  
India           12.5  
Republic of Korea           10.6  
Taiwan           8.4  
Malaysia           5.3  
Thailand           4.8  
South Africa           3.7  
Philippines           3.5  
Brazil           3.4  
Indonesia           3.2  
Chile           2.9  
Egypt           2.5  
Czech Republic           2.3  
Peru           2.0  
Hungary           2.0  
Greece           2.0  
Russia           1.2  
Turkey           0.7  
Mexico           0.7  
Poland           0.6  
Hong Kong           0.3  
Cayman Islands           0.1  

 

 

3


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 0.56% for the six months ended July 31, 2018. The Fund outperformed the MSCI All Country World Index (the “Index”) return of -2.91% for the period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended July 31, 2018                             
    

Ticker

  

6 Months*

 

1 Year

  

3 Years

  

5 Years

  

Since Inception
(12/31/2010)

Institutional Class (1,7)

       SGAGX        0.75 %       17.12 %        14.12 %        12.63 %        11.98 %

Y Class (1,2,7)

       SGAYX        0.70 %       16.96 %        14.00 %        12.51 %        11.91 %

Investor Class (1,3,7)

       SGAPX        0.56 %       16.70 %        13.66 %        12.21 %        11.71 %

A without Sales Charge (1,4,7)

       SGAAX        0.56 %       16.66 %        13.66 %        12.18 %        11.69 %

A with Sales Charge (1,4,7)

       SGAAX        (5.21 )%       9.97 %        11.44 %        10.86 %        10.82 %

C without Sales Charge (1,5,7)

       SGACX        0.16 %       15.74 %        12.79 %        11.36 %        11.15 %

C with Sales Charge (1,5,7)

       SGACX        (0.84 )%       14.74 %        12.79 %        11.36 %        11.15 %
                            

MSCI All Country World Index (6)

            (2.91 )%       10.97 %        8.95 %        9.04 %        8.40 %

MSCI All Country World Growth Index (6)

            (1.03 )%       15.34 %        10.43 %        11.04 %        9.69 %

 

*

Not Annualized.

 

1.

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

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represent the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/10 up to 10/4/13, 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 12/31/10.

 

3.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represent the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/10 up to 10/4/13, 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. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 12/31/10.

 

4.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represent the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/10 up to 10/4/13, 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 12/31/10. The maximum sales charge for A Class is 5.75%.

 

5.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represent the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/10 up to 10/4/13, 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 12/31/10. 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 MSCI All Country World Index (“ACWI”) is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI All Country World Growth Index is designed to measure equity market performance of companies with higher growth values in developed and emerging markets. 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 were 2.04%, 1.89%, 2.06%, 2.34% 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 outperformed the Index over the six-month period due to stock selection. This was slightly offset by country allocation.

 

 

4


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Stock selections in the United States were the leading contributor to the Fund’s relative outperformance over the six-month period, including Salesforce.com, Inc. (up 23.1%), TJX Companies, Inc. (up 22.1%), and Amazon.com, Inc. (up 24.4%). Stock selections in Germany also added value to the Fund’s relative performance, led by SAP SE Sponsored ADR (up 4.0%). Conversely, stock selections in Australia, including MYOB Group, Ltd. (down 14.1%) detracted from relative performance.

From a country allocation perspective, overweighting Hong Kong (down 11.5%) and China (down 14.3%) detracted from relative performance. Overweighting the United States (up 0.6%) contributed positively for the period.

The Fund’s basic philosophy remains focused on investing in high-quality companies that offer sustainable earnings and cash flow growth over the long term.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

AIA Group Ltd.           3.9  
Schlumberger Ltd.           3.9  
Visa, Inc., Class A           3.9  
SAP SE, Sponsored ADR           3.8  
Autodesk, Inc.           3.3  
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.           3.2  
Alphabet, Inc., Class C           3.1  
Danone S.A.           3.0  
TJX Co., Inc.           3.0  
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A           3.0  
Total Fund Holdings      34       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)

 

Information Technology           33.9  
Consumer Discretionary           22.3  
Consumer Staples           15.2  
Financials           9.5  
Health Care           6.5  
Energy           4.2  
Industrials           3.2  
Real Estate           3.1  
Materials           2.1  
       
Country Allocation (% Equities)

 

United States           53.7  
China           8.2  
India           6.1  
South Africa           4.4  
Hong Kong           4.2  
Germany           4.1  
France           3.2  
Denmark           3.1  
Switzerland           2.7  
Japan           2.4  
Argentina           2.4  
Mexico           2.2  
Republic of Korea           1.8  
Australia           1.5  

 

 

5


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

July 31, 2018 (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 February 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018.

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

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
2/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
7/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
2/1/2018-7/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $924.40       $6.44
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.10       $6.76
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $924.10       $6.92
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,017.60       $7.25
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $922.80       $8.25
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,016.20       $8.65
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $922.20       $8.34
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,016.10       $8.75
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $919.50       $11.90
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,012.40       $12.47

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.35%, 1.45%, 1.73%, 1.75%, and 2.50% 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.

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
2/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
7/31/2018
  Expenses Paid  During
Period

2/1/2018-7/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,007.50       $4.88
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.90       $4.91
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,007.00       $5.37
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.40       $5.41
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,005.60       $6.76
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.10       $6.81
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,005.60       $6.86
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.00       $6.90
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,001.60       $10.57
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.

 

 

7


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
Brazil - 3.29%            
Common Stocks - 2.86%            
Ambev S.A.       33,800         $ 174,795
Atacadao Distribuicao Comercio e Industria LtdaA       1,600           6,667
Camil Alimentos S.A.A       63,100           106,419
Construtora Tenda S.A.A       4,900           34,714
CPFL Energia S.A.       20,300           117,636
Engie Brasil Energia S.A.       1,600           15,939
Grendene S.A.       28,200           58,529
Hypera S.A.A       17,200           127,168
IRB Brasil Resseguros S/AA       22,400           318,696
SLC Agricola S.A.       1,100           15,504
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              976,067
           

 

 

 
           
Preferred Stocks - 0.43%            
Centrais Eletricas Santa CatarinaB       900           7,074
Telefonica Brasil S.A.A B       12,800           140,028
           

 

 

 

Total Preferred Stocks

              147,102
           

 

 

 
           

Total Brazil (Cost $1,092,293)

              1,123,169
           

 

 

 
           
Chile - 2.77%            
Common Stocks - 2.77%            
AntarChile S.A.       2,356           40,600
Banco de Chile       4,736           740
Blumar S.A.       29,423           9,227
Cia Cervecerias Unidas S.A., Sponsored ADR       6,967           189,712
Embotelladora Andina S.A., Class B, ADR       3,952           98,523
Enel Chile S.A., ADR       3,961           20,795
Enel Chile S.A.       2,043,335           216,526
Inversiones Aguas Metropolitanas S.A.       6,607           10,418
Sigdo Koppers S.A.       16,183           25,502
SMU S.A.A       281,595           83,894
Sociedad Punta del Cobre S.A., Class A       1,894           11,283
Vina Concha y Toro S.A.       111,423           239,708
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              946,928
           

 

 

 
           

Total Chile (Cost $790,461)

              946,928
           

 

 

 
           
China - 27.10%            
Common Stocks - 27.10%            
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd., Class HC       860,000           416,217
Bank of China Ltd., Class HC       919,000           430,758
Bank of Communications Co., Ltd., Class HC       613,000           441,930
Beijing Chunlizhengda Medical Instruments Co., Ltd., Class HC       36,600           102,417
Beijing Jingkelong Co., Ltd., Class H       69,000           16,527
Changshouhua Food Co., Ltd.C       19,000           8,749
China CITIC Bank Corp. Ltd., Class HC       109,000           69,829
China Construction Bank Corp., Class HC       467,000           422,881
China Greenfresh Group Co., Ltd.A C       339,000           51,517
China Lilang Ltd.C       9,000           10,988
China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., Class HC       78,000           304,432
China Mobile Ltd.C       42,500           384,371
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class HC       482,000           462,902
China Railway Group Ltd., Class HC       431,000           373,853
China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd., Class HC       108,000           243,458
China Shineway Pharmaceutical Group Ltd.A C       73,000           92,125
China Telecom Corp. Ltd., Class HC       970,000           457,455
China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd.C       250,000           308,836
China Yangtze Power Co., Ltd., Class AC       133,400           329,656

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
China - 27.10% (continued)            
Common Stocks - 27.10% (continued)            
CITIC Ltd.C       330,000         $ 466,781
CNOOC Ltd.C       235,000           393,886
COSCO SHIPPING International Hong Kong Co., Ltd.C       240,000           90,005
Daqin Railway Co., Ltd., Class AC       109,894           144,464
Fuguiniao Co., Ltd., Class HA C D       28,000           357
Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Holdings Co., Ltd., Class HC       36,000           153,788
Hengan International Group Co., Ltd.C       20,500           182,382
Huadian Power International Corp. Ltd., Class HC       424,000           199,154
Huishang Bank Corp. Ltd., Class HC       397,100           171,999
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., Class HC       579,000           428,440
Jiangsu Expressway Co., Ltd., Class HC       4,000           4,861
NVC Lighting Holding Ltd.C       1,780,000           154,327
PetroChina Co., Ltd., Class HC       614,000           465,834
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd., Class HC       40,000           370,898
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd., Class HC       29,200           77,605
Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Class HC       48,000           29,070
Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd., Class HC       22,000           93,391
Tencent Holdings Ltd.C       8,700           395,533
Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd., Class HC       16,000           85,635
Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd., Class A       4,800           35,846
Want Want China Holdings Ltd.C       47,000           38,851
Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure Ltd.C       214,000           155,307
Yum China Holdings, Inc.       5,168           186,462
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              9,253,777
           

 

 

 
           

Total China (Cost $8,353,972)

              9,253,777
           

 

 

 
           
Czech Republic - 2.22%            
Common Stocks - 2.22%            
CEZ A/SC       19,149           502,418
Komercni banka A/SC       3,272           142,027
Philip Morris CR A/SC       163           112,545
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              756,990
           

 

 

 
           

Total Czech Republic (Cost $540,831)

              756,990
           

 

 

 
           
Egypt - 2.42%            
Common Stocks - 2.42%            
Commercial International Bank Egypt SAEC       38,247           181,834
Credit Agricole Egypt SAEC       8,236           20,164
Eastern TobaccoC       43,194           398,783
ElSewedy Electric Co.C       3,695           38,736
Faisal Islamic Bank of EgyptC       40,070           38,018
Global Telecom Holding SAEA C       19,187           4,495
MM Group for Industry & International Trade SAEA C       57           40
Telecom Egypt Co.C       184,372           142,977
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              825,047
           

 

 

 
           

Total Egypt (Cost $515,591)

              825,047
           

 

 

 
           
Greece - 1.90%            
Common Stocks - 1.90%            
Aegean Airlines S.A.C       14,980           142,836
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization S.A.C       29,732           385,924
Sarantis S.A.C       13,652           111,887
Thessaloniki Water Supply & Sewage Co. S.A.C       1,610           8,679
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              649,326
           

 

 

 
           

Total Greece (Cost $507,645)

              649,326
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
Hong Kong - 0.26%            
Common Stocks - 0.26%            
Goldlion Holdings Ltd.C       46,000         $ 19,067
Organic Tea Cosmetics Holdings Co., Ltd.C       29,118           69,701
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              88,768
           

 

 

 
           

Total Hong Kong (Cost $109,352)

              88,768
           

 

 

 
           
Hungary - 1.92%            
Common Stocks - 1.92%            
Magyar Telekom Telecommunications PLCC       275,493           397,779
MOL Hungarian Oil & Gas PLCC       2,320           22,779
OTP Bank NyrtC       282           10,616
Richter Gedeon NyrtC       12,160           219,985
Waberer’s International NyrtA C       290           3,555
Zwack Unicum RtC       7           426
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              655,140
           

 

 

 
           

Total Hungary (Cost $661,812)

              655,140
           

 

 

 
           
India - 12.10%            
Common Stocks - 12.10%            
Abbott India Ltd.C       440           49,126
Colgate-Palmolive India Ltd.C       1,861           31,079
Gillette India Ltd.C       1,887           184,542
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd.C       2,006           190,104
Hawkins Cookers Ltd.C       381           15,161
HCL Technologies Ltd.C       25,858           363,858
Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd.C       4,072           47,682
Hindustan Unilever Ltd.C       20,611           521,262
Infosys Ltd.C       9,703           193,251
Infosys Ltd., Sponsored ADR       13,317           268,737
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.C       900           125,164
Nestle India Ltd.C       2,968           458,344
Oil & Natural Gas Corp. Ltd.C       5,268           12,747
Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd.A C       5,183           293,330
Pfizer Ltd.C       6,263           244,578
Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Ltd.C       1,222           183,680
Sanofi India Ltd.C       217           18,955
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.C       17,092           486,008
Wipro Ltd.C       87,362           352,953
Wipro Ltd., ADRE       17,962           90,888
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              4,131,449
           

 

 

 
           

Total India (Cost $3,309,392)

              4,131,449
           

 

 

 
           
Indonesia - 3.12%            
Common Stocks - 3.12%            
Astra Graphia Tbk PTC       167,100           19,005
Bank Central Asia Tbk PTC       216,600           349,594
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PTC       48,000           10,210
Gudang Garam Tbk PTC       3,300           17,223
Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk PTC       224,900           136,129
Indofood Sukses Makmur Tbk PTC       359,100           158,487
Multipolar Technology Tbk PTC       558,900           34,716
Telekomunikasi Indonesia Persero Tbk PTC       75,300           18,601
Unilever Indonesia Tbk PTC       107,000           321,605
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              1,065,570
           

 

 

 
           

Total Indonesia (Cost $1,147,400)

              1,065,570
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
Malaysia - 5.09%            
Common Stocks - 5.09%            
Batu Kawan BhdC       2,800         $ 12,022
Fraser & Neave Holdings BhdC       34,900           321,397
Kim Loong Resources BhdC       26,100           8,937
Kuala Lumpur Kepong BhdC       43,800           267,253
Nestle Malaysia BhdC       4,200           152,712
Public Bank BhdC       83,500           494,356
Sime Darby Plantation BhdC       54,100           69,893
Tenaga Nasional BhdC       106,700           412,527
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              1,739,097
           

 

 

 
           

Total Malaysia (Cost $1,368,004)

              1,739,097
           

 

 

 
           
Mexico - 0.66%            
Common Stocks - 0.66%            
Industrias Bachoco S.A.B. de C.V., Series B       17,308           85,436
Megacable Holdings S.A.B. de C.V.F       29,282           140,505
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              225,941
           

 

 

 
           

Total Mexico (Cost $177,996)

              225,941
           

 

 

 
           
Peru - 1.98%            
Common Stocks - 1.98%            
Alicorp S.A.A.       133,443           478,840
Southern Copper Corp.       3,566           176,018
Union de Cervecerias Peruanas Backus y Johnston S.A.A., Class I       3,546           22,760
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              677,618
           

 

 

 
           

Total Peru (Cost $545,443)

              677,618
           

 

 

 
           
Philippines - 3.39%            
Common Stocks - 3.39%            
Aboitiz Power Corp.C       228,600           160,261
Asia United Bank Corp.C       19,880           22,410
Bank of the Philippine IslandsC       6,810           12,574
Cebu Air, Inc.C       44,203           58,593
China Banking Corp.C       51,412           32,100
Cosco Capital, Inc.C       261,300           30,021
Globe Telecom, Inc.C       345           11,863
Jollibee Foods Corp.C       3,360           17,075
Manila Electric Co.C       74,060           530,879
Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc.C       40,900           1,733
Philippine National BankA C       24,020           21,124
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.C       5,480           5,805
RFM Corp.C       132,000           11,446
San Miguel Corp.C       50,960           133,924
San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc.C       45,900           60,030
Top Frontier Investment Holdings, Inc.A C       1,480           7,210
Union Bank of the PhilippinesC       25,780           41,082
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              1,158,130
           

 

 

 
           

Total Philippines (Cost $1,110,428)

              1,158,130
           

 

 

 
           
Poland - 0.27%            
Common Stocks - 0.27%            
Boryszew S.A.A C       2,086           3,856
Dom Development S.A.C       1,350           27,087
Netia S.A.C       10,180           13,813
Neuca S.A.C       175           12,233

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
Poland - 0.27% (continued)            
Common Stocks - 0.27% (continued)            
Stalexport Autostrady S.A.C       29,864         $ 27,950
Zespol Elektrocieplowni Wroclawskich Kogeneracja S.A.C       433           7,839
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              92,778
           

 

 

 
           

Total Poland (Cost $105,108)

              92,778
           

 

 

 
           
Republic of Korea - 10.27%            
Common Stocks - 10.27%            
Binggrae Co., Ltd.C       1,466           79,004
Busan City Gas Co., Ltd.C       989           32,215
Daeduck Electronics Co.C       101           769
Daehan Synthetic Fiber Co., Ltd.C       89           10,272
Daekyo Co., Ltd.C       11,206           74,357
Daesung Energy Co., Ltd.C       8,294           43,686
Dong-Il Corp.C       4,311           215,434
E-MART, Inc.C       45           8,797
ESTec Corp.C       5,543           49,179
Fursys, Inc.C       639           17,188
Incheon City Gas Co., Ltd.C       1,386           37,185
Industrial Bank of KoreaC       3,180           44,502
Jinro Distillers Co., Ltd.C       1,536           42,013
JLS Co., Ltd.C       16,085           103,416
KEC Holdings Co., Ltd.C       10,238           7,622
Kia Motors Corp.C       11,831           335,790
KT Corp.C       16,598           422,986
KT&G Corp.C       228           22,527
LF Corp.C       4,821           118,492
LG Electronics, Inc.C       4,893           327,476
LG Uplus Corp.C       19,119           263,336
Namyang Dairy Products Co., Ltd.C       191           109,548
RedcapTour Co., Ltd.C       842           13,538
S-1 Corp.C       499           38,660
Saeron Automotive Corp.C       2,901           13,485
Samsung C&T Corp.C       58           6,418
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.C       8,000           331,890
Samwonsteel Co., Ltd.C       5,383           13,833
Samyang Tongsang Co., Ltd.C       868           32,415
SAVEZONE I&C Corp.C       6,608           24,569
SK Hynix, Inc.C       927           71,505
SK Telecom Co., Ltd.C       1,981           442,930
TS Corp.C       1,139           23,948
YESCO Co., Ltd.C       2,705           95,125
Youngone Holdings Co., Ltd.C       671           32,222
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              3,506,332
           

 

 

 
           

Total Republic of Korea (Cost $3,224,376)

              3,506,332
           

 

 

 
           
Russia - 1.18%            
Common Stocks - 1.18%            
Gazprom Neft PJSC, Sponsored ADRC       8,178           212,330
Rostelecom PJSC, Sponsored ADRC       28,013           191,246
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              403,576
           

 

 

 
           

Total Russia (Cost $350,829)

              403,576
           

 

 

 
           
South Africa - 2.50%            
Common Stocks - 2.33%            
AECI Ltd.C       11,530           92,853
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd.C       1,686           32,791

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
South Africa - 2.50% (continued)            
Common Stocks - 2.33% (continued)            
Bid Corp. Ltd.C       9,144         $ 183,122
Clover Industries Ltd.C       54,461           67,581
Combined Motor Holdings Ltd.C       3,475           7,072
Distell Group Holdings Ltd.A C       10,956           106,891
Netcare Ltd.C       45,727           93,901
Vodacom Group Ltd.C       19,690           209,884
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              794,095
           

 

 

 
           
Preferred Stocks - 0.17%            
Absa Bank Ltd.B C       1,084           57,629
           

 

 

 
           

Total South Africa (Cost $902,095)

              851,724
           

 

 

 
           
Taiwan - 8.17%            
Common Stocks - 8.17%            
104 Corp.C       4,000           22,170
Chang Hwa Commercial Bank Ltd.C       83,000           49,133
Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.C       132,000           457,430
E-LIFE MALL Corp.C       12,000           25,343
ECOVE Environment Corp.C       4,000           22,685
Far Eastern International BankC       880,204           297,659
First Financial Holding Co., Ltd.C       52,000           35,774
Great Taipei Gas Co., Ltd.C       74,000           65,252
Lian HWA Food Corp.C       3,080           3,855
Shanghai Commercial & Savings Bank Ltd.C       404,809           476,877
Taichung Commercial Bank Co., Ltd.C       1,222,116           405,328
Taiwan Business BankC       364,759           120,454
Taiwan Cooperative Financial Holding Co., Ltd.C       99,842           61,020
Taiwan Secom Co., Ltd.C       71,105           206,106
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.C       1,000           7,984
Taiwan Shin Kong Security Co., Ltd.C       179,170           216,610
Ttet Union Corp.C       23,000           70,808
Uni-President Enterprises Corp.C       39,000           103,173
Union Bank Of TaiwanC       308,000           104,161
Ve Wong Corp.C       44,000           37,032
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              2,788,854
           

 

 

 
           

Total Taiwan (Cost $2,451,262)

              2,788,854
           

 

 

 
           
Thailand - 4.62%            
Common Stocks - 4.62%            
Advanced Information Technology PCL       60,500           42,916
Amata B.Grimm Power Plant Infrasture FundC F       48,400           12,438
Bangkok Bank PCLC       15,400           95,482
Bangkok Bank PCL, NVDRC       21,200           131,442
Bangkok Insurance PCL, NVDRC       1,900           19,929
Digital Telecommunications Infrastructure FundC F       112,100           49,828
Kang Yong Electric PCL       2,100           27,015
Kang Yong Electric PCL, NVDRC       100           1,286
Krung Thai Bank PCL, NVDRC       571,200           326,430
PTT PCL, NVDRC       7,000           10,782
Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL       103,400           160,057
Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding PCL, NVDRC       103,000           159,410
Siam Cement PCL, NVDRC       32,000           431,680
Siam Commercial Bank PCL, NVDRC       18,900           79,523
Siam Makro PCL, NVDRC       11,000           12,239

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
Thailand - 4.62% (continued)            
Common Stocks - 4.62% (continued)            
Thai Stanley Electric PCL, NVDRC       1,800         $ 14,716
Thai Vegetable Oil PCL, NVDRC       1,000           879
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              1,576,052
           

 

 

 
           

Total Thailand (Cost $1,538,043)

              1,576,052
           

 

 

 
           
Turkey - 0.66% (Cost $231,175)            
Common Stocks - 0.66%            
BIM Birlesik Magazalar A/SC       15,761           226,955
           

 

 

 
           
United Kingdom - 1.09% (Cost $323,015)            
Common Stocks - 1.09%            
Mondi Ltd.C       13,511           371,321
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.78% (Cost $609,588)            
Investment Companies - 1.78%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 1.82%G H       609,588           609,588
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 0.26% (Cost $89,581)            
Investment Companies - 0.26%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 1.82%G H       89,581           89,581
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.02% (Cost $30,055,692)

              33,813,711

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.98%

              334,154
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 34,147,865
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B A type of Preferred Stock that has no maturity date.

C Fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. At period end, the value of these securities amounted to $29,312,438 or 85.84% of net assets.

D Value was determined using significant unobservable inputs.

E All or a portion of this security is on loan at July 31, 2018.

F Unit - Usually consists of one common stock and/or rights and warrants.

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

H 7-day yield.

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

NVDR - Non Voting Depositary Receipt.

PCL - Public Company Limited (Thailand).

PJSC - Private Joint Stock Company.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

Futures Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:               
Long Futures                           
Equity Futures Contracts                           
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Notional Amount        Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Mini MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures      15      September 2018      $ 802,577        $ 822,225        $ 19,648  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 802,577        $ 822,225        $ 19,648  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Index Abbreviations:
MSCI    Morgan Stanley Capital International

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of July 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

 

Foreign Common Stocks

 

Brazil

  $ 976,067       $ -        $ -       $ 976,067  

Chile

    946,928         -          -         946,928  

China

    238,835         9,014,585          357         9,253,777  

Czech Republic

    -         756,990          -         756,990  

Egypt

    -         825,047          -         825,047  

Greece

    -         649,326          -         649,326  

Hong Kong

    -         88,768          -         88,768  

Hungary

    -         655,140          -         655,140  

India

    359,625         3,771,824          -         4,131,449  

Indonesia

    -         1,065,570          -         1,065,570  

Malaysia

    -         1,739,097          -         1,739,097  

Mexico

    225,941         -          -         225,941  

Peru

    677,618         -          -         677,618  

Philippines

    -         1,158,130          -         1,158,130  

Poland

    -         92,778          -         92,778  

Republic of Korea

    -         3,506,332          -         3,506,332  

Russia

    -         403,576          -         403,576  

South Africa

    -         794,095          -         794,095  

Taiwan

    -         2,788,854          -         2,788,854  

Thailand

    -         1,576,052          -         1,576,052  

Turkey

    -         226,955          -         226,955  

United Kingdom

    -         371,321          -         371,321  

Foreign Preferred Stocks

 

Brazil

    147,102         -          -         147,102  

South Africa

    -         57,629          -         57,629  

Short-Term Investments

    609,588         -          -         609,588  

Securities Lending Collateral

    89,581         -          -         89,581  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 4,271,285       $ 29,542,069        $ 357       $ 33,813,711  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Futures Contracts

  $ 19,648       $ -        $ -       $ 19,648  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 19,648       $ -        $ -       $ 19,648  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP 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 July 31, 2018, there were transfers from level 1 to level 2, with a fair value of $25,912,247.

The following table is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets within the 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
1/31/2018
  Purchases     Sales   Accrued
Discounts
(Premiums)
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Transfer
into
Level 3
    Transfer
out of
Level 3
    Balance as
of
7/31/2018
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
at Period end**
 
Foreign Common Stocks   $358   $             -     $            -   $ -     $ -     $ (1   $ -     $ -     $ 357     $ (13,004

 

**

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 foreign common stock classified as Level 3 was fair valued at a nominal value of 0.10 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) due to lack of observable inputs.

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
Argentina - 2.22% (Cost $988,594)            
Common Stocks - 2.22%            
MercadoLibre, Inc.       3,642         $ 1,248,878
           

 

 

 
           
Australia - 1.38% (Cost $913,872)            
Common Stocks - 1.38%            
MYOB Group Ltd.D       332,670           773,281
           

 

 

 
           
China - 7.72%            
Common Stocks - 7.72%            
Ctrip.com International Ltd., ADRA       32,383           1,332,560
New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc., Sponsored ADR       16,947           1,458,120
Tencent Holdings Ltd.D       33,935           1,542,807
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              4,333,487
           

 

 

 
           

Total China (Cost $4,001,045)

              4,333,487
           

 

 

 
           
Denmark - 2.94% (Cost $1,399,435)            
Common Stocks - 2.94%            
Novo Nordisk A/S, Class BD       33,152           1,649,718
           

 

 

 
           
France - 3.04% (Cost $1,591,893)            
Common Stocks - 3.04%            
Danone S.A.D       21,729           1,707,188
           

 

 

 
           
Germany - 3.81% (Cost $1,693,111)            
Common Stocks - 3.81%            
SAP SE, Sponsored ADR       18,417           2,137,109
           

 

 

 
           
Hong Kong - 3.93% (Cost $1,696,293)            
Common Stocks - 3.93%            
AIA Group Ltd.D       251,926           2,205,575
           

 

 

 
           
India - 5.69%            
Common Stocks - 5.69%            
HDFC Bank Ltd., ADR       14,948           1,544,727
Infosys Ltd., Sponsored ADR       81,807           1,650,865
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              3,195,592
           

 

 

 
           

Total India (Cost $2,498,931)

              3,195,592
           

 

 

 
           
Japan - 2.31% (Cost $1,053,083)            
Common Stocks - 2.31%            
Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.D       2,956           1,295,904
           

 

 

 
           
Mexico - 2.07% (Cost $1,034,724)            
Common Stocks - 2.07%            
Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V., Series B, Sponsored ADR       11,812           1,159,230
           

 

 

 
           
Republic of Korea - 1.72% (Cost $1,124,458)            
Common Stocks - 1.72%            
Amorepacific Corp.D       4,026           963,438
           

 

 

 
           
South Africa - 4.14%            
Common Stocks - 4.14%            
Sanlam Ltd.D       215,224           1,248,598
Shoprite Holdings Ltd.D       64,908           1,074,284
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              2,322,882
           

 

 

 
           

Total South Africa (Cost $2,112,457)

              2,322,882
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
Switzerland - 2.53% (Cost $1,388,504)            
Common Stocks - 2.53%            
Nestle S.A.D       17,403         $ 1,418,119
           

 

 

 
           
United States - 50.37%            
Common Stocks - 50.37%            
Alphabet, Inc., Class CA       1,412           1,718,771
Amazon.com, Inc.A       924           1,642,355
Autodesk, Inc.A       14,259           1,831,426
Booking Holdings, Inc.A       534           1,083,336
Equinix, Inc., REIT       3,730           1,638,514
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.A       7,440           1,614,480
IHS Markit Ltd.A       31,246           1,656,975
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A       38,616           1,675,162
NIKE, Inc., Class B       21,169           1,628,108
Praxair, Inc.       6,694           1,121,245
Red Hat, Inc.A       11,676           1,649,002
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       4,811           1,770,496
salesforce.com, Inc.A       11,289           1,548,286
Schlumberger Ltd.       32,524           2,196,021
TJX Co., Inc.       17,299           1,682,501
Visa, Inc., Class A       15,843           2,166,372
Yum! Brands, Inc.       20,786           1,648,122
           

 

 

 

Total Common Stocks

              28,271,172
           

 

 

 
           

Total United States (Cost $22,260,152)

              28,271,172
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 5.77% (Cost $3,238,650)            
Investment Companies - 5.77%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 1.82%B C       3,238,650           3,238,650
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.64% (Cost $46,995,202)

              55,920,223

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.36%

              204,263
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 56,124,486
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

       

A Non-income producing security.

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

C 7-day yield.

D Fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. At period end, the value of these securities amounted to $13,878,912 or 24.73% of net assets.

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust.

 

Futures Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:               
Long Futures                                         
Equity Futures Contracts                                         
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Notional Amount        Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Mini MSCI EAFE Index Futures      12      September 2018      $ 1,200,291        $ 1,202,580        $ 2,289  
Mini MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures      6      September 2018        326,638          328,890          2,252  
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures      11      September 2018      $ 1,550,485        $ 1,549,405        $ (1,080
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 3,077,414        $ 3,080,875        $ 3,461  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Index Abbreviations:
MSCI    Morgan Stanley Capital International
MSCI EAFE    Morgan Stanley Capital International - Europe, Australasia, and Far East
S&P 500    Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of July 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

 

Foreign Common Stocks

 

Argentina

  $ 1,248,878       $ -        $ -       $ 1,248,878  

Australia

    -         773,281          -         773,281  

China

    2,790,680         1,542,807          -         4,333,487  

Denmark

    -         1,649,718          -         1,649,718  

France

    -         1,707,188          -         1,707,188  

Germany

    2,137,109         -          -         2,137,109  

Hong Kong

    -         2,205,575          -         2,205,575  

India

    3,195,592         -          -         3,195,592  

Japan

    -         1,295,904          -         1,295,904  

Mexico

    1,159,230         -          -         1,159,230  

Republic of Korea

    -         963,438          -         963,438  

South Africa

    -         2,322,882          -         2,322,882  

Switzerland

    -         1,418,119          -         1,418,119  

Common Stocks

 

United States

    28,271,172         -          -         28,271,172  

Short-Term Investments

    3,238,650         -          -         3,238,650  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 42,041,311       $ 13,878,912        $ -       $ 55,920,223  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Futures Contracts

  $ 4,541       $ -        $ -       $ 4,541  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 4,541       $ -        $ -       $ 4,541  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

Futures Contracts

  $ (1,080     $ -        $ -       $ (1,080
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (1,080     $ -        $ -       $ (1,080
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP 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 July 31, 2018, there were transfers from level 1 to level 2, with a fair value of $12,460,793.

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Acadian Emerging
Markets Managed
Volatility Fund
          SGA Global
Growth Fund
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value§

  $ 33,114,542       $ 52,681,573  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    699,169         3,238,650  

Foreign currency, at fair value^

    232,131         -  

Deposit with brokers for futures contracts

    20,393         112,237  

Dividends and interest receivable

    225,281         4,685  

Receivable for investments sold

    1,670         -  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    62,390         167,436  

Receivable for tax reclaims

    -         15,935  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    5,234         2,340  

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

    19,701         3,545  

Prepaid expenses

    30,146         40,278  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    34,410,657         56,266,679  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    -         48,946  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    39,420         38,958  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    1,153         6,457  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    2,858         1,565  

Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 9)§

    89,581         -  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    60,755         7,477  

Professional fees payable

    62,280         38,624  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    217         -  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    6,425         -  

Other liabilities

    103         166  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    262,792         142,193  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 34,147,865       $ 56,124,486  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 28,700,106       $ 45,098,362  

Undistributed net investment income

    434,468         24,067  

Accumulated net realized gain

    1,236,443         2,073,546  

Unrealized appreciation of investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    3,758,019         8,925,021  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of foreign currency transactions

    (819       29  

Unrealized appreciation of futures contracts

    19,648         3,461  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 34,147,865       $ 56,124,486  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Acadian Emerging
Markets Managed
Volatility Fund
          SGA Global
Growth Fund
 

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

 

Institutional Class

    472,300         1,132,530  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    2,336,753         777,682  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    263,774         560,659  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    41,554         215,595  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    37,175         110,349  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 5,141,938       $ 22,942,659  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 25,325,491       $ 15,669,876  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 2,837,791       $ 11,131,939  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 447,999       $ 4,275,541  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 394,646       $ 2,104,471  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 10.89       $ 20.26  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 10.84       $ 20.15  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 10.76       $ 19.86  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 10.78       $ 19.83  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 11.44       $ 21.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 10.62       $ 19.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 29,356,523       $ 43,756,552  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 699,169       $ 3,238,650  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 86,339       $ -  

^ Cost of foreign currency

  $ 232,388       $ -  
A The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at period end.

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Acadian Emerging
Markets Managed
Volatility Fund
          SGA Global
Growth Fund
 

Investment income:

 

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

  $ 731,003       $ 293,339  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 8)

    6,418         19,470  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 9)

    346         5,711  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    737,767         318,520  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    168,957         190,003  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    1,534         2,645  

Y Class (Note 2)

    13,240         4,215  

Investor Class

    803         932  

A Class

    37         98  

C Class

    50         68  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    29,626         12,291  

Professional fees

    38,155         23,739  

Registration fees and expenses

    33,315         34,975  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    3,565         22,054  

A Class

    434         1,707  

C Class

    220         627  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    771         4,930  

C Class

    2,216         9,497  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    9,265         4,938  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    1,322         1,131  

Other expenses

    2,957         3,054  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    306,467         316,904  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (51,001       (21,439
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    255,466         295,465  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    482,301         23,055  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    641,342         1,064,455  

Commission recapture (Note 1)

    192         -  

Foreign currency transactions

    (23,582       (16,855

Futures contracts

    (115,748       (78,830

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesC

    (3,851,047       (515,645

Foreign currency transactions

    (1,248       33  

Futures contracts

    6,262         (12,492
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) from investments

    (3,343,829       440,666  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,861,528     $ 463,721  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 99,144       $ 23,142  

A Includes non-recurring dividends of $30,732 for the SGA Global Growth Fund.

 

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

 

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

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Acadian Emerging Markets Managed
Volatility Fund
          SGA Global Growth Fund  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
          Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)                       (unaudited)              

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 482,301       $ 603,982       $ 23,055       $ (59,857

Net realized gain from investments in unaffiliated securities, commission recapture, foreign currency transactions, and futures contracts

    502,204         5,754,585         968,770         2,578,017  

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

    (3,846,033       5,835,412         (528,104       8,263,609  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,861,528       12,193,979         463,721         10,781,769  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Net investment income:

             

Institutional Class

    -         (100,822       -         -  

Y Class

    -         (480,371       -         -  

Investor Class

    -         (69,880       -         -  

A Class

    -         (14,170       -         -  

C Class

    -         (5,253       -         -  

Net realized gain from investments:

             

Institutional Class

    -         -         -         (465,632

Y Class

    -         -         -         (142,594

Investor Class

    -         -         -         (592,350

A Class

    -         -         -         (116,358

C Class

    -         -         -         (54,664
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    -         (670,496       -         (1,371,598
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 11):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    5,295,461         9,494,062         21,441,646         18,350,384  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -         655,131         -         1,357,278  

Issued in reorganization

    -         -         -         (4,938,231

Cost of shares redeemed

    (6,196,410       (73,592,119       (12,796,566       -  

Redemption fees

    15,654         1,444         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (885,295       (63,441,482       8,645,080         14,769,431  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (3,746,823       (51,917,999       9,108,801         24,179,602  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    37,894,688         89,812,687         47,015,685         22,836,083  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period *

  $ 34,147,865       $ 37,894,688       $ 56,124,486       $ 47,015,685  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

  $ 434,468       $ (47,833     $ 24,067       $ 1,012  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (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 July 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund and American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining thirty-two active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”) organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative, and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors. RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

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.    $ 2,500  
A Class    All investors who invest through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or third party administrator. Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker, bank, or registered investment advisor which may include a front-end sales charge and a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”).    $ 2,500  
C Class    Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or through employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  

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

Significant Accounting Policies

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

 

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

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

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.

Currency Translation

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

Distributions to Shareholders

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.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

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

Use of Estimates

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

 

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Redemption Fees

All Classes of the Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund impose a 2% redemption fee on shares held for less than 90 days. The fee is deducted from the redemption proceeds and is intended to offset the trading costs, market impact, and other costs associated with short-term trading activity in the Fund. The “first-in, first-out” method is used to determine the holding period. The fee is allocated to all classes of this Fund pro-rata based on the net assets.

Other

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

Concentration of Ownership

From time to time, the Funds may have a concentration of one or more accounts constituting a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities by holders of accounts that represent a significant ownership of more than 5% of the Funds’ outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Funds. As of July 31, 2018, based on management’s evaluation of the shareholder account base, one account in the SGA Global Growth Fund has been identified as representing an unaffiliated significant ownership of approximately 7% of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

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 Acadian Asset Management LLC and Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP (“SGA”) (the “Sub-Advisors”) pursuant to which each Fund has 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:

Acadian Asset Management LLC

 

First $500 million

     0.65

Over $500 million

     0.60

Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP

 

First $100 million

     0.45

Next $900 million

     0.40

Over $1 billion

     0.35

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the period ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

         Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

       0.35     $ 60,605  

Sub-Advisor Fees

       0.63       108,352  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

       0.98     $ 168,957  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

         Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

       0.35     $ 85,849  

Sub-Advisor Fees

       0.43       104,154  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

       0.78     $ 190,003  
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities of each Fund of a Trust, a lending Fund shall pay to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers as well as related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers when a borrower posts collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. 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 July 31, 2018, the Manager received securities lending fees of $38 and $618 for the securities lending activities of the American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund and American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund, respectively.

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes, have adopted a “defensive” Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, pursuant to which no separate fees may be charged to the Funds for distribution purposes. However, the Plan authorizes the management 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 Investor, A, and C Classes of the Funds. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes, and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Funds.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

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

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the Institutional and Y Classes of the Funds and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediaries transact with the Funds primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Funds. Certain services would have been provided by the Fund’s transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Fund’s transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds, pursuant to the Trust’s Board of Trustees 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 July 31, 2018, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   $ 14,003  

SGA Global Growth

     6,183  

As of July 31, 2018, 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
 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   $ 2,408  

SGA Global Growth

     1,276  

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 July 31, 2018, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct and indirect investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

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

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   $ 408      $ 84      $ 492  

SGA Global Growth

     1,214        218        1,432  

Interfund Credit Facility

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 a credit facility whereby each Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating Funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the Funds because it provides added liquidity, and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a Fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund borrowed on average $30,034 for 2

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

days at an average interest rate of 2.02% with interest charges earned of $3 and the SGA Global Growth borrowed $1,420,765 for 1 day at an interest rate of 2.52% with interest charges earned of $98. This amount is included in “Interest income” on the Statements 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 Funds’ expense cap. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                      

Fund

   Class    2/1/2018 -
7/31/2018
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   Institutional      1.35   $ 9,433      $ -        2021  

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   Y      1.45     37,022        -        2021  

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   Investor      1.73     3,065        -        2021  

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   A      1.75     903        -        2021  

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   C      2.50     578        -        2021  

SGA Global Growth

   Institutional      0.98     13,684        -        2021  

SGA Global Growth

   Y      1.08     5,396        -        2021  

SGA Global Growth

   Investor      1.36     552        -        2021  

SGA Global Growth

   A      1.38     1,341        -        2021  

SGA Global Growth

   C      2.13     466        -        2021  

Of these amounts, $5,234 and $2,340 were disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at July 31, 2018 for the Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund and SGA Global 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 2021. The Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements due to the current assessment that reimbursements are unlikely. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

   $ -      $ 120,326      $ -        2019  

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

     -        93,050        -        2020  

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

     -        207,848        -        2021  

SGA Global Growth

     -        118,368        -        2019  

SGA Global Growth

     -        123,518        -        2020  

SGA Global Growth

     -        96,126        -        2021  

The Distributor

Effective March 1, 2018, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”) replaced Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside”) as the Funds’ distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares.

RID is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Funds’ shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to the extent applicable, the Distributor receives, and may re-allow to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A Class and C Class shares. For A Class and C Class shares, the Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of A Class and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Distributor to the broker-dealers. The Distributor retains any portion of the commission fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

Prior to March 1, 2018, Foreside served as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares. Pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement between Foreside and the Manager in effect through February 28, 2018, Foreside received a fee from the Manager for providing administrative services in connection with the marketing and distribution of shares of the Trust, including the registration of Manager employees as registered representatives of Foreside to facilitate distribution of Fund shares. Foreside also received a fee from the Manager under a Marketing Agreement pursuant to which Foreside provided services in connection with the marketing of a Fund to institutional investors. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement with the Trust in effect through February 28, 2018, Foreside received, and may have re-allowed to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A and C Class shares. For A and C Class shares, Foreside received commission revenues consisting of the portion of A and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by Foreside to the broker dealers. Foreside retained any portion of the commission fees that were not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ Distributor, formerly 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 February 28, 2018, Foreside collected $54 in sales commissions for SGA Global Growth Fund from the sale of Class A Shares. During the period March 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018, RID collected $4,848 for SGA Global Growth Fund from the sale of Class A Shares. There were no sales commissions collected for the Acadian Emerging Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the period ended July 31, 2018, 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 February 28, 2018, CDSC fees of $41 were collected for Class C Shares of the SGA Global Growth Fund. During the period March 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018, RID collected CDSC fees of $1,150 for Class C Shares of SGA Global Growth Fund. There were no CDSC fees collected for the Acadian Emerging Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and American Beacon Apollo Enhanced Income Fund, each Trustee receives an annual retainer of $120,000, plus $10,000 for each Board meeting attended in person or via teleconference, $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 $2,500 fee each quarter for his attendance at the committee meetings. Effective January 1, 2018, the Board Vice Chair receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. 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 Trusts according to its respective net assets.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Attempts to determine the fair value of securities introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities. As a result, the price of a security determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the market value of the security when trading resumes. If a reliable market quotation becomes available for a security formerly valued through fair valuation techniques, the Manager compares the new market quotation to the fair value price to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund’s fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust the Fund’s fair valuation procedures.

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, preferred securities, 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 generally categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain securities that are solely traded on a foreign exchange to account for the market movement between the close of the foreign market and the close of the Exchange. These securities are valued using pricing service providers that consider the correlation of the trading patterns of the foreign security to the intraday trading in the U.S. markets for investments. Securities using these valuation adjustments are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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.

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Level 3 trading assets and trading liabilities, at fair value

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

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

Market quotes are considered not readily available in circumstances where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g., trade information or broker quotes), including where events occur after the close of the relevant market, but prior to the Exchange close, that materially affect the values of 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 and Non-Voting Depositary Receipts

American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form traded in U.S. securities markets. Non-Voting Depositary Receipts (“NVDRs”) represent financial interests in an issuer but the holder is not entitled to any voting rights. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts entails substantially the same risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in the Fund’s possible inability to convert immediately into U.S. currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, the 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.

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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.

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 certificates of deposit (“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 Funds’ 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 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. The Funds did not hold any illiquid securities as of the period ended July 31, 2018. Restricted securities outstanding during the period ended July 31, 2018 are disclosed in the Fund’s Notes to the Schedules of Investments.

Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as the Funds, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.

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

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 their Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

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.

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, including interest rate futures contracts and futures contracts on U.S. Treasury securities, obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle, a specific amount of an obligation underlying the futures contract at a specified time in the future for a specified price. Likewise, the seller incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying obligation against receipt of the specified price. Futures are traded on both U.S. and foreign commodities exchanges. Futures contracts will be traded for the same purposes as entering into forward contracts. The purchase of futures can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures can serve as a short hedge.

No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract a Fund is required to deposit “initial margin” consisting of cash or U.S. Government Securities in an amount set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and varying based on the volatility of the underlying asset. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to a Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, a Fund may be required by a futures exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Subsequent “variation margin” payments (sometimes referred to as “maintenance margin” payments) are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as “marking-to-market.” Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather represents a daily settlement of a Fund’s obligations to or from a futures broker. When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily, or even intraday, variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If a Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily or intraday variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.

Purchasers and sellers of futures contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Positions in futures contracts may be closed only on a futures exchange or board of trade that trades that contract. A Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract.

During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Funds entered into futures contracts primarily for exposing cash to markets.

The Funds’ average futures contracts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required meeting 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 July 31, 2018  

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility

    16  

SGA Global Growth

    18  

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

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 2018:

 

    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)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 19,648         $ 19,648
                                           
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Futures contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (115,748 )         $ (115,748 )

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
Futures contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 6,262         $ 6,262

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 2018:

 

    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)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 4,541         $ 4,541

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (1,080 )         $ (1,080 )
                                           
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Futures contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (78,830 )         $ (78,830 )

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
Futures contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (12,492 )         $ (12,492 )

(1) See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

(2) Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

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, July 31, 2018.

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ 19,648       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 19,648       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (19,648     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of July 31, 2018
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  
Securities Lending Transactions                  

Common Stocks

  $ 89,581       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 89,581  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

  $ 89,581       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 89,581  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions

 

  $ 89,581  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ 4,541       $ 1,080  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 4,541       $ 1,080  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (4,541     $ (1,080
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

6.  Principal Risks

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

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.

Currency Risk

The Funds may have exposure to foreign currencies by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies, in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies or by purchasing or selling forward foreign currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies will fluctuate, and may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Funds’ investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that traded in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. As a result, a Fund’s investments in foreign currency denominated securities may reduce the returns of a Fund. Currency futures, forwards or options may not always work as intended, and in specific cases a Fund may be worse off than if it had not used such instrument(s). There may not always be suitable hedging instruments available. Even where suitable hedging instruments are available, a Fund may choose to not hedge its currency risks.

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they 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 transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty and credit risk. As a result, the Funds may obtain no recovery of their 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 counterparty. Ongoing changes to regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit a Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies.

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Emerging Markets Risk

When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political uncertainties; an economy’s dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities; and delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures.

Equity Investment Risk

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

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) different 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 the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they 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).

The Funds are susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by the Funds, such as structured notes and other derivative instruments, may have limited marketability or be subject to restrictions on sale, and may be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices. The Funds could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to the Funds. The Funds may be required to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices to satisfy obligations, which may result in losses or may be costly to the

 

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Funds. For example, the Funds may be forced to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. Conditions in the U.S. and many foreign economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in certain instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. These events have reduced the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, and have made it more difficult for some borrowers to obtain financing on attractive terms, if at all. In some cases, traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yields to decline. Reduced liquidity in fixed-income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

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

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

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

with the EU and other major economies following its exit, which are matters to be negotiated. The outcomes may cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the United Kingdom and European economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time, which could significantly adversely affect the value of a Fund’s investments in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Market Timing Risk

A Fund that invests in foreign securities is particularly subject to the risk of market timing activities. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in that Fund, including (i) the dilution of a Fund’s NAV, (ii) an increase in a Fund’s expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager’s ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Because of specific securities in which a Fund may invest, it could be subject to the risk of market timing activities by shareholders. Some examples of these types of securities are high yield and foreign securities. The limited trading activity of some high yield securities may result in market prices that do not reflect the true market value of these securities. If a Fund trades foreign securities, it generally prices these foreign securities using their closing prices from the foreign markets in which they trade, which typically is prior to a Fund’s calculation of its NAV. These prices may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before a Fund prices its shares. In such instances, a Fund may fair value high yield and foreign securities. However, some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in a Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of a Fund’s shares. While the Manager monitors trading in a Fund, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.

Other Investment Companies Risk

A Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including money market funds. To the extent that a Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, a Fund will indirectly bear fees and expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to a Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies. , a Fund’s investments in money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. A Fund must rely on the investment company in which it invests to achieve its investment objective. If the investment company fails to achieve its investment objective, the value of a Fund’s investment will decline, adversely affecting a Fund’s performance. To the extent a Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject.

Securities Lending Risk

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

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Valuation Risk

This is the risk that a Fund has valued a security at a price different from the price at which it can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, a Fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when a Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a Fund determines its NAV. A Fund’s ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.

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 January 31, 2018 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Funds recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations.

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

Dividends are categorized in accordance with income tax regulations which may treat certain transactions differently than U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds also utilize earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

As of July 31, 2018, the tax cost for each Fund and their respective gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility   $ 30,294,166       $ 4,884,989       $ (1,366,263     $ 3,518,726  
SGA Global Growth     47,024,837         9,553,009         (657,594       8,895,415  

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

During the year January 31, 2018 the Funds did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

 

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

8.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the period ended July 31, 2018 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
 
Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility   $ 5,168,468       $ -       $ 5,605,488       $ -  
SGA Global Growth     14,567,778         -         6,849,428         -  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the period ended July 31, 2018 was as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        January 31,
2018
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           July 31,
2018
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility   Direct     $ 594,472       $ 7,315,814       $ 7,300,698       $ 609,588       $ 6,418  
Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility   Securities Lending       98,112         1,830,530         1,839,061         89,581         N/A  
SGA Global Growth   Direct       2,508,026         23,112,262         22,381,638         3,238,650         19,470  
SGA Global Growth   Securities Lending       868,249         3,810,472         4,678,721         -         N/A  

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 Funds’ Schedule of Investments and the collateral is shown on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a payable.

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

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 July 31, 2018, 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
 
Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility   $ 86,339       $ 89,581       $ -       $ 89,581  

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.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 16, 2017, the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), entered into a committed revolving line of credit (the “Committed Line”) agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”) to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Committed Line is $50 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 1.25% per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds will pay a commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 15, 2018, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

Effective November 16, 2017, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, entered into an uncommitted discretionary demand revolving line of credit (the “Uncommitted Line”) agreement with the Bank to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Uncommitted Line is $50 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate. The Uncommitted Line expires November 15, 2018 unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

The Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations, along with commitment fees, that have been allocated among the Participating Funds based on average daily net assets. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Funds did not utilize this facility.

11.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     65,355       $ 732,333         118,476       $ 1,192,443  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         9,318         100,822  
Shares redeemed     (77,583       (848,756       (5,369,441       (52,389,780
Redemption fees     -         2,590         -         607  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (12,228     $ (113,833       (5,241,647     $ (51,095,908
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

43


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     389,977       $ 4,314,826         661,605       $ 6,777,368  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         43,146         465,116  
Shares redeemed     (424,962       (4,745,957       (1,880,829       (18,422,329
Redemption fees     -         11,368         -         (310
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (34,985     $ (419,763       (1,176,078     $ (11,180,155
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     19,008       $ 209,787         104,015       $ 1,045,237  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         6,508         69,770  
Shares redeemed     (13,910       (154,712       (229,184       (2,397,931
Redemption fees     -         1,235         -         126  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     5,098       $ 56,310         (118,661     $ (1,282,798
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     3,486       $ 38,515         24,494       $ 259,607  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         1,319         14,170  
Shares redeemed     (34,578       (378,743       (8,724       (88,067
Redemption fees     -         258         -         1,001  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (31,092     $ (339,970       17,089       $ 186,711  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     -       $ -         22,464       $ 219,407  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         495         5,253  
Shares redeemed     (6,380       (68,242       (29,030       (294,012
Redemption fees     -         203         -         20  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (6,380     $ (68,039       (6,071     $ (69,332
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     361,261       $ 7,172,407         297,426       $ 5,174,249  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         24,913         465,632  
Shares redeemed     (20,036       (392,938       (40,518       (727,410
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     341,225       $ 6,779,469         281,821       $ 4,912,471  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     517,769       $ 10,365,339         202,621       $ 3,631,956  
Reinvestment of dividends                     7,121         132,444  
Shares redeemed     (26,534       (518,090       (36,662       (660,523
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     491,235       $ 9,847,249         173,080       $ 3,103,877  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

44


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     105,947       $ 2,040,074         338,281       $ 5,871,708  
Reinvestment of dividends                     32,263         592,350  
Shares redeemed     (531,377       (10,482,499       (150,290       (2,633,764
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (425,430     $ (8,442,425       220,254       $ 3,830,294  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     61,798       $ 1,195,598         164,780       $ 2,822,687  
Reinvestment of dividends                     6,125         112,333  
Shares redeemed     (40,630       (786,631       (45,538       (748,714
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     21,168       $ 408,967         125,367       $ 2,186,306  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

SGA Global Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     35,318       $ 668,228         47,361       $ 849,784  
Reinvestment of dividends                     3,077         54,519  
Shares redeemed     (33,257       (616,408       (10,356       (167,820
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     2,061       $ 51,820         40,082       $ 736,483  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

12.  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.

 

 

45


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           September 27,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.78       $ 9.22       $ 8.36       $ 10.24       $ 9.59       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.16         0.12 B         0.13         0.04         0.13         0.02  

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

    (1.05       2.65         0.90         (1.84       0.64         (0.42
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.89       2.77         1.03         (1.80       0.77         (0.40
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.21       (0.17       (0.08       (0.12       (0.01

Distributions from net realized gains

                                             

Tax return of capitalH

                            (0.00 )C                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.21       (0.17       (0.08       (0.12       (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsC

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.89       $ 11.78       $ 9.22       $ 8.36       $ 10.24       $ 9.59  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    (7.56 )%E        30.24       12.37       (17.58 )%        8.04       (4.05 )%E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $    5,141,938       $ 5,706,260       $ 52,787,468       $ 40,335,580       $ 13,079,558       $     9,968,951  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.70 %F        1.85       1.47       1.68       2.26       4.20 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.35 %F        1.35       1.35       1.35       1.35       1.35 %F 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    2.65 %F        0.74       1.18       1.16       0.44       (2.30 )%F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    2.99 %F        1.23       1.31       1.49       1.35       0.55 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %E        34       32       35       22       9 %G 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

D 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

E 

Not annualized.

F 

Annualized.

G 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from September 27, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

H 

Tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at the time of distribution.

 

See accompanying notes

 

46


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           September 27,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.73       $ 9.19       $ 8.34       $ 10.22       $ 9.59       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.15         0.13         0.11         0.14         0.04         0.01  

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

    (1.04       2.62         0.91         (1.94       0.71         (0.41
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.89       2.75         1.02         (1.80       0.75         (0.40
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.21       (0.17       (0.08       (0.12       (0.01

Distributions from net realized gains

                                             

Tax return of capitalG

                            (0.00 )B                 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

            (0.21       (0.17       (0.08       (0.12       (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsB

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.84       $ 11.73       $ 9.19       $ 8.34       $ 10.22       $ 9.59  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (7.59 )%D        30.12       12.28       (17.64 )%        7.83       (4.05 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 25,325,491       $ 27,820,209       $ 32,606,568       $ 25,098,823       $ 4,603,907       $    488,729  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.74 %E        1.93       1.55       1.77       2.12       6.19 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.45 %E        1.45       1.45       1.45       1.45       1.45 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    2.51 %E        1.04       1.15       1.23       0.01       (4.30 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    2.80 %E        1.52       1.25       1.55       0.68       0.44 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %D        34       32       35       22       9 %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 September 27, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

G 

Tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at the time of distribution.

 

See accompanying notes

 

47


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           September 27,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.66       $ 9.16       $ 8.32       $ 10.19       $ 9.58       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.14         0.11         0.11         0.16         0.07         0.00 B  

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

    (1.04       2.60         0.87         (1.98       0.66         (0.41
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.90       2.71         0.98         (1.82       0.73         (0.41
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.21       (0.14       (0.05       (0.12       (0.01

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         -         -  

Tax return of capitalG

    -         -         -         (0.00 )B        -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.21       (0.14       (0.05       (0.12       (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsB

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.76       $ 11.66       $ 9.16       $ 8.32       $ 10.19       $ 9.58  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (7.72 )%D        29.78       11.89       (17.86 )%        7.63       (4.15 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $  2,837,791       $ 3,016,153       $ 3,457,789       $ 3,933,437       $ 4,612,098       $   1,326,164  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.95 %E        2.12       1.77       1.98       2.42       5.46 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.73 %E        1.73       1.73       1.73       1.73       1.73 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    2.34 %E        0.82       0.94       1.30       0.12       (3.60 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    2.55 %E        1.21       0.98       1.55       0.81       0.13 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %D        34       32       35       22       9 %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 September 27, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

G 

Tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at the time of distribution.

 

See accompanying notes

 

48


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           September 27,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.69       $ 9.18       $ 8.34       $ 10.18       $ 9.58       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.10         0.10         0.13         0.12         0.06         0.00 B  

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

    (1.01       2.62         0.85         (1.94       0.66         (0.41
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.91       2.72         0.98         (1.82       0.72         (0.41
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.21       (0.14       (0.02       (0.12       (0.01

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         -         -  

Tax return of capitalG

    -         -         -         (0.00 )B        -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.21       (0.14       (0.02       (0.12       (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsB

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.78       $ 11.69       $ 9.18       $ 8.34       $ 10.18       $ 9.58  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (7.78 )%D        29.83       11.84       (17.90 )%        7.53       (4.15 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $   447,999       $    849,017       $ 510,236       $ 740,272       $ 3,214,591       $   554,182  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.04 %E        2.24       1.90       2.10       2.49       7.71 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.75 %E        1.75       1.75       1.75       1.77       1.85 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.94 %E        0.61       0.86       1.08       0.09       (5.92 )%E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    2.23 %E        1.10       1.01       1.43       0.81       (0.07 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %D        34       32       35       22       9 %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 September 27, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

G 

Tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at the time of distribution.

 

See accompanying notes

 

49


American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           September 27,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.55       $ 9.08       $ 8.23       $ 10.10       $ 9.55       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    0.08         0.06         0.02         0.10         0.02         (0.01

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

    (1.01       2.54         0.89         (1.97       0.62         (0.43
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.93       2.60         0.91         (1.87       0.64         (0.44
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.13       (0.06       (0.00 )B        (0.09       (0.01

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         -         -  

Tax return of capitalG

    -         -         -         (0.00 )B        -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.13       (0.06       (0.00 )B        (0.09       (0.01
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsB

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.62       $ 11.55       $ 9.08       $ 8.23       $ 10.10       $ 9.55  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (8.05 )%D        28.71       11.11       (18.50 )%        6.66       (4.45 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $   394,646       $   503,049       $ 450,626       $ 644,705       $ 623,506       $   148,736  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.76 %E        3.00       2.67       2.87       3.26       10.04 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.50 %E        2.50       2.50       2.50       2.52       2.60 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.41 %E        (0.01 )%        0.11       0.40       (0.90 )%        (8.13 )%E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    1.67 %E        0.49       0.28       0.77       (0.16 )%        (0.68 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %D        34       32       35       22       9 %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 September 27, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

G 

Tax return of capital is calculated based on shares outstanding at the time of distribution.

 

See accompanying notes

 

50


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months
Ended
July 31,
          Year Ended January 31,     Four Months
Ended
January 31,
         

Year Ended
September 30,

 
                                                             
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015           2014           2013  
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.11       $ 15.11       $ 13.79       $ 13.43       $ 13.05       $ 13.15       $ 12.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                         

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01         (0.01       0.03         0.03         0.06         0.01         (0.04 )A 

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.14         5.65         1.84         0.56         0.72         0.15         1.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.15         5.64         1.87         0.59         0.78         0.16         1.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         (0.02       (0.03       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.21       (0.37       (0.26       (0.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.23       (0.40       (0.26       (0.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.26       $ 20.11       $ 15.11       $ 13.79       $ 13.43       $ 13.05       $ 13.15  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.75 %C        37.64       13.66       4.26       5.98       1.13 %C        11.21 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 22,942,659       $   15,912,971       $   7,698,159       $   6,219,477       $   5,106,079       $   4,738,199       $   4,351,023  

Ratios to average net assets:

                         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.14 %E        1.34       2.03       2.62       3.82       5.28 %E        8.00

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.98 %E        0.98       0.98       0.98       0.98       1.00 %E        1.75

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.15 %E        (0.28 )%        (0.83 )%        (1.37 )%        (2.41 )%        (4.12 )%E        (6.56 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.31 %E        0.08       0.21       0.27       0.42       0.16 %E        (0.31 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %C        31       32       39       38       15 %F        39

 

A 

The Predecessor Fund calculated the change in undistributed net investment income based on average shares outstanding during the period.

B 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Total returns would have been lower had expenses not been waived or absorbed by the Predecessor Fund. Returns shown do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distribution or the redemption of Fund shares.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from October 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

51


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           October 4,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.01       $ 15.05       $ 13.75       $ 13.41       $ 13.05       $ 13.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01         0.00 B         (0.03       0.02         0.04         0.00 B  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.13         5.60         1.88         0.55         0.72         0.06  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.14         5.60         1.85         0.57         0.76         0.06  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         (0.02       (0.03       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.21       (0.37       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.23       (0.40       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 20.15       $ 20.01       $ 15.05       $ 13.75       $ 13.41       $ 13.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    0.70 %D        37.52       13.55       4.12       5.83       0.37 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $    15,669,876       $ 5,732,352       $ 1,706,678       $ 127,585       $ 119,680       $ 105,161  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.22 %E        1.40       1.88       2.72       3.84       10.23 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.08 %E        1.08       1.07       1.08       1.08       1.08 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.05 %E        (0.37 )%        (0.96 )%        (1.51 )%        (2.44 )%        (9.09 )%E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.19 %E        (0.04 )%        (0.15 )%        0.13       0.32       0.06 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %D        31       32       39       38       15 %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 October 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

52


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           October 4,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.75       $ 14.90       $ 13.66       $ 13.36       $ 13.03       $ 13.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06       (0.04       0.06         (0.04       0.01         (0.01

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.17         5.53         1.73         0.57         0.72         0.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.11         5.49         1.79         0.53         0.73         0.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         (0.02       (0.03       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.21       (0.37       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.23       (0.40       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.86       $ 19.75       $ 14.90       $ 13.66       $ 13.36       $ 13.03  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.56 %C        37.16       13.20       3.84       5.60       0.22 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $   11,131,939       $   19,473,640       $   11,414,261       $   421,630       $   108,458       $ 106,990  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.37 %D        1.57       2.05       3.08       5.28       10.37 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.36 %D        1.36       1.34       1.36       1.36       1.36 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.03 )%D        (0.50 )%        (1.14 )%        (2.04 )%        (3.88 )%        (9.22 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.02 )%D        (0.29 )%        (0.43 )%        (0.32 )%        0.05       (0.22 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %C        31       32       39       38       15 %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 October 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

53


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           October 4,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.72       $ 14.89       $ 13.65       $ 13.35       $ 13.03       $ 13.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    0.00 B         (0.02       0.03         (0.03       0.00 B         0.00 B  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.11         5.49         1.76         0.56         0.72         0.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.11         5.47         1.79         0.53         0.72         0.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         (0.02       (0.03       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.21       (0.37       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.23       (0.40       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.83       $ 19.72       $ 14.89       $ 13.65       $ 13.35       $ 13.03  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    0.56 %D        37.05       13.21       3.84       5.53       0.22 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $     4,275,541       $ 3,835,023       $ 1,028,223       $ 345,107       $ 434,636       $ 362,595  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.45 %E        1.72       2.33       3.05       4.19       8.22 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.38 %E        1.38       1.38       1.38       1.42       1.48 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.14 )%E        (0.77 )%        (1.22 )%        (1.90 )%        (2.78 )%        (6.91 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.07 )%E        (0.43 )%        (0.27 )%        (0.22 )%        (0.01 )%        (0.17 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %D        31       32       39       38       15 %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 October 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

54


American Beacon SGA Global Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

          Year Ended January 31,           October 4,
2013A to
January 31,
2014
 
                                                       
    2018           2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.04       $ 14.50       $ 13.40       $ 13.21       $ 13.00       $ 13.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.07       (0.04       0.05         (0.12       (0.05       (0.04

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.10         5.22         1.60         0.54         0.66         0.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.03         5.18         1.65         0.42         0.61         0.01  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         (0.02       (0.03       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.21       (0.37       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.64       (0.55       (0.23       (0.40       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.07       $ 19.04       $ 14.50       $ 13.40       $ 13.21       $ 13.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.16 %C        36.04       12.41       3.04       4.69       (0.01 )%C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $     2,104,471       $ 2,061,699       $ 988,762       $ 410,331       $ 393,478       $ 109,489  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.18 %D        2.47       3.08       3.76       4.77       11.36 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.13 %D        2.13       2.12       2.13       2.16       2.23 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.87 )%D        (1.42 )%        (1.95 )%        (2.51 )%        (3.41 )%        (10.22 )%D 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.82 )%D        (1.08 )%        (1.00 )%        (0.89 )%        (0.80 )%        (1.09 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    15 %C        31       32       39       38       15 %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 October 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

55


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

At in-person meetings held on May 18, 2018 and June 5-6, 2018 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) considered and then, at its June 6, 2018 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (“Trust”), on behalf of the American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund (“Acadian Fund”) and the American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund (“SGA Fund”) (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”);

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, Acadian Asset Management LLC (“Acadian”), and the Trust, on behalf of the Acadian Fund; and

(3) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP (“SGA”), and the Trust, on behalf of the SGA Fund.

Acadian and SGA are hereinafter each referred to as a “subadvisor” and collectively as the “subadvisors.” The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements.” In preparation for its consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the 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 to the Board 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 from Broadridge, and to the performance of any similar accounts or a composite of similar accounts, as applicable, 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 from Broadridge, and the advisory fee rates charged to other clients for which similar services are provided by a firm;

 

   

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 limitation arrangements;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

 

56


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (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 each type of service and observed that, with respect to such mutual funds, the actual management fee rates provided by Broadridge for peer group funds reflect the combined advisory and administrative expenses, reduced by any fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

A firm may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of the firm based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations. For each Fund, 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 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 investment advisory contracts, such as the Agreements. 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 the Investment Advisory Agreements

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 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 relationships with a Fund.

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

 

 

57


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

With respect to the renewal of each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board 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 Broadridge’s independent methodology for selecting each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe. The Board also considered that the performance universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for a Fund. 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 the relevant Fund relative to the performance of a composite of similar accounts managed by the subadvisor and the Fund’s benchmark index. In addition, the Board considered 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 (the “Fund Complex”) and at an individual Fund level, with the Manager sustaining a loss before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager for each Fund. The Board also considered comparative information provided by the Manager regarding the Manager’s overall profitability with respect to the Fund Complex relative to the overall profitability of other firms in the mutual fund industry, as disclosed in publicly available sources. Although the Board noted that, in certain cases, the fee rates paid by other clients of the Manager are lower than the fee rates paid by the 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 applicable 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 each subadvisor in connection with its investment advisory services to a Fund, the Board considered representations made by each subadvisor that the fee rate negotiated by the Manager is favorable relative to the fee rates that 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 that different firms likely employ different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

 

 

58


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (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 each Fund grows and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints with respect to each Fund’s subadvisory fee rate.

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 each Fund.

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 subadvisors’ investment process and expanding the level of assets under management by the Manager and the subadvisors. The Board also considered that the Manager may invest the Funds’ cash balances and cash collateral provided by the borrowers of the Funds’ securities in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, which the Manager manages directly. In addition, the Board noted that SGA benefits from soft dollar arrangements for proprietary and/or third-party research. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager and the 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 in comparison to 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, the Trustees viewed longer-term performance over a full market cycle as the most important consideration, because relative performance over shorter periods may be significantly impacted by market or economic events and not necessarily reflective of manager skill.

The expense comparisons below were made in comparison to 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. The Trustees also considered each 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.

 

 

59


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement and Investment Advisory Agreement with Acadian for the Acadian 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

   4th Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   4th Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Above Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (three-year period ended December 31, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   5th Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   5th Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) management’s explanation that Acadian’s defensive investment process is designed to construct a portfolio of securities that exhibit less volatility than is typical of emerging markets, and that the Fund is likely to underperform when emerging markets are less volatile; (2) management’s representation regarding the 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 or performance universe or Morningstar category pursue a comparable investment strategy; (3) information provided by Acadian regarding fee rates charged for managing accounts in the same strategy as the subadvisor manages the Fund; and (4) 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 Agreement and Investment Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the Acadian 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 SGA Global Growth Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement with SGA for the SGA 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

   2nd Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   Average Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (five-year period ended December 31, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   2nd Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   2nd Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) information provided by SGA regarding fee rates charged for managing accounts in the same strategy as the subadvisor manages the Fund; (2) that the Fund acquired all of the assets of the SGA Global Growth Fund (the “Acquired Fund”), a series of the Investment Managers Series Trust, on October 7, 2013, and that the Fund’s performance prior to that date is that of the Acquired Fund; and (3) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor.

 

 

60


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Approval of New Investment Advisory Agreement for American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund

At its June 5-6, 2018 meetings, the Board considered the approval of a new investment advisory agreement among the Manager, SGA, and the Trust, on behalf of the SGA Fund (“New Agreement”). The Board was advised that SGA was expected to undergo a change of control on or about June 30, 2018, and that the change in control would result in an assignment and the automatic termination of the existing Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, SGA and the Trust, on behalf of the SGA Fund (“Existing Agreement”).

Prior to the June 5-6, 2018 meetings, information was provided to the Board by SGA and the Manager regarding the change of control and the New Agreement. In addition, information was provided to the Board by SGA and the Manger prior to the Board’s May 18, 2018 and June 5-6, 2018 meetings in connection with the Board’s review of the Existing Agreement. In connection with its consideration of the New Agreement, the Board considered that the New Agreement would contain the same terms and conditions as the Existing Agreement and that the services provided by SGA to the SGA Fund and the fee rate paid by the SGA Fund to SGA would remain unchanged. The Board also considered that the individuals who currently provide portfolio management services to the SGA Fund would remain the same after the change in control. Therefore, the Board considered certain information provided in connection with its review of the Existing Agreement in determining whether to approve the New Agreement.

Based on the foregoing considerations, the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the SGA Fund, the Manager or SGA, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, concluded that the approval of the New Agreement was in the best interests of the SGA Fund and approved the New Agreement.

 

 

61


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:

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 American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund’s portfolio holdings is also available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com approximately sixty days after the end of each quarter. A complete schedule of the American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund’s portfolio holdings is also available on the website 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

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.

Irving, Texas

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

 

American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund and American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 7/18


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.

GROSVENOR LONG/SHORT FUND

Because the Fund may invest in fewer issuers than a more diversified portfolio, the fluctuating value of a single holding may have a greater effect on the value of the Fund. The Fund may have high portfolio turnover risk, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance. Investing in small- or mid-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks and in some cases the addition of financial leverage, which can magnify these 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.

NUMERIC INTEGRATED ALPHA FUND

Short sales involve special risks, including greater reliance on the sub-advisor’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument; the Fund’s losses are potentially unlimited in a short sale. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks and in some cases the addition of financial leverage, which can magnify these risks. 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. Investing in small- or mid-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks.

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

July 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    6  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

    8  

American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

    28  

Financial Statements

    48  

Notes to Financial Statements

    52  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

    78  

American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

    84  

Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    88  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term investment goals:

Institutional wisdom + earned alpha = enduring value.

 

u  We believe institutional wisdom comes from having more than 30 years of experience as manager of one of the country’s largest pension plans. As a fiduciary, we have built an investment due-diligence and oversight infrastructure, which we leverage across all our investment products. When selecting our investment managers, we focus on their people, processes and performance. We perform due-diligence reviews with each investment manager on a quarterly basis.

 

u  We believe earned alpha – that is, the returns of an actively managed

  fund beyond a benchmark – comes from employing and engaging investment managers we believe are best-in-class and who have defined, repeatable and proven processes. Our experience has shown us that, while it’s important to be mindful of short-term considerations, having a long-term focus helps manage expectations, mitigate risks and realize goals. Thus, we seek relationships with leading investment managers who display a willingness to undertake time-intensive research strategies. The resulting investment portfolios are differentiated from their peers and allow incremental changes to help address periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty.

 

u  

We believe enduring value comes from “putting a portfolio in place and sticking with the plan.” Our mutual funds provide you with access to institutional-quality, research-intensive investment managers with diverse processes and styles. In the long run, having such access and spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may better position you to reach your long-term investment goals.

During periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty – such as what we’ve seen thus far in 2018 – investing for the long term requires conviction. It isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move. It’s about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. It’s about developing an approach based on long-term participation, while seeking some measure of protection against ongoing volatility.

As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. Many of the sub-advisors to our mutual funds pursue upside capture and/or downside protection using proprietary strategies. The investment teams behind our mutual funds seek to produce consistent, long-term results rather than focus only on short-term movements in the markets. In managing our investment products, we emphasize identifying opportunities that offer the potential for high quality and lower risk.

At American Beacon, our approach is more than a concept. It’s the cornerstone of our culture. And we strive to apply it at every turn as we seek to provide a well-diversified line of investment products for your portfolio.

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 Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund (the “Fund”) returned -3.58% for the six-month period ending July 31, 2018. The Fund underperformed the MSCI World Index (the “Index”) return of -1.63% for the same period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended July 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

 

1 Year

 

Since Inception

10/1/2015

Institutional Class (1,4)

     GVRIX          (3.37 )%       5.77 %       6.70 %

Y Class (1,4)

     GVRYX          (3.38 )%       5.68 %       6.61 %

Investor Class (1,4)

     GVRPX          (3.58 )%       5.34 %       6.28 %

A without Sales Charge (1,4)

     GSVAX          (3.50 )%       5.34 %       6.28 %

A with Sales Charge (1,4)

     GSVAX          (9.04 )%       (0.68 )%       4.08 %

C without Sales Charge (1,4)

     GVRCX          (3.93 )%       4.45 %       5.46 %

C with Sales Charge (1,4)

     GVRCX          (4.93 )%       3.45 %       5.46 %

Ultra Class (1,2,4)

     GVRUX          (3.28 )%       5.86 %       6.74 %
                   

MSCI World Index (3)

              (1.63 )%       11.88 %       13.52 %

 

*

Not Annualized.

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of the date indicated and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to each Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

2.

Fund performance for the periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 10/1/15 through 11/14/17, the inception date of the Ultra Class, and the returns of the Ultra Class since its inception. Expenses of the Ultra Class are lower than the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the Ultra Class been in existence since 10/1/15. A portion of the fees charged to the Ultra Class of the Fund has been waived since class inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown.

 

3.

The MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

4.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C and Ultra Class shares were 4.29%, 4.76%, 5.02%, 5.06%, 5.80%, and 4.33%, 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.

During the period, three out of five sub-advisers in the Fund generated negative performance. Losses were driven by long positions in the portfolio during the period, with short positions and hedges mitigating losses.

A source of detraction included exposure to the consumer, industrials and energy sectors. The Fund also experienced losses during the steep equity market sell-off early in the period that occurred in conjunction with inflation fears and historically high valuation levels. Additionally, idiosyncratic developments in residential real estate companies and consumer home positions resulted in some negative performance.

The Fund’s lead sub-advisor, Grosvenor Capital Management, continues to implement its thorough due-diligence process that addresses Investment Strategy & Research, Risk Management, and Operational Effectiveness among the Fund’s sub-advisors. These efforts, and the Fund’s investment process, have remained consistent since its inception.

 

 

2


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Top 10 Long Exposures (% Net Assets)

 

LKQ Corp.         1.5  
FirstEnergy Corp.         1.5  
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.         1.4  
Teck Resources Ltd.         1.3  
Exelon Corp.         1.2  
Marriott International, Inc.         1.2  
Restaurant Brands International, Inc.         1.2  
Alphabet, Inc.         1.2  
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.         1.2  
Masco Corp.         1.2  
     
Top 10 Short Exposures (% Net Assets)

 

Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund         (1.2)  
Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund         (1.0)  
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF         (1.0)  
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund         (0.7)  
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund         (0.6)  
SPDR S&P Retail ETF         (0.5)  
Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund         (0.5)  
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust         (0.5)  
iShares Russell 2000 ETF         (0.5)  
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.         (0.5)  
     
Net Sector Exposures (% Investments)

 

Consumer Discretionary         29.3  
Financials         22.7  
Information Technology         20.1  
Industrials         15.4  
Utilities         9.7  
Materials         8.0  
Energy         4.1  
Consumer Staples         2.3  
Health Care         1.7  
Investment Companies         1.6  
Real Estate         1.4  
Telecommunication Services         1.2  
Exchange-Traded Instruments         (17.5)  
     
Fund Level Exposure (% Net Assets)         Fund  
Net Exposure         56.3  
Gross Exposure         108.3  
Long Exposure         82.3  
Short Exposure         26.0  

 

 

3


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund (the “Fund”) returned -2.71% for the six months ended July 31, 2018. The Fund underperformed the ICE BofA/ML 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (the “Index”) return of 0.85% for the period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended July 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

  

1 Year

 

Since Inception
11/1/2016

Institutional Class (1,3)

     NIAIX          (2.59 )%        (1.90 )%       (0.47 )%

Y Class (1,3)

     NIAYX          (2.60 )%        (1.93 )%       (0.49 )%

Investor Class (1,3)

     NIAPX          (2.71 )%        (2.21 )%       (0.76 )%

Ultra Class (1,3)

     NIAUX          (2.50 )%        (1.71 )%       (0.25 )%
                    

ICE BofAML 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (2)

              0.85 %        1.43 %       1.08 %

 

*

Not Annualized.

 

1.

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

 

2.

The ICE BofAML 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.

 

3.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, and Ultra Class shares were 6.17%, 6.27%, 6.55%, and 6.07%, 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.

Within the Fund, the Core Market Neutral strategy was the largest detractor from returns during the period. This strategy develops a market-neutral, long-short equity portfolio that seeks to identify mispriced securities caused by valuation discrepancies, investor sentiment, seasonal trends and other events that cause equity prices to fluctuate around fundamental valuations. Industry-specific models are also employed within various regions and sectors; thus, the primary detractors over the period were the U.S. region and Consumer Discretionary components. Conversely, the UK region contributed positively, as did the Energy and Consumer Staples sectors which added slightly to performance.

The Fund’s Dynamic Beta component also detracted from returns during the period. This strategy uses global equity index and U.S. Treasury futures to add long exposure to the Fund when the models identify opportunity. During this period, exposure to EAFE and Emerging Market equities hurt performance.

The Country Timing component was negative for the period. This is a market-neutral strategy utilizing Country ETFs to combine traditional value and momentum signals with top-down fundamentals. The Fund seeks to benefit when prices revert back to more appropriate levels.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to implement its systematic investment process utilizing a fundamental approach that combines a diversified set of uncorrelated quantitative strategies. This investment process has remained consistent since the Fund’s inception.

 

 

4


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Top Ten Long Exposures (% Net Assets)

 

Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund           2.0  
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund           1.9  
Forest City Realty Trust, Inc., Class A           1.4  
Assured Guaranty Ltd.           1.4  
Atkore International Group, Inc.           1.3  
QTS Realty Trust, Inc., Class A           1.3  
Equinix, Inc., REIT           1.3  
Simon Property Group, Inc.           1.3  
Citrix Systems, Inc.           1.2  
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.           1.2  
Total Fund Holdings      270       
       
Top Ten Short Exposures (% Net Assets)

 

Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund           (2.0)  
Duke Realty Corp.           (1.3)  
Tesla, Inc.           (1.3)  
Adient PLC           (1.3)  
Baker Hughes a GE Co.           (1.3)  
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.           (1.2)  
Southern Co.           (1.2)  
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund           (1.2)  
Seritage Growth Properties           (1.2)  
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.           (1.2)  
Total Fund Holdings      161       
       
Sector Exposure (% Equities)      Portfolio Long          Portfolio Short  
Real Estate      13.2          (14.6)  
Consumer Discretionary      12.2          (13.5)  
Exchange-Traded Instruments      8.0          (8.3)  
Information Technology      7.7          (5.3)  
Industrials      6.5          (3.4)  
Financials      3.6          (2.4)  
Health Care      3.5          (1.7)  
Consumer Staples      2.5          (0.9)  
Utilities      2.2          (2.4)  
Materials      2.1          (0.5)  
Energy      2.0          (2.9)  
Telecommunication Services      0.7          (0.1)  

 

 

5


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Example

July 31, 2018 (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 Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from February 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018.

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 Fund through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The “Hypothetical” lines of the tables provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Fund’s actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the 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 Fund, 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

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
2/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
7/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
2/1/2018-7/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $966.30       $18.04
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,006.40       $18.41
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $967.10       $18.53
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,006.00       $18.90
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $965.00       $20.07
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,004.40       $20.48
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $965.00       $19.98
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,004.50       $20.38
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $960.70       $23.58
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,000.70       $24.06
Ultra Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $967.20       $17.51
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,007.00       $17.86

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 3.70%, 3.80%, 4.12%, 4.10%, 4.85%, and 3.59% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and Ultra 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 Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
2/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
7/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
2/1/2018-7/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $974.10       $23.74
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,000.70       $24.06
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $974.00       $24.23
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,000.20       $24.55
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $972.90       $25.58
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $998.90       $25.92
Ultra Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $975.00       $23.36
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,001.10       $23.67

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 4.85%, 4.95%, 5.23%, and 4.77% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, and Ultra 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 Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
SECURITIES HELD LONG            
COMMON STOCKS - 80.68%            
Consumer Discretionary - 18.75%            
Auto Components - 0.17%            
Mountain Commerce Bancorp, Inc.A       1,722         $ 33,699
           

 

 

 
           
Automobiles - 0.20%            
Harley-Davidson, Inc.       202           8,664
Thor Industries, Inc.       321           30,447
           

 

 

 
              39,111
           

 

 

 
           
Distributors - 1.53%            
LKQ Corp.A       8,929           299,300
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 8.01%            
Caesars Entertainment Corp.A       17,542           198,225
Carnival Corp.       2,014           119,309
Jack in the Box, Inc.       245           20,639
Marriott International, Inc., Class A       1,886           241,106
Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., ADR       4,334           112,077
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.A       764           38,223
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.A       147           6,953
Restaurant Brands International, Inc.       3,756           237,116
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.       782           88,178
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.A       3,904           83,155
Starbucks Corp.       283           14,826
Wyndham Destinations, Inc.       1,150           53,038
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.       3,849           223,242
Yum China Holdings, Inc.       406           14,649
Yum! Brands, Inc.       1,422           112,751
           

 

 

 
              1,563,487
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - 1.61%            
Century Communities, Inc.A       968           29,524
DR Horton, Inc.       102           4,457
Lennar Corp., Class A       572           29,898
M/I Homes, Inc.A       1,318           34,083
Mohawk Industries, Inc.A       1,007           189,679
Taylor Morrison Home Corp., Class AA       1,418           27,694
           

 

 

 
              315,335
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 1.08%            
Amazon.com, Inc.A       93           165,302
Booking Holdings, Inc.A       14           28,402
JD.com, Inc., ADRA       478           17,141
           

 

 

 
              210,845
           

 

 

 
           
Leisure Products - 0.91%            
Brunswick Corp.       2,779           178,690
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 2.67%            
CBS Corp., Class B, NVDR       3,897           205,255
Liberty Media Corp–Liberty SiriusXM, Tracking Stock, Class AA B       3,886           183,186
Liberty Media Corp–Liberty SiriusXM, Tracking Stock, Class CA B       908           42,885
Tribune Media Co., Class A       1,989           67,328
Viacom, Inc., Class B       782           22,717
           

 

 

 
              521,371
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 0.85%            
Dollar Tree, Inc.A       484           44,180

 

See accompanying notes

 

8


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 80.68% (continued)            
Consumer Discretionary - 18.75% (continued)            
Multiline Retail - 0.85% (continued)            
JC Penney Co., Inc.A       5,281         $ 12,938
Macy’s, Inc.       1,591           63,210
Nordstrom, Inc.       444           23,270
Target Corp.       266           21,461
           

 

 

 
              165,059
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 1.07%            
At Home Group, Inc.A       401           14,544
Camping World Holdings, Inc., Class A       336           7,449
Gap, Inc.       1,315           39,674
Hudson Ltd., Class AA       1,915           32,364
Industria de Diseno Textil S.A.C       324           10,620
MarineMax, Inc.A       3,934           73,762
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.A       121           29,571
           

 

 

 
              207,984
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 0.65%            
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.A       102           12,235
Moncler SpAC       182           8,024
Puma SEC       170           85,255
Swatch Group AGC       49           22,011
           

 

 

 
              127,525
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              3,662,406
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 1.90%            
Beverages - 0.68%            
Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A., Sponsored ADR       291           29,601
Coca-Cola Co.       637           29,703
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A       351           73,791
           

 

 

 
              133,095
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 0.18%            
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V.C       800           20,328
Kroger Co.       502           14,558
           

 

 

 
              34,886
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 0.47%            
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A       2,119           91,922
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products - 0.57%            
Procter & Gamble Co.       1,379           111,533
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              371,436
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 2.31%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 2.31%            
China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Class HC       59,167           56,823
Hess Corp.       2,037           133,688
Kinder Morgan, Inc.       2,162           38,440
Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd.C       92,488           80,074
Newfield Exploration Co.A       1,325           38,054
PetroChina Co., Ltd., Class HC       40,950           31,068
Tellurian, Inc.A       4,361           34,060
YPF S.A., Sponsored ADR       2,296           38,114
           

 

 

 
              450,321
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 80.68% (continued)            
Financials - 18.14%            
Banks - 10.37%            
1st Capital BankA       2,265         $ 41,336
American Business BankA       2,775           111,000
American River Bankshares       2,042           31,957
American Riviera BankA       2,244           42,636
Bank Leumi Le-Israel BMC       2,607           16,334
Bank of Commerce Holdings       1,923           24,037
Bank of Ireland Group PLCC       6,269           53,773
Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc.       3,536           57,460
Bridge Bancorp, Inc.       3,696           132,317
Carter Bank & TrustA       848           15,306
Chemung Financial Corp.       422           18,973
Citigroup, Inc.       765           54,996
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.       818           32,540
Codorus Valley Bancorp, Inc.       1,123           35,071
Commerce West Bank       1,605           41,730
Community Financial Corp.       293           10,188
CYBG PLCC       12,750           57,816
Delmarva Bancshares, Inc.A       1,704           13,973
DNB Financial Corp.       922           31,071
Eagle Financial Services, Inc.       259           9,531
Embassy Bancorp, Inc.       496           8,482
ENB Financial Corp.       98           3,533
Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.A       517           13,204
Exchange Bank       145           27,115
Farmers & Merchants Bank of Long Beach       7           58,100
First Northern Community BancorpA       2,518           34,622
Highlands Bankshares, Inc.A       1,314           9,632
Hilltop Holdings, Inc.       3,465           72,072
IBERIABANK Corp.       561           46,619
Israel Discount Bank Ltd., Class AC       6,137           19,408
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.       2,540           72,263
Meridian BankA       2,438           42,446
Metro Bank PLCA C       2,614           109,871
Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp.A       348           17,101
MidSouth Bancorp, Inc.       3,901           55,199
MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc.       275           8,844
Pacific City Financial Corp.       2,148           38,664
Parke Bancorp, Inc.       658           15,529
Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp.       977           32,124
Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc.       839           52,437
Premier Financial Bancorp, Inc.       556           10,570
Private Bancorp of America, Inc.A       417           10,759
Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLCC       5,294           17,724
Santa Cruz County Bank       11           578
Seacoast Commerce Banc Holdings       1,185           24,008
Shore Bancshares, Inc.       1,316           25,425
Signature Bank       603           66,155
SouthCrest Financial Group, Inc.       950           10,355
State Bank Corp.       341           5,149
Stewardship Financial Corp.       2,051           22,151
Tri City Bankshares Corp.       1,542           33,770
UniCredit SpAC       7,260           128,347
Virginia National Bankshares Corp.       93           4,213
WTB Financial Corp., Class B       206           79,413
Zions Bancorp       317           16,389
           

 

 

 
              2,024,316
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 80.68% (continued)            
Financials - 18.14% (continued)            
Capital Markets - 1.91%            
Amundi S.A.C D       1,206         $ 83,219
CBOE Global Markets, Inc.       1,764           171,337
S&P Global, Inc.       591           118,460
           

 

 

 
              373,016
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 2.51%            
Ally Financial, Inc.       6,680           178,757
OneMain Holdings, Inc.A       5,594           186,000
Regional Management Corp.A       3,762           124,786
           

 

 

 
              489,543
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 0.54%            
Progressive Corp.       1,758           105,497
           

 

 

 
           
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance - 2.81%            
Charter Court Financial Services Group PLCA C D       10,662           47,423
Equitable Group, Inc.       1,108           53,660
Flagstar Bancorp, Inc.A       2,162           73,616
Home Capital Group, Inc.A       6,089           71,616
Luther Burbank Corp.       5,763           62,702
OneSavings Bank PLCC       7,887           44,985
OP BancorpA       3,122           39,431
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc., Class AA       4,129           79,070
Sterling Bancorp, Inc.       6,014           77,100
           

 

 

 
              549,603
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              3,541,975
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 1.03%            
Health Care Providers & Services - 0.67%            
Cigna Corp.       398           71,409
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B       491           59,951
           

 

 

 
              131,360
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 0.36%            
Pfizer, Inc.       1,770           70,676
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              202,036
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 10.77%            
Aerospace & Defense - 1.32%            
Boeing Co.       172           61,284
Meggitt PLCC       7,080           52,945
TransDigm Group, Inc.       385           144,583
           

 

 

 
              258,812
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - 0.72%            
Deutsche Lufthansa AGC       128           3,591
Southwest Airlines Co.       1,760           102,362
United Continental Holdings, Inc.A       433           34,813
           

 

 

 
              140,766
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 2.65%            
Builders FirstSource, Inc.A       866           15,527
Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.       4,688           271,904
Masco Corp.       5,715           230,486
           

 

 

 
              517,917
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 80.68% (continued)            
Industrials - 10.77% (continued)            
Commercial Services & Supplies - 0.67%            
Advanced Disposal Services, Inc.A       3,159         $ 77,712
Waste Connections, Inc.       684           53,085
           

 

 

 
              130,797
           

 

 

 
           
Construction & Engineering - 0.12%            
Beijing Urban Construction Design & Development Group Co., Ltd., Class HC D       51,610           23,407
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - 1.02%            
Bloom Energy Corp., Class AA       1,653           38,101
Enphase Energy, Inc.A       9,159           54,496
Melrose Industries PLCC       37,313           105,791
           

 

 

 
              198,388
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial Conglomerates - 0.44%            
Siemens AGC       612           86,402
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 2.12%            
Chart Industries, Inc.A       798           62,316
China Conch Venture Holdings Ltd.C       17,915           67,501
CIMC Enric Holdings Ltd.C       7,890           7,209
Middleby Corp.A       1,391           142,550
Navistar International Corp.A       2,419           104,186
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.       207           30,940
           

 

 

 
              414,702
           

 

 

 
           
Marine - 0.12%            
AP Moller – Maersk A/S, Class BC       11           15,813
Star Bulk Carriers Corp.A       523           7,003
           

 

 

 
              22,816
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - 0.59%            
Norfolk Southern Corp.       280           47,320
Union Pacific Corp.       449           67,301
           

 

 

 
              114,621
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.00%            
AerCap Holdings N.V.A       1,342           75,326
Air Lease Corp.       1,980           87,041
BOC Aviation Ltd.C D       5,147           32,391
           

 

 

 
              194,758
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              2,103,386
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 11.97%            
Communications Equipment - 0.62%            
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.A       611           121,137
           

 

 

 
              121,137
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 0.24%            
Landis+Gyr Group AGA C       736           47,003
           

 

 

 
           
Internet Software & Services - 3.42%            
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Sponsored ADRA       20           3,745
Alphabet, Inc., Class AA       193           236,853
Five9, Inc.A       1,883           60,068
GrubHub, Inc.A       92           11,214

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 80.68% (continued)            
Information Technology - 11.97% (continued)            
Internet Software & Services - 3.42% (continued)            
Hortonworks, Inc.A       3,881         $ 67,607
Spotify Technology S.A.A       874           159,793
Twitter, Inc.A       4,014           127,926
           

 

 

 
              667,206
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 3.59%            
Mastercard, Inc., Class A       481           95,238
Pagseguro Digital Ltd., Class AA       2,037           54,836
PayPal Holdings, Inc.A       2,761           226,789
Visa, Inc., Class A       818           111,853
Worldpay, Inc., Class AA       2,597           213,447
           

 

 

 
              702,163
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 3.71%            
CDK Global, Inc.       2,431           151,816
LINE Corp., Sponsored ADRA       2,946           128,210
Microsoft Corp.       847           89,850
Red Hat, Inc.A       616           86,998
ServiceNow, Inc.A       175           30,793
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.       4,461           236,745
           

 

 

 
              724,412
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 0.39%            
Apple, Inc.       248           47,192
NetApp, Inc.       374           28,992
           

 

 

 
              76,184
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              2,338,105
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 5.02%            
Chemicals - 1.19%            
Mosaic Co.       877           26,406
Sherwin-Williams Co.       467           205,821
           

 

 

 
              232,227
           

 

 

 
           
Construction Materials - 0.40%            
Buzzi Unicem SpAC       582           12,822
Forterra, Inc.A       4,857           43,956
Loma Negra Cia Industrial Argentina S.A., Sponsored ADRA       1,925           21,637
           

 

 

 
              78,415
           

 

 

 
           
Containers & Packaging - 0.11%            
Ball Corp.       577           22,486
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - 2.99%            
China Molybdenum Co., Ltd., Class HC       27,546           14,029
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.       9,280           144,745
Southern Copper Corp.       1,043           51,482
Teck Resources Ltd., Class B       9,511           247,571
thyssenkrupp AGC       1,998           53,265
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.       2,802           72,488
           

 

 

 
              583,580
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 80.68% (continued)            
Materials - 5.02% (continued)            
Paper & Forest Products - 0.33%            
Canfor Corp.A       2,171         $ 47,597
West Fraser Timber Co., Ltd.       268           16,647
           

 

 

 
              64,244
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              980,952
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 0.97%            
Real Estate Management & Development - 0.97%            
Realogy Holdings Corp.       8,688           190,007
           

 

 

 

Total Real Estate

              190,007
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunication Services - 0.68%            
Diversified Telecommunication Services - 0.14%            
China Unicom Hong Kong Ltd.C       21,416           26,456
           

 

 

 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services - 0.54%            
TIM Participacoes S.A., ADRA       3,148           51,690
XL Axiata Tbk PTA C       282,937           54,034
           

 

 

 
              105,724
           

 

 

 
           

Total Telecommunication Services

              132,180
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 9.14%            
Electric Utilities - 6.45%            
Alliant Energy Corp.       1,162           49,931
Avangrid, Inc.       3,580           179,215
Edison International       2,066           137,658
El Paso Electric Co.       445           27,723
Exelon Corp.       5,720           243,100
FirstEnergy Corp.       8,157           289,003
Pampa Energia S.A., Sponsored ADRA       669           28,198
PG&E Corp.       2,084           89,779
Portland General Electric Co.       1,192           54,069
PPL Corp.       5,595           160,968
           

 

 

 
              1,259,644
           

 

 

 
           
Gas Utilities - 0.64%            
Beijing Enterprises Holdings Ltd.C       4,890           23,809
China Resources Gas Group Ltd.C       11,260           53,434
ENN Energy Holdings Ltd.C       4,663           47,508
           

 

 

 
              124,751
           

 

 

 
           
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers - 1.00%            
AES Corp.       9,728           129,966
NRG Energy, Inc.       731           23,151
Vistra Energy Corp.A       1,827           41,290
           

 

 

 
              194,407
           

 

 

 
           
Multi-Utilities - 0.63%            
RWE AGC       4,727           124,022
           

 

 

 
              124,022
           

 

 

 
           
Water Utilities - 0.42%            
Beijing Enterprises Water Group Ltd.A C       99,976           54,675
Guangdong Investment Ltd.C       16,417           28,276
           

 

 

 
              82,951
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              1,785,775
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $14,933,622)

              15,758,579
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
INVESTMENT COMPANIES - 0.92% (Cost $149,273)            
Closed-End Funds - 0.92%            
Altaba, Inc.A       2,435         $ 178,851
           

 

 

 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - 0.69% (Cost $130,728)            
Exchange-Traded Funds - 0.69%            
iShares China Large-Cap ETF       3,083           134,480
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 5.52% (Cost $1,079,034)            
Investment Companies - 5.52%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 1.82%E F       1,079,034           1,079,034
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL SECURITIES HELD LONG (Cost $16,292,657)

              17,150,944
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES HELD SHORT            
COMMON STOCKS - (15.49%)            
Consumer Discretionary - (2.29%)            
Auto Components - (0.01%)            
BorgWarner, Inc.       (19 )           (875 )
Delphi Technologies PLC       (19 )           (858 )
Faurecia S.A.C       (11 )           (747 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,480 )
           

 

 

 
           
Automobiles - (0.42%)            
Ferrari N.V.       (186 )           (24,667 )
Ford Motor Co.       (1,455 )           (14,608 )
Tesla, Inc.A       (140 )           (41,740 )
           

 

 

 
              (81,015 )
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Consumer Services - (0.04%)            
Sotheby’sA       (125 )           (6,639 )
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - (0.19%)            
Hilton Hotels Corp.       (92 )           (7,112 )
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.       (80 )           (6,293 )
MGM Resorts International       (468 )           (14,681 )
Wynn Macau Ltd.C       (794 )           (2,348 )
Wynn Resorts Ltd.       (44 )           (7,338 )
           

 

 

 
              (37,772 )
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - (0.44%)            
DR Horton, Inc.       (246 )           (10,750 )
Leggett & Platt, Inc.       (14 )           (610 )
LGI Homes, Inc.A       (300 )           (15,507 )
NVR, Inc.A       (3 )           (8,278 )
PulteGroup, Inc.       (839 )           (23,903 )
TopBuild Corp.A       (198 )           (14,708 )
TRI Pointe Group, Inc.A       (896 )           (12,696 )
           

 

 

 
              (86,452 )
           

 

 

 
           
Media - (0.52%)            
Altice USA, Inc., Class AA       (1,092 )           (18,706 )
Entercom Communications Corp., Class A       (2,200 )           (16,610 )
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.A       (62 )           (3,055 )
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SEC       (913 )           (24,696 )
RTL Group S.A.C       (311 )           (23,182 )
Walt Disney Co.       (138 )           (15,671 )
           

 

 

 
              (101,920 )
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (15.49%) (continued)            
Consumer Discretionary - (2.29%) (continued)            
Multiline Retail - (0.07%)            
Dollarama, Inc.       (161 )         $ (5,817 )
Next PLCC       (89 )           (6,930 )
Nordstrom, Inc.       (29 )           (1,520 )
           

 

 

 
              (14,267 )
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - (0.45%)            
AutoNation, Inc.A       (261 )           (12,666 )
Best Buy Co., Inc.       (66 )           (4,952 )
CarMax, Inc.A       (360 )           (26,885 )
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class AA       (91 )           (4,345 )
Hennes & Mauritz AB, Class BC       (1,094 )           (17,029 )
Home Depot, Inc.       (15 )           (2,963 )
Lumber Liquidators Holdings, Inc.A       (297 )           (5,744 )
Monro, Inc.       (97 )           (6,543 )
Tiffany & Co.       (53 )           (7,291 )
           

 

 

 
              (88,418 )
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - (0.15%)            
Canada Goose Holdings, Inc.A       (56 )           (3,214 )
Gildan Activewear, Inc.       (211 )           (5,435 )
Hanesbrands, Inc.       (45 )           (1,002 )
HUGO BOSS AGC       (41 )           (3,695 )
Pandora A/SC       (208 )           (14,797 )
           

 

 

 
              (28,143 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              (447,106 )
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - (0.61%)            
Beverages - (0.13%)            
Boston Beer Co., Inc., Class AA       (23 )           (6,324 )
Davide Campari-Milano SpAC       (596 )           (5,024 )
Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B       (220 )           (14,740 )
           

 

 

 
              (26,088 )
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - (0.27%)            
Colruyt S.A.C       (120 )           (7,170 )
Costco Wholesale Corp.       (17 )           (3,718 )
ICA Gruppen ABC       (177 )           (5,871 )
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V.C       (629 )           (15,983 )
Loblaw Cos Ltd.       (108 )           (5,710 )
Metro, Inc.       (104 )           (3,507 )
Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLCC       (2,903 )           (9,949 )
           

 

 

 
              (51,908 )
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - (0.02%)            
Danone S.A.C       (50 )           (3,928 )
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products - (0.19%)            
Colgate-Palmolive Co.       (78 )           (5,227 )
Kimberly-Clark Corp.       (276 )           (31,425 )
           

 

 

 
              (36,652 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              (118,576 )
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - (5.38%)            
Banks - (3.90%)            
1st Source Corp.       (612 )           (34,615 )
Blue Hills Bancorp, Inc.       (542 )           (11,870 )

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (15.49%) (continued)            
Financials - (5.38%) (continued)            
Banks - (3.90%) (continued)            
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce       (253 )         $ (23,090 )
Canadian Western Bank       (1,483 )           (41,599 )
City Holding Co.       (427 )           (34,365 )
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.       (765 )           (51,102 )
Community Bank System, Inc.       (277 )           (17,520 )
First Financial Bankshares, Inc.       (1,031 )           (58,355 )
German American Bancorp, Inc.       (465 )           (17,038 )
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.       (1,264 )           (53,973 )
Heritage Financial Corp.       (923 )           (32,351 )
Independent Bank Corp.       (551 )           (48,708 )
JPMorgan Chase & Co.       (237 )           (27,243 )
Lakeland Financial Corp.       (509 )           (24,681 )
Laurentian Bank of Canada       (1,201 )           (43,042 )
Lloyds Banking Group PLCC       (51,971 )           (42,518 )
Royal Bank of Canada       (286 )           (22,326 )
S&T Bancorp, Inc.       (410 )           (18,352 )
ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.       (1,186 )           (50,109 )
Valley National Bancorp       (566 )           (6,594 )
Webster Financial Corp.       (776 )           (50,075 )
WesBanco, Inc.       (392 )           (19,157 )
Westamerica Bancorp       (560 )           (33,611 )
           

 

 

 
              (762,294 )
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - (0.34%)            
Close Brothers Group PLCC       (3,189 )           (66,397 )
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - (0.24%)            
Discover Financial Services       (234 )           (16,710 )
World Acceptance Corp.A       (292 )           (29,173 )
           

 

 

 
              (45,883 )
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - (0.06%)            
First American Financial Corp.       (220 )           (12,320 )
           

 

 

 
           
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance - (0.84%)            
Beneficial Bancorp, Inc.       (1,893 )           (30,761 )
Kearny Financial Corp.       (4,785 )           (68,665 )
Oritani Financial Corp.       (526 )           (8,464 )
PCSB Financial Corp.       (1,519 )           (29,894 )
WSFS Financial Corp.       (477 )           (27,046 )
           

 

 

 
              (164,830 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              (1,051,724 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - (0.06%)            
Biotechnology - (0.06%)            
AbbVie, Inc.       (62 )           (5,719 )
Amgen, Inc.       (13 )           (2,555 )
Celgene Corp.A       (36 )           (3,243 )
           

 

 

 
              (11,517 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              (11,517 )
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - (2.09%)            
Aerospace & Defense - (0.01%)            
Cobham PLCA C       (607 )           (996 )
Senior PLCC       (231 )           (961 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,957 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (15.49%) (continued)            
Industrials - (2.09%) (continued)            
Air Freight & Logistics - (0.34%)            
FedEx Corp.       (156 )         $ (38,356 )
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B       (239 )           (28,653 )
           

 

 

 
              (67,009 )
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - (0.01%)            
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASAA C       (28 )           (823 )
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - (0.17%)            
AO Smith Corp.       (360 )           (21,431 )
Johnson Controls International PLC       (26 )           (975 )
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.       (135 )           (9,849 )
           

 

 

 
              (32,255 )
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - (0.19%)            
Cintas Corp.       (29 )           (5,930 )
Waste Management, Inc.       (354 )           (31,860 )
           

 

 

 
              (37,790 )
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - (0.38%)            
Eaton Corp. PLC       (130 )           (10,812 )
Emerson Electric Co.       (103 )           (7,445 )
Generac Holdings, Inc.A       (1,048 )           (56,330 )
           

 

 

 
              (74,587 )
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - (0.41%)            
Kone OYJ, Class BC       (189 )           (10,336 )
SKF AB, Class BC       (1,317 )           (27,048 )
Terex Corp.       (740 )           (32,649 )
Xylem, Inc.       (133 )           (9,314 )
           

 

 

 
              (79,347 )
           

 

 

 
           
Marine - (0.16%)            
Kirby Corp.A       (295 )           (24,618 )
Kuehne + Nagel International AGC       (46 )           (7,353 )
           

 

 

 
              (31,971 )
           

 

 

 
Road & Rail - (0.09%)            
Canadian National Railway Co.       (112 )           (9,985 )
Schneider National, Inc., Class B       (308 )           (8,051 )
           

 

 

 
              (18,036 )
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - (0.07%)            
Air Lease Corp.       (75 )           (3,297 )
WW Grainger, Inc.       (29 )           (10,050 )
           

 

 

 
              (13,347 )
           

 

 

 
           
Transportation Infrastructure - (0.26%)            
Atlantia SpAC       (1,516 )           (44,954 )
Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services WorldwideC       (53 )           (5,290 )
           

 

 

 
              (50,244 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              (407,366 )
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - (0.66%)            
Communications Equipment - (0.02%)            
Cisco Systems, Inc.       (106 )           (4,483 )
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (15.49%) (continued)            
Information Technology - (0.66%) (continued)            
Internet Software & Services - (0.26%)            
Dropbox, Inc., Class AA       (32 )         $ (857 )
iQIYI, Inc., ADRA       (416 )           (13,320 )
Pandora Media, Inc.A       (1,981 )           (13,352 )
Zillow Group, Inc., Class CA       (405 )           (22,558 )
           

 

 

 
              (50,087 )
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - (0.05%)            
Accenture PLC, Class A       (69 )           (10,994 )
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - (0.14%)            
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.A       (510 )           (27,158 )
           

 

 

 
           
Software - (0.17%)            
Adobe Systems, Inc.A       (21 )           (5,138 )
Atlassian Corp. PLC, Class AA       (4 )           (290 )
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.A       (88 )           (9,915 )
Fortinet, Inc.A       (49 )           (3,083 )
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.A       (33 )           (9,137 )
Workday, Inc., Class AA       (35 )           (4,341 )
Zscaler, Inc.A       (34 )           (1,200 )
           

 

 

 
              (33,104 )
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - (0.02%)            
Logitech International S.A.C       (76 )           (3,346 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              (129,172 )
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - (0.51%)            
Chemicals - (0.20%)            
Eastman Chemical Co.       (170 )           (17,615 )
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A       (198 )           (21,937 )
           

 

 

 
              (39,552 )
           

 

 

 
           
Construction Materials - (0.06%)            
Vulcan Materials Co.       (109 )           (12,208 )
           

 

 

 
           
Paper & Forest Products - (0.25%)            
Domtar Corp.       (438 )           (21,121 )
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.       (1,021 )           (27,485 )
           

 

 

 
              (48,606 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              (100,366 )
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - (0.21%)            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - (0.21%)            
Camden Property Trust       (241 )           (22,314 )
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., Class A       (210 )           (3,501 )
Federal Realty Investment Trust       (22 )           (2,761 )
Realty Income Corp.       (49 )           (2,733 )
Regency Centers Corp.       (72 )           (4,581 )
UDR, Inc.       (117 )           (4,502 )
           

 

 

 
              (40,392 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              (40,392 )
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (15.49%) (continued)            
Utilities - (3.68%)            
Electric Utilities - (1.83%)            
American Electric Power Co., Inc.       (771 )         $ (54,849 )
Duke Energy Corp.       (641 )           (52,318 )
Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc.       (584 )           (20,539 )
Innogy SEA C       (935 )           (40,283 )
Southern Co.       (967 )           (46,996 )
Terna Rete Elettrica Nazionale SpAC       (11,395 )           (63,713 )
Xcel Energy, Inc.       (1,702 )           (79,756 )
           

 

 

 
              (358,454 )
           

 

 

 
           
Multi-Utilities - (1.40%)            
Avista Corp.       (1,493 )           (75,516 )
Consolidated Edison, Inc.       (351 )           (27,704 )
DTE Energy Co.       (503 )           (54,596 )
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.       (1,706 )           (87,961 )
WEC Energy Group, Inc.       (428 )           (28,406 )
           

 

 

 
              (274,183 )
           

 

 

 
           
Water Utilities - (0.45%)            
American Water Works Co., Inc.       (652 )           (57,539 )
AquaVenture Holdings Ltd.A       (1,783 )           (29,491 )
           

 

 

 
              (87,030 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              (719,667 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Proceeds $(2,894,022))

              (3,025,886 )
           

 

 

 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - (10.55%)            
Exchange-Traded Funds - (10.55%)            
Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund       (1,762 )           (196,058 )
Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund       (1,882 )           (100,819 )
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund       (120 )           (9,254 )
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund       (1,525 )           (135,618 )
Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund       (681 )           (52,382 )
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1       (378 )           (66,698 )
iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF       (685 )           (81,994 )
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF       (674 )           (80,523 )
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF, Class B       (825 )           (83,968 )
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF       (708 )           (25,559 )
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF       (360 )           (16,150 )
iShares MSCI India ETF       (254 )           (9,050 )
iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF       (94 )           (10,950 )
iShares Russell 2000 ETF       (580 )           (96,205 )
iShares STOXX Europe 600 UCITS ETFC       (1,036 )           (47,165 )
Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund       (260 )           (15,530 )
Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund       (753 )           (24,887 )
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust       (345 )           (97,090 )
SPDR S&P Biotech ETF       (112 )           (10,672 )
SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF       (474 )           (18,780 )
SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust       (94 )           (33,941 )
SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF       (421 )           (18,111 )
SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF       (1,207 )           (56,065 )
SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF       (251 )           (15,439 )
SPDR S&P Retail ETF       (2,158 )           (107,101 )
SPDR S&P Telecom ETF       (471 )           (33,558 )
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund       (1,678 )           (119,004 )
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund       (4,273 )           (225,572 )
VanEck Vectors Pharmaceutical ETF       (890 )           (55,046 )

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - (10.55%) (continued)            
Exchange-Traded Funds - (10.55%) (continued)            
VanEck Vectors Russia ETF       (1,284 )         $ (28,017 )
Vanguard Total International Bond ETF       (3,442 )           (188,415 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

              (2,059,621 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS (Proceeds $(1,865,130))

              (2,059,621 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL SECURITITES SOLD SHORT (Proceeds $(4,759,152))

              (5,085,507 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (EXCLUDES SECURITIES SOLD SHORT) - 87.81%
(Cost $16,292,657)

              17,150,944

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS - 0.08% (Premiums Paid $22,143)

              15,007

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS - (0.01%) (Premiums Received $(3,233))

              (990 )

TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (26.04%) (Proceeds $(4,759,152))

              (5,085,507 )

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 38.16%

              7,451,415
           

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 19,530,869
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

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 Fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. At period end, the value of these securities amounted to $1,324,954 or 6.78% of net assets. Value was determined using significant unobservable inputs.

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 $186,440 or 0.95% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.

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

F 7-day yield.

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund.

MSCI - Morgan Stanley Capital International.

NASDAQ - National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.

NVDR - Non Voting Depositary Receipt.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

S&P - Standard & Poor’s.

S&P 500 - Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index.

SPDR - Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt.

UCITS - Undertaking for Collective Investments in Transferable Securities.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:

 

Commodity Futures Contracts  
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Notional Amount      Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
ICE ECX Futures      3      December 2018      $      53,931        $61,327          $7,396  
              

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $      53,931        $61,327          $7,396  
              

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

OTC Swap Agreements Outstanding on July 31, 2018:

 

OTC Swap Agreement Contracts for Difference - Equity  
Reference Entity   Counter-
party
  Long/Short   Currency   Financing
Rate
    Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Acciona S.A.   MSC   Long   EUR     0.505     01/15/2020       410     $ 30,974     $ 1,112  
ACS Actividades de Construccion y Servicios S.A.   MSC   Long   EUR     0.142     01/15/2020       1,241       52,131       988  
Cellnex Telecom S.A.   MSC   Long   EUR     0.142     01/15/2020       2,764       69,900       3,544  
EDP - Energias de Portugal S.A.   MSC   Long   EUR     0.142     01/15/2020       32,937       120,160       14,299  
Electricite de France S.A.   MSC   Long   EUR     0.142     01/15/2020       6,617       84,965       14,136  
Gas Natural SDG S.A.   MSC   Long   EUR     0.139     01/15/2020       5,567       127,903       27,098  
RWE AG   MSC   Long   EUR     0.142     01/15/2020       1,902       39,526       10,413  
Suez   MSC   Long   EUR     0.142     01/15/2020       18,342       253,899       5,887  
Centrica PLC   MSC   Long   GBP     0.952     05/20/2020       25,288       51,313       (1,970
EDP - Energias do Brasil S.A.   MSC   Long   USD     2.910     02/13/2020       7,038       28,544       (2,971
Federal Grid Co Unified Energy System PJSC   MSC   Long   USD     3.410     02/12/2020       8,060,000       23,374       (1,499
GAIL India Ltd.   MSC   Long   USD     5.910     03/31/2020       14,985       75,425       6,616  
Inter RAO UES PJSC   MSC   Long   USD     3.410     02/12/2020       344,000       22,424       557  
ROSSETI PJSC   MSC   Long   USD     3.410     02/12/2020       2,000,000       30,786       (6,145
RusHydro PJSC   MSC   Long   USD     3.410     02/12/2020       1,517,000       19,402       (2,881
Enagas S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.858 %)      01/15/2020       (2,029     54,432       (2,355
Endesa S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.858 %)      01/15/2020       (3,804     80,231       (7,807
Engie S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.758 %)      01/15/2020       (5,642     89,216       (1,983
ESTX 50 PR Index   MSC   Short   EUR     0.000     07/30/2118       (13     54,343       718  
Red Electrica Corp S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.858 %)      01/15/2020       (2,926     59,235       (2,868
Stoxx Europe 600 Utilities   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.808 %)      02/03/2020       (18     6,140       (67
STXE 600 IG&S PR Index   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.808 %)      06/02/2020       (81     51,590       (868
CGN Power Co Ltd.   MSC   Short   HKD     (0.274 %)      02/04/2020       (59,000     16,744       1,105  
China Mobile Ltd.   MSC   Short   HKD     (0.274 %)      02/04/2020       (2,019     17,691       (525
CLP Holdings Ltd.   MSC   Short   HKD     (0.274 %)      02/04/2020       (6,452     65,178       (8,533
HK Electric Investments & HK Electric Investments Ltd.   MSC   Short   HKD     (0.649 %)      02/04/2020       (48,000     44,164       (4,832
Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd.   MSC   Short   HKD     (0.274 %)      02/04/2020       (18,425     34,504       (3,111
Shanghai Electric Group Co Ltd.   MSC   Short   HKD     (2.024 %)      02/04/2020       (47,580     17,586       1,640  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 1,573,578     $ 39,698  
             

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements  
Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
  Description   Reference Entity   Counter-
party
  Floating
Rate
    Expiration
Date
    Reference
Quantity
    Notional
Amount*
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Pay   1-Month USD-FEDEF   Alphabet, Inc.   MSC     2.410     10/2/2018       84       68,344     $ -     $ 34,742  
Pay   1-Month USD-FEDEF   Caterpillar, Inc.   MSC     2.410     10/2/2018       788       100,390       -       12,925  
Pay   1-Month USD-FEDEF   Delta Air Lines,
Inc.
  MSC     2.410     10/2/2018       2,295       120,851       -       4,043  
Pay   1-Day USD-FEDEF   Knight-Swift
Transportation
Holdings, Inc.
  MSC     2.410     10/2/2018       1,139       36,356       (6     724  
Pay   1-Month USD-FEDEF   Monster
Beverage Corp.
  MSC     2.410     10/2/2018       1,506       75,362       -       15,028  
Pay   1-Day USD-FEDEF   NVR, Inc.   MSC     2.410     10/2/2018       51       92,584       (2     48,149  
Pay   1-Day USD-FEDEF   Rio Tinto PLC   MSC     2.410     10/2/2018       2,690       114,014       -       35,280  
Pay   1-Day USD-FEDEF   Take-Two
Interactive
Software, Inc.
  MSC     2.410     10/2/2018       991       76,820       -       35,183  
Pay   1-Month EUR-EURIBOR   Cie Plastic
Omnium S.A.
  MSC     0.130     10/5/2018       1,130       33,710       -       7,978  
Pay   1-Month GBP-LIBOR   Rio Tinto PLC   MSC     1.000     10/5/2018       967       34,869       -       7,496  
Receive   1-Day EUR-EONIA   Accor S.A.   MSC     0.400     10/5/2018       564       24,794       -       -  
Receive   1-Day GBP-SONIA   Puma SE   MSC     1.000     10/9/2018       488       10,431       -       1,211  

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
  Description   Reference Entity   Counter-
party
  Floating
Rate
    Expiration
Date
    Reference
Quantity
    Notional
Amount*
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Receive   1-Day AUD-BBSW   Qantas Airways
Limited
  MSC     1.000     1/16/2019       3,884       25,405     $ -     $ (517
Receive   6-Month AUD-BBR-BBSW   Woolworths
Group Ltd
  MSC     1.000     4/5/2019       341       9,125       -       (844
Pay   1-Month HKD-HONIA   Tencent
Holdings Ltd.
  MSC     1.180     7/10/2019       975       387,293       (22     (5,198
Pay   1-Month HKD-HONIA   Air China
Limited
  MSC     1.180     7/15/2019       15,561       115,976       -       (462
Receive   1-Day EUR-EONIA   Hermes
International
  MSC     0.400     7/15/2019       10       5,461       -       52  
Receive   1-Day USD-FEDEF   Consumer
Discretionary
Select Sector
Index
  MSC     1.910     11/6/2019       12       33,443       31       (7,273
Receive   1-Day USD-FEDEF   Consumer
Staples Select
Sector Index
  MSC     1.760     11/6/2019       15       33,660       -       (708
Receive   1-Day USD-FEDEF   S&P 500 Total
Return Index
  MSC     2.110     11/12/2019       22       111,668       -       (10,431
Pay   1-Month EUR-EURIBOR   Accor S.A.   MSC     0.550     1/17/2020       2,210       83,987       (7     15,711  
Pay   1-Day EUR-EONIA   FinecoBank
Banca Fineco
SpA
  MSC     0.550     1/17/2020       1,085       9,043       -       2,177  
Receive   1-Day EUR-EONIA   Eutelsat
Communications
S.A.
  MSC     0.400     1/17/2020       944       17,271       -       (27
Receive   1-Day GBP-SONIA   Ted Baker PLC   MSC     0.350     1/17/2020       46       1,361       -       455  
Receive   1-Day TWD-FEDEF   China Steel
Corp.
  MSC     1.410     1/21/2020       4,020       81,547       -       (619
Receive   1-Day BRL-FEDEF   Raia Drogasil
S.A.
  MSC     25.840     1/21/2020       41       2,826       -       (59
Receive   1-Day BRL-FEDEF   Telefonica
Brasil S.A.
  MSC     0.910     1/21/2020       270       12,404       -       351  
Receive   1-Day USD-FEDEF   Tremblant   MSC     1.560     6/8/2020       58       5,803       -       153  
               

 

 

   

 

 

 
                $ (6   $ 195,520  
               

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Notional amounts are denominated in local currency

 

Purchased Options Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:

 

Equity Options  
Description    Counter-
party
   Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
   Currency        Number of
Contracts
   Notional
Amount
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Put - Apple, Inc.    CCP        175.00      8/3/2018      USD        6      600      $ 310      $ 310      $ -  
Call - JD.com, Inc.    CCP      39.00      8/17/2018      USD        5      500        699        165        (534
Call - ServiceNow, Inc.    CCP      200.00      8/17/2018      USD        12      1,200        2,477        180        (2,297
Call - Starbucks Corp.    CCP      52.50      8/17/2018      USD        8      800        710        480        (230
Put - Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.    CCP      22.50      8/17/2018      USD        5      500        663        700        37  
Put - Check Point Software Technology Ltd.    CCP      105.00      8/17/2018      USD        3      300        673        105        (568
Put - Realogy Holdings Corp.    CCP      20.00      8/17/2018      USD        70      7,000        2,128        2,100        (28

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Description    Counter-
party
   Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
   Currency        Number of
Contracts
   Notional
Amount
     Premiums
Paid
     Fair
Value
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Put - Procter & Gamble Co.    CCP      78.50      8/17/2018      USD        15      1,500      $ 950      $ 420      $ (530
Call - Red Hat, Inc.    CCP      165.00      9/21/2018      USD        20      2,000        4,940        1,300        (3,640
Call - Palo Alto Networks, Inc.    CCP      220.00      9/21/2018      USD        2      200        861        861        -  
Call - Koninklijke Ahold N.V.    MSC      22.03      12/21/2018      EUR        6      600        1,130        477        (653
Put - Apple, Inc.    CCP      170.00      1/18/2019      USD        1      100        447        410        (37
Put - Apple, Inc.    CCP      180.00      1/18/2019      USD        1      100        623        680        57  
Call - Realogy Holdings Corp.    CCP      30.00      3/15/2019      USD        46      4,600        1,654        920        (734
Call - Procter & Gamble Co.    CCP      82.50      6/21/2019      USD        9      900        1,202        3,510        2,308  
                      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
      $ 19,467      $ 12,618      $ (6,849
                      

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Options  
Description   Counter-
party
  Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
  Currency     Number of
Contracts
  Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Paid
    Fair
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Put - iShares Russell 2000 ETF   CCP       150.00     8/17/2018     USD     2     200     $ 312     $ 24     $ (288
Put - VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF   CCP       102.00     8/17/2018     USD     9     900       635       635       -  
Put - Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1   CCP     168.00     8/17/2018     USD     23     2,300       1,729       1,730       1  
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 2,676     $ 2,389     $ (287
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Written Options Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:

 

Equity Options  
Description   Counter-
party
  Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
  Currency   Number of
Contracts
  Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Received
    Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call - Red Hat, Inc.   CCP     170.00     9/21/2018   USD   22     2,200     $ (3,233   $ (990   $ 2,243  
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ (3,233   $ (990   $ 2,243  
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:  
Currency Purchased*        Currency Sold*        Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
CNH        121,208        USD        124,000        8/6/2018        MSC        $ -        $ (2,792    $ (2,792
CNH        125,870        USD        125,242        8/6/2018        MSC          628          -        628  
USD        126,170        CNH        124,347        8/6/2018        MSC          1,823          -        1,823  
USD        124,000        CNH        122,731        8/6/2018        MSC          1,269          -        1,269  
KRW        25,275        USD        26,500        8/10/2018        MSC          -          (1,225      (1,225
USD        24,335        BRL        23,493        8/10/2018        MSC          842          -        842  
USD        15,797        KRW        15,226        8/10/2018        MSC          571          -        571  
USD        8,436        KRW        8,128        8/10/2018        MSC          308          -        308  
USD        1,998        KRW        1,921        8/10/2018        MSC          77          -        77  
GBP        4,263        USD        4,317        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (54      (54
CAD        5,268        USD        5,226        8/31/2018        MSC          42          -        42  
GBP        5,702        USD        5,771        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (69      (69
CAD        5,839        USD        5,734        8/31/2018        MSC          105          -        105  
EUR        5,916        USD        5,917        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (1      (1
TRY        6,950        USD        7,068        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (118      (118
SEK        7,058        USD        7,007        8/31/2018        MSC          51          -        51  
TRY        7,142        USD        7,301        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (159      (159
TRY        7,258        USD        7,508        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (250      (250

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Currency Purchased*        Currency Sold*        Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
CAD        7,485        USD        7,336        8/31/2018        MSC        $ 149        $ -      $ 149  
EUR        8,403        USD        8,365        8/31/2018        MSC          38          -        38  
CAD        8,459        USD        8,372        8/31/2018        MSC          87          -        87  
KRW        12,001        USD        11,925        8/31/2018        MSC          76          -        76  
CAD        12,273        USD        11,971        8/31/2018        MSC          302          -        302  
EUR        12,626        USD        12,596        8/31/2018        MSC          30          -        30  
SEK        13,771        USD        13,662        8/31/2018        MSC          109          -        109  
SEK        13,861        USD        13,827        8/31/2018        MSC          34          -        34  
CAD        15,598        USD        15,316        8/31/2018        MSC          282          -        282  
CAD        17,237        USD        16,880        8/31/2018        MSC          357          -        357  
JPY        17,451        USD        17,777        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (326      (326
EUR        17,562        USD        17,445        8/31/2018        MSC          117          -        117  
EUR        17,996        USD        17,964        8/31/2018        MSC          32          -        32  
TRY        18,495        USD        18,971        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (476      (476
CAD        21,141        USD        21,070        8/31/2018        MSC          71          -        71  
CAD        21,357        USD        21,332        8/31/2018        MSC          25          -        25  
CAD        27,148        USD        26,769        8/31/2018        MSC          379          -        379  
JPY        29,436        USD        30,152        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (716      (716
USD        280,265        CAD        286,283        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (6,018      (6,018
USD        34,920        EUR        35,044        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (124      (124
USD        27,390        SEK        27,533        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (143      (143
USD        23,907        JPY        24,122        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (215      (215
USD        22,595        JPY        22,766        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (171      (171
USD        18,036        GBP        17,840        8/31/2018        MSC          196          -        196  
USD        16,621        CHF        16,588        8/31/2018        MSC          33          -        33  
USD        14,245        DKK        14,300        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (55      (55
USD        14,018        CAD        14,142        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (124      (124
USD        11,979        CAD        12,097        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (118      (118
USD        12,078        KRW        12,001        8/31/2018        MSC          77          -        77  
USD        12,666        TRY        11,887        8/31/2018        MSC          779          -        779  
USD        11,170        CAD        11,186        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (16      (16
USD        8,810        TRY        8,768        8/31/2018        MSC          42          -        42  
USD        7,655        TRY        7,537        8/31/2018        MSC          118          -        118  
USD        6,758        TRY        6,607        8/31/2018        MSC          151          -        151  
USD        6,017        CAD        6,090        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (73      (73
USD        5,210        CAD        5,329        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (119      (119
USD        5,062        TRY        5,045        8/31/2018        MSC          17          -        17  
USD        4,862        EUR        4,836        8/31/2018        MSC          26          -        26  
USD        4,330        CAD        4,355        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (25      (25
USD        4,079        CAD        4,139        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (60      (60
USD        3,905        CAD        3,953        8/31/2018        MSC          -          (48      (48
USD        61,158        INR        60,237        9/10/2018        MSC          921          -        921  
USD        25,862        INR        25,884        9/10/2018        MSC          -          (22      (22
USD        7,950        INR        7,830        9/10/2018        MSC          120          -        120  
USD        125,194        CNH        125,832        9/12/2018        MSC          -          (638      (638
THB        12,428        USD        12,540        9/14/2018        MSC          -          (112      (112
USD        12,925        THB        12,428        9/14/2018        MSC          497          -        497  
DKK        14,482        USD        14,452        10/18/2018        MSC          30          -        30  
SEK        21,666        USD        21,589        10/18/2018        MSC          77          -        77  
USD        248,951        EUR        249,487        10/18/2018        MSC          -          (536      (536
USD        141,664        GBP        141,677        10/18/2018        MSC          -          (13      (13
USD        132,931        JPY        134,069        10/18/2018        MSC          -          (1,138      (1,138
USD        25,686        BRL        26,345        10/18/2018        MSC          -          (659      (659
USD        19,232        EUR        19,175        10/18/2018        MSC          57          -        57  
CAD        2,740        USD        2,752        12/3/2018        MSC          -          (12      (12
CAD        21,799        USD        21,896        12/3/2018        MSC          -          (97      (97
USD        34,875        ILS        33,618        12/3/2018        MSC          1,257          -        1,257  
USD        8,118        CAD        8,297        12/3/2018        MSC          -          (179      (179
USD        5,968        CAD        6,089        12/3/2018        MSC          -          (121      (121
USD        4,820        CAD        4,882        12/3/2018        MSC          -          (62      (62
USD        1,273        ILS        1,269        12/3/2018        MSC          4          -        4  

 

See accompanying notes

 

25


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Currency Purchased*        Currency Sold*        Settlement
Date
     Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD        1,199        CAD        1,205        12/3/2018        MSC        $ -        $ (6    $ (6
USD        1,010        ILS        1,003        12/3/2018        MSC          7          -        7  
GBP        1,292        USD        1,283        12/4/2018        MSC          9          -        9  
EUR        3,593        USD        3,593        12/4/2018        MSC          -          -        -  
USD        151,284        GBP        149,036        12/4/2018        MSC          2,248          -        2,248  
USD        28,178        EUR        27,787        12/4/2018        MSC          391          -        391  
USD        21,278        EUR        21,354        12/4/2018        MSC          -          (76      (76
USD        14,433        GBP        14,081        12/4/2018        MSC          352          -        352  
USD        9,828        GBP        9,768        12/4/2018        MSC          60          -        60  
USD        4,913        EUR        4,895        12/4/2018        MSC          18          -        18  
USD        3,885        GBP        3,892        12/4/2018        MSC          -          (7      (7
USD        2,952        EUR        2,943        12/4/2018        MSC          9          -        9  
USD        2,169        GBP        2,142        12/4/2018        MSC          27          -        27  
                             

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 15,327        $ (17,173    $ (1,846
                             

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

All values denominated in USD.

 

Glossary:   
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
MSC    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD    Australian Dollar
BRL    Brazilian Real
CAD    Canadian Dollar
CHF    Swiss Franc
CNH    Chinese Yuan Renminbi
DKK    Danish Krone
EUR    Euro
GBP    Pound Sterling
HKD    Hong Kong Dollar
ILS    Israeli New Shekel
INR    Indian Rupee
JPY    Japanese Yen
KRW    South Korean Won
SEK    Swedish Krona
THB    Thai Baht
TRY    Turkish Lira
TWD    Taiwan Dollar
USD    United States Dollar
Exchange Abbreviations:
ICE    Intercontinental Exchange
Index Abbreviations:
S&P 500    Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index
Other Abbreviations:
BBR    Bank of England Base Rate
BBSW    Bank Bill Swap Rate
CCP    Central Counterparty Clearing House
EONIA    Euro Overnight Index Average
ETF    Exchange-Traded Fund
EURIBOR    Euro Interbank Offered Rate
FEDEF    Effective Federal Funds Rate
HONIA    Hong Kong Dollar Overnight Index Average
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
PJSC    Private Joint Stock Company
PLC    Public Limited Company
SONIA    Sterling Overnight Index Average

 

See accompanying notes

 

26


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of July 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Common Stocks

  $ 13,931,093       $ 1,827,486        $ -       $ 15,758,579  

Investment Companies

    178,851         -          -         178,851  

Exchange-Traded Instruments

    134,480         -          -         134,480  

Short-Term Investments

    1,079,034         -          -         1,079,034  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 15,323,458       $ 1,827,486        $ -       $ 17,150,944  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Common Stocks (Sold Short)

  $ (2,712,971     $ (312,915      $ -       $ (3,025,886

Exchange-Traded Instruments (Sold Short)

    (2,012,456       (47,165        -         (2,059,621
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Liabilities

    (4,725,427       (360,080        -         (5,085,507
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 10,598,031       $ 1,467,406        $ -       $ 12,065,437  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Futures Contracts

  $ 7,396       $ -        $ -       $ 7,396  

OTC Swap Agreement Contracts for Difference - Equity

    -         88,113          -         88,113  

Swap Contract Agreements

    -         221,658          -         221,658  

Purchased Options

    15,007         -          -         15,007  

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         15,327          -         15,327  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 22,403       $ 325,098        $ -       $ 347,501  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

OTC Swap Agreement Contracts for Difference - Equity

  $ -       $ (48,415      $ -       $ (48,415

Swap Contract Agreements

    -         (26,138        -         (26,138

Written Options

    (990       -          -         (990

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         (17,173        -         (17,173
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (990     $ (91,726      $ -       $ (92,716
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP 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 July 31, 2018, there were transfers from level 1 to level 2, with a fair value of $756,952.

The following table is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets within the 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
1/31/2018
  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
7/31/2018
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
at Period end**
 
Rights   $-(1)   $ -     $-(1)   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

 

**

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

(1) 

Investment held in the Fund’s portfolio with $0 fair value.

The rights classified as Level 3 were fair valued using private valuation reports provided to the Fund’s Sub-Advisor from a pricing vendor.

 

See accompanying notes

 

27


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
SECURITIES HELD LONG            
COMMON STOCKS - 56.32%            
Consumer Discretionary - 12.15%            
Diversified Consumer Services - 0.19%            
H&R Block, Inc.       3,200         $ 80,512
K12, Inc.A       17,000           278,120
           

 

 

 
              358,632
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 2.53%            
BBX Capital Corp.       2,533           22,088
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.       79,500           1,537,530
Carnival Corp.       1,300           77,012
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.A       114,000           1,653,000
Darden Restaurants, Inc.       1,600           171,104
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.A       2,500           122,875
Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc.A       5,700           48,735
Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.A       41,000           530,540
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.       2,190           575,225
McDonald’s Corp.       600           94,524
           

 

 

 
              4,832,633
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - 0.15%            
Whirlpool Corp.       2,100           275,310
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 1.20%            
Expedia Group, Inc.       3,700           495,208
Groupon, Inc.A       293,400           1,373,112
Nutrisystem, Inc.       2,500           100,000
Shutterfly, Inc.A       4,000           329,040
           

 

 

 
              2,297,360
           

 

 

 
           
Leisure Products - 0.04%            
Vista Outdoor, Inc.A       4,900           79,576
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 0.17%            
Omnicom Group, Inc.       2,100           144,543
Walt Disney Co.       1,500           170,340
           

 

 

 
              314,883
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 0.07%            
Dollar General Corp.       1,400           137,410
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 5.47%            
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Class A       50,000           1,184,500
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.       20,400           513,672
Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc.       66,102           1,238,090
Best Buy Co., Inc.       19,800           1,485,594
Cato Corp., Class A       41,400           1,030,860
Citi Trends, Inc.       500           14,205
DSW, Inc., Class A       3,100           85,064
Foot Locker, Inc.       27,800           1,356,918
Hibbett Sports, Inc.A       11,900           273,105
Hudson Ltd., Class AA       853           14,416
Signet Jewelers Ltd.       600           34,644
Tailored Brands, Inc.       19,400           391,104
Tiffany & Co.       500           68,780
TJX Co., Inc.       2,000           194,520
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.A       7,280           1,779,159
Urban Outfitters, Inc.A       4,600           204,240

 

See accompanying notes

 

28


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 56.32% (continued)            
Consumer Discretionary - 12.15% (continued)            
Specialty Retail - 5.47% (continued)            
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.       6,400         $ 374,336
Zumiez, Inc.A       8,800           199,320
           

 

 

 
              10,442,527
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 2.33%            
Carter’s, Inc.       1,400           146,762
Deckers Outdoor Corp.A       19,400           2,188,902
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.A       15,700           1,883,215
Rocky Brands, Inc.       9,100           235,235
           

 

 

 
              4,454,114
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              23,192,445
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 2.53%            
Beverages - 0.18%            
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated       500           72,560
Coca-Cola Co.       3,100           144,553
PepsiCo, Inc.       1,100           126,500
           

 

 

 
              343,613
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 0.77%            
Costco Wholesale Corp.       200           43,742
Performance Food Group Co.A       15,300           548,505
Sysco Corp.       1,300           87,373
US Foods Holding Corp.A       19,200           649,152
Walmart, Inc.       1,600           142,768
           

 

 

 
              1,471,540
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 0.89%            
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.       1,500           72,390
Bunge Ltd.       1,000           69,130
Campbell Soup Co.       10,500           429,450
Flowers Foods, Inc.       6,200           126,480
Hershey Co.       700           68,747
Ingredion, Inc.       2,200           222,860
JM Smucker Co.       700           77,784
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.       2,700           189,729
McCormick & Co., Inc.       700           82,278
Sanderson Farms, Inc.       1,900           191,577
TreeHouse Foods, Inc.A       1,200           56,988
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A       1,800           103,770
           

 

 

 
              1,691,183
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products - 0.07%            
Procter & Gamble Co.       1,600           129,408
           

 

 

 
           
Personal Products - 0.30%            
Medifast, Inc.       1,200           206,016
Natural Health Trends Corp.       6,600           157,542
USANA Health Sciences, Inc.A       1,600           211,600
           

 

 

 
              575,158
           

 

 

 
           
Tobacco - 0.32%            
Philip Morris International, Inc.       7,200           621,360
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              4,832,262
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 2.00%            
Energy Equipment & Services - 0.22%            
SEACOR Holdings, Inc.A       7,800           411,606
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

29


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 56.32% (continued)            
Energy - 2.00% (continued)            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.78%            
Arch Coal, Inc., Class A       2,600         $ 219,934
Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.A       8,800           327,360
Chevron Corp.       1,300           164,151
ConocoPhillips       1,700           122,689
EOG Resources, Inc.       1,300           167,622
EQT Corp.       1,100           54,648
Exxon Mobil Corp.       1,900           154,869
Halcon Resources Corp.A       107,100           418,761
Oasis Petroleum, Inc.A       14,200           173,524
Occidental Petroleum Corp.       1,800           151,074
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., Class AA       29,000           104,400
PBF Energy, Inc., Class A       4,600           214,820
Peabody Energy Corp.       4,400           186,956
SandRidge Energy, Inc.A       55,100           899,232
SilverBow Resources, Inc.A       1,300           39,611
           

 

 

 
              3,399,651
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              3,811,257
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 3.61%            
Banks - 0.51%            
BB&T Corp.       3,200           162,592
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.       1,600           176,784
Independent Bank Corp.       900           22,050
M&T Bank Corp.       900           156,015
People’s United Financial, Inc.       7,700           140,371
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.       1,100           159,313
US Bancorp       2,800           148,428
           

 

 

 
              965,553
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 0.31%            
CME Group, Inc.       1,100           175,032
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.       2,300           169,993
Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc., Class A       8,500           251,175
           

 

 

 
              596,200
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 0.38%            
Navient Corp.       8,100           107,001
Nelnet, Inc., Class A       900           52,902
Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc.       29,900           575,276
           

 

 

 
              735,179
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Financial Services - 0.05%            
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class BA       500           98,935
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 2.27%            
Allstate Corp.       1,600           152,192
Ambac Financial Group, Inc.A       7,600           155,192
Assured Guaranty Ltd.       66,400           2,584,288
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.       2,200           124,432
Everest Re Group Ltd.       600           131,010
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.       1,000           131,850
Third Point Reinsurance Ltd.A       83,417           1,051,054
           

 

 

 
              4,330,018
           

 

 

 
           
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance - 0.09%            
Essent Group Ltd.A       2,000           76,800
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

30


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 56.32% (continued)            
Financials - 3.61% (continued)            
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance - 0.09% (continued)            
Radian Group, Inc.       4,500         $ 86,175
           

 

 

 
              162,975
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              6,888,860
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 3.53%            
Biotechnology - 0.90%            
Amgen, Inc.       600           117,930
Applied Genetic Technologies Corp.A       34,100           136,400
BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.A       1,000           100,560
Celgene Corp.A       1,600           144,144
Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       1,600           25,584
Emergent BioSolutions, Inc.A       19,000           1,032,650
Gilead Sciences, Inc.       2,000           155,660
           

 

 

 
              1,712,928
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 0.92%            
Boston Scientific Corp.A       11,200           376,432
Cantel Medical Corp.       1,800           166,878
FONAR Corp.A       3,296           86,026
Integer Holdings Corp.A       900           64,305
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.A       100           50,819
LivaNova PLCA       1,400           154,182
NuVasive, Inc.A       5,800           336,690
Varex Imaging Corp.A       4,600           175,904
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.A       900           103,905
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.       1,900           238,488
           

 

 

 
              1,753,629
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 0.84%            
Aetna, Inc.       700           131,873
Anthem, Inc.       500           126,500
Cigna Corp.       800           143,536
Express Scripts Holding Co.A       900           71,514
HCA Healthcare, Inc.A       600           74,538
Humana, Inc.       470           147,664
Owens & Minor, Inc.       16,300           307,581
Patterson Cos., Inc.       12,900           316,308
Premier, Inc., Class AA       2,200           82,280
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.       240           60,773
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B       1,100           134,310
           

 

 

 
              1,596,877
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 0.36%            
Agilent Technologies, Inc.       5,500           363,220
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.A       700           87,010
Medpace Holdings, Inc.A       3,900           239,343
           

 

 

 
              689,573
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 0.51%            
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.       8,500           499,375
Eli Lilly & Co.       1,900           187,739
Merck & Co., Inc.       1,800           118,566
Pfizer, Inc.       4,400           175,692
           

 

 

 
              981,372
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              6,734,379
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

31


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 56.32% (continued)            
Industrials - 6.53%            
Aerospace & Defense - 0.64%            
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.       900         $ 209,745
Northrop Grumman Corp.       280           84,137
Raytheon Co.       600           118,818
Vectrus, Inc.A       25,556           802,714
           

 

 

 
              1,215,414
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - 0.01%            
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.       300           27,669
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 0.16%            
Masco Corp.       3,200           129,056
Owens Corning       2,900           180,438
           

 

 

 
              309,494
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 0.13%            
Pitney Bowes, Inc.       7,300           63,729
Waste Connections, Inc.       2,300           178,503
           

 

 

 
              242,232
           

 

 

 
Construction & Engineering - 0.04%            
Argan, Inc.       1,900           72,960
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - 1.65%            
Allied Motion Technologies, Inc.       1,100           50,468
Atkore International Group, Inc.A       107,700           2,548,182
nVent Electric PLCA       20,000           548,000
           

 

 

 
              3,146,650
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 0.23%            
Cummins, Inc.       1,000           142,810
Hurco Cos, Inc.       3,700           163,910
Woodward, Inc.       1,600           133,136
           

 

 

 
              439,856
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 1.53%            
Barrett Business Services, Inc.       14,400           1,323,072
CRA International, Inc.       4,400           238,128
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.       3,800           155,420
Insperity, Inc.       10,900           1,036,590
ManpowerGroup, Inc.       1,800           167,868
           

 

 

 
              2,921,078
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - 0.79%            
ArcBest Corp.       28,400           1,322,020
Landstar System, Inc.       600           66,690
Ryder System, Inc.       1,500           117,450
           

 

 

 
              1,506,160
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.35%            
AerCap Holdings N.V.A       27,600           1,549,188
GMS, Inc.A       795           20,861
HD Supply Holdings, Inc.A       13,900           611,322
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A       1,700           143,871
United Rentals, Inc.A       1,000           148,800
WW Grainger, Inc.       330           114,365
           

 

 

 
              2,588,407
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              12,469,920
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

32


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 56.32% (continued)            
Information Technology - 7.74%            
Aerospace & Defense - 0.10%            
Harris Corp.       1,200         $ 197,940
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 0.05%            
Blucora, Inc.A       2,549           88,578
           

 

 

 
           
Communications Equipment - 0.58%            
Cisco Systems, Inc.       4,200           177,618
CommScope Holding Co., Inc.A       4,900           157,339
F5 Networks, Inc.A       1,200           205,656
InterDigital, Inc.       1,500           123,675
Juniper Networks, Inc.       5,100           134,334
Motorola Solutions, Inc.       1,700           206,210
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.A       500           99,130
           

 

 

 
              1,103,962
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 0.44%            
Amphenol Corp., Class A       1,800           168,318
PCM, Inc.A       3,418           75,538
SYNNEX Corp.       4,000           385,880
TE Connectivity Ltd.       700           65,499
Tech Data Corp.A       1,000           83,410
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc.       2,400           60,000
           

 

 

 
              838,645
           

 

 

 
           
Internet Software & Services - 2.88%            
Care.com, Inc.A       21,400           385,628
eBay, Inc.A       55,800           1,866,510
eGain Corp.A       9,600           124,800
Facebook, Inc., Class AA       2,100           362,418
LogMeIn, Inc.       2,800           226,940
TechTarget, Inc.A       20,700           588,294
VeriSign, Inc.A       1,000           145,230
XO Group, Inc.A       19,600           552,328
Yelp, Inc.A       33,800           1,246,544
           

 

 

 
              5,498,692
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 0.40%            
Amdocs Ltd.       2,400           162,192
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.       500           67,495
Cardtronics PLC, Class AA       4,100           103,812
CoreLogic, Inc.A       1,200           58,440
Genpact Ltd.       10,000           303,800
Worldpay, Inc., Class AA       900           73,971
           

 

 

 
              769,710
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 0.11%            
Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.       1,000           61,140
QUALCOMM, Inc.       800           51,272
Xilinx, Inc.       1,400           100,898
           

 

 

 
              213,310
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 3.15%            
Atlassian Corp. PLC, Class AA       1,200           86,892
Avaya Holdings Corp.A       12,400           255,192
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.A       7,500           330,675
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.A       4,800           540,816
Citrix Systems, Inc.A       21,000           2,309,370
CommVault Systems, Inc.A       1,200           77,880

 

See accompanying notes

 

33


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 56.32% (continued)            
Information Technology - 7.74% (continued)            
Software - 3.15% (continued)            
MicroStrategy, Inc., Class AA       2,500         $ 325,375
Nuance Communications, Inc.A       4,400           64,988
Oracle Corp.       10,000           476,800
Progress Software Corp.       42,200           1,552,538
           

 

 

 
              6,020,526
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 0.03%            
Xerox Corp.       1,800           46,746
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              14,778,109
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 2.12%            
Chemicals - 0.20%            
Ecolab, Inc.       1,000           140,700
Praxair, Inc.       700           117,250
Sherwin-Williams Co.       270           118,997
           

 

 

 
              376,947
           

 

 

 
           
Containers & Packaging - 0.19%            
Berry Global Group, Inc.A       5,900           288,215
Greif, Inc., Class A       1,400           76,230
           

 

 

 
              364,445
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - 0.08%            
Newmont Mining Corp.       4,100           150,388
           

 

 

 
           
Paper & Forest Products - 1.65%            
Louisiana-Pacific Corp.       46,200           1,243,704
Verso Corp., Class AA       91,216           1,903,678
           

 

 

 
              3,147,382
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              4,039,162
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 13.15%            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 13.15%            
American Assets Trust, Inc.       30,300           1,164,429
American Homes 4 Rent, Class A       38,700           856,818
Americold Realty Trust       105,700           2,273,607
Brixmor Property Group, Inc.       20,900           369,721
CareTrust REIT, Inc.       5,305           89,707
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.       73,800           402,210
Cedar Realty Trust, Inc.       23,600           112,336
CoreSite Realty Corp.       800           89,680
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., Class A       27,900           465,093
Equinix, Inc.       5,650           2,481,932
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.       25,300           2,302,047
Essex Property Trust, Inc.       2,200           528,990
Forest City Realty Trust, Inc., Class A       107,900           2,694,263
Global Net Lease, Inc.       40,100           848,516
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc., Class A       37,800           1,032,696
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc.       30,400           636,576
Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc.       12,026           389,402
Kite Realty Group Trust       7,500           126,525
PS Business Parks, Inc.       7,100           907,167
QTS Realty Trust, Inc., Class A       58,600           2,505,150
Retail Properties of America, Inc., Class A       10,100           126,755
Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc.       2,700           229,527

 

See accompanying notes

 

34


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 56.32% (continued)            
Real Estate - 13.15% (continued)            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 13.15% (continued)            
Senior Housing Properties Trust       38,100         $ 679,704
Simon Property Group, Inc.       13,600           2,396,456
Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc.       57,489           1,402,157
           

 

 

 
              25,111,464
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              25,111,464
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunication Services - 0.74%            
Diversified Telecommunication Services - 0.27%            
AT&T, Inc.       6,742           215,542
Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc.       1,700           88,315
Verizon Communications, Inc.       1,900           98,116
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.A       3,000           111,270
           

 

 

 
              513,243
           

 

 

 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services - 0.47%            
Telephone & Data Systems, Inc.       35,800           903,950
           

 

 

 
           

Total Telecommunication Services

              1,417,193
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 2.22%            
Electric Utilities - 0.16%            
American Electric Power Co., Inc.       2,200           156,508
NextEra Energy, Inc.       900           150,786
           

 

 

 
              307,294
           

 

 

 
           
Gas Utilities - 0.27%            
UGI Corp.       9,500           504,830
           

 

 

 
           
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers - 1.07%            
Atlantica Yield PLC       99,800           2,050,890
           

 

 

 
           
Multi-Utilities - 0.72%            
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.       39,500           1,124,960
Consolidated Edison, Inc.       2,000           157,860
DTE Energy Co.       900           97,686
           

 

 

 
              1,380,506
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              4,243,520
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $104,940,664)

              107,518,571
           

 

 

 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - 7.99%            
Exchange-Traded Funds - 7.99%            
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund       43,000           3,823,990
iShares MSCI Australia ETF       59,900           1,372,908
iShares MSCI Austria ETF       28,700           683,060
iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF       77,700           1,923,852
iShares MSCI New Zealand ETF       15,800           762,666
iShares MSCI Turkey ETF       8,900           251,069
Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund       51,900           3,680,748
VanEck Vectors Russia ETF       88,900           1,939,798
VanEck Vectors Vietnam ETF       49,700           818,062
           

 

 

 
           

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

              15,256,153
           

 

 

 
           

Total Exchange-Traded Instruments (Cost $14,912,947)

              15,256,153
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

35


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 12.47% (Cost $23,815,895)            
Investment Companies - 12.47%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 1.82%B C       23,815,895         $ 23,815,895
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL SECURITIES HELD LONG (Cost $143,669,506)

              146,590,619
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES HELD SHORT            
COMMON STOCKS - (47.64%)            
Consumer Discretionary - (13.55%)            
Auto Components - (1.28%)            
Adient PLC       (51,400 )           (2,448,182 )
           

 

 

 
           
Automobiles - (1.29%)            
Tesla, Inc.A       (8,240 )           (2,456,674 )
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - (0.93%)            
Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.       (900 )           (62,667 )
MGM Resorts International       (4,200 )           (131,754 )
Papa John’s International, Inc.       (31,700 )           (1,330,132 )
Scientific Games Corp., Class AA       (1,400 )           (67,270 )
Shake Shack, Inc., Class AA       (900 )           (56,097 )
Sonic Corp.       (1,800 )           (63,270 )
Wynn Resorts Ltd.       (400 )           (66,712 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,777,902 )
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - (2.71%)            
Leggett & Platt, Inc.       (48,800 )           (2,126,216 )
Mohawk Industries, Inc.A       (3,500 )           (659,260 )
Newell Brands, Inc.       (66,800 )           (1,749,492 )
Tempur Sealy International, Inc.A       (13,000 )           (635,310 )
           

 

 

 
              (5,170,278 )
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - (0.22%)            
Amazon.com, Inc.A       (82 )           (145,750 )
Netflix, Inc.A       (470 )           (158,601 )
TripAdvisor, Inc.A       (900 )           (52,191 )
Wayfair, Inc., Class AA       (700 )           (76,174 )
           

 

 

 
              (432,716 )
           

 

 

 
           
Leisure Products - (0.57%)            
Mattel, Inc.       (68,600 )           (1,088,682 )
           

 

 

 
           
Media - (0.74%)            
Charter Communications, Inc., Class AA       (550 )           (167,519 )
Discovery, Inc., Class AA       (2,300 )           (61,134 )
DISH Network Corp., Class AA       (3,800 )           (119,928 )
Liberty Media Corp-Liberty Formula One, Tracking Stock, Class CA D       (30,100 )           (1,061,025 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,409,606 )
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - (0.19%)            
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.A       (5,400 )           (375,300 )
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - (5.52%)            
At Home Group, Inc.A       (1,700 )           (61,659 )
CarMax, Inc.A       (31,000 )           (2,315,080 )
Carvana Co.A       (16,000 )           (688,000 )
Children’s Place, Inc.       (5,800 )           (712,820 )
Conn’s, Inc.A       (40,800 )           (1,383,120 )
Five Below, Inc.A       (7,600 )           (738,416 )
Francesca’s Holdings Corp.A       (30,300 )           (246,642 )
Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A       (16,200 )           (1,442,610 )
Lowe’s Co., Inc.       (1,700 )           (168,878 )

 

See accompanying notes

 

36


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (47.64%) (continued)            
Consumer Discretionary - (13.55%) (continued)            
Specialty Retail - (5.52%) (continued)            
Monro, Inc.       (900 )         $ (60,705 )
Murphy USA, Inc.A       (6,300 )           (499,212 )
National Vision Holdings, Inc.A       (33,400 )           (1,358,044 )
Restoration HardwareA       (4,200 )           (570,612 )
Ross Stores, Inc.       (3,300 )           (288,519 )
           

 

 

 
              (10,534,317 )
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - (0.10%)            
Under Armour, Inc., Class AA       (4,900 )           (97,853 )
Under Armour, Inc., Class CA       (4,700 )           (88,078 )
           

 

 

 
              (185,931 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              (25,879,588 )
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - (0.89%)            
Beverages - (0.03%)            
Molson Coors Brewing Co., Class B       (1,000 )           (67,000 )
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - (0.22%)            
Casey’s General Stores, Inc.       (2,400 )           (262,512 )
PriceSmart, Inc.       (1,900 )           (155,325 )
           

 

 

 
              (417,837 )
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - (0.55%)            
Kraft Heinz Co.       (17,400 )           (1,048,350 )
           

 

 

 
           
Personal Products - (0.09%)            
Herbalife Nutrition Ltd.A       (3,200 )           (165,216 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              (1,698,403 )
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - (2.93%)            
Energy Equipment & Services - (1.30%)            
Baker Hughes a GE Co.       (69,600 )           (2,406,768 )
Weatherford International PLCA       (19,400 )           (65,766 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,472,534 )
           

 

 

 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - (1.63%)            
Cheniere Energy, Inc.A       (2,300 )           (146,050 )
Delek US Holdings, Inc.       (1,200 )           (63,984 )
Golar LNG Ltd.       (69,600 )           (1,810,296 )
Hess Corp.       (1,300 )           (85,319 )
Marathon Petroleum Corp.       (900 )           (72,747 )
SemGroup Corp., Class A       (33,200 )           (834,980 )
Whiting Petroleum Corp.A       (2,000 )           (99,300 )
           

 

 

 
              (3,112,676 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              (5,585,210 )
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - (2.43%)            
Capital Markets - (0.30%)            
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc.       (300 )           (48,003 )
BlackRock, Inc.       (300 )           (150,828 )
Franklin Resources, Inc.       (1,600 )           (54,912 )
Moody’s Corp.       (1,100 )           (188,232 )
S&P Global, Inc.       (300 )           (60,132 )
WisdomTree Investments, Inc.       (7,500 )           (65,550 )
           

 

 

 
              (567,657 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

37


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (47.64%) (continued)            
Financials - (2.43%) (continued)            
Consumer Finance - (0.03%)            
Capital One Financial Corp.       (600 )         $ (56,592 )
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - (1.44%)            
Marsh & McLennan Co., Inc.       (22,100 )           (1,842,256 )
Trupanion, Inc.A       (21,800 )           (906,880 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,749,136 )
           

 

 

 
           
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance - (0.66%)            
Ditech Holding Corp.A       (1 )           (1 )
LendingTree, Inc.A       (4,800 )           (1,146,240 )
TFS Financial Corp.       (8,200 )           (124,804 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,271,045 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              (4,644,430 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - (1.67%)            
Biotechnology - (0.02%)            
PolarityTE, Inc.A       (1,900 )           (43,301 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - (0.10%)            
Align Technology, Inc.A       (540 )           (192,591 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - (0.10%)            
PetIQ, Inc.A       (6,700 )           (183,580 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - (0.11%)            
Teladoc, Inc.A       (3,553 )           (212,647 )
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - (0.05%)            
Illumina, Inc.A       (300 )           (97,308 )
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - (1.29%)            
Akorn, Inc.A       (100,900 )           (1,868,668 )
Allergan PLC       (900 )           (165,681 )
Mylan N.V.A       (2,000 )           (74,620 )
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       (1,600 )           (64,320 )
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sponsored ADR       (11,875 )           (284,288 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,457,577 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              (3,187,004 )
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - (3.40%)            
Aerospace & Defense - (0.13%)            
Arconic, Inc.       (9,000 )           (195,210 )
Boeing Co.       (170 )           (60,571 )
           

 

 

 
              (255,781 )
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - (0.26%)            
FedEx Corp.       (600 )           (147,522 )
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B       (2,400 )           (287,736 )
XPO Logistics, Inc.A       (600 )           (59,832 )
           

 

 

 
              (495,090 )
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - (0.03%)            
American Airlines Group, Inc.       (1,300 )           (51,402 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (47.64%) (continued)            
Industrials - (3.40%) (continued)            
Building Products - (1.13%)            
AAON, Inc.       (1,800 )         $ (67,950 )
Johnson Controls International PLC       (55,900 )           (2,096,809 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,164,759 )
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - (0.35%)            
Multi-Color Corp.       (8,100 )           (537,435 )
Team, Inc.A       (5,500 )           (119,900 )
           

 

 

 
              (657,335 )
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial Conglomerates - (0.07%)            
General Electric Co.       (10,100 )           (137,663 )
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - (1.24%)            
Caterpillar, Inc.       (1,000 )           (143,800 )
Deere & Co.       (400 )           (57,916 )
Wabtec Corp.       (19,700 )           (2,173,304 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,375,020 )
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - (0.19%)            
Avis Budget Group, Inc.A       (1,600 )           (55,760 )
Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.A       (19,600 )           (298,508 )
           

 

 

 
              (354,268 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              (6,491,318 )
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - (5.28%)            
Communications Equipment - (1.19%)            
Acacia Communications, Inc.A       (3,500 )           (112,490 )
ViaSat, Inc.A       (30,600 )           (2,152,404 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,264,894 )
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - (0.02%)            
II-VI, Inc.A       (800 )           (31,360 )
           

 

 

 
           
Internet Software & Services - (0.14%)            
Alphabet, Inc., Class AA       (60 )           (73,633 )
Alphabet, Inc., Class CA       (59 )           (71,819 )
Spotify Technology S.A.A       (400 )           (73,132 )
Twitter, Inc.A       (1,400 )           (44,618 )
           

 

 

 
              (263,202 )
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - (0.36%)            
First Data Corp., Class AA       (4,200 )           (97,692 )
PayPal Holdings, Inc.A       (1,900 )           (156,066 )
Square, Inc., Class AA       (1,300 )           (84,045 )
Switch, Inc., Class A       (27,100 )           (352,842 )
           

 

 

 
              (690,645 )
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - (1.78%)            
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.A       (4,900 )           (89,817 )
Cree, Inc.A       (1,300 )           (61,295 )
Impinj, Inc.A       (79,000 )           (1,683,490 )
MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.A       (34,900 )           (726,967 )
NVIDIA Corp.       (400 )           (97,944 )
PDF Solutions, Inc.A       (21,700 )           (227,850 )
Universal Display Corp.       (1,000 )           (96,300 )
Veeco Instruments, Inc.A       (28,300 )           (414,595 )
           

 

 

 
              (3,398,258 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (47.64%) (continued)            
Information Technology - (5.28%) (continued)            
Software - (1.41%)            
Activision Blizzard, Inc.       (2,200 )         $ (161,524 )
Autodesk, Inc.A       (1,300 )           (166,972 )
Snap, Inc., Class AA       (170,099 )           (2,126,237 )
Splunk, Inc.A       (1,300 )           (124,930 )
Workday, Inc., Class AA       (1,000 )           (124,020 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,703,683 )
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - (0.38%)            
3D Systems Corp.A       (60,191 )           (732,524 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              (10,084,566 )
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - (0.45%)            
Chemicals - (0.42%)            
Albemarle Corp.       (6,200 )           (584,040 )
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.       (1,300 )           (57,746 )
NewMarket Corp.       (380 )           (155,587 )
           

 

 

 
              (797,373 )
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - (0.03%)            
United States Steel Corp.       (1,700 )           (61,931 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              (859,304 )
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - (14.60%)            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - (14.60%)            
American Tower Corp.       (3,500 )           (518,840 )
Chesapeake Lodging Trust       (14,100 )           (451,482 )
Community Healthcare Trust, Inc.       (35,081 )           (1,052,430 )
Crown Castle International Corp.       (8,700 )           (964,221 )
DDR Corp.       (76,600 )           (1,049,420 )
Duke Realty Corp.       (85,300 )           (2,483,936 )
Easterly Government Properties, Inc.       (35,600 )           (674,620 )
Education Realty Trust, Inc.       (49,400 )           (2,043,184 )
EPR Properties       (2,800 )           (186,172 )
Government Properties Income Trust       (94,600 )           (1,425,622 )
Gramercy Property Trust       (11,700 )           (320,463 )
Hersha Hospitality Trust       (102,900 )           (2,221,611 )
Iron Mountain, Inc.       (65,500 )           (2,299,705 )
LaSalle Hotel Properties       (14,500 )           (502,715 )
Life Storage, Inc.       (19,400 )           (1,861,624 )
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.       (78,900 )           (2,342,541 )
Prologis, Inc.       (100 )           (6,562 )
Public Storage       (2,500 )           (544,575 )
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.       (110,200 )           (2,381,422 )
SBA Communications Corp.A       (900 )           (142,425 )
Seritage Growth Properties       (55,900 )           (2,365,129 )
Weingarten Realty Investors       (16,900 )           (510,718 )
Weyerhaeuser Co.       (3,900 )           (133,302 )
WP Carey, Inc.       (21,300 )           (1,392,594 )
           

 

 

 
              (27,875,313 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              (27,875,313 )
           

 

 

 
           
Telecommunication Services - (0.04%)            
Diversified Telecommunication Services - (0.04%)            
CenturyLink, Inc.       (3,800 )           (71,326 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

40


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - (47.64%) (continued)            
Utilities - (2.40%)            
Electric Utilities - (1.25%)            
Dominion Energy, Inc.       (14,300 )         $ (1,025,453 )
Sempra Energy       (10,100 )           (1,167,459 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,192,912 )
           

 

 

 
           
Multi-Utilities – (1.15%)            
Duke Energy Corp.       (200 )           (16,324 )
Southern Co.       (49,000 )           (2,381,400 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,397,724 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              (4,590,636 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Proceeds $(87,465,507))

              (90,967,098 )
           

 

 

 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - (8.31%)            
Exchange-Traded Funds - (8.31%)            
Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund       (8,400 )           (934,668 )
Global X MSCI Argentina ETF       (36,902 )           (1,093,406 )
Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund       (49,400 )           (3,799,848 )
iShares China Large-Cap ETF       (20,200 )           (881,124 )
iShares MSCI Germany ETF       (33,600 )           (1,052,016 )
iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF       (7,100 )           (225,212 )
iShares MSCI Philippines ETF       (49,891 )           (1,633,930 )
iShares MSCI Poland ETF       (17,600 )           (428,560 )
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF       (27,100 )           (1,658,249 )
Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund       (11,700 )           (698,841 )
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust       (3,820 )           (1,074,681 )
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund       (45,100 )           (2,380,829 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

              (15,861,364 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS (Proceeds $(15,270,249))

              (15,861,364 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL SECURITITES SOLD SHORT (Proceeds $(102,735,756))

              (106,828,462 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (EXCLUDES SECURITIES SOLD SHORT) - 76.78%
(Cost $143,669,506)

              146,590,619

TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (55.95%) (Proceeds $(102,735,756))

              (106,828,462 )

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 79.17%

              151,160,857
           

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 190,923,014
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

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

C 7-day yield.

D 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.

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund.

MSCI - Morgan Stanley Capital International.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

S&P - Standard & Poor’s.

S&P 500 - Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index.

SPDR - Standard & Poor’s Depositary Receipt.

 

See accompanying notes

 

41


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:

 

Equity Futures Contracts  
Description      Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
     Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Mini MSCI EAFE Index Futures      105      September 2018        $10,502,229      $ 10,522,575      $ 20,346  
Mini MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures      7      September 2018        366,540        383,705        17,165  
            

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
             $10,868,769      $ 10,906,280      $ 37,511  
            

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Interest Rate Futures Contracts                                     
Description      Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
     Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note Futures      6      September 2018        $     717,697      $ 716,531      $ (1,166
            

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
             $     717,697      $ 716,531      $ (1,166
            

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
                    
Short Futures Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:

 

Equity Futures Contracts                                     
Description      Number of
Contracts
   Expiration
Date
       Notional
Amount
     Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures      31      September 2018        $(4,272,172)      $ (4,366,505    $ (94,333
S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures      1      September 2018        (146,960)        (150,998      (4,038
            

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
             $(4,419,132)      $ (4,517,503    $ (98,371
            

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

OTC Swap Agreements Outstanding on July 31, 2018:
OTC Swap Agreement Contracts for Difference-Equity

 

Reference Entity    Counter-
party
   Long/Short    Currency    Financing
Rate
    Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Geberit AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        332      $ 146,918      $ 1,207  
Givaudan S.A.    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        78        181,764        1,261  
Kuehne + Nagel International AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        505        78,224        2,551  
Nestle S.A.    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        1,870        152,924        (491
Partners Group Holding AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        227        173,345        (803
Roche Holding AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        247        58,382        2,258  
Siegfried Holding AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.423 %)      10/22/2018        3,825        1,645,909        5,795  
Sika AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        1,200        171,030        (242
Sonova Holding AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        916        172,097        (2,961
Swatch Group AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        1,430        121,558        (3,619
Swiss Prime Site AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        570        52,048        259  
Swiss Re AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        710        63,298        1,807  
Swisscom AG    MSC    Long    CHF      (0.476 %)      10/22/2018        313        142,304        4,806  
Coloplast A/S    MSC    Long    DKK      (0.068 %)      10/22/2018        1,170        125,650        2,058  
Danske Bank A/S    MSC    Long    DKK      (0.068 %)      10/22/2018        4,790        135,976        3,385  
GN Store Nord A/S    MSC    Long    DKK      (0.068 %)      10/22/2018        16,382        779,575        2,573  
H Lundbeck A/S    MSC    Long    DKK      (0.068 %)      10/22/2018        3,530        258,905        (3,160
Orsted A/S    MSC    Long    DKK      (0.068 %)      10/22/2018        2,080        132,139        (3,757
Vestas Wind Systems A/S    MSC    Long    DKK      (0.068 %)      10/22/2018        1,020        67,122        (1,266
William Demant Holding A/S    MSC    Long    DKK      (0.068 %)      10/22/2018        1,980        94,036        684  
Aalberts Industries NV    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        8,150        382,824        (12,831
Ageas    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        1,710        85,934        5,802  
Amadeus IT Group S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        2,230        193,030        (2,557
ANDRITZ AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      03/20/2019        1,290        72,600        634  
Arkema S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        2,329        282,042        10,219  
ASTM SpA    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        5,554        135,168        16,246  

 

See accompanying notes

 

42


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Reference Entity    Counter-
party
   Long/Short    Currency    Financing
Rate
    Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
AURELIUS Equity Opportunities SE & Co. KGaA    MSC    Long    EUR      (7.857 %)      10/22/2018        26,716      $ 1,586,398      $ 64,081  
Bauer AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        11,220        243,655        4,989  
Bayer AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        7,530        822,717        16,569  
Beneteau S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      03/20/2019        40,695        627,568        41,901  
C&C Group PLC    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      03/20/2019        44,500        178,591        521  
Cewe Stiftung & Co. KGAA    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        570        51,820        400  
Christian Dior SE    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      03/20/2019        5,537        2,377,635        (17,492
Colruyt S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        2,880        169,229        3,033  
Covestro AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        26,717        2,507,696        58,769  
CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        8,410        404,232        (7,478
Deutsche Lufthansa AG    MSC    Long    EUR      0.619     10/22/2018        9,504        -        8,896  
Deutz AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        142,172        1,181,905        111,453  
Eiffage S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        5,013        554,521        6,921  
El.En. SpA    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        9,560        324,385        (8,277
Elisa OYJ    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        1,180        50,297        1,022  
Enel SpA    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        36,300        202,787        (191
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        61,410        1,130,576        (81,668
ForFarmers N.V.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        21,010        257,627        (18,683
Galp Energia SGPS S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      03/20/2019        4,200        83,345        3,096  
Groupe Bruxelles Lambert S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        750        79,365        386  
Hermes International    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        107        68,181        (376
HOCHTIEF AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        12,882        2,370,918        (54,261
Iberdrola S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        7,600        59,526        (391
Intertrust N.V.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        6,200        112,079        (3,990
Jacquet Metal Service    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        13,325        393,671        (780
KBC Ancora    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        4,690        252,207        5,488  
KBC Group N.V.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        1,650        123,982        2,973  
Kerry Group PLC    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      03/20/2019        1,080        118,531        (3,917
Kesko OYJ    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        1,120        73,779        (10,798
Kingspan Group PLC    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      03/20/2019        1,690        80,480        (1,938
Maisons du Monde S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      03/20/2019        29,165        1,070,145        (177,448
MAN SE    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        1,510        169,345        177  
Masmovil Ibercom S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        3,619        399,305        10,163  
Mediaset Espana Comunicacion S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        247,696        2,000,895        (48,689
Mersen S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        1,484        58,428        3,039  
Nemetschek SE    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        5,701        774,440        18,010  
Neste OYJ    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        1,017        79,988        4,046  
NH Hotel Group S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        229,813        1,706,125        (16,134
OMV AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      03/20/2019        16,470        896,089        35,844  
Paddy Power Betfair PLC    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      03/20/2019        780        85,012        91  
Peugeot S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        89,181        2,168,462        399,500  
Pharming Group N.V.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        195,682        322,638        (25,908
Proximus SADP    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        2,530        61,188        770  
Royal Dutch Shell PLC    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        1,270        44,215        (617
SBM Offshore N.V.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        34,150        452,915        77,917  
Scout24 AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        1,140        61,304        (1,947
Siltronic AG    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        14,651        2,302,226        254,565  
Snam SpA    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        11,900        51,406        (237
Thales S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      03/20/2019        600        79,645        (702
Trigano S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      03/20/2019        4,439        619,627        19,217  
UCB S.A.    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.069 %)      10/22/2018        1,330        109,897        4,420  
Wacker Neuson SE    MSC    Long    EUR      (0.119 %)      10/22/2018        19,536        478,192        26,515  
3i Group PLC    MSC    Long    GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        171,430        2,093,686        37,214  

 

See accompanying notes

 

43


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Reference Entity    Counter-
party
  Long/Short   Currency    Financing
Rate
    Expiration
Date
     Notional
Amount
     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Admiral Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        3,690      $ 94,774     $ 1,113  
Ashtead Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        31,240        947,846       11,474  
Auto Trader Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        30,300        174,485       (5,445
BAE Systems PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        9,400        83,255       (2,713
Bovis Homes Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        4,360        65,886       86  
Burberry Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        41,359        1,166,045       (22,941
Carnival PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        1,030        59,678       108  
Conviviality PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        105,604        1,385       138,803  
Countryside Properties PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        57,100        251,517       (749
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        21,549        95,627       1,583  
Drax Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        139,104        652,194       11,631  
Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd.    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        424,387        1,466,878       (36,185
HSBC Holdings PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        8,200        78,654       (79
Jackpotjoy PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        24,327        312,408       5,106  
Just Eat PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        8,100        91,695       (7,438
Kingfisher PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        34,600        143,921       (9,259
Marks & Spencer Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        20,300        82,868       (852
Moneysupermarket.com Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        29,200        118,490       1,820  
Next PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        1,040        82,535       (1,555
Paragon Banking Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        36,700        242,228       (2,484
Persimmon PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        20,200        659,522       (1,857
Plus500 Ltd.    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        105,831        2,422,477       154,095  
Polymetal International PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        10,600        93,522       (1,140
Rightmove PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        950        64,825       (4,125
Royal Dutch Shell PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        1,430        51,116       (1,004
Royal Mail PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        21,300        129,922       1,090  
SSE PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        3,670        65,641       (5,464
SSP Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        64,400        582,805       (7,012
Stock Spirits Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        34,650        104,767       (6,591
Thomas Cook Group PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        1,332,253        1,665,447       10,486  
William Hill PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        20,900        81,424       137  
Wm Morrison Supermarkets PLC    MSC   Long   GBP      0.875     10/22/2018        23,400        78,548       1,658  
Azrieli Group Ltd.    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        2,960        139,517       2,096  
Bank Hapoalim BM    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        22,900        157,198       4,614  
Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        27,700        166,690       6,788  
Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corp. Ltd.    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        93,700        99,300       (77
Elbit Systems Ltd.    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        758        89,784       1,032  
Frutarom Industries Ltd.    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        1,400        138,952       2,364  
Israel Chemicals Ltd.    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        36,100        167,795       4,718  
Israel Discount Bank Ltd.    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        51,000        154,979       6,110  
Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Ltd.    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        8,820        166,241       5,067  
Nice Ltd.    MSC   Long   ILS      0.960     02/27/2019        1,720        187,573       (94
Aker BP ASA    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        12,710        439,615       15,288  
Austevoll Seafood ASA    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        30,780        415,573       33,246  
DNB ASA    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        8,470        165,038       6,030  
DNO ASA    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        268,100        513,236       55,226  
Entra ASA    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        8,870        129,774       (218
Marine Harvest ASA    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        4,520        95,368       3,578  
Odfjell Drilling Ltd.    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        39,803        153,891       (733
SpareBank 1 Nord Norge    MSC   Long   NOK      0.034     10/22/2018        24,366        183,927       1,495  
Spectrum ASA    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        37,751        262,259       7,414  
Telenor ASA    MSC   Long   NOK      1.120     10/22/2018        51,698        1,009,556       2,538  

 

See accompanying notes

 

44


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Reference Entity   Counter-
party
  Long/Short   Currency   Financing
Rate
    Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
TGS NOPEC Geophysical Co. ASA   MSC   Long   NOK     1.120     10/22/2018       14,354     $ 553,209     $ (5,285
BioGaia AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       4,391       203,644       11,994  
Biotage AB   MSC   Long   SEK     0.300     10/22/2018       9,660       120,055       1,539  
Concentric AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       2,199       37,841       200  
Dustin Group AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       47,334       484,925       2,608  
G5 Entertainment AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       27,967       1,395,961       (92,868
Loomis AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       11,685       400,905       (34,125
Lundin Petroleum AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       7,400       230,846       13,475  
Nobina AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       112,264       767,886       11,499  
Nolato AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       12,967       1,112,854       50,059  
SSAB AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       283,125       1,053,999       69,601  
SSAB AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       175,600       818,789       47,565  
Swedish Match AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       44,990       2,501,791       (39,939
Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB   MSC   Long   SEK     (0.163 %)      10/22/2018       15,430       426,043       (8,445
ams AG   MSC   Short   CHF     (1.076 %)      10/22/2018       (10,730     778,846       4,335  
COSMO Pharmaceuticals N.V.   MSC   Short   CHF     (5.776 %)      10/22/2018       (5,068     631,708       (24,572
Credit Suisse Group AG   MSC   Short   CHF     (1.076 %)      10/22/2018       (4,440     68,237       (3,386
LafargeHolcim Ltd.   MSC   Short   CHF     (1.076 %)      10/22/2018       (35,230     1,684,279       (117,789
ALK-Abello A/S   MSC   Short   DKK     (0.668 %)      10/22/2018       (9,143     1,691,539       (8,616
Aegon N.V.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (14,200     87,859       (5,882
Airbus SE   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (1,340     165,818       (376
ALD S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (1.272 %)      03/20/2019       (52,217     929,889       (3,666
Allianz SE   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (360     76,367       (3,302
ASML Holding N.V.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (422     93,049       2,444  
AXA S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      03/20/2019       (2,440     59,240       (2,427
Banco BPM SpA   MSC   Short   EUR     (1.369 %)      10/22/2018       (744,500     2,270,964       (98,435
Banco Comercial Portugues S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      03/20/2019       (477,300     148,606       (1,286
Banco Santander S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (13,500     73,387       (2,741
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (12,220     1,151,797       (30,506
Boskalis Westminster   MSC   Short   EUR     (3.369 %)      10/22/2018       (8,440     251,621       (7,505
Carrefour S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (16,840     301,443       (1,205
Credito Valtellinese SpA   MSC   Short   EUR     (7.869 %)      10/22/2018       (17,524,272     1,845,385       (332,169
Daimler AG   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (35,480     2,377,057       (78,460
De’ Longhi SpA   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (1,830     51,903       (1,970
Delivery Hero AG   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (21,300     1,249,842       39,128  
Deutsche Bank AG   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (116,900     1,403,293       (126,989
Deutsche Telekom AG   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (3,270     52,589       (1,550
E.ON SE   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (9,300     104,473       (468
Electricite de France S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (11,870     169,926       (7,847
Ferrovial S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (58,630     875,421       (3,566
Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (840     68,268       3,381  
GEA Group AG   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.869 %)      10/22/2018       (36,050     1,324,462       (84,361
GRENKE AG   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.994 %)      10/22/2018       (800     92,013       3,510  
Huhtamaki OYJ   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (47,780     1,610,082       (108,998
ING Groep N.V.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (7,420     107,897       (5,852
Ingenico Group S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (8,150     735,219       58,551  
Innate Pharma S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (11.994 %)      03/20/2019       (19,521     103,856       (7,697
Ion Beam Applications   MSC   Short   EUR     (8.119 %)      10/22/2018       (13,172     350,158       5,548  
Kone OYJ   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (13,120     728,571       10,295  
Leonardo SpA   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (8,000     84,805       (11,139
Mithra Pharmaceuticals S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (1.744 %)      10/22/2018       (8,540     367,714       31,975  
Neinor Homes S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (93,738     1,750,464       (26,323
Nokian Renkaat OYJ   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (5,280     217,461       (11,676
Obrascon Huarte Lain S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (7.369 %)      10/22/2018       (62,800     194,352       (27,040
OCI N.V.   MSC   Short   EUR     (1.494 %)      10/22/2018       (64,780     1,875,948       (84,133
Orpea   MSC   Short   EUR     (0.619 %)      03/20/2019       (1,366     193,886       5,848  
Promotora de Informaciones S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR     (7.494 %)      10/22/2018       (91,500     173,865       (20,984

 

See accompanying notes

 

45


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Reference Entity   Counter-
party
  Long/Short   Currency    Financing
Rate
    Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Rallye S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR      (1.811 %)      03/20/2019       (8,509   $ 102,746     $ 2,389  
Randstad Holding N.V.   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (2,430     143,128       (11,145
Rocket Internet SE   MSC   Short   EUR      (1.119 %)      10/22/2018       (32,130     1,124,804       7,519  
RWE AG   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (3,640     94,379       (1,193
SES S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.869 %)      03/20/2019       (112,510     2,088,506       (161,920
Siemens AG   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (514     70,244       (2,382
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR      (2.369 %)      10/22/2018       (71,830     1,011,478       (4,202
Sodexo S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (12,080     1,292,331       (45,896
SRP Groupe S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR      (10.244 %)      10/22/2018       (31,353     232,213       (5,870
Stora Enso OYJ   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (5,290     87,149       (340
Takeaway.com N.V.   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (2,050     135,041       (1,919
Tenaris S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (33,690     625,580       9,461  
Tikkurila OYJ   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.747 %)      10/22/2018       (7,089     127,072       (3,318
UniCredit SpA   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (3,810     62,232       (5,367
Unilever N.V.   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (2,620     151,652       705  
Unione di Banche Italiane SpA   MSC   Short   EUR      (1.167 %)      10/22/2018       (49,000     196,958       (6,114
Vallourec S.A.   MSC   Short   EUR      (6.744 %)      10/22/2018       (107,400     653,198       (40,464
Volkswagen AG   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (822     139,131       (7,271
Wartsila OYJ Abp   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.669 %)      10/22/2018       (20,900     444,654       (7,501
Wirecard AG   MSC   Short   EUR      (0.619 %)      10/22/2018       (417     75,919       (2,025
YIT OYJ   MSC   Short   EUR      (1.556 %)      10/22/2018       (69,234     405,846       (64,806
AA PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (98,375     146,206       1,678  
British American Tobacco PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (48,090     2,498,051       (152,028
Capita PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (173,150     374,537       6,587  
CYBG PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      (2.466 %)      10/22/2018       (53,400     233,258       (8,826
Dixons Carphone PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (249,900     589,232       9,342  
Fresnillo PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (26,540     390,960       29,244  
Hurricane Energy PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      (7.131 %)      10/22/2018       (597,616     394,474       1,728  
Inmarsat PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (161,098     1,171,138       (32,543
IQE PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      (7.000 %)      10/22/2018       (294,500     399,572       17,511  
John Wood Group PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (179,100     1,446,727       (79,878
Merlin Entertainments PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (280,800     1,489,197       38,676  
Metro Bank PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      (0.615 %)      10/22/2018       (2,660     115,564       3,908  
Micro Focus International PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (39,040     659,925       19,791  
Ocado Group PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      (0.625 %)      10/22/2018       (4,040     59,202       590  
Petra Diamonds Ltd.   MSC   Short   GBP      (1.125 %)      10/22/2018       (138,229     90,661       7,072  
Provident Financial PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      (2.625 %)      10/22/2018       (250,211     2,019,175       (179,862
Prudential PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (6,130     143,934       (1,206
Purplebricks Group PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      (20.875 %)      10/22/2018       (177,797     690,813       35,917  
Randgold Resources Ltd.   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (2,920     213,502       (3,677
Sanne Group PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (18,846     177,993       3,461  
Sirius Minerals PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      (7.625 %)      10/22/2018       (818,114     361,655       (28,761
Smart Metering Systems PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (55,886     505,829       45,451  
Travis Perkins PLC   MSC   Short   GBP      0.375     10/22/2018       (118,130     2,122,912       269,625  
Asetek A/S   MSC   Short   NOK      (3.555 %)      10/22/2018       (7,903     84,294       (3,395
Borr Drilling Ltd.   MSC   Short   NOK      0.070     10/22/2018       (60,530     276,376       (10,401
Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA   MSC   Short   NOK      (9.037 %)      10/22/2018       (25,594     750,797       1,571  
Yara International ASA   MSC   Short   NOK      0.520     10/22/2018       (16,030     675,241       (32,870
Atlas Copco AB   MSC   Short   SEK      (0.763 %)      10/22/2018       (1,620     45,070       (1,355
BillerudKorsnas AB   MSC   Short   SEK      (0.300 %)      10/22/2018       (5,290     60,236       (2,890
Eltel AB   MSC   Short   SEK      (3.213 %)      10/22/2018       (40,151     105,466       (2,833
Epiroc AB   MSC   Short   SEK      (0.763 %)      10/22/2018       (15,170     176,190       (5,577
Hennes & Mauritz AB   MSC   Short   SEK      (2.485 %)      10/22/2018       (151,230     2,386,798       32,260  
Oncopeptides AB   MSC   Short   SEK      (3.500 %)      10/22/2018       (7,790     141,853       (5,142
Skanska AB   MSC   Short   SEK      (0.763 %)      10/22/2018       (44,280     796,244       (38,300
Svenska Handelsbanken AB   MSC   Short   SEK      (0.763 %)      10/22/2018       (30,060     350,838       (20,869
              

 

 

   

 

 

 
               $ 125,609,691     $ (348,982
              

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

46


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Glossary:
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
MSC    Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc.
Currency Abbreviations:
CHF    Swiss Franc
DKK    Danish Krone
EUR    Euro
GBP    Pound Sterling
ILS    Israeli New Sheqel
NOK    Norwegian Krone
SEK    Swedish Krona
Exchange Abbreviations:
OTC    Over-the-Counter
Index Abbreviations:
MSCI    Morgan Stanley Capital International
MSCI EAFE    Morgan Stanley Capital International - Europe, Australasia, and Far East
S&P 500    Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index
S&P/TSX    Canadian Equity Market Index
Other Abbreviations:
ETF    Exchange-Traded Fund
PLC    Public Limited Company

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of July 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Common Stocks

  $ 107,518,571       $ -        $ -       $ 107,518,571  

Exchange-Traded Instruments

    15,256,153         -          -         15,256,153  

Short-Term Investments

    23,815,895         -          -         23,815,895  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 146,590,619       $ -        $ -       $ 146,590,619  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities

              

Common Stocks (Sold Short)

  $ (90,967,098     $                     -        $                   -       $ (90,967,098

Exchange-Traded Instruments (Sold Short)

    (15,861,364       -          -         (15,861,364
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Liabilities

    (106,828,462       -          -         (106,828,462
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

  $ 39,762,157       $ -        $ -       $ 39,762,157  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

              

Futures Contracts

  $ 37,511       $ -        $ -       $ 37,511  

OTC Swap Agreement Contracts for Difference - Equity

    -         2,698,366          -         2,698,366  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 37,511       $ 2,698,366        $ -       $ 2,735,877  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

              

Futures Contracts

  $ (99,537     $ -        $ -       $ (99,537

OTC Swap Agreement Contracts for Difference - Equity

    -         (3,047,348        -         (3,047,348
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (99,537     $ (3,047,348      $                   -       $ (3,146,885
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP 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 July 31, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

47


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Grosvenor
Long/Short Fund
          Numeric Integrated
Alpha Fund
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 16,071,910       $ 122,774,724  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    1,079,034         23,815,895  

Foreign currency, at fair value^

    78,749         100,031  

Foreign currency with brokers, at fair value1

    374,629         -  

Purchased options contracts outstanding (premiums paid $22,143)

    15,007         -  

Foreign currency deposits with brokers for futures contracts, at fair value¤

    11,378         740,919  

Swap premium paid

    31         -  

Cash with brokers

    4,190,025         104,529,084  

Deposit with brokers for futures contracts

    -         790,889  

Cash collateral held at custodian for the benefit of the broker

    2,429,048         46,775,000  

Dividends and interest receivable

    48,239         84,383  

Receivable for investments sold

    419,714         2,751,333  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    -         470,313  

Receivable for tax reclaims

    1,462         -  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    16,929         12,744  

Unrealized appreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    15,327         -  

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

    7,421         -  

Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements

    309,771         2,698,366  

Prepaid expenses

    45,181         58,463  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    25,113,855         305,602,144  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    277,525         4,047,900  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    -         100,509  

Foreign currency deposits with brokers for futures contracts, at fair value¤

    -         9,885  

Swap premium received

    37         -  

Securities sold short, at fair value±

    5,085,507         106,828,462  

Cash due to broker for futures contracts

    11,689         -  

Cash due to custodian

    6,370         79,695  

Written options and swaptions contracts, at fair value (premiums received $3,233)

    990         -  

Swap income payable

    4,024         12,136  

Dividends and interest expense payable

    21,915         144,565  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    34,262         285,180  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    302         -  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    2,844         24,249  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    5,179         10,718  

Professional fees payable

    38,433         24,551  

Unrealized depreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    17,173         -  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    2,163         -  

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

    -         61,281  

Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements

    74,553         3,047,348  

Other liabilities

    20         2,651  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    5,582,986         114,679,130  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 19,530,869       $ 190,923,014  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 18,156,626       $ 198,392,482  

(Overdistribution) of net investment income

    (628,710       (1,573,921

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

    1,234,957         (4,311,956

Unrealized appreciation of investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    858,287         2,921,113  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of purchased options contracts

    (7,136       -  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of foreign currency transactions

    189         (990

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of forward foreign currency contracts

    (1,846       -  

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts

    7,396         (62,026

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of swap agreements

    235,218         (348,982

Unrealized appreciation of written options contracts

    2,243         -  

Unrealized (depreciation) of short sales

    (326,355       (4,092,706
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 19,530,869       $ 190,923,014  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

48


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Grosvenor
Long/Short Fund
          Numeric Integrated
Alpha Fund
 

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

 

Institutional Class

    1,662,131         12,247  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    37,063         10,169  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    50,929         10,162  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    18,977         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    16,593         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ultra Class

    9,574         19,518,876  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 18,097,386       $ 119,544  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 402,387       $ 99,114  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 548,116       $ 98,631  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 204,164         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 174,465         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ultra Class

  $ 104,351       $ 190,605,725  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 10.89       $ 9.76  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 10.86       $ 9.75  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 10.76       $ 9.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 10.76         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 11.42         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 10.51         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ultra Class

  $ 10.90       $ 9.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 15,213,623       $ 119,853,611  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 1,079,034       $ 23,815,895  

¤ Cost of foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts

  $ 11,413       $ 731,891  

^ Cost of foreign currency

  $ 77,152       $ 100,065  

1 Cost of foreign currency with broker

  $ 375,558       $ -  

± Proceeds of securities sold short

  $ 4,759,152       $ 102,735,756  

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

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

49


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Grosvenor
Long/Short

Fund
          Numeric Integrated
Alpha Fund
 

Investment income:

     

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes)

  $ 126,994       $ 1,262,684  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 8)

    18,112         163,139  

Interest income

    92,877         995,426  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    237,983         2,421,249  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

     

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    182,251         1,625,798  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    953         4  

Y Class (Note 2)

    61         28  

Investor Class

    624         605  

Ultra Class

    1,761         55,515  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    51,728         25,154  

Professional fees

    30,536         26,795  

Registration fees and expenses

    33,062         39,707  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    950         44  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    255         -  

C Class

    874         -  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    6,203         6,810  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    575         4,098  

Prime broker fees

    98,547         791,182  

Dividends and interest on securities sold short

    58,382         1,862,295  

Other expenses

    2,162         3,075  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    468,924         4,441,310  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (102,116       (104,115
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    366,808         4,337,195  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment (loss)

    (128,825       (1,915,946
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    840,971         960,343  

Purchased options contracts

    (25,196       -  

Commission recapture (Note 1)

    -         (75

Foreign currency transactions

    (17,470       (62,000

Forward foreign currency contracts

    49,418         (126

Futures contracts

    11,385         (892,906

Swap agreements

    261,353         978,755  

Written options contracts

    783         -  

Short sales

    (80,554       (2,640,626

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    (1,367,875       4,011  

Purchased options contracts

    (3,171       -  

Foreign currency transactions

    5,003         (5,862

Forward foreign currency contracts

    32,446         -  

Futures contracts

    7,396         (251,651

Swap agreements

    (352,054       17,926  

Written options contracts

    2,243         -  

Short sales

    86,315         (908,564
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (loss) from investments

    (549,007       (2,800,775
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (677,832     $ (4,716,721
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 4,273       $ 97  

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

 

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

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

50


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Grosvenor Long/Short Fund           Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
          Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)                       (unaudited)              

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

             

Operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

  $ (128,825     $ (329,883     $ (1,915,946     $ (4,058,282

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities, purchased options contracts, commission recapture, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, futures contracts, swap agreements, written options contracts, and short sales

    1,040,690         1,556,635         (1,656,635       5,061,846  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in unaffiliated securities, purchased options contracts, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, futures contracts, swap agreements, written options contracts, and short sales

    (1,589,697       1,287,735         (1,144,140       (1,069,466
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (677,832       2,514,487         (4,716,721       (65,902
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

             

Net investment income:

             

Institutional Class

    -         (88,769       -         -  

Y Class

    -         (2,015       -         (71

Investor Class

    -         (3,387       -         -  

A Class

    -         (1,022       -         -  

C Class

    -         (1,017       -         -  

Ultra ClassA

    -         (516       (163       (505,474

Net realized gain from investments:

             

Institutional Class

    -         (1,261,803       -         (1,928

Y Class

    -         (28,648       -         (1,600

Investor Class

    -         (48,133       -         (1,600

A Class

    -         (14,525       -         -  

C Class

    -         (14,710       -         -  

Ultra ClassA

    -         (7,334       -         (2,768,627
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    -         (1,471,879       (163       (3,279,300
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

             

Proceeds from sales of shares

    53,503         1,122,598         51,985,846         156,192,646  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -         1,471,879         163         1,498,078  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (345,319       (303,320       (33,086,532       (35,313,498
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (291,816       2,291,157         18,899,477         122,377,226  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (969,648       3,333,765         14,182,593         119,032,024  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net Assets:

             

Beginning of period

    20,500,517         17,166,752         176,740,421         57,708,397  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period*

  $ 19,530,869       $ 20,500,517       $ 190,923,014       $ 176,740,421  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed (overdistribution of) net investment income

  $ (628,710     $ (499,885     $ (1,573,921     $ 342,188  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class commenced operations November 14, 2017 for the Grosvenor Long/Short Fund (Note 1).

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

51


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (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 non-diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of July 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund and American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining thirty-one active series are reported in separate filings.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”) organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative, and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors. RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

Class Disclosure

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

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 
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.    $ 2,500  
A Class    All investors who invest through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers or third party administrator. Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker, bank, or registered investment advisor, which may include a front-end sales charge and a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”).    $ 2,500  
C Class    Retail investors who invest directly through a financial intermediary such as a broker or through employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges, which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  
Ultra    Large institutional investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 350,000,000  

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

Significant Accounting Policies

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

 

 

52


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

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

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.

Currency Translation

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

Distributions to Shareholders

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.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

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

Use of Estimates

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

 

 

53


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (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 Grosvenor Long/Short Fund operates in a manager of managers structure. The Manager has engaged Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., an unaffiliated alternative investment advisory firm, to serve as the Fund’s lead Sub-Advisor (“Lead Sub-Advisor”). The Fund and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) that permits the Fund, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to hire and replace Sub-Advisors (but not the Lead Sub-Advisor) that are unaffiliated with the Manager without approval of shareholders. The Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee the Lead Sub-Advisor and Sub-Advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The order also exempts the Fund from disclosing the advisory fees paid by the Fund to individual sub-advisors that are unaffiliated with the Manager in various documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. Instead, the fees payable to unaffiliated sub-advisors are aggregated, and fees payable to sub-advisors that are affiliated with the Manager, if any, would be aggregated with fees payable to the Manager. Disclosure of the separate fees paid to an affiliated sub-advisor would be required. Whenever a sub-advisor change is proposed in reliance on the order, in order for the change to be implemented, the Board must approve the change. In addition, the Fund is required to provide shareholders with certain information regarding any new sub-advisor within 90 days of the hiring of any new sub-advisor. The Fund’s Sub-Advisors are set forth below.

 

   

Basswood Capital Management, LLC

 

   

Electron Capital Partners, LLC

 

   

Impala Asset Management LLC

 

   

Incline Global Management, LLC

 

   

Tremblant Capital LP

The Grosvenor Long/Short Fund and the Manager are parties to a Management Agreement that obligates the Manager to provide the Fund with management, administrative, and supervisory services. The Manager is paid a management fee as compensation that is calculated and accrued daily equal to 1.85% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. As part of the fee, the Manager receives an annualized management fee equal to 0.35%. The remain portion of the fee is used by the Manager to compensate the Lead Sub-Advisor pursuant to a Lead Investment Advisory Agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager. The fee is calculated and accrued daily equal to 1.50% of the Funds average daily assets. The Lead Sub-Advisor pays the fees of each Sub-Advisor.

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

 

First $1 billion

     0.425

Next $4 billion

     0.40

Next $5 billion

     0.375

Over $10 billion

     0.35

 

 

54


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

First $800 million

     1.35

Over $800 million

     1.30

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the period ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  
Management Fees     0.35     $ 34,480  
Sub-Advisor Fees     1.50       147,771  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total     1.85     $ 182,251  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund      
    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  
Management Fees     0.43     $ 386,709  
Sub-Advisor Fees     1.35       1,239,089  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total     1.78     $ 1,625,798  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 Investor, A, and C Classes of the Grosvenor Long/Short Fund and the Investor Class of the Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Funds.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the Institutional Class of the Grosvenor Long/Short Fund and the Institutional and Y Classes of the Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these

 

 

55


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

services. Intermediaries transact with the Funds primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Funds. Certain services would have been provided by the Funds’ transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Funds’ transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds, pursuant to Board approval, have agreed to reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the Institutional Class 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 Class and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Grosvenor Long/Short

   $ 718  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

     18  

As of July 31, 2018, 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
 

Grosvenor Long/Short

   $ 92  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

     -  

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.

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
 

Grosvenor Long/Short

   $ 1,163  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

     10,235  

Interfund Credit Facility

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 a credit facility whereby each Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating Funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the Funds because it provides added liquidity, and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a Fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Funds did not utilize the credit facility.

 

 

56


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 Funds’ expense cap. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

Fund

   Class    Expense Cap     Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
    Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 
   2/1/2018 -
7/31/2018
 

Grosvenor Long/Short

   Institutional      2.10   $ 92,280      $ -       2021  

Grosvenor Long/Short

   Y      2.20     1,893        -       2021  

Grosvenor Long/Short

   Investor      2.48     3,967        -       2021  

Grosvenor Long/Short

   A      2.50     880        -       2021  

Grosvenor Long/Short

   C      3.25     752        -       2021  

Grosvenor Long/Short

   Ultra      1.99     2,344        -       2021  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

   Institutional      1.95     -        (24     2021  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

   Y      2.05     -        (46     2021  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

   Investor      2.33     435        -       2021  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

   Ultra      1.85     103,750        -       2021  

Of these amounts, $16,929 and $12,744 were disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at July 31, 2018 for the Grosvenor Long/Short Fund and Numeric Integrated Alpha 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 2021. The Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements due to the current assessment that reimbursements are unlikely. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Grosvenor Long/Short

   $ -      $ 426,070      $ -        2019  

Grosvenor Long/Short

     -        281,244        -        2020  

Grosvenor Long/Short

     -        279,922        -        2021  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

     -        189,564        -        2020  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

     -        282,447        -        2021  

The Distributor

Effective March 1, 2018, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”) replaced Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside”) as the Funds’ distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares.

RID is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Funds’ shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to the extent applicable, the Distributor receives, and may re-allow to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A Class and C Class shares. For A Class and C Class shares, the

 

 

57


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of A Class and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Distributor to the broker-dealers. The Distributor retains any portion of the commission fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

Prior to March 1, 2018, Foreside served as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares. Pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement between Foreside and the Manager in effect through February 28, 2018, Foreside received a fee from the Manager for providing administrative services in connection with the marketing and distribution of shares of the Trust, including the registration of Manager employees as registered representatives of Foreside to facilitate distribution of Fund shares. Foreside also received a fee from the Manager under a Marketing Agreement pursuant to which Foreside provided services in connection with the marketing of a Fund to institutional investors. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement with the Trust in effect through February 28, 2018, Foreside received, and may have re-allowed to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A and C Class shares. For A and C Class shares, Foreside received commission revenues consisting of the portion of A and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by Foreside to the broker dealers. Foreside retained any portion of the commission fees that were not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ Distributor, formerly 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 July 31, 2018, there were no fees collected by Foreside for the sale of Class A Shares of the Funds.

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 July 31, 2018, 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 July 31, 2018, there were no CDSC fees collected for Class C Shares of the Funds.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and American Beacon Apollo Enhanced Income Fund, each Trustee receives an annual retainer of $120,000, plus $10,000 for each Board meeting attended in person or via teleconference, $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time. The Board Chairman receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a $2,500 fee each quarter for his attendance at the committee meetings. Effective January 1, 2018, the Board Vice Chair receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. 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 Trusts according to its respective net assets.

 

 

58


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Concentration of Ownership

From time to time, the Funds may have a concentration of one or more accounts constituting a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities by holders of accounts that represent a significant ownership of more than 5% of the Funds’ outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Funds. As of July 31, 2018, based on management’s evaluation of the shareholder account base, one account in the Grosvenor Long/Short Fund has been identified as representing an affiliated significant ownership of approximately 60% and one unaffiliated account of approximately 31% of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

59


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Attempts to determine the fair value of securities introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities. As a result, the price of a security determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the market value of the security when trading resumes. If a reliable market quotation becomes available for a security formerly valued through fair valuation techniques, the Manager compares the new market quotation to the fair value price to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund’s fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust the Fund’s fair valuation procedures.

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

 

 

60


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (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.

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

Level 3 trading assets and trading liabilities, at fair value

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

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

Market quotes are considered not readily available in circumstances where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g., trade information or broker quotes), including where events occur after the close of the relevant market, but prior to the Exchange close, that materially affect the values of 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 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

 

 

61


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Common Stock

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

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 certificates of deposit (“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 Funds’ 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 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 July 31, 2018 are disclosed in the Funds’ Notes to the Schedules of Investments.

 

 

62


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as the Funds, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.

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 their Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

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

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 Statement 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 July 31, 2018, short positions were held by the Funds and are disclosed in the Schedules of Investments.

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.

Contracts for Difference

A Contract for Difference (“CFD”) is a form of equity swap in which its value is based on the fluctuating value of some underlying asset (e.g., shares of a particular stock or a stock index). A CFD is a contract between

 

 

63


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

two parties, buyer and seller, stipulating that the seller will pay to the buyer the difference between the nominal value of the underlying stock at the opening of the contract and the stock’s value at the close of the contract. The size of the contract and the contract’s expiration date are typically negotiated by the parties to the CFD transaction. CFDs enable the Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund to take short or long positions on an underlying stock and thus potentially capture gains on movements in the share prices of the stock without the need to own the underlying stock. By entering into a CFD transaction, the Fund could incur losses because it would face many of the same types of risks as owning the underlying equity security directly. For example, the fund might buy a short position in a CFD and the contract value at the close of the transaction may be greater than the contract value at the opening of the transaction. This may be due to, among other factors, an increase in the market value of the underlying equity security. In such a situation, the Fund would have to pay the difference in value of the contract to the seller of the CFD. The Fund’s use of swaps is intended to generate profits, adjust leverage, hedge exposures, and manager volatility.

The CFDs outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of these contracts. For purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by contracts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Contracts for Difference Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended July 31, 2018  

Grosvenor Long/Short

  $ 6,165,084  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

    17,289,051  

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

The Grosvenor Long/Short Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts to hedge the exchange rate risk on investment transactions or to hedge the value of the Fund’s securities denominated in foreign currencies. Forward foreign currency contracts are valued at the forward exchange rate prevailing on the day of valuation. The Fund 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 Fund bears 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 Fund also bears the credit risk if the counterparty fails to perform under the contract.

During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Grosvenor Long/Short Fund entered into forward foreign currency contracts primarily for speculative purposes.

The Fund’s forward foreign currency contract notional dollar values outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of forward foreign currency contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by the amounts bought and sold in USD at each quarter end.

 

Average Forward Foreign Currency Notional Amounts Outstanding
Period Ended July 31, 2018

 

Fund

  Purchased Contracts     Sold Contracts  

Grosvenor Long/Short

  $ 363,025     $ 1,462,902  

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.

 

 

64


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 Schedules of Investments as a U.S. Treasury Bill held as collateral for futures contracts or as cash deposited with broker on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments to and from the broker, known as variation margin, are required to be made on a daily basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates. Changes in initial settlement values are accounted for as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are terminated, at which time realized gains and losses are recognized. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent settlement price established each day by the exchange on which they are traded.

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 July 31, 2018  

Grosvenor Long/Short

    2  

Numeric Integrated Alpha

    263  

Options Contracts

The Grosvenor Long/Short Fund may write (1) call and put options on futures, swaps (“swaptions”), securities, commodities or currencies it owns or in which it may invest and (2) inflation-capped options. Writing put options tends to increase the Fund’s exposure to unfavorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for an upfront premium. Writing call options tends to decrease the Fund’s exposure to favorable movements of the underlying instrument 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 Grosvenor Long/Short Fund 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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an investment and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option. Premiums paid for purchasing options which expire are treated as realized losses. Certain options may be purchased with premiums to be determined on a future date. The premiums for these options are based upon implied volatility parameters at specified terms. The risk associated with purchasing put and call options is limited to the premium paid. Premiums paid for purchasing options which are exercised or closed are added to the amounts paid or offset against the proceeds on the underlying investment transaction to determine the realized gain or loss when the underlying transaction is sold.

During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Grosvenor Long/Short Fund purchased/sold options primarily for return enhancement and hedging.

 

 

65


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 the notional value of contracts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Option Notional Amounts Outstanding
Period Ended July 31, 2018

 

Fund

  Purchased     Sold  

Grosvenor Long/Short

  $ 38,175     $ 975  

Total Return Swap Agreements

The Grosvenor Long/Short Fund may enter into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

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

 

Average Total Return Swap Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended July 31, 2018  

Grosvenor Long/Short

  $ 54,964,449  

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

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Assets:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Purchased options outstanding     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 15,007         $ 15,007
Unrealized appreciation of forward foreign currency contracts       -           15,327           -           -           -           15,327
Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)       -           -           7,396           -           -           7,396
Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements       -           -           -           -           309,771           309,771

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Written options contracts outstanding     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (990 )         $ (990 )
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts       -           (17,173 )           -           -           -           (17,173 )
Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements       -           -           -           -           (74,553 )           (74,553 )

 

 

66


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Purchased options contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (25,196 )         $ (25,196 )
Forward foreign currency contracts       -           49,418           -           -           -           49,418
Futures contracts       -           -           5,031           -           6,354           11,385
Swap agreements       -           -           -           -           261,353           261,353
Written options contracts       -           -           -           -           783           783

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Purchased options contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (3,171 )         $ (3,171 )
Forward foreign currency contracts       -           32,446           -           -           -           32,446
Futures contracts       -           -           7,396           -           -           7,396
Swap agreements       -           -           -           -           (352,054 )           (352,054 )
Written options contracts       -           -           -           -           2,243           2,243

Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 2018:

 

    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)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 37,511         $ 37,511
Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements       -           -           -           -           2,698,366           2,698,366

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (1,166 )         $ (98,371 )         $ (99,537 )
Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements       -           -           -           -           (3,047,348 )           (3,047,348 )
                                           
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (126 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (126 )
Futures contracts       -           -           -           (161,365 )           (731,541 )           (892,906 )
Swap agreements       -           -           -           -           978,755           978,755

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
Futures contracts     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (1,166 )         $ (250,485 )         $ (251,651 )
Swap agreements       -           -           -           -           17,926           17,926

(1) See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

(2) Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Fund’s Schedules of Investments footnotes. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

67


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Master Agreements

International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreements”) with counterparties govern transactions in OTC derivative and foreign exchange contracts entered into by the Funds and those counterparties. The ISDA Master Agreements contain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral and events of default or termination. Events of termination include conditions that may entitle counterparties to elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable ISDA Master Agreement. Any election to terminate early could be material to the financial statements. Since different types of forward and OTC financial derivative transactions have different mechanics and are sometimes traded out of different legal entities of a particular counterparty organization, each type of transaction may be covered by a different Master Agreement, resulting in the need for multiple agreements with a single counterparty. As the Master Agreements are specific to unique operations of different asset types, they allow a Fund to net its total exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default with respect to all the transactions governed under a single agreement with a counterparty.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as delayed delivery or sale-buyback financing transactions by and between a Fund and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Funds are parties to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Funds employ multiple money managers and counterparties and have elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below. 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, July 31, 2018.

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ 7,396       $ -  
Swap Agreement - OTC     309,771         74,553  
Purchased Options Contracts     15,007         -  
Written Options Contracts     -         990  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts     15,327         17,173  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 347,501       $ 92,716  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (21,926     $ (990
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 325,575       $ 91,726  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and  Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
             

Counterparty

              Non-Cash Collateral
Pledged
          Cash Collateral
Pledged
          Net Amount  

Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.

  $ 325,575       $ (91,726     $ -       $ -       $ 233,849  

 

 

68


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Gross Amounts of
Liabilities Presented

in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
          Net Amount  

Counterparty

              Non-Cash Collateral
Received
          Cash Collateral
Received
       

Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.

  $ 91,726       $ (91,726     $ -       $ -       $ -  

Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ 37,511       $ 99,537  
Swap Agreement - OTC     2,698,366         3,047,348  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 2,735,877       $ 3,146,885  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (37,511     $ (99,537
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 2,698,366       $ 3,047,348  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
          Net Amount  

Counterparty

              Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged
          Cash Collateral
Pledged
       

Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.

  $ 2,698,366       $ (2,698,366     $ -       $ -       $ -  
    Gross Amounts of
Liabilities Presented

in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available for
Offset
          Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
          Net Amount  

Counterparty

              Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
          Cash Collateral
Received
       

Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.

  $ 3,047,348       $ (2,698,366     $ -       $ -       $ 348,982  

6.  Principal Risks

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

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.

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 or by purchasing or selling forward foreign 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 (“NDOs”) on non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency futures), and swaps for cross-currency investments. Foreign currencies will fluctuate, and may decline, in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Funds’ investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those derivatives, including the high degree of leverage often embedded in such instruments, and

 

 

69


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty and credit risk. As a result, the Funds may obtain no recovery of their 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. Ongoing changes in regulation of the derivatives market and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Funds ability to pursue its investment strategy.

Emerging Markets Risk

When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political uncertainties; an economy’s dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities; and delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk

Forward foreign currency contracts, including non-deliverable forwards, are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract with a counterparty to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The use of forward foreign currency contracts may expose the Funds to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the forward foreign currency contract.

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 they would not be subject to if they 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).

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

Portfolio turnover is a measure of the Funds’ trading activity over a one-year period. High portfolio turnover could increase the Funds’ transaction costs, have a negative impact on performance, and generate higher capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Funds have a lower portfolio turnover rate. Frequent trading by the Fund could also result in increased realized net capital gains, distributions to shareholders of which are taxable to the Funds’ shareholders. When shares are held in a taxable account (including short-term gain distributions, which are taxable to them as ordinary income).

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 Funds 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

 

 

70


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

at a lower price than the Funds believe is its fair market value. In addition, transaction costs may be higher for restricted securities and the Funds may receive only limited information regarding the issuer of a restricted security. The Funds may have to bear the expense of registering restricted securities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration.

Leverage Risk

Financial leverage magnifies the exposure to the movement 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 tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in the Funds’ exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the Funds’ NAV to be volatile.

The Funds may experience leveraging risk in connection with investments in derivatives because its investments in derivatives may be purchased with a fraction of the assets that would be needed to purchase the securities directly, so that the remainder of the assets may be invested in other investments. Such investments may have the effect of leveraging the Funds because the Funds may experience gains or losses not only on its investments in derivatives, but also on the investments purchased with the remainder of the assets. If the value of the Funds’ investments in derivatives is increasing, this could be offset by declining values of the Funds’ other investments. Conversely, it is possible that the rise in the value of the Funds’ non-derivative investments could be offset by a decline in the value of the Funds’ investments in derivatives. In either scenario, the Funds may experience losses. In a market where the value of the Funds’ investments in derivatives is declining and the value of its other investments is declining, the Funds may experience substantial losses. The use of leverage may cause the Funds to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet any required asset segregation requirements. In addition, the costs that the Funds pays to engage in these practices are additional costs borne by the Funds and could reduce or eliminate any net investment profits.

Liquidity Risk

When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to purchase or sell the securities at or near their perceived value. During such periods, certain investments held by the Funds, such as CFDs and total return swaps, may be difficult to sell or other investments may be difficult to purchase at favorable times or prices. As a result, the Funds may have to lower the price on certain securities that they are trying to sell, sell other securities instead or forgo an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Funds management or performance. Redemptions by a few large investors in the Funds at such times may have a significant adverse effect on the Funds’ NAV and remaining Fund shareholders. In addition, the market-making capacity of dealers in certain types of securities has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural and regulatory changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks and increased regulatory capital requirements for broker-dealers. Further, many broker-dealers have reduced their inventory of certain debt securities. This could negatively affect the Funds’ ability to buy or sell debt securities and increase the related volatility and trading costs. The Funds may lose money if they are forced to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs.

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. Conditions in the U.S. and many foreign economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in certain instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. These events have reduced the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, and have made it more difficult for some borrowers to obtain financing on attractive terms, if at all. In some cases, traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these

 

 

71


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

securities to rise and the yields to decline. Reduced liquidity in fixed-income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

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

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

Multi-Manager Risk

The Grosvenor Long/Short Fund’s performance depends on, among other things, the Lead Sub-Advisor’s success in monitoring and allocating the Fund’s assets among the Sub-Advisors. The Sub-Advisors investment styles may not always be complementary. The Sub-Advisors make investment decisions independently of one another, and may make conflicting investment decisions. The Fund’s multi-manager approach may result in the Fund investing a significant percentage of its assets in certain types of securities, which could be beneficial or detrimental to the Fund’s performance depending on the performance of those securities and the overall market environment. The

 

 

72


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Sub-Advisors may underperform the market generally or underperform other investment managers that could have been selected for the Fund. The Lead Sub-Advisor and the Sub-Advisors also may use proprietary or licensed strategies that are based on considerations and factors that are not fully disclosed to the Board, the Manager or the Lead Sub-Advisor. The success of a particular Sub-Advisor in implementing its investment strategy is dependent on the expertise of its portfolio managers, and certain Sub-Advisors may have a limited number of investment management professionals. The loss of one or more of a Sub-Advisor’s key investment professionals could have a materially adverse effect on the performance of the Fund. A Sub-Advisor may have little or no experience managing the assets of a registered investment company which, unlike the other accounts a Sub-Advisor may manage, is subject to daily inflows and outflows of investor cash and are subject to certain legal and tax-related restrictions on their investments and operations.

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. Since the Funds are non-diversified, the NAV and total return may also fluctuate more and be subject to decline in weaker markets than a diversified fund.

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

 

 

73


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Short Position Risk

The Funds’ short positions are subject to special risks. A short sale is effected by selling a security that the Funds do not own, or selling a security that the Funds own but that it does not deliver upon consummation of the sale. In order to make delivery to the buyer of a security sold short, the Funds must borrow the security. In so doing, it incurs the obligation to replace that security, whatever its price may be, at the time it is required to deliver it to the lender. The Funds must also pay to the lender of the security any dividends or interest payable on the security during the borrowing period and may have to pay a premium to borrow the security. This obligation must, unless the Funds then own or have the right to obtain, without payment, securities identical to those sold short, be collateralized by a deposit of cash or marketable securities with the lender. Short selling is subject to a theoretically unlimited risk of loss because there is no limit on how much the price of a security may appreciate before the short position is closed out. There can be no assurance that the securities necessary to cover the short position will be available for purchase by the Funds. In addition, purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the relevant securities to rise further, thereby increasing any loss incurred by the Funds. Furthermore, the Funds may be forced to closeout a short position prematurely if a counterparty from which the Funds borrowed securities demand their return, resulting in a loss on what might otherwise have been a profitable position. The Funds may also enter into a short position through a forward commitment or via an option, futures contract or swap agreement. If the price of the security or derivative has increased during the time the Funds hold the short position, then the Funds will incur a loss equal to the increase in price from the time that the short position was entered into plus any premiums and interest paid to the third party. Therefore, short positions involve the risk that losses may be exaggerated, potentially losing more money than the actual cost of the investment. The Funds’ losses are potentially unlimited in a short position because the price appreciation of the security that the Funds are required to purchase is unlimited. In addition, because the Funds may invest the proceeds of a short sale, the Funds may be subject to the effect of leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Funds’ NAV since it increases the exposure of the Funds to the market. If such instruments are traded OTC, the Funds are subject to the risk that the counterparty may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss to the Funds.

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.

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. For the Grosvenor Long/Short Fund, each of the tax years in the 3 year period ended January 31, 2018 and for the Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund, each of the tax years in the 2 year period ended January 31, 2018 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.

 

 

74


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Dividends are categorized in accordance with income tax regulations which may treat certain transactions differently than U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds also utilize earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

As of July 31, 2018 the tax cost for each Fund and their respective gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund

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

Grosvenor Long/Short

  $ 16,582,210       $ 1,035,809       $ (1,146,717     $ (110,908

Numeric Integrated Alpha

    146,901,667         8,980,132         (13,366,950       (4,386,818

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

For the year ended January 31, 2018, the Funds did not have any 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 period ended July 31, 2018 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
 
Grosvenor Long/Short    $ 137,763,374      $ -      $ 18,980,896      $ -  
Numeric Integrated Alpha      391,768,023        -        393,671,192        -  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the period ended July 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        January 31,
2018
Share/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           July 31,
2018
Share/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Grosvenor Long/Short   Direct     $ 3,966,444       $ 7,555,451       $ 10,442,861       $ 1,079,034       $ 18,112  
Numeric Integrated Alpha   Direct       26,525,936         98,181,510         100,891,551         23,815,895         163,139  

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 16, 2017, the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), entered into a committed revolving line of credit (the “Committed Line”) agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”) to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Committed Line is $50 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 1.25% per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds will pay a commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 15, 2018, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

Effective November 16, 2017, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, entered into an uncommitted discretionary demand revolving line of credit (the “Uncommitted Line”)

 

 

75


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

agreement with the Bank to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Uncommitted Line is $50 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate. The Uncommitted Line expires November 15, 2018 unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

The Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations, along with commitment fees, that have been allocated among the Participating Funds based on average daily net assets. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Funds did not utilize this facility.

10.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,381       $ 15,000         24,792       $ 275,000  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         124,822         1,350,573  
Shares redeemed     -         -         (1,252       (13,588
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     1,381       $ 15,000         148,362       $ 1,611,985  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     -       $ -         20,612       $ 225,000  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         2,839         30,664  
Shares redeemed     -         -         (12,642       (140,173
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         10,809       $ 115,491  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     3,622       $ 38,503         47,906       $ 522,598  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         4,806         51,520  
Shares redeemed     (31,713       (345,319       (7,889       (87,672
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (28,091     $ (306,816       44,823       $ 486,446  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Reinvestment of dividends     -       $ -         1,450       $ 15,547  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         1,450       $ 15,547  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Reinvestment of dividends     -       $ -         1,495       $ 15,726  
Shares redeemed     -         -         (5,799       (61,887
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     -       $ -         (4,304     $ (46,161
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

76


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Ultra Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          November 15, 2017A to
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     -       $ -         8,849       $ 100,000  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         725         7,849  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         9,574       $ 107,849  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Reinvestment of dividends     -       $ -         195       $ 1,928  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         195       $ 1,928  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Reinvestment of dividends     -       $ -         169       $ 1,671  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         169       $ 1,671  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Reinvestment of dividends     -       $ -         162       $ 1,600  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         162       $ 1,600  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Ultra Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     5,253,876       $ 51,985,846         15,360,264       $ 156,192,646  
Reinvestment of dividends     16         163         150,491         1,492,879  
Shares redeemed     (3,343,058       (33,086,532       (3,491,355       (35,313,498
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     1,910,834       $ 18,899,477         12,019,400       $ 122,372,027  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

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.

 

 

77


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2015A to
January 31,
2016
 
          2018           2017        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.26       $ 10.66       $ 9.79       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

    (0.07       (0.16 )B        (0.14       (0.02

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

    (0.30       1.65         1.22         (0.19
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.37       1.49         1.08         (0.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.06       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.83       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.89       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.89       $ 11.26       $ 10.66       $ 9.79  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (3.37 )%D        14.29       11.06       (2.10 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 18,097,386       $ 18,701,925       $ 16,119,517       $ 15,098,172  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    4.71 %E        5.67       6.13       11.84 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    3.69 %E        4.14       4.41       3.95 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.30 )%E        (3.30 )%        (3.10 )%        (10.23 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.28 )%E        (1.77 )%        (1.37 )%        (2.34 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    86 %D        186       250       77 %D 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.18) for Institutional Class.

C 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 2.10% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

78


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2015A to
January 31,
2016
 
          2018           2017        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.23       $ 10.65       $ 9.79       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

    (0.07       (0.15 )B        (0.10       (0.01

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

    (0.30       1.62         1.17         (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.37       1.47         1.07         (0.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.06       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.83       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.89       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.86       $ 11.23       $ 10.65       $ 9.79  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (3.29 )%D        14.11       10.96       (2.10 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 402,387       $ 416,381       $ 279,480       $ 166,300  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    4.73 %E        5.75       6.58       14.92 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    3.79 %E        4.27       4.49       4.03 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.32 )%E        (3.36 )%        (3.57 )%        (13.32 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.38 )%E        (1.88 )%        (1.48 )%        (2.43 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    86 %D        186       250       77 %D 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.17) for Y Class.

C 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 2.20% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

79


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2015A to
January 31,
2016
 
          2018           2017        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.15       $ 10.60       $ 9.78       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

    (0.29       (0.02 )B        (0.21       (0.01

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

    (0.10       1.46         1.24         (0.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.39       1.44         1.03         (0.22
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.06       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.83       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.89       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.76       $ 11.15       $ 10.60       $ 9.78  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (3.50 )%D        13.89       10.56       (2.20 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 548,116       $ 881,290       $ 362,643       $ 477,097  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    5.16 %E        6.04       6.89       15.21 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    4.12 %E        4.51       4.82       4.37 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.64 )%E        (3.66 )%        (3.80 )%        (13.54 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.60 )%E        (2.13 )%        (1.73 )%        (2.69 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    86 %D        186       250       77 %D 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.03) for Investor Class.

C 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 2.48% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

80


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2015A to
January 31,
2016
 
          2018           2017        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.15       $ 10.60       $ 9.78       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

    (0.09       (0.20 )B        (0.23       (0.02

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

    (0.30       1.64         1.26         (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.39       1.44         1.03         (0.22
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.06       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.83       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.89       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.76       $ 11.15       $ 10.60       $ 9.78  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (3.50 )%D        13.89       10.56       (2.20 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 204,164       $ 211,579       $ 185,823       $ 252,710  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    4.95 %E        6.06       6.96       14.66 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    4.09 %E        4.54       4.88       4.36 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.54 )%E        (3.69 )%        (3.89 )%        (13.03 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.68 )%E        (2.17 )%        (1.80 )%        (2.74 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    86 %D        186       250       77 %D 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.22) for A Class.

C 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 2.50% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

81


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,           October 1,
2015A to
January 31,
2016
 
          2018           2017        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.94       $ 10.49       $ 9.76       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

    (0.13       (0.43 )B        (0.22       (0.05

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

    (0.30       1.77         1.16         (0.19
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.43       1.34         0.94         (0.24
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.06       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.83       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.89       (0.21       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.51       $ 10.94       $ 10.49       $ 9.76  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (3.93 )%D        13.07       9.66       (2.40 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 174,465       $ 181,475       $ 219,289       $ 146,348  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    5.70 %E        6.80       7.62       16.08 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    4.84 %E        5.31       5.53       5.10 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (3.29 )%E        (4.40 )%        (4.61 )%        (14.48 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.43 )%E        (2.91 )%        (2.52 )%        (3.49 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    86 %D        186       250       77 %D 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.45) for C Class.

C 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 3.25% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

82


American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Ultra  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          November 14,
2017A to
January 31,
2018
 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)              

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 11.27       $ 11.30  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

     

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06       (0.02 )B 

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

    (0.31       0.88  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.37       0.86  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.83
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.89
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.90       $ 11.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (3.28 )%D        7.90 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 104,351       $ 107,867  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    8.08 %E        7.68 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    3.58 %E        3.21 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (5.67 )%E        (5.43 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.17 )%E        (0.96 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    86 %D        186 %D 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.04) for Ultra Class.

C 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.99% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

83


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended
January 31,
2018
          November 1,
2016A to
January 31,
2017
 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.02       $ 10.28       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment (loss)

    (0.11       (0.23       (4.25

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

    (0.15       0.13         4.53  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.26       (0.10       0.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.76       $ 10.02       $ 10.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (2.59 )%C        (0.96 )%        2.80 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 119,544       $ 122,715       $ 123,935  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    4.81 %D        4.82       6.48 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    4.85 %D        4.80       4.56 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.15 )%D        (3.02 )%        (4.74 )%D 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.19 )%D        (3.00 )%        (2.82 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    182 %C        329       114 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.95% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

84


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended
January 31,
2018
          November 1,
2016A to
January 31,
2017
 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.01       $ 10.26       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment (loss)

    (0.11       (0.31       (0.08

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

    (0.15       0.23         0.34  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.26       (0.08       0.26  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.01       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.17       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.75       $ 10.01       $ 10.26  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (2.60 )%C        (0.79 )%        2.60 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 99,114       $ 101,793       $ 102,596  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    4.86 %D        4.92       12.24 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    4.95 %D        4.90       4.62 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.20 )%D        (3.12 )%        (10.64 )%D 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.29 )%D        (3.10 )%        (3.02 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    182 %C        329       114 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 2.05% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

85


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended
January 31,
2018
          November 1,
2016A to
January 31,
2017
 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.98       $ 10.25       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment (loss)

    (0.13       (0.34       (0.08

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

    (0.14       0.23         0.33  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.27       (0.11       0.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.71       $ 9.98       $ 10.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (2.71 )%C        (1.06 )%        2.50 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 98,631       $ 101,438       $ 102,524  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    6.11 %D        6.26       13.71 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    5.23 %D        5.18       4.90 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (3.45 )%D        (4.46 )%        (12.11 )%D 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.57 )%D        (3.38 )%        (3.30 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    182 %C        329       114 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 2.33% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

86


American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Ultra  
   

Six Months
Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended
January 31,
2018
          November 1,
2016A to
January 31,
2017
 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.02       $ 10.27       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment (loss)

    (0.07       (0.20       (0.05

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

    (0.18       0.14         0.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.25       (0.06       0.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    0.00 B         (0.03       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.19       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.77       $ 10.02       $ 10.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (2.50 )%D        (0.57 )%        2.70 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 190,605,725       $ 176,414,475       $ 57,379,342  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    4.88 %E        4.90       6.74 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    4.77 %E        4.70       4.87 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.22 )%E        (3.04 )%        (5.04 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.11 )%E        (2.84 )%        (3.17 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    182 %D        329       114 %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.

F 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of dividend expense from securities sold short and broker fees and other charges from securities sold short, including interest expense. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.85% for the period ended July 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

87


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

At in-person meetings held on May 18, 2018 and June 5-6, 2018 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) considered and then, at its June 6, 2018 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (“Trust”), on behalf of the American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund (“Grosvenor Fund”) and the American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund (“Numeric Fund”) (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”);

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, Numeric Investors LLC (“Numeric”), and the Trust, on behalf of the Numeric Fund;

(3) the Lead Investment Advisory Agreement between Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P. (“Grosvenor”), the lead subadvisor of the Grosvenor Fund, and the Manager; and

(4) the Investment Advisory Agreements among the Manager, Grosvenor and each of the Grosvenor Fund’s underlying subadvisors whose contracts were being proposed for renewal (the “Underlying Subadvisors”).

Numeric, Grosvenor and the Underlying Subadvisors are hereinafter each referred to as a “subadvisor” and collectively as the “subadvisors.” The Investment Advisory Agreement with Numeric, the Lead Investment Advisory Agreement with Grosvenor and the Investment Advisory Agreements with the Underlying Subadvisors are referred to herein as the “Investment Advisory Agreements,” and the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements.” In preparation for its consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the 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 to the Board 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 from Broadridge, and to the performance of any similar accounts or a composite of similar accounts, as applicable, 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 from Broadridge, and the advisory fee rates charged to other clients for which similar services are provided by a firm;

 

   

for the Grosvenor Fund, information regarding the performance of the individual firms with respect to their allocated portions of a Fund’s portfolio, and the performance of certain relevant benchmarks and other similar accounts or a composite of similar accounts, as applicable, managed by the firm;

 

   

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 limitation arrangements;

 

 

88


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

   

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

 

   

information regarding administrative, accounting-related and cash management services that the Manager provides to the 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 each type of service and observed that, with respect to such mutual funds, the actual management fee rates provided by Broadridge for peer group funds reflect the combined advisory and administrative expenses, reduced by any fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

A firm may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of the firm based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations. For each Fund, 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 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 investment advisory contracts, such as the Agreements. 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 the Investment Advisory Agreements

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 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

 

 

89


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 relationships 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 since its inception in 2015, with respect to the Grosvenor Fund, and 2016, with respect to the Numeric Fund; 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 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 Board considered the level of staffing and the size of the subadvisor. With respect to the Grosvenor Fund, the Board also considered Grosvenor’s active role in monitoring and, as appropriate, recommending additional or replacement underlying subadvisors. Additionally, the Board considered the adequacy of the resources committed to the relevant Fund by each subadvisor, and whether those resources were commensurate with the needs of the Fund 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 Broadridge’s independent methodology for selecting each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe. The Board also considered that the performance universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for a Fund. 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, in the case of Numeric, the performance of the Numeric Fund relative to the performance of the Numeric Fund’s benchmark index and, in the case of the Grosvenor Fund, the performance of the Grosvenor Fund or portion of the Grosvenor Fund, as applicable, relative to the performance of other comparable investment accounts managed by the subadvisor, the Fund’s benchmark index or a benchmark index that is appropriate in light of the strategy pursued by a subadvisor in managing its portion of the Grosvenor Fund. In addition, the Board considered the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain each subadvisor.

The Board also considered Grosvenor’s recommendation to continue to retain each of the Grosvenor Fund’s Underlying Subadvisors. 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 (the “Fund Complex”) and at an individual Fund level, with the Manager sustaining a loss before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager for each Fund. The Board also considered comparative information provided by the Manager regarding the Manager’s overall profitability with respect to the Fund Complex relative to the overall profitability of other firms in the mutual fund industry, as disclosed in publicly available sources. Although the Board noted that, in certain cases, the fee rates paid by other clients of the Manager are lower than the fee rates paid by the 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.

 

 

90


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 applicable Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive a management fee comprised of an annualized fee that is retained by the Manager, and that, with respect to the Grosvenor Fund, the Manager pays a fee to Grosvenor and Grosvenor, in turn, pays a fee to each of the Underlying Subadvisors. 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 Numeric in connection with its investment advisory services to the Numeric Fund, the Board considered representations made by Numeric that the fee rate negotiated by the Manager is favorable relative to the fee rates that the subadvisor charges for any comparable client accounts. In analyzing the fee rates charged by Grosvenor and the Underlying Subadvisors in connection with their investment advisory services to the Grosvenor Fund, the Board considered representations made by Grosvenor that it does not manage any comparable client accounts, and therefore could not provide fee schedules for comparable investment accounts managed by it, and that the Underlying Subadvisors are compensated by Grosvenor. 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 that different firms likely employ different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the profitability levels of the Manager 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 each Fund grows and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered the Manager’s representation that, with respect to the Numeric Fund, the Management Agreement contains fee schedule breakpoints at higher asset levels. The Board also considered the Manager’s representation that, with respect to the Grosvenor Fund, economies of scale are reflected in the current level of management fees charged by AmBeacon and that the current fee structure provides an adequate basis for sharing economies of scale with the Fund’s shareholders. The Board considered that the Funds’ subadvisory fee rates do not contain breakpoints, but that the Manager or Grosvenor, as applicable, had negotiated competitive rates. 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 each Fund.

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 subadvisors’ investment process and expanding the level of assets under management by the Manager and the subadvisors. In addition, the Board noted that certain of the subadvisors benefit 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 in comparison to 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

 

 

91


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

performance universe are to the universe of mutual funds with a comparable investment classification/objective included in the analysis provided by Broadridge. For the Grosvenor Fund, information regarding the performance of individual firms is calculated by the Manager using information provided by the Grosvenor Fund’s custodian.

The expense comparisons below were made in comparison to 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. The Trustees also considered each 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 Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund

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

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking

 

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   High Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (one-year period ended December 31, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   5th Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   5th Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) the 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 performance universe or Morningstar category pursue a comparable investment strategy; 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 Agreement and Investment Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the Numeric 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 Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement for the Grosvenor 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

   4th Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   5th Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   High Expense Ratio

 

 

92


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (one-year period ended December 31, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   2nd Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   3rd Quintile

In considering the renewal of the Lead Investment Advisory Agreement with Grosvenor and the Investment Advisory Agreements with Basswood Capital Management, LLC (“Basswood”), Incline Global Management, LLC (“Incline”), Impala Asset Management, LLC (“Impala”) and Tremblant Capital Group (“Tremblant”), the Trustees considered that, as lead subadvisor, Grosvenor manages the Fund by the allocating the Fund’s assets among the Underlying Subadvisors, which pursue different investment strategies, and that the expense level is therefore a function of this extra level of oversight and expertise. The Trustees considered that the diversification of investment strategies facilitated by the Fund’s multi-manager structure permits the Fund to mitigate the risks associated with a single Underlying Subadvisor. The Trustees also considered the following additional factors:

Fund Performance (compared to Broadridge Performance Universe for period indicated ended December 31, 2017)

 

Grosvenor

   1 Year    2nd Quintile

Underlying Subadvisor Performance (compared to Broadridge Performance Universe for period indicated ended December 31, 2017)

 

Basswood

   1 Year    1st Quintile

Incline

   1 Year    1st Quintile

Impala

   1 Year    1st Quintile

Tremblant

   1 Year    2nd Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) Grosvenor’s management expertise and familiarity with Basswood, Incline, Impala and Tremblant; (2) the challenges associated with the use of multiple Underlying Subadvisors to achieve a market-neutral portfolio with a balanced risk profile; (3) representations by Grosvenor and/or certain of the Underlying Subadvisors to the effect that they do not manage accounts for clients comparable to the Fund or otherwise provide information regarding client accounts; (4) the decision not to seek Board approval for the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement with two of the Fund’s prior underlying subadvisors; (5) that the period since the Fund’s inception in October 2015 was not long enough to fully evaluate the performance of Grosvenor and the Underlying Subadvisors; and (6) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain Grosvenor, Basswood, Incline, Impala and Tremblant.

Based on these and other considerations, the Trustees: (1) concluded that the fees paid to the Manager, Grosvenor and the Underlying Subadvisors under the Management, Lead Investment Subadvisory and Investment Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the Fund and its shareholders would benefit from the Manager’s and specified subadvisors’ continued management of the Fund.

Approval of Additional Underlying Subadvisor of American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund

At its June 5-6, 2018 and August 21-22, 2018 meetings, the Board of Trustees (“Board”) considered the approval of a new investment advisory agreement (“New Agreement”) among the Manager, Magnetar Asset Management LLC (“Magnetar”), and Grosvenor, pursuant to which Magnetar would manage a portion of the assets of the Grosvenor Fund. Prior to the meetings, information was provided to the Board by Magnetar in response to requests from the Board and/or the Manager in connection with the Board’s consideration of the New Agreement. The Investment Committee of the Board also met with representatives of Magnetar. Also in attendance at that meeting were representatives of the Manager and Grosvenor, who explained the basis for Grosvenor’s recommendation of Magnetar.

 

 

93


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Provided below is an overview of the primary factors the Board considered at its June 5-6, 2018 and August 21-22, 2018 meetings at which the Board considered the approval of the New Agreement. In determining whether to approve the New Agreement, the Board considered, among other things, the following factors: (1) the nature and quality of the services to be provided; (2) the investment performance of an account managed by Magnetar (the “Comparable Account”); (3) the extent to which economies of scale, if any, have been taken into account in setting the fee schedule; (4) whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale, if any, for the benefit of investors; (5) comparisons of services and fees with contracts entered into by Magnetar with other clients; and (6) any other benefits anticipated to be derived by Magnetar from its relationship with the Grosvenor Fund. In addition, the Board considered that Magnetar would be compensated for its services exclusively by Grosvenor from its fixed rate advisory fee, and not by the Grosvenor Fund.

The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration of the New 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 approval of investment advisory contracts, such as the New 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 the New Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the approval of the New Agreement was in the best interests of the Grosvenor Fund.

Nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Magnetar. The Board considered information regarding Magnetar’s principal business activities, its reputation, financial condition and overall capabilities to perform the services under the New Agreement. In addition, the Board considered the background and experience of the personnel who will be assigned responsibility for managing Magnetar’s allocation of the Grosvenor Fund. The Board also considered Magnetar’s investment resources, infrastructure and the adequacy of its compliance program. In addition, the Board took into consideration that Grosvenor had recommended Magnetar and the Manager had not identified any issues that would warrant a contrary recommendation by it. The Board considered Magnetar’s representation regarding the strength of its financial condition and that its current staffing levels were adequate to service the Grosvenor Fund. Based on this information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the advisory services to be provided by Magnetar were appropriate for the Grosvenor Fund in light of its investment objective, and, thus, supported a decision to approve the New Agreement.

Performance of Magnetar. The Board evaluated the information provided by Magnetar regarding the performance of the Comparable Account. The Board considered Magnetar’s representation that the Comparable Account does not have a benchmark index, but that the strategy applicable to the Comparable Account and Magnetar’s allocation of the Grosvenor Fund generally seeks to outperform cash. The Board also considered Magnetar’s representation that, for various periods ended February 28, 2018, the performance of the Comparable Account was favorable. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the historical investment performance record of Magnetar supported approval of the New Agreement.

Comparisons of the amounts to be paid under the New Agreement with those under contracts between Magnetar and its other clients. In evaluating the New Agreement, the Board reviewed the proposed advisory fee rate for services to be performed by Magnetar on behalf of the Grosvenor Fund. The Board considered Magnetar’s representation that the proposed advisory fee rate is lower than the fee rate Magnetar charges to another investment company managed in the same strategy as Magnetar’s allocation of the Grosvenor Fund and equal to the fee rate charged by an affiliate of Magnetar to a hedge fund managed in the same strategy as Magnetar’s allocation of the Grosvenor Fund. After evaluating this information, the Board concluded that the advisory fee rate under the New Agreement was reasonable in light of the services to be provided to the Grosvenor Fund.

Costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by Magnetar and its affiliates from its relationship with the Grosvenor Fund. The Board did not consider the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by Magnetar from its relationship with the Grosvenor Fund, noting instead the arm’s-length nature of the relationship between the Manager, Magnetar and Grosvenor with respect to the negotiation of the advisory fee rate on behalf of the Grosvenor Fund.

 

 

94


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Economies of Scale. The Board considered Magnetar’s representation that it did not anticipate achieving significant economics of scale in connection with the provision of services to its allocation of the Grosvenor Fund.

Benefits to be derived by Magnetar from the relationship with the Grosvenor Fund. The Board considered the “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that might accrue to Magnetar as a result of its relationship with the Grosvenor Fund, including Magnetar’s representation that neither it nor its affiliates anticipate receiving any indirect benefits from its relationship with the Grosvenor Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to Magnetar by virtue of its relationship with the Grosvenor Fund appear to be fair and reasonable.

Board’s Conclusion. Based on the various considerations described above, the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Grosvenor Fund, the Manager, Grosvenor or Magnetar, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, concluded that the proposed investment advisory fee rate is fair and reasonable and that the approval of the New Agreement is in the best interests of the Grosvenor Fund and approved the New Agreement.

 

 

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96


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:

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 each 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

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.

Irving, Texas

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

 

American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund and American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 7/18


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.

FRONTIER MARKETS INCOME FUND

Investing in foreign, emerging and frontier market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. The use of fixed-income securities entails interest rate and credit risks. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

GLG TOTAL RETURN FUND

Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. The use of fixed-income securities entails interest rate and credit risks. Because the Fund may invest in fewer issuers than a more diversified portfolio, the fluctuating value of a single holding may have a greater effect on the value of the Fund. The Fund may have high portfolio turnover risk, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance. 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

July 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    7  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund

    9  

American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund

    19  

Financial Statements

    25  

Notes to Financial Statements

    29  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund

    59  

American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund

    64  

Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    70  

 

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term investment goals:

Institutional wisdom + earned alpha = enduring value.

 

u  We believe institutional wisdom comes from having more than 30 years of experience as manager of one of the country’s largest pension plans. As a fiduciary, we have built an investment due-diligence and oversight infrastructure, which we leverage across all our investment products. When selecting our investment managers, we focus on their people, processes and performance. We perform due-diligence reviews with each investment manager on a quarterly basis.

 

u  We believe earned alpha – that is, the returns of an actively managed

  fund beyond a benchmark – comes from employing and engaging investment managers we believe are best-in-class and who have defined, repeatable and proven processes. Our experience has shown us that, while it’s important to be mindful of short-term considerations, having a long-term focus helps manage expectations, mitigate risks and realize goals. Thus, we seek relationships with leading investment managers who display a willingness to undertake time-intensive research strategies. The resulting investment portfolios are differentiated from their peers and allow incremental changes to help address periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty.

 

u  

We believe enduring value comes from “putting a portfolio in place and sticking with the plan.” Our mutual funds provide you with access to institutional-quality, research-intensive investment managers with diverse processes and styles. In the long run, having such access and spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may better position you to reach your long-term investment goals.

During periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty – such as what we’ve seen thus far in 2018 – investing for the long term requires conviction. It isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move. It’s about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. It’s about developing an approach based on long-term participation, while seeking some measure of protection against ongoing volatility.

As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. Many of the sub-advisors to our mutual funds pursue upside capture and/or downside protection using proprietary strategies. The investment teams behind our mutual funds seek to produce consistent, long-term results rather than focus only on short-term movements in the markets. In managing our investment products, we emphasize identifying opportunities that offer the potential for high quality and lower risk.

At American Beacon, our approach is more than a concept. It’s the cornerstone of our culture. And we strive to apply it at every turn as we seek to provide a well-diversified line of investment products for your portfolio.

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 Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund (the “Fund”) returned -1.60% for the six-month period ending July 31, 2018. The Fund outperformed the JP Morgan EMBI Global Diversified Index (the “Index”) return of -2.76% for the same period.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended July 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

  

1 Year

 

3 Year

  

Since Inception

2/25/2014

Institutional Class (1,3)

     AGEIX          (1.61 )%        4.50 %       6.90 %        5.49 %

Y Class (1,3)

     AGEYX          (1.52 )%        4.44 %       6.81 %        5.42 %

Investor Class (1,3)

     AGEPX          (1.60 )%        4.20 %       6.54 %        5.14 %

A without Sales Charge (1,3)

     AGUAX          (1.80 )%        3.98 %       6.46 %        5.07 %

A with Sales Charge (1,3)

     AGUAX          (6.48 )%        (0.95 )%       4.75 %        3.92 %

C without Sales Charge (1,3)

     AGECX          (2.03 )%        3.34 %       5.75 %        4.29 %

C with Sales Charge (1,3)

     AGECX          (3.03 )%        2.34 %       5.75 %        4.29 %
                         

JPMorgan EMBI Global Diversified Index (2)

              (2.76 )%        0.07 %       5.34 %        5.42 %

 

*

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 1-800-967-9009 or visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of fees charged to the Institutional Class of the Fund was waived from Fund inception through 2015, partially recovered in 2016, and waived in 2017 and partially recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown through 2015 and in 2017. A portion of fees charged to the C Class of the Fund was waived from Fund inception through 2017 and was partially recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown through 2017. A portion of fees charged to the Investor, Y and A Classes of the Fund was waived from Fund inception through 2015, partially recovered in 2016, waived in 2017 and partially recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown through 2015 and in 2017. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 4.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

2.

The JPMorgan EMBI Global Diversified Index is an emerging market debt benchmark that tracks dollar-denominated bonds issued by frontier and emerging market governments. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

3.

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 were 1.41%, 1.49%, 1.73%, 1.79% and 2.56%, 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 momentum in frontier markets debt continued through the beginning of this period as investors maintained their appetite for yield. By April 2018, however, sentiment began to turn negative due to U.S. dollar strength and moderating economic growth in several emerging and frontier economies. Volatility increased through the remainder of the period as credit spreads widened and investors looked for safety. Spread widening led to the negative returns for the Fund and the Index, and the Fund’s outperformance reflected the outperformance of frontier market countries relative to emerging market counties.

The Fund’s top performing countries during the period were Kenya, Ukraine and Georgia. In Kenya, the shilling remained remarkably stable throughout the period despite the broader market volatility. The Central Bank of Kenya grew foreign exchange reserves to an all-time high due to capital inflows, bond issuance and recently a syndicated loan, which helped protect the currency.

The Fund’s local currency position in Ukraine performed well during the period due primarily to its higher yield. The Ukrainian hryvnia initially improved as anti-corruption laws and domestic fiscal policy reform could unlock further International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) financing; however, the currency ended on a weak note.

In Georgia, the currency enjoyed strong momentum in the first couple of months of the period and remained stable through period end due to renewed confidence following a steep devaluation in late 2017. Economic growth

 

 

2


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

recovered, and trade with Russia improved; however, shortly after period end, the currency declined reflecting weakness in the Russian ruble.

The worst performing countries in the Fund included Argentina, Ghana and Uruguay. In Argentina, the peso declined 40% during the period reflecting a loss of confidence in fiscal and monetary policy. In June 2018, the IMF agreed to a $50 billion stand-by credit facility for Argentina, the largest in the IMF’s history; however, Argentina enjoyed only a brief period of stability. Shortly after period end, the currency declined another 25%.

In Ghana, both the currency and sovereign bonds came under pressure as emerging market sentiment turned negative. Despite improving macroeconomic readings, a disinflationary trend and monetary policy easing caused credit spreads to widen and the currency to weaken.

The sell-off in the Argentine peso was accompanied by a sell-off in the Brazilian real (the Fund did not have exposure to the Brazilian real), however, the local contagion spread to the Uruguayan peso and caused the Fund’s position in local currency Uruguayan bonds to underperform as well.

Overall, the sub-advisor’s investment process involves a top-down approach that assesses macroeconomic factors affecting the relationships between developed, emerging and frontier countries, combined with a bottom-up approach to determine the countries in which the Fund will make investments. This investment process has remained consistent since the inception of the Fund.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Kenya Infrastructure Bond, Series 15YR, 12.500%, Due 1/10/2033           2.2  
Angolan Government International Bond, 9.500%, Due 11/12/2025           2.1  
Nigeria Government Bond, Series 10YR, 16.288%, Due 3/17/2027           1.6  
Dominican Republic International Bond, 11.500%, Due 5/10/2024           1.6  
Mongolia Government International Bond, 8.750%, Due 3/9/2024           1.6  
Bonos de la Nacion Argentina con Ajuste por CER, 3.750%, Due 2/8/2019           1.6  
International Finance Corp., 9.500%, Due 5/31/2020           1.5  
Ivory Coast Government International Bond, 5.750%, Due 12/31/2032           1.5  
Costa Rica Titulos de Propiedad, 9.660%, Due 9/30/2026           1.4  
Ivory Coast Government International Bond, 5.750%, Due 12/31/2032           1.4  
Total Fund Holdings      150       
       
Top Ten Country Weightings (% Investments)

 

Egypt           5.5  
Kenya           5.4  
Ukraine           5.2  
Sri Lanka           5.0  
Nigeria           4.8  
Argentina           4.5  
Zambia           4.5  
Angola           4.5  
Ivory Coast           4.4  
Ghana           4.4  
       
Sector Allocation (% Investments)

 

Foreign Sovereign Obligations           79.8  
Credit-Linked Notes           19.9  
Financial           0.3  
       

 

 

3


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Country Allocation (% Investments)

 

Egypt           5.5  
Kenya           5.4  
Ukraine           5.2  
Sri Lanka           5.0  
Nigeria           4.8  
Argentina           4.5  
Zambia           4.5  
Angola           4.5  
Ivory Coast           4.4  
Ghana           4.4  
Uruguay           3.6  
Iraq           3.5  
Supranational           3.5  
Dominican Republic           3.5  
Uganda           3.4  
Costa Rica           3.0  
Mozambique           2.9  
Ecuador           2.7  
Senegal           2.7  
Kazakhstan           2.2  
Netherlands           2.2  
Mongolia           2.1  
Nicaragua           2.0  
Kyrgyzstan           1.9  
Cameroon           1.5  
Georgia           1.5  
Tajikistan           1.2  
Ethiopia           1.1  
Belarus           1.1  
Azerbaijan           0.9  
Gabon           0.8  
Paraguay           0.8  
Tunisia           0.8  
Malawi           0.7  
Suriname           0.7  
Armenia           0.7  
Gambia           0.4  
Tanzania, United Republic Of           0.3  
Bosnia & Herzegovina           0.1  

 

 

4


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund (the “Fund”) returned 2.97% for the six months ended July 31, 2018. The Fund outperformed the BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index (the “Index”) return of 0.98% for the same period. For additional comparison, the JP Morgan EMBI Global Index (hard currency) returned -3.09%, and the JP Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index (local currency) returned -8.75%.

 

Total Returns for the Period ended July 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

    

6 Months*

  

1 Year

  

Since Inception

5/20/2016

Institutional Class (1,3)

     GLGIX          3.24 %        1.73 %        4.75 %

Y Class (1,3)

     GLGYX          3.06 %        1.44 %        4.55 %

Investor Class (1,3)

     GLGPX          2.97 %        1.23 %        4.30 %

A without Sales Charge (1,3)

     GLGAX          3.07 %        1.33 %        4.30 %

A Class with Sales Charge (1,3)

     GLGAX          (1.83 )%        (3.47 )%        2.00 %

C without Sales Charge (1,3)

     GLGCX          2.71 %        0.51 %        3.52 %

C Class with Sales Charge (1,3)

     GLGCX          1.71 %        (0.49 )%        3.52 %

Ultra Class (1,3)

     GLGUX          3.24 %        1.73 %        4.78 %
                     

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index (2)

              0.98 %        1.62 %        1.21 %

JPMorgan EMBI Global Index (2)

              (3.09 )%        (1.09 )%        4.09 %

 

*

Not Annualized.

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of the date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of fees charged to the Institutional, A and C Classes of the Fund was waived from Fund inception through 2017 and partially recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown through 2017. A portion of fees charged to the Investor and Y Classes of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 4.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

2.

The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index represents the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) with a constant 3-month average maturity. LIBOR is a composite of the rates of interest at which banks borrow from one another in the London market, and it is a widely used benchmark for short-term interest rates. The JPMorgan EMBI Global Index is an emerging market debt benchmark that tracks dollar-denominated bonds issued by emerging market governments. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

3.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and Ultra Class shares were 2.10%, 5.32%, 5.15%, 5.63%, 6.38% and 2.10%, 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 first half of 2018 was a challenging one for emerging market (EM) debt as a combination of U.S. Federal Reserve tightening and an uptick in idiosyncratic risk in key EM economies (such as Argentina and Turkey) led to a significant selloff.

The Fund entered the year with a defensive positioning across all parts of its asset classes. In Local Currency, the Fund held a net short position in EM forwards for most of the first half of the year and a short credit spread duration position for the period. The reason for the defensive positioning is: firstly, the manager started seeing stagnation in the improvement of the current account balances of most of the larger EM countries since post-2013 U.S. tapering. Secondly, the manager’s belief was that these current accounts needed to improve further (i.e. go into surplus) due to the potential for capital outflows from EM.

The Fund has since closed out many of its local currency short positions. While it is still net short, the Fund is much closer to neutral than it was at the start of the year, as this is the asset class that has sold off the most. With regards to Hard Currency, the Fund maintains a similar defensive positioning as the manager believes the correction in that segment of the asset class has not been as meaningful and the positioning there remains crowded.

 

 

5


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Performance Overview

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The largest contributors to performance over the six-month period came from short positions in EM currencies and the Fund’s short positions in hard currency via credit default swaps (CDS). This included short positions in Argentina, Turkey and Lebanon CDS and short currency positions in Brazil and Indonesia. The largest detractors for the period came from a long position in the Argentine Peso, in which the Fund started accumulating in early May. Other detractors included a short position in the Turkish lira and a position in Brazil credit spreads. With regards to Argentina, the manager’s view is that the Argentine peso may stabilize due to the recent actions taken by government authorities, namely a significant hike in rates which has led to high real rates, an International Monetary Fund package and a renewed focus on meeting fiscal targets. In the meantime, the valuation looks cheaper after the selloff and the higher yield offers a cushion to further potential depreciation.

The Fund continues to perform as expected. Over time, the sub-advisor’s consistent top-down and bottom-up approach to emerging-market, fixed-income investing seeks to add value with less volatility than that of the common indices.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

United States Treasury Bills, 2.013%, Due 11/15/2018           26.1  
United States Treasury Bills, 1.955%, Due 10/4/2018           19.1  
United States Treasury Bills, 2.110%, Due 1/3/2019           18.6  
United States Treasury Bills, 1.870%, Due 8/30/2018           15.4  
United States Treasury Bills, 1.921%, Due 9/6/2018           9.0  
United States Treasury Bills, 1.829%, Due 8/2/2018           2.2  
Republic of South Africa Government International Bond, 6.875%, Due 5/27/2019           1.5  
Republic of South Africa Government International Bond, 5.500%, Due 3/9/2020           1.2  
Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.000%, Due 3/5/2020           0.8  
Indonesia Government International Bond, 11.625%, Due 3/4/2019           0.8  
Total Fund Holdings      19       
      Fund 1  
Sector Exposures (%)     Long/(Short)  
Foreign Sovereign       4.1  

South Africa

    2.7    

Indonesia

    0.8    

Columbia

    0.5    

Brazil

    0.1    
Foreign Corporate Obligations       2.4  

Energy

    1.7    

Financial

    0.7    
Cash & Cash Equivalent       90.4  
U.S. dollar denominated.    

 

1 

Percentages represent the Fund’s risk-based, notional exposure as a percentage of the Fund’s total net assets. Due to the use of derivative instruments, which typically introduce leverage, percentages may not add to 100%.

 

Country Allocation (% Investments)

 

United States      93.3  
South Africa      2.7  
British Virgin Islands      1.0  
Mexico      0.8  
Indonesia      0.8  
India      0.7  
Colombia      0.6  
Brazil      0.1  

 

 

6


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

July 31, 2018 (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 Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples are based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period in each Class and held for the entire period from February 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018.

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 Fund through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The “Hypothetical” lines of the tables provide information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the Fund’s actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the 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 Fund, 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

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

     Beginning Account Value
2/1/2018
   Ending Account Value
7/31/2018
   Expenses Paid  During
Period

2/1/2018-7/31/2018*
Institutional Class               
Actual        $1,000.00        $983.90        $5.51
Hypothetical**        $1,000.00        $1,019.20        $5.61
Y Class               
Actual        $1,000.00        $983.80        $5.75
Hypothetical**        $1,000.00        $1,019.00        $5.86
Investor Class               
Actual        $1,000.00        $983.00        $6.39
Hypothetical**        $1,000.00        $1,018.30        $6.51
A Class               
Actual        $1,000.00        $980.90        $7.61
Hypothetical**        $1,000.00        $1,017.10        $7.75
C Class               
Actual        $1,000.00        $978.70        $10.89
Hypothetical**        $1,000.00        $1,013.80        $11.08

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.12%, 1.17%, 1.30%, 1.55%, and 2.22% 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 GLG Total Return Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
2/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
7/31/2018
  Expenses Paid  During
Period
2/1/2018-7/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,032.40       $5.29
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.60       $5.26
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,030.60       $5.79
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.10       $5.76
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,029.70       $7.20
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,017.70       $7.15
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,030.70       $7.30
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,017.60       $7.25
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,026.10       $11.05
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,013.90       $10.99
Ultra Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,032.40       $4.79
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.10       $4.76

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.05%, 1.15%, 1.43%, 1.45%, 2.20%, and 0.95% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and Ultra 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 Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
Angola - 3.84%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 0.50%            
Republic of Angola (Issuer Aurora Australis B.V.), 8.032%, Due 12/19/2023, (6-mo. USD LIBOR +
6.250%)A B
    $ 1,031,250         $ 1,033,249
USD - AOA Non-Deliverable Forward Foreign Currency Contract (Issuer Standard Chartered Bank), 25.580%, Due 9/7/2018C E       375,000           309,940
           

 

 

 

Total Credit-Linked Notes

              1,343.189
           

 

 

 
           
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 3.34%            
Angolan Government International Bond,            

9.500%, Due 11/12/2025B

      4,950,000           5,618,250

8.250%, Due 5/9/2028B

      2,280,000           2,362,536

9.375%, Due 5/8/2048B

      985,000           1,043,454
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              9,024,240
           

 

 

 
           

Total Angola (Cost $9,904,670)

              10,367,429
           

 

 

 
           
Argentina - 3.76%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 3.76%            
Argentina Bonar Bonds,            

35.842%, Due 3/11/2019, (BADLARP Index + 2.500%)A

    ARS 50,441,687           1,773,761

36.087%, Due 3/1/2020, (BADLARP Index + 3.250%)A

    ARS 4,500,000           162,913

36.496%, Due 4/3/2022, (BADLARP Index + 2.000%)A

    ARS 42,100,000           1,387,448
Argentine Bonos del Tesoro,            

21.200%, Due 9/19/2018

    ARS 15,850,000           562,562

18.200%, Due 10/3/2021

    ARS 11,600,000           346,879

16.000%, Due 10/17/2023

    ARS 16,250,000           522,088
Bonos de la Nacion Argentina con Ajuste por CER, 3.750%, Due 2/8/2019D     ARS          102,000,000           4,158,027
Provincia de Buenos Aires,            

36.554%, Due 5/31/2022, (BADLARP Index + 3.830%)A

    ARS 9,500,000           292,472

38.473%, Due 4/12/2025B E

    ARS 33,000,000           965,422
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              10,171,572
           

 

 

 
           

Total Argentina (Cost $14,370,305)

              10,171,572
           

 

 

 
           
Armenia - 0.56% (Cost $1,500,000)            
Credit-Linked Notes - 0.56%            
Republic of Armenia Treasury Bonds (Issuer Frontera Capital B.V.), 10.000%, Due 5/7/2021E F       1,500,000           1,511,607
           

 

 

 
           
Azerbaijan - 0.75% (Cost $2,000,000)            
Credit-Linked Notes - 0.75%            
Republic of Azerbaijan (Issuer Frontera Capital B.V.), 14.000%, Due 3/30/2020, Series BE F       2,000,000           2,023,080
           

 

 

 
           
Belarus - 0.93%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.93%            
Republic of Belarus International Bond,            

6.875%, Due 2/28/2023B

      1,710,000           1,789,105

7.625%, Due 6/29/2027B

      685,000           735,758
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              2,524,863
           

 

 

 
           

Total Belarus (Cost $2,468,245)

              2,524,863
           

 

 

 
           
Bosnia & Herzegovina - 0.05% (Cost $185,770)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.05%            
Bosnia & Herzegovina Government International Bond, 0.500%, Due 12/20/2021, Series B, (6-mo. EUR LIBOR + 0.813%)A B I     EUR 291,667           148,224
           

 

 

 
           
Cameroon, United Republic Of - 1.28% (Cost $3,452,835)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 1.28%            
Republic of Cameroon International Bond, 9.500%, Due 11/19/2025B       3,200,000           3,466,022
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
Costa Rica - 2.53%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 2.53%            
Costa Rica Titulos de Propiedad,            

8.050%, Due 9/18/2024B

    CRC 950,000,000         $ 1,557,680

9.660%, Due 9/30/2026B

    CRC       2,250,000,000           3,866,820

10.580%, Due 9/26/2029B

    CRC 800,000,000           1,413,073
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              6,837,573
           

 

 

 
           

Total Costa Rica (Cost $7,008,649)

              6,837,573
           

 

 

 
           
Dominican Republic - 2.96%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 2.96%            
Dominican Republic Bond, 10.500%, Due 4/7/2023B     DOP 57,000,000           1,189,410
Dominican Republic International Bond,            

8.900%, Due 2/15/2023B

    DOP 122,000,000           2,487,247

11.500%, Due 5/10/2024B

    DOP     200,000,000           4,334,272
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              8,010,929
           

 

 

 
           

Total Dominican Republic (Cost $8,415,778)

              8,010,929
           

 

 

 
           
Ecuador - 2.33%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 2.33%            
Ecuador Government International Bond,            

10.500%, Due 3/24/2020B

    $ 1,400,000           1,474,900

8.750%, Due 6/2/2023B

      660,000           658,350

7.950%, Due 6/20/2024B

      1,000,000           962,500

9.650%, Due 12/13/2026B

      1,550,000           1,561,625

9.625%, Due 6/2/2027B

      500,000           502,850

8.875%, Due 10/23/2027B

      1,200,000           1,158,000
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              6,318,225
           

 

 

 
           

Total Ecuador (Cost $6,455,622)

              6,318,225
           

 

 

 
           
Egypt - 4.67%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 4.67%            
Egypt Government Bond,            

17.180%, Due 5/9/2027, Series 10YR

    EGP 14,500,000           808,306

15.700%, Due 11/7/2027, Series 10YR

    EGP 10,000,000           512,564
Egypt Treasury Bills,            

17.500%, Due 10/16/2018, Series 364D

    EGP 10,000,000           539,451

17.700%, Due 11/13/2018, Series 364D

    EGP 33,000,000           1,754,765

18.400%, Due 11/27/2018, Series 364D

    EGP 10,000,000           528,094

17.901%, Due 12/11/2018, Series 364D

    EGP 12,000,000           629,374

17.250%, Due 1/8/2019, Series 364D

    EGP 41,000,000           2,121,191

16.638%, Due 1/22/2019, Series 364D

    EGP 70,000,000           3,597,036

16.480%, Due 3/5/2019, Series 364D

    EGP 20,000,000           1,007,941

19.501%, Due 4/30/2019, Series 364D

    EGP 23,000,000           1,130,478
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              12,629,200
           

 

 

 
           

Total Egypt (Cost $12,805,109)

              12,629,200
           

 

 

 
           
Ethiopia - 0.94%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.94%            
Ethiopia International Bond,            

6.625%, Due 12/11/2024B

      900,000           917,978

6.625%, Due 12/11/2024B

      1,600,000           1,631,962
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              2,549,940
           

 

 

 
           

Total Ethiopia (Cost $2,479,978)

              2,549,940
           

 

 

 
           
Gabon - 0.71%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.71%            
Gabon Government International Bond,            

6.375%, Due 12/12/2024B

      1,150,000           1,074,953

6.950%, Due 6/16/2025B

      900,000           852,493
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              1,927,446
           

 

 

 
           

Total Gabon (Cost $2,014,180)

              1,927,446
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
Gambia - 0.34% (Cost $976,845)            
Credit-Linked Notes - 0.34%            
Republic of Gambia (Zambezi B.V.), 11.180%, Due 9/11/2020E F     $ 976,984         $ 926,240
           

 

 

 
           
Georgia - 1.24%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 1.24%            
Georgia Government (Issuer Frontera Capital B.V.), 10.000%, Due 8/4/2021B E       1,250,000           1,408,293
Georgia Government (Issuer Zambezi B.V.), 9.500%, Due 8/9/2022F       2,000,000           1,942,979
           

 

 

 

Total Credit-Linked Notes

              3,351,272
           

 

 

 
           

Total Georgia (Cost $3,250,000)

              3,351,272
           

 

 

 
           
Ghana - 3.76%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 0.10%            
Ghana Promissory Notes (Issued Saderea DAC), 12.500%, Due 11/30/2026B       243,536           266,063
           

 

 

 
           
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 3.66%            
Ghana Government Bond,            

16.500%, Due 3/22/2021, Series 3Y

    GHS 3,900,000           785,673

24.750%, Due 7/19/2021, Series 5YR

    GHS 5,300,000           1,270,630

18.750%, Due 1/24/2022, Series 5YR

    GHS 2,000,000           425,122

18.250%, Due 7/25/2022, Series 5Y

    GHS     11,225,000           2,350,754

16.500%, Due 2/6/2023, Series 5Y

    GHS 8,200,000           1,622,742

19.000%, Due 11/2/2026, Series 10Y

    GHS 15,875,000           3,438,373
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              9,893,294
           

 

 

 
           

Total Ghana (Cost $11,072,597)

              10,159,357
           

 

 

 
           
Iraq - 3.00%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 3.00%            
Iraq International Bond,            

6.752%, Due 3/9/2023B

      3,080,000           3,065,795

5.800%, Due 1/15/2028B

      1,750,000           1,648,878

5.800%, Due 1/15/2028B

      3,600,000           3,391,978
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              8,106,651
           

 

 

 
           

Total Iraq (Cost $7,765,148)

              8,106,651
           

 

 

 
           
Ivory Coast - 3.79%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 3.79%            
Ivory Coast Government International Bond,            

6.375%, Due 3/3/2028B

      500,000           486,304

5.250%, Due 3/22/2030B

    EUR 1,910,000           2,171,069

5.750%, Due 12/31/2032B E G

      4,116,250           3,926,079

5.750%, Due 12/31/2032B E G

      3,838,750           3,661,400
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              10,244,852
           

 

 

 
           

Total Ivory Coast (Cost $10,571,006)

              10,244,852
           

 

 

 
           
Kazakhstan - 1.90%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 1.90%            
Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, 8.950%, Due 5/4/2023B     KZT          206,250,000           586,693
National Bank of Kazakhstan (Issuer Citigroup Global Markets Holdings, Inc.),            

7.750%, Due 9/11/2018B

    KZT 128,806,961           366,923

7.900%, Due 10/15/2018

    KZT 618,439,888           1,750,012

0.000%, Due 2/8/2019B H

    KZT 124,000,000           341,276

0.000%, Due 3/15/2019B H

    KZT 520,000,000           1,420,945
National Bank of Kazakhstan (Issuer ICBC Standard Bank PLC), 0.000%, Due 2/8/2019B H     KZT 250,000,000           682,575
           

 

 

 

Total Credit-Linked Notes

              5,148,424
           

 

 

 
           

Total Kazakhstan (Cost $5,419,770)

              5,148,424
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
Kenya - 4.64%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 4.64%            
Kenya Infrastructure Bond,            

12.000%, Due 9/18/2023, Series 12YR

    KES 57,400,000         $ 575,973

12.500%, Due 11/18/2024

    KES 100,000,000           1,037,660

11.000%, Due 12/2/2024, Series 9YR

    KES 75,000,000           730,872

12.500%, Due 5/12/2025, Series 9YR

    KES 36,000,000           371,376

11.000%, Due 10/12/2026, Series 12YR

    KES     100,000,000           974,245

12.000%, Due 10/6/2031, Series 15YR

    KES 288,000,000           2,938,566

12.500%, Due 1/10/2033, Series 15YR

    KES 571,000,000           5,937,786
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              12,566,478
           

 

 

 
           

Total Kenya (Cost $12,040,962)

              12,566,478
           

 

 

 
           
Kyrgyzstan - 1.59%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 1.59%            
Kyrgyz Republic (Issuer Frontera Capital B.V.), 8.000%, Due 1/31/2020F     KGS 132,958,171           2,040,281
Kyrgyz Republic (Issuer Zambezi B.V.), 13.980%, Due 4/10/2028F     KGS 180,000,000           2,266,794
           

 

 

 

Total Credit-Linked Notes

              4,307,075
           

 

 

 
           

Total Kyrgyzstan (Cost $4,335,180)

              4,307,075
           

 

 

 
           
Malawi - 0.58%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 0.58%            
Republic of Malawi (Issuer Zambezi B.V.),            

15.100%, Due 10/19/2018F

    $ 450,000           493,560

12.000%, Due 10/8/2020F

      1,100,000           1,082,253
           

 

 

 

Total Credit-Linked Notes

              1,575,813
           

 

 

 
           

Total Malawi (Cost $1,610,901)

              1,575,813
           

 

 

 
           
Mongolia - 1.84%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 1.84%            
Mongolia Government International Bond,            

8.750%, Due 3/9/2024B

      3,900,000           4,304,352

8.750%, Due 3/9/2024B

      600,000           662,208
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              4,966,560
           

 

 

 
           

Total Mongolia (Cost $5,000,003)

              4,966,560
           

 

 

 
           
Mozambique - 2.29%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 1.71%            
Mozambique Government Bonds (Issuer ICBC Standard Bank PLC),            

1.000%, Due 4/23/2019E

    MZN 20,100,000           90,216

27.000%, Due 2/26/2020

    MZN          180,000,000           3,001,488
Republic of Mozambique (Issuer ICBC Standard Bank PLC), 19.000%, Due 3/28/2021B E F     MZN 90,500,000           1,528,365
           

 

 

 

Total Credit-Linked Notes

              4,620,069
           

 

 

 
           
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.58%            
Mozambique International Bond, 10.500%, Due 1/18/2023B       1,900,000           1,584,068
           

 

 

 
           

Total Mozambique (Cost $6,241,240)

              6,204,137
           

 

 

 
           
Netherlands - 1.85%            
Foreign Corporate Obligations - 0.32%            
Frontera Capital B.V., 8.000%, Due 5/26/2025     KGS 70,000,000           867,852
           

 

 

 
           
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 1.53%            
Nederlandse Financierings Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V.,            

7.350%, Due 9/11/2020, Series EMTNB

      650,000           683,837

7.140%, Due 4/6/2021, Series EMTNE

      3,500,000           3,457,219
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              4,141,056
           

 

 

 
           

Total Netherlands (Cost $5,027,590)

              5,008,908
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
Nicaragua - 1.67%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 1.62%            
Empresa Administadora de Aeropuertos Internacionales (Issuer Zambezi B.V.), 7.000%, Due 4/8/2024E F     $ 2,000,000         $ 1,904,639
Republic of Nicaragua (Issuer Zambezi B.V.), 6.750%, Due 8/5/2022F       2,400,000           2,469,828
           

 

 

 

Total Credit-Linked Notes

              4,374,467
           

 

 

 
           
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.05%            
Nicaragua Government International Bond, 5.000%, Due 2/1/2019E G       138,770           133,219
           

 

 

 
           

Total Nicaragua (Cost $4,537,726)

              4,507,686
           

 

 

 
           
Nigeria - 4.13%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 4.13%            
Nigeria Government Bond,            

15.540%, Due 2/13/2020, Series 5YR

    NGN 310,000,000           878,804

14.500%, Due 7/15/2021, Series 5YR

    NGN 559,000,000           1,574,031

16.288%, Due 3/17/2027, Series 10YR

    NGN       1,438,000,000           4,419,239

13.980%, Due 2/23/2028, Series 10YR

    NGN 560,000,000           1,521,944

16.250%, Due 4/18/2037, Series 20YR

    NGN 888,958,000           2,777,104
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              11,171,122
           

 

 

 
           

Total Nigeria (Cost $11,213,793)

              11,171,122
           

 

 

 
           
Paraguay - 0.70% (Cost $2,000,460)            
Credit-Linked Notes - 0.70%            
Municipalidad De Asuncion (Issuer Zambezi B.V.), 11.000%, Due 3/23/2027F       2,000,000           1,893,076
           

 

 

 
           
Senegal - 2.31%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 2.31%            
Senegal Government International Bond,            

6.250%, Due 7/30/2024B

      1,350,000           1,368,630

4.750%, Due 3/13/2028B

    EUR 2,000,000           2,283,366

6.750%, Due 3/13/2048B

      2,860,000           2,588,586
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              6,240,582
           

 

 

 
           

Total Senegal (Cost $6,673,781)

              6,240,582
           

 

 

 
           
Sri Lanka - 4.27%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 4.27%            
Sri Lanka Government Bonds,            

9.250%, Due 5/1/2020

    LKR 30,000,000           187,016

10.750%, Due 3/1/2021, Series A

    LKR 26,000,000           166,547

9.000%, Due 5/1/2021, Series A

    LKR 465,000,000           2,852,706

11.000%, Due 8/1/2021, Series A

    LKR 420,000,000           2,706,123

11.500%, Due 5/15/2023, Series A

    LKR 180,000,000           1,180,074

11.400%, Due 1/1/2024, Series A

    LKR 200,000,000           1,306,112

11.000%, Due 8/1/2024, Series A

    LKR 315,000,000           2,032,568

11.500%, Due 9/1/2028

    LKR 168,000,000           1,126,753
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              11,557,899
           

 

 

 
           

Total Sri Lanka (Cost $11,888,381)

              11,557,899
           

 

 

 
           
Supranational - 2.98%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 2.98%            
European Bank for Reconstruction & Development,            

6.990%, Due 12/6/2018E

    GEL 2,200,000           896,654

2.129%, Due 12/20/2018E

    GEL 2,900,000           1,180,146

13.750%, Due 10/9/2019B

      904,359           737,324

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
Supranational - 2.98% (continued)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 2.98% (continued)            
European Bank for Reconstruction & Development, (continued)            

9.800%, Due 3/16/2020B

    $ 700,000         $ 686,921

9.500%, Due 6/21/2021B

      500,000           497,930
International Finance Corp., 9.500%, Due 5/31/2020     UZS     32,000,000,000           4,069,056
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              8,068,031
           

 

 

 
           

Total Supranational (Cost $7,961,236)

              8,068,031
           

 

 

 
           
Suriname - 0.57% (Cost $1,616,748)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.57%            
Republic of Suriname, 9.250%, Due 10/26/2026B       1,600,000           1,552,000
           

 

 

 
           
Tajikistan - 1.07% (Cost $3,200,262)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 1.07%            
Republic of Tajikistan International Bond, 7.125%, Due 9/14/2027B       3,230,000           2,881,573
           

 

 

 
           
Tunisia - 0.67% (Cost $1,919,169)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.67%            
Banque Centrale de Tunisie International Bond, 5.750%, Due 1/30/2025B       2,000,000           1,823,000
           

 

 

 
           
Uganda - 2.90%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 2.90%            
Republic of Uganda Government Bonds,            

10.750%, Due 9/6/2018

    UGX 1,925,000,000           520,933

18.375%, Due 2/18/2021, Series 5YR

    UGX 1,000,000,000           283,537

16.500%, Due 5/13/2021, Series 5YR

    UGX 4,355,000,000           1,186,152

16.750%, Due 10/28/2021

    UGX 6,940,000,000           1,895,703

14.125%, Due 7/7/2022

    UGX 8,300,000,000           2,098,276

19.500%, Due 12/18/2025, Series 10YR

    UGX 4,000,000,000           1,208,501

16.000%, Due 5/6/2027

    UGX 2,500,000,000           652,395
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              7,845,497
           

 

 

 
           

Total Uganda (Cost $8,673,787)

              7,845,497
           

 

 

 
           
Ukraine - 4.30%            
Credit-Linked Notes - 4.30%            
Ukraine Government Bonds (Issuer Citigroup Global Markets Holdings, Inc.),            

15.090%, Due 3/6/2019

    UAH 27,000,000           1,007,077

13.300%, Due 8/2/2019B

    UAH 15,150,000           586,701

13.460%, Due 6/12/2020B

    UAH 14,840,000           533,666

13.500%, Due 8/21/2020B

    UAH 37,000,000           1,327,315

14.160%, Due 10/14/2022B

    UAH 52,000,000           1,842,969

14.160%, Due 10/17/2022B

    UAH 45,000,000           1,594,218

15.970%, Due 4/19/2023B

    UAH 27,500,000           1,010,267
Ukraine Government Bonds (Issuer ICBC Standard Bank PLC),            

15.740%, Due 1/15/2020B

    UAH 32,000,000           1,110,406

14.910%, Due 10/14/2022

    UAH 74,000,000           2,611,748
           

 

 

 

Total Credit-Linked Notes

              11,624,367
           

 

 

 
           

Total Ukraine (Cost $12,465,320)

              11,624,367
           

 

 

 
           
United Republic Of Tanzania - 0.28% (Cost $764,045)            
Credit-Linked Notes - 0.28%            
United Republic of Tanzania (Issuer Zambezi B.V.), 8.650%, Due 4/23/2021F     TZS     1,700,000,000           744,822
           

 

 

 
           
Uruguay - 3.08%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 3.08%            
Uruguay Government International Bond,            

9.875%, Due 6/20/2022B

    UYU 48,203,000           1,565,709

8.500%, Due 3/15/2028B

    UYU 65,802,000           1,880,827

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
           
Uruguay - 3.08% (continued)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 3.08% (continued)            
Uruguay Monetary Regulation Bill,            

0.000%, Due 1/11/2019, Series 0001H

    UYU 70,500,000         $ 2,213,966

0.000%, Due 4/5/2019, Series 0001H

    UYU 40,000,000           1,227,584
Uruguay Notas del Tesoro, 13.900%, Due 7/29/2020, Series 8     UYU 40,750,000           1,433,759
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              8,321,845
           

 

 

 
           

Total Uruguay (Cost $9,174,561)

              8,321,845
           

 

 

 
           
Zambia - 3.86%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 3.86%            
Zambia Government Bond,            

11.000%, Due 8/31/2019, Series 5YR

    ZMW 4,800,000           426,582

11.000%, Due 2/16/2020, Series 5YR

    ZMW 500,000           42,536

11.000%, Due 5/26/2020, Series 5YR

    ZMW            23,100,000           1,913,240

11.000%, Due 8/29/2021, Series 5YR

    ZMW 21,000,000           1,563,289

12.000%, Due 5/23/2023, Series 7YR

    ZMW 6,100,000           419,298

12.000%, Due 11/21/2023, Series 7YR

    ZMW 14,900,000           999,006

12.000%, Due 4/23/2025, Series 7YR

    ZMW 16,500,000           1,040,700

13.000%, Due 8/29/2026, Series 10YR

    ZMW 42,500,000           2,739,360

13.000%, Due 12/18/2027, Series 10YR

    ZMW 7,000,000           433,833
Zambia Government International Bond, 8.970%, Due 7/30/2027B     $ 950,000           853,586
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              10,431,430
           

 

 

 
           

Total Zambia (Cost $12,367,833)

              10,431,430
           

 

 

 
    Shares        
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 11.74% (Cost $31,758,221)            
Investment Companies - 11.74%            

American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 1.82%J K

      31,758,221           31,758,221
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 96.66% (Cost $272,587,706)

              261,473,028

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 3.34%

              9,022,133
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 270,495,161
           

 

 

 
           

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

*In U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted.

                 

A Variable, floating, or adjustable rate securities with an interest rate that changes periodically. Rates are periodically reset with rates that are based on a predetermined benchmark such as a widely followed interest rate such as T-bills, LIBOR or PRIME plus a fixed spread. The interest rate disclosed reflects the rate in effect on July 31, 2018.

B Reg S - Security purchased under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.

C The rate represents the implied yield as determined from the foreign currency exchange rates structured into the reference entity. The actual yield will depend on movements in the foreign currency exchange rates in the future.

D Inflation-Indexed Note.

E Coupon rate may change based on changes of the underlying collateral or prepayments of principal. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

F 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 $20,827,524 or 7.70% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.

G Step Up/Down - A zero coupon bond that converts to a fixed rate or variable interest rate at a designated future date. The rate disclosed represents the coupon rate at July 31, 2018. The maturity date disclosed represents the final maturity date.

H Zero coupon bond.

I Value was determined using significant unobservable inputs.

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

K 7-day yield.

BADLARP - Benchmark rate provided by the Banco Central de la Republica Argentina.

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:

 

  
Currency Purchased*        Currency Sold*        Settlement
Date
  Counterparty        Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
AZN      1,021,414        USD      1,000,000        9/17/2018     ICBC        $ 21,414        $ -      $ 21,414  
KZT      1,199,479        USD      1,200,000        10/26/2018     ICBC          -          (521      (521
KZT      1,875,139        USD      2,000,000        12/14/2018     ICBC          -          (124,861      (124,861
AZN      1,034,886        USD      999,999        12/17/2018     ICBC          34,887          -        34,887  
KZT      1,120,125        USD      1,200,001        2/4/2019     ICBC          -          (79,876      (79,876
KZT      1,869,748        USD      2,000,000        3/4/2019     ICBC          -          (130,252      (130,252
KZT      473,242        USD      500,000        4/12/2019     ICBC          -          (26,758      (26,758
DZD      154,632        USD      150,000        8/28/2018     MSC          4,632          -        4,632  
USD      4,942,161        EUR      4,926,706        9/14/2018     SSB          15,455          -        15,455  
                      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 
     $ 76,388        $ (362,268    $ (285,880
                      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

All values denominated in USD.

 

Glossary:
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
ICBC    ICBC Standard Bank PLC
MSC    Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.
SSB    State Street Bank & Trust Co.
Currency Abbreviations:
ARS    Argentine Peso
AZN    Azerbaijani Manat
CRC    Costa Rican Colon
DOP    Dominican Peso
DZD    Algerian Dinars
EGP    Egyptian Pound
EUR    Euro
GEL    Georgian Lari
GHS    Ghanaian Cedi
KES    Kenyan Shilling
KGS    Kyrgyzstani Som
KZT    Kazakhstani Tenge
LKR    Sri Lankan Rupee
MZN    Mozambique Metical
NGN    Nigerian Naira
TZS    Tanzanian Shilling
UAH    Ukrainian Hryvnia
UGX    Ugandan Shilling
USD    United States Dollar
UYU    Uruguayan Peso
UZS    Uzbekistani Som
ZMW    Zambian Kwacha

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of July 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Frontier Markets Income Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Credit-Linked Notes

              

Angola

  $ -       $ 1,343,189        $ -       $ 1,343,189  

Armenia

    -         1,511,607          -         1,511,607  

Azerbaijan

    -         2,023,080          -         2,023,080  

Gambia

    -         926,240          -         926,240  

Georgia

    -         3,351,272          -         3,351,272  

Ghana

    -         266,063          -         266,063  

Kazakhstan

    -         5,148,424          -         5,148,424  

Kyrgyzstan

    -         4,307,075          -         4,307,075  

Malawi

    -         1,575,813          -         1,575,813  

Mozambique

    -         4,620,069          -         4,620,069  

Nicaragua

    -         4,374,467          -         4,374,467  

Paraguay

    -         1,893,076          -         1,893,076  

Ukraine

    -         11,624,367          -         11,624,367  

United Republic of Tanzania

    -         744,822          -         744,822  

Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              

Angola

    -         9,024,240          -         9,024,240  

Argentina

    -         10,171,572          -         10,171,572  

Belarus

    -         2,524,863          -         2,524,863  

Bosnia & Herzegovina

    -         -          148,224         148,224  

Cameroon

    -         3,466,022          -         3,466,022  

Costa Rica

    -         6,837,573          -         6,837,573  

Dominican Republic

    -         8,010,929          -         8,010,929  

Ecuador

    -         6,318,225          -         6,318,225  

Egypt

    -         12,629,200          -         12,629,200  

Ethiopia

    -         2,549,940          -         2,549,940  

Gabon

    -         1,927,446          -         1,927,446  

Ghana

    -         9,893,294          -         9,893,294  

Iraq

    -         8,106,651          -         8,106,651  

Ivory Coast

    -         10,244,852          -         10,244,852  

Kenya

    -         12,566,478          -         12,566,478  

Mongolia

    -         4,966,560          -         4,966,560  

Mozambique

    -         1,584,068          -         1,584,068  

Netherlands

    -         4,141,056          -         4,141,056  

Nicaragua

    -         133,219          -         133,219  

Nigeria

    -         11,171,122          -         11,171,122  

Senegal

    -         6,240,582          -         6,240,582  

Sri Lanka

    -         11,557,899          -         11,557,899  

Supranational

    -         8,068,031          -         8,068,031  

Suriname

    -         1,552,000          -         1,552,000  

Tajikistan

    -         2,881,573          -         2,881,573  

Tunisia

    -         1,823,000          -         1,823,000  

Uganda

    -         7,845,497          -         7,845,497  

Uruguay

    -         8,321,845          -         8,321,845  

Zambia

    -         10,431,430          -         10,431,430  

Foreign Corporate Obligations

 

Netherlands

    -         867,852          -         867,852  

Short-Term Investments

    31,758,221         -          -         31,758,221  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 31,758,221       $ 229,566,583        $ 148,224       $ 261,473,028  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ -       $ 76,388        $ -       $ 76,388  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ -       $ 76,388        $ -       $ 76,388  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  $ -       $ (362,268      $ -       $ (362,268
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ -       $ (362,268      $ -       $ (362,268
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

U.S. GAAP 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 July 31, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.

The following table is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets within the 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
1/31/2018
  Purchases     Sales   Accrued
Discounts
(Premiums)
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Transfer
into
Level 3
    Transfer
out of
Level 3
    Balance as
of
7/31/2018
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
at Period end**
 
Foreign Sovereign Obligations   $176,155   $ -     $24,741   $ 2,153     $ (1,724   $ (3,619   $ -     $ -     $ 148,224     $ (37,545

 

**

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 foreign sovereign obligations, classified as Level 3, were valued using single broker quotes. The principal amount of these securities, valued at $148,224, have been deemed level 3 due to limited market transparency and/or lack of corroboration to support the quoted prices.

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
Brazil - 0.14% (Cost $1,008,142)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.14%            
Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social, 4.000%, Due 4/14/2019A     $ 1,000,000         $ 1,002,980
           

 

 

 
           
British Virgin Islands - 0.93%            
Foreign Corporate Obligations - 0.93%            
CNPC General Capital Ltd., 2.750%, Due 5/14/2019A       4,850,000           4,826,465
Sinopec Group Overseas Development Ltd.,            

2.500%, Due 10/17/2018A

      1,500,000           1,497,948

2.750%, Due 4/10/2019A

      250,000           249,118

2.125%, Due 5/3/2019A

      250,000           247,750
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Corporate Obligations

              6,821,281
           

 

 

 
           

Total British Virgin Islands (Cost $6,870,211)

              6,821,281
           

 

 

 
           
Colombia - 0.56% (Cost $4,131,192)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.56%            
Colombia Government International Bond, 7.375%, Due 3/18/2019       4,000,000           4,110,000
           

 

 

 
           
India - 0.66%            
Foreign Corporate Obligations - 0.66%            
ICICI Bank Ltd., 4.800%, Due 5/22/2019A       4,339,000           4,382,794
State Bank of India, 3.622%, Due 4/17/2019A       500,000           499,978
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Corporate Obligations

              4,882,772
           

 

 

 
           

Total India (Cost $4,921,955)

              4,882,772
           

 

 

 
           
Indonesia - 0.75% (Cost $5,597,059)            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 0.75%            
Indonesia Government International Bond, 11.625%, Due 3/4/2019A       5,300,000           5,565,058
           

 

 

 
           
Mexico - 0.82% (Cost $6,080,188)            
Foreign Corporate Obligations - 0.82%            
Petroleos Mexicanos, 6.000%, Due 3/5/2020       5,853,000           6,037,194
           

 

 

 
           
South Africa - 2.66%            
Foreign Sovereign Obligations - 2.66%            
Republic of South Africa Government International Bond,            

6.875%, Due 5/27/2019

                   10,750,000           11,042,895

5.500%, Due 3/9/2020

      8,300,000           8,538,940
           

 

 

 

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations

              19,581,835
           

 

 

 
           

Total South Africa (Cost $19,760,171)

              19,581,835
           

 

 

 
    Shares        
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 91.22%            
Investment Companies - 0.85%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 1.82%B C       6,228,469           6,228,469
           

 

 

 
    Par Amount        
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 90.37%            
U.S. Treasury Bills,            

1.829%, Due 8/2/2018

    $ 16,400,000           16,399,180

1.870%, Due 8/30/2018

      113,600,000           113,426,028

1.921%, Due 9/6/2018

      66,500,000           66,374,315

1.955%, Due 10/4/2018

      140,800,000           140,317,525

2.013%, Due 11/15/2018

      193,000,000           191,861,314

2.110%, Due 1/3/2019

      137,900,000           136,652,412
           

 

 

 

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations

              665,030,774
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $671,310,927)

              671,259,243
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 97.74% (Cost $719,679,845)

              719,260,363

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 2.26%

              16,635,935
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 735,896,298
           

 

 

 
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

A Reg S - Security purchased under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.

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

C 7-day yield.

 

Centrally Cleared Swap Agreements Outstanding on July 31, 2018:

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
   Floating Rate Index    Fixed
Rate (%)
   Expiration
Date
   Curr     

Notional

Amount(4)

(000s)

     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    8.75    1/4/2021      BRL        24,500      $ -      $ (1,415   $ (1,415
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    9.10    1/4/2021      BRL        70,000        -        (131,740     (131,740
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    9.17    1/4/2021      BRL        191,800        -        (430,215     (430,215
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    9.30    1/4/2021      BRL        24,800        -        (72,787     (72,787
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    10.36    1/4/2021      BRL        76,400        -        (628,955     (628,955
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    10.26    1/4/2021      BRL        80,900        -        (627,835     (627,835
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    9.84    1/4/2021      BRL        41,000        -        (231,959     (231,959
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    9.53    1/4/2021      BRL        187,700        -        (767,112     (767,112
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
                  $                -      $ (2,892,018   $ (2,892,018
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

OTC Swap Agreements Outstanding on July 31, 2018:

 

Credit Default Swaps on Corporate and Sovereign Securities - Buy Protection(1)

 

Reference Entity   Counter-
Party
  Fixed
Rate (%)
  Expiration
Date
  Implied Credit
Spread at
7/31/2018(3)
(%)
    Curr     Notional
Amount(4)
(000s)
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
   

Fair

Value(5)

    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Lebanese Republic   BRC   1.00   12/20/2019     5.3983       USD       150     $ 6,351     $ 8,680     $ 2,329  
Lebanese Republic   BCC   1.00   6/20/2021     6.0040       USD       200       18,860       24,190       5,330  
Lebanese Republic   BRC   1.00   6/20/2021     6.0040       USD       275       27,711       33,262       5,551  
Russian Federation   BRC   1.00   6/20/2021     0.9733       USD       500       17,994       (724     (18,718
Lebanese Republic   BCC   1.00   12/20/2021     6.0019       USD       15,000       1,523,559       2,109,437       585,878  
Lebanese Republic   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     6.0019       USD       800       83,017       112,503       29,486  
Lebanese Republic   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     6.0019       USD       3,000       369,042       421,887       52,845  
Republic Of Indonesia   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     0.7846       USD       800       13,116       (5,350     (18,466
Republic Of Indonesia   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     0.7846       USD       1,000       17,301       (6,688     (23,989
Republic Of Kazakhstan   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     0.5553       USD       800       16,254       (12,746     (29,000
Republic Of Kazakhstan   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     0.5553       USD       15,000       314,549       (238,985     (553,534
Republic Of Kazakhstan   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     0.5553       USD       250       8,020       (3,983     (12,003
Republic Of Kazakhstan   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     0.5553       USD       3,000       93,547       (47,797     (141,344
Republic Of South Africa   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     1.3899       USD       2,000       67,739       23,030       (44,709
Republic Of South Africa   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     1.3899       USD       1,500       48,589       17,272       (31,317
Republic Of South Africa   BRC   1.00   12/20/2021     1.3899       USD       6,000       196,619       69,089       (127,530
Republic Of Kazakhstan   CBK   1.00   12/20/2021     0.8500       USD       300       8,887       (4,780     (13,667
Russian Federation   CBK   1.00   12/20/2021     1.0600       USD       13,000       312,307       18,343       (293,964
Russian Federation   CBK   1.00   12/20/2021     1.0600       USD       3,000       115,075       4,233       (110,842
Republic Of Colombia   FBF   1.00   12/20/2021     0.7272       USD       4,000       45,340       (35,742     (81,082
Republic Of Indonesia   HUS   1.00   12/20/2021     0.7846       USD       1,800       29,018       (12,038     (41,056
Republic Of Indonesia   UAG   1.00   12/20/2021     0.7846       USD       3,000       38,384       (20,063     (58,447
Republic Of Turkey   BCC   1.00   6/20/2022     3.0689       USD       5,000       245,439       337,594       92,155  
Republic Of Turkey   BCC   1.00   6/20/2022     3.0689       USD       9,375       455,985       632,989       177,004  
Russian Federation   BCC   1.00   6/20/2022     1.1462       USD       4,500       112,599       18,812       (93,787
Lebanese Republic   BRC   1.00   6/20/2022     6.0000       USD       12,500       1,546,706       1,988,561       441,855  
Republic Of Indonesia   BRC   1.00   6/20/2022     0.8931       USD       5,000       30,641       (20,110     (50,751
Russian Federation   BRC   1.00   6/20/2022     1.1462       USD       4,300       108,723       17,975       (90,748
Russian Federation   BRC   1.00   6/20/2022     1.1462       USD       2,600       40,110       10,869       (29,241
Republic Of South Africa   CBK   1.00   6/20/2022     1.5439       USD       4,000       142,699       70,864       (71,835

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Reference Entity   Counter-
Party
  Fixed
Rate (%)
  Expiration
Date
  Implied Credit
Spread at
7/31/2018(3)
(%)
    Curr     Notional
Amount(4)
(000s)
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
   

Fair

Value(5)

    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Republic Of South Africa   CBK   1.00   6/20/2022     1.5439       USD       2,500     $ 99,401     $ 44,290     $ (55,111
Republic Of South Africa   CBK   1.00   6/20/2022     1.5439       USD       5,500       190,217       97,439       (92,778
Republic Of Turkey   CBK   1.00   6/20/2022     3.0689       USD       4,000       134,834       270,075       135,241  
Republic Of Indonesia   HUS   1.00   6/20/2022     0.8931       USD       3,000       31,958       (12,066     (44,024
Lebanese Republic   BOA   1.00   12/20/2022     6.0752       USD       3,000       406,820       531,077       124,257  
Lebanese Republic   BOA   1.00   12/20/2022     6.0752       USD       5,000       686,548       885,128       198,580  
Republic Of South Africa   BOA   1.00   12/20/2022     1.6861       USD       4,300       163,628       115,728       (47,900
Federal Republic of Brazil   BRC   1.00   12/20/2022     1.9830       USD       9,000       181,439       345,584       164,145  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia   BRC   1.00   12/20/2022     0.7503       USD       11,000       (22,704     (116,160     (93,456
Republic Of Indonesia   BRC   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       4,500       (30,090     3,552       33,642  
Republic Of Indonesia   BRC   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       4,900       (1,989     3,867       5,856  
Republic Of Indonesia   BRC   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       2,000       (4,880     1,579       6,459  
Republic Of South Africa   BRC   1.00   12/20/2022     1.6861       USD       3,000       101,383       80,740       (20,643
Republic Of South Africa   BRC   1.00   12/20/2022     1.6861       USD       8,600       322,301       231,455       (90,846
Federal Republic of Brazil   CBK   1.00   12/20/2022     1.9830       USD       13,400       267,509       514,536       247,027  
Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia   CBK   1.00   12/20/2022     0.7503       USD       2,000       (13,988     (21,120     (7,132
Republic Of Indonesia   CBK   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       3,500       (9,953     2,762       12,715  
Republic Of Indonesia   CBK   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       4,500       -       3,552       3,552  
Republic Of South Africa   CBK   1.00   12/20/2022     1.6861       USD       8,600       327,255       231,455       (95,800
Republic Of South Africa   CBK   1.00   12/20/2022     1.6861       USD       8,600       325,604       231,455       (94,149
Republic Of South Africa   CBK   1.00   12/20/2022     1.6861       USD       13,000       472,013       349,874       (122,139
Russian Federation   CBK   1.00   12/20/2022     1.2386       USD       3,000       35,845       27,844       (8,001
Lebanese Republic   DUB   1.00   12/20/2022     6.0752       USD       1,100       171,555       194,728       23,173  
Lebanese Republic   DUB   1.00   12/20/2022     6.0752       USD       700       109,284       123,918       14,634  
Lebanese Republic   DUB   1.00   12/20/2022     6.0752       USD       1,600       245,085       283,241       38,156  
Republic Of Indonesia   HUS   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       6,100       (2,475     4,815       7,290  
Republic Of Indonesia   HUS   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       4,000       (812     3,157       3,969  
Republic Of Indonesia   HUS   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       4,500       -       3,552       3,552  
Republic Of Indonesia   HUS   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       8,500       -       6,709       6,709  
Republic Of Indonesia   UAG   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       5,500       (2,790     4,341       7,131  
Republic Of Indonesia   UAG   1.00   12/20/2022     1.0119       USD       5,500       (2,232     4,341       6,573  
Argentine Republic   BRC   5.00   6/20/2023     4.2200       USD       4,000       (363,735     (135,760     227,975  
Argentine Republic   BRC   5.00   6/20/2023     4.2200       USD       1,700       (104,698     (57,698     47,000  
Federal Republic of Brazil   BRC   1.00   6/20/2023     2.1550       USD       12,500       597,261       610,311       13,050  
Federal Republic of Brazil   BRC   1.00   6/20/2023     2.1550       USD       4,500       218,746       219,712       966  
Federal Republic of Brazil   BRC   1.00   6/20/2023     2.1550       USD       1,000       62,011       48,825       (13,186
Federal Republic of Brazil   BRC   1.00   6/20/2023     2.1550       USD       5,000       343,075       244,124       (98,951
Federal Republic of Brazil   BRC   1.00   6/20/2023     2.1550       USD       23,000       1,603,799       1,122,972       (480,827
Federation of Malaysia   BRC   1.00   6/20/2023     0.8366       USD       4,500       (31,989     (32,948     (959
Republic of Korea   BRC   1.00   6/20/2023     0.4213       USD       10,900       (252,905     (290,028     (37,123
Republic Of South Africa   BRC   1.00   6/20/2023     1.8275       USD       6,000       167,501       214,377       46,876  
Argentine Republic   CBK   5.00   6/20/2023     4.2200       USD       27,300       (1,886,527     (926,561     959,966  
Argentine Republic   CBK   5.00   6/20/2023     4.2200       USD       7,100       (400,541     (240,974     159,567  
Republic Of South Africa   CBK   1.00   6/20/2023     1.8275       USD       4,500       125,626       160,783       35,157  
Federal Republic of Brazil   GST   1.00   6/20/2023     2.1550       USD       11,500       786,764       561,486       (225,278
Federal Republic of Brazil   HUS   1.00   6/20/2023     2.1550       USD       4,000       193,612       195,300       1,688  
Federal Republic of Brazil   HUS   1.00   6/20/2023     2.1550       USD       8,500       591,755       415,012       (176,743
Federation of Malaysia   HUS   1.00   6/20/2023     0.8366       USD       8,250       (51,277     (60,404     (9,127
Federation of Malaysia   HUS   1.00   6/20/2023     0.8366       USD       8,250       (51,277     (60,404     (9,127
Federation of Malaysia   HUS   1.00   6/20/2023     0.8366       USD       16,500       (102,711     (120,808     (18,097
Republic Of South Africa   HUS   1.00   6/20/2023     1.8275       USD       4,000       111,668       142,918       31,250  
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $   11,791,105     $   11,972,267     $ 181,162  
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Credit Default Swaps on Corporate and Sovereign Securities - Sell Protection(2)  
Reference Entity   Counter-
Party
  Fixed
Rate (%)
  Expiration
Date
  Implied Credit
Spread at
7/31/2018(3)
(%)
    Curr     Notional
Amount(4)
(000s)
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    

Fair

Value(5)

    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Republic Of Philippines   BCC   1.00   12/20/2019     0.1575       USD       3,000     $ 15,127      $ 31,109     $ 15,982  
Republic Of Philippines   BRC   1.00   12/20/2019     0.1575       USD       500       1,902        5,185       3,283  
Republic Of Colombia   HUS   1.00   12/20/2021     0.2800       USD       7,000       25,920        57,506       31,586  
Argentine Republic   CBK   5.00   6/20/2023     4.1200       USD       22,800       327,044        773,831       446,787  
             

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $ 369,993      $ 867,631     $ 497,638  
             

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Interest Rate Swaps  
Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
   Floating Rate
Index
   Counter-
Party
   Fixed
Rate
(%)
   Expiration
Date
     Curr    Notional
Amount(4)
(000s)
     Premiums
Paid
(Received)
     Fair
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    HUS    9.12      1/4/2021      BRL      30,100      $  -      $ (141,094   $ (141,094
Pay    1-Day BRL-CDI    UAG    8.65      1/4/2021      BRL      32,500        -        (33,061     (33,061
                    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $     -      $ (174,155   $ (174,155
                    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

If the Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.

(2) 

If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.

(3) 

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the fair value of credit default swaps agreements on corporate issues and sovereign issues of an emerging country as of period end serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

(4) 

The maximum potential amount the Fund could be required to pay as a seller of credit protection or receive as a buyer of credit protection if a credit event occurs as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement.

(5) 

The quoted market prices and resulting values for credit default swaps on asset-backed securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative should the notional amount of the swap agreement be closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing fair values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on July 31, 2018:

 

    
Currency Purchased*          Currency Sold*      Settlement Date    Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
IDR      1,851,920      USD      1,900,000      8/27/2018      HUS      $ -      $ (48,080   $ (48,080
IDR      8,698,219      USD      8,709,595      8/27/2018      HUS        -        (11,376     (11,376
IDR      8,698,221      USD      8,709,597      8/27/2018      HUS        -        (11,376     (11,376
IDR      17,396,439      USD      17,425,224      8/27/2018      HUS        -        (28,785     (28,785
USD      9,164,924      IDR      8,807,499      8/27/2018      HUS        357,425        -       357,425  
USD      4,397,000      IDR      4,228,562      8/27/2018      HUS        168,438        -       168,438  
USD      4,116,000      IDR      3,976,830      8/27/2018      HUS        139,170        -       139,170  
USD      4,114,000      IDR      3,976,320      8/27/2018      HUS        137,680        -       137,680  
USD      4,117,000      IDR      3,976,087      8/27/2018      HUS        140,913        -       140,913  
USD      4,117,000      IDR      3,958,149      8/27/2018      HUS        158,851        -       158,851  
USD      4,114,000      IDR      3,955,265      8/27/2018      HUS        158,735        -       158,735  
USD      3,899,000      IDR      3,766,088      8/27/2018      HUS        132,912        -       132,912  
USD      5,145,000      COP      5,162,436      10/9/2018      HUS        -        (17,436     (17,436

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Currency Purchased*          Currency Sold*      Settlement Date    Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      4,149,000      COP      4,165,922      10/9/2018    HUS    $ -      $ (16,922   $ (16,922
USD      4,149,000      COP      4,163,060      10/9/2018    HUS      -        (14,060     (14,060
USD      4,149,000      COP      4,161,629      10/9/2018    HUS      -        (12,629     (12,629
USD      4,149,000      COP      4,160,198      10/9/2018    HUS      -        (11,198     (11,198
USD      4,149,000      COP      4,160,198      10/9/2018    HUS      -        (11,198     (11,198
USD      4,149,000      COP      4,143,025      10/9/2018    HUS      5,975        -       5,975  
USD      4,149,000      COP      4,140,163      10/9/2018    HUS      8,837        -       8,837  
USD      1,991,000      COP      2,001,181      10/9/2018    HUS      -        (10,181     (10,181
USD      750,000      COP      747,885      10/9/2018    HUS      2,115        -       2,115  
TRY      2,896,413      USD      3,271,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (374,587     (374,587
TRY      2,897,746      USD      3,271,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (373,254     (373,254
TRY      3,004,489      USD      3,397,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (392,511     (392,511
TRY      3,008,049      USD      3,396,999      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (388,950     (388,950
TRY      3,009,038      USD      3,397,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (387,962     (387,962
TRY      3,129,034      USD      3,390,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (260,966     (260,966
TRY      3,544,720      USD      3,535,000      11/13/2018    HUS      9,720        -       9,720  
TRY      3,907,256      USD      4,416,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (508,744     (508,744
TRY      4,428,149      USD      4,419,000      11/13/2018    HUS      9,149        -       9,149  
TRY      5,760,179      USD      6,239,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (478,821     (478,821
TRY      6,536,905      USD      7,336,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (799,095     (799,095
TRY      6,757,603      USD      7,589,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (831,397     (831,397
TRY      9,396,765      USD      10,172,000      11/13/2018    HUS      -        (775,235     (775,235
USD      59,429,000      TRY      55,231,832      11/13/2018    HUS      4,197,168        -       4,197,168  
USD      3,457,000      TRY      3,201,880      11/13/2018    HUS      255,120        -       255,120  
ARS      5,230,569      USD      5,717,353      11/23/2018    HUS      -        (486,784     (486,784
ARS      10,595,105      USD      11,556,332      11/23/2018    HUS      -        (961,227     (961,227
ARS      976,320      USD      1,067,375      11/26/2018    HUS      -        (91,055     (91,055
ARS      3,320,020      USD      3,192,615      11/26/2018    HUS      127,405        -       127,405  
ARS      9,054,463      USD      8,709,735      11/26/2018    HUS      344,728        -       344,728  
ARS      1,354,811      USD      1,314,277      11/28/2018    HUS      40,534        -       40,534  
ARS      7,126,680      USD      6,908,000      11/28/2018    HUS      218,680        -       218,680  
ARS      7,127,806      USD      6,908,000      11/28/2018    HUS      219,806        -       219,806  
ARS      2,104,724      USD      2,279,513      11/29/2018    HUS      -        (174,789     (174,789
ARS      5,749,376      USD      6,299,052      11/29/2018    HUS      -        (549,676     (549,676
ARS      4,125,472      USD      3,935,969      12/6/2018    HUS      189,503        -       189,503  
ARS      4,125,472      USD      3,940,838      12/6/2018    HUS      184,634        -       184,634  
USD      17,039,229      IDR      17,044,425      2/4/2019    HUS      -        (5,196     (5,196
USD      8,510,392      IDR      8,522,214      2/4/2019    HUS      -        (11,822     (11,822
USD      8,516,153      IDR      8,522,212      2/4/2019    HUS      -        (6,059     (6,059
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 7,207,498      $ (8,051,371   $ (843,873
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

All values denominated in USD.

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Schedule of Investments

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Glossary:   
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
BCC    Barclays Capital, Inc.
BOA    Bank of America, N.A.
BRC    Barclays Bank PLC
CBK    Citibank, N.A.
DUB    Deutsche Bank AG
FBF    Credit Suisse International
GST    Goldman Sachs International
HUS    HSBC Bank (USA)
UAG    UBS AG
USD    United States Dollar
Currency Abbreviations:
ARS    Argentine Peso
BRL    Brazilian Real
COP    Colombian Peso
IDR    Indonesian Rupiah
TRY    Turkish Lira
Exchange Abbreviations:
OTC    Over-the-Counter
Other Abbreviations:
CDI    Chess Depository Interest

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of July 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

GLG Total Return Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

 

Foreign Sovereign Obligations

 

Brazil

  $ -       $ 1,002,980        $ -       $ 1,002,980  

Colombia

    -         4,110,000          -         4,110,000  

Indonesia

    -         5,565,058          -         5,565,058  

South Africa

    -         19,581,835          -         19,581,835  

Foreign Corporate Obligations

 

British Virgin Islands

    -         6,821,281          -         6,821,281  

India

    -         4,882,772          -         4,882,772  

Mexico

    -         6,037,194          -         6,037,194  

Short-Term Investments

 

Investment Companies

    6,228,469         -          -         6,228,469  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    -         665,030,774          -         665,030,774  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 6,228,469       $ 713,031,894        $  -       $ 719,260,363  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Swap Contract Agreements

  $ -       $ 4,456,227        $ -       $ 4,456,227  

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         7,207,498          -         7,207,498  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ -       $ 11,663,725        $ -       $ 11,663,725  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

Swap Contract Agreements

  $ -       $ (6,843,600      $ -       $ (6,843,600

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         (8,051,371        -         (8,051,371
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ -       $ (14,894,971      $ -       $ (14,894,971
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP 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 July 31, 2018, there were no transfers between levels.

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Frontier Markets
Income Fund
          GLG Total Return
Fund
 

Assets:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 229,714,807       $ 713,031,894  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    31,758,221         6,228,469  

Foreign currency, at fair value^

    2,690,658         263  

Swap premium paid

    -         15,498,671  

Swap income receivable

    -         145,236  

Cash collateral held at custodian for the benefit of the broker

    270,000         15,093,100  

Dividends and interest receivable

    5,992,463         930,474  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    1,774,516         1,009,539  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    -         63,530  

Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements

    -         4,456,227  

Unrealized appreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    76,388         7,207,498  

Prepaid expenses

    148,813         93,122  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    272,425,866         763,758,023  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

     

Payable for investments purchased

    533,335         -  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    761,679         627,596  

Payable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    522         -  

Swap premium received

    -         3,337,573  

Cash collateral held at broker for the benefit of the custodian

    -         7,037,652  

Cash due to custodian

    -         40,000  

Swap income payable

    -         1,208,022  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    191,823         581,569  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    20,264         119  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    10,986         87,558  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    -         4,328  

Professional fees payable

    46,613         30,750  

Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements

    -         6,843,600  

Unrealized depreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    362,268         8,051,371  

Other liabilities

    3,215         11,587  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    1,930,705         27,861,725  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 270,495,161       $ 735,896,298  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

     

Paid-in-capital

  $ 295,685,482       $ 729,294,939  

Undistributed net investment income

    3,772,286         4,153,189  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

    (17,543,929       6,098,892  

Unrealized (depreciation) of investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    (11,114,678       (419,482

Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of foreign currency transactions

    (18,120       6  

Unrealized (depreciation) of forward foreign currency contracts

    (285,880       (843,873

Unrealized (depreciation) of swap agreements

    -         (2,387,373
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 270,495,161       $ 735,896,298  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Frontier Markets
Income Fund
          GLG Total Return
Fund
 

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

     

Institutional Class

    7,899,273         130,646  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    15,249,561         45,057  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    4,972,883         14,847  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    433,081         10,212  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    1,163,333         10,160  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ultra Class

    N/A         67,693,056  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 71,913,949       $ 1,415,635  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 138,884,267       $ 486,298  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 45,217,907       $ 159,462  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 3,938,678       $ 109,632  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 10,540,360       $ 107,847  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ultra Class

    N/A       $ 733,617,424  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 9.10       $ 10.84  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 9.11       $ 10.79  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 9.09       $ 10.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 9.09       $ 10.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 9.54       $ 11.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 9.06       $ 10.61  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ultra Class

    N/A       $ 10.84  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 240,829,485       $ 713,451,376  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 31,758,221       $ 6,228,469  

^ Cost of foreign currency

  $ 2,691,021       $ 257  

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

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Frontier Markets
Income Fund
          GLG Total Return
Fund
 

Investment income:

     

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 8)

  $ 236,139       $ 104,599  

Interest income (net of foreign taxes)

    13,734,193         6,496,273  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    13,970,332         6,600,872  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

     

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,062,545         3,468,053  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    6,844         14  

Y Class (Note 2)

    53,215         261  

Investor Class

    1,281         614  

A Class

    131         -  

C Class

    138         -  

Ultra Class

    -         184,891  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    108,343         85,640  

Professional fees

    49,035         37,592  

Registration fees and expenses

    65,414         71,732  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    54,771         -  

A Class

    1,033         28  

C Class

    3,991         28  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    4,744         134  

C Class

    48,802         528  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    9,026         13,507  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    4,365         18,804  

Dividends and interest on securities sold short

    -         5,552  

Other expenses

    5,748         14,379  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,479,426         3,901,757  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    56,053         (375,235
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    1,535,479         3,526,522  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    12,434,853         3,074,350  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    (2,167,552       2,661,444  

Foreign currency transactions

    (186,122       (705,851

Forward foreign currency contracts

    273,733         4,200,258  

Swap agreements

    -         (48,615

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    (14,247,259       3,838  

Foreign currency transactions

    (44,840       3  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (425,297       4,452,718  

Swap agreements

    -         9,818,664  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) from investments

    (16,797,337       20,382,459  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (4,362,484     $ 23,456,809  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 264,346       $ -  

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

 

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

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Frontier Markets Income Fund           GLG Total Return Fund  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
          Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)                       (unaudited)              

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income

  $ 12,434,853       $ 11,020,530       $ 3,074,350       $ 2,531,727  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, and swap agreements

    (2,079,941       (2,024,117       6,107,236         3,133,509  

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

    (14,717,396       7,678,093         14,275,223         (18,655,514
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (4,362,484       16,674,506         23,456,809         (12,990,278
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Net investment income:

             

Institutional Class

    (2,864,592       (2,845,735       -         (34,454

Y Class

    (4,673,769       (3,511,778       -         (6,291

Investor Class

    (1,689,204       (2,275,358       -         (1,298

A Class

    (144,540       (293,772       -         (987

C Class

    (331,541       (214,080       -         (422

Ultra Class

    -         -         (88       (4,299,303

Net realized gain from investments:

             

Institutional Class

    -         -         -         (517

Y Class

    -         -         -         (1,675

Investor Class

    -         -         -         (244

A Class

    -         -         -         (173

C Class

    -         -         -         (172

Ultra Class

    -         -         -         (1,163,013

Return of capital:

             

Institutional Class

    -         -         -         (152

Y Class

    -         -         -         (491

Investor Class

    -         -         -         (72

A Class

    -         -         -         (51

C Class

    -         -         -         (50

Ultra Class

    -         -         -         (341,068
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (9,703,646       (9,140,723       (88       (5,850,433
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    113,436,616         148,370,285         124,607,782         793,714,239  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    8,290,909         8,065,854         18         184,104  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (37,568,202       (26,890,130       (157,752,505       (104,815,311

Redemption fees

    53,979         11,114         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    84,213,302         129,557,123         (33,144,705       689,083,032  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    70,147,172         137,090,906         (9,687,984       670,242,321  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    200,347,989         63,257,083         745,584,282         75,341,961  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period*

  $ 270,495,161       $ 200,347,989       $ 735,896,298       $ 745,584,282  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

*Includes undistributed net investment income

  $ 3,772,286       $ 1,041,079       $ 4,153,189       $ 1,078,927  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (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 open-end management investment companies. As of July 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund and American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining thirty-one active series are reported in separate filings. The American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund is registered as a diversified fund and American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund is registered as non-diversified. From February 1, 2018 to June 14, 2018, the American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund was known as American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund.

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (“RIM”) organized in 1986 to provide business management, advisory, administrative, and asset management consulting services to the Trust and other investors. RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

Class Disclosure

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

 

Class

  

Eligible Investors

   Minimum Initial
Investments
 
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 through employee directed benefit plans with applicable sales charges which may include CDSC.    $ 1,000  
Ultra    Large institutional investors - sold directly or through intermediary channels.    $ 500,000,000  

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

Significant Accounting Policies

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

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

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

Currency Translation

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

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.

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

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

Use of Estimates

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

Redemption Fees

All Classes of the Frontier Markets Income Fund impose a 2% redemption fee on shares held for less than 90 days. The fee is deducted from the redemption proceeds and is intended to offset the trading costs, market impact, and other costs associated with short-term trading activity in the Fund. The “first-in, first-out” method is used to determine the holding period. The fee is allocated to all classes of this Fund pro-rata based on the net assets.

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (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 Global Evolution USA, LLC and GLG LLC (the “Sub-Advisors”) pursuant to which each Fund has 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:

Global Evolution USA, LLC

 

All Assets

     0.50

GLG LLC

 

First $500 million

     0.60

Next $500 million

     0.55

Over $1 billion

     0.50

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the period ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 438,763  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.50       623,782  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.85     $ 1,062,545  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

GLG Total Return Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 1,295,602  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.59       2,172,451  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.94     $ 3,468,053  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (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 obligates the Manager to oversee additional shareholder servicing of the Investor, A, and C Classes of the Funds. As compensation for performing the duties required under the Service Plans, the Manager receives an annualized fee up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A and C Classes and up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class of the Funds.

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the Institutional and Y Classes of the Funds and has agreed to compensate the intermediaries for providing these services. Intermediaries transact with the Funds primarily through the use of omnibus accounts on behalf of their customers who hold positions in the Funds. Certain services would have been provided by the Fund’s transfer agent and other service providers if the shareholders’ accounts were maintained directly by the Fund’s transfer agent. Accordingly, the Funds, pursuant to Board approval, have agreed to reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries for the 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 July 31, 2018, the sub-transfer agent fees, as reflected in “Transfer agent fees” on the Statements of Operations, were as follows:

 

Fund

   Sub-Transfer Agent Fees  

Frontier Markets Income

   $ 56,849  

GLG Total Return

     261  

As of July 31, 2018, 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
 

Frontier Markets Income

   $ 10,986  

GLG Total Return

     32  

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (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 July 31, 2018, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
 

Frontier Markets Income

   $ 15,008  

GLG Total Return

     6,716  

Interfund Credit Facility

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 a credit facility whereby each Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating Funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the Funds because it provides added liquidity, and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a Fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Funds did not utilize the credit facility.

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 Funds’ expense cap. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                  Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

   Class    2/1/2018 -
7/31/2018
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
 

Frontier Markets Income

   Institutional      1.15   $      $ (22,060     2021  

Frontier Markets Income

   Y      1.25            (24,698     2021  

Frontier Markets Income

   Investor      1.53            (918     2021  

Frontier Markets Income

   A      1.55            (3,802     2021  

Frontier Markets Income

   C      2.30            (4,575     2021  

GLG Total Return

   Institutional      1.05            (119     2021  

GLG Total Return

   Y      1.15            (263     2021  

GLG Total Return

   Investor      1.43     282              2021  

GLG Total Return

   A      1.45            (78     2021  

GLG Total Return

   C      2.20            (77     2021  

GLG Total Return

   Ultra      0.95     375,486              2021  

Of these amounts, $63,530 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at July 31, 2018 for the GLG Total Return Fund and $522 was disclosed as a payable to the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at July 31, 2018 for the Frontier Markets Income Fund.

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 2021. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Frontier Markets Income

   $ -      $ 18,592     $ -        2019  

Frontier Markets Income

     -        63,671 (1)       -        2020  

Frontier Markets Income

     -        33,162       -        2021  

GLG Total Return

     226        263,456       -        2020  

GLG Total Return

     226        669,447       -        2021  

 

(1) 

Contractual expense caps were removed from the Institutional, Y, Investor, and A Classes on May 29, 2016. Voluntary expense caps were reinstated November 29, 2016 for the Institutional, Y, Investor, and A Classes.

The Distributor

Effective March 1, 2018, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”) replaced Foreside Fund Services, LLC (“Foreside”) as the Funds’ distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares.

RID is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Funds’ shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to the extent applicable, the Distributor receives, and may re-allow to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A Class and C Class shares. For A Class and C Class shares, the Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of A Class and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Distributor to the broker-dealers. The Distributor retains any portion of the commission fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

Prior to March 1, 2018, Foreside served as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds’ shares. Pursuant to a Sub-Administration Agreement between Foreside and the Manager in effect through February 28, 2018, Foreside received a fee from the Manager for providing administrative services in connection with the marketing and distribution of shares of the Trust, including the registration of Manager employees as registered representatives of Foreside to facilitate distribution of Fund shares. Foreside also received a fee from the Manager under a Marketing Agreement pursuant to which Foreside provided services in connection with the marketing of a Fund to institutional investors. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement with the Trust in effect through February 28, 2018, Foreside received, and may have re-allowed to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A and C Class shares. For A and C Class shares, Foreside received commission revenues consisting of the portion of A and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by Foreside to the broker dealers. Foreside retained any portion of the commission fees that were not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ Distributor, formerly 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 February 28, 2018, Foreside collected $804 for the Frontier Markets Income Fund from the sale of Class A Shares. During the period March 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018, RID collected $5,443 for Frontier Markets Income Fund from the sale of Class A Shares. There were no sales commissions collected by Foreside and RID for Class A Shares of the GLG Total Return Fund.

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 July 31, 2018, 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 February 28, 2018, Foreside collected CDSC fees of $100 for Class C Shares of the Frontier Markets Income Fund. During the period March 1, 2018 through July 31, 2018, RID collected CDSC fees of $927 for Class C Shares of Frontier Markets Income Fund. There were no CDSC fees collected by Foreside and RID for Class C Shares of the GLG Total Return Fund.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

As compensation for their service to the Trust, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and American Beacon Apollo Enhanced Income Fund, each Trustee receives an annual retainer of $120,000, plus $10,000 for each Board meeting attended in person or via teleconference, $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee, plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time. The Board Chairman receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a $2,500 fee each quarter for his attendance at the committee meetings. Effective January 1, 2018, the Board Vice Chair receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. 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 Trusts according to its respective net assets.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

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

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

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

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

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

Attempts to determine the fair value of securities introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities. As a result, the price of a security determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the market value of the security when trading resumes. If a reliable market quotation becomes available for a security formerly valued through fair valuation techniques, the Manager compares the new market quotation to the fair value price to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund’s fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust the Fund’s fair valuation procedures.

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

Common stocks, preferred securities, 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 generally categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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

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

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.

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Market quotes are considered not readily available in circumstances where there is an absence of current or reliable market-based data (e.g., trade information or broker quotes), including where events occur after the close of the relevant market, but prior to the Exchange close, that materially affect the values of 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

Credit-Linked Notes

The Frontier Markets Income Fund may invest in credit-linked notes (“CLNs”). CLNs are derivative debt obligations that are issued by limited purpose entities, such as Special Purpose Vehicles (“SPVs”), or by financial firms, such as banks, securities firms or their affiliates. They are structured so that their performance is linked to that of an underlying bond or other debt obligation (a “reference asset”), normally by means of an embedded or underlying credit default swap. The reference assets for the CLNs in which the Fund may invest will be limited to sovereign or quasi-sovereign debt instruments or other investments in which the Fund’s investment policies permit it to invest directly. The Fund may invest in CLNs when the Fund’s Sub-Advisor believes that doing so is more efficient than investing in the reference assets directly or when such direct investment by the Fund is not feasible due to legal or other restrictions.

The issuer or one of the affiliates of the issuer of the CLNs in which the Fund will invest, normally will purchase the reference asset underlying the CLN directly, but in some cases it may gain exposure to the reference asset through a credit default swap or other derivative. Under the terms of a CLN, the Fund will receive a fixed or variable rate of interest on the outstanding principal amount of the CLN, which in turn will be subject to reduction (potentially down to zero) if a “credit event” occurs with respect to the underlying reference asset or its issuer. Such credit events will include payment defaults on the reference asset, and normally will also include events that do not involve an actual default, such as actual or potential insolvencies, repudiations of indebtedness, moratoria on payments, reference asset restructurings, limits on the convertibility or repatriation of currencies, and the imposition of ownership restrictions. If a credit event occurs, payments on the CLN would terminate, and the Fund normally would receive delivery of the underlying reference asset (or, in some cases, a comparable “deliverable” asset) in lieu of the repayment of principal. In some cases, however, including but not limited to instances where there has been a market disruption or in which it is or has become illegal, impossible or impracticable for the Fund to purchase, hold or receive the reference assets, the Fund may receive a cash settlement based on the value of the reference asset or a comparable instrument, less fees charged and certain expenses incurred by the CLN issuer.

 

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

CLNs are debt obligations of the CLN issuers, and the Fund would have no ownership or other property interest in the reference assets (other than following a credit event that results in the reference assets being delivered to the Fund) or any direct recourse to the issuers of those reference assets. Thus, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of the issuers of the reference assets that underlie its CLNs, as well as to the credit risk of the issuers of the CLNs themselves. CLNs will also be subject to currency risk, liquidity risk, valuation risks, and the other risks of a credit default swap. Various determinations that may need to be made with respect to the CLNs, including the occurrence of a credit event, the selection of deliverable assets (where applicable) and the valuation of the reference asset for purposes of determining any cash settlement amount, normally will be made by the issuer or sponsor of the CLN. The interests of such issuer or sponsor may not be aligned with those of the Fund or other investors in the CLN. Accordingly, CLNs may also be subject to potential conflicts of interest. There may be no established trading market for the Fund’s CLNs, in which event they may constitute illiquid investments.

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 Debt Securities

The Funds may invest in foreign fixed and floating rate income securities (including emerging market securities) all or a portion of which may be non-U.S. dollar denominated and which include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities, including Brady Bonds; (b) debt obligations of supranational entities; (c) debt obligations of the U.S. Government issued in non-dollar securities; (d) debt obligations and other fixed income securities of foreign corporate issuers (both dollar and non-dollar denominated); and (e) U.S. corporate issuers (both Eurodollar and non-dollar denominated). There is no minimum rating criteria for the Funds’ investments in such securities. Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves special considerations that are not typically associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers. In addition, emerging markets are markets that have risks that are different and higher than those in more developed markets.

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 certificates of deposit (“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

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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 Funds’ rights as an investor.

Frontier and Emerging Market Investments

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

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

The Funds may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. These securities may be sold privately, but are required to be registered or exempted from such registration before being sold to the public. Private placement securities are generally considered to be restricted except for those securities traded between qualified institutional investors under the provisions of Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”). Illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Disposal of both illiquid and restricted securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expenses, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult to achieve. Restricted securities outstanding during the period ended July 31, 2018 are disclosed in the Fund’s Notes to the Schedules of Investments.

Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as the Funds, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.

Inflation-Indexed Bonds

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

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Funds may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or the sub-advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Funds become a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, the Funds’ shareholders indirectly will bear the Funds’ proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses the Funds’ shareholders directly bear in connection with the Funds’ own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Funds in their Prospectus, if applicable. Investments in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer’s portfolio securities.

Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt

The Funds can invest in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments and their political subdivisions or agencies which involve special risks. Sovereign debt differs from debt obligations issued by private entities in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party. Sovereign debt securities may include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions located in emerging market countries; debt securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; participations in loans between emerging market governments and financial institutions; and Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness.

Supranational entities may also issue debt securities. Supranational organizations are entities designated or supported by a government or governmental group to promote economic development. Included among these organizations are the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal to the extent their assets are insufficient. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income.

Variable or Floating Rate Obligations

The interest rates payable on certain fixed-income securities in which the Funds 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 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.

5.  Financial Derivative Instruments

The Funds may utilize derivative instruments to enhance return, hedge risk, gain efficient exposure to an asset class or to manage liquidity. When considering the Funds’ use of derivatives, it is important to note that the Funds do not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage.

 

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

The Funds may enter into forward foreign 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 foreign 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 July 31, 2018, the Funds entered into forward foreign currency contracts primarily for hedging foreign currency fluctuations.

The Funds’ forward foreign currency contract notional dollar values outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of forward foreign currency contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by the amounts bought and sold in USD at each quarter end.

 

Average Forward Foreign Currency Notional Amounts Outstanding
Period Ended July 31, 2018

 

Fund

  Purchased Contracts      Sold Contracts  

Frontier Markets Income

  $ 6,817,372      $ 2,440,560  

GLG Total Return

    146,566,998              273,473,058  

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 Schedules of Investments as a U.S. Treasury Bill held as collateral for futures contracts or as cash deposited with broker on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments to and from the broker, known as variation margin, are required to be made on a daily basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates. Changes in initial settlement values are accounted for as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are terminated, at which time realized gains and losses are recognized. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent settlement price established each day by the exchange on which they are traded.

During the period ended July 31, 2018, the GLG Total Return Fund entered into futures contracts primarily for exposing cash to markets.

The GLG Total Return Fund invested in an insignificant volume of futures contracts during the period, and no positions were held as of July 31, 2018.

Swap Agreements

The Funds may invest in swap agreements. Swap agreements are negotiated between the Fund and a counterparty to exchange or swap investment cash flows, assets, foreign currencies, or market-linked returns at

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

specified, future intervals. Swap agreements are either privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market (“OTC Swaps”) or cleared in a central clearing house (“Centrally Cleared Swaps”). The Fund may enter into credit default, cross-currency, interest rate and other forms of swap agreements to manage its exposure to credit, currency, interest rate, and inflation risk. In connection with these agreements, securities or cash may be identified as collateral in accordance with the terms of the respective swap agreements to provide assets of value and recourse in the event of default or bankruptcy/insolvency.

Swaps are marked to market daily based upon values from third party vendors or quotations from market makers to the extent available and the change in value, if any, is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Daily fluctuations in the value of centrally cleared swaps are recorded in variation margin on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and recorded as unrealized gain or loss. In the event that market quotes are not readily available and the swap cannot be valued pursuant to one of the valuation methods, the value of the swap will be determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee pursuant to procedures approved by the Board.

For OTC payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period are reflected as such on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and represent payments made or received upon entering into the swap agreement to compensate for differences between the stated terms of the swap agreement and prevailing market conditions (credit spreads, currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other relevant factors). Centrally cleared swaps provide the same rights to the protection buyer and seller except the payments between parties, including upfront premiums, are settled through a central clearing agent through variation margin payments. Upfront and periodic payments for OTC and centrally cleared swaps are recorded as realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations upon termination or maturity of the swap. A liquidation payment received or made at the termination of the swap is recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations. Net periodic payments received or paid by the Fund are included as part of realized gains or losses on the Statement of Operations.

Entering into these agreements involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and documentation risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of contractual terms in the agreements and that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates.

The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the discounted net value of the cash flows to be received from the counterparty over the contract’s remaining life, to the extent that amount is positive. The risk is mitigated by having a master netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

Credit Default Swap Agreements

Credit default swap agreements involve one party making a stream of payments (referred to as the buyer of protection) to another party (the seller of protection) in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event for the referenced entity, obligation or index. As a seller of protection on credit default swap agreements, the Fund will generally receive from the buyer of protection a fixed rate of periodic premiums throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure up to the notional amount of the swap.

If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities

 

 

43


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

comprising the referenced index. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are estimated by market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity specific factors and considerations until a credit event occurs. If a credit event has occurred, the recovery value is determined by a facilitated auction whereby a minimum number of allowable broker bids, together with a specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value.

Credit default swap agreements on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event. If a credit event occurs and cash settlement is not elected, a variety of other deliverable obligations may be delivered in lieu of the specific referenced obligation. The ability to deliver other obligations may result in a cheapest-to-deliver option (the buyer of protection’s right to choose the deliverable obligation with the lowest value following a credit event). The Fund may use credit default swaps on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues to provide a measure of protection against defaults of the issuers (i.e., to reduce risk where the Fund owns or has exposure to the referenced obligation) or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default.

Credit default swap agreements on asset-backed securities involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event. Unlike credit default swaps on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues, deliverable obligations in most instances would be limited to the specific referenced obligation as performance for asset-backed securities can vary across deals. Prepayments, principal paydowns, and other writedown or loss events on the underlying mortgage loans will reduce the outstanding principal balance of the referenced obligation. These reductions may be temporary or permanent as defined under the terms of the swap agreement and the notional amount for the swap agreement will be adjusted by corresponding amounts. The Fund may use credit default swaps on asset-backed securities to provide a measure of protection against defaults of the referenced obligation that the Fund owns or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular referenced obligation’s default that the Fund does not own.

Credit default swap agreements on credit indices involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a write-down, principal shortfall, interest shortfall or default of all or part of the referenced entities comprising the credit index. A credit index is a basket of credit instruments or exposures designed to be representative of some part of the credit market as a whole. These indices are made up of reference credits that are judged by a poll of dealers to be the most liquid entities in the credit default swap market based on the sector of the index. Components of the indices may include, but are not limited to, investment grade securities, high yield securities, asset-backed securities, emerging markets, and/or various credit ratings within each sector. Credit indices are traded using credit default swaps with standardized terms including a fixed spread and standard maturity dates. An index credit default swap references all the names in the index, and if there is a default, the credit event is settled based on that name’s weight in the index. The composition of the indices changes periodically, usually every six months, and for most indices, each name has an equal weight in the index. The Fund may use credit default swaps on credit indices to hedge a portfolio of credit default swaps or bonds, which is less expensive than it would be to buy many credit default swaps to achieve a similar effect. Credit default swaps on indices are benchmarks for protecting investors owning bonds against default, and traders use them to speculate on changes in credit quality.

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues as of

 

 

44


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

period end are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments and serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent a market participant view of the likelihood or risk of default for the underlying referenced security to credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. For credit default swap agreements on asset-backed securities and credit indices, the quoted market prices and resulting values serve as the indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Fund as a seller of protection could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be an amount equal to the notional amount of the agreement. Notional amounts of each individual credit default swap agreement outstanding as of July 31, 2018, for which the Fund is the seller of protection is disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront payments received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from the settlement of buy protection credit default swap agreements entered into by the Fund for the same referenced entity or entities.

During the period ended July 31, 2018, the GLG Total Return Fund entered into credit default swaps primarily for return enhancement, hedging, and exposing cash to markets.

The Fund’s credit default swap contract notional amounts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet the strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of credit default swap contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, the volume is measure by the notional amounts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Credit Default Swap Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended July 31, 2018  

GLG Total Return

  $ 370,425,000  

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The GLG Total Return Fund is subject to interest rate risk exposure in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. Because the Fund holds fixed rate bonds, the value of these bonds may decrease if interest rates rise. To help hedge against this risk and to maintain its ability to generate income at prevailing market rates, the Fund may enter into interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swap agreements involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest with respect to the notional amount of principal.

During the period ended July 31, 2018, the GLG Total Return Fund entered into interest rate swaps primarily for return enhancement, hedging and exposing cash to markets.

The Fund’s interest rate swap contract notional amounts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet the strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of interest rate swap contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, the volume is measured by the notional amounts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Interest Rate Swaps Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Period Ended July 31, 2018  

GLG Total Return

  $ 718,425,000  

 

 

45


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Assets:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized appreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ 76,388         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 76,388

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (362,268 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (362,268 )
                                           
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ 273,733         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 273,733

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (425,297 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (425,297 )
                                           

GLG Total Return Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Assets:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized appreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ 7,207,498         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 7,207,498
Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements       4,456,227           -           -           -           -           4,456,227

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (8,051,371 )         $ -         $ -        

$

-

        $ (8,051,371 )
Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements       (3,777,427 )           -           -           (3,066,173 )           -           (6,843,600 )
                                           

 

 

46


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ 4,200,258         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 4,200,258
Swap agreements       2,451,077           -           -           (2,499,692 )           -           (48,615 )

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ 4,452,718         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 4,452,718
Swap agreements       7,289,453           -           -           2,529,211           -           9,818,664

Master Agreements

International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreements”) with counterparties govern transactions in OTC derivative and foreign exchange contracts entered into by the Funds and those counterparties. The ISDA Master Agreements contain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral and events of default or termination. Events of termination include conditions that may entitle counterparties to elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable ISDA Master Agreement. Any election to terminate early could be material to the financial statements. Since different types of forward and OTC financial derivative transactions have different mechanics and are sometimes traded out of different legal entities of a particular counterparty organization, each type of transaction may be covered by a different Master Agreement, resulting in the need for multiple agreements with a single counterparty. As the Master Agreements are specific to unique operations of different asset types, they allow a Fund to net its total exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default with respect to all the transactions governed under a single agreement with a counterparty.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as delayed delivery or sale-buyback financing transactions by and between a Fund and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Funds are parties to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Funds employ multiple money managers and counterparties and have elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below. 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, July 31, 2018.

Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of July 31, 2018:      
    Assets           Liabilities  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts   $ 76,388       $ 362,268  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 76,388       $ 362,268  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 76,388       $ 362,268  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

47


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of July 31, 2018:

 

                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
             

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and  Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available
for Offset
          Non-Cash Collateral
Pledged
          Cash Collateral
Pledged
          Net Amount  
ICBC Standard Bank PLC   $ 56,301       $ (56,301     $ -       $ -       $ -  
Morgan Stanley & Co. Inc.     4,632         -         -         -         4,632  
State Street Bank & Trust Co.     15,455         -         -         -         15,455  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total   $ 76,388       $ (56,301     $ -       $ -       $ 20,087  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
                            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  
ICBC Standard Bank PLC   $ 362,268       $ (56,301     $ -       $ -       $ 305,967  

GLG Total Return Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of July 31, 2018:

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Swap Agreement – Centrally cleared   $ -       $ 2,892,018  
Swap Agreement – OTC     4,456,227         3,951,582  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts     7,207,498         8,051,371  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 11,663,725       $ 14,894,971  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ -       $ (2,892,018
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 11,663,725       $ 12,002,953  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of July 31, 2018:

 

                            Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
             

Counterparty

  Gross Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Statement
of Assets and  Liabilities
          Derivatives
Available
for Offset
          Non-Cash Collateral
Pledged
          Cash Collateral
Pledged
          Net Amount  
Bank of America, N.A.   $ 322,837       $ (47,900     $ -       $ -       $ 274,937  
Barclays Bank PLC     1,081,318         (1,081,318       -         -         -  
Barclays Capital, Inc.     876,349         (93,787       -         -         782,562  
Citibank, N.A.     2,000,012         (965,418       -         -         1,034,594  
Deutsche Bank AG     75,963         -         -         -         75,963  
HSBC Bank (USA)     7,293,542         (7,293,542       -         -         -  
UBS AG     13,704         (13,704       -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total   $ 11,663,725       $ (9,495,669     $ -       $ -       $ 2,168,056  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

                            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  
Bank of America, N.A.   $ 47,900       $ (47,900     $ -       $ -       $ -  
Barclays Bank PLC     2,007,341         (1,081,318       -         -         926,023  
Barclays Capital, Inc.     93,787         (93,787       -         -         -  
Citibank, N.A.     965,418         (965,418       -         -         -  
Credit Suisse International     81,082         -         -         -         81,082  
Goldman Sachs International     225,278         -         -         -         225,278  
HSBC Bank (USA)     8,490,639         (7,293,542       -         -         1,197,097  
UBS AG     91,508         (13,704       -         -         77,804  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total   $ 12,002,953       $ (9,495,669     $ -       $ -       $ 2,507,284  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

48


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

6. Principal Risks

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

Counterparty Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Funds. As a result, the Funds may obtain no recovery of its investments or may obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

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. Credit risk is typically greater for securities with ratings that are below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”). Since the Funds can invest significantly in lower-quality debt securities considered speculative in nature, this risk will be substantial. A downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund’s securities could affect the Fund’s performance.

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 or by purchasing or selling forward foreign 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 forwards) and swaps for cross-currency transactions. Foreign currencies will fluctuate, and 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 or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

Custody Risk

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

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they 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 transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty and credit risk. As a result, the Funds may obtain no recovery of their 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

 

 

49


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

expose the Funds to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Ongoing changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. The extent and impact of the regulation are not yet fully known and may not be for some time. New regulation may make derivatives more costly, may limit their availability, may disrupt markets, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. In addition to other changes, these rules provide for central clearing of derivatives that in the past were traded exclusively over-the-counter and may increase costs and margin requirements, but are expected to reduce certain counterparty risks.

Emerging Markets Risk

When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political uncertainties; an economy’s dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities; and delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk

Forward foreign currency contracts, including NDFs, are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. Not all forward contracts, including NDFs, require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Forward currency transactions, including NDFs,and forward currency contracts include the risks associated with fluctuations in currency.

Frontier Markets Risk

Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and less developed capital markets or legal, regulatory and political systems than traditional emerging market countries. As a result, the risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries. The magnification of risks are the result of (1) the potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity in frontier markets; (2) government ownership or control of parts of the private sector or other protectionist measures; (3) large currency fluctuations; (4) fewer companies and investment opportunities; or (5) inadequate investor protections and regulatory enforcement. In certain frontier and emerging markets, fraud and corruption may be more prevalent than in developed market countries. Investments that the Frontier Markets Income Fund holds may be exposed to these risks, which could have a negative impact on their value. Additional risks of frontier market securities may include: greater political instability (including the risk of war or natural disaster); increased risk of nationalization, expropriation, or other confiscation of assets of issuers to which the Fund is exposed; increased risk of embargoes or economic sanctions on a country, sector or issuer; greater risk of default (by both government and private issuers); more substantial governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and regulation;differences in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards, which may result in unavailability of material information about issuers; less developed legal systems; inability to purchase and sell investments or otherwise settle security or derivative transactions (i.e., a market freeze); unavailability of currency hedging techniques; slower clearance and settlement; difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments; and significantly smaller market capitalizations of issuers.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

Portfolio turnover is a measure of the Funds’ trading activity over a one-year period. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would indicate that the Funds sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the

 

 

50


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

period. High portfolio turnover could increase the Funds’ transaction costs, have a negative impact on performance, and generate higher capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Funds have a lower portfolio turnover rate.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities Risk

Section 4(a)(2) securities and Rule 144A 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 Funds may not be able to sell a Section 4(a)(2) security or a Rule 144A security when the sub-advisors consider it desirable to do so and/or may have to sell the security at a lower price than the Funds believes is its fair market value. Although there is a substantial institutional market for Section 4(a)(2) securities and Rule 144A securities, it is not possible to predict exactly how the market for such securities will develop. A Section 4(a)(2) security or Rule 144A security that was liquid at the time of purchase may subsequently become illiquid. 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 Funds may have to bear the expense of registering Section 4(a)(2) securities and Rule 144Asecurities for resale and the risk of substantial delays in effecting the registration. If, during such a delay, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Funds might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed at the time it decided to seek registration of the security.

Interest Rate Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that the market value of fixed-income securities or derivatives it holds, particularly mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, will decline due to rising interest rates. Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed-income securities, will move in the opposite direction to movements in interest rates. The Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times since December 2015 and has signaled additional increases in the near future. Interest rates may rise, perhaps significantly and/or rapidly, potentially resulting in substantial losses to the Funds. The prices of fixed-income securities or derivatives are also affected by their duration. Fixed-income securities or derivatives with longer duration generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates. Significant upward pressure on domestic interest rates and a corresponding widening of credit spreads could negatively impact the markets price of emerging debt instruments. An increase in interest rates can impact markets broadly as well. Some investors buy securities with borrowed money; an increase in interest rates can cause a decline in those markets.

Leverage Risk

The GLG Total Return Fund’s use of futures, forward foreign 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 Fund will have the potential for greater losses than if the Fund 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 fixed-income investments, may have limited marketability or be subject to restrictions on sale, and may be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices. The Funds could lose money if they are unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to the Funds. The Funds may be required to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices to satisfy obligations, which may result in losses or may be costly to the Funds. For example, the Funds may be forced to sell

 

 

51


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. Conditions in the U.S. and many foreign economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in certain instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. These events have reduced the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, and have made it more difficult for some borrowers to obtain financing on attractive terms, if at all. In some cases, traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yields to decline. Reduced liquidity in fixed-income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

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

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

 

 

52


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the United Kingdom and European economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time, which could significantly adversely affect the value of the Funds’ investments in the United Kingdom and Europe.

Market Timing Risk

Because the Funds invest in foreign securities, it is particularly subject to the risk of market timing activities. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in the Funds, including (i) the dilution of the Fund’s NAV, (ii) an increase in the Funds’ expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager’s ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Because of specific securities in which the Funds may invest, it could be subject to the risk of market timing activities by shareholders. Some examples of these types of securities are high-yield and foreign securities. The limited trading activity of some high-yield securities may result in market prices that do not reflect the true market value of these securities. The Funds generally prices foreign securities using their closing prices from the foreign markets in which they trade, typically prior to the Funds’ calculation of its NAV. These prices may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Funds price its shares. In such instances, the Funds may fair value high yield and foreign securities. However, some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Funds to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of the Funds’ shares. While the Manager monitors trading in the Funds, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.

Non-Diversification Risk

The GLG Total Return Fund is non-diversified, which means it may focus its investments in the securities of a comparatively small number of issuers. Investments in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes the Fund to greater market risk and potential losses than if assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

Other Investment Companies Risk

The Funds may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including ETFs and money market funds that are advised by the Manager. 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 Funds’ direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies. 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.

Redemption Risk

The Funds may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Funds to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Funds, have short investment horizons, or have unpredictable cash flow needs. A general rise in interest rates has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from mutual funds that hold large amounts of fixed-income securities. This, coupled with a reduction in the ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed-income securities, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed income markets, and heightened redemption risk. Heavy redemptions, whether by a few large investors or many smaller investors, could hurt the Funds’ performance. This risk is heightened if the Funds invest in emerging market securities, which are generally less liquid than the securities of U.S. and other developed markets. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains or losses, which could cause the Funds to have to distribute substantial capital gains.

 

 

53


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Debt Risk

The Funds normally will have significant investments in sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt securities. These investments are subject to risk of payment delays or defaults due to (1) country cash flow problems, (2) insufficient foreign currency reserves, (3) political considerations, (4) large debt positions relative to the country’s economy, (5) policies toward foreign lenders or investors, (6) the failure to implement economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies, or (7) an inability or unwillingness to repay debts. It may be particularly difficult to enforce the rights of debt holders in frontier and emerging markets. A governmental entity that defaults on an obligation may request additional time in which to pay or further loans or may seek to restructure its obligations to reduce interest rates or outstanding principal. There is no legal process for collecting sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt that a government does not pay nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected. Sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging and frontier markets issuers, which are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis, which has led to defaults and the restructuring of certain indebtedness.

Swap Agreements Risk.

The GLG Total Return Fund may invest in swap agreements. Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leveraging risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, a Fund is subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, a lack of correlation between the swaps and the portfolio of assets that the swaps are designed to hedge or replace. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Total return swaps, interest rate swaps, currency swaps and credit default swaps are subject to counterparty risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. In addition to these risks, total return swaps are subject to market risk and interest rate risk, if the underlying securities are bonds or other debt obligations, interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate risk, and currency swaps are subject to currency risk. With respect to a credit default swap, if the Fund is selling credit protection, there is a risk that a credit event will occur and that the Fund will have to pay the counterparty. There is also the risk that the transaction may be closed-out at a time when the credit quality of the underlying investment has deteriorated, in which case the Fund may need to make an early termination payment. If the Fund is buying credit protection, there is the risk that no credit event will occur and the Fund will receive no benefit (other than any hedging benefit) for the premium paid. There is also the risk that the transaction may be closed-out at a time when the credit quality of the underlying investment has improved, in which case a Fund may need to make a nearly termination payment. Equity swaps are subject to equity investments risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk

Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk

The coupons on variable and floating-rate securities are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. The coupon on a floating rate security is generally based on an interest rate such as a money-market index or a London Interbank Offered Price (“LIBOR”) Treasury bill rate. Variable and floating rate securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk.

As short-term interest rates decline, coupons on floating-rate securities typically decrease. Alternatively, during periods of rising interest rates, coupons on floating-rate securities typically increase. Changes in the coupons of floating-rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum coupon rate change for a given period of time. The value of floating-rate securities may decline if their coupon do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline.

 

 

54


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

7.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

It is the policy of each Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”), by complying with all applicable provisions of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and to make 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. For the Frontier Markets Income Fund, each of the tax years in the 4 year period ended January 31, 2018 and for the GLG Total Return Fund, each of the tax years in the 2 year period ended January 31, 2018 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. If applicable, the Funds recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations.

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

Dividends are categorized in accordance with income tax regulations which may treat certain transactions differently than U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the character of distributions and composition of net assets for tax purposes may differ from those reflected in the accompanying financial statements. The Funds also utilize earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

As of July 31, 2018 the tax cost for each Fund and their respective gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Frontier Markets Income   $ 272,836,847       $ 3,634,835       $ (15,016,774     $ (11,381,939
GLG Total Return     719,690,063         18,906,149         (19,335,843       (429,694

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

For the year January 31, 2018 the Funds had the following post RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund

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

Frontier Markets Income

  $ 3,882,282       $ 11,581,707  

GLG Total Return

    -         -  

The Funds are permitted for tax purposes to defer into their next fiscal year qualified late year losses. Qualified late year capital losses are any capital losses incurred after October 31 through the Funds’ fiscal year ending January 31, 2018. Qualified late year ordinary losses are specified losses generally incurred after October 31 and ordinary losses incurred after December 31 through the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, January 31, 2018. For the period ended January 31, 2018, GLG deferred $2,013 in short-term capital losses, $465 in long-term capital losses, and $9,612,993 in late year ordinary losses to February 1, 2018.

 

 

55


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

8.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the period ended July 31, 2018 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
 
Frontier Markets Income   $ 73,555,735       $ -       $ 5,958,916       $ -  
GLG Total Return     1,171,569,821         369,430,648         1,180,334,620         372,098,294  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the period ended July 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        January 31,
2018
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           July 31,
2018
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Frontier Markets Income   Direct     $ 27,848,722       $ 72,087,277       $ 68,177,778       $ 31,758,221       $ 236,139  
GLG Total Return   Direct       13,961,256         196,268,419         204,001,206         6,228,469         104,599  

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 16, 2017, the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), entered into a committed revolving line of credit (the “Committed Line”) agreement with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the “Bank”) to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Committed Line is $50 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 1.25% per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds will pay a commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 15, 2018, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

Effective November 16, 2017, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, entered into an uncommitted discretionary demand revolving line of credit (the “Uncommitted Line”) agreement with the Bank to be used to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The maximum borrowing amount under the Uncommitted Line is $50 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% per annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate. The Uncommitted Line expires November 15, 2018 unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

The Participating Funds paid administration, legal and arrangement fees, which are recognized as a component of “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations, along with commitment fees, that have been allocated among the Participating Funds based on average daily net assets. During the period ended July 31, 2018, the Funds did not utilize this facility.

 

 

56


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

10.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     2,184,998       $ 20,494,506         6,139,305       $ 57,844,697  
Reinvestment of dividends     160,188         1,493,878         194,497         1,822,176  
Shares redeemed     (1,476,791       (13,637,785       (759,494       (7,164,036
Redemption fees     -         17,565         -         (626
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     868,395       $ 8,368,164         5,574,308       $ 52,502,211  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     7,907,586       $ 74,538,168         5,977,636       $ 56,371,234  
Reinvestment of dividends     499,417         4,648,648         371,040         3,480,135  
Shares redeemed     (1,363,708       (12,639,825       (787,633       (7,423,091
Redemption fees     -         31,772         -         6,934  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     7,043,295       $ 66,578,763         5,561,043       $ 52,435,212  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,438,294       $ 13,398,868         2,670,141       $ 24,877,596  
Reinvestment of dividends     180,631         1,682,409         242,444         2,266,383  
Shares redeemed     (969,533       (8,945,058       (836,260       (7,768,266
Redemption fees     -         1,842         -         3,588  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     649,392       $ 6,138,061         2,076,325       $ 19,379,301  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     174,198       $ 1,627,976         246,600       $ 2,317,510  
Reinvestment of dividends     14,554         135,689         30,605         284,937  
Shares redeemed     (143,046       (1,328,246       (408,936       (3,828,759
Redemption fees     -         1,001         -         616  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     45,706       $ 436,420         (131,731     $ (1,225,696
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

Frontier Markets Income Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     361,240       $ 3,377,098         736,515       $ 6,959,248  
Reinvestment of dividends     35,590         330,285         22,677         212,223  
Shares redeemed     (110,338       (1,017,288       (75,480       (705,978
Redemption fees     -         1,799         -         602  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     286,492       $ 2,691,894         683,712       $ 6,466,095  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

57


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

GLG Total Return Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     100,000       $ 1,090,000         -       $ -  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         3,291         35,124  
Shares redeemed     -         -         (679,807       (7,300,030
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     100,000       $ 1,090,000         (676,516     $ (7,264,906
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

GLG Total Return Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     -       $ -         99,879       $ 1,076,470  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         794         8,458  
Shares redeemed     (54,171       (569,719       (11,543       (124,763
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (54,171     $ (569,719       89,130       $ 960,165  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

GLG Total Return Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     375       $ 4,000         2,242       $ 24,098  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         152         1,614  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     375       $ 4,000         2,394       $ 25,712  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

GLG Total Return Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Reinvestment of dividends     -       $ -         114       $ 1,210  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         114       $ 1,210  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

GLG Total Return Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Reinvestment of dividends     -       $ -         62       $ 644  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -         62       $ 644  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Ultra Class  
    Six Months Ended
July 31, 2018
          Year Ended
January 31, 2018
 
    (unaudited)          

 

 

GLG Total Return Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     11,594,510       $ 123,513,782         73,646,676       $ 792,613,671  
Reinvestment of dividends     2         18         12,855         137,054  
Shares redeemed     (14,776,338       (157,182,786       (9,080,295       (97,390,518
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (3,181,826     $ (33,668,986       64,579,236       $ 695,360,207  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

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.

 

 

58


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,          

February 25,

2014A to

January 31,

2015

 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.62       $ 8.96       $ 8.35       $ 9.68       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.46         0.77         0.88         0.67         0.59  

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

    (0.61       0.61         0.44         (1.30       (0.30
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.15       1.38         1.32         (0.63       0.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.37       (0.72       (0.08       (0.50       (0.59

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.02

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.63 )B        (0.20 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.37       (0.72       (0.71       (0.70       (0.61
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsC

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.10       $ 9.62       $ 8.96       $ 8.35       $ 9.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    (1.61 )%E        15.92       16.20       (6.98 )%        2.76 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 71,913,949       $ 67,653,731       $ 13,047,515       $ 10,531,288       $ 9,225,629  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.06 %F        1.17       1.40       1.14       1.95 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.12 %F        1.15       1.27 %G        1.15       1.15 %F 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    10.12 %F        9.04       9.98       7.14       5.43 %F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    10.06 %F        9.06       10.11       7.13       6.22 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    7 %E        22       69       68       23 %H 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

G 

Voluntary expense cap. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

H 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 25, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

59


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,          

February 25,

2014A to

January 31,

2015

 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.63       $ 8.97       $ 8.34       $ 9.69       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.41         0.79         0.90         0.61         0.58  

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

    (0.56       0.58         0.44         (1.28       (0.28
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.15       1.37         1.34         (0.67       0.30  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.37       (0.71       (0.08       (0.50       (0.59

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.02

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.63 )B        (0.18 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.37       (0.71       (0.71       (0.68       (0.61
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsC

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.11       $ 9.63       $ 8.97       $ 8.34       $ 9.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    (1.62 )%E        15.83       16.37       (7.40 )%        2.87 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 138,884,267       $ 79,007,953       $ 23,715,300       $ 29,434,613       $ 138,082,358  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.13 %F        1.25       1.48       1.18       1.50 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.17 %F        1.25       1.37 %G        1.25       1.25 %F 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    9.98 %F        8.94       10.49       7.35       6.33 %F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    9.94 %F        8.94       10.61       7.28       6.59 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    7 %E        22       69       68       23 %H 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

G 

Voluntary expense cap. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

H 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 25, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

60


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,          

February 25,

2014A to

January 31,

2015

 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.61       $ 8.95       $ 8.35       $ 9.68       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.44         0.78         0.85         0.63         0.55  

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

    (0.60       0.57         0.43         (1.30       (0.29
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.16       1.35         1.28         (0.67       0.26  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.36       (0.69       (0.07       (0.47       (0.56

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.02

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.61 )B        (0.19 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.36       (0.69       (0.68       (0.66       (0.58
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsC

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.09       $ 9.61       $ 8.95       $ 8.35       $ 9.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    (1.70 )%E        15.59       15.69       (7.33 )%        2.47 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 45,217,907       $ 41,560,845       $ 20,120,332       $ 15,934,048       $ 13,987,805  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.30 %F        1.41       1.72       1.44       1.78 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.30 %F        1.51       1.63 %G        1.53       1.53 %F 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    9.83 %F        8.73       9.62       6.84       5.86 %F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    9.83 %F        8.64       9.71       6.76       6.12 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    7 %E        22       69       68       23 %H 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

G 

Voluntary expense cap. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

H 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 25, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

61


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,          

February 25,

2014A to

January 31,

2015

 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.62       $ 8.96       $ 8.35       $ 9.68       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.44         0.81         0.90         0.62         0.54  

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

    (0.62       0.53         0.39         (1.29       (0.29
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.18       1.34         1.29         (0.67       0.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.35       (0.68       (0.07       (0.47       (0.55

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.02

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.61 )B        (0.19 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.35       (0.68       (0.68       (0.66       (0.57
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsC

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.09       $ 9.62       $ 8.96       $ 8.35       $ 9.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    (1.91 )%E        15.51       15.77       (7.36 )%        2.42 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 3,938,678       $ 3,726,687       $ 4,648,954       $ 7,513,980       $ 15,782,502  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.35 %F        1.48       1.78       1.52       1.88 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.55 %F        1.55       1.67 %G        1.55       1.55 %F 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    10.29 %F        8.65       9.85       6.89       5.82 %F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    10.09 %F        8.58       9.96       6.86       6.15 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    7 %E        22       69       68       23 %H 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

G 

Voluntary expense cap. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.

H 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 25, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

62


American Beacon Frontier Markets Income FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

          Year Ended January 31,          

February 25,

2014A to

January 31,

2015

 
          2018           2017           2016        
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                                                  

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.58       $ 8.93       $ 8.34       $ 9.67       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.40         0.65         0.83         0.56         0.47  

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

    (0.60       0.62         0.39         (1.30       (0.30
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.20       1.27         1.22         (0.74       0.17  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.32       (0.62       (0.07       (0.42       (0.48

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         -         -         (0.02

Tax return of capital

    -         -         (0.56 )B        (0.17 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.32       (0.62       (0.63       (0.59       (0.50
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interestsC

    0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 9.06       $ 9.58       $ 8.93       $ 8.34       $ 9.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    (2.13 )%E        14.66       14.90       (8.06 )%        1.60 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 10,540,360       $ 8,398,773       $ 1,724,982       $ 2,049,234       $ 1,244,636  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    2.13 %F        2.29       2.55       2.31       3.01 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    2.22 %F        2.30       2.30       2.30       2.31 %F 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    9.08 %F        7.81       8.90       5.89       4.62 %F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    8.99 %F        7.81       9.14       5.90       5.33 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    7 %E        22       69       68       23 %G 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

G 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 25, 2014 through January 31, 2015 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

63


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

         

Year Ended

January 31,

2018

         

May 20,

2016A to

January 31,

2017

 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.50       $ 10.69       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    1.31         0.06 B         0.07  

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

    (0.97       (0.12       0.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.34         (0.06       0.80  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.11       (0.10

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.02       (0.01

Tax return of capital

    -         (0.00 )CD        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.13       (0.11
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.84       $ 10.50       $ 10.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnE

    3.24 %F        (0.64 )%        7.95 %F 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,415,635       $ 321,683       $ 7,560,278  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.01 %G        1.03       2.09 %G 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.05 %G        1.05       1.05 %G 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    0.97 %G        0.49       0.01 %G 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.93 %G        0.46       1.05 %G 

Portfolio turnover rate

    215 %F        248       311 %H 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

Tax return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.

D 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

E 

Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions.

F 

Not annualized.

G 

Annualized.

H 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from May 20, 2016 through January 31, 2017 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

64


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

         

Year Ended

January 31,

2018

         

May 20,

2016A to

January 31,

2017

 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.47       $ 10.68       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.03 B         0.09         0.07  

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

    0.29         (0.17       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.32         (0.08       0.79  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.10       (0.10

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.02       (0.01

Tax return of capital

    -         (0.01 )C        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.13       (0.11
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.79       $ 10.47       $ 10.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    3.06 %E        (0.78 )%        7.85 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 486,298       $ 1,038,736       $ 107,884  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.08 %F        1.18       5.31 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.15 %F        1.15       1.15 %F 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.62 %F        0.18       (3.21 )%F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.55 %F        0.21       0.95 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    215 %E        248       311 %G 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

G 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from May 20, 2016 through January 31, 2017 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

65


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

         

Year Ended

January 31,

2018

         

May 20,

2016A to

January 31,

2017

 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.43       $ 10.66       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.02         0.02         0.05  

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

    0.29         (0.13       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.31         (0.11       0.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.09       (0.10

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.02       (0.01

Tax return of capital

    -         (0.01 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.12       (0.11
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.74       $ 10.43       $ 10.66  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    2.97 %D        (1.05 )%        7.65 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 159,462       $ 150,889       $ 128,790  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.80 %E        2.09       5.14 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.43 %E        1.43       1.43 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.01 )%E        (0.62 )%        (3.04 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.36 %E        0.03       0.67 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    215 %D        248       311 %F 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from May 20, 2016 through January 31, 2017 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

66


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

         

Year Ended

January 31,

2018

         

May 20,

2016A to

January 31,

2017

 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.42       $ 10.66       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.02         0.00 B         0.05  

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

    0.30         (0.12       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.32         (0.12       0.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.10       (0.10

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.02       (0.01

Tax return of capital

    -         (0.00 )BC        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.12       (0.11
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.74       $ 10.42       $ 10.66  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    3.07 %E        (1.15 )%        7.65 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 109,632       $ 106,439       $ 107,660  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.31 %F        1.42       5.62 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.45 %F        1.45       1.45 %F 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.49 %F        0.05       (3.51 )%F 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.34 %F        0.02       0.65 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    215 %E        248       311 %G 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

C 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

G 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from May 20, 2016 through January 31, 2017 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

67


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

         

Year Ended

January 31,

2018

         

May 20,

2016A to

January 31,

2017

 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.34       $ 10.61       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment (loss)

    (0.02       (0.08       (0.01

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

    0.29         (0.12       0.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.27         (0.20       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.04       (0.10

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.02       (0.01

Tax return of capital

    -         (0.01 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.07       (0.11
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.61       $ 10.34       $ 10.61  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    2.61 %D        (1.95 )%        7.15 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 107,847       $ 105,096       $ 107,101  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.06 %E        2.17       6.37 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.20 %E        2.20       2.20 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.26 )%E        (0.70 )%        (4.27 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.41 )%E        (0.73 )%        (0.10 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    215 %D        248       311 %F 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from May 20, 2016 through January 31, 2017 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

68


American Beacon GLG Total Return FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Ultra  
   

Six Months

Ended

July 31,

2018

         

Year Ended

January 31,

2018

         

May 20,

2016A to

January 31,

2017

 
 

 

 

 
    (unaudited)                          

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.50       $ 10.69       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.04         0.11         0.07  

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

    0.30         (0.17       0.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.34         (0.06       0.80  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.00 )G        (0.10       (0.10

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.02       (0.01

Tax return of capital

    -         (0.01 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         (0.13       (0.11
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.84       $ 10.50       $ 10.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    3.24 %D        (0.57 )%        7.95 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

         

Net assets, end of period

  $ 733,617,424       $ 743,861,439       $ 67,330,248  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.05 %E        1.07       2.09 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.95 %E        0.95       0.95 %E 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    0.73 %E        0.34       0.76 %E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.83 %E        0.46       1.91 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    215 %D        248       311 %F 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Tax 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 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from May 20, 2016 through January 31, 2017 and is not annualized.

G 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes

 

69


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

At in-person meetings held on May 18, 2018 and June 5-6, 2018 (collectively, the “Meetings”), the Board of Trustees (“Board” or “Trustees”) considered and then, at its June 6, 2018 meeting, approved the renewal of:

(1) the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (“Manager”) and the American Beacon Funds (“Trust”), on behalf of the American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund (“GLG Fund”) and the American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund (formerly known as the American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund) (“Frontier Fund”) (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”);

(2) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, GLG LLC (“GLG”), and the Trust, on behalf of the GLG Fund; and

(3) the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, Global Evolution USA, LLC (“Global Evolution”), and the Trust, on behalf of the Frontier Markets Fund.

GLG and Global Evolution are hereinafter each referred to as a “subadvisor” and collectively as the “subadvisors.” The Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreements are collectively referred to herein as the “Agreements.” In preparation for its consideration of the renewal of the Agreements, the Board undertook steps to gather and consider information furnished by the Manager, the 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 to the Board 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 from Broadridge, and to the performance of any similar accounts or a composite of similar accounts, as applicable, 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 from Broadridge, and the advisory fee rates charged to other clients for which similar services are provided by a firm;

 

   

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 limitation arrangements;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

 

70


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (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 each type of service and observed that, with respect to such mutual funds, the actual management fee rates provided by Broadridge for peer group funds reflect the combined advisory and administrative expenses, reduced by any fee waivers and/or reimbursements.

A firm may not have been able to, or opted not to, provide information in response to certain information requests, in which case the Board conducted its evaluation of the firm based on information that was provided. In such cases, the Board determined that the omission of any such information was not material to its considerations. For each Fund, 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 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 investment advisory contracts, such as the Agreements. 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 the Investment Advisory Agreements

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 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 relationships 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 since its inception in 2016, with respect to the GLG Fund, and 2014, with respect to the Frontier Markets Fund; 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 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.

 

 

71


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

With respect to the renewal of each Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board 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 Broadridge’s independent methodology for selecting each Fund’s Broadridge performance universe. The Board also considered that the performance universes selected by Broadridge may not provide appropriate comparisons for a Fund. 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 the relevant Fund relative to the performance of a similar account and an appropriate benchmark index. In addition, the Board considered 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 (the “Fund Complex”) and at an individual Fund level, with the GLG Fund being profitable for the Manager before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager and the Manager sustaining a loss before and after the payment of distribution-related expenses by the Manager with respect to the Frontier Markets Fund. The Board also considered comparative information provided by the Manager regarding the Manager’s overall profitability with respect to the Fund Complex relative to the overall profitability of other firms in the mutual fund industry, as disclosed in publicly available sources. Although the Board noted that, in certain cases, the fee rates paid by other clients of the Manager are lower than the fee rates paid by the 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 applicable 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 a Fund, the Board considered representations made by each subadvisor that the fee rate negotiated by the Manager is favorable relative to the fee rates that 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 that different firms likely employ different methodologies in connection with these calculations.

 

 

72


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (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 each Fund grows and whether fee rate levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders. In this regard, the Board considered that the Manager has negotiated breakpoints with respect to the GLG Fund’s subadvisory fee rate. The Board also considered Global Evolution’s representation that, due to the nature of the GLG Fund’s strategy, GLG is unlikely to realize economies of scale.

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 each Fund.

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 subadvisors’ 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 in comparison to 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 in comparison to 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. The Trustees also considered each 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.

 

 

73


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Additional Considerations and Conclusions with Respect to the American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement with GLG for the GLG 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

   3nd Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   High Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (one-year period ended December 31, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   4th Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   5th Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) information provided by GLG regarding fee rates charged for managing accounts in the same strategy as the subadvisor manages the Fund; (2) the 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 (3) 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 Agreement and Investment Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable; and (2) determined that the GLG 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 Frontier Markets Income Fund

In considering the renewal of the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement with Global Evolution for the Frontier Markets 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

   5th Quintile

Compared to Broadridge Expense Universe

   5th Quintile

Morningstar Fee Level Ranking – Institutional Class

   High Expense Ratio

Broadridge and Morningstar Performance Analysis (three-year period ended December 31, 2017)

 

Compared to Broadridge Performance Universe

   2nd Quintile

Compared to Morningstar Category

   2nd Quintile

The Trustees also considered: (1) Global Evolution’s representation that it does not manage other accounts with comparable investment objectives and policies as those of the Fund; (2) the 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 or performance universe or Morningstar category pursue a comparable investment strategy; (3) that the Fund is a limited capacity product as it invests principally in investments that are economically tied to frontier market countries, which are a subgroup of emerging market countries; (4) the Manager’s explanation that the Fund’s expense profile is attributable to the higher expenses associated with investments in frontier market countries than emerging market countries, which the Fund’s peer group funds invest in; and (5) the Manager’s recommendation to continue to retain the subadvisor.

 

 

74


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

Approval of Additional Subadvisor of American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund

At its June 5-6, 2018 meetings, the Board considered the approval of a new investment advisory agreement (“New Agreement”) among the “Manager, Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (“Aberdeen”), and the Trust, on behalf of the Frontier Markets Fund, pursuant to which Aberdeen would manage a portion of the Frontier Markets Fund’s assets. Prior to the meetings, information was provided to the Board by Aberdeen in response to requests from the Board and/or the Manager in connection with the Board’s consideration of the Agreement. The Investment Committee of the Board also met with representatives of Aberdeen.

Provided below is an overview of the primary factors the Board considered at its June 5-6, 2018 meetings at which the Board considered the approval of the New Agreement. In determining whether to approve the New Agreement, the Board considered, among other things, the following factors: (1) the nature and quality of the services to be provided; (2) the investment performance of an account managed by Aberdeen (the “Comparable Account”); (3) the extent to which economies of scale, if any, have been taken into account in setting the fee schedule; (4) whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale, if any, for the benefit of investors; (5) comparisons of services and fees with contracts entered into by Aberdeen with other clients; and (6) any other benefits anticipated to be derived by Aberdeen from its relationship with the Fund.

The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration of the New 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 approval of investment advisory contracts, such as the New 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 the New Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the approval of the New Agreement was in the best interests of the Frontier Markets Fund.

Nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by Aberdeen. The Board considered information regarding Aberdeen’s principal business activities, its reputation, financial condition and overall capabilities to perform the services under the New Agreement. In addition, the Board considered the background and experience of the personnel who will be assigned responsibility for managing Aberdeen’s allocation of the Frontier Markets Fund. The Board also considered Aberdeen’s investment resources, infrastructure and the adequacy of its compliance program. The Board also took into consideration the Manager’s recommendation of Aberdeen. The Board considered Aberdeen’s representation regarding the strength of its financial condition and that its current staffing levels were adequate to service the Frontier Markets Fund. Based on this information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the advisory services to be provided by Aberdeen were appropriate for the Frontier Markets Fund in light of its investment objective, and, thus, supported a decision to approve the New Agreement.

Performance of Portfolio Management Team. The Board evaluated the information provided by Aberdeen regarding the performance of the Comparable Account relative to the performance of an appropriate benchmark index (the “Index”). The Board considered representations made by Aberdeen that, for various periods ended March 31, 2018, the performance of the Comparable Account was favorable. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the historical investment performance record of Aberdeen supported approval of the New Agreement.

 

 

75


Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

July 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Comparisons of the amounts to be paid under the New Agreement with those under contracts between Aberdeen and its other clients. In evaluating the New Agreement, the Board reviewed the proposed advisory fee rate for services to be performed by Aberdeen on behalf of the Frontier Markets Fund. The Board considered that Aberdeen’s investment advisory fee rate under the New Agreement would be paid to Aberdeen by the Fund. The Board also considered Aberdeen’s representation that the advisory fee rate is equal to or lower than the advisory fee rates that Aberdeen currently charges to other clients with similar mandates. In addition, the Board considered that Aberdeen’s investment advisory fee rate under the New Agreement would be the same as the investment advisory fee paid by the Frontier Markets Fund to its current subadvisor. After evaluating this information, the Board concluded that the advisory fee rate under the New Agreement was reasonable in light of the services to be provided to the Frontier Markets Fund.

Costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by Aberdeen and its affiliates from its relationship with the Frontier Markets Fund. The Board did not consider the costs of the services to be provided and profits to be realized by Aberdeen from its relationship with the Frontier Markets Fund, noting instead the arm’s-length nature of the relationship between the Manager and Aberdeen with respect to the negotiation of the advisory fee rate on behalf of the Fund.

Economies of Scale. The Board considered Aberdeen’s representation that it believes that the proposed investment advisory fee rate to be paid by the Frontier Markets Fund under the New Agreement is appropriate in light of any economies of scale that Aberdeen may realize in connection with the services that it proposes to provide to the Frontier Markets Fund.

Benefits to be derived by Aberdeen from the relationship with the Frontier Markets Fund. The Board considered Aberdeen’s representation that it does not anticipate any material “fall-out” or ancillary benefits that may accrue to Aberdeen or its affiliates as a result of its relationship with the Frontier Markets Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to Aberdeen by virtue of its relationship with the Frontier Markets Fund appear to be fair and reasonable.

Board’s Conclusion. Based on the various considerations described above, the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Frontier Markets Fund, the Manager or Aberdeen, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, concluded that the proposed investment advisory fee rate is fair and reasonable and that the approval of the New Agreement is in the best interests of the Frontier Markets Fund and approved the New Agreement.

 

 

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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
   
     
 

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By Telephone:

Call (800) 658-5811

 

LOGO

By Mail:

American Beacon Funds

P.O. Box 219643

Kansas City, MO 64121-9643

   
     
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules   Availability of Proxy Voting Policy and Records
 
In addition to the Schedule of Investments provided in each semi-annual and annual report, the Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on Form N-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 each 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

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.

Irving, Texas

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

 

American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund and American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

SAR 7/18


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 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is attached hereto as EX-99.CERT.

(a)(3) Not Applicable.

(b) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached hereto as EX-99.906CERT.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant): American Beacon Funds

 

By /s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.

Gene L. Needles, Jr.
President
American Beacon Funds
Date: October 5, 2018

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: October 5, 2018

 

By /s/ Melinda G. Heika

Melinda G. Heika
Treasurer
American Beacon Funds
Date: October 5, 2018