N-CSR 1 d697526dncsr.htm N-CSR N-CSR

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number: 811-4984

 

 

AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

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

 

 

GENE L. NEEDLES, JR., PRESIDENT

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

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

Date of fiscal year end: December 31, 2018

Date of reporting period: December 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.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund or your financial intermediary electronically by going to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and clicking on “Quick Links” and then “Register for E-Delivery.”

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-800-658-5811, option 1, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary of your wish. A notice that will be mailed to you each time a report is posted will also include instructions for informing the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the American Beacon Funds Complex or your financial intermediary, as applicable.

BRIDGEWAY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. While the Fund is managed pursuant to a tax management strategy, the Fund’s investments could create capital gains. The use of futures contracts for cash management may subject the Fund to losing more money than invested. Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the Fund’s risks. There can be no assurances that the investment objectives of this Fund will be met.

BRIDGEWAY LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

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

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

 

American Beacon Funds

December 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    9  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    11  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

    12  

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

    16  

Financial Statements

    21  

Notes to Financial Statements

    24  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

    44  

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

    50  

Federal Tax Information

    56  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    57  

Privacy Policy

    64  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

December 2018, a month in which market volatility spiked and all major U.S. equity indexes declined, ending the year in negative territory, serves as a prime example of the importance of having a long-term investment perspective.

 

While long-term investing isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move, it is about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. As a long-term investor, you should strive to accomplish the three Ds: direction, discipline and diversification.

 

u   Direction: Achieving your long-term financial goals requires an individualized plan of action. You may want your plan to provide some

  measure of protection against periods of geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty, market volatility and job insecurity. Your plan should be reviewed annually and be adjusted in the event your long-range needs change.

 

u  

Discipline: Long-term, systematic participation in an investment portfolio requires your resolution to stay the course. Spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may place you in a better position to reach your long-term financial goals.

 

u  

Diversification: By investing in different types of investment categories and asset classes, you may be able to help mitigate financial risks across your investment portfolio. By allocating your investment portfolio according to your risk-tolerance level, you may be better positioned to weather storms and achieve your long-term financial goals.

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term financial goals. As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. 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 investment portfolio.

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 long-term rewards.

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


Domestic Equity Market Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The 12-month period under review started with a nearly 6% rise in the S&P 500 Index (the “Index”) for January 2018, only to be followed by a decline of more than 8% over the first six trading days of February. The Index, which had risen by more than 9% by September 2018, reached 60 all-time highs during the year – the third-highest count on record. However, by December 31, all major U.S. indexes had declined and ended the year in negative territory. In relative terms for the year, large-cap stocks outpaced small-caps. Growth stocks also exhibited outperformance compared to Value stocks across all market caps. The Russell 2000 Growth Index outperformed the Russell 2000 Value Index by 3.55%, while the Russell 1000 Growth Index outperformed the Russell 1000 Value Index by 6.76%.

In the first quarter of 2018, most equity markets delivered gains in January only to see steep declines in early February. The selloff was triggered by strong wage growth numbers (rather than by weak economic data), which accelerated from 2.5% to 2.9% year-over-year – a substantial jump over just one month. The speed of the acceleration in wage growth caused investors to worry that U.S. short-term interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) would have to rise faster than the economy could withstand, thereby inverting the U.S. yield curve and inducing a near-term economic recession. Volatility heightened with the Index displaying 23 daily moves of +/- 1% in the first quarter compared to total of only eight throughout 2017.

In the second quarter of 2018, headlines oscillated wildly between optimism (business investment, expansionary fiscal policy and general economic strength) and pessimism (trade wars, weakening international/emerging economies and rising interest rates). However, U.S. equity markets ultimately notched gains each month, suggesting a “win” for market optimism. Volatility drifted lower as rising U.S. Treasury bond/note yields stalled at a more palatable level for investors, indicating a less overheated or inflated economy. U.S. retail sales grew by more than 6% year-over-year in May and unemployment fell to 3.8% – the lowest level since 1969. Tariff announcements took a toll on companies with China exposure, and the Industrials sector trailed all other sectors on trade tension struggles.

In the third quarter of 2018, a booming U.S. economy drove domestic stocks higher, leaving the Index up 7.7% for the year-to-date period. In September, U.S. consumer confidence hit its highest level since 2000, while the monthly average of initial jobless claims fell to the lowest level since 1969. Wage growth rose to the highest level since 2009, supporting retail sales growth of more than 7% on a year-over-year basis. Also, the National Federation of Independent Business’s survey showed that small businesses were the most optimistic they’ve been since the survey began in 1974. U.S. stocks across all capitalizations gained during the quarter against this remarkably strong, economic-growth backdrop.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, volatility returned as U.S. equity markets closed out one of the worst quarters since the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. The quarter was characterized by multiple days of +500-point swings in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (“DJIA”). In fact, the Christmas holiday week was extraordinary in its extremes. Christmas Eve had the worst showing in the DJIA’s history with the largest single-day gain (1,086 points) on the next trading day and the largest intra-day recovery on the following day.

Further, the Index halted just shy of entering a bear market, which is defined as a 20% decline from peak to trough, before rebounding to close the fourth quarter of 2018 with a 13.52% decline. Despite economic expansion, corporate growth and a healthy consumer, markets were shaken as sentiment went from bullish to bearish over a multitude of concerns, including global economic deceleration, an unresolved trade war and the absorption of the reality of a less accommodative Fed. The defensive Utilities sector led the way as the only positive sector in the Index for the quarter.

 

 

2


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned -6.33% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, compared to the Russell 1000® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of -1.51 % for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2008 through 12/31/2018

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2018

 

    
      

Ticker

    

1 Year

  

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

  

Value of $10,000

12/31/2008-

12/31/2018

Institutional Class (1,8)

     BRLGX          (5.99 )%        8.09 %          9.20 %          14.30 %      $ 38,068

Y Class (1,2,8)

     BLYYX          (6.85 )%        8.00 %          9.14 %          14.27 %      $ 37,973

Investor Class (1,3,8)

     BLYPX          (6.33 )%        7.69 %          8.96 %          14.18 %      $ 37,647

A without Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BLYAX          (6.50 )%        7.72 %          8.97 %          14.18 %      $ 37,677

A with Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BLYAX          (11.87 )%        5.61 %          7.69 %          13.52 %      $ 35,530

C without Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BLYCX          (7.74 )%        6.92 %          8.49 %          13.93 %      $ 36,852

C with Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BLYCX          (8.74 )%        6.92 %          8.49 %          13.93 %      $ 36,852

R6 Class (1,6,8)

     BLYRX          (6.00 )%        8.09 %          9.20 %          14.30 %      $ 38,066
                                   

Russell 1000® Growth Index (7)

              (1.51 )%        11.15 %          10.40 %          15.29 %      $ 41,481

 

1.

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

 

2.

Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/5/16, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of fees charged to the Y Class has been waived since February 5, 2016. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown.

 

 

3


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

3.

Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/5/16, the inception date of the Investor Class, and the returns of the Investor Class since its inception. Expenses of the Investor Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class of the Fund has been waived since February 5, 2016. Performance prior to waiving fees was higher than actual returns shown.

 

4.

Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 through 2/5/16, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of fees charged to the A Class of the Fund has been waived since February 5, 2016. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5.

Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 through 2/5/16, the inception date of the C Class, and the returns of the C Class since its inception. Expenses of the C Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of fees charged to the C Class of the Fund was waived from February 5, 2016 through 2017 and was partially recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown through 2017. C Class has a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6.

Fund performance for the periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/30/08 through 4/30/18, the inception date of the R6 Class and the returns of the R6 Class since its inception. Expenses of the R6 Class are lower than the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 12/30/08. A portion of fees charged to the R6 Class of the Fund has been waived since April 30, 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown.

 

7.

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

 

8.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C and R6 Class shares were 1.06%, 1.13%, 1.40%, 1.44%, 2.09% and 1.01%, 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 trailed the Index for the period due to stock selection. Sector allocation added modest value relative to the Index.

Most of the Fund’s underperformance related to security selection was attributed to holdings in the Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Within Information Technology, the underweighting of the Fund’s Microsoft position trailed the Index, while Applied Materials, Inc. was down 33.1%. In the Consumer Discretionary sector, the Fund owned Thor Industries, Toll Brothers and Lear Corp., which were down 34.4%, 22.5% and 29.2%, respectively. This performance was modestly offset by positions in the Health Care and Industrials sectors. Within Health Care, Abiomed, Inc. (up 73.4%), HCA Healthcare (up 43.4%) and IDEXX Laboratories (up 28.8%) contributed most to the Fund’s return. Also adding to relative performance, were Rollins, Inc. (up 31.4%) and United Continental Holdings (up 24.2%) in Industrials.

From a sector allocation perspective, the Fund’s overweight in Information Technology, one of the best performing sectors, added value relative to the Index. A slight overweight to Consumer Staples also aided relative performance for the period. Offsetting some of this performance were overweights to Materials and Industrials.

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

 

 

4


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Amazon.com, Inc.           2.9  
Boeing Co.           2.6  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.           2.4  
Netflix, Inc.           2.3  
Apple, Inc.           2.2  
Intuit, Inc.           2.1  
ABIOMED, Inc.           1.9  
Coca-Cola Co.           1.8  
HCA Healthcare, Inc.           1.7  
Comcast Corp.           1.6  
Total Fund Holdings      79       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Information Technology           25.2  
Health Care           15.6  
Consumer Discretionary           13.1  
Industrials           12.4  
Financials           8.4  
Consumer Staples           8.3  
Communication Services           7.8  
Materials           4.3  
Real Estate           3.6  
Energy           1.3  

 

 

5


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) returned -13.56% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. The Fund underperformed the Russell 1000® Value Index (the “Index”) return of -8.27% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2008 through 12/31/2018

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

  

3 Years

    

5 Years

  

10 Years

  

Value of  $10,000
12/31/2008-
12/31/2018

Institutional Class (1,8)

     BRLVX          (13.28 )%        5.32 %          5.67 %        12.11 %      $ 31,359

Y Class (1,2,8)

     BWLYX          (13.35 )%        5.25 %          5.61 %        12.06 %      $ 31,214

Investor Class (1,3,8)

     BWLIX          (13.56 )%        4.96 %          5.34 %        11.86 %      $ 30,673

A without Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BWLAX          (13.57 )%        4.93 %          5.28 %        11.79 %      $ 30,493

A with Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BWLAX          (18.54 )%        2.88 %          4.05 %        11.13 %      $ 28,735

C without Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BWLCX          (14.20 )%        4.15 %          4.50 %        11.24 %      $ 29,021

C with Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BWLCX          (15.20 )%        4.15 %          4.50 %        11.24 %      $ 29,021

R6 Class (1,6,8)

     BWLRX          (13.27 )%        5.31 %          5.66 %        12.10 %      $ 31,351
                                 

Russell 1000® Value Index (7)

              (8.27 )%        6.95 %          5.95 %        11.18 %      $ 28,853

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total returns based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class was waived from 2008 through 2013, partially recovered in 2014, and fully recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2008 through 2013.

 

2.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/3/12, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns

 

 

6


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

  shown may be higher than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class was waived in 2012, partially recovered in 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012.

 

3.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/3/12, the inception date of the Investor Class, and the returns of the Investor Class since its inception. Expenses of the Investor Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived in 2012 and fully recovered in 2013. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012.

 

4.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 through 2/3/12, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived in 2012 and 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012 and 2013. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 through 2/3/12, the inception date of the C Class, and the returns of the C Class since its inception. Expenses of the C Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class was waived in 2012 and 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012 and 2013. C Class has a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6.

Fund performance for the three-year, five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 through 4/28/17, the inception date of the R6 Class, and the returns of the R6 Class since its inception. Expenses of the R6 Class are lower than the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the R6 Class of the Fund was waived in 2017 and recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown in 2017.

 

7.

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

 

8.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C and R6 Class shares were 0.72%, 0.79%, 1.06%, 1.08%, 1.83% and 0.75%, 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 trailed the Index as both stock selection and sector allocation detracted value relative to the Index.

From a stock selection perspective, the Fund’s Financials, Information Technology and Materials sectors detracted the most relative value. Within the Financials sector, the Fund’s position in Ameriprise Financial was down 37.0%, while the Fund was absent from Berkshire Hathaway (up 3.0%). Companies in the Information Technology sector detracting from relative performance included Western Digital (down 51.9%), Cisco Systems (down 5.1%) and ON Semiconductor (down 13.7%). Westlake Chemical (down 39.1%) and Freeport McMoran (down 40.9%) were the largest detractors in the Materials sector. The aforementioned performance was somewhat offset by securities held in the Fund’s Consumer Discretionary sector: Kohl’s Corp. (up 23.7%), Twenty First Century (up 33.9%), Macy’s (up 23.8%) and Burlington Stores (up 32.2%) were the largest contributors.

From a sector allocation standpoint, the Fund’s sizeable overweight to Consumer Discretionary, a poor performing sector for the Index, detracted from relative performance. The Fund’s underweight positions in Energy and Health Care also negatively impacted returns for the period. Modestly offsetting this performance was a slight underweight to Information Technology and a modest overweight to the Financials sector.

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

 

 

7


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
HCA Healthcare, Inc.           2.2  
Pfizer, Inc.           1.8  
Bank of America Corp.           1.7  
Intel Corp.           1.7  
Valero Energy Corp.           1.7  
Cigna Corp.           1.6  
Corning, Inc.           1.6  
Marathon Petroleum Corp.           1.6  
Procter & Gamble Co.           1.6  
Ameren Corp.           1.5  
Total Fund Holdings      99       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Financials           25.5  
Health Care           14.8  
Consumer Discretionary           9.8  
Energy           9.7  
Information Technology           8.4  
Industrials           7.9  
Consumer Staples           6.6  
Materials           5.5  
Utilities           4.5  
Communication Services           4.1  
Real Estate           3.2  

 

 

8


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 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 July 1, 2018 through December 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 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.

 

 

9


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2018–12/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $872.30       $3.82
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,021.12       $4.13
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $871.80       $4.29
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.62       $4.63
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $870.30       $5.61
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.21       $6.06
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $870.30       $5.70
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.11       $6.16
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $867.10       $9.22
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.33       $9.96
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $872.00       $3.59
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,021.37       $3.87

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.81%, 0.91%, 1.19%, 1.21%, 1.96%, and 0.76% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and R6 Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2018–12/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $873.90       $3.45
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,021.53       $3.72
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $873.50       $3.73
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,021.22       $4.02
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $872.60       $5.00
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.86       $5.40
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $872.00       $5.24
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.61       $5.65
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $869.10       $8.57
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,016.03       $9.25
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $874.00       $3.31
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,021.68       $3.57

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.73%, 0.79%, 1.06%, 1.11%, 1.82%, and 0.70% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and R6 Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

 

10


American Beacon FundsSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders of American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund and the Board of Trustees of American Beacon Funds

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (two of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2018, and the related statements of operations and changes in net assets, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (two of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds) at December 31, 2018, and the results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The financial highlights for the periods ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 of American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund were audited by other auditors whose report dated August 27, 2015, expressed an opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.

 

Individual fund constituting
the American Beacon Funds

  

Statement of

operations

  

Statements of

changes in net assets

  

Financial highlights

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund    For the year ended December 31, 2018    For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018    For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, the six months ended December 31, 2016, and the year ended June 30, 2016
American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund    For the year ended December 31, 2018    For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018    For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2018

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more American Beacon investment companies since 1987.

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2019

 

 

11


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 97.22%            
Communication Services - 7.59%            
Entertainment - 5.04%            
Netflix, Inc.A       19,100         $ 5,112,306
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.A       24,800           2,552,912
Walt Disney Co.       32,100           3,519,765
           

 

 

 
              11,184,983
           

 

 

 
Interactive Media & Services - 0.96%            
TripAdvisor, Inc.A       39,500           2,130,630
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 1.59%            
Comcast Corp., Class A       103,600           3,527,580
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              16,843,193
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 12.76%            
Auto Components - 0.86%            
Lear Corp.       15,500           1,904,330
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 3.40%            
Amazon.com, Inc.A       4,300           6,458,471
Wayfair, Inc., Class AA       12,000           1,080,960
           

 

 

 
              7,539,431
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 5.90%            
Best Buy Co., Inc.       35,600           1,885,376
Burlington Stores, Inc.A       13,700           2,228,579
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.A       10,100           3,477,733
TJX Cos, Inc.       75,600           3,382,344
Tractor Supply Co.       25,500           2,127,720
           

 

 

 
              13,101,752
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 2.60%            
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.A       29,000           3,526,690
VF Corp.       31,300           2,232,942
           

 

 

 
              5,759,632
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              28,305,145
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 8.06%            
Beverages - 1.78%            
Coca-Cola Co.       83,300           3,944,255
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 2.38%            
Costco Wholesale Corp.       10,900           2,220,439
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.       44,700           3,054,351
           

 

 

 
              5,274,790
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 1.84%            
Campbell Soup Co.       53,200           1,755,068
McCormick & Co., Inc.       16,700           2,325,308
           

 

 

 
              4,080,376
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products - 1.11%            
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.       37,500           2,466,000
           

 

 

 
           
Personal Products - 0.95%            
Estee Lauder Cos, Inc., Class A       16,300           2,120,630
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              17,886,051
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 97.22% (continued)            
Energy - 1.27%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.27%            
Continental Resources, Inc.A       29,900         $ 1,201,681
Parsley Energy, Inc., Class AA       100,500           1,605,990
           

 

 

 
              2,807,671
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              2,807,671
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 8.15%            
Capital Markets - 1.92%            
S&P Global, Inc.       14,500           2,464,130
State Street Corp.       28,400           1,791,188
           

 

 

 
              4,255,318
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 2.98%            
Capital One Financial Corp.       37,300           2,819,507
Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc.       91,600           1,611,244
Synchrony Financial       93,600           2,195,856
           

 

 

 
              6,626,607
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 3.25%            
Marsh & McLennan Cos, Inc.       28,500           2,272,875
Progressive Corp.       46,300           2,793,279
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.       15,300           2,145,519
           

 

 

 
              7,211,673
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              18,093,598
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 15.11%            
Biotechnology - 1.51%            
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       20,200           3,347,342
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 3.46%            
ABIOMED, Inc.A       13,300           4,323,032
Align Technology, Inc.A       16,000           3,350,880
           

 

 

 
              7,673,912
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 7.13%            
Centene Corp.A       19,300           2,225,290
Cigna Corp.A       12,000           2,279,040
Encompass Health Corp.       34,500           2,128,650
HCA Healthcare, Inc.       30,500           3,795,725
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.       21,700           5,405,904
           

 

 

 
              15,834,609
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 1.01%            
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.       10,000           2,237,900
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 2.00%            
Eli Lilly & Co.       15,600           1,805,232
Merck & Co., Inc.       34,500           2,636,145
           

 

 

 
              4,441,377
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              33,535,140
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 12.03%            
Aerospace & Defense - 3.61%            
Boeing Co.       18,100           5,837,250
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.       11,400           2,169,534
           

 

 

 
              8,006,784
           

 

 

 
           
Airlines - 1.22%            
United Continental Holdings, Inc.A       32,500           2,721,225
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 97.22% (continued)            
Industrials - 12.03% (continued)            
Commercial Services & Supplies - 1.27%            
Waste Management, Inc.       31,600         $ 2,812,084
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 1.23%            
TransUnion       48,000           2,726,400
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - 2.19%            
CSX Corp.       40,500           2,516,265
Union Pacific Corp.       17,000           2,349,910
           

 

 

 
              4,866,175
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 2.51%            
United Rentals, Inc.A       30,100           3,086,153
WW Grainger, Inc.       8,800           2,484,768
           

 

 

 
              5,570,921
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              26,703,589
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 24.53%            
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 2.64%            
Amphenol Corp., Class A       42,800           3,467,656
Zebra Technologies Corp., Class AA       15,100           2,404,373
           

 

 

 
              5,872,029
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 6.33%            
Accenture PLC, Class A       20,800           2,933,008
DXC Technology Co.       26,500           1,409,005
Fiserv, Inc.A       31,700           2,329,633
Mastercard, Inc., Class A       15,300           2,886,345
VeriSign, Inc.A       22,300           3,306,867
WEX, Inc.A       8,500           1,190,510
           

 

 

 
              14,055,368
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.84%            
Micron Technology, Inc.A       94,800           3,008,004
NVIDIA Corp.       21,600           2,883,600
ON Semiconductor Corp.A       158,800           2,621,788
           

 

 

 
              8,513,392
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 9.16%            
Adobe Systems, Inc.A       11,900           2,692,256
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.A       76,300           3,317,524
Fortinet, Inc.A       32,200           2,267,846
Intuit, Inc.       23,700           4,665,345
Microsoft Corp.       33,600           3,412,752
Red Hat, Inc.A       15,900           2,792,676
SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.       26,100           1,177,371
           

 

 

 
              20,325,770
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 2.56%            
Apple, Inc.       31,600           4,984,584
Dell Technologies, Inc., Class CA       14,253           696,550
           

 

 

 
              5,681,134
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              54,447,693
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 4.20%            
Chemicals - 2.16%            
Ecolab, Inc.       17,900           2,637,565
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A       25,900           2,153,844
           

 

 

 
              4,791,409
           

 

 

 
           
Containers & Packaging - 0.90%            
Packaging Corp. of America       23,900           1,994,694
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 97.22% (continued)            
Materials - 4.20% (continued)            
Metals & Mining - 1.14%            
Southern Copper Corp.       82,500         $ 2,538,525
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              9,324,628
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 3.52%            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 3.52%            
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.       19,400           2,235,656
Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc.       30,200           2,933,326
Extra Space Storage, Inc.       29,300           2,651,064
           

 

 

 
              7,820,046
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              7,820,046
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $206,645,723)

              215,766,754
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 2.10% (Cost $4,647,290)            
Investment Companies - 2.10%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%B C       4,647,290           4,647,290
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.32% (Cost $211,293,013)

              220,414,044

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES – 0.68%

              1,514,832
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.00%

            $ 221,928,876
           

 

 

 
           
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.

PLC – Public Limited Company.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 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      43      March 2019      $ 5,336,539        $ 5,386,180        $ 49,641  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
               $ 5,336,539        $ 5,386,180        $ 49,641  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Index Abbreviations:
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 December 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1            Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

               

Common Stocks

  $         215,766,754        $                       -        $                       -       $         215,766,754  

Short-Term Investments

    4,647,290          -          -         4,647,290  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities – Assets

  $ 220,414,044        $ -        $ -       $ 220,414,044  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments – Assets

               

Futures Contracts

  $ 49,641        $ -        $ -       $ 49,641  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments – Assets

  $ 49,641        $ -        $ -       $ 49,641  
 

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.23%            
Communication Services - 4.05%            
Diversified Telecommunication Services - 2.47%            
AT&T, Inc.       2,154,000         $ 61,475,160
CenturyLink, Inc.       2,674,500           40,518,675
           

 

 

 
              101,993,835
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 1.58%            
Comcast Corp., Class A       1,098,900           37,417,545
DISH Network Corp., Class AA       1,121,300           27,998,861
           

 

 

 
              65,416,406
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              167,410,241
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 9.64%            
Auto Components - 0.90%            
Lear Corp.       304,700           37,435,442
           

 

 

 
           
Automobiles - 1.65%            
Ford Motor Co.       3,640,040           27,846,306
General Motors Co.       1,204,980           40,306,581
           

 

 

 
              68,152,887
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - 0.64%            
PulteGroup, Inc.       1,019,300           26,491,607
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 3.06%            
Kohl’s Corp.       695,200           46,119,568
Macy’s, Inc.       1,400,400           41,703,912
Target Corp.       583,800           38,583,342
           

 

 

 
              126,406,822
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 1.88%            
Best Buy Co., Inc.       830,000           43,956,800
Burlington Stores, Inc.A       207,700           33,786,559
           

 

 

 
              77,743,359
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 1.51%            
Michael Kors Holdings Ltd.A       555,600           21,068,352
VF Corp.       577,200           41,177,448
           

 

 

 
              62,245,800
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              398,475,917
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 6.46%            
Beverages - 1.21%            
Coca-Cola Co.       1,053,700           49,892,695
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 1.87%            
Kroger Co.       828,000           22,770,000
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.       796,100           54,397,513
           

 

 

 
              77,167,513
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 1.83%            
General Mills, Inc.       898,200           34,975,908
McCormick & Co., Inc.       293,700           40,894,788
           

 

 

 
              75,870,696
           

 

 

 
           
Household Products - 1.55%            
Procter & Gamble Co.       698,900           64,242,888
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              267,173,792
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.23% (continued)            
Energy - 9.57%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 9.57%            
Anadarko Petroleum Corp.       773,700         $ 33,919,008
Concho Resources, Inc.A       226,800           23,312,772
ConocoPhillips       788,100           49,138,035
Continental Resources, Inc.A       413,900           16,634,641
Devon Energy Corp.       962,400           21,692,496
EOG Resources, Inc.       348,700           30,410,127
Marathon Oil Corp.       2,537,900           36,393,486
Marathon Petroleum Corp.       1,100,800           64,958,208
Phillips 66       560,000           48,244,000
Valero Energy Corp.       944,500           70,809,165
           

 

 

 
              395,511,938
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              395,511,938
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 25.09%            
Banks - 6.41%            
Bank of America Corp.       2,889,100           71,187,424
CIT Group, Inc.       908,500           34,768,295
Citigroup, Inc.       1,041,500           54,220,490
Fifth Third Bancorp       1,852,100           43,579,913
Regions Financial Corp.       3,100,900           41,490,042
SunTrust Banks, Inc.       389,800           19,661,512
           

 

 

 
              264,907,676
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 4.13%            
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.       397,000           41,434,890
Franklin Resources, Inc.       1,521,100           45,115,826
Morgan Stanley       1,156,400           45,851,260
State Street Corp.       610,300           38,491,621
           

 

 

 
              170,893,597
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 5.10%            
Ally Financial, Inc.       1,621,600           36,745,456
American Express Co.       480,100           45,763,132
Capital One Financial Corp.       618,600           46,759,974
Discover Financial Services       715,836           42,220,007
Synchrony Financial       1,671,700           39,218,082
           

 

 

 
              210,706,651
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Financial Services - 1.03%            
Voya Financial, Inc.       1,061,600           42,612,624
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 8.42%            
Aflac, Inc.       1,061,200           48,348,272
Allstate Corp.       476,800           39,397,984
American Financial Group, Inc.       258,800           23,429,164
American International Group, Inc.       787,200           31,023,552
Loews Corp.       706,200           32,146,224
Principal Financial Group, Inc.       848,000           37,456,160
Prudential Financial, Inc.       476,900           38,891,195
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.       211,200           29,616,576
Travelers Cos., Inc.       385,100           46,115,725
Unum Group       729,900           21,444,462
           

 

 

 
              347,869,314
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              1,036,989,862
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.23% (continued)            
Health Care - 14.56%            
Biotechnology - 1.98%            
Amgen, Inc.       272,400         $ 53,028,108
Gilead Sciences, Inc.       456,100           28,529,055
           

 

 

 
              81,557,163
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 0.75%            
Cooper Cos, Inc. Cooper Cos., Inc.       121,800           30,998,100
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 6.68%            
Cigna Corp.A       343,538           65,244,741
CVS Health Corp.       524,700           34,378,344
HCA Healthcare, Inc.       728,100           90,612,045
Humana, Inc.       181,000           51,852,880
McKesson Corp.       308,400           34,068,948
           

 

 

 
              276,156,958
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 5.15%            
Allergan PLC       266,800           35,660,488
Eli Lilly & Co.       400,000           46,288,000
Merck & Co., Inc.       731,300           55,878,633
Pfizer, Inc.       1,722,200           75,174,030
           

 

 

 
              213,001,151
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              601,713,372
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 7.74%            
Airlines - 2.08%            
American Airlines Group, Inc.       811,852           26,068,568
Delta Air Lines, Inc.       369,100           18,418,090
United Continental Holdings, Inc.A       497,800           41,680,794
           

 

 

 
              86,167,452
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 0.69%            
Lennox International, Inc.       131,000           28,670,660
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 2.62%            
Republic Services, Inc.       806,600           58,147,794
Waste Management, Inc.       561,900           50,003,481
           

 

 

 
              108,151,275
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - 2.35%            
Norfolk Southern Corp.       344,700           51,546,438
Union Pacific Corp.       329,900           45,602,077
           

 

 

 
              97,148,515
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              320,137,902
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 8.22%            
Communications Equipment - 1.11%            
Cisco Systems, Inc.       532,400           23,068,892
Juniper Networks, Inc.       838,800           22,572,108
           

 

 

 
              45,641,000
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 1.58%            
Corning, Inc.       2,160,200           65,259,642
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 1.01%            
Amdocs Ltd.       712,600           41,744,108
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.25%            
Intel Corp.       1,516,200           71,155,266

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.23% (continued)            
Information Technology - 8.22% (continued)            
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.25% (continued)            
Micron Technology, Inc.A       1,991,500         $ 63,190,295
           

 

 

 
              134,345,561
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 0.25%            
Oracle Corp.       229,600           10,366,440
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 1.02%            
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.       946,000           12,496,660
Western Digital Corp.       807,000           29,834,790
           

 

 

 
              42,331,450
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              339,688,201
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 5.43%            
Chemicals - 3.99%            
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.       227,500           36,411,375
Eastman Chemical Co.       502,700           36,752,397
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A       689,300           57,322,188
Westlake Chemical Corp.       523,800           34,659,846
           

 

 

 
              165,145,806
           

 

 

 
           
Containers & Packaging - 0.67%            
WestRock Co.       732,200           27,647,872
           

 

 

 
           
Metals & Mining - 0.77%            
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.       3,071,200           31,664,072
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              224,457,750
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 3.10%            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 3.10%            
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.       400,500           46,153,620
Extra Space Storage, Inc.       522,500           47,275,800
Prologis, Inc.       594,800           34,926,656
           

 

 

 
              128,356,076
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              128,356,076
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 4.37%            
Electric Utilities - 1.64%            
American Electric Power Co., Inc.       732,800           54,769,472
PPL Corp.       468,500           13,272,605
           

 

 

 
              68,042,077
           

 

 

 
           
Multi-Utilities - 2.73%            
Ameren Corp.       977,700           63,775,371
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.       1,733,200           48,928,236
           

 

 

 
              112,703,607
           

 

 

 

Total Utilities

              180,745,684
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $4,219,888,298)

              4,060,660,735
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.01% (Cost $41,766,144)            
Investment Companies - 1.01%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%B C       41,766,144           41,766,144
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.24% (Cost $4,261,654,442)

              4,102,426,879

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.76%

              31,403,937
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 4,133,830,816
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

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.

PLC – Public Limited Company.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 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      416      March 2019      $ 51,108,390        $ 52,108,160        $ 999,770  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
               $ 51,108,390        $ 52,108,160        $ 999,770  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Index Abbreviations:     
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 December 31, 2018, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 4,060,660,735       $ -       $ -       $ 4,060,660,735  

Short-Term Investments

    41,766,144         -         -         41,766,144  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities – Assets

  $ 4,102,426,879       $ -       $ -       $ 4,102,426,879  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments – Assets

             

Futures Contracts

  $ 999,770       $ -       $ -       $ 999,770  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments – Assets

  $ 999,770       $                     -       $                     -       $ 999,770  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap
Growth Fund
          Bridgeway Large Cap
Value Fund
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 215,766,754       $ 4,060,660,735  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    4,647,290         41,766,144  

Cash

    -         833,000  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    192,021         1,635,475  

Dividends and interest receivable

    182,339         6,468,762  

Receivable for investments sold

    1,126,502         35,295,343  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    447,976         13,573,521  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    37,339         -  

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

    49,748         1,000,634  

Prepaid expenses

    49,528         221,880  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    222,499,497         4,161,455,494  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    309,214         24,301,150  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    116,930         2,461,748  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    16,565         372,705  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    15,819         191,701  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    7,212         84,731  

Professional fees payable

    69,419         58,694  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    9,626         111,944  

Other liabilities

    25,836         42,005  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    570,621         27,624,678  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 221,928,876       $ 4,133,830,816  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 213,531,795       $ 4,329,273,453  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    8,397,081         (195,442,637
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 221,928,876       $ 4,133,830,816  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

 

Institutional Class

    5,980,747         63,815,156  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    91,514         66,652,681  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    2,629,868         39,394,888  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    67,677         3,552,073  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    32,520         3,441,234  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassB

    3,597         6,511,579  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 151,163,119       $ 1,442,789,043  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 2,306,982       $ 1,502,519,807  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 65,869,325       $ 886,572,501  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 1,700,188       $ 79,610,028  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 798,319       $ 75,231,917  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassB

  $ 90,943       $ 147,107,520  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 25.27       $ 22.61  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 25.21       $ 22.54  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 25.05       $ 22.50  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 25.12       $ 22.41  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 26.65       $ 23.78  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 24.55       $ 21.86  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassB

  $ 25.28       $ 22.59  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 206,645,723       $ 4,219,888,298  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 4,647,290       $ 41,766,144  

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

B Class commenced operations April 30, 2018 in the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (Note 1).

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap
Growth Fund
          Bridgeway Large Cap
Value Fund
 

Investment income:

 

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities

  $ 3,108,011       $ 115,459,564  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 8)

    81,115         1,291,399  

Interest income

    304         10,829  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 9)

    13,962         21  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    3,203,392         116,761,813  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,966,655         32,502,055  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    108,157         441,726  

Y Class (Note 2)

    2,425         1,679,078  

Investor Class

    14,765         43,991  

A Class

    298         7,459  

C Class

    5         8,991  

R6 ClassA

    2,290         3,426  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    52,779         529,823  

Professional fees

    122,574         235,305  

Registration fees and expenses

    118,635         258,986  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    231,421         4,618,034  

A Class

    5,553         114,132  

C Class

    576         93,819  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    10,992         238,924  

C Class

    7,787         994,285  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    59,613         352,893  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    18,008         334,709  

Other expenses

    16,447         220,510  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    2,738,980         42,678,146  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (241,144       1,792  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    2,497,836         42,679,938  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    705,556         74,081,875  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    16,139,507         174,513,462  

Futures contracts

    (278,297       (4,780,178

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesC

    (29,844,933       (927,736,934

Futures contracts

    55,063         1,134,029  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (loss) from investments

    (13,928,660       (756,869,621
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (13,223,104     $ (682,787,746
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class commenced operations April 30, 2018 in the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (Note 1).

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 year end.

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund     Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income

  $ 705,556       $ 569,019       $ 74,081,875       $ 52,841,263  

Net realized gain from investments in unaffiliated securities and futures contracts

    15,861,210         15,901,228         169,733,284         237,451,122  

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

 

 

(29,789,870

      19,947,420         (926,602,905       348,971,034  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (13,223,104       36,417,667         (682,787,746       639,263,419  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Net investment income:

             

Institutional Class

    -         (484,349       -         (20,161,179

Y Class

    -         (5,409       -         (19,084,760

Investor Class

    -         (191,071       -         (13,087,732

A Class

    -         (9,014       -         (742,378

C Class

    -         -         -         (248,713

R6 Class A

    -         -         -         (992,942

Net realized gain from investments:

             

Institutional Class

    -         (6,720,047       -         (66,124,077

Y Class

    -         (75,954       -         (65,433,464

Investor Class

    -         (2,741,957       -         (59,258,862

A Class

    -         (173,903       -         (4,128,443

C Class

    -         (29,746       -         (4,510,939

R6 Class A

    -         -         -         (3,198,781

Total retained earnings:*

             

Institutional Class

    (15,182,919       -         (126,509,744       -  

Y Class

    (222,964       -         (134,207,073       -  

Investor Class

    (6,341,212       -         (75,566,771       -  

A Class

    (162,842       -         (6,632,802       -  

C Class

    (64,536       -         (6,082,752       -  

R6 Class A

    (8,892       -         (12,669,411       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (21,983,365       (10,431,450       (361,668,553       (256,972,270
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 11):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    51,470,483         21,584,214         1,693,099,714         1,914,217,676  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    21,667,625         10,260,437         346,742,403         246,592,299  

Issued in reorganization

    -         89,545,160         -         -  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (72,750,374       (25,647,762       (1,634,032,413       (1,672,312,273
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

    387,734         95,742,049         405,809,704         488,497,702  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (34,818,735       121,728,266         (638,646,595       870,788,851  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    256,747,611         135,019,345         4,772,477,411         3,901,688,560  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 221,928,876       $ 256,747,611       $ 4,133,830,816       $ 4,772,477,411  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

* Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information regarding new accounting pronouncements.

A Class commenced operations April 30, 2018 in the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (Note 1).

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Funds, each a series within the Trust, are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of December 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining thirty-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. The Manager is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08, Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the premium amortization period on a purchased callable debt security from the security’s contractual life to the earliest call date. It is anticipated that this change will enhance disclosures by reducing losses recognized when a security is called on an earlier date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Manager continues to evaluate the impact this ASU will have on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The amendments in the ASU impact disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. It is anticipated that this change will enhance the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted and can include the entire standard or certain provisions that exclude or amend disclosures. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Funds have chosen to adopt the standard. The adoption of this ASU guidance did not have a material impact on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements in Securities Act Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, which is intended to facilitate the disclosure of information to investors and simplify compliance without significantly altering the total mix of information provided to investors. Effective with the current reporting period, the Funds adopted the amendments with the impacts being that the Funds are no longer required to present components of distributable earnings on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities or the sources of distributable earnings and the amount of undistributed net investment income on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

Class Disclosure

On April 30, 2018, the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund created the R6 Class, a new class made available for sale to retirement plans pursuant to an amendment to the Fund’s registrations statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Refer to the Fund’s Prospectus for more details.

 

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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  
R6    Large institutional retirement plan investors – sold through retirement plan sponsors.      None  

Each class offered by the Trust has equal rights as to assets and voting privileges. Income and non-class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class 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 FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, a part of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

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

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions, if any, of net investment income are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions, if any, of net realized capital gains are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP. To the extent necessary to fully distribute capital gains, the Funds may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Commission Recapture

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

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments of the Funds are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Funds. Expenses directly charged or attributable to 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.

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 Agreements with Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc. (the “Sub-Advisor”) 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 schedule:

 

First $250 million

     0.40

Next $250 million

     0.35

Over $500 million

     0.30

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 944,255  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.38       1,022,400  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.73     $ 1,966,655  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 17,465,267  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.30       15,036,788  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.65     $ 32,502,055  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Funds, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. These fees are included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and investment advisory fees” on the Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Manager received securities lending fees of $1,559 for the securities lending activities of the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund. The Manager did not receive any securities lending fees for the Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund.

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 and shareholder servicing assistance, the Manager receives an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A Class and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the C Class. The fee will be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the Manager for distribution assistance.

Service Plans

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

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

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

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 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 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 year ended December 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  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   $ 87,486  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     1,949,453  

As of December 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
 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   $ 6,048  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     165,076  

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 year ended December 31, 2018, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

  Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
           Securities Lending
Collateral in USG

Select Fund
           Total  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  $ 4,645        $ 1,467        $ 6,112  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    77,082                   77,082  

Interfund Credit Facility

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

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Fund borrowed on average $4,767,063 for 2 days at an average interest rate of 2.53% with interest charges of $662 and the Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund borrowed on average $27,887,604 for 6 days at an average interest rate of 2.89% with interest charges of $13,406. These amounts are recorded as “Other expenses” in the Statements of Operations.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

The Manager contractually agreed to reduce fees and/or reimburse expenses for the classes of the Funds to the extent that total operating expenses exceed the Funds’ expense cap. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed (recouped) expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                  Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

   Class    1/1/2018 –
12/31/2018
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   Institutional      0.81   $ 226,355      $       2021  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   Y      0.91     1,657              2021  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   Investor      1.19     9,426              2021  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   A      1.21     1,588              2021  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   C      1.96     -        (74     2021  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   R6      0.76     2,372              2021  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

   R6      0.70            (1,792     2021  

Of these amounts, $37,339 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2018 for the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund.

The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Funds for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Funds’ annual operating expenses to exceed 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, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   $     $ 238,079      $        2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

           375,714               2020  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     (1,792     -        -        N/A  

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-allocate to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A Class and C Class shares. For A

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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-allocated 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 January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018, Foreside collected $462 and $4,615 for American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares. During the period March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, RID collected $2,221 and $21,241 for the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the year ended December 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 January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018, Foreside collected CDSC fees of $129 and $1,918 for Class C Shares of the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund, respectively. During the period March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, RID collected $58 and $7,705 for the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, respectively, for Class C Shares.

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 Total Return 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 Chair receives an additional annual

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

retainer of $50,000 as well as a $2,500 fee each quarter for attendance at the committee meetings. The Chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. These expenses are allocated on a prorated basis to each Fund of the 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, including shares of closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), are valued at the last sale price or official closing price taken from the primary exchange in which each security trades. Investments in other mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share on the day of valuation. Debt securities are valued at bid quotes from broker/dealers or evaluated bid prices from pricing services, who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as prices of comparable securities, yield curves, spreads, credit ratings, coupon rates, maturity, default rates, and underlying collateral. Futures are valued based on their daily settlement prices. Exchange-traded and over-the-counter (“OTC”) options are valued at the last sale price. Options with no last sale for the day are priced at mid quote. Swaps are valued at evaluated mid prices from pricing services.

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

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

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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, ETFs, 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.

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Common Stock

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

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange-Traded Products

The Funds may invest in shares of other investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, 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 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 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.

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.

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 year ended December 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 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

  Year Ended December 31, 2018  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

    43  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    468  

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

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 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)         $         $         $         $         $ 49,641         $ 49,641
                                               
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of December 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         $         $         $         $         $ (278,297 )         $ (278,297 )

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         $         $         $         $         $ 55,063         $ 55,063

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 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)         $         $         $         $         $ 999,770         $ 999,770
                                               
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of December 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         $         $         $         $         $ (4,780,178 )         $ (4,780,178 )

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         $         $         $         $         $ 1,134,029         $ 1,134,029

(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, December 31, 2018.

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

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

 

    Assets           Liabilities  

Futures Contracts

  $ 49,641       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

  $ 49,641       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

  $ (49,641     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

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

 

    Assets           Liabilities  

Futures Contracts

  $ 999,770       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

  $ 999,770       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)

  $ (999,770     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

6.  Principal Risks

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

Equity Investments Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Funds’ investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Funds to additional risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. Preferred stocks 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) less government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets.

Futures Contracts Risk

Futures contracts are derivative instruments where one party pays a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that 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).

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

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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. Because of the sharp decline in the worldwide price of oil, there is a concern that oil producing nations may withdraw significant assets now held in U.S. Treasuries, which could force a substantial increase in interest rates. 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.

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.

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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.

7.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

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

The Funds do not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 31, 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 tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund           Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund  
    Year Ended
  December 31, 2018  
          Year Ended
  December 31, 2017  
          Year Ended
  December 31, 2018  
          Year Ended
  December 31, 2017  
 

Distributions paid from:

 

Ordinary income*

 

Institutional Class

  $ 4,987,298       $ 2,444,697       $ 27,614,673       $ 21,115,635  

Y Class

    73,240         27,566         28,353,880         20,051,334  

Investor Class

    1,982,511         990,945         13,076,256         14,070,130  

A Class

    50,056         59,745         1,185,249         815,141  

C Class

    19,838         8,677         491,400         342,565  

R6 Class

    2,921                 2,795,518         1,038,664  

Long-term capital gains

 

Institutional Class

    10,195,621         4,759,699         98,895,071         65,169,621  

Y Class

    149,724         53,797         105,853,194         64,466,890  

Investor Class

    4,358,701         1,942,083         62,490,515         58,276,464  

A Class

    112,786         123,172         5,447,552         4,055,680  

C Class

    44,698         21,069         5,591,352         4,417,087  

R6 Class

    5,971                 9,873,893         3,153,059  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 21,983,365       $ 10,431,450       $ 361,668,553       $ 256,972,270  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

 

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

As of December 31, 2018 the components of distributable earnings (deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 211,291,498       $ 23,954,347       $ (14,831,800     $ 9,122,547  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     4,261,654,455         349,978,135         (509,205,700       (159,227,565

 

Fund

  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
          Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
          Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
          Accumulated
Capital and
Other (Losses)
          Other
Temporary
Differences
          Distributable
Earnings
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 9,122,547       $ -       $ -       $ (725,466     $ -       $ 8,397,081  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     (159,227,565       -         -         (36,215,061       (11       (195,442,637

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales, the tax deferral of post-October capital losses and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments.

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

Accordingly, the following amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from taxable overdistributions as of December 31, 2018:

 

Fund   Paid-In-Capital           Distributable Earnings/(Deficits)  
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ (6,410,359     $ 6,410,359  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value             -  

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

As of December 31, 2018, the Funds did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

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 end, December 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 Funds’ fiscal year, December 31, 2018. For the period ended December 31, 2018, Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund deferred $725,466 of short-term capital losses to January 1, 2019. Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund deferred $13,967,073 short-term and $22,247,988 long-term capital losses to January 1, 2019.

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

8.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
          Sales (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 156,043,584       $ 181,740,733  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     2,533,838,461         2,394,980,805  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2017

Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           December 31,
2018

Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   Direct     $ 1,441,964       $ 124,680,641       $ 121,475,315       $ 4,647,290       $ 81,115  
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   Securities Lending       -         52,448,255         52,448,255         -         N/A  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value   Direct       104,213,767         2,175,716,356         2,238,163,979         41,766,144         1,291,399  

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

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

may be subject to legal constraints in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, and that the cash collateral investments could become illiquid and unable to be used to return collateral to the borrower. The Funds could also experience delays and costs in gaining access to the collateral. The Funds bear the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower and any action which impairs its ability to liquidate non-cash collateral to satisfy a borrower default.

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.

The Funds did not have any securities on loan or hold any securities lending collateral as of the year ended December 31, 2018.

10.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 15, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), 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 $250 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 closing fee of $100,000 on the Effective Date and a quarterly commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 14, 2019, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also 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 plus 1.25% per annum on each outstanding loan. Each of the participating Funds will pay a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 14, 2019 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 year ended December 31, 2018, the Funds did not utilize this facility.

 

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

11.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,040,789       $ 33,050,110         573,230       $ 15,764,540  
Reinvestment of dividends     601,438         14,867,540         234,024         7,037,103  
Issued in Reorganization                     560,148         17,375,797  
Shares redeemed     (1,621,619       (51,081,982       (869,054       (23,815,289
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     20,608       $ (3,164,332       498,348       $ 16,362,151  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     148,641       $ 4,689,413         35,909       $ 1,013,797  
Reinvestment of dividends     9,042         222,964         2,711         81,363  
Issued in Reorganization                     5,051         156,423  
Shares redeemed     (133,776       (4,247,166       (3,449       (96,277
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     23,907       $ 665,211         40,222       $ 1,155,306  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     325,619       $ 10,564,180         55,661       $ 1,500,036  
Reinvestment of dividends     258,809         6,340,851         98,167         2,930,272  
Issued in Reorganization                     2,283,713         70,337,259  
Shares redeemed     (358,159       (11,243,187       (50,343       (1,467,164
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     226,269       $ 5,661,844         2,387,198       $ 73,300,403  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     79,808       $ 2,553,888         108,872       $ 3,081,503  
Reinvestment of dividends     6,628         162,842         6,085         181,953  
Issued in Reorganization                     43,610         1,344,061  
Shares redeemed     (174,526       (5,758,888       (8,365       (233,976
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (88,090     $ (3,042,158       150,202       $ 4,373,541  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     17,572       $ 512,892         8,335       $ 224,338  
Reinvestment of dividends     2,686         64,536         1,008         29,746  
Issued in Reorganization                     10,919         331,620  
Shares redeemed     (14,005       (419,151       (1,258       (35,056
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     6,253       $ 158,277         19,004       $ 550,648  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R6 Class  
    April 30, 2018A to
December 31, 2018
                         

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

                         
Shares sold     3,237 B       $ 100,000 B          
Reinvestment of dividends     360         8,892          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net increase in shares outstanding     3,597       $ 108,892          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
 

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     20,154,772       $ 566,575,933         22,141,959       $ 605,634,913  
Reinvestment of dividends     5,392,771         119,827,368         2,851,013         81,738,543  
Shares redeemed     (15,913,378       (436,185,153       (16,256,439       (452,560,664
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     9,634,165       $ 250,218,148         8,736,533       $ 234,812,792  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     26,074,553       $ 741,021,782         30,846,571       $ 837,274,698  
Reinvestment of dividends     5,731,412         126,950,769         2,784,424         79,606,684  
Shares redeemed     (19,465,093       (524,126,128       (13,143,773       (357,121,560
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     12,340,872       $ 343,846,423         20,487,222       $ 559,759,822  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     7,915,359       $ 225,754,431         12,127,050       $ 327,627,225  
Reinvestment of dividends     3,409,029         75,407,714         2,532,136         72,191,205  
Shares redeemed     (20,764,261       (577,282,060       (26,895,237       (724,443,760
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (9,439,873     $ (276,119,915       (12,236,051     $ (324,625,330
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,278,825       $ 36,372,119         1,323,482       $ 35,172,571  
Reinvestment of dividends     294,620         6,490,474         166,852         4,741,923  
Shares redeemed     (1,419,507       (39,139,055       (4,000,004       (109,268,040
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     153,938       $ 3,723,538         (2,509,670     $ (69,353,546
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     549,320       $ 14,941,345         646,529       $ 16,939,095  
Reinvestment of dividends     251,124         5,396,667         148,656         4,122,220  
Shares redeemed     (1,071,380       (27,748,192       (1,057,869       (27,847,899
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (270,936     $ (7,410,180       (262,684     $ (6,786,584
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R6 Class  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          April 28, 2017A to
December 31, 2017
 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     3,785,688       $ 108,434,104         3,096,230       $ 91,569,174  
Reinvestment of dividends     570,694         12,669,411         146,308         4,191,724  
Shares redeemed     (1,050,587       (29,551,825       (36,754       (1,070,350
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     3,305,795       $ 91,551,690         3,205,784       $ 94,690,548  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Seed capital was received on April 30, 2018 in the amount of $100,000 for the R6 Class. As a result, shares were issued in the amount of 3,237 for R6 Class.

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.

 

 

43


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional ClassA  
    Year Ended
December 31,
          Year EndedB
December 31,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          Year Ended June 30,  
                                           
    2018           2017           2016           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.88       $ 24.47       $ 22.77       $ 23.71       $ 20.51       $ 16.18  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.13         0.10         0.04         0.07         0.17 C         0.13 C  

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

    (1.99       6.56         1.82         (0.90       3.14         4.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.86       6.66         1.86         (0.83       3.31         4.42  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.11       (0.08       (0.16       (0.11       (0.11       (0.09

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.64       (1.17                                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.75       (1.25       (0.16       (0.11       (0.11       (0.09
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.27       $ 29.88       $ 24.47       $ 22.77       $ 23.71       $ 20.51  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    (6.03 )%        27.21       8.15 %E        (3.52 )%        16.19       27.41 %F 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 151,163,119       $ 178,062,388       $ 133,638,400       $ 136,460,611       $ 156,493,513       $ 56,343,594  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.93       1.06       1.02 %G        0.89       0.81       0.87

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.81       0.81       0.81 %G        0.83       0.81       0.84

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    0.26       0.15       0.12 %G        0.30       0.75       0.70

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.38       0.40       0.33 %G        0.35       0.75       0.70

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       78       40 %E        100       48       74

 

A 

Prior to the reorganization on February 5, 2016, the Institutional Class was known as Class N.

B 

On December 15, 2017, pursuant to a plan of Reorganization on termination, the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth II Fund (“Target Fund”) transferred all of its property and assets to the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (“Acquiring Fund”) in exchange solely for voting shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption of the Target Fund’s liabilities.

C 

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

D 

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

E 

Not annualized.

F 

Total return would have been lower had various fees not been waived during the period.

G 

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

44


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2018
          Year EndedA
December 31,
2017
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
2016
         

February 5,
2016B to
June 30,

2016

 
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.82       $ 24.45       $ 22.77       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.12         0.05         0.03         0.03  

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

    (1.98       6.57         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.86       6.62         1.84         2.31  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.11       (0.08       (0.16        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.64       (1.17                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.75       (1.25       (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.21       $ 29.82       $ 24.45       $ 22.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (6.04 )%        27.06       8.06 %D        11.29 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 2,306,982       $ 2,016,161       $ 669,530       $ 401,220  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.97       1.13       1.09 %E        4.00 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.91       0.91       0.91 %E        0.91 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.27       0.08       0.11 %E        (2.69 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.33       0.30       0.28 %E        0.40 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       78       40 %D        100 %F 

 

A 

On December 15, 2017, pursuant to a plan of Reorganization on termination, the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth II Fund (“Target Fund”) transferred all of its property and assets to the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (“Acquiring Fund”) in exchange solely for voting shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption of the Target Fund’s liabilities.

B 

Commencement of operations.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 5, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

45


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2018
          Year EndedA
December 31,
2017
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
2016
         

February 5,
2016B to
June 30,

2016

 
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.65       $ 24.38       $ 22.74       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    0.01         (0.01       (0.01       0.01  

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

    (1.94       6.53         1.81         2.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.93       6.52         1.80         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.03       (0.08       (0.16        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.64       (1.17                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.67       (1.25       (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.05       $ 29.65       $ 24.38       $ 22.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (6.33 )%        26.72       7.90 %D        11.14 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 65,869,325       $ 71,273,896       $ 399,798       $ 133,696  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.20       1.40       1.55 %E        8.43 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.19       1.19       1.19 %E        1.18 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.01 )%        (0.66 )%        (0.35 )%E        (7.08 )%E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.00 % F        (0.45 )%        0.02 %E        0.17 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       78       40 %D        100 %G 

 

A 

On December 15, 2017, pursuant to a plan of Reorganization on termination, the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth II Fund (“Target Fund”) transferred all of its property and assets to the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (“Acquiring Fund”) in exchange solely for voting shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption of the Target Fund’s liabilities.

B 

Commencement of operations.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Amount rounds to less than 0.005%.

G 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 5, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

46


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2018
          Year EndedA
December 31,
2017
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
2016
         

February 5,
2016B to
June 30,

2016

 
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.70       $ 24.39       $ 22.74       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.11       0.00 C         0.00 C         0.00 C  

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

    (1.83       6.54         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.94       6.54         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

            (0.06       (0.16        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.64       (1.17                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.64       (1.23       (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.12       $ 29.70       $ 24.39       $ 22.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    (6.35 )%        26.79       7.94 %E        11.14 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,700,188       $ 4,625,607       $ 135,710       $ 159,744  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.25       1.44       1.43 %F        5.25 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.21       1.21       1.21 %F        1.21 %F 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.09 )%        (0.23 )%        (0.26 )%F        (4.01 )%F 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.05 )%        0.00 %G        (0.05 )%F        0.02 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       78       40 %E        100 %H 

 

A 

On December 15, 2017, pursuant to a plan of Reorganization on termination, the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth II Fund (“Target Fund”) transferred all of its property and assets to the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (“Acquiring Fund”) in exchange solely for voting shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption of the Target Fund’s liabilities.

B 

Commencement of operations.

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 

Amount rounds to less than 0.005%.

H 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 5, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

47


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2018
          Year EndedA
December 31,
2017
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
2016
         

February 5,
2016B to
June 30,

2016

 
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.30       $ 24.22       $ 22.67       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment (loss)

    (0.17       (0.10       (0.13       (0.04

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

    (1.94       6.35         1.84         2.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (2.11       6.25         1.71         2.21  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

                    (0.16        

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.64       (1.17                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.64       (1.17       (0.16        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 24.55       $ 29.30       $ 24.22       $ 22.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (7.02 )%        25.78       7.52 %D        10.80 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

             

Net assets, end of period

  $ 798,319       $ 769,559       $ 175,907       $ 244,146  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.95       2.09       2.18 %E        7.33 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.96       1.96       1.96 %E        1.96 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.76 )%        (0.90 )%        (1.04 )%E        (5.98 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.77 )%        (0.77 )%        (0.81 )%E        (0.62 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60       78       40 %D        100 %F 

 

A 

On December 15, 2017, pursuant to a plan of Reorganization on termination, the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth II Fund (“Target Fund”) transferred all of its property and assets to the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (“Acquiring Fund”) in exchange solely for voting shares of the Acquiring Fund and the assumption of the Target Fund’s liabilities.

B 

Commencement of operations.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from February 5, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

48


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    April 30, 2018A
to December 31,
2018
 
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 30.89  
 

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

 

Net investment income

    0.12  

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

    (2.98
 

 

 

 

Total (loss) from investment operations

    (2.86
 

 

 

 

Less distributions:

 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.11

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.64
 

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.75
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 25.28  
 

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (9.07 )%C 
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 90,943  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    4.15 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.76 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.85 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.54 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    60 %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 April 30, 2018 through December 31, 2018 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

49


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.57       $ 26.08       $ 22.75       $ 23.89       $ 21.39  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.45         0.37         0.38         0.28         0.10  

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

    (4.28       3.78         3.32         (0.58       2.94  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (3.83       4.15         3.70         (0.30       3.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.47       (0.39       (0.35       (0.29       (0.17

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.66       (1.27       (0.02       (0.55       (0.37

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )A        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.13       (1.66       (0.37       (0.84       (0.54
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.61       $ 28.57       $ 26.08       $ 22.75       $ 23.89  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (13.28 )%        15.88       16.24       (1.23 )%        14.18
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,442,789,043       $ 1,547,760,278       $ 1,185,013,905       $ 682,849,171       $ 313,660,568  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    0.72       0.72       0.73       0.75       0.79

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    0.72       0.72       0.73       0.79       0.84

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    1.63       1.41       1.69       1.61       1.08

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.63       1.41       1.69       1.57       1.04

Portfolio turnover rate

    49       48       56       43       31

 

A 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

50


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.49       $ 26.01       $ 22.69       $ 23.84       $ 21.35  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.44         0.33         0.32         0.27         0.13  

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

    (4.28       3.79         3.35         (0.57       2.90  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (3.84       4.12         3.67         (0.30       3.03  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.45       (0.37       (0.33       (0.30       (0.17

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.66       (1.27       (0.02       (0.55       (0.37

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )A        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.11       (1.64       (0.35       (0.85       (0.54
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.54       $ 28.49       $ 26.01       $ 22.69       $ 23.84  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (13.35 )%        15.82       16.17       (1.26 )%        14.15
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,502,519,807       $ 1,547,228,114       $ 879,852,983       $ 414,585,125       $ 119,162,044  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    0.79       0.79       0.80       0.81       0.84

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    0.79       0.79       0.80       0.81       0.85

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    1.57       1.35       1.63       1.55       1.03

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.57       1.35       1.63       1.55       1.03

Portfolio turnover rate

    49       48       56       43       31

 

A 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

51


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.41       $ 25.93       $ 22.64       $ 23.77       $ 21.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.43         0.32         0.27         0.25         0.14  

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

    (4.33       3.71         3.31         (0.61       2.82  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (3.90       4.03         3.58         (0.36       2.96  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.35       (0.28       (0.27       (0.22       (0.10

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.66       (1.27       (0.02       (0.55       (0.37

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )A        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.01       (1.55       (0.29       (0.77       (0.47
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.50       $ 28.41       $ 25.93       $ 22.64       $ 23.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (13.60 )%        15.52       15.81       (1.51 )%        13.89
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 886,572,501       $ 1,387,184,369       $ 1,583,853,257       $ 977,719,149       $ 668,659,150  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.05       1.06       1.08       1.09       1.11

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.05       1.06       1.08       1.09       1.11

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    1.26       1.04       1.35       1.28       0.76

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.26       1.04       1.35       1.28       0.76

Portfolio turnover rate

    49       48       56       43       31

 

A 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

52


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.32       $ 25.82       $ 22.53       $ 23.66       $ 21.22  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.36         0.42         0.32         0.27         0.09  

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

    (4.25       3.58         3.24         (0.64       2.84  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (3.89       4.00         3.56         (0.37       2.93  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.36       (0.23       (0.25       (0.21       (0.12

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.66       (1.27       (0.02       (0.55       (0.37

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )A        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.02       (1.50       (0.27       (0.76       (0.49
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.41       $ 28.32       $ 25.82       $ 22.53       $ 23.66  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (13.60 )%        15.46       15.79       (1.56 )%        13.76
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 79,610,028       $ 96,229,248       $ 152,520,884       $ 147,394,607       $ 103,716,652  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.07       1.08       1.12       1.12       1.19

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.07       1.08       1.12       1.12       1.21

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    1.28       1.01       1.31       1.25       0.69

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.28       1.01       1.31       1.25       0.67

Portfolio turnover rate

    49       48       56       43       31

 

A 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

53


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.63       $ 25.27       $ 22.08       $ 23.27       $ 21.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.16         0.08         0.13         0.13         0.02  

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

    (4.12       3.62         3.16         (0.66       2.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (3.96       3.70         3.29         (0.53       2.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.15       (0.07       (0.08       (0.11       (0.07

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.66       (1.27       (0.02       (0.55       (0.37

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )A        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.81       (1.34       (0.10       (0.66       (0.44
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.86       $ 27.63       $ 25.27       $ 22.08       $ 23.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (14.23 )%        14.62       14.91       (2.27 )%        12.88
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 75,231,917       $ 102,553,616       $ 100,447,531       $ 84,411,378       $ 33,536,254  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.79       1.83       1.86       1.87       1.92

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.79       1.83       1.86       1.87       1.94

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

    0.54       0.28       0.57       0.48       (0.05 )% 

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

    0.54       0.28       0.57       0.48       (0.08 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    49       48       56       43       31

 

A 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

54


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2018
          April 28, 2017A
to
December 31,
2017
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.55       $ 26.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

     

Net investment income

    0.54         0.11  

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

    (4.37       3.37  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (3.83       3.48  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.47       (0.39

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.66       (1.27
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.13       (1.66
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.59       $ 28.55  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (13.27 )%        13.01 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

    $147,107,520       $ 91,521,786  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    0.70       0.75 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    0.70       0.71 %D 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    1.69       1.44 %D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.69       1.48 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    49       48 %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 April 28, 2017 through December 31, 2017 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

55


American Beacon FundsSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds are required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable year ended December 31, 2018. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2018.

The Funds designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. All designations are based on financial information available as of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Funds to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations there under.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

    31.35

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    100.00

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

    33.24

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    100.00

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

    $14,867,501  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    288,151,577  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  $ 6,410,359  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    0  

Shareholders will receive notification in January 2019 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2018 income tax returns.

 

 

56


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Alan D. Feld** (82)    Trustee since 1996    Partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (law firm) (1960-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (1999-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Gilbert G. Alvarado (49)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Innovative North State (2012-2015); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Women’s Empowerment (2009-2014); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Joseph B. Armes (56)    Trustee since 2015    Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials f/k/a Capital Southwest Corporation (investment company) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation, predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (2014-present) (investment company); CEO, Capital Southwest Corporation (2013-2015); President & CEO, JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer) (2013-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Gerard J. Arpey (60)    Trustee since 2012    Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (2015-Present); Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

57


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Brenda A. Cline (58)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair since 2019

Vice Chair 2018

   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (public sector software solutions company) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Eugene J. Duffy (64)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994-2014); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-2013); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Claudia A. Holz*** (61)    Trustee since 2018    Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Douglas A. Lindgren**** (57)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); Managing Director, P&S Hedge Funds, UBS Wealth Management (2008-2010); Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments, UBS Financial Services, Inc. (2005-2008); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Richard A. Massman (75)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair 2008-2018

Chair Emeritus since 2019

   Consultant and General Counsel Emeritus, Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming, ranching and venture capital activities) (2009-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (55)    Trustee since 2012    Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

58


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
R. Gerald Turner (73)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-Present); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (64)    President since 2009    CEO and Director (2009-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President, American Beacon Advisors (2009-2018); President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); President (2015-2018), Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); President and CEO, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2009-2015); President, CEO and Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2009-2015); Manager, President and CEO, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-Present); American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present); President,

 

 

59


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Rosemary K. Behan (59)   

VP, Secretary and

Chief Legal

Officer since 2006

   Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2008-Present); Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Brian E. Brett (58)    VP since 2004    Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present), Vice President, Director of Sales (2004-2012), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present), Vice President (2017-2018); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Paul B. Cavazos (49)    VP since 2016    Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy (2007-2016); Vice President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2016-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Erica Duncan (48)    VP Since 2011    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

60


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Melinda G. Heika (57)    Treasurer since 2010    Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc., (2010-2015); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2010-2015); Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Terri L. McKinney (55)    VP since 2010    Vice President (2009-Present), Managing Director (2003-2009), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc (2018-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (43)    VP since 2010    Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Senior Vice President (2013-2018), Vice President (2010-2013), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice Present (2015-2018, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Vice President (2012-2018), Manager (2015-2018), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2013-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2013-2015); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present)

 

 

61


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Samuel J. Silver (55)    VP Since 2011    Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Christina E. Sears (47)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

and Asst. Secretary since 1999

   Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Assistant Secretary (1999-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Sonia L. Bates (62)    Asst. Treasurer since 2011    Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Shelley D. Abrahams (44)    Assistant Secretary since 2008    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Rebecca L. Harris (52)    Assistant Secretary since 2010    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services (2015-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

62


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Teresa A. Oxford (60)    Assistant Secretary since 2015    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Services (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

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

** Mr. Feld is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trusts, as defined by the 1940 Act. Mr. Feld’s law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two fiscal years to one or more of the Trust’s sub-advisors.

*** Claudia A. Holz became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 4/1/2018.

**** Douglas A. Lindgren became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 1/1/2018.

 

 

63


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

 

   

information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

 

   

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

 

   

information we receive from third parties.

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

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

 

 

64


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 calendar quarter.   A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

   

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 Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund, and American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 12/18


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.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund or your financial intermediary electronically by going to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and clicking on “Quick Links” and then “Register for E-Delivery.”

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-800-658-5811, option 1, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary of your wish. A notice that will be mailed to you each time a report is posted will also include instructions for informing the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the American Beacon Funds Complex or your financial intermediary, as applicable.

STEPHENS MID-CAP GROWTH FUND

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. Investing in medium-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. The 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.

STEPHENS SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. Investing in small-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. The 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

December 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    9  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    11  

Schedules of Investments:

 

American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    12  

American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

    17  

Financial Statements

    22  

Notes to Financial Statements

    25  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    42  

American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

    48  

Federal Tax Information

    53  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    54  

Privacy Policy

    61  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

December 2018, a month in which market volatility spiked and all major U.S. equity indexes declined, ending the year in negative territory, serves as a prime example of the importance of having a long-term investment perspective.

 

While long-term investing isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move, it is about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. As a long-term investor, you should strive to accomplish the three Ds: direction, discipline and diversification.

 

u   Direction: Achieving your long-term financial goals requires an individualized plan of action. You may want your plan to provide some

  measure of protection against periods of geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty, market volatility and job insecurity. Your plan should be reviewed annually and be adjusted in the event your long-range needs change.

 

u  

Discipline: Long-term, systematic participation in an investment portfolio requires your resolution to stay the course. Spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may place you in a better position to reach your long-term financial goals.

 

u  

Diversification: By investing in different types of investment categories and asset classes, you may be able to help mitigate financial risks across your investment portfolio. By allocating your investment portfolio according to your risk-tolerance level, you may be better positioned to weather storms and achieve your long-term financial goals.

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term financial goals. As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. 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 investment portfolio.

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 long-term rewards.

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


Domestic Equity Market Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The 12-month period under review started with a nearly 6% rise in the S&P 500 Index (the “Index”) for January 2018, only to be followed by a decline of more than 8% over the first six trading days of February. The Index, which had risen by more than 9% by September 2018, reached 60 all-time highs during the year – the third-highest count on record. However, by December 31, all major U.S. indexes had declined and ended the year in negative territory. In relative terms for the year, large-cap stocks outpaced small-caps. Growth stocks also exhibited outperformance compared to Value stocks across all market caps. The Russell 2000 Growth Index outperformed the Russell 2000 Value Index by 3.55%, while the Russell 1000 Growth Index outperformed the Russell 1000 Value Index by 6.76%.

In the first quarter of 2018, most equity markets delivered gains in January only to see steep declines in early February. The selloff was triggered by strong wage growth numbers (rather than by weak economic data), which accelerated from 2.5% to 2.9% year-over-year – a substantial jump over just one month. The speed of the acceleration in wage growth caused investors to worry that U.S. short-term interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) would have to rise faster than the economy could withstand, thereby inverting the U.S. yield curve and inducing a near-term economic recession. Volatility heightened with the Index displaying 23 daily moves of +/- 1% in the first quarter compared to total of only eight throughout 2017.

In the second quarter of 2018, headlines oscillated wildly between optimism (business investment, expansionary fiscal policy and general economic strength) and pessimism (trade wars, weakening international/emerging economies and rising interest rates). However, U.S. equity markets ultimately notched gains each month, suggesting a “win” for market optimism. Volatility drifted lower as rising U.S. Treasury bond/note yields stalled at a more palatable level for investors, indicating a less overheated or inflated economy. U.S. retail sales grew by more than 6% year-over-year in May and unemployment fell to 3.8% – the lowest level since 1969. Tariff announcements took a toll on companies with China exposure, and the Industrials sector trailed all other sectors on trade tension struggles.

In the third quarter of 2018, a booming U.S. economy drove domestic stocks higher, leaving the Index up 7.7% for the year-to-date period. In September, U.S. consumer confidence hit its highest level since 2000, while the monthly average of initial jobless claims fell to the lowest level since 1969. Wage growth rose to the highest level since 2009, supporting retail sales growth of more than 7% on a year-over-year basis. Also, the National Federation of Independent Business’s survey showed that small businesses were the most optimistic they’ve been since the survey began in 1974. U.S. stocks across all capitalizations gained during the quarter against this remarkably strong, economic-growth backdrop.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, volatility returned as U.S. equity markets closed out one of the worst quarters since the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. The quarter was characterized by multiple days of +500-point swings in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (“DJIA”). In fact, the Christmas holiday week was extraordinary in its extremes. Christmas Eve had the worst showing in the DJIA’s history with the largest single-day gain (1,086 points) on the next trading day and the largest intra-day recovery on the following day.

Further, the Index halted just shy of entering a bear market, which is defined as a 20% decline from peak to trough, before rebounding to close the fourth quarter of 2018 with a 13.52% decline. Despite economic expansion, corporate growth and a healthy consumer, markets were shaken as sentiment went from bullish to bearish over a multitude of concerns, including global economic deceleration, an unresolved trade war and the absorption of the reality of a less accommodative Fed. The defensive Utilities sector led the way as the only positive sector in the Index for the quarter.

 

 

2


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 1.91% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. The Fund outperformed the Russell Midcap® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of -4.75% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2008 through 12/31/2018

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2018

 

    
      

Ticker

    

1 Year

  

3 Years

    

5 Years

  

10 Years

  

Value of $10,000

12/31/2008-

12/31/2018

Institutional Class (1,2,8)

     SFMIX          2.20 %        11.91 %          7.43 %        15.01 %      $ 40,504

Y Class (1,3,8)

     SMFYX          2.08 %        11.78 %          7.31 %        14.87 %      $ 39,985

Investor Class (1,8)

     STMGX          1.91 %        11.54 %          7.05 %        14.65 %      $ 39,251

A without Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     SMFAX          1.81 %        11.45 %          7.00 %        14.61 %      $ 39,093

A with Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     SMFAX          (4.03 )%        9.28 %          5.74 %        13.94 %      $ 36,862

C without Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     SMFCX          1.07 %        10.65 %          6.19 %        14.03 %      $ 37,163

C with Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     SMFCX          0.07 %        10.65 %          6.19 %        14.03 %      $ 37,163

R6 (1,6,8)

     SFMRX          2.20 %        11.91 %          7.43 %        15.01 %      $ 40,504
                                 

Russell Midcap® Growth Index (7)

              (4.75 )%        8.59 %          7.42 %        15.12 %      $ 40,880

S&P 500 Index (7)

              (4.38 )%        9.26 %          8.49 %        13.12 %      $ 34,303

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please call 1-800-9687-9009 or visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived from 2008 through 2013, partially recovered in 2014 and fully recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown from 2008 through 2013.

 

2.

A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class has been waived since 2008. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since 2008.

 

 

3


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

3.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are lower than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class was waived in 2012 and 2013, partially recovered in 2014, fully recovered in 2015, and waived in 2017 and 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012, 2013, 2017 and 2018.

 

4.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived in 2012 and 2013, fully recovered in 2015, waived in 2016 and recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012, 2013, and 2016. A Class has a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the C Class, and the returns of the C Class since its inception. Expenses of the C Class are higher than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class was waived from 2012 through 2014, fully recovered in 2015, waived in 2016 and 2017 and recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2012 through 2014 and in 2016 and 2017. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 12/31/08 up to 12/31/18, the inception date of the R6 Class.

 

7.

The Russell Midcap® Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell Midcap Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. Russell Midcap Index measures the performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000 Index. Russell Midcap Index, Russell Midcap Growth Index and Russell 1000 Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/ or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks publicly traded in the United States. The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and has been licensed for use by American Beacon Advisors. Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a division of S&P Global (“S&P”). Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). The American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions of the S&P 500 Index. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

8.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C and R6 Class shares were 1.02%, 1.06%, 1.24%, 1.34%, 2.06% and 0.99%, 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 due to both stock selection and sector allocation for the period.

From a stock selection standpoint, holdings in the Consumer Discretionary and Health Care sectors contributed the most to relative returns. In Consumer Discretionary, positions in Netflix (up 110.6%), Lululemon (up 56.0%) and Burlington Stores (up 31.5%) led in performance for the period. Within Health Care, the Fund held Dexcom Inc. (up 106.9%), Abiomed (up 70.1%) and Intuitive Surgical (up 29.6%), which all benefited the portfolio.

In contrast, stock selection in the Consumer Staples sector detracted from relative returns, with Monster Beverage down 22.2% and the Fund not holding Church & Dwight Co., which was an Index position that was up 33.2% for the period. Energy also negatively impacted performance during the period, with Core Laboratories down 45.0%, Range Resources down 46.3% and Pioneer Natural Resources down 24.2%.

As it relates to sector allocation, the Fund’s underweight in Materials (the worst performing sector for the Index), and overweights in both Information Technology and Health Care contributed positively to returns relative to the benchmark. However, the Fund’s overweight to the Energy sector, which was the second lowest performing sector, offset some of this positive performance.

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

 

 

4


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Illumina, Inc.           1.9  
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.           1.9  
ResMed, Inc.           1.8  
Burlington Stores, Inc.           1.8  
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.           1.7  
Verisk Analytics, Inc.           1.7  
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.           1.7  
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.           1.6  
ABIOMED, Inc.           1.6  
Aspen Technology, Inc.           1.6  
Total Fund Holdings      94       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Information Technology           31.5  
Health Care           23.2  
Industrials           15.1  
Consumer Discretionary           14.8  
Communication Services           5.9  
Financials           4.0  
Energy           2.8  
Consumer Staples           2.5  
Materials           0.2  

 

 

5


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 2.93% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, outperforming the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of -9.31% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2008 through 12/31/2018

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

  

3 Years

    

5 Years

  

10 Years

  

Value of  $10,000
12/31/2008-
12/31/2018

Institutional Class (1,2,7)

     STSIX          3.26 %        10.72 %          4.61 %        13.87 %      $ 36,642

Y Class (1,3,7)

     SPWYX          3.18 %        10.65 %          4.52 %        13.73 %      $ 36,190

Investor Class (1,7)

     STSGX          2.93 %        10.44 %          4.32 %        13.57 %      $ 35,704

A without Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     SPWAX          3.03 %        10.38 %          4.24 %        13.48 %      $ 35,421

A with Sales Charge (1,4,7)

     SPWAX          (2.87 )%        8.22 %          3.01 %        12.81 %      $ 33,381

C without Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     SPWCX          2.19 %        9.53 %          3.45 %        12.89 %      $ 33,625

C with Sales Charge (1,5,7)

     SPWCX          1.19 %        9.53 %          3.45 %        12.89 %      $ 33,625
                                 

Russell 2000® Growth Index (6)

              (9.31 )%        7.24 %          5.13 %        13.52 %      $ 35,547

S&P 500 Index (6)

              (4.38 )%        9.26 %          8.49 %        13.12 %      $ 34,303

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived from 2008 through 2013, fully recovered in 2014, waived in 2015, partially recovered in 2017 and fully recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2008 through 2013 and in 2015.

 

2.

A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class was waived from 2008 through 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2008 through 2013.

 

 

6


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

3.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the Y Class, and the returns of the Y Class since its inception. Expenses of the Y Class are lower than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class was waived in 2012 and 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown in 2012 and 2013.

 

4.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the A Class, and the returns of the A Class since its inception. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Investor Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived in 2012 partially recovered in 2013 and 2014, and fully recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012. A Class has a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/08 up to 2/24/12, the inception date of the C Class, and the returns of the C Class since its inception. Expenses of the C Class are higher than those of the Investor Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 12/31/08. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class was waived in 2012, partially recovered in 2013 and 2014, and fully recovered in 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6.

The Russell 2000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 2000 Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index of approximately 2000 smaller-capitalization stocks from various industrial sectors. The Russell 2000 Growth Index and the Russell 2000 Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any error or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks publicly traded in the United States. The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and has been licensed for use by American Beacon Advisors. Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a division of S&P Global (“S&P”). Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). The American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions of the S&P 500 Index. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

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 1.08%, 1.14%, 1.29%, 1.40% and 2.14%, 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 due to both security selection and sector allocation.

Security selection added the most value for the period, led by positions in Industrials and Health Care. In the Industrials sector, AXON Enterprise, Inc. (up 76.5%), Heico Corp. (up 23.5%) and CoStar Group (up 14.9%) were the largest contributors to performance. Within Health Care, Abiomed, Inc. was up 68.6%, while HMS Holdings was up 65.2% and ICON PLC was up 14.4%.

The aforementioned performance was modestly offset by poor selection in the Fund’s Consumer Staples and Financials sectors. In Consumer Staples, the following companies detracted the most from relative performance: ELF Beauty (down 32.6%) and MGP Ingredients Inc. (down 26.1%). Within Financials, EZCORP, Inc. was down 38.4% and PRA Group, Inc. was down 35.7%, a further drag on relative returns for the period.

As it relates to sector allocation, a significant overweight to Information Technology (the best performing sector in the Index) was the primary contributor to relative performance. An underweight to Materials (one of the worst performers for the Index) further impacted returns for the period. Slightly offsetting some of this performance was an overweight to Energy (the worst performer for the Index), as well as an underweight to Health Care.

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

 

 

7


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
ICON PLC           2.1  
Five9, Inc.           1.6  
Proto Labs, Inc.           1.6  
Omnicell, Inc.           1.6  
Semtech Corp.           1.6  
HEICO Corp., Class A           1.6  
Aaron’s, Inc.           1.6  
Green Dot Corp., Class A           1.6  
Trex Co., Inc.           1.6  
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.           1.6  
Total Fund Holdings      103       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Information Technology           30.8  
Health Care           21.0  
Industrials           16.9  
Consumer Discretionary           13.1  
Financials           9.0  
Consumer Staples           3.2  
Communication Services           3.2  
Energy           1.9  
Materials           0.9  

 

 

8


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 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 July 1, 2018 through December 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.

 

 

9


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2018-12/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $904.40       $4.27
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.72       $4.53
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $903.90       $4.75
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.22       $5.04
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $903.10       $6.00
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.90       $6.36
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $902.60       $6.19
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.70       $6.56
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $899.50       $9.77
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.92       $10.36
R6 Class#            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,000.00       $-
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,025.21       $-

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.89%, 0.99%, 1.25%, 1.29%, 2.04% and 0% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, C, and R6 Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

#

Launched on December 31, 2018 and commenced operations on January 2, 2019.

 

American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund            
    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2018-12/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $874.00       $5.10
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.76       $5.50
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $873.30       $5.43
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.41       $5.85
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $872.70       $6.37
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.40       $6.87
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $873.00       $6.66
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.10       $7.17
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $869.20       $10.22
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.27       $11.02

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.09%, 1.15%, 1.38%, 1.38%, and 2.15% 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 (184) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

 

10


American Beacon FundsSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders of American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund and the Board of Trustees of American Beacon Funds

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds), (two of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2018, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds (two of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds) at December 31, 2018, the results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and their financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more American Beacon investment companies since 1987.

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2019

 

 

11


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.28%            
Communication Services - 5.79%            
Entertainment - 4.88%            
Electronic Arts, Inc.A       16,483         $ 1,300,674
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.A       38,704           1,906,172
Spotify Technology S.A.A       7,889           895,401
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.A       14,211           1,462,880
           

 

 

 
              5,565,127
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - 0.91%            
Match Group, Inc.B       24,050           1,028,619
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              6,593,746
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 14.51%            
Distributors - 0.72%            
LKQ Corp.A       34,615           821,414
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Consumer Services - 1.33%            
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.A       13,600           1,515,720
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 2.20%            
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.       6,062           1,503,315
MGM Resorts International       41,335           1,002,787
           

 

 

 
              2,506,102
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 3.40%            
Expedia Group, Inc.       8,835           995,263
GrubHub, Inc.A       18,375           1,411,384
MercadoLibre, Inc.       5,025           1,471,571
           

 

 

 
              3,878,218
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 0.52%            
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.A       8,931           594,001
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 4.43%            
Burlington Stores, Inc.A       12,279           1,997,425
Ross Stores, Inc.       15,533           1,292,345
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.A       7,181           1,758,196
           

 

 

 
              5,047,966
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 1.91%            
Canada Goose Holdings, Inc.A       10,143           443,452
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.A       14,295           1,738,415
           

 

 

 
              2,181,867
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              16,545,288
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 2.48%            
Beverages - 2.48%            
Brown-Forman Corp., Class B       24,237           1,153,197
Monster Beverage Corp.A       33,983           1,672,643
           

 

 

 
              2,825,840
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              2,825,840
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.28% (continued)            
Energy - 2.76%            
Energy Equipment & Services - 0.50%            
Core Laboratories N.V.       9,601         $ 572,796
           

 

 

 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 2.26%            
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.       54,698           1,222,500
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.       6,368           837,519
Range Resources Corp.       53,575           512,713
           

 

 

 
              2,572,732
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              3,145,528
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 3.93%            
Banks - 2.19%            
East West Bancorp, Inc.       28,203           1,227,677
SVB Financial GroupA       6,664           1,265,627
           

 

 

 
              2,493,304
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 1.74%            
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.       9,391           1,984,412
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              4,477,716
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 22.79%            
Biotechnology - 1.24%            
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       7,195           700,505
Exelixis, Inc.A       35,975           707,629
           

 

 

 
              1,408,134
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 10.53%            
ABIOMED, Inc.A       5,553           1,804,947
Align Technology, Inc.A       3,427           717,716
DexCom, Inc.A       12,861           1,540,748
Hologic, Inc.A       30,726           1,262,838
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.A       11,383           2,117,466
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.A       3,789           1,814,628
ResMed, Inc.       18,049           2,055,240
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.A       6,100           691,191
           

 

 

 
              12,004,774
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 1.91%            
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.A       29,622           761,581
Henry Schein, Inc.A       17,988           1,412,418
           

 

 

 
              2,173,999
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 3.00%            
Cerner Corp.A       23,807           1,248,439
Medidata Solutions, Inc.A       20,020           1,349,749
Veeva Systems, Inc., Class AA       9,204           822,101
           

 

 

 
              3,420,289
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 5.50%            
ICON PLCA       12,510           1,616,417
Illumina, Inc.A       7,367           2,209,584
PRA Health Sciences, Inc.A       13,444           1,236,310
QIAGEN N.V.A       35,215           1,213,157
           

 

 

 
              6,275,468
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.28% (continued)            
Health Care - 22.79% (continued)            
Pharmaceuticals - 0.61%            
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       16,228         $ 698,129
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              25,980,793
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 14.87%            
Aerospace & Defense - 2.39%            
Harris Corp.       11,025           1,484,516
HEICO Corp., Class A       19,631           1,236,753
           

 

 

 
              2,721,269
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - 0.57%            
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.       7,783           654,473
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 1.39%            
Copart, Inc.A       33,214           1,586,965
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - 1.66%            
Rockwell Automation, Inc.       7,197           1,083,005
Sensata Technologies Holding PLCA       18,036           808,734
           

 

 

 
              1,891,739
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial Conglomerates - 1.00%            
Roper Technologies, Inc.       4,295           1,144,704
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 0.54%            
Middleby Corp.A       5,962           612,476
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 4.58%            
CoStar Group, Inc.A       5,168           1,743,373
IHS Markit Ltd.A       23,611           1,132,619
Verisk Analytics, Inc.A       18,144           1,978,422
WageWorks, Inc.A       13,524           367,312
           

 

 

 
              5,221,726
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - 0.99%            
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.       12,107           1,126,435
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.75%            
Fastenal Co.       17,866           934,213
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A       13,777           1,059,727
           

 

 

 
              1,993,940
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              16,953,727
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 30.92%            
Communications Equipment - 1.09%            
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.A       6,602           1,243,487
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 5.20%            
Cognex Corp.       31,035           1,200,123
FLIR Systems, Inc.       40,305           1,754,880
IPG Photonics Corp.A       8,514           964,551
Keysight Technologies, Inc.A       16,098           999,364
National Instruments Corp.       22,175           1,006,301
           

 

 

 
              5,925,219
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 98.28% (continued)            
Information Technology - 30.92% (continued)            
IT Services - 6.76%            
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.A       13,838          $ 1,416,734
Fiserv, Inc.A       17,512           1,286,957
Global Payments, Inc.       14,984           1,545,300
Shopify, Inc., Class AA       3,841           531,786
Square, Inc., Class AA       26,041           1,460,640
WEX, Inc.A       10,493           1,469,650
           

 

 

 
              7,711,067
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.59%            
Microchip Technology, Inc.B       21,000           1,510,320
NXP Semiconductors N.V.       6,251           458,073
ON Semiconductor Corp.A       28,489           470,353
Xilinx, Inc.       19,432           1,655,024
           

 

 

 
              4,093,770
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 14.28%            
2U, Inc.A       10,449           519,524
ANSYS, Inc.A       5,975           854,067
Aspen Technology, Inc.A       21,692           1,782,649
Autodesk, Inc.A       12,661           1,628,331
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.A       36,464           1,585,455
DocuSign, Inc.A       20,118           806,329
Dropbox, Inc., Class AA       31,429           642,094
Fortinet, Inc.A       17,275           1,216,678
Guidewire Software, Inc.A       5,587           448,245
Proofpoint, Inc.A       6,191           518,868
PTC, Inc.A       14,153           1,173,284
Splunk, Inc.A       11,397           1,194,975
Tableau Software, Inc., Class AA       12,955           1,554,600
Tyler Technologies, Inc.A       4,055           753,500
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.A       6,527           1,598,267
           

 

 

 
              16,276,866
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              35,250,409
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 0.23%            
Chemicals - 0.23%            
Albemarle Corp.       3,439           265,044
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $94,345,563)

              112,038,091
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.09% (Cost $1,239,434)            
Investment Companies - 1.09%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%C D       1,239,434           1,239,434
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 0.93% (Cost $1,055,421)            
Investment Companies - 0.93%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%C D       1,055,421           1,055,421
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.30% (Cost $96,640,418)

              114,332,946

LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS - (0.30%)

              (337,680 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 113,995,266
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan at December 31, 2018.

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

D 7-day yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Common Stocks

  $ 112,038,091       $ -        $ -       $ 112,038,091  

Short-Term Investments

    1,239,434         -          -         1,239,434  

Securities Lending Collateral

    1,055,421         -          -         1,055,421  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 114,332,946       $ -        $ -       $ 114,332,946  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 101.64%            
Communication Services - 3.23%            
Entertainment - 1.30%            
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.A       44,524         $ 4,583,301
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - 1.18%            
ANGI Homeservices, Inc., Class AA       259,187           4,165,135
           

 

 

 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services - 0.75%            
Boingo Wireless, Inc.A       128,060           2,634,194
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              11,382,630
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 13.30%            
Diversified Consumer Services - 3.18%            
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.A       41,263           4,598,761
Chegg, Inc.A       159,067           4,520,684
Grand Canyon Education, Inc.A       21,934           2,108,735
           

 

 

 
              11,228,180
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 2.11%            
Potbelly Corp.A       237,742           1,913,823
Wingstop, Inc.       85,874           5,512,252
           

 

 

 
              7,426,075
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 1.78%            
GrubHub, Inc.A       32,372           2,486,493
Stamps.com, Inc.A       24,387           3,795,593
           

 

 

 
              6,282,086
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 1.57%            
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.A       83,039           5,522,924
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 3.98%            
Aaron’s, Inc.       134,120           5,639,746
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.A       168,605           2,871,343
Five Below, Inc.A       14,408           1,474,227
Monro, Inc.       58,878           4,047,862
           

 

 

 
              14,033,178
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 0.68%            
Canada Goose Holdings, Inc.A       55,020           2,405,475
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              46,897,918
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 3.25%            
Beverages - 1.04%            
MGP Ingredients, Inc.B       64,422           3,675,275
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 2.21%            
Calavo Growers, Inc.       66,129           4,824,772
Limoneira Co.       151,552           2,962,842
           

 

 

 
              7,787,614
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              11,462,889
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 1.92%            
Energy Equipment & Services - 0.66%            
Core Laboratories N.V.       18,142           1,082,352
RigNet, Inc.A       98,805           1,248,895
           

 

 

 
              2,331,247
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 101.64% (continued)            
Energy - 1.92% (continued)            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.26%            
Callon Petroleum Co.A       190,371         $ 1,235,508
Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc.A       80,870           913,022
PDC Energy, Inc.A       34,665           1,031,630
Range Resources Corp.       129,972           1,243,832
           

 

 

 
              4,423,992
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              6,755,239
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 9.19%            
Banks - 2.16%            
Allegiance Bancshares, Inc.A       43,630           1,412,303
Ameris Bancorp       91,868           2,909,460
East West Bancorp, Inc.       25,385           1,105,009
Veritex Holdings, Inc.A       101,683           2,173,982
           

 

 

 
              7,600,754
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 1.37%            
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.       22,873           4,833,294
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 5.66%            
Encore Capital Group, Inc.A B       123,076           2,892,286
EZCORP, Inc., Class AA       449,581           3,475,261
FirstCash, Inc.       67,509           4,884,276
Green Dot Corp., Class AA       69,873           5,556,301
PRA Group, Inc.A       129,886           3,165,322
           

 

 

 
              19,973,446
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              32,407,494
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 21.32%            
Biotechnology - 2.84%            
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       38,893           5,277,780
Repligen Corp.A       89,611           4,726,084
           

 

 

 
              10,003,864
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 4.82%            
ABIOMED, Inc.A       9,066           2,946,813
Insulet Corp.A       26,383           2,092,699
Neogen Corp.A       78,370           4,467,090
NuVasive, Inc.A       76,793           3,805,861
Penumbra, Inc.A       30,040           3,670,888
           

 

 

 
              16,983,351
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 2.71%            
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.A       107,124           2,754,158
BioTelemetry, Inc.A       48,417           2,891,464
HealthEquity, Inc.A       65,617           3,914,054
           

 

 

 
              9,559,676
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 4.99%            
HealthStream, Inc.       101,616           2,454,026
HMS Holdings Corp.A       162,420           4,568,875
Medidata Solutions, Inc.A       71,892           4,846,959
Omnicell, Inc.A       93,576           5,730,594
           

 

 

 
              17,600,454
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 101.64% (continued)            
Health Care - 21.32% (continued)            
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 4.15%            
Bio-Techne Corp.       23,147         $ 3,349,834
ICON PLCA       57,124           7,380,992
PRA Health Sciences, Inc.A       42,548           3,912,714
           

 

 

 
              14,643,540
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 1.81%            
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       108,600           4,671,972
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       51,332           1,705,249
           

 

 

 
              6,377,221
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              75,168,106
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 17.16%            
Aerospace & Defense - 5.37%            
Aerovironment, Inc.A       28,196           1,915,918
Axon Enterprise, Inc.A       85,323           3,732,881
HEICO Corp., Class A       89,981           5,668,803
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.A       250,240           3,525,882
Mercury Systems, Inc.A       86,585           4,094,605
           

 

 

 
              18,938,089
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - 1.31%            
Echo Global Logistics, Inc.A       109,255           2,221,154
Hub Group, Inc., Class AA       64,913           2,406,325
           

 

 

 
              4,627,479
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 1.57%            
Trex Co., Inc.A       93,278           5,536,982
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 4.53%            
Kornit Digital Ltd.A B       186,284           3,487,236
Lindsay Corp.       22,423           2,158,214
Proto Labs, Inc.A       51,136           5,767,629
RBC Bearings, Inc.A       34,648           4,542,353
           

 

 

 
              15,955,432
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 1.71%            
CoStar Group, Inc.A       13,810           4,658,666
WageWorks, Inc.A       50,495           1,371,444
           

 

 

 
              6,030,110
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 2.67%            
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.A       98,099           3,111,700
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A       39,023           3,001,649
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.A       59,519           3,289,615
           

 

 

 
              9,402,964
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              60,491,056
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 31.29%            
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 3.35%            
Cognex Corp.       70,347           2,720,319
FLIR Systems, Inc.       102,730           4,472,864
National Instruments Corp.       61,321           2,782,747
nLight, Inc.A B       102,559           1,823,499
           

 

 

 
              11,799,429
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
COMMON STOCKS - 101.64% (continued)            
Information Technology - 31.29% (continued)            
IT Services - 3.13%            
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.A       48,121         $ 4,926,628
MAXIMUS, Inc.       31,933           2,078,519
WEX, Inc.A       28,865           4,042,832
           

 

 

 
              11,047,979
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.82%            
CyberOptics Corp.A B       52,047           917,589
Inphi Corp.A       46,790           1,504,298
Power Integrations, Inc.       36,157           2,204,854
Semtech Corp.A       124,357           5,704,256
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.A       40,025           3,154,370
           

 

 

 
              13,485,367
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 20.99%            
2U, Inc.A       54,066           2,688,161
8x8, Inc.A       242,550           4,375,602
Aspen Technology, Inc.A       66,839           5,492,829
Cornerstone OnDemand, Inc.A       53,144           2,680,052
CyberArk Software Ltd.A       48,580           3,601,721
Envestnet, Inc.A       82,967           4,081,147
FireEye, Inc.A       220,040           3,566,848
Five9, Inc.A       132,833           5,807,459
Globant S.A.A       61,996           3,491,615
Guidewire Software, Inc.A       50,403           4,043,833
Manhattan Associates, Inc.A       80,389           3,406,082
Mimecast Ltd.A       84,345           2,836,522
Proofpoint, Inc.A       54,496           4,567,310
PROS Holdings, Inc.A       136,958           4,300,481
Q2 Holdings, Inc.A       85,650           4,243,957
Qualys, Inc.A       59,464           4,444,339
SPS Commerce, Inc.A       33,741           2,779,584
Tyler Technologies, Inc.A       18,045           3,353,122
Ultimate Software Group, Inc.A       17,284           4,232,333
           

 

 

 
              73,992,997
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              110,325,772
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 0.98%            
Chemicals - 0.98%            
Balchem Corp.       44,275           3,468,946
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $247,412,085)

              358,360,050
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 3.22% (Cost $11,354,466)            
Investment Companies - 3.22%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%C D       11,354,466           11,354,466
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 104.86% (Cost $258,766,551)

              369,714,516

LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS - (4.86%)

              (17,141,404 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 352,573,112
           

 

 

 
           

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

 

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan at December 31, 2018.

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

D 7-day yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Common Stocks

  $ 358,360,050       $ -        $ -       $ 358,360,050  

Securities Lending Collateral

    11,354,466         -          -         11,354,466  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 369,714,516       $ -        $ -       $ 369,714,516  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth Fund
          Stephens Small Cap
Growth Fund
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value§

  $ 112,038,091       $ 358,360,050  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    2,294,855         11,354,466  

Dividends and interest receivable

    10,742         50,376  

Receivable for investments sold

    289,417         4,283,189  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    737,018         2,247,701  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    25,780         -  

Prepaid expenses

    54,053         44,480  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    115,449,956         376,340,262  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    134,790         188,425  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    111,759         8,150,951  

Dividends and interest expense payable

    -         605  

Payable for interfund loan

    -         3,640,918  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    89,901         323,027  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    9,372         16,646  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    6,661         15,890  

Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 8)§

    1,055,421         11,354,466  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    5,348         13,969  

Professional fees payable

    35,321         38,591  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    2,922         23,506  

Other liabilities

    3,195         156  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    1,454,690         23,767,150  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 113,995,266       $ 352,573,112  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 88,331,890       $ 235,383,475  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    25,663,376         117,189,637  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 113,995,266       $ 352,573,112  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

 

Institutional Class

    3,513,585         17,845,734  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    486,082         3,426,749  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    805,172         4,191,646  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    694,239         429,846  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    145,522         95,116  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassB

    4,710         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

     

Institutional Class

  $ 74,603,963       $ 246,845,478  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 10,252,661       $ 46,998,050  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 14,330,547       $ 52,359,859  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 12,293,695       $ 5,293,719  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 2,414,400       $ 1,076,006  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassB

  $ 100,000         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 21.23       $ 13.83  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 21.09       $ 13.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 17.80       $ 12.49  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 17.71       $ 12.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 18.79       $ 13.07  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 16.59       $ 11.31  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 ClassB

  $ 21.23         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

† Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 94,345,563       $ 247,412,085  

‡ Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 2,294,855       $ 11,354,466  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 1,049,086       $ 11,031,447  

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

B Class launched on December 31, 2018 and commenced operations on January 2, 2019 (Note 1).

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth Fund
          Stephens Small Cap
Growth Fund
 

Investment income:

 

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

  $ 489,222       $ 1,239,842 C  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 7)

    69,073         60,385  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 8)

    13,564         429,639  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    571,859         1,729,866  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,086,604         5,232,932  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    58,234         155,552  

Y Class (Note 2)

    7,450         82,443  

Investor Class

    2,184         3,639  

A Class

    514         371  

C Class

    209         90  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    30,641         71,916  

Professional fees

    37,047         52,744  

Registration fees and expenses

    95,346         94,703  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    52,299         164,746  

A Class

    14,806         5,178  

C Class

    1,601         1,118  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    37,352         16,056  

C Class

    18,832         11,907  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    14,409         50,838  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    8,553         36,702  

Other expenses

    12,596         54,863  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    1,478,677         6,035,798  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (103,756       53  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    1,374,921         6,035,851  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment (loss)

    (803,062       (4,305,985
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized gain from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    15,570,916         111,127,480  

Change in net unrealized (depreciation) of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    (16,821,873       (66,227,807
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) from investments

    (1,250,957       44,899,673  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,054,019     $ 40,593,688  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

† Foreign taxes

  $ 3,538       $ 8,168  

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

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

C Includes non-recurring dividends of $836,385, for the Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund.

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund           Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund  
    Year Ended
December 31,

2018
          Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Year Ended
December 31,
2018
          Year Ended
December 31,
2017
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment (loss)

  $ (803,062     $ (383,965     $ (4,305,985     $ (4,974,499

Net realized gain from investments in unaffiliated securities

    15,570,916         7,127,682         111,127,480         35,805,473  

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

    (16,821,873       15,861,967         (66,227,807       75,670,510  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,054,019       22,605,684         40,593,688         106,501,484  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Net realized gain from investments:

             

Institutional Class

    -         (2,690,238       -         (14,512,324

Y Class

    -         (245,604       -         (2,773,676

Investor Class

    -         (774,146       -         (1,840,808

A Class

    -         (751,075       -         (199,473

C Class

    -         (100,863       -         (36,826

R6 Class**

    -         -         -         -  

Total retained earnings:*

             

Institutional Class

    (5,425,780       -         (76,595,283       -  

Y Class

    (757,041       -         (18,278,992       -  

Investor Class

    (1,251,731       -         (16,618,636       -  

A Class

    (1,124,545       -         (1,689,188       -  

C Class

    (144,407       -         (366,743       -  

R6 Class**

    -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (8,703,504       (4,561,926       (113,548,842       (19,363,107
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    78,079,866         20,138,157         138,657,979         95,024,755  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    8,387,775         4,482,386         100,058,452         19,039,862  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (58,755,155       (26,940,208       (387,151,403       (217,450,885
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    27,712,486         (2,319,665       (148,434,972       (103,386,268
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    16,954,963         15,724,093         (221,390,126       (16,247,891
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    97,040,303         81,316,210         573,963,238         590,211,129  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 113,995,266       $ 97,040,303       $ 352,573,112       $ 573,963,238  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

* Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information regarding new accounting pronouncements.

** Class launched on December 31, 2018 and commenced operations on January 2, 2019 in the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund (Note 1).

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Funds, each a series within the Trust, are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of December 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”).The remaining thirty-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. The Manager is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08, Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the premium amortization period on a purchased callable debt security from the security’s contractual life to the earliest call date. It is anticipated that this change will enhance disclosures by reducing losses recognized when a security is called on an earlier date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Manager continues to evaluate the impact this ASU will have on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The amendments in the ASU impact disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. It is anticipated that this change will enhance the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted and can include the entire standard or certain provisions that exclude or amend disclosures. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Funds have chosen to adopt the standard. The adoption of this ASU guidance did not have a material impact on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements in Securities Act Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, which is intended to facilitate the disclosure of information to investors and simplify compliance without significantly altering the total mix of information provided to investors. Effective with the current reporting period, the Funds adopted the amendments with the impacts being that the Funds are no longer required to present components of distributable earnings on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities or the sources of distributable earnings and the amount of undistributed net investment income on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Class Disclosure

On December 31, 2018, the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund created the R6 Class, a new class to provide third party intermediaries an investment option for the large 401(K) plans that does not charge 12b-1 or sub-transfer agency fees. 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  
R6 Class    All investors participating in retirement plan directly or through intermediary organizations.      None  

Each class offered by the Trust has equal rights as to assets and voting privileges. Income and non-class specific expenses are allocated daily to each class 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 FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, a part of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

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.

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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.

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 Stephens Investment Management Group LLC (the “Sub-Advisor”) 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 schedule:

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

First $100 million

     0.50

Over $100 million

     0.45

Stephens Small Cap Growth

 

First $200 million

     0.65

Over $200 million

     0.60

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 463,461  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.46       623,143  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.81     $ 1,086,604  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 1,919,064  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.63       3,313,868  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.98     $ 5,232,932  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Funds, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. These fees are included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and investment advisory fees” on the Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Manager received securities lending fees of $1,418 and $40,623 for the securities lending activities of the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, respectively.

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes of the Funds, 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 and shareholder servicing assistance, the Manager receives an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A Class and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the C Class. The fee will be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the Manager for distribution assistance.

Service Plans

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

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

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

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 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 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 year ended December 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  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   $ 62,169  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     221,926  

As of December 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
 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   $ 5,920  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     13,502  

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 year ended December 31, 2018, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

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

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   $ 3,945      $ 1,375      $ 5,320  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     3,381        25,432        28,813  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the 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

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

of the credit facility to the Board. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund borrowed on average $5,569,294 for 9 days at an average interest rate of 2.96% with interest charges of $3,960 and Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund borrowed on average $3,721,428 for 37 days at an average interest rate of 2.42% with interest charges of $9,441. These amounts are recorded as “Other expenses” in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund had an outstanding loan recorded as “Payable for interfund loan” of $3,640,918 on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

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 year ended December 31, 2018, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                     

Fund

   Class    1/1/2018 -
6/30/2018
    7/1/2018 -
12/31/2018
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
    Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   Institutional      0.99     0.89   $ 92,500      $ -       2021  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   Y      1.09     0.99     3,347        -       2021  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   Investor      N/A       1.25     5,230        -       2021  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   A      1.34     1.29     2,392        -       2021  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   C      2.09     2.04     287        -       2021  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

   Investor      N/A       N/A       -        (53     2021  

Of these amounts, $25,780 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2018 for the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund.

The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee reductions and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Funds for any contractual or voluntary fee reductions or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager’s own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Funds’ annual operating expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or time of recoupment. The reimbursed expenses listed above will expire in 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, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   $ -     $ 54,783      $ -        2019  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

     -       47,661        -        2020  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     (53     -        -        N/A  

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-allocate to

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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-allocated 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 January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018, Foreside collected $177 and $170 for American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares. During the period March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, RID collected $2,157 and $1,983 for the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the year ended December 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 January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018, Foreside collected CDSC fees of $209 for Class C Shares of the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund. During the period March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, RID collected $173 and $223 for the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, respectively, for Class C Shares.

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 Total Return 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

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time. The Board Chair receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a $2,500 fee each quarter for attendance at the committee meetings. The Chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. These expenses are allocated on a prorated basis to each Fund of the Trusts according to its respective net assets.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

The price of the Fund’s shares is based on the Fund’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”). The NAV of the Fund, or each of its share classes, as applicable, is determined by dividing the total value of portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities attributable to the Fund or class, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund or class.

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

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

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

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

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, ETFs, 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.

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Common Stock

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

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange-Traded Products

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

5.  Principal Risks

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

Equity Investments Risk

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

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Foreign Investing Risk

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

Investment Risk

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

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. 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

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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. Because of the sharp decline in the worldwide price of oil, there is a concern that oil producing nations may withdraw significant assets now held in U.S. Treasuries, which could force a substantial increase in interest rates. 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.

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.

Sector Risk

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

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.

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

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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, December 31, 2018.

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

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

Securities Lending Transactions

                 

Common Stocks

  $ 1,055,421       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,055,421  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

  $ 1,055,421       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,055,421  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions

 

  $ 1,055,421  
                 

 

 

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

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

Securities Lending Transactions

                 

Common Stocks

  $ 11,354,466       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 11,354,466  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

  $ 11,354,466       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 11,354,466  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions

 

  $ 11,354,466  
                 

 

 

 

6.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

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

The Funds do not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 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.

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund           Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
          Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 

Distributions paid from:

             

Long-term capital gains

             

Institutional Class

  $ 5,425,780       $ 2,690,238       $ 76,595,283       $ 14,512,324  

Y Class

    757,041         245,604         18,278,992         2,773,676  

Investor Class

    1,251,731         774,146         16,618,636         1,840,808  

A Class

    1,124,545         751,075         1,689,188         199,473  

C Class

    144,407         100,863         366,743         36,826  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 8,703,504       $ 4,561,926       $ 113,548,842       $ 19,363,107  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2018, the components of distributable earnings (deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost           Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   $ 97,953,663       $ 21,919,393       $ (5,540,110     $ 16,379,283  
Stephens Small Cap Growth     263,083,781         125,737,116         (19,106,381       106,630,735  

 

Fund

  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
          Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
          Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
          Accumulated
Capital and
Other (Losses)
          Other
Temporary
Differences
          Distributable
Earnings
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   $ 16,379,283       $ -       $ 9,284,093       $ -       $ -       $ 25,663,376  
Stephens Small Cap Growth     106,630,735         -         10,558,902         -         -         117,189,637  

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

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

Accordingly, the following amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from non-utilization of net operating losses and excise tax paid as of December 31, 2018:

 

Fund

   Paid-In-Capital            Distributable
Earnings/(Deficits)
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth    $ (803,062      $ 803,062  
Stephens Small Cap Growth      (4,305,985        4,305,985  

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 ended December 31, 2018, the Funds did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

7.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
          Sales (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   $ 65,030,568       $ 48,580,558  
Stephens Small Cap Growth     86,077,912         342,484,302  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2017
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           December 31,
2018
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   Direct     $ 295,830       $ 68,213,523       $ 67,269,919       $ 1,239,434       $ 69,073  
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   Securities Lending       1,853,081         36,851,043         37,648,703         1,055,421         N/A  
Stephens Small Cap Growth   Direct       1,257,376         114,917,006         116,174,382         -         60,385  
Stephens Small Cap Growth   Securities Lending       48,083,424         171,418,273         208,147,231         11,354,466         N/A  

8. Securities Lending

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

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

 

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

will be less than the amount of cash collateral required to be returned to the borrower, that non-cash collateral may be subject to legal constraints in the event of a borrower bankruptcy, and that the cash collateral investments could become illiquid and unable to be used to return collateral to the borrower. The Funds could also experience delays and costs in gaining access to the collateral. The Funds bear the risk of any deficiency in the amount of the cash collateral available for return to the borrower and any action which impairs its ability to liquidate non-cash collateral to satisfy a borrower default.

As of December 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
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth     $ 1,049,086       $ 1,055,421       $ -       $ 1,055,421  
Stephens Small Cap Growth       11,031,447         11,354,466         -         11,354,466  

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

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

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 15, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), 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 $250 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 closing fee of $100,000 on the Effective Date and a quarterly commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 14, 2019, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also 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 plus 1.25% per annum on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds will pay a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 14, 2019 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 year ended December 31, 2018, the Funds did not utilize this facility.

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

10. Capital Share Transactions

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

 

     Institutional Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      2,358,949        $ 58,811,049          668,863        $ 13,919,732  
Reinvestment of dividends      250,100          5,174,568          117,773          2,652,250  
Shares redeemed      (1,809,263        (42,838,051        (830,684        (17,481,948
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding      799,786        $ 21,147,566          (44,048      $ (909,966
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     Y Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      299,355        $ 7,427,070          170,499        $ 3,611,313  
Reinvestment of dividends      36,061          741,056          10,385          232,728  
Shares redeemed      (101,782        (2,476,639        (66,224        (1,391,934
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding      233,634        $ 5,691,487          114,660        $ 2,452,107  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     Investor Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      438,488        $ 9,927,938          67,121        $ 1,177,130  
Reinvestment of dividends      69,860          1,211,364          39,069          750,512  
Shares redeemed      (473,243        (10,248,837        (165,370        (3,048,034
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding      35,105        $ 890,465          (59,180      $ (1,120,392
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     A Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      33,452        $ 726,471          56,836        $ 995,134  
Reinvestment of dividends      64,851          1,119,326          39,072          747,845  
Shares redeemed      (130,372        (2,604,564        (252,690        (4,653,221
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding      (32,069      $ (758,767        (156,782      $ (2,910,242
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     C Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      63,297        $ 1,087,338          25,836        $ 434,847  
Reinvestment of dividends      8,748          141,461          5,452          99,052  
Shares redeemed      (29,360        (587,064        (20,605        (365,071
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding      42,685        $ 641,735          10,683        $ 168,828  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     R6 Class                            
     Period Ended December 31, 2018A                            

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

                                             
Shares sold      4,710        $ 100,000            
  

 

 

      

 

 

           
Net increase in shares outstanding      4,710        $ 100,000            
  

 

 

      

 

 

           

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

  
     Institutional Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      3,867,303        $ 82,471,413          4,504,922        $ 79,205,971  
Reinvestment of dividends      4,704,001          63,362,893          748,200          14,290,622  
Shares redeemed      (13,532,203        (291,145,177        (9,812,486        (177,676,084
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding      (4,960,899      $ (145,310,871        (4,559,364      $ (84,179,491
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     Y Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      882,266        $ 18,176,645          613,505        $ 10,869,740  
Reinvestment of dividends      1,361,228          18,172,394          141,907          2,696,242  
Shares redeemed      (3,157,113        (57,685,578        (1,364,123        (24,219,003
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding      (913,619      $ (21,336,539        (608,711      $ (10,653,021
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     Investor Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      1,652,665        $ 34,553,602          225,973        $ 3,803,038  
Reinvestment of dividends      1,355,706          16,485,380          101,889          1,818,722  
Shares redeemed      (1,734,700        (34,493,228        (681,438        (11,357,320
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding      1,273,671        $ 16,545,754          (353,576      $ (5,735,560
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     A Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      140,666        $ 2,978,897          68,302        $ 1,115,642  
Reinvestment of dividends      140,687          1,686,836          11,268          199,210  
Shares redeemed      (167,136        (3,468,914        (222,857        (3,683,945
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding      114,217        $ 1,196,819          (143,287      $ (2,369,093
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
  
     C Class  
     Year Ended December 31,  
     2018            2017  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

  

Shares

          

Amount

          

Shares

          

Amount

 
Shares sold      26,426        $ 477,422          1,859        $ 30,364  
Reinvestment of dividends      31,847          350,949          2,084          35,066  
Shares redeemed      (21,527        (358,506        (32,639        (514,533
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding      36,746        $ 469,865          (28,696      $ (449,103
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

A Class launched on December 31, 2018 and commenced operations on January 2, 2019.

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.

 

 

41


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

Institutional Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.45       $ 18.29       $ 18.11       $ 19.24       $ 19.76  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.12 )C        (0.07       (0.26       (0.13       (0.04

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

    0.57         5.26         1.49         (0.11       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.45         5.19         1.23         (0.24       0.68  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.23       $ 22.45       $ 18.29       $ 18.11       $ 19.24  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    2.20       28.38       6.76       (1.23 )%        3.41
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 74,603,963       $ 60,933,913       $ 50,451,447       $ 76,666,136       $ 87,620,400  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.04       1.07       1.09       1.01       1.05

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsB

    0.94       0.99       1.00       0.99       1.00

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.60 )%        (0.36 )%        (0.60 )%        (0.54 )%        (0.53 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.50 )%        (0.28 )%        (0.51 )%        (0.53 )%        (0.48 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       24       22       19       37

 

A 

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

B 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

C 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

42


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

Y Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.34       $ 18.22       $ 18.06       $ 19.22       $ 19.76  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.15 )C        0.12         (0.10       (0.15       (0.06

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

    0.57         5.03         1.31         (0.12       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.42         5.15         1.21         (0.27       0.66  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.09       $ 22.34       $ 18.22       $ 18.06       $ 19.22  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    2.08       28.27       6.67       (1.39 )%        3.31
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 10,252,661       $ 5,639,207       $ 2,510,649       $ 2,479,918       $ 3,109,192  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.08       1.11       1.12       1.06       1.10

Expenses, net of reimbursementsB

    1.03       1.09       1.12       1.09       1.10

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.64 )%        (0.42 )%        (0.63 )%        (0.60 )%        (0.57 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.59 )%        (0.40 )%        (0.63 )%        (0.63 )%        (0.58 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       24       22       19       37

 

A 

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

B 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

C 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

43


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

Investor Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.15       $ 15.77       $ 15.80       $ 16.97       $ 17.64  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.12       (0.21       (0.27       (0.32       (0.36

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.44         4.62         1.29         0.04         0.89  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.32         4.41         1.02         (0.28       0.53  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.80       $ 19.15       $ 15.77       $ 15.80       $ 16.97  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    1.91       27.97       6.42       (1.63 )%        2.97
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 14,330,547       $ 14,749,984       $ 13,078,292       $ 14,814,940       $ 19,551,562  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.28       1.29       1.38       1.32       1.27

Expenses, net of reimbursementsB

    1.25       1.29       1.38       1.35       1.38

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.86 )%        (0.58 )%        (0.89 )%        (0.85 )%        (0.77 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.83 )%        (0.58 )%        (0.89 )%        (0.89 )%        (0.88 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       24       22       19       37

 

A 

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

B 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

 

See accompanying notes

 

44


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

A Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.08       $ 15.72       $ 15.77       $ 16.94       $ 17.61  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.24       (0.28       (0.14       (0.20       (0.19

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

    0.54         4.67         1.14         (0.08       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.30         4.39         1.00         (0.28       0.53  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 17.71       $ 19.08       $ 15.72       $ 15.77       $ 16.94  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    1.81       27.93       6.30       (1.63 )%        2.97
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 12,293,695       $ 13,854,727       $ 13,886,296       $ 13,907,563       $ 16,505,844  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.33       1.39       1.42       1.36       1.45

Expenses, net of reimbursementsB

    1.31       1.39       1.41       1.39       1.45

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.91 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.92 )%        (0.90 )%        (0.94 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.89 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.92 )%        (0.93 )%        (0.94 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       24       22       19       37

 

A 

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

B 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

 

See accompanying notes

 

45


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

C Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 18.11       $ 15.08       $ 15.28       $ 16.57       $ 17.38  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.33 )C        (0.11       (0.60       (0.17       (0.27

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

    0.48         4.17         1.45         (0.23       0.66  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.15         4.06         0.85         (0.40       0.39  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.67       (1.03       (1.05       (0.89       (1.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.59       $ 18.11       $ 15.08       $ 15.28       $ 16.57  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    1.07       26.93       5.52       (2.39 )%        2.21
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 2,414,400       $ 1,862,472       $ 1,389,526       $ 2,123,334       $ 1,901,906  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.07       2.11       2.19       2.11       2.22

Expenses, net of reimbursementsB

    2.06       2.11       2.18       2.14       2.20

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.64 )%        (1.40 )%        (1.70 )%        (1.65 )%        (1.69 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.63 )%        (1.39 )%        (1.69 )%        (1.68 )%        (1.68 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       24       22       19       37

 

A 

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

B 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

C 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

46


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Period EndedA
December 31,
2018
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 21.23  
 

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

 

Less distributions:

 

Dividends from net investment income

    -  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 21.23  
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 100,000  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.00

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.00

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.00

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.00

Portfolio turnover rate

    38 %B 

 

A 

Class launched on December 31, 2018 and commenced operations on January 2, 2019.

B 

Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

47


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

Institutional Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 19.01       $ 16.45       $ 15.08       $ 16.57       $ 17.83  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.33 )E        (0.23       0.00 A         (0.13       (0.07

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

    0.80         3.44         1.51         (0.65       (0.49
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.47         3.21         1.51         (0.78       (0.56
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70

Tax return of capitalB

    -         0.00         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.83       $ 19.01       $ 16.45       $ 15.08       $ 16.57  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    3.26       19.52       9.98       (4.69 )%        (3.14 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 246,845,478       $ 433,520,624       $ 450,286,537       $ 300,919,215       $ 359,958,471  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.09       1.08       1.09       1.08       1.08

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsD

    1.09       1.08       1.09       1.08       1.10

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.76 )%        (0.79 )%        (0.78 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.59 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements or recoupments

    (0.76 )%        (0.79 )%        (0.78 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.61 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    16       22       40       25       46

 

A 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

B 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.

C 

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

D 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

E 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.36).

 

See accompanying notes

 

48


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

Y Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 18.91       $ 16.38       $ 15.02       $ 16.54       $ 17.81  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.49 )D        (0.28       (0.52       (0.14       (0.12

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

    0.95         3.46         2.02         (0.67       (0.45
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.46         3.18         1.50         (0.81       (0.57
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70

Tax return of capitalA

    -         0.00         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interests

    -         -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 13.72       $ 18.91       $ 16.38       $ 15.02       $ 16.54  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    3.25       19.42       9.96       (4.88 )%        (3.20 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 46,998,050       $ 82,072,563       $ 81,069,652       $ 142,980,166       $ 171,901,004  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.15       1.14       1.15       1.14       1.16

Expenses, net of reimbursementsC

    1.15       1.14       1.15       1.14       1.16

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.83 )%        (0.85 )%        (0.81 )%        (0.74 )%        (0.67 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements or recoupments

    (0.83 )%        (0.85 )%        (0.81 )%        (0.74 )%        (0.69 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    16       22       40       25       46

 

A 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.

B 

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

C 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

D 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.52).

 

See accompanying notes

 

49


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.77       $ 15.45       $ 14.20       $ 15.71       $ 16.98  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.21 )DE        (0.37       (0.41       (0.82       (0.16

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

    0.58         3.34         1.80         0.02         (0.41
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.37         2.97         1.39         (0.80       (0.57
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70

Tax return of capitalA

    -         0.00         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.49       $ 17.77       $ 15.45       $ 14.20       $ 15.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    2.93       19.23       9.76       (5.08 )%        (3.35 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 52,359,859       $ 51,839,469       $ 50,544,287       $ 55,921,959       $ 147,227,308  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.38       1.29       1.35       1.40       1.31

Expenses, net of reimbursementsC

    1.38       1.31       1.35       1.39       1.37

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.05 )%        (1.01 )%        (1.02 )%        (1.01 )%        (0.81 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.05 )%        (1.03 )%        (1.02 )%        (1.00 )%        (0.88 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    16       22       40       25       46

 

A 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.

B 

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

C 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

D 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.24).

E 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

50


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31  
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 17.59       $ 15.32       $ 14.10       $ 15.61       $ 16.91  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.22 )EF        (0.62       (0.31       (0.19       (0.18

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

    0.60         3.54         1.67         (0.61       (0.42
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.38         2.92         1.36         (0.80       (0.60
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         (0.00 )A        -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70

Tax return of capitalB

    -         0.00         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.32       $ 17.59       $ 15.32       $ 14.10       $ 15.61  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    3.03       19.06       9.61       (5.11 )%        (3.54 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 5,293,719       $ 5,553,261       $ 7,029,682       $ 8,197,136       $ 9,701,510  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.38       1.40       1.46       1.44       1.51

Expenses, net of reimbursementsD

    1.38       1.40       1.46       1.48       1.52

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.09 )%        (1.11 )%        (1.14 )%        (1.03 )%        (1.02 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.09 )%        (1.11 )%        (1.14 )%        (1.08 )%        (1.03 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    16       22       40       25       46

 

A 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

B 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.

C 

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

D 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

E 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.25).

F 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

51


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 16.74       $ 14.71       $ 13.65       $ 15.26       $ 16.66  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.35 )DE        (1.25       (1.08       (0.31       (0.24

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

    0.57         3.93         2.28         (0.59       (0.46
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.22         2.68         1.20         (0.90       (0.70
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70

Tax return of capitalA

    -         -         0.00         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (5.65       (0.65       (0.14       (0.71       (0.70
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.31       $ 16.74       $ 14.71       $ 13.65       $ 15.26  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    2.19       18.22       8.76       (5.89 )%        (4.20 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,076,006       $ 977,321       $ 1,280,971       $ 2,348,424       $ 2,771,316  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.15       2.14       2.23       2.19       2.26

Expenses, net of reimbursementsC

    2.15       2.14       2.23       2.26       2.27

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.84 )%        (1.86 )%        (1.91 )%        (1.79 )%        (1.76 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.84 )%        (1.86 )%        (1.91 )%        (1.85 )%        (1.77 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    16       22       40       25       46

 

A 

The distributions from return of capital is calculated based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution.

B 

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

C 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses, which are not reimbursable under the agreement with the Manager.

D 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.38).

E 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

52


American Beacon FundsSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable year ended December 31, 2018. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2018.

The Funds designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. All designations are based on financial information available as of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Funds to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations there under.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction:

 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

    0.00

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    0.00

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

    0.00

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    0.00

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

  $ 8,703,504  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    113,548,842  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

  $ -  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    -  

Shareholders received notification in January 2019 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2018 income tax returns.

 

 

53


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Alan D. Feld** (82)    Trustee since 1996    Partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (law firm) (1960-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (1999-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–Present).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Gilbert G. Alvarado (49)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Innovative North State (2012-2015); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Women’s Empowerment (2009-2014); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–Present).
Joseph B. Armes (56)    Trustee since 2015    Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials f/k/a Capital Southwest Corporation (investment company) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation, predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (2014-present) (investment company); CEO, Capital Southwest Corporation (2013-2015); President & CEO, JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer) (2013-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–Present).
Gerard J. Arpey (60)    Trustee since 2012    Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (2015-Present); Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018–Present).

 

 

54


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
Brenda A. Cline (58)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair since 2019

Vice Chair 2018

   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (public sector software solutions company) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Eugene J. Duffy (64)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994-2014); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-2013); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Claudia A. Holz*** (61)    Trustee since 2018    Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018–Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Douglas A. Lindgren**** (57)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); Managing Director, P&S Hedge Funds, UBS Wealth Management (2008-2010); Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments, UBS Financial Services, Inc. (2005-2008); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Richard A. Massman (75)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair 2008-2018

Chair Emeritus since 2019

   Consultant and General Counsel Emeritus, Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming, ranching and venture capital activities) (2009-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (55)    Trustee since 2012    Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

55


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
R. Gerald Turner (73)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-Present); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (64)    President since 2009    CEO and Director (2009 – Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President, American Beacon Advisors (2009-2018); President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); President (2015-2018), Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); President and CEO, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2009-2015); President, CEO and Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2009-2015); Manager, President and CEO, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-Present); American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present); President,

 

 

56


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Rosemary K. Behan (59)   

VP, Secretary and

Chief Legal

Officer since 2006

   Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2008-Present); Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Brian E. Brett (58)    VP since 2004    Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present), Vice President, Director of Sales (2004-2012), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present), Vice President (2017-2018); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Paul B. Cavazos (49)    VP since 2016    Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy (2007-2016); Vice President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2016-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Erica Duncan (48)    VP Since 2011    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

57


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Melinda G. Heika (57)    Treasurer since 2010    Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc., (2010-2015); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2010-2015); Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Terri L. McKinney (55)    VP since 2010    Vice President (2009-Present), Managing Director (2003-2009), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc (2018-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (43)    VP since 2010    Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Senior Vice President (2013-2018), Vice President (2010-2013), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice Present (2015-2018, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Vice President (2012-2018), Manager (2015-2018), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2013-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2013-2015); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present)

 

 

58


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Samuel J. Silver (55)    VP Since 2011    Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Christina E. Sears (47)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

and Asst. Secretary since 1999

   Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Assistant Secretary (1999-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Sonia L. Bates (62)    Asst. Treasurer since 2011    Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Shelley D. Abrahams (44)    Assistant Secretary since 2008    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Rebecca L. Harris (52)    Assistant Secretary since 2010    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services (2015-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

59


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Teresa A. Oxford (60)    Assistant Secretary since 2015    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Services (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

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

** Mr. Feld is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trusts, as defined by the 1940 Act. Mr. Feld’s law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two fiscal years to one or more of the Trust’s sub-advisors.

*** Claudia A. Holz became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 4/1/2018.

**** Douglas A. Lindgren became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 1/1/2018.

 

 

60


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

 

   

information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

 

   

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

 

   

information we receive from third parties.

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

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

 

 

61


  

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

62


  

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

63


  

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

64


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 twenty days after the end of each month.   A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

   

DISTRIBUTOR

Resolute Investment Distributors

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 Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 12/18


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.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund or your financial intermediary electronically by going to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and clicking on “Quick Links” and then “Register for E-Delivery.”

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-800-658-5811, option 1, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary of your wish. A notice that will be mailed to you each time a report is posted will also include instructions for informing the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the American Beacon Funds Complex or your financial intermediary, as applicable.

BAHL & GAYNOR SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

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

December 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Example

    6  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    8  

Schedule of Investments:

 

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

    9  

Financial Statements

    13  

Notes to Financial Statements

    16  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

    35  

Federal Tax Information

    40  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    41  

Privacy Policy

    48  

 

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

December 2018, a month in which market volatility spiked and all major U.S. equity indexes declined, ending the year in negative territory, serves as a prime example of the importance of having a long-term investment perspective.

 

While long-term investing isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move, it is about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. As a long-term investor, you should strive to accomplish the three Ds: direction, discipline and diversification.

 

u   Direction: Achieving your long-term financial goals requires an individualized plan of action. You may want your plan to provide some

  measure of protection against periods of geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty, market volatility and job insecurity. Your plan should be reviewed annually and be adjusted in the event your long-range needs change.

 

u  

Discipline: Long-term, systematic participation in an investment portfolio requires your resolution to stay the course. Spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may place you in a better position to reach your long-term financial goals.

 

u  

Diversification: By investing in different types of investment categories and asset classes, you may be able to help mitigate financial risks across your investment portfolio. By allocating your investment portfolio according to your risk-tolerance level, you may be better positioned to weather storms and achieve your long-term financial goals.

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term financial goals. As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. 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 investment portfolio.

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 long-term rewards.

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


Domestic Equity Market Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The 12-month period under review started with a nearly 6% rise in the S&P 500 Index (the “Index”) for January 2018, only to be followed by a decline of more than 8% over the first six trading days of February. The Index, which had risen by more than 9% by September 2018, reached 60 all-time highs during the year – the third-highest count on record. However, by December 31, all major U.S. indexes had declined and ended the year in negative territory. In relative terms for the year, large-cap stocks outpaced small-caps. Growth stocks also exhibited outperformance compared to Value stocks across all market caps. The Russell 2000 Growth Index outperformed the Russell 2000 Value Index by 3.55%, while the Russell 1000 Growth Index outperformed the Russell 1000 Value Index by 6.76%.

In the first quarter of 2018, most equity markets delivered gains in January only to see steep declines in early February. The selloff was triggered by strong wage growth numbers (rather than by weak economic data), which accelerated from 2.5% to 2.9% year-over-year – a substantial jump over just one month. The speed of the acceleration in wage growth caused investors to worry that U.S. short-term interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) would have to rise faster than the economy could withstand, thereby inverting the U.S. yield curve and inducing a near-term economic recession. Volatility heightened with the Index displaying 23 daily moves of +/- 1% in the first quarter compared to total of only eight throughout 2017.

In the second quarter of 2018, headlines oscillated wildly between optimism (business investment, expansionary fiscal policy and general economic strength) and pessimism (trade wars, weakening international/emerging economies and rising interest rates). However, U.S. equity markets ultimately notched gains each month, suggesting a “win” for market optimism. Volatility drifted lower as rising U.S. Treasury bond/note yields stalled at a more palatable level for investors, indicating a less overheated or inflated economy. U.S. retail sales grew by more than 6% year-over-year in May and unemployment fell to 3.8% – the lowest level since 1969. Tariff announcements took a toll on companies with China exposure, and the Industrials sector trailed all other sectors on trade tension struggles.

In the third quarter of 2018, a booming U.S. economy drove domestic stocks higher, leaving the Index up 7.7% for the year-to-date period. In September, U.S. consumer confidence hit its highest level since 2000, while the monthly average of initial jobless claims fell to the lowest level since 1969. Wage growth rose to the highest level since 2009, supporting retail sales growth of more than 7% on a year-over-year basis. Also, the National Federation of Independent Business’s survey showed that small businesses were the most optimistic they’ve been since the survey began in 1974. U.S. stocks across all capitalizations gained during the quarter against this remarkably strong, economic-growth backdrop.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, volatility returned as U.S. equity markets closed out one of the worst quarters since the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. The quarter was characterized by multiple days of +500-point swings in the Dow Jones Industrial Average (“DJIA”). In fact, the Christmas holiday week was extraordinary in its extremes. Christmas Eve had the worst showing in the DJIA’s history with the largest single-day gain (1,086 points) on the next trading day and the largest intra-day recovery on the following day.

Further, the Index halted just shy of entering a bear market, which is defined as a 20% decline from peak to trough, before rebounding to close the fourth quarter of 2018 with a 13.52% decline. Despite economic expansion, corporate growth and a healthy consumer, markets were shaken as sentiment went from bullish to bearish over a multitude of concerns, including global economic deceleration, an unresolved trade war and the absorption of the reality of a less accommodative Fed. The defensive Utilities sector led the way as the only positive sector in the Index for the quarter.

 

 

2


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned -11.64% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018. The Fund underperformed the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the “Index”) return of -9.31% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 7/15/2014 through 12/31/2018

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

  

3 Years

  

Since Inception

(7/15/2014)

  

Value of $10,000

7/15/2014-

12/31/2018

Institutional Class (1,5)

     GBSIX          (11.27 )%        8.27 %        6.44 %      $ 13,214

Y Class (1,5)

     GBSYX          (11.37 )%        8.17 %        6.35 %      $ 13,164

Investor Class (1,5)

     GBSPX          (11.64 )%        7.83 %        6.04 %      $ 12,990

A without Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     GBSAX          (11.70 )%        7.84 %        6.02 %      $ 12,979

A with Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     GBSAX          (16.78 )%        5.72 %        4.62 %      $ 12,233

C without Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     GBSCX          (12.26 )%        7.03 %        5.23 %      $ 12,556

C with Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     GBSCX          (13.26 )%        7.03 %        5.23 %      $ 12,556
                          

Russell 2000® Growth Index (4)

              (9.31 )%        7.24 %        6.19 %      $ 13,075

S&P 500 Index (4)

              (4.38 )%        9.26 %        7.70 %      $ 13,928

 

1.

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

 

2.

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

 

 

3


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

3.

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

 

4.

The Russell 2000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 2000® Index with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000 Growth Index and the Russell 2000 Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company. Neither Russell nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings or underlying data, and no party may rely on any Russell Indexes and/or Russell ratings and/or underlying data contained in this communication. No further distribution of Russell Data is permitted without Russell’s express written consent. Russell does not promote, sponsor or endorse the content of this communication. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of common stocks publicly traded in the United States. The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global or its affiliates (“SPDJI”) and has been licensed for use by American Beacon Advisors. Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a division of S&P Global (“S&P”). Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). The American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P or their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions or interruptions of the S&P 500 Index. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

5.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares were 1.32%, 1.38%, 1.57%, 1.69% and 2.44%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund underperformed the Index due to stock selection. Sector allocation added modest value for the period.

From a stock selection standpoint, the Fund’s holdings in the Information Technology and Real Estate sectors detracted the most from relative performance. In the Information Technology sector, the Fund’s positions in Silicon Motion Technology (down 33.0%), Synnex Corp. (down 36.3%) and Blackbaud, Inc. (down 33.3%) negatively impacted returns. Within the Real Estate sector, RE/Max Holdings, Inc. was down 35.7%, CoreSite Realty Corp. was down 18.7% and QTS Realty Trust, Inc. was down 37.1%.

Offsetting some of the aforementioned performance were positions in the Industrials and Health Care sectors. In Industrials, the Fund held MSA Safety, Inc. (up 23.1%) and Ritchie Bros Auctioneers (up 10.5%). Within the Health Care sector, the Fund held U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. (up 42.6%), Chemed Corp. (up 17.1%) and Omnicell, Inc. (up 23.2%), which aided relative performance.

As it relates to sector allocation, the Fund was overweight Consumer Staples (one of the best performing Index sectors) and held a sizeable underweight to Energy (the worst performing sector for the Index), which added value for the period. Offsetting some of this performance was an underweight to Health Care.

The Fund’s basic philosophy remains focused on investing in companies using a fundamental investment approach that seeks price appreciation, capital preservation and income.

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)        
Healthcare Services Group, Inc.           3.1  
Cantel Medical Corp.           2.8  
Inter Parfums, Inc.           2.8  
First Financial Bancorp           2.5  
Chemed Corp.           2.4  
Brunswick Corp.           2.3  
SYNNEX Corp.           2.2  
Evercore, Inc.           2.1  
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.           2.1  
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.           2.1  
Total Fund Holdings      70       

 

 

4


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Sector Allocation (% Equities)        
Industrials           21.7  
Health Care           19.1  
Information Technology           19.1  
Financials           10.9  
Consumer Discretionary           10.2  
Consumer Staples           7.1  
Materials           4.8  
Communication Services           2.6  
Real Estate           2.5  
Utilities           1.5  
Energy           0.5  

 

 

5


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Expense Examples

December 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 July 1, 2018 through December 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 Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2018
  Expenses Paid  During
Period

7/1/2018-12/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $829.50       $4.52
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,020.27       $4.99
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $829.50       $4.98
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,019.76       $5.50
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $827.70       $6.27
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.35       $6.92
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $827.60       $6.36
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,018.25       $7.02
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $825.20       $9.80
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.47       $10.82

 

*

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 (184) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

 

7


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2018, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended and the period from July 15, 2014 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2014 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds) at December 31, 2018, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the four years in the period then ended and the period from July 15, 2014 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more American Beacon investment companies since 1987.

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2019

 

 

8


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares           Fair Value  
     
COMMON STOCKS - 97.21%      
Communication Services - 2.54%      
Entertainment - 0.46%      
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.     4,932       $ 176,566  
     

 

 

 
     
Media - 2.08%      
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A     10,253         806,296  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Communication Services

        982,862  
     

 

 

 
     
Consumer Discretionary - 9.93%      
Auto Components - 0.93%      
LCI Industries     5,414         361,655  
     

 

 

 
     
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 3.09%      
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp.     5,573         392,952  
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.     13,442         802,488  
     

 

 

 
        1,195,440  
     

 

 

 
     
Household Durables - 0.39%      
Hooker Furniture Corp.     5,735         151,060  
     

 

 

 
     
Leisure Products - 3.37%      
Brunswick Corp.     18,972         881,249  
Johnson Outdoors, Inc., Class A     7,261         426,511  
     

 

 

 
        1,307,760  
     

 

 

 
     
Specialty Retail - 0.65%      
Winmark Corp.     1,591         252,969  
     

 

 

 
     
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 1.50%      
Columbia Sportswear Co.     3,663         308,022  
Superior Group of Cos., Inc.     15,374         271,351  
     

 

 

 
        579,373  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Consumer Discretionary

        3,848,257  
     

 

 

 
     
Consumer Staples - 6.94%      
Food & Staples Retailing - 0.94%      
Pricesmart, Inc.     6,208         366,893  
     

 

 

 
     
Food Products - 3.17%      
Calavo Growers, Inc.     10,189         743,389  
J&J Snack Foods Corp.     3,347         483,943  
     

 

 

 
        1,227,332  
     

 

 

 
     
Personal Products - 2.83%      
Inter Parfums, Inc.     16,719         1,096,265  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Consumer Staples

        2,690,490  
     

 

 

 
     
Energy - 0.45%      
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 0.45%      
GasLog Ltd.     10,635         175,052  
     

 

 

 
     
Financials - 10.61%      
Banks - 6.80%      
Chemical Financial Corp.     6,079         222,552  
First Financial Bancorp     40,022         949,322  
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A     20,851         762,312  
Glacier Bancorp, Inc.     7,161         283,719  
     

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares           Fair Value  
     
COMMON STOCKS - 97.21% (continued)      
Financials - 10.61% (continued)      
Banks - 6.80% (continued)      
S&T Bancorp, Inc.     10,984       $ 415,635  
     

 

 

 
        2,633,540  
     

 

 

 
     
Capital Markets - 2.15%      
Evercore, Inc., Class A     11,616         831,241  
     

 

 

 
     
Insurance - 1.66%      
Horace Mann Educators Corp.     17,194         643,915  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Financials

        4,108,696  
     

 

 

 
     
Health Care - 18.57%      
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 6.88%      
Atrion Corp.     635         470,586  
Cantel Medical Corp.     14,672         1,092,330  
Globus Medical, Inc., Class AA     9,994         432,540  
LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.     28,403         671,447  
     

 

 

 
        2,666,903  
     

 

 

 
     
Health Care Providers & Services - 4.43%      
Chemed Corp.     3,245         919,244  
US Physical Therapy, Inc.     7,800         798,330  
     

 

 

 
        1,717,574  
     

 

 

 
     
Health Care Technology - 5.31%      
Medidata Solutions, Inc.A     10,982         740,407  
Omnicell, Inc.A     11,786         721,775  
Simulations Plus, Inc.     29,836         593,736  
     

 

 

 
        2,055,918  
     

 

 

 
     
Pharmaceuticals - 1.95%      
Phibro Animal Health Corp., Class A     23,438         753,766  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Health Care

        7,194,161  
     

 

 

 
     
Industrials - 21.05%      
Building Products - 3.55%      
AAON, Inc.     8,916         312,595  
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.     12,739         689,562  
Universal Forest Products, Inc.     14,329         371,981  
     

 

 

 
        1,374,138  
     

 

 

 
     
Commercial Services & Supplies - 8.18%      
Healthcare Services Group, Inc.B     29,447         1,183,181  
Matthews International Corp., Class A     10,695         434,431  
MSA Safety, Inc.     8,119         765,378  
Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.     24,035         786,425  
     

 

 

 
        3,169,415  
     

 

 

 
     
Construction & Engineering - 1.14%      
Valmont Industries, Inc.     3,977         441,248  
     

 

 

 
     
Industrial Conglomerates - 1.74%      
Raven Industries, Inc.     18,624         674,003  
     

 

 

 
     
Machinery - 1.89%      
John Bean Technologies Corp.     10,218         733,755  
     

 

 

 
     
Professional Services - 1.77%      
Barrett Business Services, Inc.     6,366         364,453  
     

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares           Fair Value  
     
COMMON STOCKS - 97.21% (continued)      
Industrials - 21.05% (continued)      
Professional Services - 1.77% (continued)      
Forrester Research, Inc.     7,161       $ 320,097  
     

 

 

 
        684,550  
     

 

 

 
     
Road & Rail - 0.49%      
Landstar System, Inc.     2,008         192,105  
     

 

 

 
     
Trading Companies & Distributors - 2.29%      
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.     13,017         702,137  
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A     2,420         186,146  
     

 

 

 
        888,283  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Industrials

        8,157,497  
     

 

 

 
     
Information Technology - 18.54%      
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 6.02%      
Littelfuse, Inc.     3,186         546,335  
Mesa Laboratories, Inc.     3,663         763,333  
SYNNEX Corp.     10,379         839,038  
Universal Display Corp.B     1,978         185,081  
     

 

 

 
        2,333,787  
     

 

 

 
     
IT Services - 2.54%      
CSG Systems International, Inc.     14,006         444,971  
Hackett Group, Inc.     33,746         540,273  
     

 

 

 
        985,244  
     

 

 

 
     
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 4.97%      
Brooks Automation, Inc.     11,083         290,153  
Cabot Microelectronics Corp.     2,099         200,140  
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.     6,274         729,352  
Power Integrations, Inc.     3,186         194,282  
Silicon Motion Technology Corp., ADR     14,805         510,773  
     

 

 

 
        1,924,700  
     

 

 

 
     
Software - 5.01%      
Blackbaud, Inc.     9,072         570,629  
LogMeIn, Inc.     2,355         192,097  
Monotype Imaging Holdings, Inc.     21,012         326,106  
Pegasystems, Inc.     14,485         692,818  
QAD, Inc., Class A     4,045         159,090  
     

 

 

 
        1,940,740  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Information Technology

        7,184,471  
     

 

 

 
     
Materials - 4.67%      
Chemicals - 4.67%      
Balchem Corp.     8,085         633,460  
PolyOne Corp.     25,471         728,470  
Stepan Co.     6,053         447,922  
     

 

 

 
        1,809,852  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Materials

        1,809,852  
     

 

 

 
     
Real Estate - 2.40%      
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 0.95%      
CoreSite Realty Corp.     4,203         366,628  
     

 

 

 
     

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares           Fair Value  
     
COMMON STOCKS - 97.21% (continued)      
Real Estate - 2.40% (continued)      
Real Estate Management & Development - 1.45%      
RE/MAX Holdings, Inc., Class A     18,305       $ 562,879  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Real Estate

        929,507  
     

 

 

 
     
Utilities - 1.51%      
Gas Utilities - 1.51%      
ONE Gas, Inc.     7,322         582,831  
     

 

 

 
     

Total Common Stocks (Cost $38,996,921)

        37,663,676  
     

 

 

 
     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 0.93% (Cost $361,200)      
Investment Companies - 0.93%      
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%C D     361,200         361,200  
     

 

 

 
     
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 0.46% (Cost $177,337)      
Investment Companies - 0.46%      
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%C D     177,337         177,337  
     

 

 

 
     

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 98.60% (Cost $39,535,458)

        38,202,213  

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 1.40%

        545,001  
     

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

      $ 38,747,214  
     

 

 

 
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.            

A Non-income producing security.

B All or a portion of this security is on loan at December 31, 2018.

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

D 7-day yield.

ADR - American Depository Receipt.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2018:               

 

Equity Futures Contracts

              
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Notional Amount        Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Russell 2000 E-Mini Index Futures      5      March 2019        $    332,190        $ 337,250        $ 5,060  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
       $    332,190        $ 337,250        $ 5,060  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

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

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 37,663,676       $                         -       $ -       $ 37,663,676  

Short-Term Investments

    361,200         -         -         361,200  

Securities Lending Collateral

    177,337         -         -         177,337  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 38,202,213       $ -       $ -       $ 38,202,213  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

             

Futures Contracts

  $ 5,060       $ -       $ -       $ 5,060  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 5,060       $ -       $ -       $ 5,060  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires all transfers between all levels to level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value§

  $ 37,663,676  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    538,537  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    27,258  

Dividends and interest receivable

    36,601  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    902,564  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    26,517  

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

    5,115  

Prepaid expenses

    28,377  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    39,228,645  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    222,482  

Dividends payable

    97  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    30,905  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    2,206  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    2,511  

Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 8)§

    177,337  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    3,679  

Professional fees payable

    31,462  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    10,112  

Other liabilities

    640  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    481,431  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 38,747,214  
 

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 41,301,440  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    (2,554,226
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 38,747,214  
 

 

 

 

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

 

Institutional Class

    1,193,790  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

    1,545,770  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

    239,795  
 

 

 

 

A Class

    346,549  
 

 

 

 

C Class

    26,847  
 

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 13,875,243  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 17,879,581  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 2,736,498  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 3,958,224  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 297,668  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 11.62  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 11.57  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 11.41  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 11.42  
 

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 12.12  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 11.09  
 

 

 

 

† Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 38,996,921  

‡ Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 538,537  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 176,059  

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

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

Investment income:

 

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes)

  $ 660,574  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 8)

    7,223  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 8)

    4,609  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    672,406  
 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    404,459  

Transfer agent fees:

 

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    7,002  

Y Class (Note 2)

    18,917  

Investor Class

    1,552  

A Class

    242  

C Class

    64  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    24,941  

Professional fees

    37,813  

Registration fees and expenses

    71,442  

Service fees (Note 2):

 

Investor Class

    19,029  

A Class

    5,011  

C Class

    444  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

 

A Class

    10,078  

C Class

    4,085  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    22,412  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    3,090  

Other expenses

    7,564  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    638,145  
 

 

 

 

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

    (117,878
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    520,267  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    152,139  
 

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesA

    1,044,646  

Futures contracts

    (84,291

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    (6,785,189

Futures contracts

    9,737  
 

 

 

 

Net (loss) from investments

    (5,815,097
 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (5,662,958
 

 

 

 

† Foreign taxes

  $ 2,687  

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

 

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

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

      

 

 

    Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income

  $ 152,139       $ 121,119  

Net realized gain from investments in unaffiliated securities and futures contracts

    960,355         1,635,315  

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

    (6,775,452       2,515,880  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (5,662,958       4,272,314  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Net investment income:

     

Institutional Class

    -         (52,087

Y Class

    -         (48,628

Investor Class

    -         (10,982

A Class

    -         (9,279

Net realized gain from investments:

     

Institutional Class

    -         (615,487

Y Class

    -         (574,620

Investor Class

    -         (163,276

A Class

    -         (149,011

C Class

    -         (20,233

Total retained earnings:*

     

Institutional Class

    (804,590       -  

Y Class

    (1,089,668       -  

Investor Class

    (170,642       -  

A Class

    (233,558       -  

C Class

    (18,746       -  

Tax return of capital:

     

Institutional Class

    (4,403    

Y Class

    (5,963    

Investor Class

    (934    

A Class

    (1,312    

C Class

    (111    
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (2,329,927       (1,643,603
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 11):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    25,901,810         23,004,549  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    2,250,379         1,597,617  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (21,844,616       (7,548,368
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

    6,307,573         17,053,798  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (1,685,312       19,682,509  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    40,432,526         20,750,017  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 38,747,214       $ 40,432,526  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

* Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information regarding new accounting pronouncements.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund, a series within the Trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a diversified, open-end management investment company. As of December 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, one of which is presented in this filing: American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth 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. The Manager is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08, Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the premium amortization period on a purchased callable debt security from the security’s contractual life to the earliest call date. It is anticipated that this change will enhance disclosures by reducing losses recognized when a security is called on an earlier date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Manager continues to evaluate the impact this ASU will have on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). The amendments in the ASU impact disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. It is anticipated that this change will enhance the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted and can include the entire standard or certain provisions that exclude or amend disclosures. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund has chosen to adopt the standard. The adoption of this ASU guidance did not have a material impact on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements in Securities Act Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, which is intended to facilitate the disclosure of information to investors and simplify compliance without significantly altering the total mix of information provided to investors. Effective with the current reporting period, the Fund adopted the amendments with the impacts being that the Fund is no longer required to present components of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities or the sources of distributable earnings and the amount of undistributed net investment income on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

 

 

16


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, a part of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

Dividend income, net of foreign taxes, is recorded on the ex-dividend date, except certain dividends from foreign securities which are recorded as soon as the information is available to the Funds. Interest income is earned from settlement date, recorded on the accrual basis, and adjusted, if necessary, for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. For convertible securities, premiums attributable to the conversion feature are not amortized. Realized gains (losses) from securities sold are determined on the basis of specific lot identification. Estimated tax liabilities on certain foreign securities are recorded on an accrual basis and are reflected as components of interest income or net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments on the Statement of Operations, as appropriate. Tax liabilities realized as a result of such security sales are reflected as a component of net realized gain (loss) on investments on the Statement of Operations. Paydown gains (losses) on mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, if any, are recorded as components of interest income on the Statement of Operations. Income or short-term capital gain distributions received from registered investment companies, if any, are recorded as dividend income. Long-term gain distributions received from registered investment companies, if any, are recorded as realized gains.

 

 

17


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Debt obligations may be placed on a non-accrual status and related interest income may be reduced by ceasing current accruals and writing off interest receivable when the collection of all or a portion of interest has become doubtful based on consistently applied procedures. A debt obligation is removed for non-accrual when the issuer resumes interest payments or when collectability of interest is probable. 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 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 Fund may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

Commission Recapture

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

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments of the Fund 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.

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

 

 

18


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 the Bahl & Gaynor, Inc. (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 $500 million

     0.525

Over $500 million

     0.50

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Fund for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.350     $ 163,554  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.525       240,905  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.875     $ 404,459  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Fund, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee up to 10% of such loan fees. These fees are included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and investment advisory fees” on the Statement of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Manager received securities lending fees of $489 for the securities lending activities of the Fund.

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.

 

 

19


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 Board 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 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended December 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  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ 24,527  

As of December 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
 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ 2,067  

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 year ended December 31, 2018, the Manager earned fees on the Fund’s direct investments and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

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

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ 427      $ 1,065      $ 1,492  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the 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

 

 

20


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund borrowed on average $769,651 for 14 days at an average interest rate of 2.63% with interest charges of $756. These amounts are recorded as “Other expenses” in the Statement of Operations.

Expense Reimbursement Plan

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

 

          Expense Cap                   Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

   Class    1/1/2018 -
12/31/2018
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   Institutional      0.98   $ 48,309      $ -        2021  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   Y      1.08     48,531        -        2021  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   Investor      1.36     10,735        -        2021  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   A      1.38     9,424        -        2021  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   C      2.13     879        -        2021  

Of these amounts, $26,517 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at December 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 reimbursement due to the current assessment that a reimbursement is unlikely. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ -      $ 99,554      $ -        2019  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

     -        98,429        -        2020  

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-allocate 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.

 

 

21


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 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-allocated 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 January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018, Foreside collected $229 for the Fund from the sale of Class A Shares. During the period March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, RID collected $1,811 from the sale of 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 year ended December 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 January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018, Foreside did not collect CDSC fees for Class C Shares of the Fund. During the period March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, RID collected CDSC fees of $70 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 Total Return 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 Chair receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a $2,500 fee each quarter for attendance at the committee meetings. The Chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. These expenses are allocated on a prorated basis to each Fund of the 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.

 

 

22


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

23


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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.

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

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

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

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

Valuation Inputs

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

 

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

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

Common stocks, preferred securities, ETFs, 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.

 

 

24


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Common Stock

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

Other Investment Company Securities and Other Exchange-Traded Products

The 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.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

The Fund may own shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which report information on the source of their distributions annually. The Fund re-characterizes 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 Fund may utilize derivative instruments to enhance return, hedge risk, gain efficient exposure to an asset class or to manage liquidity. When considering the Fund’s use of derivatives, it is important to note that the Fund does not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage.

Futures Contracts

Futures contracts are contracts to buy or sell a standard quantity of securities at a specified price on a future date. The Fund 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.

 

 

25


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund entered into futures contracts primarily for exposing cash to markets.

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

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Year Ended December 31, 2018  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

    4  

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

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 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)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 5,060         $ 5,060

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations as of December 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     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (84,291 )         $ (84,291 )

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     $         $         $         $         $ 9,737         $ 9,737

(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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Fund is a party to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Fund employs multiple money managers and counterparties and has elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below. 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

 

 

26


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

governed by the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. All amounts reported below represent the balance as of the report date, December 31, 2018.

 

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

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts   $ 5,060       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 5,060       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (5,060     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of December 31, 2018
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
   

 

    >90 days           Total  

Securities Lending Transactions

                 

Common Stocks

  $ 177,337       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 177,337  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

  $ 177,337       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 177,337  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions

 

  $ 177,337  
                 

 

 

 

6.  Principal Risks

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

Dividend Risk

An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks.

Equity Investments Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Fund 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

The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies through ADRs and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. The Funds may also invest in local currency investments. ADRs are subject to many of the risks inherent in currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular ADR or foreign stock. Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments.

 

 

27


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity and greater volatility, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased price volatility, (6) less government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets.

The risk of investing in Europe may be heightened due to the 2016 referendum in which the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union (EU). There is a significant degree of uncertainty about how negotiations relating to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal will be conducted, as well as the potential consequences and precise time frame for “Brexit.” It is expected that the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU will take place within two years of the United Kingdom notifying the European Council that it intends to withdraw from the EU. While it is not possible to determine the precise impact these events may have on a Fund, during this period and beyond, the impact on the United Kingdom and European economies and the broader global economy could be significant, resulting in negative impacts, such as increased volatility and illiquidity, and potentially lower economic growth, on markets in the United Kingdom, Europe and globally, which may adversely affect the value of a Fund’s investments. In addition, if one or more other countries were to exit the EU or abandon the use of the euro as a currency, the value of investments tied to those countries or the euro could decline significantly and unpredictably.

Futures Contracts Risk

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

Investment Risk

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

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

 

 

28


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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. Because of the sharp decline in the worldwide price of oil, there is a concern that oil producing nations may withdraw significant assets now held in U.S. Treasuries, which could force a substantial increase in interest rates. 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.

Other Investment Companies Risk

The Fund 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 Fund invest in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies.

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

 

 

29


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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.

7.  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 December 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.

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income*

     

Institutional Class

  $ 149,845       $ 171,158  

Y Class

    202,939         159,794  

Investor Class

    31,779         42,569  

A Class

    38,561         38,107  

C Class

    2,264         3,914  

Long-term capital gains

     

Institutional Class

    654,745         496,416  

Y Class

    886,729         463,454  

Investor Class

    138,863         131,689  

A Class

    194,997         120,183  

C Class

    16,482         16,319  

Tax return of capital:

     

Institutional Class

    4,403         -  

Y Class

    5,963         -  

Investor Class

    934         -  

A Class

    1,312         -  

C Class

    111         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 2,329,927       $ 1,643,603  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

 

 

30


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

As of December 31, 2018, the components of distributable earnings (deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost         Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   $39,999,273     $ 3,031,494       $ (4,828,554     $ (1,797,060

 

Fund

  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
        Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
          Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
          Accumulated
Capital and
Other (Losses)
          Other
Temporary
Differences
          Distributable
Earnings
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   $(1,797,060)     $ -       $ -       $ (757,166     $ -       $ (2,554,226

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses from wash sales, the tax deferral of post-October capital losses and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments.

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

Accordingly, the following amounts represent current year permanent differences as of December 31, 2018:

 

Fund

   Paid-In-Capital            Distributable
Earnings/(Deficits)
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth    $ -        $ -  

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

As of December 31, 2018, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

The fund is permitted for tax purposes to defer into its next fiscal year qualified late year losses. Qualified late year capital losses are any capital losses incurred after October 31 through the Fund’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2018. Qualified late year ordinary losses are specified losses generally incurred after October 31 through the Fund’s fiscal year end, December 31, 2018. For the period ending December 31, 2018, Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth deferred $211,184 short-term capital losses and $545,982 long-term capital losses to January 1, 2019.

8.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Purchases (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
           Sales (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth    $ 22,924,666        $ 19,256,363  

 

 

31


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2017
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           December 31,
2018
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   Direct     $ 646,632       $ 25,962,171       $ 26,247,603       $ 361,200       $ 7,223  
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   Securities Lending       1,288,716         19,526,696         20,638,075         177,337         N/A  

9.  Securities Lending

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

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

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

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

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

As of December 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
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   $ 176,059       $ 177,337       $ -       $ 177,337  

 

 

32


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

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

10.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 15, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), 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 $250 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 closing fee of $100,000 on the Effective Date and a quarterly commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 14, 2019, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Fund, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also 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 plus 1.25% per annum on each outstanding loan. Each of the participating Funds will pay a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 14, 2019 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 year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund did not utilize this facility.

11.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     329,292       $ 4,592,069         587,631       $ 7,935,906  
Reinvestment of dividends     71,089         808,993         47,615         667,574  
Shares redeemed     (390,684       (5,654,166       (43,420       (610,922
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     9,697       $ (253,104       591,826       $ 7,992,558  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     984,130       $ 14,247,967         718,311       $ 9,452,536  
Reinvestment of dividends     90,866         1,028,605         41,376         578,020  
Shares redeemed     (617,367       (8,242,731       (209,551       (2,914,447
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     457,629       $ 7,033,841         550,136       $ 7,116,109  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

33


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     334,760       $ 4,781,116         270,909       $ 3,653,794  
Reinvestment of dividends     15,351         171,479         12,591         174,257  
Shares redeemed     (426,169       (6,075,485       (251,801       (3,338,876
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (76,058     $ (1,122,890       31,699       $ 489,175  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2017           2016  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     148,996       $ 2,119,325         134,265       $ 1,773,476  
Reinvestment of dividends     19,956         223,104         11,445         158,290  
Shares redeemed     (110,139       (1,534,614       (41,561       (547,100
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     58,813       $ 807,815         104,149       $ 1,384,666  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     11,307       $ 161,333         14,676       $ 188,837  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,676         18,198         1,442         19,476  
Shares redeemed     (24,881       (337,620       (10,566       (137,023
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (11,898     $ (158,089       5,552       $ 71,290  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 Fund’s financial statements through this date.

 

 

34


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
2014
 
                   
    2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.93       $ 12.77       $ 10.17       $ 10.71       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.07         0.04         0.03         0.08         0.02  

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

    (1.66       1.71         2.60         (0.39       0.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.59       1.75         2.63         (0.31       0.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.05       (0.05       (0.03       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.67       (0.54       -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    (0.00 )F        -         -         (0.01       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.72       (0.59       (0.03       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.62       $ 13.93       $ 12.77       $ 10.17       $ 10.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (11.27 )%        13.65       25.88       (2.96 )%        7.28 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 13,875,243       $ 16,498,344       $ 7,563,970       $ 3,231,461       $ 3,102,721  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.26       1.32       1.85       3.04       8.98 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.98       0.98       0.98       0.98       0.98 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.17       0.18       (0.30 )%        (1.33 )%        (7.51 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.45       0.52       0.57       0.72       0.49 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    42       38       23       54       12 %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 July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

F 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes

 

35


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
2014
 
    2018           2017           2016           2015  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.89       $ 12.75       $ 10.16       $ 10.71       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.05         0.05         0.04         0.06         0.01  

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

    (1.65       1.68         2.58         (0.38       0.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.60       1.73         2.62         (0.32       0.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.05       (0.05       (0.03       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.67       (0.54       -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    (0.00 )F        -         -         (0.01       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.72       (0.59       (0.03       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.57       $ 13.89       $ 12.75       $ 10.16       $ 10.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (11.37 )%        13.52       25.80       (3.05 )%        7.28 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 17,879,581       $ 15,114,316       $ 6,856,954       $ 2,711,465       $ 387,622  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.34       1.38       1.98       2.76       11.71 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.08       1.08       1.08       1.08       1.08 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.13       0.12       (0.43 )%        (0.98 )%        (10.06 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.39       0.42       0.47       0.70       0.57 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    42       38       23       54       12 %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 July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

F 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes

 

36


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
2014
 
    2018           2017           2016           2015  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.75       $ 12.65       $ 10.12       $ 10.69       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    (0.00 )F        0.02         0.03         0.05         0.01  

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

    (1.62       1.66         2.53         (0.39       0.70  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.62       1.68         2.56         (0.34       0.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.05       (0.04       (0.03       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.67       (0.54       -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    (0.00 )F        -         -         (0.01       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.72       (0.58       (0.03       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.41       $ 13.75       $ 12.65       $ 10.12       $ 10.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (11.64 )%        13.23       25.31       (3.25 )%        7.08 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 2,736,498       $ 4,344,476       $ 3,595,277       $ 498,128       $ 239,138  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.53       1.57       2.09       3.19       12.62 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.36       1.36       1.36       1.36       1.36 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.14 )%        (0.09 )%        (0.51 )%        (1.47 )%        (11.12 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.03       0.12       0.23       0.35       0.14 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    42       38       23       54       12 %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 July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

F 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes

 

37


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
2014
 
    2018           2017           2016           2015  
 

 

 

     
                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.75       $ 12.64       $ 10.11       $ 10.69       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.02         0.03         0.04         0.03         0.00 B  

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

    (1.64       1.65         2.52         (0.38       0.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.62       1.68         2.56         (0.35       0.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.04       (0.03       (0.03       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.67       (0.54       -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    (0.00 )G        -         -         (0.01       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.71       (0.57       (0.03       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.42       $ 13.75       $ 12.64       $ 10.11       $ 10.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (11.70 )%        13.30       25.34       (3.34 )%        7.08 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 3,958,224       $ 3,955,277       $ 2,321,426       $ 454,614       $ 163,704  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.61       1.69       2.18       2.88       13.84 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.38       1.38       1.38       1.38       1.38 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.16 )%        (0.20 )%        (0.61 )%        (1.08 )%        (12.35 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.07       0.11       0.18       0.41       0.10 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    42       38       23       54       12 %F 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

G 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           July 15, 2014A
to
December 31,
2014
 
    2018           2017           2016           2015        
 

 

 

     
                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.42       $ 12.42       $ 10.00       $ 10.65       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.21       (0.06       (0.05       (0.01       (0.02

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

    (1.45       1.60         2.49         (0.41       0.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.66       1.54         2.44         (0.42       0.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         (0.02       (0.06       (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.67       (0.54       -         (0.16       -  

Tax return of capital

    (0.00 )F        -         -         (0.01       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.67       (0.54       (0.02       (0.23       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 11.09       $ 13.42       $ 12.42       $ 10.00       $ 10.65  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (12.26 )%        12.38       24.35       (4.01 )%        6.68 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 297,668       $ 520,113       $ 412,390       $ 308,822       $ 142,469  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.35       2.44       3.09       3.84       13.72 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.13       2.13       2.13       2.13       2.13 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.92 )%        (0.96 )%        (1.56 )%        (2.09 )%        (12.23 )%D 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.70 )%        (0.65 )%        (0.60 )%        (0.38 )%        (0.64 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    42       38       23       54       12 %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 July 15, 2014 through December 31, 2014 and is not annualized.

F 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Certain tax information regarding the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended December 31, 2018. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2018.

The Fund designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. All designations are based on financial information available as of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Fund to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations there under.

 

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

    100.00

 

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

    100.00

 

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

  $ 1,891,816  

 

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

  $ 285,932  

 

Tax Return of Capital:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

  $ 12,723  

Shareholders received notification in January 2019 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2018 income tax returns.

 

 

40


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Alan D. Feld** (82)    Trustee since 1996    Partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (law firm) (1960-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (1999-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Gilbert G. Alvarado (49)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Innovative North State (2012-2015); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Women’s Empowerment (2009-2014); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017-present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Joseph B. Armes (56)    Trustee since 2015    Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials f/k/a Capital Southwest Corporation (investment company) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation, predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (2014-present) (investment company); CEO, Capital Southwest Corporation (2013-2015); President & CEO, JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer) (2013-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Gerard J. Arpey (60)    Trustee since 2012    Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (2015-Present); Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

41


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Brenda A. Cline (58)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair since 2019

Vice Chair 2018

   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (public sector software solutions company) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Eugene J. Duffy (64)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994-2014); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-2013); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Claudia A. Holz*** (61)    Trustee since 2018    Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Douglas A. Lindgren**** (57)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); Managing Director, P&S Hedge Funds, UBS Wealth Management (2008-2010); Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments, UBS Financial Services, Inc. (2005-2008); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Richard A. Massman (75)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair 2008-2018

Chair Emeritus since 2019

   Consultant and General Counsel Emeritus, Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming, ranching and venture capital activities) (2009-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (55)    Trustee since 2012    Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

42


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
R. Gerald Turner (73)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-Present); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (64)    President since 2009    CEO and Director (2009-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President, American Beacon Advisors (2009-2018); President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); President (2015-2018), Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); President and CEO, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2009-2015); President, CEO and Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2009-2015); Manager, President and CEO, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017—Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-Present); American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present); President,

 

 

43


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Rosemary K. Behan (59)   

VP, Secretary and

Chief Legal

Officer since 2006

   Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2008-Present); Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Brian E. Brett (58)    VP since 2004    Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present), Vice President, Director of Sales (2004-2012), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present), Vice President (2017-2018); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Paul B. Cavazos (49)    VP since 2016    Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy (2007-2016); Vice President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2016-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present);Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Erica Duncan (48)    VP Since 2011    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

44


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Melinda G. Heika (57)    Treasurer since 2010    Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc., (2010-2015); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2010-2015); Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Terri L. McKinney (55)    VP since 2010    Vice President (2009-Present), Managing Director (2003-2009), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc (2018-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (43)    VP since 2010    Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Senior Vice President (2013-2018), Vice President (2010-2013), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice Present(2015-2018, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Vice President (2012-2018), Manager (2015-2018), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2013-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2013-2015); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present)

 

 

45


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Samuel J. Silver (55)    VP Since 2011    Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Christina E. Sears (47)    Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Asst. Secretary since 1999    Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Assistant Secretary (1999-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Sonia L. Bates (62)    Asst. Treasurer since 2011    Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Shelley D. Abrahams (44)    Assistant Secretary since 2008    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Rebecca L. Harris (52)    Assistant Secretary since 2010    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services (2015-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

46


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Teresa A. Oxford (60)    Assistant Secretary since 2015    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Services (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

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

** Mr. Feld is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trusts, as defined by the 1940 Act. Mr. Feld’s law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two fiscal years to one or more of the Trust’s sub-advisors.

*** Claudia A. Holz became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 4/1/2018.

**** Douglas A. Lindgren became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 1/1/2018.

 

 

47


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

 

   

information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

 

   

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

 

   

information we receive from third parties.

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

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

 

 

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 twenty days after the end of each month.   A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

   

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 Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 12/18


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.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund or your financial intermediary electronically by going to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and clicking on “Quick Links” and then “Register for E-Delivery.”

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-800-658-5811, option 1, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary of your wish. A notice that will be mailed to you each time a report is posted will also include instructions for informing the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the American Beacon Funds Complex or your financial intermediary, as applicable.

AHL MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. The use of quantitative models may lead to high levels of trading and concentration among certain investments, resulting in higher trading costs and return volatility. Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Regulatory changes may impair the Fund’s ability to qualify for federal income tax treatment as a regulated investment company, which could result in the Fund and shareholders incurring significant income tax expense. The Fund may have high portfolio turnover risk, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance. 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.

AHL TARGETRISK FUND

Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. The use of quantitative models may lead to high levels of trading and concentration among certain investments, resulting in higher trading costs and return volatility. The Fund’s investments in high-yield or junk-rated securities are subject to greater levels of credit, interest rate, market and liquidity risks than investment-grade securities. In a period of sustained deflation, inflation index-linked securities may not pay any income and may suffer a loss. Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Regulatory changes may impair the Fund’s ability to qualify for federal income tax treatment as a regulated investment company, which could result in the Fund and shareholders incurring significant income tax expense. The Fund may have high portfolio turnover risk, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance. 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.

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

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

 

American Beacon Funds

December 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    7  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    9  

Schedules of Investments:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

    10  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

    22  

Financial Statements

    23  

Notes to Financial Statements

    27  

Financial Highlights:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

    57  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

    62  

Affirmation of the Commodity Pool Operator

    65  

Federal Tax Information

    66  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    67  

Privacy Policy

    74  

 

Additional Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

December 2018, a month in which market volatility spiked and all major U.S. equity indexes declined, ending the year in negative territory, serves as a prime example of the importance of having a long-term investment perspective.

 

While long-term investing isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move, it is about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. As a long-term investor, you should strive to accomplish the three Ds: direction, discipline and diversification.

 

u   Direction: Achieving your long-term financial goals requires an individualized plan of action. You may want your plan to provide some

  measure of protection against periods of geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty, market volatility and job insecurity. Your plan should be reviewed annually and be adjusted in the event your long-range needs change.

 

u  

Discipline: Long-term, systematic participation in an investment portfolio requires your resolution to stay the course. Spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may place you in a better position to reach your long-term financial goals.

 

u  

Diversification: By investing in different types of investment categories and asset classes, you may be able to help mitigate financial risks across your investment portfolio. By allocating your investment portfolio according to your risk-tolerance level, you may be better positioned to weather storms and achieve your long-term financial goals.

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term financial goals. As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. 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 investment portfolio.

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 long-term rewards.

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


Alternative Investments

Market Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

An accommodative Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), rising corporate profits and lower tax rates steadily pushed markets to new highs since President Donald Trump’s election. However, despite strong equity gains, investors have apprehensively awaited the inevitable reversal of quantitative-easing policies. These concerns were realized when the Fed proceeded with its fourth rate hike of 2018 on December 19. Not only was the federal funds rate increased to a target range of 2.25% to 2.5%, but Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell also noted that “a gradual reduction of its balance sheet by $50 billion a month would remain on autopilot.” These factors, along with global economic growth concerns, quickly soured investor sentiment. December 2018 culminated in a S&P 500 Index decline of 13.52% for the fourth quarter. Also, the 10-year Treasury yield ended the year at 2.68%, a notable discount from its October peak of 3.23%.

In terms of actual losses, investors have seen far worse (ultimately, the S&P 500 Index fell by only 4.38% in 2018). However, failure to deliver positive returns was widespread across asset classes and a stark contrast to performance in the prior year.

Returns for alternative strategies suffered a similar fate to those in 2017. Many hedge funds struggled throughout the period under review as they were unable to capitalize on the fleeting instances of higher volatility and dispersion that roiled markets, particularly in the fourth quarter. Evidence of this was seen in the HFRI Index returns across major hedge-fund categories. For 2018, the HFRI Equity Hedge (Total) Index was down 6.94% and the HFRI Event-Driven (Total) Index was down 2.35%. Additionally, the HFRI Macro (Total) Index was down 3.63% and the HFRI Relative Value (Total) Index was down 0.24%.

 

 

2


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) returned 2.15% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 8/19/2014 through 12/31/2018

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended December 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

  

3 Years

  

Since Inception

(8/19/2014)

  

Value of $10,000

8/19/2014-

12/31/2018

Institutional Class (1,5)

     AHLIX          2.52 %        2.46 %        4.38 %      $ 12,059

Y Class (1,5)

     AHLYX          2.47 %        2.38 %        4.29 %      $ 12,011

Investor Class (1,5)

     AHLPX          2.15 %        2.06 %        3.97 %      $ 11,852

A without Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     AHLAX          2.21 %        2.04 %        3.96 %      $ 11,846

A with Sales Charge (1,2,5)

     AHLAX          (3.71 )%        0.04 %        2.56 %      $ 11,165

C without Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     AHLCX          1.40 %        1.31 %        3.20 %      $ 11,474

C with Sales Charge (1,3,5)

     AHLCX          0.40 %        1.31 %        3.20 %      $ 11,474
                          

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (4)

              1.88 %        1.02 %        0.71 %      $ 10,315

 

1.

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

 

2.

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

 

3.

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

 

 

3


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

4.

The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month Treasury Bill Index is designed to measure the total return on cash, including price and interest income, based on short- term government Treasury bills of about 90-day maturity. AHL uses a benchmark agnostic approach to investing. Thus, exposure to individual investments, use of instruments, volatility and tracking error will differ and as a result performance of the Fund is expected to vary significantly from that of the BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month Treasury Bill Index. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

5.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares were 1.98%, 2.04%, 2.20%, 2.35%, and 3.10%, 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.

For the period, Fixed-Income was the best performing sector, returning 2.41%. Long positions in interest rate contracts led the way with Euribor (+0.74%) and Eurodollar (+0.40%) adding the most.

Currencies also contributed positively with a 2018 return of 2.28%. From mid-April onwards, the prevailing positioning for the Fund was net long U.S. dollars versus foreign currencies. Long positions in U.S. dollar against the euro (+1.33%) and the British pound (+0.80%) paced the sector.

On the negative side, Stocks led losses with a return of -1.90% for the year. The South African All Share Index (-0.46%) produced the largest losses, driven by mixed positioning in the first three quarters of the year and short positioning in the fourth quarter. Australia’s SPI 200 Index (-0.42%) proved to be the second most negative stock market index.

Lastly, Commodities produced a loss of 0.45% during the period. Leading losses was a position in Natural Gas (-1.05%), which ended the year long. Detracting the next most was Copper, which the Fund held short for most of the second half of the year, and generated losses of 0.45% over the period.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to implement its trading strategy designed to capitalize on price trends (up or down) in a broad range of global equities, fixed income, currency, and commodity futures markets; seeking to achieve the Fund’s goal of capital growth.

 

 

4


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Commodities           % of VaR
Copper      Short          3.82  
Crude Oil      Short          3.24  
Aluminium      Short          2.35  
Natural Gas      Long          2.06  
RBOB Gasoline      Short          1.47  
       
Currencies           % of VaR
AUD/USD      Short          5.29  
EUR/USD      Short          5.00  
GBP/USD      Short          3.53  
CAD/USD      Long          3.53  
CLP/USD      Short          2.94  
       
Equities           % of VaR
Korean Kospi Index      Short          3.53  
S & P 500 Index      Short          2.35  
South African All Share Index      Short          2.06  
DAX Index      Short          1.76  
Australian SPI 200 Index      Short          1.76  
       
Interest Rate           % of VaR
U.S. Treasuries      Long          5.59  
Australian Bonds      Long          2.94  
German Bond      Long          2.65  
German BOBL      Long          1.76  
Euribor      Long          1.76  

 

*

Value at Risk (“VaR”) is a measure of the potential loss in value of a portfolio over a defined period for a given confidence interval. A one-day VaR at the 95% confidence level represents that there is a 5% probability that the mark-to-market loss on the portfolio over a one day horizon will exceed this value (assuming normal markets and no trading in the portfolio).

 

 

5


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The inception date of the American Beacon AHL Target Risk Fund (the “Fund”) was December 31, 2018. Although funds were wired on the inception date, the Fund did not commence trading operations until January 2, 2019. The Fund’s performance after its inception date is available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-967-9009.

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2018

 

      

Ticker

  

Since Inception

(12/31/2018)

Institutional Class (1,2)

     AHTIX        - %

Y Class (1,2)

     AHTYX        - %

Investor Class (1,2)

     AHTPX        - %
         

MSCI World Index (3)

            0.71 %

Bloomberg Barclays Global-Aggregate Index (3)

            0.24 %

 

1.

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

 

2.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y and Investor Class shares were 2.04%, 2.14% 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.

 

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. The MSCI© information contained herein: (1) is provided “as is,” (2) is proprietary to MSCI and/or its content providers, (3) may not be used to create any financial instruments or products or any indexes and (4) may not be copied or distributed without MSCI’s express written consent. MSCI disclaims all warranties with respect to the information. Neither MSCI nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. The Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Index tracks the performance of global investment-grade debt, including treasury, government-related, corporate and securitized fixed-rate bonds, denominated in local currencies from developed and emerging markets issuers. Securities must have at least one year until final maturity, or average life as applicable, and must meet minimum issue size criteria.

 

 

6


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 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 July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 for the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and for the one-day period of December 31, 2018 for the AHL TargetRisk Fund.

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 Funds with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. Shareholders of the Investor and Institutional Classes that invest in the Funds through an IRA or Roth IRA may be subject to a custodial IRA fee of $15 that is typically deducted each December. If your account was subject to a custodial IRA fee during the period, your costs would have been $15 higher.

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

 

 

7


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period

7/1/2018-12/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,036.90       $7.91
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,017.44       $7.83
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,037.50       $8.47
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,016.89       $8.39
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,035.40       $9.85
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.53       $9.75
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,036.00       $9.96
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,015.43       $9.86
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,032.30       $13.78
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,011.64       $13.64

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.54%, 1.65%, 1.92%, 1.94%, and 2.69% for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A, and C Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year (184) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund            
    Beginning Account Value
12/31/2018
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2018
  Expenses Paid  During
Period

12/31/2018-12/31/2018*
Institutional Class***            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,000.00       $-
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,000.14       $-
Y Class***            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,000.00       $-
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,000.14       $-
Investor Class***            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,000.00       $-
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,000.14       $-

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the one-day period of 0%, 0% and 0% for the Institutional, Y and Investor Classes, respectively, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by the number derived by dividing the number of days in the most recent fiscal period (1) by days in the year (184) to reflect the one-day period.

**

5% return before expenses.

***

Commenced operations on December 31, 2018.

 

 

8


American Beacon FundsSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders of American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund and the Board of Trustees of American Beacon Funds

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities of American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and AHL TargetRisk Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (two of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”)), including the consolidated schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations and changes in net assets, and the consolidated financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of each of the Funds (two of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds) at December 31, 2018, and the consolidated results of their operations, changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the periods indicated in the table below, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Individual fund constituting the
American Beacon Funds

  

Statement of operations

  

Statements of changes in
net assets

  

Financial highlights

American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and its subsidiary    For the year ended December 31, 2018    For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018    For each of the four years in the period ended December 31, 2018 and the period from August 19, 2014 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2014
American Beacon AHL TargetRisk and its subsidiary    For the day of December 31, 2018 (commencement of operations)    For the day of December 31, 2018 (commencement of operations)    For the day of December 31, 2018 (commencement of operations)

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more American Beacon investment companies since 1987.

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2019

 

 

9


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 91.33%            
Investment Companies - 2.25%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%A B C       20,760,352         $ 20,760,352
           

 

 

 
    Principal Amount        
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 89.08%            

U.S. Treasury Bills,

           

2.158%, Due 1/3/2019

    $ 50,000,000           49,996,875

2.089%, Due 1/17/2019A

      50,000,000           49,952,396

2.146%, Due 1/17/2019A

      27,000,000           26,974,294

2.156%, Due 2/7/2019A

      77,000,000           76,817,991

2.232%, Due 3/7/2019A

      50,000,000           49,788,333

2.298%, Due 3/7/2019A

      29,000,000           28,877,233

2.280%, Due 3/14/2019

      50,000,000           49,764,936

2.332%, Due 3/21/2019

      50,000,000           49,746,365

2.369%, Due 4/4/2019A

      77,000,000           76,522,568

2.382%, Due 4/11/2019A

      77,000,000           76,491,270

2.421%, Due 4/18/2019

      50,000,000           49,647,587

2.414%, Due 5/2/2019A

      80,000,000           79,357,000

2.435%, Due 5/16/2019A

      110,000,000           109,005,561

2.456%, Due 5/23/2019

      50,000,000           49,524,615
           

 

 

 
              822,467,024
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $843,227,037)

              843,227,376
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 91.33% (Cost $843,227,037)

              843,227,376

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 8.67%

              80,032,199
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 923,259,575
           

 

 

 
           
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A All or a portion represents positions held by the American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.

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

C 7-day yield.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2018:

 

  
Commodity Futures Contracts         
Description   

Number of

Contracts

   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value     

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Cocoa FuturesA    80    March 2019    $ 1,912,901      $ 1,932,800      $ 19,899  
Gold 100oz FuturesA    177    February 2019      22,368,784        22,679,010        310,226  
LME Copper FuturesA    33    January 2019      5,103,954        4,917,413        (186,541
LME Copper FuturesA    42    February 2019      6,559,424        6,266,137        (293,287
LME Lead FuturesA    67    January 2019      3,436,106        3,376,800        (59,306
LME Zinc FuturesA    81    January 2019      5,323,959        5,027,062        (296,897
LME Zinc FuturesA    9    February 2019      583,035        556,988        (26,047
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    197    January 2019      7,673,787        5,791,800        (1,881,987
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    March 2019      1,499,151        1,448,820        (50,331
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    April 2019      1,499,151        1,442,880        (56,271
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    May 2019      1,499,151        1,467,180        (31,971
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    June 2019      1,499,151        1,490,400        (8,751
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    July 2019      1,499,151        1,488,780        (10,371
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    August 2019      1,499,151        1,471,500        (27,651
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    September 2019      1,499,151        1,486,080        (13,071
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    October 2019      1,592,748        1,511,460        (81,288
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    November 2019      1,592,748        1,590,840        (1,908
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    December 2019      1,592,748        1,654,020        61,272  
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    January 2020      1,592,748        1,618,920        26,172  
Natural Gas Swap FuturesA    216    February 2020      1,592,748        1,526,580        (66,168
Silver FuturesA    77    March 2019      5,943,855        5,982,900        39,045  
Soybean FuturesA    30    March 2019      1,357,938        1,342,500        (15,438
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         $ 78,721,540      $ 76,070,870      $ (2,650,670
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Futures Contracts  
Description   

Number of

Contracts

   Expiration Date      Notional Amount     Contract Value    

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Mexican Peso Futures    288      March 2019      $ 7,202,315     $ 7,237,440     $ 35,125  
U.S. Dollar Index Futures    737      March 2019        70,751,609       70,556,695       (194,914
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $ 77,953,924     $ 77,794,135     $ (159,789
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Interest Rate Futures Contracts  
Description   

Number of

Contracts

   Expiration Date      Notional Amount     Contract Value    

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures    3,355      March 2020      $ 962,377,176     $ 963,130,240     $ 753,064  
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures    2,445      December 2020        699,830,984       700,724,672       893,688  
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures    1,613      September 2021        460,636,002       461,261,216       625,214  
90-Day Eurodollar Futures    368      March 2020        89,494,285       89,649,400       155,115  
90-Day Eurodollar Futures    299      December 2020        72,607,600       72,903,675       296,075  
90-Day Eurodollar Futures    377      September 2021        91,663,885       91,940,875       276,990  
90-Day Sterling Futures    1,576      March 2020        248,115,002       248,246,214       131,212  
90-Day Sterling Futures    1,199      December 2020        188,519,843       188,671,413       151,570  
Australian 10-Year Bond Futures    1,138      March 2019        105,084,209       106,345,632       1,261,423  
Australian 3-Year Bond Futures    3,359      March 2019        264,315,527       265,484,640       1,169,113  
Euro-Bobl Futures    1,668      March 2019        252,672,982       253,260,357       587,375  
Euro-Bund Futures    936      March 2019        174,441,921       175,383,843       941,922  
Euro-Buxl 30-Year Bond Futures    187      March 2019        38,183,398       38,698,772       515,374  
Euro-Schatz Futures    1,188      March 2019        152,293,558       152,367,199       73,641  
Japanese 10-Year Government Bond Futures    249      March 2019        345,227,425       346,403,175       1,175,750  
Long GILT Futures    395      March 2019        61,580,196       62,012,020       431,824  
U.S. Long Bond Futures    292      March 2019        41,824,267       42,632,000       807,733  
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note Futures    1,170      March 2019        140,671,405       142,758,281       2,086,876  
U.S. Treasury 2-Year Note Futures    718      March 2019        151,658,776       152,440,375       781,599  
U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note Futures    1,032      March 2019        117,064,534       118,357,500       1,292,966  
U.S. Ultra Bond Futures    137      March 2019        21,968,309       22,009,906       41,597  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $ 4,680,231,284     $ 4,694,681,405     $ 14,450,121  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
            
Short Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2018:

 

Commodity Futures Contracts  
Description   

Number of

Contracts

   Expiration Date      Notional Amount     Contract Value    

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Brent Crude FuturesA    202      January 2019      $ (11,654,576   $ (10,867,600   $ 786,976  
Coffee FuturesA    334      March 2019        (13,737,033     (12,756,713     980,320  
Corn FuturesA    576      March 2019        (10,801,146     (10,800,000     1,146  
Gasoline RBOB FuturesA    200      January 2019        (11,959,861     (10,937,640     1,022,221  
Kansas City Hard Red Winter Wheat FuturesA    394      March 2019        (9,725,747     (9,628,375     97,372  
LME Copper FuturesA    33      January 2019        (5,042,307     (4,917,412     124,895  
LME Copper FuturesA    42      February 2019        (6,422,940     (6,266,138     156,802  
LME Copper FuturesA    164      March 2019        (24,702,116     (24,475,975     226,141  
LME Copper FuturesA    386      March 2019        (26,087,149     (25,389,150     697,999  
LME Lead FuturesA    104      January 2019        (5,216,115     (5,241,600     (25,485
LME Lead FuturesA    17      February 2019        (824,596     (859,350     (34,754
LME Lead FuturesA    31      March 2019        (1,509,773     (1,567,050     (57,277
LME Nickel FuturesA    42      January 2019        (2,984,902     (2,676,870     308,032  
LME Nickel FuturesA    81      February 2019        (5,400,756     (5,178,087     222,669  
LME Nickel FuturesA    30      March 2019        (1,959,666     (1,922,670     36,996  
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA    317      January 2019        (15,666,261     (14,445,294     1,220,967  
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA    162      February 2019        (7,844,861     (7,436,813     408,048  
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA    208      March 2019        (10,012,864     (9,609,600     403,264  
LME Zinc FuturesA    81      January 2019        (5,075,914     (5,027,062     48,852  
LME Zinc FuturesA    26      February 2019        (1,579,750     (1,609,075     (29,325
LME Zinc FuturesA    49      March 2019        (3,057,625     (3,026,362     31,263  
Low Sulphur Gasoil FuturesA    174      January 2019        (9,933,815     (8,887,050     1,046,765  
NY Harbor ULSD FuturesA    119      January 2019        (8,811,877     (8,393,641     418,236  
Sugar #11 World FuturesA    442      February 2019        (6,159,997     (5,955,331     204,666  
WTI Crude FuturesA    253      January 2019        (13,120,660     (11,488,730     1,631,930  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $ (219,292,307   $ (209,363,588   $ 9,928,719  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Futures Contracts  
Description   

Number of

Contracts

   Expiration Date    Notional Amount     Contract Value    

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Australian Dollar Currency Futures    2,057    March 2019    $ (147,380,814   $ (145,059,640   $ 2,321,174  
British Pound Currency Futures    1,251    March 2019      (100,077,779     (100,001,812     75,967  
Canadian Dollar Currency Futures    1,749    March 2019      (131,398,434     (128,568,990     2,829,444  
Euro Currency Futures    1,186    March 2019      (170,748,464     (170,821,063     (72,599
Japanese Yen Currency Futures    27    March 2019      (2,999,302     (3,095,212     (95,910
New Zealand Dollar Currency Futures    257    March 2019      (17,356,275     (17,270,400     85,875  
Swiss Franc Currency Futures    206    March 2019      (26,272,285     (26,378,300     (106,015
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $ (596,233,353   $ (591,195,417   $ 5,037,936  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Equity Futures Contracts  
Description   

Number of

Contracts

   Expiration Date    Notional Amount     Contract Value    

Unrealized

Appreciation

(Depreciation)

 
Amsterdam Index Futures    72    January 2019    $ (8,167,077   $ (8,046,792   $ 120,285  
CAC40 Index Futures    176    January 2019      (9,640,732     (9,535,112     105,620  
DAX Index Futures    71    March 2019      (21,873,440     (21,478,982     394,458  
Euro Stoxx 50 Index Futures    666    March 2019      (23,260,663     (22,693,680     566,983  
FTSE 100 Index Futures    223    March 2019      (18,968,310     (18,927,259     41,051  
FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index Futures    627    March 2019      (19,980,434     (20,507,639     (527,205
FTSE/MIB Index Futures    129    March 2019      (13,834,618     (13,454,389     380,229  
Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures    281    January 2019      (18,120,256     (18,125,675     (5,419
Hang Seng Index Futures    120    January 2019      (19,739,087     (19,810,229     (71,142
IBEX 35 Index Futures    125    January 2019      (12,422,099     (12,198,081     224,018  
KOSPI 200 Index Futures    888    March 2019      (52,647,495     (52,127,622     519,873  
Mini MSCI EAFE Index Futures    171    March 2019      (14,946,642     (14,671,800     274,842  
Mini MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures    283    March 2019      (13,762,965     (13,680,220     82,745  
MSCI Taiwan Stock Index Futures    493    January 2019      (17,246,594     (17,718,420     (471,826
NASDAQ 100 E-Mini Futures    91    March 2019      (12,048,947     (11,526,515     522,432  
Nikkei 225 (SGX) Futures    80    March 2019      (7,816,628     (7,275,216     541,412  
OMXS30 Index Futures    523    January 2019      (8,544,568     (8,310,041     234,527  
Russell 2000 E-Mini Index Futures    208    March 2019      (14,702,821     (14,029,600     673,221  
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures    194    March 2019      (25,248,226     (24,300,440     947,786  
S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures    133    March 2019      (17,041,503     (16,703,912     337,591  
SPI 200 Futures    288    March 2019      (27,970,242     (28,201,605     (231,363
TOPIX Index Futures    73    March 2019      (10,642,504     (9,947,128     695,376  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
         $ (388,625,851   $ (383,270,357   $ 5,355,494  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on December 31, 2018:

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
PHP      47,511      USD      47,666      1/9/2019      DUB      $ -      $ (155   $ (155
PHP      47,511      USD      47,519      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (8     (8
PHP      95,022      USD      94,864      1/9/2019      DUB        158        -       158  
PHP      142,533      USD      142,618      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (85     (85
PHP      142,533      USD      141,841      1/9/2019      DUB        692        -       692  
PHP      190,044      USD      190,049      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (5     (5
PHP      190,044      USD      189,519      1/9/2019      DUB        525        -       525  
PHP      237,555      USD      236,930      1/9/2019      DUB        625        -       625  
PHP      332,578      USD      331,641      1/9/2019      DUB        937        -       937  
PHP      617,644      USD      616,347      1/9/2019      DUB        1,297        -       1,297  
USD      611,972      PHP      617,644      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (5,672     (5,672
USD      608,580      PHP      617,644      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (9,064     (9,064
USD      282,811      PHP      285,067      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (2,256     (2,256
USD      187,931      PHP      190,044      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (2,113     (2,113
USD      187,959      PHP      190,044      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (2,085     (2,085
USD      94,029      PHP      95,022      1/9/2019      DUB        -        (993     (993

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      47,085      PHP      47,511      1/9/2019      DUB      $ -      $ (426   $ (426
INR      35,781      USD      35,151      1/10/2019      DUB        630        -       630  
INR      35,781      USD      35,304      1/10/2019      DUB        477        -       477  
INR      71,561      USD      71,238      1/10/2019      DUB        323        -       323  
INR      71,561      USD      71,229      1/10/2019      DUB        332        -       332  
INR      71,561      USD      71,221      1/10/2019      DUB        340        -       340  
INR      71,561      USD      71,244      1/10/2019      DUB        317        -       317  
INR      71,561      USD      70,214      1/10/2019      DUB        1,347        -       1,347  
INR      107,342      USD      105,564      1/10/2019      DUB        1,778        -       1,778  
INR      143,123      USD      140,426      1/10/2019      DUB        2,697        -       2,697  
INR      143,123      USD      140,780      1/10/2019      DUB        2,343        -       2,343  
INR      178,904      USD      175,466      1/10/2019      DUB        3,438        -       3,438  
INR      178,904      USD      176,168      1/10/2019      DUB        2,736        -       2,736  
INR      250,465      USD      246,652      1/10/2019      DUB        3,813        -       3,813  
KRW      358,561      USD      356,977      1/10/2019      DUB        1,584        -       1,584  
KRW      388,441      USD      389,783      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (1,342     (1,342
KRW      448,201      USD      448,672      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (471     (471
KRW      627,482      USD      624,025      1/10/2019      DUB        3,457        -       3,457  
KRW      707,686      USD      713,364      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,678     (5,678
KRW      717,122      USD      716,736      1/10/2019      DUB        386        -       386  
KRW      768,345      USD      773,664      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,319     (5,319
KRW      773,753      USD      777,902      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (4,149     (4,149
KRW      806,762      USD      805,578      1/10/2019      DUB        1,184        -       1,184  
KRW      806,762      USD      805,275      1/10/2019      DUB        1,487        -       1,487  
KRW      806,762      USD      805,284      1/10/2019      DUB        1,478        -       1,478  
KRW      860,547      USD      864,912      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (4,365     (4,365
KRW      862,182      USD      866,852      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (4,670     (4,670
KRW      896,403      USD      894,967      1/10/2019      DUB        1,436        -       1,436  
KRW      899,816      USD      904,984      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,168     (5,168
KRW      945,297      USD      950,597      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,300     (5,300
KRW      957,251      USD      962,905      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,654     (5,654
KRW      973,069      USD      980,655      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (7,586     (7,586
KRW      986,043      USD      985,310      1/10/2019      DUB        733        -       733  
KRW      1,004,378      USD      1,009,918      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,540     (5,540
KRW      1,033,831      USD      1,039,824      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,993     (5,993
KRW      1,075,683      USD      1,073,451      1/10/2019      DUB        2,232        -       2,232  
INR      1,109,203      USD      1,100,946      1/10/2019      DUB        8,257        -       8,257  
KRW      1,142,913      USD      1,146,912      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (3,999     (3,999
KRW      1,165,324      USD      1,161,989      1/10/2019      DUB        3,335        -       3,335  
KRW      1,165,324      USD      1,165,303      1/10/2019      DUB        21        -       21  
KRW      1,165,324      USD      1,160,199      1/10/2019      DUB        5,125        -       5,125  
KRW      1,187,734      USD      1,197,199      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (9,465     (9,465
KRW      1,254,964      USD      1,253,436      1/10/2019      DUB        1,528        -       1,528  
KRW      1,254,964      USD      1,253,256      1/10/2019      DUB        1,708        -       1,708  
KRW      1,254,964      USD      1,253,919      1/10/2019      DUB        1,045        -       1,045  
KRW      1,254,964      USD      1,251,184      1/10/2019      DUB        3,780        -       3,780  
KRW      1,312,590      USD      1,322,345      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (9,755     (9,755
KRW      1,322,194      USD      1,332,924      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (10,730     (10,730
KRW      1,344,604      USD      1,344,833      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (229     (229
KRW      1,344,604      USD      1,347,491      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (2,887     (2,887
KRW      1,344,604      USD      1,349,710      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,106     (5,106
KRW      1,344,604      USD      1,339,647      1/10/2019      DUB        4,957        -       4,957  
KRW      1,344,604      USD      1,337,924      1/10/2019      DUB        6,680        -       6,680  
KRW      1,411,834      USD      1,419,699      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (7,865     (7,865
KRW      1,504,676      USD      1,515,914      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (11,238     (11,238
KRW      1,523,885      USD      1,526,266      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (2,381     (2,381
KRW      1,559,741      USD      1,567,760      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (8,019     (8,019
KRW      1,613,525      USD      1,616,133      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (2,608     (2,608
KRW      1,613,525      USD      1,617,120      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (3,595     (3,595

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
KRW      1,815,215      USD      1,821,747      1/10/2019      DUB      $ -      $ (6,532   $ (6,532
KRW      1,904,856      USD      1,920,609      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (15,753     (15,753
KRW      1,927,266      USD      1,935,228      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (7,962     (7,962
KRW      1,927,266      USD      1,930,155      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (2,889     (2,889
KRW      1,927,266      USD      1,928,251      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (985     (985
KRW      1,927,266      USD      1,935,089      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (7,823     (7,823
INR      1,932,160      USD      1,923,543      1/10/2019      DUB        8,617        -       8,617  
KRW      2,151,367      USD      2,162,708      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (11,341     (11,341
KRW      2,151,367      USD      2,160,255      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (8,888     (8,888
KRW      2,241,007      USD      2,250,288      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (9,281     (9,281
KRW      2,241,007      USD      2,250,568      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (9,561     (9,561
KRW      2,480,048      USD      2,490,294      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (10,246     (10,246
USD      38,023,496      KRW      38,007,476      1/10/2019      DUB        16,020        -       16,020  
USD      4,409,233      INR      4,472,592      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (63,359     (63,359
USD      3,717,440      KRW      3,764,892      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (47,452     (47,452
USD      3,364,201      KRW      3,406,330      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (42,129     (42,129
USD      2,417,473      KRW      2,442,697      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (25,224     (25,224
USD      2,131,080      KRW      2,151,367      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (20,287     (20,287
USD      2,131,013      KRW      2,151,367      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (20,354     (20,354
USD      2,122,955      KRW      2,151,367      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (28,412     (28,412
USD      2,042,320      KRW      2,061,726      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (19,406     (19,406
USD      1,862,264      KRW      1,882,446      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (20,182     (20,182
USD      1,684,110      KRW      1,703,165      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (19,055     (19,055
USD      1,685,293      KRW      1,703,165      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (17,872     (17,872
USD      1,685,250      KRW      1,703,165      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (17,915     (17,915
USD      1,639,937      KRW      1,658,345      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (18,408     (18,408
USD      1,639,856      KRW      1,658,345      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (18,489     (18,489
USD      1,595,137      KRW      1,613,525      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (18,388     (18,388
USD      1,552,299      KRW      1,568,705      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (16,406     (16,406
USD      1,552,148      KRW      1,568,705      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (16,557     (16,557
USD      1,418,364      KRW      1,434,244      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (15,880     (15,880
USD      1,332,267      KRW      1,344,604      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (12,337     (12,337
USD      1,308,482      KRW      1,322,194      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (13,712     (13,712
USD      1,286,620      KRW      1,299,784      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (13,164     (13,164
USD      1,286,647      KRW      1,299,784      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (13,137     (13,137
USD      1,283,106      KRW      1,299,784      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (16,678     (16,678
USD      1,282,982      KRW      1,299,784      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (16,802     (16,802
USD      1,241,377      KRW      1,254,964      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (13,587     (13,587
USD      1,239,777      KRW      1,254,964      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (15,187     (15,187
USD      1,239,689      KRW      1,254,964      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (15,275     (15,275
USD      1,063,556      KRW      1,075,683      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (12,127     (12,127
USD      976,233      KRW      986,043      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (9,810     (9,810
USD      978,790      KRW      986,043      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (7,253     (7,253
USD      891,409      KRW      896,403      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (4,994     (4,994
USD      799,481      KRW      806,762      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (7,281     (7,281
USD      800,078      KRW      806,762      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (6,684     (6,684
USD      711,408      KRW      717,122      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,714     (5,714
USD      709,553      KRW      717,122      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (7,569     (7,569
USD      708,912      KRW      717,122      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (8,210     (8,210
USD      709,100      KRW      717,122      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (8,022     (8,022
USD      708,661      KRW      717,122      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (8,461     (8,461
USD      709,345      KRW      717,122      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (7,777     (7,777
USD      621,559      KRW      627,482      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (5,923     (5,923
USD      624,326      KRW      627,482      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (3,156     (3,156
USD      531,628      KRW      537,842      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (6,214     (6,214
USD      444,867      KRW      448,201      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (3,334     (3,334
USD      444,468      KRW      448,201      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (3,733     (3,733
USD      444,339      KRW      448,201      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (3,862     (3,862
USD      354,434      KRW      358,561      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (4,127     (4,127

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      265,713      KRW      268,921      1/10/2019      DUB      $ -      $ (3,208   $ (3,208
USD      177,331      KRW      179,281      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (1,950     (1,950
USD      177,176      KRW      179,281      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (2,105     (2,105
USD      177,098      KRW      179,281      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (2,183     (2,183
USD      89,183      KRW      89,640      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (457     (457
USD      88,690      KRW      89,640      1/10/2019      DUB        -        (950     (950
TWD      81,391      USD      81,761      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (370     (370
TWD      162,781      USD      163,249      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (468     (468
TWD      162,781      USD      162,893      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (112     (112
TWD      244,172      USD      244,423      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (251     (251
TWD      325,563      USD      327,794      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (2,231     (2,231
TWD      325,563      USD      326,573      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (1,010     (1,010
TWD      325,563      USD      326,115      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (552     (552
TWD      325,563      USD      326,531      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (968     (968
TWD      325,563      USD      326,772      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (1,209     (1,209
TWD      406,954      USD      409,930      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (2,976     (2,976
TWD      406,954      USD      407,924      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (970     (970
TWD      569,735      USD      571,316      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (1,581     (1,581
USD      32,187,093      TWD      32,149,347      1/11/2019      DUB        37,746        -       37,746  
USD      974,944      TWD      976,689      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (1,745     (1,745
USD      325,542      TWD      325,563      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (21     (21
USD      244,762      TWD      244,172      1/11/2019      DUB        590        -       590  
USD      162,862      TWD      162,782      1/11/2019      DUB        80        -       80  
USD      162,386      TWD      162,782      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (396     (396
USD      162,459      TWD      162,782      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (323     (323
USD      81,402      TWD      81,391      1/11/2019      DUB        11        -       11  
USD      81,217      TWD      81,391      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (174     (174
USD      81,224      TWD      81,391      1/11/2019      DUB        -        (167     (167
USD      9,691,668      EUR      9,778,541      1/17/2019      DUB        -        (86,873     (86,873
INR      24,619,945      USD      23,893,744      1/22/2019      DUB        726,201        -       726,201  
USD      569,395      INR      571,726      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (2,331     (2,331
USD      568,909      INR      571,726      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (2,817     (2,817
USD      498,026      INR      500,260      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (2,234     (2,234
USD      457,160      INR      464,527      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (7,367     (7,367
USD      349,670      INR      357,329      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (7,659     (7,659
USD      319,830      INR      321,596      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (1,766     (1,766
USD      208,597      INR      214,397      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (5,800     (5,800
USD      210,278      INR      214,397      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (4,119     (4,119
USD      174,840      INR      178,664      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (3,824     (3,824
USD      34,748      INR      35,733      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (985     (985
USD      35,169      INR      35,733      1/22/2019      DUB        -        (564     (564
PHP      16,322,936      USD      16,311,976      1/24/2019      DUB        10,960        -       10,960  
USD      750,553      PHP      759,206      1/24/2019      DUB        -        (8,653     (8,653
USD      561,451      PHP      569,405      1/24/2019      DUB        -        (7,954     (7,954
USD      327,845      PHP      332,153      1/24/2019      DUB        -        (4,308     (4,308
USD      141,816      PHP      142,351      1/24/2019      DUB        -        (535     (535
USD      93,570      PHP      94,901      1/24/2019      DUB        -        (1,331     (1,331
USD      93,837      PHP      94,901      1/24/2019      DUB        -        (1,064     (1,064
BRL      51,603      USD      52,189      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (586     (586
BRL      516,029      USD      511,777      1/3/2019      HUS        4,252        -       4,252  
BRL      15,326,066      USD      15,217,698      1/3/2019      HUS        108,368        -       108,368  
USD      662,058      BRL      670,838      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (8,780     (8,780
USD      516,248      BRL      523,968      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (7,720     (7,720
USD      322,877      BRL      327,480      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (4,603     (4,603
USD      285,014      BRL      283,816      1/3/2019      HUS        1,198        -       1,198  
USD      259,244      BRL      258,015      1/3/2019      HUS        1,229        -       1,229  
USD      231,791      BRL      232,213      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (422     (422
USD      232,811      BRL      232,213      1/3/2019      HUS        598        -       598  
USD      232,750      BRL      232,213      1/3/2019      HUS        537        -       537  

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      205,767      BRL      206,412      1/3/2019      HUS      $ -      $ (645   $ (645
USD      205,740      BRL      206,412      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (672     (672
USD      206,255      BRL      206,412      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (157     (157
USD      206,401      BRL      206,412      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (11     (11
USD      180,482      BRL      180,610      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (128     (128
USD      180,166      BRL      180,610      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (444     (444
USD      180,230      BRL      180,610      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (380     (380
USD      179,999      BRL      180,610      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (611     (611
USD      180,645      BRL      180,610      1/3/2019      HUS        35        -       35  
USD      154,983      BRL      154,809      1/3/2019      HUS        174        -       174  
USD      154,987      BRL      154,809      1/3/2019      HUS        178        -       178  
USD      154,837      BRL      154,809      1/3/2019      HUS        28        -       28  
USD      155,751      BRL      154,809      1/3/2019      HUS        942        -       942  
USD      128,919      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (88     (88
USD      127,447      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,560     (1,560
USD      127,359      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,648     (1,648
USD      128,181      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (826     (826
USD      127,870      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,137     (1,137
USD      128,231      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (776     (776
USD      129,029      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        22        -       22  
USD      128,554      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (453     (453
USD      130,143      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        1,136        -       1,136  
USD      129,802      BRL      129,007      1/3/2019      HUS        795        -       795  
USD      102,020      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,186     (1,186
USD      101,947      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,259     (1,259
USD      101,917      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,289     (1,289
USD      101,994      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,212     (1,212
USD      101,963      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,243     (1,243
USD      101,609      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,597     (1,597
USD      101,603      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,603     (1,603
USD      101,603      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,603     (1,603
USD      102,140      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,066     (1,066
USD      102,072      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,134     (1,134
USD      102,070      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,136     (1,136
USD      101,903      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,303     (1,303
USD      101,849      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,357     (1,357
USD      102,339      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (867     (867
USD      102,331      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (875     (875
USD      102,429      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (777     (777
USD      102,506      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (700     (700
USD      102,289      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (917     (917
USD      102,509      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (697     (697
USD      102,643      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (563     (563
USD      102,870      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (336     (336
USD      103,590      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        384        -       384  
USD      103,654      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        448        -       448  
USD      103,667      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        461        -       461  
USD      103,557      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        351        -       351  
USD      103,255      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        49        -       49  
USD      103,093      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (113     (113
USD      103,097      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (109     (109
USD      103,192      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (14     (14
USD      102,585      BRL      103,206      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (621     (621
USD      77,489      BRL      77,404      1/3/2019      HUS        85        -       85  
USD      76,250      BRL      77,404      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,154     (1,154
USD      76,432      BRL      77,404      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (972     (972
USD      76,522      BRL      77,404      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (882     (882
USD      76,214      BRL      77,404      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,190     (1,190
USD      76,171      BRL      77,404      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,233     (1,233

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Purchased*    Currency Sold*    Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD    76,591    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS      $ -      $ (813   $ (813
USD    76,363    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,041     (1,041
USD    76,332    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,072     (1,072
USD    76,444    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (960     (960
USD    76,345    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,059     (1,059
USD    76,334    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,070     (1,070
USD    76,330    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (1,074     (1,074
USD    76,814    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (590     (590
USD    76,928    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (476     (476
USD    76,869    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (535     (535
USD    76,959    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (445     (445
USD    76,906    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (498     (498
USD    76,826    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (578     (578
USD    76,797    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (607     (607
USD    76,791    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (613     (613
USD    76,785    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (619     (619
USD    76,938    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (466     (466
USD    76,852    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (552     (552
USD    76,820    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (584     (584
USD    76,887    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (517     (517
USD    76,887    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (517     (517
USD    77,162    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (242     (242
USD    77,254    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (150     (150
USD    77,756    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        352        -       352  
USD    77,688    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        284        -       284  
USD    76,938    BRL    77,404    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (466     (466
USD    51,507    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (96     (96
USD    51,516    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (87     (87
USD    51,513    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (90     (90
USD    51,008    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (595     (595
USD    50,828    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (775     (775
USD    50,821    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (782     (782
USD    51,019    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (584     (584
USD    50,827    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (776     (776
USD    50,799    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (804     (804
USD    51,557    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (46     (46
USD    51,495    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (108     (108
USD    51,083    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (520     (520
USD    51,093    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (510     (510
USD    50,919    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (684     (684
USD    50,892    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (711     (711
USD    50,905    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (698     (698
USD    50,898    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (705     (705
USD    50,887    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (716     (716
USD    50,871    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (732     (732
USD    50,849    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (754     (754
USD    50,952    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (651     (651
USD    50,952    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (651     (651
USD    50,948    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (655     (655
USD    50,857    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (746     (746
USD    50,941    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (662     (662
USD    50,921    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (682     (682
USD    50,854    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (749     (749
USD    51,067    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (536     (536
USD    51,252    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (351     (351
USD    51,252    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (351     (351
USD    51,243    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (360     (360
USD    51,108    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (495     (495
USD    51,016    BRL    51,603    1/3/2019      HUS        -        (587     (587

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      51,281      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS      $ -      $ (322   $ (322
USD      51,200      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (403     (403
USD      51,200      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (403     (403
USD      51,284      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (319     (319
USD      51,273      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (330     (330
USD      51,272      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (331     (331
USD      51,320      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (283     (283
USD      51,272      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (331     (331
USD      51,266      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (337     (337
USD      51,225      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (378     (378
USD      51,272      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (331     (331
USD      51,311      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (292     (292
USD      51,298      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (305     (305
USD      51,277      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (326     (326
USD      51,261      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (342     (342
USD      51,254      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (349     (349
USD      51,248      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (355     (355
USD      51,806      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        203        -       203  
USD      51,739      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        136        -       136  
USD      51,729      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        126        -       126  
USD      51,771      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        168        -       168  
USD      51,781      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        178        -       178  
USD      51,262      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (341     (341
USD      51,747      BRL      51,603      1/3/2019      HUS        144        -       144  
USD      25,782      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (20     (20
USD      25,407      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (395     (395
USD      25,781      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (21     (21
USD      25,777      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (25     (25
USD      25,752      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (50     (50
USD      25,746      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (56     (56
USD      25,741      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (61     (61
USD      25,747      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (55     (55
USD      25,541      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (261     (261
USD      25,536      BRL      25,802      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (266     (266
USD      25,552      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (249     (249
USD      25,464      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (337     (337
USD      25,456      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (345     (345
USD      25,470      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (331     (331
USD      25,533      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (268     (268
USD      25,612      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (189     (189
USD      25,530      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (271     (271
USD      25,602      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (199     (199
USD      25,593      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (208     (208
USD      25,519      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (282     (282
USD      25,516      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (285     (285
USD      25,511      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (290     (290
USD      25,505      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (296     (296
USD      25,506      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (295     (295
USD      25,527      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (274     (274
USD      25,602      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (199     (199
USD      25,532      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (269     (269
USD      25,516      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (285     (285
USD      25,513      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (288     (288
USD      25,634      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (167     (167
USD      25,626      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (175     (175
USD      25,633      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (168     (168
USD      25,666      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        -        (135     (135
USD      25,903      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        102        -       102  
USD      25,877      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        76        -       76  

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      25,898      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS      $ 97      $ -     $ 97  
USD      25,894      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        93        -       93  
USD      25,872      BRL      25,801      1/3/2019      HUS        71        -       71  
CNY      72,829      USD      72,497      1/25/2019      HUS        332        -       332  
CNY      72,829      USD      72,366      1/25/2019      HUS        463        -       463  
CNY      72,829      USD      72,537      1/25/2019      HUS        292        -       292  
CNY      72,829      USD      72,462      1/25/2019      HUS        367        -       367  
CNY      72,829      USD      72,034      1/25/2019      HUS        795        -       795  
CNY      145,659      USD      144,471      1/25/2019      HUS        1,188        -       1,188  
CNY      218,488      USD      217,155      1/25/2019      HUS        1,333        -       1,333  
CNY      218,488      USD      217,250      1/25/2019      HUS        1,238        -       1,238  
CNY      218,488      USD      217,647      1/25/2019      HUS        841        -       841  
CNY      218,488      USD      217,547      1/25/2019      HUS        941        -       941  
CNY      291,317      USD      290,322      1/25/2019      HUS        995        -       995  
CNY      291,317      USD      290,799      1/25/2019      HUS        518        -       518  
CNY      291,317      USD      291,223      1/25/2019      HUS        94        -       94  
CNY      364,147      USD      364,108      1/25/2019      HUS        39        -       39  
CNY      364,147      USD      360,355      1/25/2019      HUS        3,792        -       3,792  
CLP      397,644      USD      408,294      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (10,650     (10,650
CLP      397,644      USD      409,063      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (11,419     (11,419
CLP      397,644      USD      408,125      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (10,481     (10,481
CLP      397,644      USD      407,908      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (10,264     (10,264
CLP      432,525      USD      446,748      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (14,223     (14,223
CLP      530,192      USD      545,054      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (14,862     (14,862
CNY      655,464      USD      652,802      1/25/2019      HUS        2,662        -       2,662  
CNY      655,464      USD      654,184      1/25/2019      HUS        1,280        -       1,280  
CNY      655,464      USD      652,353      1/25/2019      HUS        3,111        -       3,111  
CNY      655,464      USD      653,338      1/25/2019      HUS        2,126        -       2,126  
CLP      662,739      USD      682,064      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (19,325     (19,325
CLP      662,739      USD      681,852      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (19,113     (19,113
CLP      662,739      USD      679,061      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (16,322     (16,322
CNY      728,294      USD      727,453      1/25/2019      HUS        841        -       841  
CNY      728,294      USD      726,281      1/25/2019      HUS        2,013        -       2,013  
CNY      728,294      USD      725,689      1/25/2019      HUS        2,605        -       2,605  
CNY      801,123      USD      803,894      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (2,771     (2,771
CNY      946,782      USD      942,439      1/25/2019      HUS        4,343        -       4,343  
CNY      1,019,611      USD      1,022,211      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (2,600     (2,600
CNY      1,019,611      USD      1,019,027      1/25/2019      HUS        584        -       584  
CNY      1,019,611      USD      1,019,368      1/25/2019      HUS        243        -       243  
CLP      3,243,935      USD      3,357,207      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (113,272     (113,272
USD      27,132,353      CLP      26,600,269      1/25/2019      HUS        532,084        -       532,084  
USD      8,140,038      CNY      8,229,719      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (89,681     (89,681
USD      3,417,287      CLP      3,388,110      1/25/2019      HUS        29,177        -       29,177  
USD      1,959,948      CLP      1,946,361      1/25/2019      HUS        13,587        -       13,587  
USD      1,451,885      CLP      1,441,749      1/25/2019      HUS        10,136        -       10,136  
USD      215,295      CNY      218,488      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (3,193     (3,193
USD      143,584      CNY      145,659      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (2,075     (2,075
USD      143,510      CNY      145,659      1/25/2019      HUS        -        (2,149     (2,149
USD      2,834,289      COP      2,767,849      1/28/2019      HUS        66,440        -       66,440  
USD      1,817,157      COP      1,783,725      1/28/2019      HUS        33,432        -       33,432  
BRL      25,755      USD      25,959      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (204     (204
USD      510,668      BRL      515,099      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (4,431     (4,431
USD      204,421      BRL      206,040      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (1,619     (1,619
USD      152,994      BRL      154,530      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (1,536     (1,536
USD      127,666      BRL      128,775      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (1,109     (1,109
USD      127,810      BRL      128,775      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (965     (965
USD      102,158      BRL      103,020      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (862     (862
USD      102,177      BRL      103,020      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (843     (843
USD      76,606      BRL      77,265      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (659     (659

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
   Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      76,600      BRL      77,265      2/4/2019      HUS      $ -      $ (665   $ (665
USD      76,906      BRL      77,265      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (359     (359
USD      76,758      BRL      77,265      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (507     (507
USD      51,073      BRL      51,510      2/4/2019      HUS        -        (437     (437
USD      3,837,332      CLP      3,821,674      3/14/2019      HUS        15,658        -       15,658  
USD      3,523,557      CLP      3,533,246      3/14/2019      HUS        -        (9,689     (9,689
USD      3,487,157      CLP      3,461,139      3/14/2019      HUS        26,018        -       26,018  
USD      2,696,385      CLP      2,701,894      3/14/2019      HUS        -        (5,509     (5,509
USD      1,380,484      CLP      1,370,034      3/14/2019      HUS        10,450        -       10,450  
USD      1,306,905      CLP      1,297,927      3/14/2019      HUS        8,978        -       8,978  
USD      1,162,757      CLP      1,153,713      3/14/2019      HUS        9,044        -       9,044  
USD      1,016,364      CLP      1,009,499      3/14/2019      HUS        6,865        -       6,865  
USD      1,017,376      CLP      1,009,499      3/14/2019      HUS        7,877        -       7,877  
USD      871,461      CLP      865,285      3/14/2019      HUS        6,176        -       6,176  
USD      829,478      CLP      831,352      3/14/2019      HUS        -        (1,874     (1,874
USD      508,167      CLP      504,749      3/14/2019      HUS        3,418        -       3,418  
USD      7,232,411      KRW      7,254,442      1/17/2019      RBS        -        (22,031     (22,031
USD      7,322,333      AUD      7,225,945      1/17/2019      RBS        96,388        -       96,388  
USD      6,767,031      EUR      6,826,277      1/17/2019      RBS        -        (59,246     (59,246
USD      2,609,214      PEN      2,595,161      1/28/2019      RBS        14,053        -       14,053  
USD      295,552      PEN      296,590      1/28/2019      RBS        -        (1,038     (1,038
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 1,921,560      $ (1,693,225   $ 228,335  
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

All Values denominated in USD

 

Glossary:
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
DUB    Deutsche Bank AG.
HUS    HSBC Bank (USA).
RBS    Royal Bank of Scotland PLC.
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD    Australian Dollar
BRL    Brazilian Real
CLP    Chilean Peso
CNY    Chinese Yuan
COP    Colombian Peso
EUR    Euro
INR    Indian Rupee
KRW    South Korean Won
PEN    Peruvian Nuevo Sol
PHP    Philippine Peso
TWD    Taiwan Dollar
USD    United States Dollar
Index Abbreviations:
CAC40    Euronet Paris – French Stock Market Index.
DAX    Deutsche Boerse AG German Stock Index.
Euro Stoxx 50    Eurozone Blue – chip Index.
FTSE 100    Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index.
FTSE/JSE Top 40    Largest 40 companies ranked by full market value in the FTSE/JSE All-Share Index
FTSE/MIB    Borsa Italiana – Italian Stock Market Index.
Hang Seng    Hong Kong Stock Market Index.
IBEX    Bolsa de Madrid – Spanish Stock Market Index.
KOSPI    South Korean Stock Market Index.
MSCI    Morgan Stanley Capital International.
MSCI EAFE    Morgan Stanley Capital International – Europe, Australasia, and Far East

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

NASDAQ    National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.
NIKKEI 225    Nikkei Stock Average.
OMXS30    Stockholm Stock Exchange’s leading share index.
S&P 500    Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index.
S&P/TSX    Canadian Equity Market Index.
SPI 200    Australian Equity Market Index Future.
TOPIX    Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index.
Exchange Abbreviations:
JSE    Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
LME    London Metal Exchange.
SGX    Singapore Stock Exchange.
Other Abbreviations:
Bobl    Medium term debt that is issued by the Federal Republic of Germany.
Bund    German Federal Government Bond.
Buxl    Long term debt that is issued by the Federal Republic of Germany.
EURIBOR    Euro Interbank Offered Rate.
GILT    Bank of England Bonds.
RBOB    Reformulated Gasoline Blendstock for Oxygen Blending.
Sugar #11    World Benchmark for raw sugar.
ULSD    Ultra-low-sulfur diesel.
WTI    West Texas Intermediate.

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

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

  Level 1           Level 2            Level 3           Total  

Assets

              

Short-Term Investments

              

Investment Companies

  $ 20,760,352       $ -        $ -       $ 20,760,352  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    -         822,467,024          -         822,467,024  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 20,760,352       $ 822,467,024        $ -       $ 843,227,376  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Futures Contracts

  $ 36,992,329       $ -        $ -       $ 36,992,329  

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         1,921,560          -         1,921,560  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 36,992,329       $ 1,921,560        $ -       $ 38,913,889  
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

Futures Contracts

  $ (5,030,518     $ -        $ -       $ (5,030,518

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         (1,693,225        -         (1,693,225
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (5,030,518     $ (1,693,225      $ -       $ (6,723,743
 

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 to be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Fair Value

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 0.00% (Cost $0)

    $ -

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 100.00%

      25,000,010
   

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

    $ 25,000,010
   

 

 

 
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.          

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2018

 

 

    AHL Managed
Futures Strategy
FundA
          AHL TargetRisk
FundA
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 822,467,024       $ -  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    20,760,352         -  

Foreign currency deposits with brokers for futures contracts, at fair value¤

    23,279,035         -  

Cash

    234         5,000,010  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    16,350,257         -  

Cash collateral held at custodian for the benefit of the broker

    3,906,536         -  

Dividends and interest receivable

    51,156         -  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    8,505,735         20,000,000  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    338,127         -  

Unrealized appreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    1,921,560         -  

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

    32,020,239         -  

Deferred offering costs

    -         19,039  

Prepaid expenses

    100,951         53,105  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    929,701,206         25,072,155  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    1,336,763         -  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    1,938,719         -  

Payable to Manager

    -         46,370  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    1,025,029         123  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    8,016         1  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    48,849         10  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    225,505         408  

Professional fees payable

    66,424         25,177  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    -         5  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    65,820         31  

Unrealized depreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    1,693,225         -  

Other liabilities

    33,281         20  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    6,441,631         71,145  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 923,259,575       $ 25,000,010  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2018

 

 

    AHL Managed
Futures Strategy
FundA
          AHL TargetRisk
FundA
 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 910,175,607       $ 25,000,010  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)B

    13,083,968         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 923,259,575       $ 25,000,010  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

 

Institutional ClassC

    37,274,087         2,480,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y ClassC

    47,311,992         10,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor ClassC

    1,649,372         10,001  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    410,347         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    496,602         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Institutional ClassC

  $ 396,044,490       $ 24,800,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y ClassC

  $ 500,530,112       $ 100,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor ClassC

  $ 17,292,936       $ 100,010  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 4,303,787         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 5,088,250         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional ClassC

  $ 10.63       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y ClassC

  $ 10.58       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor ClassC

  $ 10.48       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 10.49         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 11.13         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 10.25         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 822,466,685       $ -  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 20,760,352       $ -  

¤ Cost of foreign currency deposits with brokers for futures contracts

  $ 23,225,532       $ -  
A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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

 

C Class commenced operations December 31, 2018 in the AHL TargetRisk Fund (Note 1).

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the period ended December 31, 2018

 

 

    AHL Managed Futures
Strategy FundA
          AHL TargetRisk  FundA D  

Investment income:

     

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 8)

  $ 271,399       $  

Interest income

    12,210,005          

Other income

             
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    12,481,404          
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

     

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    9,644,651         123  

Transfer agent fees:

     

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    152,624         10  

Y Class (Note 2)

    273,075          

Investor Class

    2,336          

A Class

    664          

C Class

    241          

Custody and fund accounting fees

    1,588,792         408  

Professional fees

    107,941         61,115  

Registration fees and expenses

    158,352         146  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    62,696         1  

A Class

    4,322          

C Class

    4,802          

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    9,843          

C Class

    51,503          

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    184,814         37  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    45,740         5  

Other expenses

    32,506         21  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    12,324,902         61,866  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (909,052       (61,866
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    11,415,850          
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1,065,554          
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

     

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    36,716          

Foreign currency transactions

    291,085          

Forward foreign currency contracts

    (1,268,599        

Futures contracts

    584,471          

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesC

    127,276          

Foreign currency transactions

    (376,976        

Forward foreign currency contracts

    709,267          

Futures contracts

    24,356,072          
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) from investments

    24,459,312          
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 25,524,866       $  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

† Foreign taxes

  $       $  

A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

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.

D Commencement of operations on December 31, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundA           AHL TargetRisk
FundA
 
    Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
          Period EndedB
December 31, 2018
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

         

Operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

  $ 1,065,554       $ (4,054,993       -  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, and futures contracts

    (356,327       30,052,284        
-
 

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

    24,815,639         (122,197       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    25,524,866         25,875,094         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

         

Net realized gain from investments:

         

Institutional Class

    -         (15,176,418       -  

Y Class

    -         (3,701,486       -  

Investor Class

    -         (777,705       -  

A Class

    -         (142,135       -  

C Class

    -         (229,781       -  

Total retained earnings:*

         

Institutional Class

    (7,171,786       -         -  

Y Class

    (8,502,485       -         -  

Investor Class

    (252,884       -         -  

A Class

    (59,819       -         -  

C Class

    (32,986       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (16,019,960       (20,027,525       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

         

Proceeds from sales of shares

    562,411,814         172,256,169         20,000,000  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    14,959,325         17,912,969         -  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (186,100,916       (138,380,771       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

    391,270,223         51,788,367         20,000,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

    400,775,129         57,635,936         20,000,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

         

Beginning of period

    522,484,446         464,848,510         5,000,010 C  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 923,259,575       $ 522,484,446       $ 25,000,010  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

* Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the period ended December 31, 2018. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information regarding new accounting pronouncements.

A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

B Commenced operations December 31, 2018 (Note 1).

C Seed capital.

 

See accompanying notes

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Funds, each a series within the Trust, are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as non-diversified, open-end management investment companies. As of December 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, two of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk 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. The Manager is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

The American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund commenced operations on December 31, 2018 and is a separate series of the Trust. December 31, 2018 is also the inception date of the Institutional, Y and Investor Classes of the Fund. The Fund constitutes a separate investment portfolio with a distinct investment objective and distinct purpose and strategy.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08, Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the premium amortization period on a purchased callable debt security from the security’s contractual life to the earliest call date. It is anticipated that this change will enhance disclosures by reducing losses recognized when a security is called on an earlier date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Manager continues to evaluate the impact this ASU will have on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (“Topic 820”). The amendments in the ASU impact disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. It is anticipated that this change will enhance the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted and can include the entire standard or certain provisions that exclude or amend disclosures. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Funds have chosen to adopt the standard. The adoption of this ASU guidance did not have a material impact on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements in Securities Act Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, which is intended to facilitate the disclosure of information to investors and simplify compliance without significantly altering the total mix of information provided to investors. Effective with the current reporting period, the Funds adopted the amendments with the impacts being that the Funds are no longer required to present components of distributable earnings on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities or the sources of distributable earnings and the amount of undistributed net investment income on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets.

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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.

Consolidation of Subsidiaries

The Schedules of Investments of the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and the AHL TargetRisk Fund (the controlled foreign corporation “CFC Funds”) are consolidated to include the accounts of the American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Fund, Ltd., respectively, each of which are wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) of the CFC Funds. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the CFC Funds.

For Federal tax purposes, taxable income for the CFC Funds and its Subsidiary are calculated separately. The Subsidiaries are classified as controlled foreign corporations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”) and each Subsidiary’s taxable income is included in the calculation of the applicable CFC Fund’s taxable income. Net losses of the Subsidiarys’ are not deductible by the CFC Funds either in the current period or future periods. The Subsidiaries have a fiscal year end of December 31st for financial statement consolidation purposes and a nonconforming tax year end of November 30th.

Each CFC Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiaries, which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the CFC Fund’s investment objectives and policies. The CFC Funds expect to achieve a significant portion of their exposure to commodities and commodities-related investments through investment in the Subsidiaries. Unlike the CFC Funds, the Subsidiaries may invest without limitation in commodities and commodities-related investments.

 

Fund

   Inception Date of
Subsidiary
     Subsidiary
Net Assets at
December 31,
2018
     % of Total Net Assets
of the CFC Fund at
December 31, 2018
 

American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.

     August 19, 2014      $ 220,597,617        23.9

American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Fund, Ltd.

     December 31, 2018        5,500,000        22.0

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

CFTC Regulation

On August 13, 2013, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) adopted rules to harmonize conflicting United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC’’) and CFTC disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping requirements for registered investment companies that do not meet an exemption from the definition of commodity pool. The harmonization rules provide that the CFTC will accept the SEC’s disclosure, reporting, and recordkeeping regime as substituted compliance for substantially all of the otherwise applicable CFTC regulations as long as such investment companies meet the applicable SEC requirements.

The CFC Funds are commodity pools, as defined in the regulation of the CFTC, and operated by the Manager, a commodity pool operator regulated by the CFTC.

Significant Accounting Policies

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

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

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

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions, if any, of net investment income are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions, if any, of net realized capital gains are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP. To the extent necessary to fully distribute capital gains, the Funds may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

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.

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 significant ownership of more than 5% of the Funds’ outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Funds. As of December 31, 2018, based on management’s evaluation of the shareholder account base, two accounts have been identified as representing an affiliated significant ownership of approximately 99% of the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk 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, equal to 0.35%.

The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with AHL Partners LLP (the “Sub-Advisor”), 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:

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

All Assets

     1.00

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

First $500 million

     0.55

Next $500 million

     0.50

Next $500 million

     0.45

Over $1.5 billion

     0.40

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

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 2,491,892  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    1.00       7,152,759  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    1.35     $ 9,644,651  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 48  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.55       75  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.90     $ 123  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes of the AHL Managed Futures Fund, 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 American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy. Under the Distribution Plans, as compensation for distribution and shareholder servicing assistance, the Manager receives an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A Class and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the C Class. The fee will be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the Manager for distribution assistance.

Service Plans

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

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ 408,566  

AHL TargetRisk

     -   

As of December 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
 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ 48,849  

AHL TargetRisk

     -  

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Funds may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). The Funds and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the period ended December 31, 2018, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments and securities lending collateral investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ 12,633  

AHL TargetRisk

     -  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the 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 December 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 December 31, 2018, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

          Expense Cap                    

Fund

   Class    1/1/2018 -
12/31/2018
    Reimbursed
Expenses
    (Recouped)
Expenses
    Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   Institutional      1.54   $ 657,780     $ -       2021  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   Y      1.64     231,970       -       2021  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   Investor      1.92     14,726       (3,953     2021  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   A      1.94     4,144       -       2021  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   C      2.69     4,385       -       2021  

AHL TargetRisk

   Institutional      1.04     60,541     -       2021  

AHL TargetRisk

   Y      1.14     662     -       2021  

AHL TargetRisk

   Investor      1.42     663     -       2021  

 

*

Voluntarily reimbursed by the Manager at 12/31/2018.

Of these amounts $338,127 is disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2018 for the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund. At December 31, 2018, the AHL TargetRisk Fund had a payable to the Manager for $46,370.

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

 

Fund

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

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ -      $ 1,444,427      $ -        2019  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

     -        2,099,369        -        2020  

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-allocate 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-allocated 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 January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018, Foreside collected $257 for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund from the sale of Class A Shares. During the period March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, RID collected $2,181 for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund from the sale of Class A Shares.

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the year ended December 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 January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2018, Foreside did not collect CDSC fees for Class C Shares of the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund. During the period March 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, RID collected $3,533 for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund for Class C Shares.

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 Total Return 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 Chair receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a $2,500 fee each quarter for attendance at the committee meetings. The Chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. These expenses are allocated on a prorated basis to each Fund of the Trusts according to its respective net assets.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

The price of the Fund’s shares is based on the Fund’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”). The NAV of the Fund, or each of its share classes, as applicable, is determined by dividing the total value of portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities attributable to the Fund or class, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund or class.

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

Debt securities normally are valued on the basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service and may take into account appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. Prices of debt securities may be determined using quotes obtained from brokers. Certain fixed-income securities purchased on a delayed-delivery basis are marked-to-market daily until settlement at the forward settlement date.

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

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

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

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

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

Valuation Inputs

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

 

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

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

Common stocks, ETFs, preferred securities, and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts or options that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Valuation adjustments may be applied to certain securities that are solely traded on a foreign exchange to account for the market movement between the

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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.

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

Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker-dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, current market data, estimated cash flows, and market-based yield spreads for each tranche, and incorporates deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above 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.

Over-the-counter (“OTC”) financial derivative instruments, such as forward foreign currency contracts derive their value from underlying asset prices, indices, reference rates, and other inputs or a combination of these factors. These 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.

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

Certain mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) may be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or a government sponsored entity, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Although these instruments may be guaranteed by the U.S. government or a government sponsored entity, many such MBS are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and are still exposed to the risk of non-payment.

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

Commodity Instruments

Exposure to physical commodities may subject the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of such investments may be affected by overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as supply and demand, drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. Their value may also respond to investor perception of instability in the national or international economy, whether or not justified by the facts. However, these investments may help to moderate fluctuations in the value of the Fund’s other holdings, because these investments may not correlate with investments in traditional securities. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for commodities, which may reduce market prices and cause the value of the Fund’s shares to fall. No

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability of the Fund to sell or realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. Certain commodities are subject to limited pricing flexibility because of supply and demand factors. Others are subject to broad price fluctuations as a result of the volatility of the prices for certain raw materials and the instability of supplies of other materials. These additional variables may create additional investment risks and result in greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. Because physical commodities do not generate investment income, the return on such investments will be derived solely from the appreciation or depreciation on such investments. Certain types of commodities instruments (such as commodity-linked swaps and commodity-linked structured notes) are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument.

Common Stock

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

Convertible Securities

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

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

 

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed-income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable to make timely principal and interest payments and that the security may go into default. In addition, there is prepayment risk, which is the risk that during periods of falling interest rates, certain fixed-income securities with higher interest rates, such as mortgage- and asset-backed securities, may be prepaid by their issuers thereby reducing the amount of interest payments. This may result in a Fund having to reinvest its proceeds in lower yielding securities. Securities underlying mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which may include subprime mortgages, also may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk.

Foreign Securities

The Funds may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar denominated equity and debt securities of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks, including negotiable 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 December 31, 2018 are disclosed in the 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.

Interest-Only and Principal-Only Mortgage-Backed Securities

Stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”) are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government and private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

of the interest (the “IO” class), while the other class will receive the entire principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including pre-payments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated pre-payments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.

Interest-only instruments generally increase in value in a rising interest rate environment, which typically results in a slower rate of prepayments on the underlying mortgages and extends the period during which interest payments are required to be made on the IO security. Interest only securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that prepayments will accelerate in a declining interest rate environment and will reduce the number of remaining interest payments even though there is no default on the underlying mortgages. Principal only instruments generally increase in value in a declining interest rate environment, which typically results in a faster rate of prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Since a PO security is usually purchased at a discount, faster prepayments result in a higher rate of return when the face value of the security is paid back sooner than expected.

Mortgage-Backed Securities

MBS often have stated maturities of up to thirty years when they are issued, depending upon the length of the mortgages underlying the securities. In practice however, unscheduled or early payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may make the securities’ effective maturity shorter than this, and the prevailing interest rates may be higher or lower than the current yield of the Funds’ portfolio at the time resulting in reinvestment risk.

Rising or high interest rates may result in slower than expected principal payments which may tend to extend the duration of MBS, making them more volatile and more sensitive to changes in interest rates. This is known as extension risk.

MBS may have less potential for capital appreciation than comparable fixed-income securities due to the likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages resulting from foreclosures or declining interest rates. These foreclosed or refinanced mortgages are paid off at face value (par) or less, causing a loss, particularly for any investor who may have purchased the security at a premium or a price above par. In such an environment, this risk limits the potential price appreciation of these securities.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities

The Funds may invest in mortgage or other ABS. These securities may include mortgage instruments issued by U.S. government agencies (“agency mortgages”) or those issued by private entities (“non-agency mortgages”). Specific types of instruments may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage-backed securities and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by a payable from, mortgage loans on real property. The value of the Funds’ MBS may be affected by, among other things, changes or perceived changes in interest rates, factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the mortgage, or the quality of the underlying assets. The mortgages underlying the securities may default or decline in quality or value. Through its investments in MBS, a Fund has exposure to subprime loans, Alt-A loans and non-conforming loans as well as to the mortgage and credit markets generally. Underlying collateral related to subprime, Alt-A and non-conforming mortgage loans has become increasingly susceptible to defaults and declines in quality or value, especially in a declining residential real estate market. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities markets as a whole.

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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, 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.

Preferred Stock

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

Real Estate Investment Trusts

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

Rights and Warrants

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

Short Sales

The Funds may enter into short sale transactions. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the security. Securities sold in short sale

 

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

transactions and the dividends and interest payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability. 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 December 31, 2018, short positions were held by the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy and are disclosed in the Schedules of Investments.

Special Purpose Acquisition Company

A special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) is a collective investment structure that allows public stock market investors to invest in private equity type transactions, particular leveraged buyouts. SPACs are shell or blank-check companies, governed by the SEC, that have no operations but go public with the intention of merging with or acquiring a company with the proceeds of the SPAC’s initial public offering (“IPO”). For the period ended December 31, 2018, the Funds did not hold SPAC securities in the portfolio.

U.S. Treasury Obligations

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

Variable or Floating Rate Obligations

The interest rates payable on certain fixed-income securities in which the 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.

The Funds may invest in floating rate debt instruments (“floaters”) and engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market index or U.S. Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide the Funds with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, the Funds will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.

5.  Financial Derivative Instruments

The Funds may utilize derivative instruments to 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.

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 December 31, 2018, the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund 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
Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Fund

  Purchased Contracts           Sold Contracts  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

  $ 143,154,189       $ 226,714,825  

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 year ended December 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 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

  Year Ended December 31, 2018  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   
33,972
 

 

 

43


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

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

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 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     $         $ 1,921,560         $         $         $         $ 1,921,560
Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)    

 

          5,347,586        

 

10,532,173

       

 

14,450,121

       

 

6,662,449

          36,992,329

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $         $ (1,693,225 )         $         $         $         $ (1,693,225 )
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)    

 

          (469,438 )        

 

(3,254,125

)

       

 

       

 

(1,306,955

)

          (5,030,518 )
                                           
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of December 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     $         $ (1,268,599 )         $         $         $         $ (1,268,599 )
Futures contracts                 10,894,655           835,357           2,334,200           (13,479,741 )           584,471

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     $         $ 709,267         $         $         $         $ 709,267
Futures contracts                 2,672,306           2,947,291           15,165,573           3,570,902           24,356,072

(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.

Master Agreements

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as delayed delivery or sale-buyback financing transactions by and between 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

 

 

44


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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, December 31, 2018.

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

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

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts(1)   $ 36,992,329       $ 5,030,518  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts     1,921,560         1,693,225  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 38,913,889       $ 6,723,743  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (36,992,329     $ (5,030,518
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 1,921,560       $ 1,693,225  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of December 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
Deutsche Bank AG     $ 875,443         $ (875,443 )         $ -         $ -         $ -
HSBC Bank (USA)       935,676           (481,209 )           -           -           454,467
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC       110,441           (82,315 )           -           -           28,126
   

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total     $ 1,921,560         $ (1,438,967 )         $ -         $ -         $ 482,593
   

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
    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

Counterparty

      Non-Cash Collateral
Received
      Cash Collateral
Received
      Net Amount
Deutsche Bank AG     $ 1,129,701         $ (875,443 )         $ -         $ -         $ 254,258
HSBC Bank (USA)       481,209           (481,209 )           -           -           -
Royal Bank of Scotland PLC       82,315           (82,315 )           -           -           -
   

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total     $ 1,693,225         $ (1,438,967 )         $ -         $ -         $ 254,258
   

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

         

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

6.  Principal Risks

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

Allocation and Correlation Risk

The sub-advisor’s judgments about, and allocations between arbitrage strategies, asset classes and market exposures may adversely affect the Funds’ performance. There can be no assurance, particularly during periods of market disruption and stress, that the Funds will, in fact, experience a low level of correlation with a traditional portfolio of stocks and bonds or with the debt or equity markets generally. This risk may be increased by the use of derivatives to increase allocations to various market exposures.

Commodities Risk

The Fund’s investments in commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be

 

 

45


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as changes in supply and demand, drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, war, acts of terrorism and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The Fund and the Subsidiary each may concentrate its assets in a particular sector of the commodities market (such as oil, metal or agricultural products). As a result, the Fund and the Subsidiary may be more susceptible to risks associated with those sectors. The Fund’s investments in commodity-related instruments may lead to losses in excess of the Fund’s investment in such products. Such losses can significantly and adversely affect the NAV of the Fund and, consequently, a shareholder’s interest in the Fund.

Counterparty Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Funds. As a result the Fund may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

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. 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.

Currency Risk

The Funds may have exposure to foreign currencies by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies or in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, purchasing or selling forward 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 futures) and swaps for cross-currency investments. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund’s investments in 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 potential material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Funds’ initial investment. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Funds may buy or sell derivatives not traded on an exchange and which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty risk. As a result, the Funds may obtain no recovery of 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.

 

 

46


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Equity Investments Risk

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

Foreign Investing Risk

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

Futures Contracts Risk

Futures contracts are derivative instruments where one party pays a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that 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).

Hedging Risk

If the Funds use a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Funds’ return, or create a loss.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

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

 

 

47


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

High-Yield Securities Risk

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

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 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.

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 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. 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 Funds’ 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 Funds will have the potential for greater losses than if the Funds do not use the derivative instruments that have a leveraging effect. Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of an increase or decrease in the Funds’ exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the Funds’ NAV to be volatile.

Liquidity Risk

When there is little or no active trading market for a specific security it can become more difficult to purchase or sell the securities at or near their perceived value. During such periods, certain investments held by the Fund may be difficult to sell or other investments may be difficult to purchase at favorable times or prices. As a result, the Fund may have to lower the price on certain securities that it is trying to sell, sell other securities

 

 

48


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

instead or forgo an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Fund management or performance. Redemptions by a few large investors in the Fund at such times may have a significant adverse effect on the Fund’s NAV and remaining Fund shareholders. In addition, the market-making capacity of dealers in certain types of securities has been reduced in recent years, in part as a result of structural and regulatory changes, such as fewer proprietary trading desks and increased regulatory capital requirements for broker-dealers. Further, many broker-dealers have reduced their inventory of certain debt securities. This could negatively affect the Fund’s ability to buy or sell debt securities and increase the related volatility and trading costs. The Fund may lose money if it is forced to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs.

Market Direction Risk

Since the Funds will typically hold both long and short positions, an investment in the Funds will involve market risks associated with different types of investment decisions than those made for a typical “long only” fund. The Funds’ results could suffer both when there is a general market advance and the Funds hold significant “short” positions, and when there is a general market decline and the Funds hold significant “long” positions.

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. 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.

 

 

49


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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. Because of the sharp decline in the worldwide price of oil, there is a concern that oil producing nations may withdraw significant assets now held in U.S. Treasuries, which could force a substantial increase in interest rates. 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.

Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage Related Securities Risk

Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are subject to market risks for fixed-income securities which include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, extension risk and prepayment risk. When mortgages and other obligations are prepaid and when securities are called, a Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield or fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss and/or a decrease in the amount of dividends and yield.

Non-Diversification Risk

The Funds are non-diversified, which means the Funds may focus their investments in the securities of a comparatively small number of issuers. Investments in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes the Funds to greater market risk and potential losses than if assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

Obsolescence Risk

The Funds are unlikely to be successful in its quantitative trading strategies unless the assumptions underlying the models are realistic and either remain realistic and relevant in the future or are adjusted to account for changes in the overall market environment. If such assumptions are inaccurate or become inaccurate and are not promptly adjusted, it is likely that profitable trading signals will not be generated. If and to the extent that the models do not reflect certain factors, and the sub-advisor does not successfully address such omission through its testing and evaluation and modify the models accordingly, major losses may result – all of which will be borne by the Funds.

Options Risk

In order for a call option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must rise sufficiently above the exercise price to cover the premium and transaction costs. These costs will reduce 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

 

 

50


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 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.

Prepayment and Extension Risk

Prepayment risk is the risk that the principal amount of a bond may be repaid prior to the bond’s maturity date. Due to a decline in interest rates or excess cash flow, a debt security may be called or otherwise prepaid before maturity. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment and the Funds may have to 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.

Short Position Risk

The Funds will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the instrument sold short increases in value between the date of the short sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks, including greater reliance on the sub-advisor’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument. The Funds’ losses are potentially unlimited in a short position transaction.

Subsidiary Risk

By investing in the Subsidiary, the Fund’s are indirectly exposed to the risk associated with the Subsidiary’s Investments. The derivatives and other investments held by the Subsidiary are generally similar to those that are permitted to be held by the Fund and are subject to the same risks that apply to similar investments if held directly by the Fund. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund or the Subsidiary will be achieved.

The Subsidiary is not registered under the 1940 Act, and, unless otherwise noted in this Report, is not subject to all the investor protections of the 1940 Act. In addition, changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands could result in the inability of the Fund and/or the Subsidiary to operate as described in the Fund’s Prospectus and SAI and could adversely affect the Fund’s performance.

Swap Agreement Risk

Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leveraging risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, the Funds are subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that is

 

 

51


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, the occurrence of unexpected price movements or the non-occurrence of expected price movements. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Interest rate swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, credit default swaps and commodities swaps are subject to counterparty risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. In addition, interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate risk, total return swaps are subject to market risk, and interest rate risk if the underlying securities are bonds or other debt obligations, currency swaps are subject to currency risk, and commodities swaps are subject to commodities risk.

Tax Risk

To qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M (“RIC”), the Fund’s must derive at least 90 percent of its gross income for each taxable year from qualifying income, which is described in more detail in the SAI. Income from certain commodity-linked derivative instruments in which the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund invests is not considered qualifying income. The Fund will therefore restrict the income from direct investments in commodity-linked derivative instruments that do not generate qualifying income, such as commodity-linked swaps, to a maximum of 10 percent of its gross income for each taxable year. The Fund’s investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Fund with exposure to the commodities markets within the limitations of the federal tax requirements of Subchapter M.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has issued a large number of private letter rulings (which the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund may not cite as precedent) beginning in 2006 that income a RIC derives from a wholly owned foreign subsidiary (such as the Subsidiary) that earns income derived from commodity-linked derivative instruments is qualifying income. The IRS suspended the issuance of new such rulings in July 2011 but has not taken any actions regarding its previously issued rulings. According, the Fund has not sought to obtain such a ruling and is relying on the advice of counsel regarding the tax treating of distributions by the Subsidiary to the Fund of such income. The tax treatment of the Fund’s commodity-linked investments may be materially adversely affected by future legislation, Treasury regulations, and/or guidance issued by the IRS that could affect whether income from such investments is qualifying income under Subchapter M, or otherwise materially affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income or any gains and distributions made by the Fund.

Valuation Risk

The Funds may value certain assets at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as certain derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid.

Volatility Risk

The Funds may have investments that appreciate or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. This may cause the Funds’ NAV to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time.

Warrants Risk

Warrants may be more speculative than certain other types of investments because warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

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.

 

 

52


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

The Funds do not have any unrecorded tax liabilities in the accompanying financial statements. Each of the tax years in the four year period ended December 31, 2018 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund. The period ended December 31, 2018 remains subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for AHL TargetRisk Fund. 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.

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    AHL Managed
Futures Strategy Fund
          AHL TargetRisk
Fund
 
    Year Ended
December 31,
2018
          Year Ended
December 31,
2017
          Year Ended
December 31,
2018A
       

Distributions paid from:

           

Ordinary income*

           

Institutional Class

  $ 7,171,786       $ 13,769,404       $ -    

Y Class

    8,502,485         3,358,319         -    

Investor Class

    252,884         705,603         -    

A Class

    59,819         128,958         -    

C Class

    32,986         208,478         -    

Long-term capital gains

           

Institutional Class

    -         1,407,014         -    

Y Class

    -         343,167         -    

Investor Class

    -         72,102         -    

A Class

    -         13,177         -    

C Class

    -         21,303         -    
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total distributions paid

  $ 16,019,960       $ 20,027,525       $ -    
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

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

A Commencement of operations.

As of December 31, 2018, the components of distributable earnings (deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost         Unrealized
Appreciation
        Unrealized
(Depreciation)
        Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy   $ 881,110,472       $ 25,096,377       $ (38,336,334     $ (13,239,957
AHL TargetRisk     -         -         -         -  

 

Fund

  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
        Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
        Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
        Accumulated
Capital and
Other (Losses)
        Other
Temporary
Differences
        Distributable
Earnings
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy   $ (13,239,957     $ 1,552,729       $ 11,380,181       $ -       $ 13,391,015       $ 13,083,968  
AHL TargetRisk     -         -         -         -         -         -  

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the realization of unrealized gains (losses) from certain derivative instruments and the tax deferral of losses from wash sales.

 

 

53


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Due to inherent differences in the recognition of income, expenses, and realized gains (losses) under U.S. GAAP and federal income tax regulations, permanent differences between book and tax reporting have been identified and appropriately reclassified on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Accordingly, the following amounts represent current year permanent differences derived from utilization of earnings and profits distributed to shareholders from redemption of shares and reclassification of income from investment subsidiary as of December 31, 2018:

 

Fund

   Paid-In-Capital            Distributable
Earnings/(Deficits)
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy    $ 4,564,854        $ (4,564,854
AHL TargetRisk      -          -  

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

As of December 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 year ended December 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
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy   $       $       $       $  
AHL TargetRisk                              

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2017
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           December 31,
2018
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy   Direct     $ 20,549,617       $ 689,419,735       $ 689,209,000       $ 20,760,352       $ 271,399  

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 15, 2018, 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 $250 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 closing fee of $100,000 on the Effective Date and a quarterly commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 14, 2019, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also 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

 

 

54


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

annum or (b) the Federal Funds rate plus 1.25% per annum on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds will pay a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 14, 2019 unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

During the year ended December 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  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     5,973,429       $ 62,786,869         7,451,038       $ 78,692,257  
Reinvestment of dividends     615,079         6,482,930         1,287,360         13,568,774  
Shares redeemed     (6,356,582       (66,708,717       (5,564,778       (59,037,244
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     231,926       $ 2,561,082         3,173,620       $ 33,223,787  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     46,402,937       $ 482,140,377         6,676,574       $ 70,665,751  
Reinvestment of dividends     776,199         8,142,322         309,816         3,253,064  
Shares redeemed     (9,511,262       (99,100,466       (2,374,706       (25,121,656
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     37,667,874       $ 391,182,233         4,611,684       $ 48,797,159  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,056,484       $ 10,980,221         1,687,457       $ 17,930,723  
Reinvestment of dividends     24,122         250,869         73,170         760,973  
Shares redeemed     (1,370,470       (14,058,394       (2,839,239       (29,951,903
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (289,864     $ (2,827,304       (1,078,612     $ (11,260,207
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     450,225       $ 4,711,443         264,861       $ 2,796,774  
Reinvestment of dividends     5,476         56,952         13,126         136,644  
Shares redeemed     (369,052       (3,812,812       (2,205,353       (23,344,020
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     86,649       $ 955,583         (1,927,366     $ (20,410,602
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     175,816       $ 1,792,904         208,982       $ 2,170,664  
Reinvestment of dividends     2,581         26,252         19,028         193,514  
Shares redeemed     (241,190       (2,420,527       (90,329       (925,948
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (62,793     $ (601,371       137,681       $ 1,438,230  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Institutional Class                          
    December 31, 2018A to
December 31, 2018
                         

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

   

  

                   
Shares sold     2,480,000 B       $ 24,800,000 B          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net increase in shares outstanding     2,480,000       $ 24,800,000          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
 

 

 

55


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Y Class                          
    December 31, 2018A to
December 31, 2018
                         

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

                         
Shares sold     10,000 B       $ 100,000 B          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net increase in shares outstanding     10,000       $ 100,000          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
         
    Investor Class                          
    December 31, 2018A to
December 31, 2018
                         

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

                         
Shares sold     10,001 B       $ 100,010 B          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net increase in shares outstanding     10,001       $ 100,010          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Seed capital was received on December 31, 2018 in the amount of $24,800,000 for the Institutional Class, $100,000 for the Y Class, and $100,010 for the Investor Class. Shares were issued in the amount of 2,480,000 for the Institutional Class, 10,000 for the Y Class, and 10,001 for the Investor Class.

11. Subsequent Events

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

 

 

56


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           August 19,
2014A to
December 31,
 
             
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.57       $ 10.44       $ 10.46       $ 10.95       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.02       (0.08       0.20         (0.06       0.24  

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

    0.28         0.63         (0.22       (0.07       1.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.26         0.55         (0.02       (0.13       1.34  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.14       -         -         (0.21       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.06       (0.42       -         (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.20       (0.42       -         (0.36       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.63       $ 10.57       $ 10.44       $ 10.46       $ 10.95  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    2.42       5.31       (0.19 )%        (1.15 )%        13.43 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 396,044,490       $ 391,617,624       $ 353,601,987       $ 20,932,502       $ 28,765,259  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.71       1.98       1.90       2.25       4.97 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.54       1.54       1.54       1.54       1.54 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.40 )%        (1.20 )%        (1.69 )%        (2.29 )%        2.73 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.23 )%        (0.77 )%        (1.33 )%        (1.57 )%        6.17 %E 

Portfolio turnover rateF

                           

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

57


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           August 19,
2014A to
December 31,
 
                         
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.53       $ 10.41       $ 10.45       $ 10.94       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    0.10         (0.07       (0.08       (0.05       0.30  

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

    0.14         0.61         0.04         (0.08       1.03  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.24         0.54         (0.04       (0.13       1.33  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.13       -         -         (0.21       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.06       (0.42       -         (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.19       (0.42       -         (0.36       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interests

    -         -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.58       $ 10.53       $ 10.41       $ 10.45       $ 10.94  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    2.28       5.23       (0.38 )%        (1.15 )%                     13.33 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $   500,530,112       $   101,513,775       $   52,391,912       $   33,817,374       $   464,644  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.72       2.04       1.97       2.28       7.71 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.64       1.64       1.64       1.64       1.64 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.71       (1.25 )%        (1.76 )%        (1.70 )%        12.50 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.79       (0.84 )%        (1.44 )%        (1.06 )%        18.58 %E 

Portfolio turnover rateF

                            -

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

58


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           August 19,
2014A to
December 31,
 
                                                 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.44       $ 10.35       $ 10.41       $ 10.93       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.12       (0.11       (0.25       (0.09       0.30  

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

    0.31         0.62         0.19         (0.08       1.02  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.19         0.51         (0.06       (0.17       1.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.09       -         -         (0.20       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.06       (0.42       -         (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.15       (0.42       -         (0.35       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.48       $ 10.44       $ 10.35       $ 10.41       $ 10.93  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    1.85       4.98       (0.58 )%        (1.54 )%        13.23 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 17,292,936       $ 20,241,387       $ 31,223,150       $ 37,185,001       $ 3,023,636  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.97       2.20       2.13       2.40       5.98 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.92       1.92       1.92       1.92       1.92 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.95 )%        (1.48 )%        (1.93 )%        (2.07 )%        10.41 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.90 )%        (1.20 )%        (1.72 )%        (1.59 )%        14.47 %E 

Portfolio turnover rateF

                            -

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

59


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           August 19,
2014A to
December 31,
 
                                                 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.53       $ 10.36       $ 10.44       $ 10.93       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06 )G        (0.41       0.23         (0.52       0.32  

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

    0.18         1.00         (0.31       0.36         1.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.12         0.59         (0.08       (0.16       1.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.10       -         -         (0.18       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.06       (0.42       -         (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.16       (0.42       -         (0.33       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.49       $ 10.53       $ 10.36       $ 10.44       $ 10.93  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    1.14       5.77       (0.77 )%        (1.45 )%        13.23 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $   4,303,787       $   3,408,861       $   23,330,824       $   9,890,720       $   9,019,308  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.05       2.35       2.29       2.55       5.31 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.94       1.94       1.94       1.94       1.94 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.72 )%        (1.62 )%        (2.08 )%        (3.59 )%        32.48 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.61 )%        (1.21 )%        (1.74 )%        (2.98 )%        35.85 %E 

Portfolio turnover rateF

                            -

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

G 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

60


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           August 19,
2014A to
December 31,
 
                                                 
    2018           2017           2016           2015           2014  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.19       $ 10.20       $ 10.34       $ 10.90       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.17       (0.17       (0.08       (0.09       0.27  

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

    0.30         0.58         (0.06       (0.16       1.02  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.13         0.41         (0.14       (0.25       1.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.01       -         -         (0.16       (0.31

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.06       (0.42       -         (0.15       (0.08

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         (0.00 )B        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.07       (0.42       -         (0.31       (0.39
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.25       $ 10.19       $ 10.20       $ 10.34       $ 10.90  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    1.30       4.06       (1.35 )%        (2.30 )%                      12.93 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 5,088,250       $ 5,702,799       $ 4,300,637       $ 2,151,492       $ 401,475  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.78       3.10       3.04       3.32       8.75 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.69       2.69       2.69       2.69       2.68 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.61 )%        (2.31 )%        (2.84 )%        (2.88 )%        7.02 %E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.52 )%        (1.90 )%        (2.49 )%        (2.25 )%        13.09 %E 

Portfolio turnover rateF

                            -

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

The return of capital is based on outstanding shares at the time of distribution. Amounts are less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover is based on the lesser of long-term purchases or sales divided by the average long-term fair value during the period. The Fund did not invest in any long-term securities during the reporting period.

 

See accompanying notes

 

61


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Period Ended
December 31,
2018A
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 24,800,000  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursementsC

    89.10 %B 

Expenses, after reimbursements

    0.00

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (89.10 )%B 

Net investment income (loss), after expense reimbursements

    0.00

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Annualized.

C 

The Manager agreed to voluntarily waive expenses as of 12/31/18, despite expense caps being in place, due to the one day of operations on the Fund.

 

See accompanying notes

 

62


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Period Ended
December 31,
2018A
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 100,000  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursementsC

    241.64 %B 

Expenses, after reimbursements

    0.00

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (241.64 )%B 

Net investment income (loss), after expense reimbursements

    0.00

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Annualized.

C 

The Manager agreed to voluntarily waive expenses as of 12/31/18, despite expense caps being in place, due to the one day of operations on the Fund.

 

See accompanying notes

 

63


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Period Ended
December 31,
2018A
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 100,010  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursementsC

    241.89 %B 

Expenses, after reimbursements

    0.00

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (241.89 )%B 

Net investment income (loss), after expense reimbursements

    0.00

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Annualized.

C

The Manager agreed to voluntarily waive expenses as of 12/31/18, despite expense caps being in place, due to the one day of operations on the Fund.

 

See accompanying notes

 

64


American Beacon FundsSM

Affirmation of the Commodity Pool Operator

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

To the best of my knowledge and belief, the information contained in the attached financial statements for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund for the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018, is accurate and complete.

 

LOGO

Melinda G. Heika, Treasurer

American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

Commodity Pool Operator for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

 

65


American Beacon FundsSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Funds’ income and distributions for the taxable year ended December 31, 2018. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2018.

The Funds designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. All designations are based on financial information available as of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Funds to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations there under.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

    0.00

AHL TargetRisk Fund

    0.00

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

    0.00

AHL TargetRisk Fund

    0.00

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

  $ -  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

    -  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

  $ -  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

    -  

Shareholders received notification in January 2019 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2018 income tax returns.

 

 

66


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of
Office and Length
of  Time Served
with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Alan D. Feld** (82)    Trustee since 1996    Partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (law firm) (1960-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (1999-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Gilbert G. Alvarado (49)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Innovative North State (2012-2015); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Women’s Empowerment (2009-2014); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017-present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Joseph B. Armes (56)    Trustee since 2015    Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials f/k/a Capital Southwest Corporation (investment company) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation, predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (2014-present) (investment company); CEO, Capital Southwest Corporation (2013-2015); President & CEO, JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer) (2013-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Gerard J. Arpey (60)    Trustee since 2012    Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (2015-Present); Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

67


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of
Office and Length
of  Time Served
with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Brenda A. Cline (58)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair since 2019

Vice Chair 2018

   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (public sector software solutions company) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Eugene J. Duffy (64)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994-2014); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-2013); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Claudia A. Holz*** (61)    Trustee since 2018    Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Douglas A. Lindgren**** (57)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); Managing Director, P&S Hedge Funds, UBS Wealth Management (2008-2010); Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments, UBS Financial Services, Inc. (2005-2008); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Richard A. Massman (75)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair 2008-2018

Chair Emeritus since 2019

   Consultant and General Counsel Emeritus, Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming, ranching and venture capital activities) (2009-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (55)    Trustee since 2012    Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

68


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of
Office and Length
of  Time Served
with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
R. Gerald Turner (73)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-Present); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (64)    President since 2009    CEO and Director (2009-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President, American Beacon Advisors (2009-2018); President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); President (2015-2018), Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); President and CEO, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2009-2015); President, CEO and Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2009-2015); Manager, President and CEO, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-Present); American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present); President,

 

 

69


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of
Office and Length
of  Time Served
with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Rosemary K. Behan (59)    VP, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2006    Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2008-Present); Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Brian E. Brett (58)    VP since 2004    Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present), Vice President, Director of Sales (2004-2012), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present), Vice President (2017-2018); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Paul B. Cavazos(49)    VP since 2016    Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy (2007-2016); Vice President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2016-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present);Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Erica Duncan (48)    VP Since 2011    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

70


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of
Office and Length
of  Time Served
with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Melinda G. Heika (57)    Treasurer since 2010    Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc., (2010-2015); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2010-2015); Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Terri L. McKinney (55)    VP since 2010    Vice President (2009-Present), Managing Director (2003-2009), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc (2018-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (43)    VP since 2010    Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Senior Vice President (2013-2018), Vice President (2010-2013), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice Present(2015-2018, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Vice President (2012-2018), Manager (2015-2018), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2013-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2013-2015); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present)

 

 

71


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of
Office and Length
of  Time Served
with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Samuel J. Silver (55)    VP Since 2011    Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Christina E. Sears (47)    Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Asst. Secretary since 1999    Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Assistant Secretary (1999-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Sonia L. Bates (62)    Asst. Treasurer since 2011    Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Shelley D. Abrahams (44)    Assistant Secretary since 2008    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Rebecca L. Harris (52)    Assistant Secretary since 2010    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services (2015-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Teresa A. Oxford (60)    Assistant Secretary since 2015    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Services (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

72


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

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

** Mr. Feld is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trusts, as defined by the 1940 Act. Mr. Feld’s law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two fiscal years to one or more of the Trust’s sub-advisors.

*** Claudia A. Holz became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 4/1/2018.

**** Douglas A. Lindgren became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 1/1/2018.

 

 

73


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

 

   

information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

 

   

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

 

   

information we receive from third parties.

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

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

 

 

74


  

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

75


  

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

76


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 Funds’ portfolio holdings is also available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com approximately sixty days after the end of each calendar quarter.   A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

DST Asset Managers Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

   

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 AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 12/18


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.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund or your financial intermediary electronically by going to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and clicking on “Quick Links” and then “Register for E-Delivery.”

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. You can inform the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports by calling 1-800-658-5811, option 1, or you may directly inform your financial intermediary of your wish. A notice that will be mailed to you each time a report is posted will also include instructions for informing the Fund that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with the American Beacon Funds Complex or your financial intermediary, as applicable.

IONIC STRATEGIC ARBITRAGE FUND

The Fund’s strategy of investing in a variety of arbitrage strategies entails certain risks including that the sub-advisor’s judgments about allocation between such strategies, as well as individual arbitrage opportunities, may not perform to expectations, resulting in the Fund’s underperformance or even losses versus other similar funds. Arbitrage is the simultaneous purchase and sale of an asset or assets to take advantage of a perceived pricing anomaly. Because the Fund may invest in fewer issuers than a more diversified portfolio, the fluctuating value of a single holding may have a greater effect on the value of the Fund. The Fund may have high portfolio turnover, which could increase the Fund’s transaction costs and possibly have a negative impact on performance. Small- or mid-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. The use of fixed-income securities, including convertible securities, entails interest rate and credit risks. In addition, the value of a convertible security could fluctuate based on the value of the underlying stock. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. Short sales involve special risks, including greater reliance on the sub-advisor’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument; the Fund’s losses are potentially unlimited in a short sale.

Please see the prospectus for a complete discussion of the 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 the Fund’s portfolio composition will change depending on economic and market conditions. This report is not a complete analysis of market conditions and therefore, should not be relied upon as investment advice. Although economic and market information has been compiled from reliable sources, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. makes no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of the statements contained herein.

 

American Beacon Funds

December 31, 2018


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    6  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    8  

Schedule of Investments:

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

    9  

Financial Statements

    18  

Notes to Financial Statements

    22  

Financial Highlights:

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

    52  

Federal Tax Information

    57  

Trustees and Officers

    58  

Privacy Policy

    65  

Additional Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

December 2018, a month in which market volatility spiked and all major U.S. equity indexes declined, ending the year in negative territory, serves as a prime example of the importance of having a long-term investment perspective.

 

While long-term investing isn’t about identifying and anticipating the next big market move, it is about identifying the right investment products for riding out those moves. As a long-term investor, you should strive to accomplish the three Ds: direction, discipline and diversification.

 

u   Direction: Achieving your long-term financial goals requires an individualized plan of action. You may want your plan to provide some

measure of protection against periods of geopolitical turmoil, economic uncertainty, market volatility and job insecurity. Your plan should be reviewed annually and be adjusted in the event your long-range needs change.

 

u  

Discipline: Long-term, systematic participation in an investment portfolio requires your resolution to stay the course. Spending time in the market – rather than trying to time the market – may place you in a better position to reach your long-term financial goals.

 

u  

Diversification: By investing in different types of investment categories and asset classes, you may be able to help mitigate financial risks across your investment portfolio. By allocating your investment portfolio according to your risk-tolerance level, you may be better positioned to weather storms and achieve your long-term financial goals.

Since 1986, American Beacon has endeavored to provide investors with a disciplined approach to realizing long-term financial goals. As a manager of managers, we strive to provide investment products that may enable investors to participate during market upswings while potentially insulating against market downswings. 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 investment portfolio.

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 long-term rewards.

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


Alternative Investments

Market Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

An accommodative Federal Reserve (the “Fed”), rising corporate profits and lower tax rates steadily pushed markets to new highs since President Donald Trump’s election. However, despite strong equity gains, investors have apprehensively awaited the inevitable reversal of quantitative-easing policies. These concerns were realized when the Fed proceeded with its fourth rate hike of 2018 on December 19. Not only was the federal funds rate increased to a target range of 2.25% to 2.5%, but Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell also noted that “a gradual reduction of its balance sheet by $50 billion a month would remain on autopilot.” These factors, along with global economic growth concerns, quickly soured investor sentiment. December 2018 culminated in a S&P 500 Index decline of 13.52% for the fourth quarter. Also, the 10-year Treasury yield ended the year at 2.68%, a notable discount from its October peak of 3.23%.

In terms of actual losses, investors have seen far worse (ultimately, the S&P 500 Index fell by only 4.38% in 2018). However, failure to deliver positive returns was widespread across asset classes and a stark contrast to performance in the prior year.

Returns for alternative strategies suffered a similar fate to those in 2017. Many hedge funds struggled throughout the period under review as they were unable to capitalize on the fleeting instances of higher volatility and dispersion that roiled markets, particularly in the fourth quarter. Evidence of this was seen in the HFRI Index returns across major hedge-fund categories. For 2018, the HFRI Equity Hedge (Total) Index was down 6.94% and the HFRI Event-Driven (Total) Index was down 2.35%. Additionally, the HFRI Macro (Total) Index was down 3.63% and the HFRI Relative Value (Total) Index was down 0.24%.

 

 

2


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund (the “Fund”) returned -4.17% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 9/01/2013 through 12/31/2018

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended December 31, 2018

 

    

Ticker

  

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

5 Years

 

Since Inception
(9/1/2013)

 

Value of  $10,000
9/1/2013-
12/31/2018

Institutional Class (1,7)

   IONIX        (3.80 )%       (0.88 )%       1.00 %       1.19 %     $ 10,648

Y Class (1,2,7)

   IONYX        (3.94 )%       (1.00 )%       0.95 %       1.13 %     $ 10,619

Investor Class (1,3,7)

   IONPX        (4.17 )%       (1.25 )%       0.76 %       0.95 %     $ 10,518

A without Sales Charge (1,4,7)

   IONAX        (4.23 )%       (1.28 )%       0.74 %       0.94 %     $ 10,509

A with Sales Charge (1,4,7)

   IONAX        (8.74 )%       (2.86 )%       (0.24 )%       0.02 %     $ 10,013

C without Sales Charge (1,5,7)

   IONCX        (4.84 )%       (2.02 )%       0.21 %       0.44 %     $ 10,237

C with Sales Charge (1,5,7)

   IONCX        (5.84 )%       (2.02 )%       0.21 %       0.44 %     $ 10,237
                       

Bloomberg Barclay’s U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (6)

          0.01 %       2.06 %       2.52 %       2.52 %     $ 11,417

BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month LIBOR Index (6)

          2.08 %       1.28 %       0.86 %       0.82 %     $ 10,446

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end of day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Simultaneous with the commencement of the Fund’s investment operations on June 30, 2015, the Ionic Absolute Return Fund LLC (“Private Fund”), a privately offered investment fund managed by the Fund’s sub-advisor transferred its assets to the Institutional Class shares of the Fund. A portion of the fees charged to the Institutional Class of the Fund has been waived since June 30, 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown.

 

 

3


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

 

2.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 9/1/13 up to 6/30/15, the inception date of the Y Class. Expenses of the Y Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 9/1/13. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class of the Fund has been waived since June 30, 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since June 30, 2015.

 

3.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 9/1/13 up to 6/30/15, the inception date of the Investor Class. Expenses of the Investor Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 9/1/13. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class of the Fund was waived in 2015, partially recovered in 2016, and waived in 2017 and 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown in 2015, 2017 and 2018.

 

4.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 9/1/13 up to 6/30/15, the inception date of the A Class. Expenses of the A Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 9/1/13. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class of the Fund was waived from June 30, 2015 through 2017 and was partially recovered in 2018. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown from 2015 through 2017. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 4.75%.

 

5.

Fund performance for the five-year and since inception periods represents the total returns achieved by the Institutional Class from 9/1/13 up to 6/30/15, the inception date of the C Class. Expenses of the C Class are higher than those of the Institutional Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 9/1/13. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class of the Fund has been waived since June 30, 2015. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since June 30, 2015.C Class has a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6.

The BofA Merrill Lynch 3-Month LIBOR Constant Maturity Index represents the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) with a constant 3-month average maturity. LIBOR is a composite of the rates of interest at which banks borrow from one another in the London market, and it is a widely used benchmark for short-term interest rates. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a market weighted index of government, corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed fixed-rate debt securities of all maturities. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

7.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the Institutional, Y, Investor, A and C Class shares were 2.82%, 3.09%, 3.15%, 3.38% and 3.90%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

The Fund’s Convertible Arbitrage strategy was additive in 2018. The strategy performed well during periods of higher equity volatility in the first and final quarters of 2018 and benefited from the increased dispersion that plagued other strategies throughout the year. The value of the embedded options in convertible bonds increased with volatility, and sharp price movements in the underlying shares created additional opportunities to add value. The Fund’s exposure to Convertible Arbitrage was reduced from 47% to 36% of long market value (“LMV”) in the fourth quarter, in order to take advantage of higher valuations in volatility-oriented positions and re-allocate capital to positions with higher convexity (more bond-like characteristics).

The Fund’s Equity Arbitrage strategy detracted in 2018. Over the course of the year, idiosyncratic exposures within the merger and event sub-strategies generated gains for the Fund, which were offset by losses in the higher-beta closed-end fund and equity pair sub-strategies. During the fourth quarter, the discounts in equity closed-end funds reached levels not seen since 2008, and the Fund added exposure to the sector in anticipation of the discounts tightening in 2019. Exposure to warrant arbitrage also generated losses for the year, but the strategy benefited from an uptick in volatility in the fourth quarter as the Fund saw gains from these positions. Reductions in merger and pair strategy exposure decreased overall equity exposure by 2%, bringing Equity Arbitrage strategy LMV to 18% as of year-end.

The Credit/Interest Rate Arbitrage strategy contributed negatively in 2018. Performance in the strategy was flat through the first three quarters of the year but suffered losses in the fourth quarter when credit spreads widened across the board. Positions in credit closed-end funds were impacted by credit markets’ weakness late in the year. The sub-advisor viewed this dislocation as purely technical and added exposure to the sub-strategy in December, primarily through funds invested in the floating rate loan space. Overall exposure to the strategy was 20% of Fund LMV at year-end.

 

 

4


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Volatility Arbitrage strategy generated a loss for the year. Although elevated equity volatility during the fourth quarter aided performance, the move in the VIX Index in December was surprisingly subdued compared with the decline in equity prices. This led to losses overall in the Fund’s equity focused positions when coupled with benign conditions in the equity markets throughout much of the year. Losses attributable to Foreign Exchange (“FX”) volatility exposure in the Fund also negatively affected performance over the course of the year, as volatility in rates and other asset classes did not increase to the same degree as equity volatility in the fourth quarter. With both FX and rate volatility below their long-term averages, the Fund continues to maintain exposure as they remain near historical low implied volatility levels. Furthermore, the sub-advisor expects the unwinding of Japan and Europe’s accommodative monetary programs to be a catalyst for increased FX and rate volatility. Exposure to the Volatility Arbitrage strategy was increased from 17% to 26% of Fund LMV at year-end. New positions designed to benefit from higher volatility in gold and longer dated S&P Index options were also added to the Fund.

The Fund’s sub-advisor continues to allocate assets among arbitrage strategies, including Convertible Bond, Credit/Interest Rate, Equity and Volatility Arbitrage, seeking capital appreciation with low volatility and low correlation to the broader equity, interest rate and currency markets.

 

Positions By Investment Strategy           Fund  
Convertible Arbitrage           17  
Credit/Interest Rate Arbitrage           3  
Equity Arbitrage           20  
Volatility Arbitrage           7  

Total

          47  
       
Investment Strategy Exposure (%)      LMV        SMV ** 
Convertible Arbitrage      36          (22
Credit/Interest Rate Arbitrage      20          -  
Equity Arbitrage      18          (23
Volatility Arbitrage      26          (5

Total

     100          (50

 

*

Long Market Value

**

Short Market Value

 

 

5


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Expense Examples

December 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 July 1, 2018 through December 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 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 Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund            
    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2018
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2018
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2018-12/31/2018*
Institutional Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $962.00       $10.19
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.82       $10.46
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $960.60       $10.87
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,014.12       $11.17
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $960.60       $12.31
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,012.65       $12.63
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $960.00       $12.60
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,012.35       $12.93
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $955.10       $16.02
Hypothetical**       $1,000.00       $1,008.82       $16.46

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 2.06%, 2.20%, 2.49%, 2.55%, and 3.25% 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 (184) by days in the year (365) to reflect the half-year period.

**

5% return before expenses.

 

 

7


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund (the “Fund”) (one of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”)), including the schedule of investments, as of December 31, 2018, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended and the period from June 30, 2015 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2015 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds) at December 31, 2018, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and its financial highlights for each of the three years in the period then ended and the period from June 30, 2015 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

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

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2018, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more American Beacon investment companies since 1987.

Dallas, Texas

February 26, 2019

 

 

8


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
SECURITIES HELD LONG - 104,22%            
COMMON STOCKS - 1.64%            
Communication Services - 0.11%            
Entertainment - 0.11%            
iQIYI, Inc., ADRA       2,404         $ 36,673
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 0.73%            
Household Durables - 0.07%            
Purple Innovation, Inc.A       152,337           22,850
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 0.66%            
Naspers Ltd., Class N, Sponsored ADR       5,232           207,475
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              230,325
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 0.80%            
Banks - 0.02%            
Zions Bancorp NA       124           5,052
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 0.78%            
Crawford & Co., Class B       27,467           247,203
Greenlight Capital Re Ltd., Class AA       18           155
           

 

 

 
              247,358
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              252,410
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $536,032)

              519,408
           

 

 

 
           
WARRANTS - 3.63%            
Consumer Discretionary - 1.01%            
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 0.95%            
Del Taco Restaurants, Inc., 06/30/2020, Strike Price $11.50A       272,832           300,115
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 0.06%            
Yatra Online, Inc., 12/16/2021, Strike Price $11.50A       197,536           19,754
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              319,869
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 0.46%            
Food Products - 0.46%            
Hostess Brands, Inc., 11/04/2021, Strike Price $11.50A       167,985           146,147
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 1.51%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 1.51%            
Altus Midstream Co., 11/12/2023, Strike Price $11.50A       98,269           64,858
Falcon Minerals Corp., 08/15/2022, Strike Price $11.50A       108,272           64,963
Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp., 07/31/2023, Strike Price $11.50A       115,040           348,571
           

 

 

 
           
              478,392
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              478,392
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 0.65%            
IT Services - 0.65%            
International Money Express, Inc., 07/26/2023, Strike Price $11.50A       44,916           117,680

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
           
WARRANTS - 3.63% (continued)            
Information Technology - 0.65% (continued)            
IT Services - 0.65% (continued)            
Verra Mobility Corp., 10/17/2023, Strike Price $11.50A       47,904         $ 88,622
           

 

 

 
              206,302
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              206,302
           

 

 

 
           

Total Warrants (Cost $2,102,887)

              1,150,710
           

 

 

 
           
    Principal Amount        
           
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 9.37%            
Communications - 4.29%            

Perficient, Inc., 2.375%, Due 9/15/2023B

    $ 1,531,000           1,360,568
           

 

 

 
           
Technology - 5.08%            

Five9, Inc., 0.125%, Due 5/1/2023B

      1,000,000           1,218,591

MongoDB, Inc., 0.750%, Due 6/15/2024B

      284,000           390,899
           

 

 

 
              1,609,490
           

 

 

 
           

Total Corporate Obligations (Cost $2,818,201)

              2,970,058
           

 

 

 
           
CONVERTIBLE OBLIGATIONS - 26.33%            
Communications - 1.93%            

iQIYI, Inc., 3.750%, Due 12/1/2023B

      641,000           611,903
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer, Non-Cyclical - 2.22%            

Flexion Therapeutics, Inc., 3.375%, Due 5/1/2024

      435,000           357,691

Tilray, Inc., 5.000%, Due 10/1/2023B

      488,000           345,895
           

 

 

 
              703,586
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 3.61%            

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 5.500%, Due 9/15/2026

      1,253,000           1,008,492

Ensco Jersey Finance Ltd., 3.000%, Due 1/31/2024

      202,000           133,575
           

 

 

 
              1,142,067
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial - 2.16%            

Dycom Industries, Inc., 0.750%, Due 9/15/2021

      737,000           684,288
           

 

 

 
           
Technology - 16.41%            

Microchip Technology, Inc., 1.625%, Due 2/15/2025

      862,000           1,216,230

Micron Technology, Inc., 3.000%, Due 11/15/2043, Series G

      1,122,000           1,243,760

RealPage, Inc., 1.500%, Due 11/15/2022

      1,021,000           1,320,471

ServiceNow, Inc., 0.000%, Due 6/1/2022C

      1,017,000           1,419,516
           

 

 

 
              5,199,977
           

 

 

 
           

Total Convertible Obligations (Cost $8,389,678)

              8,341,821
           

 

 

 
           
FOREIGN CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - 2.53% (Cost $940,618)            
Financial - 2.53%            

Greenlight Capital Re Ltd., 4.000%, Due 8/1/2023B

      937,000           801,832
           

 

 

 
           
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS - 11.84%            
Agency CMO Interest Only - 11.11%            

Fannie Mae REMIC Trust,

           

5.000%, Due 3/25/2039, 2009-11 TID

      626,100           126,934

5.500%, Due 12/25/2043, 2014-38 QI

      1,099,899           302,552

Freddie Mac REMIC Trust,

           

1.000%, Due 3/15/2038, 3421 IO

      5,603,174           171,099

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
           
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS - 11.84% (continued)            
Agency CMO Interest Only - 11.11% (continued)            

Freddie Mac REMIC Trust (continued)

           

3.000%, Due 12/15/2042, 4594 IJ

    $ 3,004,885         $ 347,738

4.500%, Due 12/15/2042, 303 157D

      1,297,466           294,494

6.000%, Due 6/15/2045, 4496 ID

      902,152           184,931

Ginnie Mae REMIC Trust,

           

4.000%, Due 2/20/2040, 2015-162 LI

      1,065,092           196,290

6.000%, Due 9/20/2040, 2016-75 IO

      1,350,085           309,321

3.500%, Due 10/20/2041, 2013-81 PI

      3,124,125           376,878

3.500%, Due 5/16/2042, 2015-84 IO

      2,767,057           556,317

5.000%, Due 5/16/2042, 2013-44 IB

      973,591           248,966

3.500%, Due 11/20/2046, 2016-163 MI

      3,530,470           402,430
           

 

 

 
              3,517,950
           

 

 

 
           
Agency CMO Interest Only Inverse Floater - 0.73%            

Freddie Mac REMIC Trust, 0.195%, Due 4/15/2043, 4517 KI, (1-mo. LIBOR + 1.071%)E

      3,508,955           88,777

Ginnie Mae REMIC Trust, 4.130%, Due 11/20/2033, 2003-98 SC, (1-mo. LIBOR + 6.600%)E

      909,986           143,172
           

 

 

 
              231,949
           

 

 

 
           

Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (Cost $3,482,618)

              3,749,899
           

 

 

 
           
    Shares        
INVESTMENT COMPANIES - 12.23%            
Closed-End Funds - 12.23%            
BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust       31,833           224,741
Highland Floating Rate Opportunities FundA       64,439           824,819
Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund       15,884           163,129
Invesco Senior Income Trust       32,443           126,852
Nuveen Credit Strategies Income Fund       24,022           177,763
Pershing Square Holdings Ltd./FundA       69,514           899,511
PGIM Short Duration High Yield Fund, Inc.       91,550           1,192,896
Voya Prime Rate Trust       58,989           264,861
           

 

 

 

Total Closed-End Funds

              3,874,572
           

 

 

 
           

Total Investment Companies (Cost $4,246,291)

              3,874,572
           

 

 

 
           
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - 3.25%            
Exchange-Traded Funds - 0.49%            
iShares China Large-Cap ETF       4,000           156,320
           

 

 

 
           
Exchange-Traded Notes - 2.76%            
ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged Closed-End Fund ETN       73,136           873,244
           

 

 

 
           

Total Exchange-Traded Instruments (Cost $1,055,179)

              1,029,564
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 33.40% (Cost $10,580,670)            
Investment Companies - 33.40%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, Select Class, 2.20%F G       10,580,670           10,580,670
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL SECURITIES HELD LONG (Cost $34,152,174)

              33,018,534
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (39,71%)            
COMMON STOCKS - (32.07%)            
Consumer Discretionary - (4.04%)            
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - (4.04%)            
Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.A       (127,964 )         $ (1,278,360 )
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - (1.80%)            
Food Products - (1.80%)            
Hostess Brands, Inc.A       (52,014 )           (569,033 )
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - (4.32%)            
Energy Equipment & Services - (0.08%)            
Ensco PLC, Class A       (7,048 )           (25,091 )
           

 

 

 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - (4.24%)            
Altus Midstream Co., Class AA       (36,503 )           (282,168 )
Falcon Minerals Corp.       (34,078 )           (289,663 )
Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp.A       (68,883 )           (772,179 )
           

 

 

 
           
              (1,344,010 )
           

 

 

 

Total Energy

              (1,369,101 )
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - (0.77%)            
Insurance - (0.77%)            
Crawford & Co., Class A       (27,457 )           (244,367 )
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - (0.23%)            
Biotechnology - (0.23%)            
Flexion Therapeutics, Inc.A       (6,553 )           (74,180 )
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - (20.91%)            
Internet Software & Services - (0.65%)            
Tencent Holdings Ltd., ADR       (5,232 )           (206,507 )
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - (4.53%)            
International Money Express, Inc.A       (31,061 )           (371,490 )
MongoDB, Inc.A       (3,304 )           (276,677 )
Perficient, Inc.A       (24,415 )           (543,478 )
Verra Mobility Corp.A       (25,006 )           (244,058 )
           

 

 

 
              (1,435,703 )
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - (6.85%)            
Microchip Technology, Inc.       (14,999 )           (1,078,728 )
Micron Technology, Inc.A       (34,451 )           (1,093,130 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,171,858 )
           

 

 

 
           
Software - (8.88%)            
Five9, Inc.A       (18,088 )           (790,807 )
RealPage, Inc.A       (18,166 )           (875,420 )
ServiceNow, Inc.A       (6,435 )           (1,145,752 )
           

 

 

 
              (2,811,979 )
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              (6,626,047 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Proceeds $(10,861,709))

              (10,161,088 )
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2018

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS - (3.32%) (Proceeds $(1,199,750))            
Energy - (3.32%)            

Chesapeake Energy Corp., 8.000%, Due 6/15/2027

    $ (1,253,000 )         $ (1,052,520 )
           

 

 

 
           
              (1,052,520 )
           

 

 

 
    Shares        
EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS - (4.32%)            
Exchange-Traded Funds - (4.32%)            
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bull 3X Shares       (76,100 )           (1,331,750 )
Invesco CurrencyShares Euro Currency TrustA       (10 )           (1,095 )
VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF       (1,594 )           (33,618 )
           

 

 

 

Total Exchange-Traded Funds

              (1,366,463 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL EXCHANGE-TRADED INSTRUMENTS (Proceeds $(1,216,127))

              (1,366,463 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT (Proceeds $(13,277,586))

              (12,580,071 )
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES (EXCLUDES SECURITIES SOLD SHORT) - 104.22% (Cost $34,152,174)

              33,018,534

TOTAL PURCHASED OPTIONS CONTRACTS - 15.95% (Premiums Paid $5,196,568)

              5,053,765

TOTAL WRITTEN OPTIONS CONTRACTS - (1.96%) (Premiums Received $(523,927))

              (622,078 )

TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (39.71%) (Proceeds $(13,277,586))

              (12,580,071 )

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 21.50%

              6,812,113
           

 

 

 

NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 31,682,263
           

 

 

 
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

A Non-income producing security.

B 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 $4,729,688 or 14.93% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.

C Zero coupon bond.

D 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.

E 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 December 31, 2018.

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

G 7-day yield.

ADR - American Depositary Receipt.

CMO – Collateralized Mortgage Obligation.

ETF - Exchange-Traded Fund.

ETN - Exchange-Traded Note.

LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

PRIME - A rate, charged by banks, based on the U.S. Federal Funds rate.

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 3018

 

 

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 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    29    March 2019    $ 3,497,064      $ 3,632,540      $ 135,476  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         $ 3,497,064      $ 3,632,540      $ 135,476  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Currency Futures Contracts                               
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Euro Currency Futures    2    March 2019    $ 285,907      $ 288,063      $ 2,156  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
         $ 285,907      $ 288,063      $ 2,156  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

OTC Swap Agreements Outstanding on December 31, 2018:

 

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-LIBOR   Zions Bancorp   DUB     3.507     8/5/2019       92,901       1,036,775     $ -     $ (163,506
Receive   1-Month USD-LIBOR   Zions Bancorp   DUB     2.007     8/5/2019       74,187       3,146,991       -       124,613  
               

 

 

   

 

 

 
                $ -     $ (38,893
               

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Purchased Options Contracts Open on December 31, 2018:

 

Equity Options  
Description   Counter-
party
  Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
    Currency     Number of
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Paid
    Fair
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call - Newell Brands, Inc.   CCP     30.00       1/18/2019       USD       291       29,100     $ 34,182     $ 1,455     $ (32,727
Call - Vistra Energy Corp.   CCP     27.00       1/18/2019       USD       102       10,200       1,923       1,785       (138
Put - Herbalife Ltd.   CCP     30.00       1/18/2019       USD       198       19,800       16,319       297       (16,022
Put - Herbalife Ltd.   CCP     28.75       1/18/2019       USD       6       600       452       18       (434
Put - Herbalife Ltd.   CCP     35.00       1/18/2019       USD       66       6,600       9,588       198       (9,390
Put - Palo Alto Networks, Inc.   CCP     150.00       1/18/2019       USD       35       3,500       8,909       1,820       (7,089
Put - Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.   CCP     5.00       1/18/2019       USD       941       94,100       24,031       2,823       (21,208
Put - Dycom Industries, Inc.   CCP     45.00       6/21/2019       USD       99       9,900       24,308       40,590       16,282  
Call - Apple, Inc.   CCP     175.00       1/17/2020       USD       113       11,300       132,251       144,076       11,825  
Put - iQIYI, Inc.   CCP     12.50       1/17/2020       USD       481       48,100       79,622       117,845       38,223  
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $ 331,585     $ 310,907     $ (20,678
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Exchange-Traded Fund Options  
Description   Counter-
party
  Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
    Currency     Number of
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Paid
    Fair
Value
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call - CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   CCP     113.00       1/18/2019       USD       688       68,800     $ 148,554     $ 3,440     $ (145,114
Call - CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   CCP     120.00       1/18/2019       USD       925       92,500       342,284       1,850       (340,434
Put - CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   CCP     104.00       1/18/2019       USD       344       34,400       116,177       1,376       (114,801
Call - Euro Currency Futures   CCP     1.19       3/8/2019       USD       100       12,500,000       336,262       37,500       (298,762
Call - VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF   CCP     20.00       4/18/2019       USD       2,000       200,000       256,154       416,000       159,846  
Call - VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF   CCP     23.00       4/18/2019       USD       2,000       200,000       132,949       152,000       19,051  
Call - Euro Currency Futures   CCP     1.17       6/7/2019       USD       42       5,250,000       107,063       96,600       (10,463
Call - CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   CCP     116.00       1/17/2020       USD       1,621       162,100       583,419       306,369       (277,050
Call - iShares China Large-Cap ETF   CCP     37.00       1/17/2020       USD       160       16,000       100,326       81,600       (18,726

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 3018

 

 

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 - CurrencyShares Euro Trust ETF   CCP   116.00   1/17/2020     USD       1,098       109,800     $ 285,801     $ 721,935     $ 436,134  
Put - iShares China Large-Cap ETF   CCP   37.00   1/17/2020     USD       1,440       144,000       391,734       413,280       21,546  
Call - Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 ETF   CCP   180.00   1/15/2021     USD       91       9,100       115,330       91,137       (24,193
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 2,916,053     $ 2,323,087     $ (592,966
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Index Options  
Description  

Counter-

party

  Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
    Currency     Number of
Contracts
    Premiums
Paid
   

Fair

Value

    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Call - CBOE SPX Volatility Index   CCP     25.00       1/16/2019       USD       400     $ 61,414     $ 66,000     $ 4,586  
Call - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,600.00       1/18/2019       USD       26       56,980       36,140       (20,840
Call - CBOE SPX Volatility Index   CCP     25.00       2/13/2019       USD       350       73,337       57,750       (15,587
Call - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,700.00       3/15/2019       USD       32       164,874       66,751       (98,123
Call - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,600.00       3/15/2019       USD       25       147,764       122,500       (25,264
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,200.00       6/21/2019       USD       8       21,436       42,400       20,964  
Call - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,975.00       12/20/2019       USD       8       74,396       23,640       (50,756
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     1,825.00       12/20/2019       USD       8       15,692       25,640       9,948  
Call - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,500.00       6/19/2020       USD       10       234,955       229,700       (5,255
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,700.00       6/19/2020       USD       50       863,027       1,532,250       669,223  
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,500.00       6/19/2020       USD       10       235,055       217,000       (18,055
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ 1,948,930     $ 2,419,771     $ 470,841  
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Written Options Contracts Open on December 31, 2018:

 

Exchange-Traded Fund Options  
Description   Counter-
party
  Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
    Currency     Number
of
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
(000s)
    Premiums
Received
   

Fair

Value

    Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
Put - iShares China Large-Cap ETF   CCP     40.00       1/17/2020       USD       800       80     $ (310,365   $ (340,000   $ (29,635
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $ (310,365   $ (340,000   $ (29,635
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Index Options  
Description   Counter-
party
  Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
    Currency     Number
of
Contracts
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Received
   

Fair

Value

    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,630.00       1/4/2019       USD       2       200     $ (8,739   $ (28,140   $ (19,401
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,560.00       1/11/2019       USD       2       200       (11,945     (16,380     (4,435
Call - CBOE SPX Volatility Index   CCP     35.00       1/16/2019       USD       400       40,000       (17,786     (10,000     7,786  
Call - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,650.00       1/18/2019       USD       26       2,600       (27,052     (13,000     14,052  
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,490.00       1/18/2019       USD       2       200       (12,427     (9,380     3,047  
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,510.00       1/25/2019       USD       2       200       (13,259     (13,680     (421
Call - CBOE SPX Volatility Index   CCP     35.00       2/13/2019       USD       350       35,000       (27,812     (15,050     12,762  
Put - S&P 500 Index   CCP     2,650.00       6/21/2019       USD       8       800       (80,267     (171,608     (91,341
Call - S&P 500 Index   CCP     3,300.00       12/20/2019       USD       8       800       (14,275     (4,840     9,435  
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
              $ (213,562   $ (282,078   $ (68,516
             

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 3018

 

 

 

Glossary:
                                         
Counterparty Abbreviations:
DUB   Deutsche Bank AG
                                         
Currency Abbreviations:
USD   United States Dollar
                                         
Index Abbreviations:
CBOE   Chicago Board Options Exchange.
S&P 500   Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index.
                                         
Other Abbreviations:
CCP   Central Counterparty Clearing House.
ETF   Exchange-Traded Fund.
LIBOR   London Interbank Offered Rate.

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

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

   Level 1           Level 2    

 

    Level 3    

 

    Total  

Assets

 

Common Stocks

   $ 519,408       $ -       $ -       $ 519,408  

Warrants

     1,150,710         -         -         1,150,710  

Corporate Obligations

     -         2,970,058         -         2,970,058  

Convertible Obligations

     -         8,341,821         -         8,341,821  

Foreign Corporate Obligations

     -         801,832         -         801,832  

Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     -         3,749,899         -         3,749,899  

Investment Companies

     3,874,572         -         -         3,874,572  

Exchange-Traded Instruments

     1,029,564         -         -         1,029,564  

Short-Term Investments

     10,580,670         -         -         10,580,670  
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

   $ 17,154,924       $ 15,863,610       $ -       $ 33,018,534  
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

Common Stocks (Sold Short)

   $ (10,161,088     $ -       $ -       $ (10,161,088

Corporate Obligations (Sold Short)

     -         (1,052,520       -         (1,052,520

Exchange-Traded Instruments (Sold Short)

     (1,366,463       -         -         (1,366,463
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Liabilities

     (11,527,551       (1,052,520       -         (12,580,071
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities

   $ 5,627,373       $ 14,811,090       $ -       $ 20,438,463  
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Futures Contracts

   $ 137,632       $ -       $ -       $ 137,632  

Swap Contract Agreements

     -         124,613         -         124,613  

Purchased Options

     5,053,765         -         -         5,053,765  
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

   $ 5,191,397       $ 124,613       $ -       $ 5,316,010  
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

Swap Contract Agreements

   $ -       $ (163,506     $ -       $ (163,506

Written Options

     (622,078       -         -         (622,078
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

   $ (622,078     $ (163,506     $ -       $ (785,584
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 3018

 

 

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
12/31/2017
  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
12/31/2018
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
at Period end**
 
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations   $1,741,554   $ -     $1,537,015   $ -     $ (445,492   $ 240,953     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

 

**

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 collateralized mortgage obligations, classified as Level 3, were valued using single broker quotes. However, these securities were transferred into the Level 3 category due to limited market transparency and/or lack of corroboration to support the quoted prices.

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2018

 

 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 22,437,864  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    10,580,670  

Foreign currency, at fair value^

    6,420  

Purchased options contracts outstanding (premiums paid $5,196,568)

    5,053,765  

Swap income receivable

    8,984  

Cash with brokers

    6,268,018  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts

    198,764  

Cash collateral held at custodian for the benefit of the broker

    1,610,000  

Dividends and interest receivable

    205,801  

Receivable for investments sold

    200,277  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    16,972  

Receivable for tax reclaims

    2,330  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    34,463  

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

    132,516  

Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements

    124,613  

Prepaid expenses

    26,595  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    46,908,052  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    247,519  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    407,099  

Payable for foreign currency with brokers, at fair value+

    983,437  

Securities sold short, at fair value±

    12,580,071  

Cash due to custodian

    5,375  

Written options contracts, at fair value (premiums received $523,927)

    622,078  

Dividends and interest expense payable

    10,359  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    40,847  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    230  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    1,269  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    7,896  

Professional fees payable

    147,269  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    8,807  

Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements

    163,506  

Other liabilities

    27  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    15,225,789  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 31,682,263  
 

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 60,031,489  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    (28,349,226
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 31,682,263  
 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

 

Institutional Class

    1,317,416  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

    2,902,239  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

    81,012  
 

 

 

 

A Class

    14,926  
 

 

 

 

C Class

    8,107  
 

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 9,666,324  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 21,259,294  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 589,523  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 108,393  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 58,729  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

Institutional Class

  $ 7.34  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 7.33  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 7.28  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 7.26  
 

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 7.62  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 7.24  
 

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 23,571,504  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 10,580,670  

^ Cost of foreign currency

  $ 6,340  

+ Cost of foreign currency with broker

  $ (971,170

± Proceeds of securities sold short

  $ 13,277,586  

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

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

Investment income:

 

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

  $ 2,514,552  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 8)

    260,745  

Interest income

    238,043  

Other income

    277,331  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    3,290,671  
 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,118,349  

Transfer agent fees:

 

Institutional Class (Note 2)

    12,826  

Y Class (Note 2)

    60,681  

Investor Class

    1,317  

A Class

    5  

C Class

    3  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    58,159  

Professional fees

    161,597  

Registration fees and expenses

    78,056  

Service fees (Note 2):

 

Investor Class

    8,810  

A Class

    64  

C Class

    145  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

 

A Class

    292  

C Class

    1,038  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    18,840  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    5,846  

Dividends and interest on securities sold short

    579,408  

Other expenses

    12,295  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    2,117,731  
 

 

 

 

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

    (193,214
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    1,924,517  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    1,366,154  
 

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    (66,349,332

Purchased options contracts

    (5,198,152

Foreign currency transactions

    46,982  

Futures contracts

    (1,394,251

Swap agreements

    (43,803

Written options contracts

    1,517,005  

Short sales

    65,309,921  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesC

    (2,839,404

Purchased options contracts

    2,581,581  

Foreign currency transactions

    (17,035

Futures contracts

    42,484  

Swap agreements

    (112,123

Written options contracts

    698,588  

Short sales

    2,130,852  
 

 

 

 

Net (loss) from investments

    (3,626,687
 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ (2,260,533
 

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 2,383  

A Includes non-recurring dividends of $592,904.

 

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 year end.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income

  $ 1,366,154       $ 337,372  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities, purchased options contracts, foreign currency transactions, futures contracts, swap agreements, written options contracts, and short sales

    (6,111,630       2,402,925  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments in unaffiliated securities, purchased options contracts, foreign currency transactions, futures contracts, swap agreements, written options contracts, and short sales

    2,484,943         (3,141,477
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    (2,260,533       (401,180
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Net investment income:

     

Institutional Class

    -         (1,853,900

Y Class

    -         (4,957,963

Investor Class

    -         (105,355

A Class

    -         (7,498

C Class

    -         (4,803

Net realized gain from investments:

     

Institutional Class

    -         (202,770

Y Class

    -         (542,277

Investor Class

    -         (12,119

A Class

    -         (851

C Class

    -         (646

Total retained earnings:*

     

Institutional Class

    (917,084       -  

Y Class

    (2,401,637       -  

Investor Class

    (75,180       -  

A Class

    (9,603       -  

C Class

    (4,388       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (3,407,892       (7,688,182
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    17,689,908         55,899,547  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    3,397,962         7,581,413  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (82,447,032       (127,532,637
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

    (61,359,162       (64,051,677
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets

    (67,027,587       (72,141,039
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    98,709,850         170,850,889  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 31,682,263       $ 98,709,850  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

*  Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are combined for the year ended December 31, 2018. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for more information regarding new accounting pronouncements.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

1.  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”), is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The Fund, a series within the Trust, is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a non-diversified, open-end management investment company. As of December 31, 2018, the Trust consists of thirty-three active series, one of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund (“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. The Manager is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition, Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (“RIH”). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P., investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. (“Kelso”) or Estancia Capital Management, LLC (“Estancia”), which are private equity firms.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-08, Premium Amortization of Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the premium amortization period on a purchased callable debt security from the security’s contractual life to the earliest call date. It is anticipated that this change will enhance disclosures by reducing losses recognized when a security is called on an earlier date. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Manager continues to evaluate the impact this ASU will have on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (“Topic 820”). The amendments in the ASU impact disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. It is anticipated that this change will enhance the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted and can include the entire standard or certain provisions that exclude or amend disclosures. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund has chosen to adopt the standard. The adoption of this ASU guidance did not have a material impact on the financial statements and other disclosures.

In August 2018, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted amendments to certain disclosure requirements in Securities Act Release No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, which is intended to facilitate the disclosure of information to investors and simplify compliance without significantly altering the total mix of information provided to investors. Effective with the current reporting period, the Fund adopted the amendments with the impacts being that the Fund is no longer required to present components of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities or the sources of distributable earnings and the amount of undistributed net investment income on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets.

 

 

22


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, a part of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

Security Transactions and Investment Income

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

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

Distributions to Shareholders

Distributions, if any, of net investment income are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions, if any, of net realized capital gains are generally paid at least annually and recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP. To the extent necessary to fully distribute capital gains, the Funds may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

 

 

23


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Allocation of Income, Trust Expenses, Gains, and Losses

Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses from investments of the Fund are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class to the total net assets of the Fund. Expenses directly charged or attributable to 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.

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, equal to 0.35%.

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into Investment Advisory Agreements with Ionic Capital Management LLC (the “Sub-Advisors”) for the Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay an annualized sub-advisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Fund for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 292,124  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.99       826,225  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    1.34     $ 1,118,349  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distribution Plans

The Fund, except for the A and C Classes, has adopted a “defensive” Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, pursuant to which no separate fees may be charged to the Funds for distribution purposes. However, the Plan authorizes the management fee received by the Manager and the

 

 

24


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

investment advisors hired by the Manager to be used for distribution purposes. Under this Plan, the Fund 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 American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund. Under the Distribution Plans, as compensation for distribution and shareholder servicing assistance, the Manager receives an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the A Class and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the C Class. The fee will be payable without regard to whether the amount of the fee is more or less than the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the Manager for distribution assistance.

Service Plans

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

Sub-Transfer Agent Fees

The Manager has entered into agreements, which include servicing agreements, with financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, processing, shareholder communications and other services to customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the Institutional 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 Board 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 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended December 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  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   $ 70,303  

As of December 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
 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   $ 557  

Investments in Affiliated Funds

The Fund may invest in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund (the “USG Select Fund”). The Fund and the USG Select Fund have the same investment advisor and therefore, are considered to be affiliated. The Manager serves as investment advisor to the USG Select Fund and receives management fees and administrative fees totaling 0.10% of the average daily net assets of the USG Select Fund. During the year ended December 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
 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   $ 15,979  

 

 

25


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Interfund Credit Facility

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

 

          Expense Cap                      

Fund

   Class    1/1/2018 -
11/30/2018
    12/1/2018 -
12/31/2018
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   Institutional      1.53     1.34   $ 58,710      $ -        2021  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   Y      1.63     1.44     126,050        -        2021  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   Investor      1.91     1.72     8,060        -        2021  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   A      1.92     1.74     176        -        2021  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   C      2.68     2.49     218        -        2021  

Of these amounts, $34,463 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at December 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 reimbursement due to the current assessment that a reimbursement is unlikely. The carryover of excess expenses potentially reimbursable to the Manager, but not recorded as a liability are as follows:

 

Fund

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

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

   $ -      $ 33,392      $ -        2019  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

     -        207,392        -        2020  

 

 

26


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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-allocate 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 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-allocated 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. Foreside and RID did not collect commissions for the sale of Class A shares.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the 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 year ended December 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. Foreside and RID did not collect CDSC fees 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 Total Return Fund, each Trustee receives an annual retainer of $120,000, plus $10,000 for each Board meeting attended in person or

 

 

27


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 Chair receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000 as well as a $2,500 fee each quarter for attendance at the committee meetings. The Chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. These expenses are allocated on a prorated basis to each Fund of the Trusts according to its respective net assets.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

The price of the Fund’s shares is based on the Fund’s Net Asset Value (“NAV”). The NAV of the Fund, or each of its share classes, as applicable, is determined by dividing the total value of portfolio investments and other assets, less any liabilities attributable to the Fund or class, by the total number of shares outstanding of the Fund or class.

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

Debt securities normally are valued on the basis of prices provided by an independent pricing service and may take into account appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, and other market data. Prices of debt securities may be determined using quotes obtained from brokers. Certain fixed-income securities purchased on a delayed-delivery basis are marked-to-market daily until settlement at the forward settlement date.

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

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

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

 

 

28


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

such as when a particular foreign market is closed but a Fund is open. The Funds use outside pricing services to provide closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the Valuation Committee routinely compares closing prices, the next day’s opening prices in the same markets, and adjusted prices.

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

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

Valuation Inputs

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

 

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

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

Common stocks, ETFs, preferred securities, and financial derivative instruments, such as futures contracts or options that are traded on a national securities exchange, are stated at the last reported sale or settlement price on the day of valuation. To the extent these securities are actively traded and valuation adjustments are not applied, they are categorized as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. 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.

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.

 

 

29


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities (“ABS”) are usually issued as separate tranches, or classes, of securities within each deal. These securities are also normally valued by pricing service providers that use broker- dealer quotations or valuation estimates from their internal pricing models. The pricing models for these securities usually consider tranche-level attributes, current market data, estimated cash flows, and market-based yield spreads for each tranche, and incorporates deal collateral performance, as available. Mortgage-related and ABS that use similar valuation techniques and inputs as described above are categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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 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.

 

 

30


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

Certain mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) may be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or a government sponsored entity, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”). Although these instruments may be guaranteed by the U.S. government or a government sponsored entity, many such MBS are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and are still exposed to the risk of non-payment.

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 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 Fund 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.

Convertible Securities

Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the issuer’s common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they do enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on

 

 

31


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders, but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer. Because of the conversion feature, certain convertible securities may be considered equity equivalents.

Exchange-Traded Notes

The Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund may invest in Exchange-Traded Notes (“ETNs”). ETNs are debt obligations that are traded on exchanges and the returns of which are linked to the performance of market indexes. In addition to trading ETNs on exchanges, investors may redeem ETNs directly with the issuer on a weekly basis, typically in a minimum amount of 50,000 units, or hold the ETNs until maturity. ETNs may be riskier than ordinary debt securities and may have no principal protection. The Fund’s investment in an ETN may be influenced by many unpredictable factors, including highly volatile commodities prices, changes in supply and demand relationships, weather, agriculture, trade, changes in interest rates, and monetary and other governmental policies, action and inaction. Investing in ETNs is not equivalent to investing directly in index components or the relevant index itself. Because ETNs are debt securities, they possess credit risk; if the issuer has financial difficulties or goes bankrupt, the investor may not receive the return it was promised. Because ETNs are unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities, an investment in an ETN exposes the Fund to the risk that an ETN’s issuer may be unable to repay the note upon maturity. As a result, the value of the ETN may decline, including to zero. In addition, as with investments in ETFs and investment companies, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the ETN, which may cause the Fund’s operating expenses to be higher and its performance to be lower than it would if it invested directly in the securities of the index or other reference assets of the ETN. There may be times when an ETN share trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark. The Fund’s decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a liquid market. If the Fund must sell some or all of its ETN holdings and the market for such ETN is weak, it may have to sell such holdings at a discount.

Fixed-Income Investments

The Fund 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 Fund’s net asset value to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed-income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates and are, therefore, more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed-income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable to make timely principal and interest payments and that the security may go into default. In addition, there is prepayment risk, which is the risk that during periods of falling interest rates, certain fixed-income securities with higher interest rates, such as mortgage- and asset-backed securities, may be prepaid by their issuers thereby reducing the amount of interest payments. This may result in a Fund having to reinvest its proceeds in lower yielding securities. Securities underlying mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which may include subprime mortgages, also may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk.

Foreign Securities

The Fund 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

 

 

32


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

domestic securities. These additional risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, different governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce the Fund’s rights as an investor.

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

The 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 year ended December 31, 2018 are disclosed in the 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 Funds, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.

Interest-Only and Principal-Only Mortgage-Backed Securities

Stripped mortgage-backed securities (“SMBS”) are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government and private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the “IO” class), while the other class will receive the entire principal (the principal-only or “PO” class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including pre-payments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund’s yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated pre-payments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.

Interest-only instruments generally increase in value in a rising interest rate environment, which typically results in a slower rate of prepayments on the underlying mortgages and extends the period during which interest payments are required to be made on the IO security. Interest only securities are subject to prepayment risk, which is the risk that prepayments will accelerate in a declining interest rate environment and will reduce the number of remaining interest payments even though there is no default on the underlying mortgages. Principal only instruments generally increase in value in a declining interest rate environment, which typically results in a faster rate of prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Since a PO security is usually purchased at a discount, faster prepayments result in a higher rate of return when the face value of the security is paid back sooner than expected.

 

 

33


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Mortgage-Backed Securities

MBS often have stated maturities of up to thirty years when they are issued, depending upon the length of the mortgages underlying the securities. In practice however, unscheduled or early payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may make the securities’ effective maturity shorter than this, and the prevailing interest rates may be higher or lower than the current yield of the Fund’s portfolio at the time resulting in reinvestment risk.

Rising or high interest rates may result in slower than expected principal payments which may tend to extend the duration of MBS, making them more volatile and more sensitive to changes in interest rates. This is known as extension risk.

MBS may have less potential for capital appreciation than comparable fixed-income securities due to the likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages resulting from foreclosures or declining interest rates. These foreclosed or refinanced mortgages are paid off at face value (par) or less, causing a loss, particularly for any investor who may have purchased the security at a premium or a price above par. In such an environment, this risk limits the potential price appreciation of these securities.

Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities

The Fund may invest in mortgage or other ABS. These securities may include mortgage instruments issued by U.S. government agencies (“agency mortgages”) or those issued by private entities (“non-agency mortgages”). Specific types of instruments may include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), commercial mortgage-backed securities, mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals, stripped mortgage-backed securities and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by a payable from, mortgage loans on real property. The value of the Fund’s MBS may be affected by, among other things, changes or perceived changes in interest rates, factors concerning the interests in and structure of the issuer or the originator of the mortgage, or the quality of the underlying assets. The mortgages underlying the securities may default or decline in quality or value. Through its investments in MBS, a Fund has exposure to subprime loans, Alt-A loans and non-conforming loans as well as to the mortgage and credit markets generally. Underlying collateral related to subprime, Alt-A and non-conforming mortgage loans has become increasingly susceptible to defaults and declines in quality or value, especially in a declining residential real estate market. In addition, regulatory or tax changes may adversely affect the mortgage securities markets as a whole.

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, 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 the 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

 

 

34


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

participation in the issuer’s growth may be limited. Preferred stock generally has preference over common stock in the receipt of dividends and in any residual assets after payment to creditors should the issuer be dissolved. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stocks are subject to the risks associated with other types of equity securities, as well as additional risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, potentially greater volatility and risks related to deferral, non-cumulative dividends, subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

The Fund may own shares of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) which report information on the source of their distributions annually. The Fund re-characterizes 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.

Rights and Warrants

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

Short Sales

The Fund may enter into short sale transactions. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation of a decline in the market price of the security. Securities sold in short sale transactions and the dividends and interest payable on such securities, if any, are reflected as a liability. 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 December 31, 2018, short positions were held by the Fund and are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments.

Special Purpose Acquisition Company

A special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) is a collective investment structure that allows public stock market investors to invest in private equity type transactions, particular leveraged buyouts. SPACs are shell or blank-check companies, governed by the SEC, that have no operations but go public with the intention of merging with or acquiring a company with the proceeds of the SPAC’s initial public offering (“IPO”). For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund did not hold SPAC securities in the portfolio.

 

 

35


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

U.S. Treasury Obligations

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

Variable or Floating Rate Obligations

The interest rates payable on certain fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate obligation has an interest rate which is adjusted at predesignated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate is based. Variable and floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate instruments at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons.

The Fund may invest in floating rate debt instruments (“floaters”) and engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market index or U.S. Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide the Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.

5.  Financial Derivative Instruments

The Fund may utilize derivative instruments to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. When considering the Fund’s use of derivatives, it is important to note that the Fund do not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage.

Futures Contracts

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

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund entered into futures contracts primarily for exposing cash to markets.

 

 

36


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Year Ended December 31, 2018  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

    85  

Options Contracts

The Fund may write (1) call and put options on futures, swaps (“swaptions”), securities, commodities or currencies it owns or in which it may invest and (2) inflation-capped options. Writing put options tends to increase the Fund’s exposure to unfavorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for an upfront premium. Writing call options tends to decrease the Fund’s exposure to favorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for an upfront premium. When the Fund writes a call, put, or inflation-capped option, an amount equal to the premium received is recorded as a liability and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option written. The purpose of inflation-capped options is to protect the buyer from inflation erosion above a certain rate on a given notional exposure. A floor can be used to give downside protection to investments in inflation-linked products. These liabilities are reflected as written options outstanding on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Certain options may be written with premiums to be determined on a future date. Premiums received from writing options which expire are treated as realized gains. Premiums received from writing options which are exercised or closed are added to the proceeds or offset against amounts paid on the underlying futures, swap, security or currency transaction to determine the realized gain or loss when the underlying transaction is sold. The Fund, as a writer of an option has no control over whether the underlying instrument may be sold (call) or purchased (put) and as a result bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the instrument underlying the written option. There is the risk the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid market.

The Fund may also purchase put and call options. Purchasing call options tends to increase the Fund’s exposure to favorable movements of the underlying instrument in exchange for paying an upfront premium. Purchasing put options tends to decrease the Fund’s exposure to unfavorable movements of the underlying instrument. The Fund pays a premium which is included on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an investment and subsequently marked to market to reflect the current value of the option. Premiums paid for purchasing options which expire are treated as realized losses. Certain options may be purchased with premiums to be determined on a future date. The premiums for these options are based upon implied volatility parameters at specified terms. The risk associated with purchasing put and call options is limited to the premium paid. Premiums paid for purchasing options which are exercised or closed are added to the amounts paid or offset against the proceeds on the underlying investment transaction to determine the realized gain or loss when the underlying transaction is sold.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund purchased/sold options primarily for return enhancement and hedging.

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

 

Average Option Notional Amounts Outstanding

Year Ended December 31, 2018

 

Fund

  Purchased Contracts           Written Contracts  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

  $ 12,829,250       $ 363,000  

 

 

37


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Straddle Options

The Fund may enter into differing forms of straddle options. A straddle is an investment strategy that uses combinations of options that allow a Fund to profit based on the future price movements of the underlying security, regardless of the direction of those movements. A written straddle involves simultaneously writing a call option and a put option on the same security with the same strike price and expiration date. The written straddle increases in value when the underlying security price has little volatility before the expiration date. A purchased straddle involves simultaneously purchasing a call option and a put option on the same security with the same strike price and expiration date. The purchased straddle increases in value when the underlying security price has high volatility, regardless of direction, before the expiration date.

Swap Agreements

A swap is a transaction in which the Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps) or the performance of specified securities or indices based on a specified amount (the “notional” amount). Nearly any type of derivative, including forward contracts, can be structured as a swap.

Swap agreements can be structured to provide exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. For example, in an interest rate swap, fixed-rate payments may be exchanged for floating rate payments; in a currency swap, U.S. dollar-denominated payments may be exchanged for payments denominated in a foreign currency; and in a total return swap, payments tied to the investment return on a particular asset, group of assets or index may be exchanged for payments that are effectively equivalent to interest payments or for payments tied to the return on another asset, group of assets, or index. Swaps may have a leverage component, and adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate or index can result in gains or losses that are substantially greater than the amount invested in the swap itself.

Some swaps currently are, and more in the future will be, centrally cleared. Swaps that are centrally-cleared are exposed to the creditworthiness of the clearing organizations (and, consequently, that of their members – generally, banks and broker-dealers) involved in the transaction. For example, an investor could lose margin payments it has deposited with the clearing organization as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if it breaches its agreement with the investor or becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be able to recover only a portion of the net amount of gains on its transactions and of the margin owed to it, potentially resulting in losses to the investor.

Swaps that are not centrally cleared, involve the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure of the counterparty to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the agreement. To mitigate this risk, the Fund will only enter into swap agreements with counterparties considered by a sub-advisor to present minimum risk of default and the Fund normally obtains collateral to secure its exposure. Changing conditions in a particular market area, whether or not directly related to the referenced assets that underlie the swap agreement, may have an adverse impact on the creditworthiness of a counterparty.

The centrally cleared and OTC swap agreements into which the Fund enters normally provide for the obligations of the Fund and its counterparty in the event of a default or other early termination to be determined on a net basis. Similarly, periodic payments on a swap transaction that are due by each party on the same day normally are netted. To the extent that a swap agreement is subject to netting, the Fund’s cover and asset segregation responsibilities will normally be with respect to the net amount owed by the Fund. However, the Fund may be required to segregate liquid assets equal to the full notional amount of certain swaps, such as written credit default swaps on physically settled forwards or written options. The amount that the Fund must segregate may be reduced by the value of any collateral that it has pledged to secure its own obligations under the swap.

 

 

38


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Total Return Swap Agreements

The Fund may enter into total return swaps in order to take a “long” or “short” position with respect to an underlying referenced asset. The Fund is subject to market price volatility of the underlying referenced asset. A total return swap involves commitments to pay interest in exchange for a market linked return based on a notional amount. To the extent that the total return of the security, group of securities or index underlying the transaction exceeds or falls short of the offsetting interest obligation, the Fund will receive a payment from or make a payment to the counterparty.

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

  Year Ended December 31, 2018  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

    15,689,930  

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

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 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 contracts outstanding     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 5,053,765         $ 5,053,765
Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)       -           2,156           -           -           135,476           137,632
Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements       -           -           -           -           124,613           124,613

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Written options contracts outstanding     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (622,078 )         $ (622,078 )
Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements       -           -           -           -           (163,506 )           (163,506 )
                                           
The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations as of December 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     $ -         $ 907,448         $ -         $ -         $ (6,105,600 )         $ (5,198,152 )
Futures contracts       -           110,133           -           -           (1,504,384 )           (1,394,251 )
Swap agreements       -           -           -           -           (43,803 )           (43,803 )
Written options contracts.       -           (290,791 )           -           -           1,807,796           1,517,005

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 . . .     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 2,581,581         $ 2,581,581
Futures contracts       -           2,156           -           -           40,328           42,484
Swap agreements       -           -           -           -           (112,123 )           (112,123 )
Written options contracts       -           -           -           -           698,588           698,588

(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 Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

 

 

39


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 Fund and those counterparties. The ISDA Master Agreements contain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral and events of default or termination. Events of termination include conditions that may entitle counterparties to elect to terminate early and cause settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable ISDA Master Agreement. Any election to terminate early could be material to the financial statements. Since different types of forward and OTC financial derivative transactions have different mechanics and are sometimes traded out of different legal entities of a particular counterparty organization, each type of transaction may be covered by a different Master Agreement, resulting in the need for multiple agreements with a single counterparty. As the ISDA Master Agreements are specific to unique operations of different asset types, they allow a Fund to net its total exposure to a counterparty in the event of a default with respect to all the transactions governed under a single agreement with a counterparty.

Master Securities Forward Transaction Agreements (“Master Forward Agreements”) govern the considerations and factors surrounding the settlement of certain forward settling transactions, such as delayed delivery or sale-buyback financing transactions by and between a Fund and select counterparties. The Master Forward Agreements maintain provisions for, among other things, initiation and confirmation, payment and transfer, events of default, termination, and maintenance of collateral.

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

The Fund is a party to enforceable master netting agreements between brokers and counterparties which provide for the right to offset under certain circumstances. The Fund employs one money manager and counterparty and has elected not to offset qualifying financial and derivative instruments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, as such all financial and derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis. The impacts of netting arrangements that provide the right to offset are detailed below. The net amount represents the net receivable or payable that would be due from or to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from borrowings and other financing agreements such as repurchase agreements can only be netted across transactions governed by the same Master Agreement with the same legal entity. All amounts reported below represent the balance as of the report date, December 31, 2018.

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

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

 

    Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts(1)   $ 137,632       $ -  
Swap Agreements - OTC     124,613         163,506  
Purchased Options Contracts     5,053,765         -  
Written Options Contracts     -         622,078  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 5,316,010       $ 785,584  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (5,191,397     $ (622,078
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

  $ 124,613       $ 163,506  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

40


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of December 31, 2018:

 

          Gross Amounts of
Assets Presented in

the Statements 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
 
Deutsche Bank AG     $ 124,613       $ (124,613     $ -       $ -       $ -  
          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
 
Deutsche Bank AG     $ 163,506       $ (124,613     $ -       $ -       $ 38,893  

 

(1) 

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

6.  Principal Risks

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

Allocation and Correlation Risk

The sub-advisor’s judgments about, and allocations between arbitrage strategies, asset classes and market exposures may adversely affect the Fund’s performance. There can be no assurance, particularly during periods of market disruption and stress, that the Fund will, in fact, experience a low level of correlation with a traditional portfolio of stocks and bonds or with the debt or equity markets generally. This risk may be increased by the use of derivatives to increase allocations to various market exposures.

Arbitrage Risk

The Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund may use a variety of arbitrage strategies in pursuing its investment strategy. The underlying relationships among securities and derivative instruments in which the Fund takes long and short positions may change in an adverse manner, in which case the Fund may realize losses. The expected gain on an individual arbitrage investment is normally considerably smaller than the possible loss should the transaction be unexpectedly terminated.

The expected timing of each transaction is also important since the length of time that the Fund’s capital must be committed to any given transaction may affect the rate of return realized by the Fund, and unanticipated delays could cause the Fund to lose money or not achieve the desired rate of return.

The success of the Fund’s investment strategies is dependent on the sub-advisor’s ability to exploit pricing inefficiencies among interrelated instruments. Although arbitrage positions are considered to have a lower risk profile than directional trades as the former attempt to exploit price differentials rather than overall price movements, such strategies are by no means without risk. Pricing inefficiencies, even if correctly identified, may not converge within the time frame within which the Fund maintains its positions. Even pure “riskless” arbitrage – which is rare – can result in significant losses if the arbitrage cannot be sustained (due, for example, to margin calls) until expiration. The Fund’s strategies are subject to the risks of disruptions in historical price relationships, the restricted availability of credit and the obsolescence or inaccuracy of valuation models. Market disruptions may also force the Fund to close out one or more positions. Such disruptions have in the past resulted in substantial losses for funds employing similar strategies.

The Fund expects a major component of its investment strategies to involve spreads between two or more securities. To the extent the price relationships between such securities remain constant, no gain or loss may occur. Such spread strategies do, however, entail a substantial risk that the price differential could change unfavorably and result in losses.

 

 

41


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Counterparty Risk

The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Fund. As a result the Fund may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

Credit Risk

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

Currency Risk

The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies or in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, purchasing or selling forward 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 futures) and swaps for cross-currency investments. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that 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 Fund’s initial investment. Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy or sell derivatives not traded on an exchange and which may be subject to heightened liquidity and valuation risk. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty risk. As a result, the Fund may obtain no recovery of 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.

Equity Investments Risk

Equity securities are subject to market risk. The Fund’s investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Fund to additional risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. Preferred stocks and convertible securities are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions

 

 

42


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities’ investment value. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry such as adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. Depositary receipts and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock.

Foreign Investing Risk

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

Futures Contracts Risk

Futures contracts are derivative instruments where one party pays a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund 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 Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract).

Hedging Risk

If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund’s return, or create a loss.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk

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

High-Yield Securities Risk

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

 

 

43


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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 at a lower price than the Fund believe 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

The Fund is 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 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. 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 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 do not use the derivative instruments that have a leveraging effect. Leverage may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and may accelerate the rate of losses. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of an increase or decrease in the Fund’s exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause the Fund’s NAV to be volatile.

Liquidity Risk

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

Market Direction Risk

Since the Fund will typically hold both long and short positions, an investment in the Fund will involve market risks associated with different types of investment decisions than those made for a typical “long only”

 

 

44


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

fund. The Fund’s results could suffer both when there is a general market advance and the Fund holds significant “short” positions, and when there is a general market decline and the Fund holds significant “long” positions.

Market Risk

Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. 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. Because of the sharp decline in the worldwide price of oil, there is a concern that oil producing nations may withdraw significant assets now held in U.S. Treasuries, which could force a substantial increase in interest rates. 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,”

 

 

45


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

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.

Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage Related Securities Risk

Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are subject to market risks for fixed- income securities which include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, extension risk and prepayment risk. When mortgages and other obligations are prepaid and when securities are called, a Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield or fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss and/or a decrease in the amount of dividends and yield.

Non-Diversification Risk

The Fund is non-diversified, which means the Fund may focus its investments in the securities of a comparatively small number of issuers. Investments in securities of a limited number of issuers exposes the Fund to greater market risk and potential losses than if assets were diversified among the securities of a greater number of issuers.

Obsolescence Risk

The Fund is unlikely to be successful in its quantitative trading strategies unless the assumptions underlying the models are realistic and either remain realistic and relevant in the future or are adjusted to account for changes in the overall market environment. If such assumptions are inaccurate or become inaccurate and are not promptly adjusted, it is likely that profitable trading signals will not be generated. If and to the extent that the models do not reflect certain factors, and the sub-advisor does not successfully address such omission through its testing and evaluation and modify the models accordingly, major losses may result – all of which will be borne by the 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 Fund 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 Fund sells a put option, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price. If the Fund sells a call option, there is a risk that the Fund may be required to sell the underlying asset at a disadvantageous price. If the Fund sells a call option on an underlying asset that the Fund owns and the underlying asset has increased in value when the call option is exercised, the Fund 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 Fund 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

 

 

46


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund’s direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies. For example, ETF shares may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset value. An ETF that tracks an index may not precisely replicate the returns of its benchmark index.

Prepayment and Extension Risk

Prepayment risk is the risk that the principal amount of a bond may be repaid prior to the bond’s maturity date. Due to a decline in interest rates or excess cash flow, a debt security may be called or otherwise prepaid before maturity. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment and the 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.

Short Position Risk

The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short position if the price of the instrument sold short increases in value between the date of the short sale and the date on which an offsetting position is purchased. Short positions may be considered speculative transactions and involve special risks, including greater reliance on the sub-advisor’s ability to accurately anticipate the future value of a security or instrument. The Fund’s losses are potentially unlimited in a short position transaction.

Swap Agreement Risk

Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leveraging risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, the Fund is subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that is intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, the occurrence of unexpected price movements or the non-occurrence of expected price movements. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Interest rate swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, credit default swaps and commodities swaps are subject to counterparty risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. In addition, interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate risk, total return swaps are subject to market risk, and interest rate risk if the underlying securities are bonds or other debt obligations, currency swaps are subject to currency risk, and commodities swaps are subject to commodities risk.

Valuation Risk

The Fund may value certain assets at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as certain derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid.

Volatility Risk

The Fund may have investments that appreciate or decrease significantly in value over short periods of time. This may cause the Fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time.

Warrants Risk

Warrants may be more speculative than certain other types of investments because warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and a warrant ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date.

 

 

47


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

7.  Federal Income and Excise Taxes

It is the policy of 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, 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 ended December 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. The Fund also utilizes earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction.

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    Year Ended
December 31, 2018
          Year Ended
December 31, 2017
 

Distributions paid from:

     

Ordinary income*

     

Institutional Class

  $ 917,084       $ 2,056,670  

Y Class

    2,401,637         5,500,240  

Investor Class

    75,180         117,474  

A Class

    9,603         8,349  

C Class

    4,388         5,449  

Long-term capital gains

     

Institutional Class

    -         -  

Y Class

    -         -  

Investor Class

    -         -  

A Class

    -         -  

C Class

    -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 3,407,892       $ 7,688,182  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

As of December 31, 2018, the components of distributable earnings (deficits) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund

  Tax Cost         Unrealized
Appreciation
          Unrealized
(Depreciation)
          Net Unrealized
Appreciation

(Depreciation)
 
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage   $40,328,413     $ 4,507,881       $ (6,700,760     $ (2,192,879

 

Fund

  Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
        Undistributed
Ordinary
Income
          Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
          Accumulated
Capital and
Other (Losses)
          Other
Temporary
Differences
          Distributable
Earnings
 
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage   $(2,192,879)     $ 1,816,306       $ -       $ (27,972,654     $ 1       $ (28,349,226

 

 

48


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character. Financial records are not adjusted for temporary differences. The temporary differences between financial reporting and tax-basis reporting of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are attributable primarily to the realization of unrealized gains (losses) from certain derivative instruments, the tax deferral of losses from wash sales, deemed distributions on convertible obligations, CPDI, unsettled short positions, straddles, and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gain (loss) on investments in passive foreign investment companies.

Due to inherent differences in the recognition of income, expenses, and realized gains (losses) under U.S. GAAP and federal income tax regulations, permanent differences between book and tax reporting have been identified and appropriately reclassified on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Accordingly, the following amounts represent current year permanent differences as of December 31, 2018:

 

Fund

   Paid-In-Capital            Distributable
Earnings/
(Deficits)
 
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage    $ -        $ -  

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 December 31, 2018, the Fund had the following post RIC MOD capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund

   Short-Term
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
           Long-Term
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
 
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage    $ 23,033,314        $ 4,939,340  

8.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
          Sales (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
 
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage   $ 592,641,269       $ 607,889,003  

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2017
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           December 31,
2018
Shares/Fair
Value
          Dividend
Income
 
Ionic Strategic Arbitrage   Direct     $ 19,527,208       $ 171,621,187       $ 180,567,725       $ 10,580,670       $ 260,745  

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 15, 2018, 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 $250 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 closing fee of $100,000 on the

 

 

49


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

Effective Date and a quarterly commitment fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the unused portion of the Committed Line amount. The Committed Line expires November 14, 2019, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Fund in accordance with the agreement.

On the Effective Date, the Fund, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also 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 plus 1.25% per annum on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds will pay a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 14, 2019 unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Fund in accordance with the agreement.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Fund did not utilize this facility.

10.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    Institutional Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     369,844       $ 3,082,484         1,293,798       $ 11,685,820  
Reinvestment of dividends     124,603         917,078         245,805         2,052,471  
Shares redeemed     (2,330,102       (19,288,064       (10,088,419       (91,015,474
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (1,835,655     $ (15,288,502       (8,548,816     $ (77,277,183
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,656,742       $ 13,891,665         4,718,667       $ 42,559,363  
Reinvestment of dividends     325,403         2,391,713         646,428         5,397,670  
Shares redeemed     (7,519,109       (61,521,380       (3,685,753       (33,003,848
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (5,536,964     $ (45,238,002       1,679,342       $ 14,953,185  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     72,977       $ 608,461         184,473       $ 1,646,602  
Reinvestment of dividends     10,299         75,180         14,153         117,475  
Shares redeemed     (187,306       (1,512,063       (383,986       (3,434,249
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (104,030     $ (828,422       (185,360     $ (1,670,172
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     3,052       $ 25,298         530       $ 4,762  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,319         9,603         1,007         8,349  
Shares redeemed     (3,160       (25,994       (618       (5,483
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     1,211       $ 8,907         919       $ 7,628  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

50


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2018

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2018           2017  

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     9,885       $ 82,000         340       $ 3,000  
Reinvestment of dividends     604         4,388         664         5,448  
Shares redeemed     (12,183       (99,531       (8,370       (73,583
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (1,694     $ (13,143       (7,366     $ (65,135
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

11.  Subsequent Events

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

 

 

51


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Institutional Class  
    Year Ended December 31,          

June 30,

2015A to
December 31,

 
             
    2018           2017           2016           2015  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.37       $ 9.06       $ 9.89       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.03 F         0.33         0.16         0.04  

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

    (0.35       (0.34       (0.02       0.11  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.32       (0.01       0.14         0.15  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.71       (0.61       (0.45       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.07       (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.71       (0.68       (0.97       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.34       $ 8.37       $ 9.06       $ 9.89  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (3.80 )%        (0.15 )%        1.39       1.46 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 9,666,324       $ 26,386,023       $ 105,989,910       $ 63,421,998  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.48       2.67       3.14       3.55 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    2.21       2.47       3.10       2.84 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.35       0.15       1.05       (0.31 )%D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.62       0.35       1.09       0.40 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    556       390       436       159 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of prime broker fees and dividends from securities sold short. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.53% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

F 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.06).

 

See accompanying notes

 

52


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,          

June 30,

2015A to
December 31,

 
             
    2018           2017           2016           2015  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.36       $ 9.06       $ 9.90       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.15 F G         0.02         0.10         0.06  

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

    (0.47       (0.04       0.03         0.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.32       (0.02       0.13         0.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.71       (0.61       (0.45       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.07       (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.71       (0.68       (0.97       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Redemption fees added to beneficial interests

    -         -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.33       $ 8.36       $ 9.06       $ 9.90  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (3.80 )%        (0.27 )%        1.28                       1.56 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 21,259,294       $ 70,589,684       $ 61,253,803       $ 26,059,687  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.54       2.94       3.31       3.83 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    2.33       2.79       3.30       3.27 %D 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    1.61       0.08       0.88       0.83 %D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.82       0.23       0.88       1.40 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    556       390       436       159 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of prime broker fees and dividends from securities sold short. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.63% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

F 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.09.

G 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

53


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,          

June 30,

2015A to
December 31,

 
             
    2018           2017           2016           2015  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.32       $ 9.01       $ 9.88       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.13 F G         0.08         0.30         0.02  

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

    (0.48       (0.12       (0.20       0.12  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.35       (0.04       0.10         0.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.69       (0.58       (0.45       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.07       (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.69       (0.65       (0.97       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.28       $ 8.32       $ 9.01       $ 9.88  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (4.17 )%        (0.49 )%        0.98       1.36 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 589,523       $ 1,539,554       $ 3,339,009       $ 2,186,944  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    3.22       3.00       3.47       4.23 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    2.60       2.93       3.50       3.23 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.98       (0.08 )%        0.32       (1.52 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    1.60       (0.01 )%        0.29       (0.53 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    556       390       436       159 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of prime broker fees and dividends from securities sold short. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.91% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

F 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.07.

G 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

54


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,          

June 30,

2015A to
December 31,

 
             
    2018           2017           2016           2015  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.31       $ 9.01       $ 9.88       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.23 F         0.03         0.07         0.08  

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

    (0.58       (0.07       0.03         0.06  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.35       (0.04       0.10         0.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.70       (0.59       (0.45       (0.06

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.07       (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.70       (0.66       (0.97       (0.26
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.26       $ 8.31       $ 9.01       $ 9.88  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (4.23 )%        (0.51 )%        0.98       1.36 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 108,393       $ 113,957       $ 115,308       $ 115,261  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.78       3.23       3.65       7.35 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    2.63       3.08       3.58       3.37 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    1.58       (0.22 )%        0.27       (3.54 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    1.73       (0.07 )%        0.34       0.44 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    556       390       436       159 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of prime broker fees and dividends from securities sold short. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 1.92% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

F 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $0.17.

 

See accompanying notes

 

55


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,          

June 30,

2015A to
December 31,

 
             
    2018           2017           2016           2015  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 8.23       $ 8.90       $ 9.85       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

    0.03 G         0.00 F         (0.01       0.05  

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

    (0.44       (0.11       0.03         0.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.41       (0.11       0.02         0.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.58       (0.49       (0.45       (0.05

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         (0.07       (0.52       (0.20
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.58       (0.56       (0.97       (0.25
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 7.24       $ 8.23       $ 8.90       $ 9.85  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (4.95 )%        (1.21 )%        0.17       1.00 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 58,729       $ 80,632       $ 152,859       $ 131,408  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    3.63       3.75       4.40       8.14 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    3.42       3.73       4.34       4.11 %D 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.30       (0.83 )%        (0.46 )%        (4.30 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.51       (0.82 )%        (0.40 )%        (0.28 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    556       390       436       159 %C 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

E 

Includes non-operating expenses consisting of prime broker fees and dividends from securities sold short. The Expenses, net of reimbursements, excluding non-operating expenses is 2.68% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

F 

Amount represents less than 0.005% of average net assets.

G 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment income per share would have been $(0.04).

 

See accompanying notes

 

56


American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage FundSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

Certain tax information regarding the Funds is required to be provided to shareholders based upon the Fund’s income and distributions for the taxable year ended December 31, 2018. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2018.

The Funds designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. All designations are based on financial information available as of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of the Funds to designate the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations there under.

Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction:

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

    23.32

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

    22.03

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

  $ -  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Ionic Strategic Arbitrage

  $ -  

Shareholders received notification in January 2019 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2018 income tax returns.

 

 

57


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

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

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Alan D. Feld** (82)    Trustee since 1996    Partner in the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (law firm) (1960-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (1999-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (1996-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Gilbert G. Alvarado (49)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Innovative North State (2012-2015); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Women’s Empowerment (2009-2014); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017-present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Joseph B. Armes (56)    Trustee since 2015    Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials f/k/a Capital Southwest Corporation (investment company) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation, predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (2014-present) (investment company); CEO, Capital Southwest Corporation (2013-2015); President & CEO, JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer) (2013-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Gerard J. Arpey (60)    Trustee since 2012    Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (2015-Present); Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

58


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Brenda A. Cline (58)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair since 2019

Vice Chair 2018

   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (public sector software solutions company) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Eugene J. Duffy (64)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994-2014); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-2013); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2008-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Claudia A. Holz*** (61)    Trustee since 2018    Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Douglas A. Lindgren**** (57)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); Managing Director, P&S Hedge Funds, UBS Wealth Management (2008-2010); Managing Director, Head of Alternative Investments, UBS Financial Services, Inc. (2005-2008); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Richard A. Massman (75)   

Trustee since 2004

Chair 2008-2018

Chair Emeritus since 2019

   Consultant and General Counsel Emeritus, Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming, ranching and venture capital activities) (2009-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2004-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (55)    Trustee since 2012    Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2012-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

59


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES (CONT.)   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
R. Gerald Turner (73)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-Present); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Mileage Funds (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Master Trust (2001-2012); Trustee, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (64)    President since 2009    CEO and Director (2009-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; President, American Beacon Advisors (2009-2018); President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman and CEO, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); President (2015-2018), Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); President and CEO, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2009-2015); President, CEO and Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2009-2015); Manager, President and CEO, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-Present); American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present); President.

 

 

60


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Rosemary K. Behan (59)   

VP, Secretary and

Chief Legal

Officer since 2006

   Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President and Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2008-Present); Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Brian E. Brett (58)    VP since 2004    Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present), Vice President, Director of Sales (2004-2012), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2018-Present), Vice President (2017-2018); Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-Present); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Paul B. Cavazos (49)    VP since 2016    Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy (2007-2016); Vice President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2016-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Erica Duncan (48)    VP Since 2011    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers (2018-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

61


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Melinda G. Heika (57)   

Treasurer

since 2010

   Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Treasurer, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Treasurer and CFO, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc., (2010-2015); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2010-2015); Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Terri L. McKinney (55)    VP since 2010    Vice President (2009-Present), Managing Director (2003-2009), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc (2018-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (43)    VP since 2010    Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Senior Vice President (2013-2018), Vice President (2010-2013), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice Present (2015-2018, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President (2017-Present), Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.; Director (2017-Present), President & COO (2018-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President (2018-Present), Vice President (2012-2018), Manager (2015-2018), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2013-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2013-2015); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

62


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Samuel J. Silver (55)    VP Since 2011    Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Christina E. Sears (47)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

and Asst. Secretary since 1999

   Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present) and Assistant Secretary (1999-Present), American Beacon Select Funds; Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Sonia L. Bates (62)    Asst. Treasurer since 2011    Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-2018); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2011-2015); Assistant Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2011-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Shelley D. Abrahams (44)    Assistant Secretary since 2008    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).
Rebecca L. Harris (52)    Assistant Secretary since 2010    Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services (2015-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

63


Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon FundsSM (Unaudited)

 

 

Name, Age

  

Position, Term of

Office and Length

of Time Served

with the Trust

  

Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

and Current Directorships

OFFICERS (CONT.)   

Term

  
   One Year   
Teresa A. Oxford (60)    Assistant Secretary since 2015    Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Resolute Investment Services (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

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

** Mr. Feld is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Trusts, as defined by the 1940 Act. Mr. Feld’s law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two fiscal years to one or more of the Trust’s sub-advisors.

*** Claudia A. Holz became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 4/1/2018.

**** Douglas A. Lindgren became a new Trustee to each of the Trusts on 1/1/2018.

 

 

64


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

 

   

information we receive from you on applications or other forms;

 

   

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

 

   

information we receive from third parties.

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

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

 

 

65


  

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

66


  

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

67


  

 

 

 

 

 

This page intentionally left blank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

68


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 calendar quarter.   A description of the policies and procedures the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in the Fund’s Statement of Additional Information, is available free of charge on the Fund’s website www.americanbeaconfunds.com and by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by accessing the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is filed annually with the SEC on Form N-PX. The Fund’s Forms N-PX are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record may also be obtained by calling 1-800-967-9009.

Fund Service Providers:

 

CUSTODIAN

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts

   

TRANSFER AGENT

DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.

Quincy, Massachusetts

   

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

   

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 Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 12/18


ITEM 2.

CODE OF ETHICS.

The Trust adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive and financial officers (the “Code”). The Trust amended its code March 1, 2018 to disclose the addition of the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund and American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, disclose a change in the Principal Financial Officer and disclosure of conflicts due to Principal Officers serving in positions with affiliates, which also serve as sub-advisors. The Trust did not grant any waivers to the provisions of the Code during the period covered by the shareholder reports presented in Item 1. The Code is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.CODE ETH.

 

ITEM 3.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

The Trust’s Board of Trustees has determined that Gilbert G. Alvarado, a member of the Trust’s Audit and Compliance Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Form N-CSR. Mr. Gilbert Alvarado is “independent” as defined in Form N-CSR.

 

ITEM 4.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

(a)

 

Audit Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$256,113

     12/31/2017  

$254,636

     12/31/2018  

(b)

 

Audit-Related Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$0

     12/31/2017  

$0

     12/31/2018  

(c)

 

Tax Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$172,043

     12/31/2017  

$126,107

     12/31/2018  

(d)

 

All Other Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$0

     12/31/2017  

$0

     12/31/2018  

(e)(1) Pursuant to its charter, the Trust’s Audit and Compliance Committee shall have the following duties and powers pertaining to pre-approval of audit and non-audit services provided by the Trust’s principal accountant:

 

   

to approve, prior to appointment, the engagement of auditors to annually audit and provide their opinion on the Trusts’ financial statements, and, in connection therewith, reviewing and evaluating matters potentially affecting the independence and capabilities of the auditors;


   

to approve, prior to appointment, the engagement of the auditors to provide non-audit services to the Trusts, an investment adviser to any series of the Trusts or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with an investment adviser (“adviser affiliate”) that provides ongoing services to the Trusts, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Trusts;

 

   

to consider whether the non-audit services provided by a Trust’s auditor to an investment adviser or any adviser affiliate that provides ongoing services to a series of the Trusts, which services were not pre-approved by the Committee, are compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence;

 

   

to review the arrangements for and scope of the annual audit and any special audits; and

 

   

to review and approving the fees proposed to be charged to the Trusts by the auditors for each audit and non-audit service.

The Audit and Compliance Committee may delegate any portion of its authority, including the authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permitted non-audit services, to a subcommittee of one or more members. Any decisions of the subcommittee to grant pre-approvals shall be presented to the full audit committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

(e)(2) None of the fees disclosed in paragraphs (b) through (d) above were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

(f) Not applicable.

(g) Aggregate Non-Audit Fees for Services Rendered to the:

 

Registrant

   Adviser      Adviser’s Affiliates Providing
Ongoing Services to Registrant
   Fiscal Year Ended  

$172,043

   $ 110,167      N/A      12/31/2017  

$126,107

   $ 409,769      N/A      12/31/2018  

(h) Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6.

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

The schedules of investments for each series of the Trust are included in the shareholder reports presented in Item 1.

 

ITEM 7.

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.


ITEM 8.

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 9.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 10.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

The Trust has made no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Trust’s Board of Trustees since the Trust last disclosed such procedures in Schedule 14A.

 

ITEM 11.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

(a) Based upon an evaluation within 90 days of the filing date of this report, the principal executive and financial officers concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Trust are effective.

(b) There were no changes in the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12.

EXHIBITS.

(a)(1) Filed herewith as EX-99.CODE ETH.

(a)(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Trust as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is attached hereto as EX-99.CERT.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b)    The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached hereto as EX-99.906CERT.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(Registrant): American Beacon Funds

 

By /s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.

Gene L. Needles, Jr.
President
American Beacon Funds

Date: March 6, 2019

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: March 6, 2019

 

By /s/ Melinda G. Heika

Melinda G. Heika
Treasurer
American Beacon Funds

Date: March 6, 2019