N-CSR 1 d102957dncsr.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, 2020

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2020

 

 

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

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

AHL MANAGED FUTURES STRATEGY FUND

Investing in derivative instruments involves liquidity, credit, interest rate and market risks. The use of quantitative models may lead to high levels of trading and concentration among certain investments, resulting in higher trading costs and return volatility. Investing in foreign and emerging market securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. 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.

AHL TARGETRISK CORE 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. 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.

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, 2020


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    12  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    15  

Schedules of Investments:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

    16  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

    30  

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

    35  

Financial Statements

    38  

Notes to Financial Statements

    43  

Financial Highlights:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

    79  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

    84  

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

    89  

Affirmation of the Commodity Pool Operator

    93  

Federal Tax Information

    94  

Disclosure Regarding Approval of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements

    95  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    99  

Privacy Policy

    105  

Additional Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

For much of this reporting period, headlines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. presidential election dominated the 24-hour news cycle. Chances are, the media coverage about these ongoing headwinds – including sickness and death, healthcare insurance and vaccines, unemployment and underemployment, food and housing insecurities, civil unrest and disobedience, and the transition of government leadership – has left you feeling adrift and fearful.

 

During such uncertainty, we recognize that fear of loss can be a powerful emotion, leading many investors to make short-term decisions subject to a variety of potential error-leading biases. Unfortunately, short-term investment decisions may capsize future plans. We encourage investors to

remain focused on the horizon by working with financial professionals to make thoughtful adjustments based on changing needs and long-term financial goals.

Our three Ds – direction, discipline and diversification – may help you navigate this conversation.

 

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 maintain your bearing. 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 investment styles 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. 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 continuing to stay the course with American Beacon. For additional information about our investment products 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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

Although the presence of COVID-19 was well known during the first two months of 2020, it wasn’t until March that its effect rippled through financial markets as investors scrambled to quantify the impact of the disease on economies. The CBOE Volatility Index, or VIX, reached levels previously seen only during the depths of 2008’s financial crisis, and central banks and governments worldwide implemented huge stimulus packages amidst spikes in unemployment claims. On top of this, a spat between OPEC members Russia and Saudi Arabia over oil production led to a sharp fall in the price of crude in March.

Following one of the sharpest equity sell-offs in history came one of the most dramatic rallies: The S&P 500 Index rallied by 68% and the Nasdaq Composite Index grew by 88% from the trough in March through the end of 2020. This impressive rally, fueled by technology and pharmaceutical stocks, highlighted a shift to a new paradigm and a world transitioning to working from home.

The last stretch of the year was marked by positive reports on the vaccine front. Three vaccine manufacturers published better-than-expected clinical trial results and announced the possibility that a rollout could commence as early as Christmas. This, coupled with news of a Biden-Harris win in the U.S. presidential election, propelled global equities to new all-time highs.

The aforementioned backdrop led to heightened market volatility for the 12-month period, and alternative asset classes broadly produced positive returns. For context, the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index returned a solid 7.31% in 2020. To highlight some of the sub-categories of 2020 performance, the HFRX Equity Hedge Index was up 16.01%, the HFRX Macro/CTA Index was up 3.98% and the HFRX Relative Value Arbitrage Index was up 2.58%.

 

 

2


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund (the “Fund”) returned 10.42% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 8/19/2014 through 12/31/2020

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period ended December 31, 2020

 

    

Ticker

  

1 Year

  

3 Years

  

5 Years

  

Since Inception
(8/19/2014)

  

Value of $10,000

8/19/2014-

12/31/2020

R5 Class** (1,4)

   AHLIX        10.77 %        4.48 %        3.65 %        4.72 %      $ 13,416

Y Class (1,4)

   AHLYX        10.71 %        4.41 %        3.58 %        4.63 %      $ 13,342

Investor Class (1,4)

   AHLPX        10.42 %        4.12 %        3.28 %        4.33 %      $ 13,098

A without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

   AHLAX        10.42 %        4.10 %        3.24 %        4.30 %      $ 13,075

A with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

   AHLAX        4.11 %        2.05 %        2.02 %        3.34 %      $ 12,323

C without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

   AHLCX        9.62 %        3.32 %        2.49 %        3.54 %      $ 12,479

C with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

   AHLCX        8.62 %        3.32 %        2.49 %        3.54 %      $ 12,479
                           

ICE BOFA U.S. 3-Month Treasury Bill Index (3)

          0.67 %        1.61 %        1.20 %        0.95 %      $ 10,620

 

**

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

 

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%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

3.

ICE BofA 3-Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index is an index of U.S. Treasury securities maturing in less than 3 months that assumes reinvestment of all income and is intended to track the daily performance of 3-month U.S. Treasury bills. One cannot directly invest in an index.

 

4.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y, Investor, A, and C Class shares were 1.60%, 1.64%, 1.94%, 1.94%, and 2.69%, 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.

Over the period three sectors added positive performance while one was negative.

The best performing sector in 2020 was Commodities which added 6.6%. Short positions in Natural Gas and long positions in Soybean added the most.

Currencies contributed the second most (+5.6%) during the period. During the first quarter performance was largely made through long U.S. dollar positions, but after risk sentiment reversed in the second quarter, short U.S. dollar positions drove returns. On the year, long positions in Australian dollar versus U.S. dollar and Brazilian real versus U.S. dollar performed best.

Fixed-income also contributed to performance on the year by returning 2.8%. Long positions in Eurodollar and U.S. 10-year Treasuries registered the largest gains.

Lastly, stocks were the sole detractor over the period losing 3.5%. Long positions in the DAX and Euro-Stoxx indices generated the largest losses.

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, 2020

 

 

Top Active Exposures By Asset Class

 

Commodities           % of VaR * 
Natural Gas      Short          4.32  
Crude Oil      Long          3.78  
Silver      Long          3.78  
Copper      Long          2.70  
RBOB Gasoline      Long          1.89  
       
Currencies           % of VaR * 
AUD/USD      Long          4.59  
EUR/USD      Long          4.59  
JPY/USD      Long          2.97  
MXN/USD      Short          2.70  
CAD/USD      Long          2.43  
       
Equities           % of VaR * 
S&P 500 Index      Long          3.24  
Korean Kospi Index      Long          2.97  
Australian SPI 200 Index      Long          2.43  
Euro-STOXX Index      Long          2.43  
South African All Share Index      Long          2.43  
       
Fixed Income           % of VaR * 
Euro-BUND      Long          1.08  
Eurodollar      Long          0.81  
Euribor      Long          0.54  
Euro-BUXL      Long          0.54  
U.K. Gilts      Long          0.54  
       
Asset Class Exposure           % of VaR * 
Equities           37.57  
Currencies           29.46  
Commodities           27.57  
Fixed Income           5.40  
       
Top 10 Holdings        
AUD/USD      Long          4.59  
EUR/USD      Long          4.59  
Natural Gas      Short          4.32  
Crude Oil      Long          3.78  
Silver      Long          3.78  
S&P 500 Index      Long          3.24  
JPY/USD      Long          2.97  
Korean Kospi Index      Long          2.97  
Copper      Long          2.70  
MXN/USD      Short          2.70  

 

*

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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund (the “Fund”) returned 5.18% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2018 through 12/31/2020

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2020

 

    
      

Ticker

    

1 Year

 

Since Inception
(12/31/2018)

  

Value of $10,000

12/31/2018-

12/31/2020

R5 Class** (1,3)

     AHTIX          5.59 %       15.88 %      $ 13,428

Y Class (1,3)

     AHTYX          5.55 %       15.81 %      $ 13,411

Investor Class (1,3)

     AHTPX          5.18 %       15.51 %      $ 13,342

A without Sales Charge (1,2,3)

     AHTAX          5.11 %       15.53 %      $ 13,347

A with Sales Charge (1,2,3)

     AHTAX          (0.94 )%       12.16 %      $ 12,580

C without Sales Charge (1,2,3)

     AHACX          4.37 %       14.84 %      $ 13,188

C with Sales Charge (1,2,3)

     AHACX          3.37 %       14.84 %      $ 13,188
                    

60% MSCI World Index Hedged to USD / 40% Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Total Return Index Value

              11.42 %       15.69 %      $ 13,390

MSCI World Index

              15.19 %       21.64 %      $ 14,797

Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Total Return Index

              9.20 %       8.01 %      $ 11,666

 

**

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

 

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.

 

 

6


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.

A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase. Fund performance represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/18 up to the 4/30/19 inception date of the A and C Classes and returns of the A and C Classes since 4/30/19. Expenses of the A and C Classes are higher than those of the Investor Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A and C Classes been in existence since 12/31/18.

 

3.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y, Investor, A and C Class shares were 1.59%, 1.62%, 1.93%, 2.33%, and 2.76%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

 

4.

The AHL TargetRisk Fund’s annual total return is compared to the TargetRisk Composite Index, which combines the returns of the MSCI World Index Hedged to U.S. Dollars (USD) and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Total Return Index Value Hedged USD in a 60%/40% proportion. The MSCI World Index Hedged to USD represents a close estimation of the performance that can be achieved by hedging the currency exposures of its parent index, the MSCI World Index, to the USD, the “home” currency for the hedged index. The index is 100% hedged to the USD by selling each foreign currency forward at the one-month forward weight. The parent index is composed of large and mid-cap stocks across 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries and its local performance is calculated in 13 different currencies, including the Euro. 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 Total Return Index Value Hedged USD is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from 24 local currency markets. This multi-currency benchmark includes treasury, government-related, corporate and securitized fixed-rate bonds from both developed and emerging markets issuers. One cannot directly invest in an index.

The Fund has shown its resilience in volatile markets and was able to navigate through a tumultuous year, and limit losses in a difficult first quarter. While risk-off assets were the biggest beneficiary early in the year, risk-on assets recouped some of the losses and finished the year marginally down.

Although the risk overlays were active throughout the first quarter, they started deactivating in April, and the Fund ran most of the year at full allocation to the asset classes. The sub-advisor’s intraday monitoring of portfolio correlations triggered adjustments in August, which helped minimize the drawdown during short bouts of weakness in bonds and equities.

Looking more granularly at performance, the Fixed Income sector clearly stood out adding more than 100% of the overall fund gains on the year posting a return of 7.5%. The U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities and long bond treasury did best. All the other sectors were negative, led by Credit which lost 1.3%. Within Credit, it was the U.S. Investment Grade and High Yield indices that detracted the most. The Commodities index registered a loss of 0.4%. After a strong fourth quarter, stocks finished just marginally negative posting a return of negative 0.1%. The FTSE 100 and Euro-Stoxx indices were the largest detractors.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to implement its trading strategy designed to maintain its targeted risk profile, by investing in a broad range of global equities, fixed-income, credit, and commodity markets, seeking to achieve the Fund’s goal of capital growth.

 

 

7


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020

 

 

Top Ten Holdings           % of VaR * 
U.S. Treasuries           14.86  
BBG Commodity ex-Agriculturals Index           12.57  
S&P 500 Index           6.29  
Gilts           5.71  
NASDAQ 100 Index           4.00  
U.S. High Yield CDX Index           4.00  
Euro-BUND           3.43  
Euro-STOXX           3.43  
Tokyo Stock Exchange Index           3.43  
European 5-Year Crossover iTraxx Index           2.86  
       
Asset Class Exposure      Net  (%)         % of VaR * 
Bonds      120.1          34.3  
Credits      44.4          9.1  
Commodities      10.6          12.6  
Stock Indices      31.9          44.0  
Fund-Level VaR           0.9  

 

*

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).

 

 

8


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Y Class of the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund (the “Fund”) returned 0.50% for the period since inception on December 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $100,000 Investment for the period from 12/16/2020 through 12/31/2020

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2020

 

      

Ticker

  

Since Inception
(12/16/2020)

 

Value of $100,000
12/16/2020-

12/31/2020

R6 Class (1,3)

     AHTRX        0.50 %     $ 100,500

Y Class (1,3)

     AABYX        0.50 %     $ 100,500

A without Sales Charge (1,2,3)

     AAHAX        0.40 %     $ 100,400

A with Sales Charge (1,2,3)

     AAHAX        (5.37 )%     $ 94,630

C without Sales Charge (1,2,3)

     AAECX        0.40 %     $ 100,400

C with Sales Charge (1,2,3)

     AAECX        (0.60 )%     $ 99,400
             

60% MSCI World Index Hedged to USD / 40% Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Total Return Index Value Hedged to USD (4)

            1.00 %     $ 101,000

Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Total Return Index (4)

            0.19 %     $ 100,190

MSCI World 100% Hedged to USD NETR (4)

            1.54 %     $ 101,540

 

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.

A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

 

9


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

3.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R6, Y, A and C Class shares were 1.75%, 1.85%, 2.15%, and 2.90%, 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.

 

4.

The AHL TargetRisk Core Fund’s annual total return is compared to the TargetRisk Composite Index, which combines the returns of the MSCI World Index Hedged to U.S. Dollars (USD) and the Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate Total Return Index Value Hedged USD in a 60%/40% proportion. The MSCI World Index Hedged to USD represents a close estimation of the performance that can be achieved by hedging the currency exposures of its parent index, the MSCI World Index, to the USD, the “home” currency for the hedged index. The index is 100% hedged to the USD by selling each foreign currency forward at the one-month forward weight. The parent index is composed of large and mid-cap stocks across 23 Developed Markets (DM) countries and its local performance is calculated in 13 different currencies, including the Euro. 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 Total Return Index Value Hedged USD is a flagship measure of global investment grade debt from 24 local currency markets. This multi-currency benchmark includes treasury, government-related, corporate and securitized fixed-rate bonds from both developed and emerging markets issuers. One cannot directly invest in an index.

Stocks contributed the most to performance in the short period since Fund inception. Asian equities did best with the Korean Kospi and Japanese Nikkei leading the way. Bonds also generated positive performance as U.K. 10-year Gilts and the Ultra U.S. Treasury Bond added the most.

Looking forward, the Fund’s sub-advisor will continue to implement its trading strategy designed to maintain its targeted risk profile, by investing in a broad range of global equities and fixed income instruments while seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective of capital growth.

 

 

10


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020

 

 

Top Active Exposures By Asset Class

 

Equities           % of VaR * 
S&P 500 Index      Long          5.60  
TOPIX Index      Long          5.22  
FTSE 100 Index      Long          3.50  
       
Interest Rate           % of VaR * 
Japanese 10-Year Government Bond      Long          14.64  
U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note      Long          13.81  
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note      Long          13.75  
       
Asset Class Exposure           % of VaR * 
Interest Rate           56.8  
Equities           43.2  

 

*

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).

 

 

11


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2020 (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, 2020 through December 31, 2020 for the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and AHL TargetRisk Fund and from December 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020 for the AHL TargetRisk Core 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 R5 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 R5 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.

 

 

12


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund            
    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2020
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2020
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2020-12/31/2020*
R5 Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,076.10       $8.04
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,017.40       $7.81
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,076.40       $8.40
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,017.04       $8.16
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,074.40       $10.01
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,015.48       $9.73
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,074.30       $9.75
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,015.74       $9.48
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,071.20       $13.64
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,011.97       $13.25

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.54%, 1.61%, 1.92%, 1.87%, and 2.62% for the R5, 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 (366) to reflect the half-year period.

**

Formerly known as Institutional Class.

***

5% return before expenses.

 

American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2020
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2020
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2020-12/31/2020*
R5 Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,074.50       $5.42
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.91       $5.28
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,073.10       $5.78
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.56       $5.63
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,072.10       $7.40
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,018.00       $7.20
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,071.40       $7.39
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,018.00       $7.20
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,067.60       $11.38
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,014.13       $11.09

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.04%, 1.11%, 1.42%, 1.42%, and 2.19% for the R5, 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 (366) to reflect the half-year period.

**

Formerly known as Institutional Class.

***

5% return before expenses.

 

 

13


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund            
    Beginning Account Value
12/16/2020
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2020
  Expenses Paid During
Period
12/16/2020-12/31/2020*
Y Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,005.00       $0.45
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,001.60       $0.45
A Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,004.00       $0.57
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,001.48       $0.57
C Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,004.00       $0.88
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,001.17       $0.88
R6 Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,005.00       $0.41
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,001.64       $0.41

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 1.09%, 1.39%, 2.14%, and 0.99% for the Y, 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 (15) by days in the year (366) to reflect the half-year period.

**

Commencement operations on December 16, 2020.

***

5% return before expenses.

 

 

14


American Beacon FundsSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund (consolidated), American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund (consolidated), and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund (collectively referred to as the “Funds”), (three of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”)), including the (consolidated) schedules of investments, as of December 31, 2020, and the related (consolidated) statements of operations, changes in net assets, and 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 (three of the funds constituting American Beacon Funds) at December 31, 2020, 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    For the year ended December 31, 2020    For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020    For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2020
American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund    For the year ended December 31, 2020    For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020    For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020 and for the day of December 31, 2018 (commencement of operations)
American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund    For the period from December 16, 2020 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 2020

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, 2020, 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, 2021

 

 

15


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
             
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 83.62%            
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 83.62%            
U.S. Treasury Bills,            

0.093%, Due 1/14/2021

    $ 50,000,000         $ 49,999,375

0.245%, Due 1/21/2021

      15,000,000           14,999,681

0.133%, Due 1/28/2021

      50,000,000           49,998,083

0.154%, Due 2/4/2021

      50,000,000           49,997,632

0.116%, Due 2/11/2021A

      85,000,000           84,994,617

0.089%, Due 2/25/2021

      50,000,000           49,995,125

0.114%, Due 3/4/2021A

      85,000,000           84,990,249

0.126%, Due 3/11/2021

      50,000,000           49,993,125

0.105%, Due 3/18/2021A

      85,000,000           84,987,935

0.091%, Due 4/15/2021

      50,000,000           49,988,427

0.082%, Due 4/22/2021

      50,000,000           49,988,000

0.085%, Due 5/6/2021A

      90,000,000           89,974,838

0.098%, Due 5/13/2021A

      90,000,000           89,973,797

0.084%, Due 6/3/2021A

      95,000,000           94,967,245
U.S. Treasury Cash Management Bills, 0.102%, Due 2/18/2021       50,000,000           49,995,937
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $944,799,517)

              944,844,066
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 83.62% (Cost $944,799,517)

              944,844,066

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 16.38%

              185,099,604
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 1,129,943,670
           

 

 

 
             
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 Fair valued pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:         
Commodity Futures Contracts                     
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Brent Crude FuturesA    351    March 2021    $ 18,041,015      $ 18,181,800      $ 140,785  
Cocoa FuturesA    116    March 2021      3,174,177        3,019,480        (154,697
Coffee FuturesA    133    March 2021      6,153,657        6,396,469        242,812  
Copper FuturesA    261    March 2021      21,633,127        22,961,475        1,328,348  
Corn FuturesA    710    March 2021      15,234,024        17,182,000        1,947,976  
Gasoline RBOB FuturesA    267    February 2021      15,137,702        15,812,862        675,160  
Gold 100oz FuturesA    61    February 2021      11,512,349        11,560,110        47,761  
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    16    November 2021      120,940        111,840        (9,100
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    16    December 2021      120,940        116,520        (4,420
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    16    January 2021      120,940        120,240        (700
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    16    February 2022      120,940        117,560        (3,380
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    16    March 2022      120,940        111,680        (9,260
KC Hard Red Winter Wheat FuturesA    235    March 2021      6,663,799        7,091,125        427,326  
LME Copper FuturesA    138    January 2021      23,306,392        26,764,238        3,457,846  
LME Copper FuturesA    63    February 2021      10,770,941        12,224,756        1,453,815  
LME Lead FuturesA    44    January 2021      2,094,400        2,181,575        87,175  
LME Lead FuturesA    76    February 2021      3,810,930        3,779,575        (31,355
LME Lead FuturesA    20    March 2021      1,039,946        997,375        (42,571
LME Nickel FuturesA    116    January 2021      10,700,963        11,530,284        829,321  
LME Nickel FuturesA    34    February 2021      3,228,454        3,383,748        155,294  
LME Nickel FuturesA    12    March 2021      1,185,411        1,195,776        10,365  
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA    612    January 2021      28,699,230        30,278,700        1,579,470  

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Commodity Futures Contracts                     
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA    347    February 2021    $ 16,562,978      $ 17,133,125      $ 570,147  
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA    35    March 2021      1,746,828        1,730,312        (16,516
LME Zinc FuturesA    265    January 2021      16,671,109        18,108,311        1,437,202  
LME Zinc FuturesA    73    February 2021      4,659,493        5,003,840        344,347  
Low Sulphur Gasoil FuturesA    213    January 2021      8,539,058        8,961,975        422,917  
Low Sulphur Gasoil FuturesA    7    February 2021      300,658        296,099        (4,559
NY Harbor ULSD FuturesA    140    February 2021      8,608,401        8,725,920        117,519  
Silver FuturesA    182    March 2021      22,609,232        24,034,920        1,425,688  
Soybean FuturesA    350    March 2021      21,321,776        22,942,500        1,620,724  
Sugar #11 World FuturesA    666    March 2021      10,782,912        11,554,301        771,389  
WTI Crude FuturesA    373    February 2021      17,419,842        18,097,960        678,118  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 312,213,504      $ 331,708,451      $ 19,494,947  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Currency Futures Contracts                     
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Austrailian Dollar Currency Futures    1,910    March 2021    $ 142,345,132      $ 147,070,000      $ 4,724,868  
British Pound Currency Futures    867    March 2021      73,003,842        74,014,707        1,010,865  
Canadian Dollar Currency Futures    1,573    March 2021      122,537,904        123,228,819        690,915  
Euro Currency Futures    1,400    March 2021      213,113,114        214,305,000        1,191,886  
Japanese Yen Currency Futures    1,322    March 2021      159,402,667        160,110,725        708,058  
Mexican Peso Futures    2,422    March 2021      60,249,023        60,235,140        (13,883
New Zealand Dollar Currency Futures    848    March 2021      60,038,558        60,954,240        915,682  
Swiss Franc Currency Futures    219    March 2021      30,846,473        30,993,975        147,502  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 861,536,713      $ 870,912,606      $ 9,375,893  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Equity Futures Contracts                     
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Amsterdam Index Futures    103    January 2021      $15,585,150      $ 15,716,917      $ 131,767  
CAC40 Index Futures    241    January 2021      16,404,459        16,316,627        (87,832
DAX Index Futures    66    March 2021      27,076,607        27,708,124        631,517  
E-mini Russell 2000 Index Futures    249    March 2021      23,829,914        24,586,260        756,346  
Euro Stoxx 50 Index Futures    754    March 2021      32,657,934        32,699,907        41,973  
FTSE 100 Index Futures    218    March 2021      19,255,068        19,138,994        (116,074
FTSE Taiwan Index Futures    513    January 2021      25,801,954        26,178,390        376,436  
FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index Futures    1,110    March 2021      41,483,138        41,259,973        (223,165
FTSE/MIB Index Futures    152    March 2021      20,222,670        20,545,760        323,090  
Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures    385    January 2021      25,875,086        26,571,503        696,417  
Hang Seng Index Futures    220    January 2021      37,497,612        38,621,210        1,123,598  
KOSPI 200 Index Futures    544    March 2021      45,313,115        48,719,875        3,406,760  
Mini MSCI EAFE Index Futures    216    March 2021      22,766,095        23,012,640        246,545  
Mini MSCI Emerging Markets Index Futures    393    March 2021      24,667,694        25,313,130        645,436  
NASDAQ 100 E-Mini Futures    109    March 2021      27,012,405        28,090,390        1,077,985  
Nikkei 225 (SGX) Futures    230    March 2021      29,763,075        30,616,920        853,845  
OMXS30 Index Futures    661    January 2021      15,181,879        15,089,738        (92,141
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures    310    March 2021      56,710,872        58,106,400        1,395,528  
S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures    208    March 2021      33,944,349        33,625,768        (318,581
SPI 200 Futures    410    March 2021      52,075,520        51,656,925        (418,595
TOPIX Index Futures    190    March 2021      32,497,533        33,204,687        707,154  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 625,622,129      $ 636,780,138      $ 11,158,009  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures    1,116    March 2022    $ 342,715,649      $ 342,714,995      $ (654
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures    666    December 2022      204,534,026        204,482,784        (51,242
3-Month Euro Euribor Futures    636    September 2023      195,223,660        195,184,439        (39,221
90-Day Eurodollar Futures    889    March 2022      221,817,875        221,849,950        32,075  
90-Day Eurodollar Futures    1,718    December 2022      428,303,115        428,404,775        101,660  
90-Day Eurodollar Futures    1,619    September 2023      402,907,849        402,989,337        81,488  
90-Day Sterling Futures    3,537    March 2022      604,246,209        604,607,125        360,916  
90-Day Sterling Futures    826    December 2022      141,075,562        141,152,099        76,537  
Australian 10-Year Bond Futures    257    March 2021      29,177,472        29,171,306        (6,166
Euro-Bund Futures    445    March 2021      96,668,004        96,571,195        (96,809
Euro-Buxl 30-Year Bond Futures    76    March 2021      20,825,786        20,912,499        86,713  
Japanese 10-Year Government Bond Futures    22    March 2021      32,397,906        32,368,796        (29,110
Long GILT Futures    285    March 2021      52,807,013        52,825,051        18,038  
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note Futures    659    March 2021      90,937,210        90,993,485        56,275  
U.S. Treasury 2-Year Note Futures    1,260    March 2021      278,386,080        278,430,468        44,388  
U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note Futures    693    March 2021      87,336,510        87,431,696        95,186  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 3,229,359,926      $ 3,230,090,000      $ 730,074  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Short Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Commodity Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount     Contract Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    12    April 2021    $ (75,345   $ (76,140   $ (795
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    12    May 2021      (75,345     (76,650     (1,305
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    12    June 2021      (75,345     (78,330     (2,985
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    12    July 2021      (75,345     (80,550     (5,205
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    12    August 2021      (75,345     (81,450     (6,105
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    12    September 2021      (75,345     (81,360     (6,015
Henry Hub Natural Gas FuturesA B    12    October 2021      (75,345     (82,230     (6,885
LME Copper FuturesA    71    January 2021      (12,753,150     (13,770,006     (1,016,856
LME Lead FuturesA    44    January 2021      (1,941,348     (2,181,575     (240,227
LME Lead FuturesA    32    February 2021      (1,557,493     (1,591,400     (33,907
LME Nickel FuturesA    71    January 2021      (6,862,799     (7,057,329     (194,530
LME Primary Aluminum FuturesA    457    January 2021      (22,701,297     (22,610,075     91,222  
LME Zinc FuturesA    111    January 2021      (7,620,229     (7,584,991     35,238  
Natural Gas FuturesA    783    February 2021      (20,895,863     (19,880,370     1,015,493  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (74,859,594   $ (75,232,456   $ (372,862
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Currency Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount     Contract Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
U.S. Dollar Index Futures    1,105    March 2021    $ (100,114,347   $ (99,332,870   $ 781,477  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (100,114,347   $ (99,332,870   $ 781,477  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Interest Rate Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount     Contract Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Euro-Bobl Futures    327    March 2021    $ (53,993,206   $ (54,001,650   $ (8,444
Euro-Schatz Futures    1,055    March 2021      (144,712,185     (144,704,605     7,580  
U.S. Long Bond Futures    112    March 2021      (19,405,771     (19,397,000     8,771  
U.S. Ultra Bond Futures    45    March 2021      (9,628,592     (9,610,312     18,280  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (227,739,754   $ (227,713,567   $ 26,187  
        

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
KRW        276,189      USD        272,990        1/8/2021        DUB      $ 3,199      $ -      $ 3,199  
KRW        368,251      USD        362,256        1/8/2021        DUB        5,995        -        5,995  
KRW        368,251      USD        361,686        1/8/2021        DUB        6,565        -        6,565  
KRW        368,251      USD        362,204        1/8/2021        DUB        6,047        -        6,047  
KRW        368,251      USD        361,801        1/8/2021        DUB        6,450        -        6,450  
KRW        460,314      USD        452,041        1/8/2021        DUB        8,273        -        8,273  
KRW        552,377      USD        543,075        1/8/2021        DUB        9,302        -        9,302  
KRW        552,377      USD        543,212        1/8/2021        DUB        9,165        -        9,165  
KRW        552,377      USD        543,273        1/8/2021        DUB        9,104        -        9,104  
KRW        552,377      USD        543,519        1/8/2021        DUB        8,858        -        8,858  
KRW        552,377      USD        543,399        1/8/2021        DUB        8,978        -        8,978  
KRW        552,377      USD        543,572        1/8/2021        DUB        8,805        -        8,805  
KRW        644,440      USD        633,613        1/8/2021        DUB        10,827        -        10,827  
KRW        736,503      USD        723,962        1/8/2021        DUB        12,541        -        12,541  
KRW        828,566      USD        814,370        1/8/2021        DUB        14,196        -        14,196  
KRW        1,380,943      USD        1,356,962        1/8/2021        DUB        23,981        -        23,981  
KRW        1,749,194      USD        1,751,103        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (1,909      (1,909
KRW        33,473,299      USD        33,136,366        1/8/2021        DUB        336,933        -        336,933  
KRW        34,745,284      USD        34,392,068        1/8/2021        DUB        353,216        -        353,216  
USD        26,246,120      KRW        26,468,074        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (221,954      (221,954
USD        20,127,796      KRW        20,299,862        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (172,066      (172,066
USD        3,139,398      KRW        3,130,137        1/8/2021        DUB        9,261        -        9,261  
USD        2,494,572      KRW        2,485,697        1/8/2021        DUB        8,875        -        8,875  
USD        2,213,839      KRW        2,209,509        1/8/2021        DUB        4,330        -        4,330  
USD        2,084,504      KRW        2,117,446        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (32,942      (32,942
USD        1,715,219      KRW        1,749,194        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (33,975      (33,975
USD        1,627,354      KRW        1,657,132        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (29,778      (29,778
USD        1,630,347      KRW        1,657,132        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (26,785      (26,785
USD        1,638,121      KRW        1,657,132        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (19,011      (19,011
USD        1,444,422      KRW        1,473,006        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (28,584      (28,584
USD        1,447,270      KRW        1,473,006        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (25,736      (25,736
USD        1,084,197      KRW        1,104,754        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (20,557      (20,557
USD        1,092,388      KRW        1,104,754        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (12,366      (12,366
USD        908,925      KRW        920,629        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (11,704      (11,704
USD        816,942      KRW        828,566        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (11,624      (11,624
USD        816,764      KRW        828,566        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (11,802      (11,802
USD        726,460      KRW        736,503        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (10,043      (10,043
USD        635,907      KRW        644,440        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (8,533      (8,533
USD        631,775      KRW        644,440        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (12,665      (12,665
USD        631,547      KRW        644,440        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (12,893      (12,893
USD        646,019      KRW        644,440        1/8/2021        DUB        1,579        -        1,579  
USD        601,994      KRW        613,752        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (11,758      (11,758
USD        567,331      KRW        575,393        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (8,062      (8,062
USD        453,632      KRW        460,314        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (6,682      (6,682
USD        454,992      KRW        460,314        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (5,322      (5,322
USD        363,273      KRW        368,251        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (4,978      (4,978
USD        361,265      KRW        368,251        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (6,986      (6,986
USD        363,527      KRW        368,251        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (4,724      (4,724
USD        270,900      KRW        276,189        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (5,289      (5,289
USD        210,875      KRW        214,813        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (3,938      (3,938
USD        181,754      KRW        184,126        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (2,372      (2,372
USD        181,763      KRW        184,126        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (2,363      (2,363
USD        90,586      KRW        92,063        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (1,477      (1,477
USD        90,275      KRW        92,063        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (1,788      (1,788
USD        90,303      KRW        92,063        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (1,760      (1,760
USD        90,882      KRW        92,063        1/8/2021        DUB        -        (1,181      (1,181
USD        92,431      KRW        92,063        1/8/2021        DUB        368        -        368  

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD        68,078      KRW        69,047        1/8/2021        DUB      $ -      $ (969    $ (969
PHP        10,729      USD        10,684        1/12/2021        DUB        45        -        45  
TWD        88,977      USD        88,035        1/12/2021        DUB        942        -        942  
TWD        88,977      USD        89,497        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (520      (520
TWD        88,977      USD        89,405        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (428      (428
TWD        88,977      USD        89,497        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (520      (520
PHP        104,107      USD        104,025        1/12/2021        DUB        82        -        82  
PHP        156,161      USD        155,583        1/12/2021        DUB        578        -        578  
PHP        156,161      USD        155,612        1/12/2021        DUB        549        -        549  
TWD        177,954      USD        179,207        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (1,253      (1,253
TWD        177,954      USD        178,775        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (821      (821
TWD        177,954      USD        179,104        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (1,150      (1,150
PHP        208,214      USD        208,039        1/12/2021        DUB        175        -        175  
PHP        260,268      USD        260,124        1/12/2021        DUB        144        -        144  
PHP        260,268      USD        259,331        1/12/2021        DUB        937        -        937  
PHP        260,268      USD        259,401        1/12/2021        DUB        867        -        867  
TWD        266,931      USD        267,208        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (277      (277
TWD        266,931      USD        268,225        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (1,294      (1,294
TWD        266,931      USD        268,047        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (1,116      (1,116
TWD        266,931      USD        267,828        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (897      (897
TWD        355,908      USD        357,987        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (2,079      (2,079
TWD        355,908      USD        356,320        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (412      (412
INR        410,214      USD        406,205        1/12/2021        DUB        4,009        -        4,009  
TWD        444,885      USD        445,834        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (949      (949
TWD        444,885      USD        447,580        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (2,695      (2,695
PHP        457,753      USD        455,991        1/12/2021        DUB        1,762        -        1,762  
TWD        711,816      USD        713,827        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (2,011      (2,011
INR        820,429      USD        812,260        1/12/2021        DUB        8,169        -        8,169  
TWD        889,770      USD        891,538        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (1,768      (1,768
INR        1,059,720      USD        1,049,814        1/12/2021        DUB        9,906        -        9,906  
INR        1,059,720      USD        1,049,922        1/12/2021        DUB        9,798        -        9,798  
TWD        1,067,724      USD        1,072,655        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (4,931      (4,931
TWD        1,156,701      USD        1,163,707        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (7,006      (7,006
TWD        1,156,701      USD        1,163,332        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (6,631      (6,631
TWD        1,156,701      USD        1,161,336        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (4,635      (4,635
TWD        1,245,678      USD        1,250,983        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (5,305      (5,305
TWD        1,334,655      USD        1,340,626        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (5,971      (5,971
TWD        1,334,655      USD        1,340,435        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (5,780      (5,780
TWD        1,334,655      USD        1,337,900        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (3,245      (3,245
TWD        1,601,586      USD        1,608,062        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (6,476      (6,476
INR        1,709,226      USD        1,688,824        1/12/2021        DUB        20,402        -        20,402  
TWD        1,868,517      USD        1,877,145        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (8,628      (8,628
INR        1,914,334      USD        1,899,610        1/12/2021        DUB        14,724        -        14,724  
INR        1,914,334      USD        1,893,758        1/12/2021        DUB        20,576        -        20,576  
INR        1,948,518      USD        1,928,151        1/12/2021        DUB        20,367        -        20,367  
INR        2,051,072      USD        2,030,658        1/12/2021        DUB        20,414        -        20,414  
INR        2,085,256      USD        2,066,255        1/12/2021        DUB        19,001        -        19,001  
TWD        2,135,448      USD        2,142,934        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (7,486      (7,486
TWD        2,224,425      USD        2,229,436        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (5,011      (5,011
TWD        2,758,287      USD        2,770,826        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (12,539      (12,539
TWD        3,203,172      USD        3,221,765        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (18,593      (18,593
INR        22,459,235      USD        22,199,546        1/12/2021        DUB        259,689        -        259,689  
USD        17,926,581      TWD        17,884,376        1/12/2021        DUB        42,205        -        42,205  
USD        1,717,641      PHP        1,717,766        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (125      (125
USD        1,323,452      TWD        1,334,655        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (11,203      (11,203
USD        980,567      TWD        978,747        1/12/2021        DUB        1,820        -        1,820  
USD        802,266      TWD        800,793        1/12/2021        DUB        1,473        -        1,473  
USD        802,093      TWD        800,793        1/12/2021        DUB        1,300        -        1,300  

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty      Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD        533,738      TWD        533,862        1/12/2021        DUB      $ -      $ (124    $ (124
USD        445,951      TWD        444,885        1/12/2021        DUB        1,066        -        1,066  
USD        356,532      TWD        355,908        1/12/2021        DUB        624        -        624  
USD        356,290      TWD        355,908        1/12/2021        DUB        382        -        382  
USD        356,417      TWD        355,908        1/12/2021        DUB        509        -        509  
USD        356,162      TWD        355,908        1/12/2021        DUB        254        -        254  
USD        356,214      TWD        355,908        1/12/2021        DUB        306        -        306  
USD        267,264      TWD        266,931        1/12/2021        DUB        333        -        333  
USD        267,370      TWD        266,931        1/12/2021        DUB        439        -        439  
USD        267,008      TWD        266,931        1/12/2021        DUB        77        -        77  
USD        267,008      TWD        266,931        1/12/2021        DUB        77        -        77  
USD        267,109      TWD        266,931        1/12/2021        DUB        178        -        178  
USD        267,189      TWD        266,931        1/12/2021        DUB        258        -        258  
USD        178,167      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        213        -        213  
USD        178,272      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        318        -        318  
USD        178,192      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        238        -        238  
USD        178,126      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        172        -        172  
USD        178,125      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        171        -        171  
USD        178,235      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        281        -        281  
USD        178,018      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        64        -        64  
USD        178,006      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        52        -        52  
USD        177,939      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (15      (15
USD        178,006      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        52        -        52  
USD        178,006      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        52        -        52  
USD        178,006      TWD        177,954        1/12/2021        DUB        52        -        52  
USD        156,091      PHP        156,161        1/12/2021        DUB        -        (70      (70
USD        89,142      TWD        88,977        1/12/2021        DUB        165        -        165  
USD        89,133      TWD        88,977        1/12/2021        DUB        156        -        156  
USD        89,120      TWD        88,977        1/12/2021        DUB        143        -        143  
USD        89,100      TWD        88,977        1/12/2021        DUB        123        -        123  
USD        89,003      TWD        88,977        1/12/2021        DUB        26        -        26  
USD        11,728,799      KRW        11,776,621        1/14/2021        DUB        -        (47,822      (47,822
PHP        52,036      USD        51,860        1/26/2021        DUB        176        -        176  
PHP        52,036      USD        51,854        1/26/2021        DUB        182        -        182  
PHP        52,036      USD        51,863        1/26/2021        DUB        173        -        173  
PHP        52,036      USD        51,874        1/26/2021        DUB        162        -        162  
TWD        88,982      USD        90,012        1/26/2021        DUB        -        (1,030      (1,030
PHP        104,071      USD        103,726        1/26/2021        DUB        345        -        345  
PHP        104,071      USD        103,719        1/26/2021        DUB        352        -        352  
PHP        104,071      USD        103,726        1/26/2021        DUB        345        -        345  
PHP        104,071      USD        103,750        1/26/2021        DUB        321        -        321  
PHP        156,107      USD        155,634        1/26/2021        DUB        473        -        473  
PHP        156,107      USD        155,480        1/26/2021        DUB        627        -        627  
PHP        156,107      USD        155,531        1/26/2021        DUB        576        -        576  
PHP        156,107      USD        155,560        1/26/2021        DUB        547        -        547  
TWD        177,964      USD        179,766        1/26/2021        DUB        -        (1,802      (1,802
TWD        444,909      USD        449,737        1/26/2021        DUB        -        (4,828      (4,828
PHP        18,056,318      USD        17,986,730        1/26/2021        DUB        69,588        -        69,588  
USD        357,964      TWD        355,928        1/26/2021        DUB        2,036        -        2,036  
USD        179,060      TWD        177,964        1/26/2021        DUB        1,096        -        1,096  
USD        89,575      TWD        88,982        1/26/2021        DUB        593        -        593  
USD        89,533      TWD        88,982        1/26/2021        DUB        551        -        551  
INR        24,983,042      USD        24,776,202        1/27/2021        DUB        206,840        -        206,840  
KRW        92,082      USD        91,581        2/9/2021        DUB        501        -        501  
KRW        1,197,069      USD        1,197,936        2/9/2021        DUB        -        (867      (867
KRW        1,289,151      USD        1,284,073        2/9/2021        DUB        5,078        -        5,078  
KRW        1,473,316      USD        1,465,873        2/9/2021        DUB        7,443        -        7,443  
KRW        1,565,398      USD        1,566,055        2/9/2021        DUB        -        (657      (657

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
KRW        1,565,398      USD        1,563,578        2/9/2021      DUB    $ 1,820      $ -      $ 1,820  
PHP        1,716,556      USD        1,715,676        2/9/2021      DUB      880        -        880  
KRW        1,749,563      USD        1,749,363        2/9/2021      DUB      200        -        200  
KRW        1,841,645      USD        1,836,581        2/9/2021      DUB      5,064        -        5,064  
TWD        17,886,381      USD        18,021,087        2/9/2021      DUB      -        (134,706      (134,706
KRW        20,304,135      USD        20,126,877        2/9/2021      DUB      177,258        -        177,258  
KRW        26,473,645      USD        26,244,922        2/9/2021      DUB      228,723        -        228,723  
USD        269,419      TWD        266,961        2/9/2021      DUB      2,458        -        2,458  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,874        1/5/2021      HUS      378        -        378  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,874        1/5/2021      HUS      378        -        378  
BRL        19,252      USD        19,095        1/5/2021      HUS      157        -        157  
BRL        19,252      USD        19,101        1/5/2021      HUS      151        -        151  
BRL        19,252      USD        19,303        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (51      (51
BRL        19,252      USD        19,357        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (105      (105
BRL        19,252      USD        19,360        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (108      (108
BRL        19,252      USD        19,358        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (106      (106
BRL        19,252      USD        19,378        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (126      (126
BRL        19,252      USD        19,364        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (112      (112
BRL        19,252      USD        19,377        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (125      (125
BRL        19,252      USD        19,403        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (151      (151
BRL        19,252      USD        19,417        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (165      (165
BRL        19,252      USD        19,343        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (91      (91
BRL        19,252      USD        19,353        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (101      (101
BRL        19,252      USD        19,341        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (89      (89
BRL        19,252      USD        19,327        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (75      (75
BRL        19,252      USD        19,384        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (132      (132
BRL        19,252      USD        19,401        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (149      (149
BRL        19,252      USD        18,507        1/5/2021      HUS      745        -        745  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,505        1/5/2021      HUS      747        -        747  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,504        1/5/2021      HUS      748        -        748  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,509        1/5/2021      HUS      743        -        743  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,510        1/5/2021      HUS      742        -        742  
BRL        19,252      USD        19,598        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (346      (346
BRL        19,252      USD        19,607        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (355      (355
BRL        19,252      USD        19,310        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (58      (58
BRL        19,252      USD        18,681        1/5/2021      HUS      571        -        571  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,662        1/5/2021      HUS      590        -        590  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,679        1/5/2021      HUS      573        -        573  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,679        1/5/2021      HUS      573        -        573  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,703        1/5/2021      HUS      549        -        549  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,720        1/5/2021      HUS      532        -        532  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,807        1/5/2021      HUS      445        -        445  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,675        1/5/2021      HUS      577        -        577  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,634        1/5/2021      HUS      618        -        618  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,633        1/5/2021      HUS      619        -        619  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,789        1/5/2021      HUS      463        -        463  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,798        1/5/2021      HUS      454        -        454  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,884        1/5/2021      HUS      368        -        368  
BRL        19,252      USD        19,383        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (131      (131
BRL        19,252      USD        19,376        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (124      (124
BRL        19,252      USD        19,381        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (129      (129
BRL        19,252      USD        18,510        1/5/2021      HUS      742        -        742  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,510        1/5/2021      HUS      742        -        742  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,507        1/5/2021      HUS      745        -        745  
BRL        19,252      USD        18,508        1/5/2021      HUS      744        -        744  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,751        1/5/2021      HUS      754        -        754  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,729        1/5/2021      HUS      776        -        776  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,756        1/5/2021      HUS      749        -        749  

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
BRL        38,505      USD        37,768        1/5/2021      HUS    $ 737      $ -      $ 737  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,758        1/5/2021      HUS      747        -        747  
BRL        38,505      USD        38,209        1/5/2021      HUS      296        -        296  
BRL        38,505      USD        38,183        1/5/2021      HUS      322        -        322  
BRL        38,505      USD        38,232        1/5/2021      HUS      273        -        273  
BRL        38,505      USD        38,204        1/5/2021      HUS      301        -        301  
BRL        38,505      USD        38,722        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (217      (217
BRL        38,505      USD        38,689        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (184      (184
BRL        38,505      USD        38,765        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (260      (260
BRL        38,505      USD        38,783        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (278      (278
BRL        38,505      USD        38,217        1/5/2021      HUS      288        -        288  
BRL        38,505      USD        38,829        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (324      (324
BRL        38,505      USD        38,788        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (283      (283
BRL        38,505      USD        38,615        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (110      (110
BRL        38,505      USD        38,614        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (109      (109
BRL        38,505      USD        38,623        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (118      (118
BRL        38,505      USD        37,375        1/5/2021      HUS      1,130        -        1,130  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,386        1/5/2021      HUS      1,119        -        1,119  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,392        1/5/2021      HUS      1,113        -        1,113  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,372        1/5/2021      HUS      1,133        -        1,133  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,427        1/5/2021      HUS      1,078        -        1,078  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,402        1/5/2021      HUS      1,103        -        1,103  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,602        1/5/2021      HUS      903        -        903  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,567        1/5/2021      HUS      938        -        938  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,412        1/5/2021      HUS      1,093        -        1,093  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,414        1/5/2021      HUS      1,091        -        1,091  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,449        1/5/2021      HUS      1,056        -        1,056  
BRL        38,505      USD        37,592        1/5/2021      HUS      913        -        913  
BRL        57,757      USD        56,914        1/5/2021      HUS      843        -        843  
BRL        57,757      USD        57,363        1/5/2021      HUS      394        -        394  
BRL        57,757      USD        57,332        1/5/2021      HUS      425        -        425  
BRL        57,757      USD        57,310        1/5/2021      HUS      447        -        447  
BRL        57,757      USD        57,341        1/5/2021      HUS      416        -        416  
BRL        57,757      USD        58,074        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (317      (317
BRL        57,757      USD        58,196        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (439      (439
BRL        57,757      USD        58,185        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (428      (428
BRL        57,757      USD        58,117        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (360      (360
BRL        57,757      USD        58,087        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (330      (330
BRL        57,757      USD        58,101        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (344      (344
BRL        57,757      USD        56,072        1/5/2021      HUS      1,685        -        1,685  
BRL        57,757      USD        56,378        1/5/2021      HUS      1,379        -        1,379  
BRL        57,757      USD        56,360        1/5/2021      HUS      1,397        -        1,397  
BRL        57,757      USD        56,190        1/5/2021      HUS      1,567        -        1,567  
BRL        57,757      USD        56,445        1/5/2021      HUS      1,312        -        1,312  
BRL        57,757      USD        56,409        1/5/2021      HUS      1,348        -        1,348  
BRL        57,757      USD        56,388        1/5/2021      HUS      1,369        -        1,369  
BRL        77,009      USD        74,136        1/5/2021      HUS      2,873        -        2,873  
BRL        77,009      USD        73,709        1/5/2021      HUS      3,300        -        3,300  
BRL        77,009      USD        73,725        1/5/2021      HUS      3,284        -        3,284  
BRL        77,009      USD        73,722        1/5/2021      HUS      3,287        -        3,287  
BRL        77,009      USD        76,409        1/5/2021      HUS      600        -        600  
BRL        77,009      USD        77,439        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (430      (430
BRL        77,009      USD        77,431        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (422      (422
BRL        77,009      USD        77,440        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (431      (431
BRL        77,009      USD        77,426        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (417      (417
BRL        77,009      USD        77,427        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (418      (418
BRL        77,009      USD        77,492        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (483      (483
BRL        77,009      USD        76,476        1/5/2021      HUS      533        -        533  

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
BRL        77,009      USD        77,501        1/5/2021      HUS    $ -      $ (492    $ (492
BRL        77,009      USD        77,474        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (465      (465
BRL        77,009      USD        75,187        1/5/2021      HUS      1,822        -        1,822  
BRL        96,261      USD        92,074        1/5/2021      HUS      4,187        -        4,187  
BRL        96,261      USD        92,685        1/5/2021      HUS      3,576        -        3,576  
BRL        96,261      USD        92,081        1/5/2021      HUS      4,180        -        4,180  
BRL        96,261      USD        92,164        1/5/2021      HUS      4,097        -        4,097  
BRL        96,261      USD        92,164        1/5/2021      HUS      4,097        -        4,097  
BRL        96,261      USD        92,460        1/5/2021      HUS      3,801        -        3,801  
BRL        96,261      USD        95,522        1/5/2021      HUS      739        -        739  
BRL        96,261      USD        96,800        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (539      (539
BRL        96,261      USD        92,234        1/5/2021      HUS      4,027        -        4,027  
BRL        96,261      USD        96,923        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (662      (662
BRL        96,261      USD        96,798        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (537      (537
BRL        96,261      USD        96,823        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (562      (562
BRL        115,513      USD        110,580        1/5/2021      HUS      4,933        -        4,933  
BRL        115,513      USD        110,555        1/5/2021      HUS      4,958        -        4,958  
BRL        115,513      USD        110,537        1/5/2021      HUS      4,976        -        4,976  
BRL        115,513      USD        110,605        1/5/2021      HUS      4,908        -        4,908  
BRL        115,513      USD        114,760        1/5/2021      HUS      753        -        753  
BRL        115,513      USD        114,630        1/5/2021      HUS      883        -        883  
BRL        115,513      USD        114,665        1/5/2021      HUS      848        -        848  
BRL        115,513      USD        114,785        1/5/2021      HUS      728        -        728  
BRL        115,513      USD        116,947        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (1,434      (1,434
BRL        115,513      USD        116,150        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (637      (637
BRL        115,513      USD        110,523        1/5/2021      HUS      4,990        -        4,990  
BRL        115,513      USD        114,739        1/5/2021      HUS      774        -        774  
BRL        115,513      USD        116,173        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (660      (660
BRL        115,513      USD        116,368        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (855      (855
BRL        115,513      USD        116,231        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (718      (718
BRL        134,766      USD        128,998        1/5/2021      HUS      5,768        -        5,768  
BRL        134,766      USD        129,102        1/5/2021      HUS      5,664        -        5,664  
BRL        134,766      USD        133,943        1/5/2021      HUS      823        -        823  
BRL        134,766      USD        133,760        1/5/2021      HUS      1,006        -        1,006  
BRL        134,766      USD        129,652        1/5/2021      HUS      5,114        -        5,114  
BRL        134,766      USD        129,592        1/5/2021      HUS      5,174        -        5,174  
BRL        134,766      USD        133,692        1/5/2021      HUS      1,074        -        1,074  
BRL        134,766      USD        133,850        1/5/2021      HUS      916        -        916  
BRL        154,018      USD        147,569        1/5/2021      HUS      6,449        -        6,449  
BRL        154,018      USD        147,485        1/5/2021      HUS      6,533        -        6,533  
BRL        154,018      USD        147,427        1/5/2021      HUS      6,591        -        6,591  
BRL        154,018      USD        152,949        1/5/2021      HUS      1,069        -        1,069  
BRL        154,018      USD        156,074        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (2,056      (2,056
BRL        154,018      USD        148,346        1/5/2021      HUS      5,672        -        5,672  
BRL        154,018      USD        148,236        1/5/2021      HUS      5,782        -        5,782  
BRL        173,270      USD        171,086        1/5/2021      HUS      2,184        -        2,184  
BRL        173,270      USD        172,216        1/5/2021      HUS      1,054        -        1,054  
BRL        192,522      USD        185,139        1/5/2021      HUS      7,383        -        7,383  
BRL        192,522      USD        184,369        1/5/2021      HUS      8,153        -        8,153  
BRL        192,522      USD        185,410        1/5/2021      HUS      7,112        -        7,112  
BRL        192,522      USD        185,429        1/5/2021      HUS      7,093        -        7,093  
BRL        192,522      USD        184,243        1/5/2021      HUS      8,279        -        8,279  
BRL        192,522      USD        191,204        1/5/2021      HUS      1,318        -        1,318  
BRL        192,522      USD        184,267        1/5/2021      HUS      8,255        -        8,255  
BRL        192,522      USD        191,257        1/5/2021      HUS      1,265        -        1,265  
BRL        211,775      USD        203,666        1/5/2021      HUS      8,109        -        8,109  
BRL        211,775      USD        202,549        1/5/2021      HUS      9,226        -        9,226  
BRL        211,775      USD        202,818        1/5/2021      HUS      8,957        -        8,957  
BRL        211,775      USD        203,851        1/5/2021      HUS      7,924        -        7,924  
BRL        231,027      USD        221,072        1/5/2021      HUS      9,955        -        9,955  
BRL        231,027      USD        221,153        1/5/2021      HUS      9,874        -        9,874  
BRL        231,027      USD        222,346        1/5/2021      HUS      8,681        -        8,681  

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
BRL        231,027      USD        234,073        1/5/2021      HUS    $ -      $ (3,046    $ (3,046
BRL        250,279      USD        239,516        1/5/2021      HUS      10,763        -        10,763  
BRL        250,279      USD        240,674        1/5/2021      HUS      9,605        -        9,605  
BRL        288,784      USD        276,208        1/5/2021      HUS      12,576        -        12,576  
BRL        288,784      USD        292,646        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (3,862      (3,862
BRL        288,784      USD        276,330        1/5/2021      HUS      12,454        -        12,454  
BRL        308,036      USD        312,305        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (4,269      (4,269
BRL        308,036      USD        312,086        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (4,050      (4,050
BRL        308,036      USD        311,927        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (3,891      (3,891
BRL        346,540      USD        351,144        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (4,604      (4,604
BRL        365,793      USD        361,189        1/5/2021      HUS      4,604        -        4,604  
BRL        365,793      USD        361,297        1/5/2021      HUS      4,496        -        4,496  
BRL        404,297      USD        394,596        1/5/2021      HUS      9,701        -        9,701  
USD        14,349,196      BRL        14,111,894        1/5/2021      HUS      237,302        -        237,302  
USD        1,259,256      BRL        1,289,900        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (30,644      (30,644
USD        782,443      BRL        808,594        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (26,151      (26,151
USD        503,122      BRL        519,811        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (16,689      (16,689
USD        37,100      BRL        38,504        1/5/2021      HUS      -        (1,404      (1,404
CNY        152,835      USD        152,162        1/12/2021      HUS      673        -        673  
CNY        382,088      USD        382,391        1/12/2021      HUS      -        (303      (303
CNY        17,041,139      USD        16,898,513        1/12/2021      HUS      142,626        -        142,626  
USD        16,309,341      CNY        16,276,962        1/12/2021      HUS      32,379        -        32,379  
USD        306,195      CNY        305,671        1/12/2021      HUS      524        -        524  
USD        229,141      CNY        229,253        1/12/2021      HUS      -        (112      (112
USD        153,292      CNY        152,835        1/12/2021      HUS      457        -        457  
USD        76,279      CNY        76,418        1/12/2021      HUS      -        (139      (139
USD        76,453      CNY        76,418        1/12/2021      HUS      35        -        35  
USD        76,384      CNY        76,418        1/12/2021      HUS      -        (34      (34
USD        76,378      CNY        76,418        1/12/2021      HUS      -        (40      (40
USD        76,631      CNY        76,418        1/12/2021      HUS      213        -        213  
USD        76,386      CNY        76,418        1/12/2021      HUS      -        (32      (32
USD        76,361      CNY        76,418        1/12/2021      HUS      -        (57      (57
USD        76,388      CNY        76,418        1/12/2021      HUS      -        (30      (30
USD        12,069,865      EUR        12,147,455        1/14/2021      HUS      -        (77,590      (77,590
USD        9,389,446      EUR        9,428,605        1/14/2021      HUS      -        (39,159      (39,159
USD        8,279,930      JPY        8,345,414        1/14/2021      HUS      -        (65,484      (65,484
COP        1,331,428      USD        1,242,042        1/21/2021      HUS      89,386        -        89,386  
COP        1,479,365      USD        1,380,009        1/21/2021      HUS      99,356        -        99,356  
COP        3,513,491      USD        3,307,589        1/21/2021      HUS      205,902        -        205,902  
USD        1,452,210      COP        1,639,629        1/21/2021      HUS      -        (187,419      (187,419
BRL        19,246      USD        19,866        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (620      (620
BRL        19,246      USD        19,894        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (648      (648
BRL        19,246      USD        19,768        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (522      (522
BRL        19,246      USD        19,758        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (512      (512
BRL        19,246      USD        19,787        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (541      (541
BRL        19,246      USD        19,793        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (547      (547
BRL        19,246      USD        19,785        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (539      (539
BRL        19,246      USD        19,814        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (568      (568
BRL        19,246      USD        19,680        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (434      (434
BRL        19,246      USD        19,668        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (422      (422
BRL        19,246      USD        19,691        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (445      (445
BRL        19,246      USD        19,753        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (507      (507
BRL        19,246      USD        19,784        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (538      (538
BRL        19,246      USD        19,765        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (519      (519
BRL        19,246      USD        19,647        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (401      (401
BRL        19,246      USD        19,703        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (457      (457
BRL        19,246      USD        19,686        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (440      (440
BRL        19,246      USD        19,573        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (327      (327
BRL        19,246      USD        19,572        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (326      (326
BRL        19,246      USD        19,526        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (280      (280

 

See accompanying notes

 

25


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
BRL        19,246      USD        19,554        2/2/2021      HUS    $ -      $ (308    $ (308
BRL        19,246      USD        19,556        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (310      (310
BRL        19,246      USD        19,413        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (167      (167
BRL        19,246      USD        19,584        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (338      (338
BRL        19,246      USD        19,583        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (337      (337
BRL        19,246      USD        19,582        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (336      (336
BRL        19,246      USD        19,572        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (326      (326
BRL        19,246      USD        19,571        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (325      (325
BRL        19,246      USD        19,572        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (326      (326
BRL        19,246      USD        19,609        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (363      (363
BRL        19,246      USD        19,627        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (381      (381
BRL        19,246      USD        19,875        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (629      (629
BRL        19,246      USD        19,874        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (628      (628
BRL        19,246      USD        19,859        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (613      (613
BRL        19,246      USD        19,876        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (630      (630
BRL        19,246      USD        19,919        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (673      (673
BRL        19,246      USD        19,747        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (501      (501
BRL        19,246      USD        19,752        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (506      (506
BRL        19,246      USD        19,579        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (333      (333
BRL        19,246      USD        19,612        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (366      (366
BRL        19,246      USD        19,612        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (366      (366
BRL        19,246      USD        19,502        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (256      (256
BRL        19,246      USD        19,632        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (386      (386
BRL        19,246      USD        19,629        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (383      (383
BRL        19,246      USD        19,635        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (389      (389
BRL        19,246      USD        19,632        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (386      (386
BRL        19,246      USD        19,625        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (379      (379
BRL        19,246      USD        19,625        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (379      (379
BRL        19,246      USD        19,632        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (386      (386
BRL        19,246      USD        19,538        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (292      (292
BRL        19,246      USD        19,603        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (357      (357
BRL        19,246      USD        19,623        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (377      (377
BRL        19,246      USD        19,577        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (331      (331
BRL        19,246      USD        19,626        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (380      (380
BRL        38,492      USD        39,530        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,038      (1,038
BRL        38,492      USD        39,363        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (871      (871
BRL        38,492      USD        39,399        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (907      (907
BRL        38,492      USD        39,519        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,027      (1,027
BRL        38,492      USD        39,566        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,074      (1,074
BRL        38,492      USD        39,317        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (825      (825
BRL        38,492      USD        39,397        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (905      (905
BRL        38,492      USD        39,553        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,061      (1,061
BRL        38,492      USD        39,528        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,036      (1,036
BRL        38,492      USD        39,525        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,033      (1,033
BRL        38,492      USD        39,520        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,028      (1,028
BRL        38,492      USD        39,368        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (876      (876
BRL        38,492      USD        39,408        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (916      (916
BRL        38,492      USD        39,386        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (894      (894
BRL        38,492      USD        39,375        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (883      (883
BRL        38,492      USD        39,121        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (629      (629
BRL        38,492      USD        39,136        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (644      (644
BRL        38,492      USD        39,079        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (587      (587
BRL        38,492      USD        39,234        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (742      (742
BRL        38,492      USD        39,231        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (739      (739
BRL        38,492      USD        39,123        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (631      (631
BRL        38,492      USD        39,127        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (635      (635
BRL        38,492      USD        39,143        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (651      (651
BRL        38,492      USD        39,138        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (646      (646
BRL        38,492      USD        39,145        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (653      (653
BRL        38,492      USD        39,185        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (693      (693

 

See accompanying notes

 

26


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
BRL        38,492      USD        39,763        2/2/2021      HUS    $ -      $ (1,271    $ (1,271
BRL        38,492      USD        39,767        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,275      (1,275
BRL        38,492      USD        39,832        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,340      (1,340
BRL        38,492      USD        39,842        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,350      (1,350
BRL        38,492      USD        39,564        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,072      (1,072
BRL        38,492      USD        39,502        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,010      (1,010
BRL        38,492      USD        39,251        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (759      (759
BRL        38,492      USD        39,257        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (765      (765
BRL        38,492      USD        39,206        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (714      (714
BRL        38,492      USD        39,222        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (730      (730
BRL        38,492      USD        39,125        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (633      (633
BRL        38,492      USD        39,602        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,110      (1,110
BRL        38,492      USD        39,579        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,087      (1,087
BRL        57,738      USD        59,299        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,561      (1,561
BRL        57,738      USD        59,409        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,671      (1,671
BRL        57,738      USD        59,050        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,312      (1,312
BRL        57,738      USD        59,385        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,647      (1,647
BRL        57,738      USD        59,062        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,324      (1,324
BRL        57,738      USD        58,844        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,106      (1,106
BRL        57,738      USD        58,859        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,121      (1,121
BRL        57,738      USD        59,097        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,359      (1,359
BRL        57,738      USD        58,857        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,119      (1,119
BRL        57,738      USD        58,728        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (990      (990
BRL        57,738      USD        58,669        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (931      (931
BRL        57,738      USD        58,660        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (922      (922
BRL        57,738      USD        58,752        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,014      (1,014
BRL        57,738      USD        58,819        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,081      (1,081
BRL        57,738      USD        58,843        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,105      (1,105
BRL        57,738      USD        58,825        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,087      (1,087
BRL        57,738      USD        58,707        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (969      (969
BRL        57,738      USD        58,691        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (953      (953
BRL        76,984      USD        79,065        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (2,081      (2,081
BRL        76,984      USD        79,203        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (2,219      (2,219
BRL        76,984      USD        78,776        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,792      (1,792
BRL        76,984      USD        78,643        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,659      (1,659
BRL        76,984      USD        78,491        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,507      (1,507
BRL        76,984      USD        79,036        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (2,052      (2,052
BRL        76,984      USD        79,058        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (2,074      (2,074
BRL        76,984      USD        78,441        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,457      (1,457
BRL        76,984      USD        78,461        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,477      (1,477
BRL        76,984      USD        78,221        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,237      (1,237
BRL        76,984      USD        78,305        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,321      (1,321
BRL        96,230      USD        98,338        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (2,108      (2,108
BRL        115,476      USD        117,339        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (1,863      (1,863
BRL        134,722      USD        136,970        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (2,248      (2,248
BRL        134,722      USD        137,148        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (2,426      (2,426
BRL        211,706      USD        216,412        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (4,706      (4,706
BRL        288,690      USD        295,875        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (7,185      (7,185
BRL        365,674      USD        374,857        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (9,183      (9,183
BRL        384,920      USD        394,415        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (9,495      (9,495
BRL        423,412      USD        433,865        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (10,453      (10,453
BRL        14,107,328      USD        14,339,372        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (232,044      (232,044
USD        346,300      BRL        346,428        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (128      (128
USD        210,778      BRL        211,706        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (928      (928
USD        76,731      BRL        76,984        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (253      (253
USD        57,564      BRL        57,738        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (174      (174
USD        19,180      BRL        19,246        2/2/2021      HUS      -        (66      (66
CLP        492,549      USD        468,691        2/9/2021      HUS      23,858        -        23,858  
CLP        774,006      USD        745,469        2/9/2021      HUS      28,537        -        28,537  
CLP        774,006      USD        745,399        2/9/2021      HUS      28,607        -        28,607  
CLP        774,006      USD        745,287        2/9/2021      HUS      28,719        -        28,719  

 

See accompanying notes

 

27


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency Purchased*      Currency Sold*      Settlement
Date
     Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
     Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
CLP        774,006      USD        749,962        2/9/2021      HUS    $ 24,044      $ -      $ 24,044  
CLP        914,735      USD        880,926        2/9/2021      HUS      33,809        -        33,809  
CLP        985,099      USD        936,881        2/9/2021      HUS      48,218        -        48,218  
CLP        1,055,463      USD        1,004,258        2/9/2021      HUS      51,205        -        51,205  
CLP        1,196,192      USD        1,137,489        2/9/2021      HUS      58,703        -        58,703  
CLP        1,266,556      USD        1,227,279        2/9/2021      HUS      39,277        -        39,277  
CLP        1,266,556      USD        1,227,747        2/9/2021      HUS      38,809        -        38,809  
CLP        1,548,013      USD        1,485,042        2/9/2021      HUS      62,971        -        62,971  
CLP        1,829,469      USD        1,754,528        2/9/2021      HUS      74,941        -        74,941  
CLP        6,726,818      USD        6,404,802        2/9/2021      HUS      322,016        -        322,016  
CLP        8,331,122      USD        7,855,835        2/9/2021      HUS      475,287        -        475,287  
CLP        14,072,841      USD        13,380,432        2/9/2021      HUS      692,409        -        692,409  
CNY        16,245,263      USD        16,280,669        2/9/2021      HUS      -        (35,406      (35,406
USD        666,601      CLP        669,595        2/9/2021      HUS      -        (2,994      (2,994
USD        665,948      CLP        669,595        2/9/2021      HUS      -        (3,647      (3,647
USD        665,948      CLP        669,595        2/9/2021      HUS      -        (3,647      (3,647
USD        665,948      CLP        669,595        2/9/2021      HUS      -        (3,647      (3,647
USD        532,908      CLP        535,676        2/9/2021      HUS      -        (2,768      (2,768
USD        532,398      CLP        535,676        2/9/2021      HUS      -        (3,278      (3,278
USD        399,494      CLP        401,757        2/9/2021      HUS      -        (2,263      (2,263
PEN        276,270      USD        276,821        1/21/2021      RBS      -        (551      (551
PEN        414,405      USD        415,191        1/21/2021      RBS      -        (786      (786
PEN        414,405      USD        415,225        1/21/2021      RBS      -        (820      (820
PEN        483,472      USD        483,947        1/21/2021      RBS      -        (475      (475
PEN        552,540      USD        553,618        1/21/2021      RBS      -        (1,078      (1,078
PEN        552,540      USD        553,450        1/21/2021      RBS      -        (910      (910
PEN        2,417,361      USD        2,450,294        1/21/2021      RBS      -        (32,933      (32,933
USD        6,984,606      PEN        6,906,745        1/21/2021      RBS      77,861        -        77,861  
USD        552,985      PEN        552,540        1/21/2021      RBS      445        -        445  
USD        483,880      PEN        483,472        1/21/2021      RBS      408        -        408  
USD        483,781      PEN        483,472        1/21/2021      RBS      309        -        309  
USD        414,712      PEN        414,405        1/21/2021      RBS      307        -        307  
USD        138,279      PEN        138,135        1/21/2021      RBS      144        -        144  
USD        138,248      PEN        138,135        1/21/2021      RBS      113        -        113  
USD        138,240      PEN        138,135        1/21/2021      RBS      105        -        105  
USD        138,240      PEN        138,135        1/21/2021      RBS      105        -        105  
                     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 5,323,030      $ (2,062,796    $ 3,260,234  
                     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

All values denominated in USD.

 

Glossary:
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
DUB    Deutsche Bank AG
HUS    HSBC Bank (USA)
RBS    Royal Bank of Scotland PLC
Currency Abbreviations:
BRL    Brazilian Real
CLP    Chilean Peso
CNY    Chinese Yuan
COP    Colombian Peso
EUR    Euro
INR    Indian Rupee
JPY    Japanese Yen
KRW    South Korean Won
PEN    Peruvian Nuevo Sol
PHP    Philippine Peso
TWD    Taiwan Dollar
USD    United States Dollar

 

See accompanying notes

 

28


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

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.
KOSPI    South Korean Stock Market Index.
MSCI    Morgan Stanley Capital International.
MSCI EAFE    Morgan Stanley Capital International-Europe, Australasia, and Far East.
NASDAQ    National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.
NIKKEI 225    Nikkei Stock Average.
OMXS30    Stockholm Stock Exchange’s leading share index.
Russell 2000    U.S. Small-Cap Stock Market Index.
S&P 500 Index    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, 2020, the investments were classified as described below:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Short-Term Investments

  $ -       $ 944,844,066       $ -       $ 944,844,066  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ -       $ 944,844,066       $ -       $ 944,844,066  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Futures Contracts

  $ 44,487,015       $ -       $ -       $ 44,487,015  

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         5,323,030         -         5,323,030  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 44,487,015       $ 5,323,030       $ -       $ 49,810,045  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

 

Futures Contracts

  $ (3,237,135     $ (56,155     $ -       $ (3,293,290

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         (2,062,796       -         (2,062,796
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (3,237,135     $ (2,118,951     $ -       $ (5,356,086
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

29


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Principal Amount*       Fair Value
             
FOREIGN SOVEREIGN OBLIGATIONS - 24.02%            
Deutsche Bundesrepublik Inflation-Linked Bond, 0.500%, Due 4/15/2030, Series I/LA B C     EUR     42,246,000         $ 61,965,135
French Republic Government Bond OAT, 0.700%, Due 7/25/2030, Series OATEB C D     EUR 37,208,615           55,169,108
United Kingdom Gilt Inflation-Linked, 0.125%, Due 3/22/2029, Series 3MOB C     GBP 42,145,720           73,963,419
           

 

 

 
           

Total Foreign Sovereign Obligations (Cost $181,588,213)

              191,097,662
           

 

 

 
           
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS - 15.43%            
United States Treasury Inflation-Protected Security,            

0.125%, Due 10/15/2024C

    $ 44,655,160           47,877,542

0.250%, Due 7/15/2029C

      66,166,750           74,894,213
           

 

 

 
           

Total U.S. Treasury Obligations (Cost $120,170,824)

              122,771,755
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 47.52%            
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 47.52%            
U.S. Treasury Bills,            

0.239%, Due 1/7/2021

      25,000,000           24,999,938

0.096%, Due 1/28/2021A

      100,000,000           99,996,167

0.111%, Due 2/4/2021A

      73,000,000           72,996,543

0.114%, Due 3/4/2021

      50,000,000           49,994,264

0.087%, Due 5/20/2021

      40,000,000           39,987,722

0.089%, Due 6/3/2021A

      40,000,000           39,986,208
U.S. Treasury Cash Management Bills, 0.102%, Due 2/18/2021       50,000,000           49,995,937
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $377,940,244)

              377,956,779
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 86.97% (Cost $679,699,281)

              691,826,196

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 13.03%

              103,619,844
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 795,446,040
           

 

 

 
             

Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.

*In U.S. Dollars unless otherwise noted.

                 

A All or a portion represents positions held by the American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Co, Ltd.

B Reg S - Security purchased under the Securities Act of 1933, which exempts from registration securities offered and sold outside of the United States. Such a security cannot be sold in the United States without either an effective registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, or pursuant to an exemption from registration.

C Inflation-Indexed Note.

D Security exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A. At the period end, the value of these securities amounted to $55,169,108 or 6.94% of net assets. The Fund has no right to demand registration of these securities.

GILT - Bank of England Bonds.

OAT - Obligations Assimilables du Trésor.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Equity Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Amsterdam Index Futures    51    January 2021    $ 7,689,215      $ 7,782,162      $ 92,947  
BIST 30 Index Futures    1,073    February 2021      2,326,195        2,394,148        67,953  
CAC40 Index Futures    115    January 2021      7,785,032        7,785,943        911  
DAX Index Futures    23    March 2021      9,381,129        9,655,861        274,732  
Euro Stoxx 50 Index Futures    370    March 2021      15,868,719        16,046,374        177,655  
FTSE 100 Index Futures    174    March 2021      15,329,800        15,276,078        (53,722
FTSE China A50 Index Futures    406    January 2021      6,904,399        7,191,072        286,673  
FTSE Taiwan Index Futures    109    January 2021      5,460,904        5,562,270        101,366  
FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index Futures    57    March 2021      2,132,356        2,118,755        (13,601
FTSE/MIB Index Futures    57    March 2021      7,560,086        7,704,661        144,575  
Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures    108    January 2021      7,276,112        7,453,824        177,712  

 

See accompanying notes

 

30


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Equity Futures Contracts                               
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Hang Seng Index Futures    47    January 2021    $ 8,013,597      $ 8,250,895      $ 237,298  
KOSPI 200 Index Futures    126    March 2021      10,492,812        11,284,383        791,571  
MSCI SING IX ETS Futures    171    January 2021      4,195,673        4,183,134        (12,539
NASDAQ 100 E-Mini Futures    71    March 2021      17,652,488        18,297,410        644,922  
Nikkei 225 (SGX) Futures    121    March 2021      15,504,931        16,107,162        602,231  
OMXS30 Index Futures    403    January 2021      9,246,435        9,199,946        (46,489
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures    195    March 2021      35,710,658        36,550,800        840,142  
S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures    135    March 2021      22,053,322        21,824,417        (228,905
SGX NIFTY 50 Index Futures    40    January 2021      1,117,502        1,123,067        5,565  
SPI 200 Futures    103    March 2021      13,069,680        12,977,227        (92,453
TOPIX Index Futures    135    March 2021      23,118,542        23,592,805        474,263  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 247,889,587      $ 252,362,394      $ 4,472,807  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Interest Rate Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Australian 10-Year Bond Futures    314    March 2021    $ 35,575,271      $ 35,641,207      $ 65,936  
Australian 3-Year Bond Futures    279    March 2021      25,247,972        25,260,356        12,384  
Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures    265    March 2021      30,948,263        31,040,537        92,274  
Euro OAT Futures    289    March 2021      59,169,503        59,264,127        94,624  
Euro-Bobl Futures    371    March 2021      61,272,598        61,267,926        (4,672
Euro-BTP Futures    249    March 2021      46,066,925        46,240,054        173,129  
Euro-Bund Futures    295    March 2021      63,823,593        64,019,107        195,514  
Euro-Buxl 30-Year Bond Futures    44    March 2021      12,054,134        12,107,237        53,103  
Japanese 10-Year Government Bond Futures    76    March 2021      111,920,805        111,819,476        (101,329
Korea 10-Year Government Bond Futures    126    March 2021      15,131,676        15,054,350        (77,326
Korea 3-Year Government Bond Futures    234    March 2021      24,028,614        24,011,765        (16,849
Long GILT Futures    303    March 2021      55,700,897        56,161,371        460,474  
U.S. Long Bond Futures    304    March 2021      52,965,237        52,648,999        (316,238
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note Futures    515    March 2021      71,031,832        71,110,234        78,402  
U.S. Treasury 2-Year Note Futures    288    March 2021      63,598,055        63,641,249        43,194  
U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note Futures    590    March 2021      74,294,465        74,436,797        142,332  
U.S. Ultra Bond Futures    315    March 2021      67,502,805        67,272,188        (230,617
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 870,332,645      $ 870,996,980      $ 664,335  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Centrally Cleared Swap Agreements Outstanding on December 31, 2020:

 

Credit Default Swaps on Credit Indices-Sell Protection(1)  
Index/Tranches   Fixed
Rate (%)
  Payment
Frequency
  Expiration
Date
  Implied
Credit
Spread at
12/31/2020(2)
(%)
     Curr   Notional
Amount(3)
(000s)
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Fair Value(4)     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
iTraxx Europe Senior Financials   1.00   Quarterly   12/20/2025     0.4795      EUR     5,000     $ 163,329     $ 160,654     $ (2,675
iTraxx Europe Senior Financials   5.00   Quarterly   12/20/2025     2.4273      EUR     35,000       5,044,805       5,145,089       100,284  
iTraxx Europe Senior Financials   1.00   Quarterly   12/20/2025     0.4795      EUR     80,000       2,595,908       2,576,026       (19,882
Markit CDX NA.HY-31 5-Year Index Version 1   1.00   Quarterly   12/20/2025     0.4997      USD     110,000       2,649,422       2,728,752       79,330  
Markit CDX NA.HY-31 5-Year Index Version 1   5.00   Quarterly   12/20/2025     1.0933      USD     55,000       5,051,680       5,213,277       161,597  
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
               $ 15,505,144     $ 15,823,798     $ 318,654  
              

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

31


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

OTC Swap Agreements Outstanding on December 31, 2020:

 

Total Return Swap Agreements  
Pay/Receive
Floating Rate
  Description   Reference
Entity
  Counter-
party
  Floating
Rate
    Payment
Frequency
  Expiration
Date
    Reference
Quantity
    Notional
Amount
    Premiums
Paid
(Received)
    Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Pay   1-Month
USD-LIBOR
  BBUXALC
INDEX
  JPM     0.000%     Monthly     1/4/2021       845,000       82,587,397     $ (644   $ 1,446,638  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

 
            $ (644   $ 1,446,638  
                 

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index.

(2) Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the fair value of credit default swaps agreements on corporate issues and sovereign issues of an emerging country as of period end serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

(3) The maximum potential amount the Fund could be required to pay as a seller of credit protection or receive as a buyer of credit protection if a credit event occurs as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement.

(4) The quoted market prices and resulting values for credit default swaps on asset-backed securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative should the notional amount of the swap agreement be closed/ sold as of the period end. Increasing fair values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Currency
Purchased*
     Currency Sold*      Settlement Date    Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
CAD      392,025      USD      391,083      1/14/2021    SSB    $ 942      $ -     $ 942  
EUR      611,623      USD      606,583      1/14/2021    SSB      5,040        -       5,040  
GBP      2,733,237      USD      2,669,112      1/14/2021    SSB      64,125        -       64,125  
USD      62,430,602      EUR      62,966,439      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (535,837     (535,837
USD      57,801,962      EUR      58,298,072      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (496,110     (496,110
USD      52,192,127      GBP      53,403,332      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (1,211,205     (1,211,205
USD      10,715,763      GBP      10,895,824      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (180,061     (180,061
USD      6,379,683      GBP      6,553,302      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (173,619     (173,619
USD      4,311,683      GBP      4,397,316      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (85,633     (85,633
USD      2,511,478      EUR      2,507,507      1/14/2021    SSB      3,971        -       3,971  
USD      2,460,678      JPY      2,480,145      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (19,467     (19,467
USD      1,545,518      EUR      1,561,929      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (16,411     (16,411
USD      1,555,847      EUR      1,555,047      1/14/2021    SSB      800        -       800  
USD      517,168      GBP      520,028      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (2,860     (2,860
USD      443,807      GBP      456,472      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (12,665     (12,665
USD      439,983      AUD      449,757      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (9,774     (9,774
USD      439,237      AUD      447,485      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (8,248     (8,248
USD      307,223      EUR      309,463      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (2,240     (2,240
USD      273,287      SEK      279,914      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (6,627     (6,627
USD      255,570      GBP      260,146      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (4,576     (4,576
USD      246,140      EUR      247,343      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (1,203     (1,203
USD      202,562      SEK      204,742      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (2,180     (2,180
USD      200,349      AUD      203,850      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (3,501     (3,501
USD      172,802      AUD      177,371      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (4,569     (4,569
USD      173,738      JPY      175,305      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (1,567     (1,567
USD      153,308      JPY      153,812      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (504     (504
USD      132,779      SEK      135,097      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (2,318     (2,318
USD      95,736      SEK      98,030      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (2,294     (2,294
USD      67,982      SEK      68,737      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (755     (755
USD      30,395      GBP      30,787      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (392     (392

 

See accompanying notes

 

32


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Currency
Purchased*
     Currency Sold*      Settlement Date    Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      24,650      AUD        25,500      1/14/2021    SSB    $ -      $ (850   $ (850
USD      6,267      SEK        6,308      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (41     (41
USD      4,616      SEK        4,670      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (54     (54
USD      2,234      SEK        2,247      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (13     (13
USD      2,230      SEK        2,247      1/14/2021    SSB      -        (17     (17
                   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 74,878      $ (2,785,591   $ (2,710,713
                   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

All values denominated in USD.

 

Glossary:
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
JPM    JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
SSB    State Street Bank & Trust Co.
Currency Abbreviations:
AUD    Australian Dollar
CAD    Canadian Dollar
EUR    Euro
GBP    Pound Sterling
JPY    Japanese Yen
SEK    Swedish Krona
USD    United States Dollar
Index Abbreviations:
BBUXALC    Bloomberg Commodity ex-Agriculture and Livestock Capped Index.
BIST 30    Bora Istanbul 30 Index.
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 China A50    Financial Times Stock Exchange China A50 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.
KOSPI    South Korean Stock Market Index.
MSCI    Morgan Stanley Capital International.
MSCI SING IX ETS    Morgan Stanley Capital International Singapore Exchange-Traded Funds.
NASDAQ    National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.
NIKKEI 225    Nikkei Stock Average.
OMXS30    Stockholm Stock Exchange’s leading share index.
S&P 500    U.S. Equity Large-Cap Index.
S&P/TSX    Canadian Equity Market Index.
SGX NIFTY    Singapore Stock Exchange NIFTY.
SPI 200    Australian Equity Market Index Future.
TOPIX    Tokyo Stock Exchange Tokyo Price Index.
Exchange Abbreviations:
JSE    Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
SGX    Singapore Stock Exchange.
OTC    Over-the-Counter.
Other Abbreviations:
BTP    Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali.
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.
CDX    Credit Default Swap Index.
iTraxx    Credit Default Swap Index.
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate.

 

See accompanying notes

 

33


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of December 31, 2020, the investments were classified as described below:

 

AHL TargetRisk Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Foreign Sovereign Obligations

  $ -       $ 191,097,662       $ -       $ 191,097,662  

U.S. Treasury Obligations

    -         122,771,755         -         122,771,755  

Short-Term Investments

    -         377,956,779         -         377,956,779  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ -       $ 691,826,196       $ -       $ 691,826,196  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

             

Futures Contracts

  $ 6,331,882       $ -       $ -       $ 6,331,882  

Swap Contract Agreements

    -         1,787,849         -         1,787,849  

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         74,878         -         74,878  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 6,331,882       $ 1,862,727       $ -       $ 8,194,609  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

             

Futures Contracts

  $ (1,194,740     $ -       $ -       $ (1,194,740

Swap Contract Agreements

    -         (22,557       -         (22,557

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         (2,785,591       -         (2,785,591
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (1,194,740     $ (2,808,148     $ -       $ (4,002,888
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

34


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Principal Amount       Fair Value
             
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 82.11%            
U.S. Treasury Obligations - 82.11%            
U.S. Treasury Bills,            

0.081%, Due 2/4/2021

    $ 1,000,000         $ 999,953

0.065%, Due 3/4/2021

      1,000,000           999,885

0.088%, Due 4/8/2021

      1,750,000           1,749,657

0.084%, Due 5/20/2021

      1,750,000           1,749,463

0.086%, Due 6/3/2021

      1,750,000           1,749,396
U.S. Treasury Cash Management Bills, 0.073%, Due 2/18/2021       1,000,000           999,919
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $8,248,115)

              8,248,273
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 82.11% (Cost $8,248,115)

              8,248,273

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 17.89%

              1,797,658
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 10,045,931
           

 

 

 
             
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Equity Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Amsterdam Index Futures    1    January 2021    $ 152,938      $ 152,591      $ (347
BIST 30 Index Futures    16    February 2021      34,656        35,700        1,044  
CAC40 Index Futures    2    January 2021      135,970        135,408        (562
Euro Stoxx 50 Index Futures    7    March 2021      303,482        303,580        98  
FTSE 100 Index Futures    4    March 2021      357,800        351,174        (6,626
FTSE China A50 Index Futures    6    January 2021      102,005        106,272        4,267  
FTSE Taiwan Index Futures    2    January 2021      99,985        102,060        2,075  
FTSE/JSE Top 40 Index Futures    1    March 2021      37,544        37,171        (373
FTSE/MIB Index Futures    1    March 2021      134,320        135,169        849  
Hang Seng China Enterprises Index Futures    2    January 2021      134,790        138,034        3,244  
Hang Seng Index Futures    1    January 2021      171,720        175,551        3,831  
KOSPI 200 Index Futures    2    March 2021      168,761        179,117        10,356  
MSCI SING IX ETS Futures    3    January 2021      73,604        73,388        (216
NASDAQ 100 E-Mini Futures    1    March 2021      254,795        257,710        2,915  
Nikkei 225 (SGX) Futures    2    March 2021      259,067        266,234        7,167  
OMXS30 Index Futures    10    January 2021      230,726        228,287        (2,439
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures    3    March 2021      556,800        562,320        5,520  
S&P/TSX 60 Index Futures    2    March 2021      328,274        323,325        (4,949
SPI 200 Futures    2    March 2021      257,613        251,985        (5,628
TOPIX Index Futures    3    March 2021      518,619        524,285        5,666  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 4,313,469      $ 4,339,361      $ 25,892  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Interest Rate Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Australian 10-Year Bond Futures    5    March 2021    $ 566,389      $ 567,535      $ 1,146  
Australian 3-Year Bond Futures    4    March 2021      361,699        362,156        457  
Canadian 10-Year Bond Futures    4    March 2021      466,667        468,536        1,869  
Euro OAT Futures    6    March 2021      1,228,784        1,230,397        1,613  
Euro-Bobl Futures    7    March 2021      1,156,170        1,155,999        (171
Euro-BTP Futures    6    March 2021      1,114,792        1,114,218        (574
Euro-Bund Futures    6    March 2021      1,300,544        1,302,084        1,540  
Euro-Buxl 30-Year Bond Futures    1    March 2021      274,382        275,165        783  
Japanese 10-Year Government Bond Futures    1    March 2021      1,472,471        1,471,168        (1,303
Korea 10-Year Government Bond Futures    2    March 2021      238,820        238,958        138  

 

See accompanying notes

 

35


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

Interest Rate Futures Contracts  
Description    Number of
Contracts
   Expiration Date    Notional Amount      Contract Value      Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Korea 3-Year Government Bond Futures    3    March 2021    $ 307,650      $ 307,843      $ 193  
Long GILT Futures    6    March 2021      1,103,901        1,112,106        8,205  
U.S. Long Bond Futures    6    March 2021      1,038,781        1,039,125        344  
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Note Futures    10    March 2021      1,378,750        1,380,781        2,031  
U.S. Treasury 2-Year Note Futures    6    March 2021      1,325,625        1,325,859        234  
U.S. Treasury 5-Year Note Futures    11    March 2021      1,386,344        1,387,805        1,461  
U.S. Ultra Bond Futures    6    March 2021      1,276,500        1,281,375        4,875  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 15,998,269      $ 16,021,110      $ 22,841  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Currency
Purchased*
     Currency Sold*      Settlement Date    Counterparty    Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
(Depreciation)
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
USD      156,237      EUR      156,575      1/14/2021    SSB    $ -      $ (338   $ (338
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ -      $ (338   $ (338
                 

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

All values denominated in USD.

 

Glossary:
  
Counterparty Abbreviations:
SSB    State Street Bank & Trust Co.
Currency Abbreviations:
EUR    Euro
USD    United States Dollar
Index Abbreviations:
BIST 30    Bora Istanbul 30 Index.
CAC40    Euronet Paris-French Stock Market Index.
Euro Stoxx 50    Eurozone Blue-chip Index.
FTSE 100    Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index.
FTSE China A50    Financial Times Stock Exchange China A50 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.
KOSPI    South Korean Stock Market Index.
MSCI    Morgan Stanley Capital International.
MSCI SING IX ETS    Morgan Stanley Capital International Singapore Exchange-Traded Funds.
NASDAQ    National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations.
NIKKEI 225    Nikkei Stock Average.
OMXS30    Stockholm Stock Exchange’s leading share index.
S&P 500 Index    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.
SGX    Singapore Stock Exchange.
Other Abbreviations:
BTP    Buoni del Tesoro Poliennali.
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.
GILT    Bank of England Bonds.
OAT    Obligations Assimilables du Trésor.

 

See accompanying notes

 

36


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of December 31, 2020, the investments were classified as described below:

 

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Short-Term Investments

  $ -       $ 8,248,273       $ -       $ 8,248,273  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ -       $ 8,248,273       $ -       $ 8,248,273  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

             

Futures Contracts

  $ 71,921       $ -       $ -       $ 71,921  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 71,921       $ -       $ -       $ 71,921  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

             

Futures Contracts

  $ (23,188     $ -       $ -       $ (23,188

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

    -         (338       -         (338
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Liabilities

  $ (23,188     $ (338     $ -       $ (23,526
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2020

 

 

    AHL Managed
Futures Strategy
FundA
          AHL TargetRisk
FundA
          AHL TargetRisk
Core Fund
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 944,844,066       $ 691,826,196       $ 8,248,273  

Foreign currency, at fair value^

    -         4,804,493         -  

Foreign currency deposits with brokers for futures contracts and swap agreements, at fair value¤

    55,520,237         17,076,111         406,898  

Cash

    61,159,375         24,514,438         1,234,033  

Cash collateral held at broker

    5,720,000         3,000,000         -  

Cash collateral held at custodian for the benefit of the broker

    -         19,010,000         -  

Dividends and interest receivable

    -         432,392         -  

Deposits with broker for futures contracts and swap agreements

    10,558,667         10,430,055         111,947  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    10,581,508         5,724,694         -  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    -         58,459         4,508  

Deferred offering costs

    -         -         67,218  

Unrealized appreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    5,323,030         74,878         -  

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

    41,214,769         5,269,850         48,551  

Receivable for variation margin on open centrally cleared swap agreements (Note 5)

    -         15,823,798         -  

OTC swap agreements, at fair value

    -         1,445,994         -  

Prepaid expenses

    60,757         109,876         69,778  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    1,134,982,409         799,601,234         10,191,206  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    -         160,861         -  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    1,232,095         439,954         -  

Payable to Manager

    -         -         99,325  

Payable for expense recoupment (Note 2)

    72,139         -         -  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    1,274,641         581,218         3,578  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    17,319         19,370         72  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    65,824         53,485         902  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    143,005         33,993         3,995  

Professional fees payable

    91,039         78,661         33,643  

Registration fees payable

    -         -         2,726  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    2,079         -         79  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    66,700         2,061         370  

Unrealized depreciation from forward foreign currency contracts

    2,062,796         2,785,591         338  

Other liabilities

    11,102         -         247  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    5,038,739         4,155,194         145,275  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 1,129,943,670       $ 795,446,040       $ 10,045,931  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 1,126,596,216       $ 755,556,465       $ 10,000,001  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)

    3,347,454         39,889,575         45,930  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 1,129,943,670       $ 795,446,040       $ 10,045,931  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2020

 

 

    AHL Managed
Futures Strategy
FundA
          AHL TargetRisk
FundA
          AHL TargetRisk
Core Fund
 

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

 

R5 ClassB

    18,277,679         7,478,924         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    83,306,041         52,215,999         10,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    2,957,498         1,260,768         N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    440,521         316,028         10,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    923,488         1,192,958         10,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

    N/A         N/A         970,000  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

R5 ClassB

  $ 195,920,482       $ 95,337,373       $ N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 888,669,539       $ 665,119,502       $ 100,456  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 31,217,881       $ 16,012,197       $ N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 4,653,583       $ 4,007,021       $ 100,443  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 9,482,185       $ 14,969,947       $ 100,413  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ N/A       $ N/A       $ 9,744,619  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

R5 ClassB

  $ 10.72       $ 12.75       $ N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 10.67       $ 12.74       $ 10.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 10.56       $ 12.70       $ N/A  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 10.56       $ 12.68       $ 10.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 11.20       $ 13.45       $ 10.65  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 10.27       $ 12.55       $ 10.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ N/A       $ N/A       $ 10.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 944,799,517       $ 679,699,281       $ 8,248,115  

¤ Cost of foreign currency deposits with broker for futures contracts

  $ 53,898,510       $ 16,847,706       $ 405,547  

^ Cost of foreign currency

  $ -       $ 4,747,203       $ -  

A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

 

B Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2020

 

 

    AHL Managed
Futures Strategy
FundA
          AHL TargetRisk
FundA
          AHL TargetRisk
Core FundB
 

Investment income:

         

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 2)

  $ 107,682       $ 44,405       $ -  

Interest income (net of foreign taxes)

    6,641,255         (229,310       125  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    6,748,937         (184,905       125  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

   

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    15,697,563         4,240,644         3,578  

Transfer agent fees:

         

R5 Class (Note 2)C

    171,354         23,332         -  

Y Class (Note 2)

    592,276         368,599         193  

Investor Class

    2,405         1,793         -  

A Class

    384         -         189  

C Class

    501         -         189  

R6 Class

    -         -         331  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    941,684         198,213         3,995  

Professional fees

    163,054         136,360         44,871  

Registration fees and expenses

    120,672         146,582         5,690  

Service fees (Note 2):

         

Investor Class

    94,050         49,987         -  

A Class

    3,310         1,254         10  

C Class

    5,480         10,815         10  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

         

A Class

    10,226         6,867         10  

C Class

    80,004         102,826         41  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    220,162         34,507         508  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    102,517         36,727         79  

Dividends and interest on securities sold short

    1,454         -         -  

Loan expense (Note 9)

    5,540         1,689         -  

Other expenses

    815,755         144,047         684  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    19,028,391         5,504,242         60,378  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (326,632       (92,051       (56,263
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    18,701,759         5,412,191         4,115  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment (loss)

    (11,952,822       (5,597,096       (3,990
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

   

Net realized gain (loss) from:

         

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesD

    581,845         10,597,025         -  

Foreign currency transactions

    1,030,141         (2,664,653       -  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    16,010,652         (6,527,518       -  

Futures contracts

    66,295,608         26,811,611         15  

Swap agreements

    -         9,547,783         -  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

         

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesE

    (146,598       11,556,952         158  

Foreign currency transactions

    1,079,622         250,710         1,352  

Forward foreign currency contracts

    8,913,916         (2,069,010       (338

Futures contracts

    26,662,236         5,669,603         48,733  

Swap agreements

    -         (1,555,956       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

    120,427,422         51,616,547         49,920  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 108,474,600       $ 46,019,451       $ 45,930  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 22,837       $ 11,063       $ -  

A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

B Commencement of operations, December 16, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

 

C Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

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

 

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

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundA           AHL TargetRisk FundA  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Year Ended
December 31,
2019
          Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Year Ended
December 31,
2019
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

             

Operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (11,952,822     $ 5,158,236       $ (5,597,096     $ (281,907

Net realized gain from investments in unaffiliated securities, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, futures contracts, and swap agreements

    83,918,246         23,404,405         37,764,248         7,005,228  

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

    36,509,176         (22,698,429       13,852,299         2,525,164  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    108,474,600         5,864,212         46,019,451         9,248,485  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Total retained earnings:

             

R5 ClassB

    (10,319,534       (15,911,068       (704,133       (547,525

Y Class

    (45,702,856       (26,890,090       (4,839,711       (4,646,898

Investor Class

    (1,396,467       (742,167       (85,306       (552,502

A ClassC

    (218,099       (165,970       (21,661       (59,924

C ClassC

    (430,491       (225,505       (80,640       (232,392
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (58,067,447       (43,934,800       (5,731,451       (6,039,241
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    861,775,166         387,529,072         700,961,229         154,498,103  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    49,170,797         41,023,690         5,665,439         6,001,429  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (842,324,846       (302,826,349       (98,168,209       (42,009,205
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

    68,621,117         125,726,413         608,458,459         118,490,327  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

    119,028,270         87,655,825         648,746,459         121,699,571  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    1,010,915,400         923,259,575         146,699,581         25,000,010  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 1,129,943,670       $ 1,010,915,400       $ 795,446,040       $ 146,699,581  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Consolidated financial statement. See Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information.

 

B Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

C Class commenced operations April 30, 2019 in the AHL TargetRisk Fund.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    AHL TargetRisk
Core Fund
 
    December 16,
2020A to
December 31,
2020
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (3,990

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities, foreign currency transactions, forward foreign currency contracts, futures contracts, and swap agreements

    15  

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

    49,905  
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    45,930  
 

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Total retained earnings:

 

R5 Class

    -  

Y Class

    -  

Investor Class

    -  

A Class

    -  

C Class

    -  

R6 Class

    -  
 

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    -  
 

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    5,000,001  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    -  

Cost of shares redeemed

    -  
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

    5,000,001  
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

    5,045,931  
 

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    5,000,000 B 
 

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 10,045,931  
 

 

 

 

A Commencement of operations.

 

B Seed capital.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020, the Trust consists of twenty-eight active series, three of which are presented in this filing: American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund (collectively, the “Funds” and each individually a “Fund”). The remaining twenty-five 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 Core Fund commenced operations on December 16, 2020 and is a separate series of the Trust. The Fund constitutes a separate investment portfolio with a distinct investment objective and distinct purpose and strategy.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

Class Disclosure

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as the Institutional Class.

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
 
R5 Class    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 Class    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    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold through retirement plan sponsors.      None  

 

 

43


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 based on 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 are consolidated to include the accounts of the American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd., respectively, each of which are wholly-owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “Subsidiaries”) of the Funds. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation for the Funds.

For Federal tax purposes, taxable income for each Fund 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 Fund’s taxable income. Net losses of the Subsidiaries are not deductible by the 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 Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in its Subsidiary, which acts as an investment vehicle in order to effect certain investments consistent with the Fund’s investment objectives and policies. The Funds expect to achieve a significant portion of their exposure to commodities and commodities-related investments through investment in the Subsidiaries. Unlike the Funds, the Subsidiaries may invest without limitation in commodities and commodities-related investments.

 

Fund

   Inception Date of
Subsidiary
   Subsidiary Net Assets
at December 31, 2020
     % of Total Net Assets
of the Fund at
December 31, 2020
 

American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.

   August 19, 2014    $ 266,073,546        23.5

American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.

   December 31, 2018      168,233,766        21.1

CFTC Regulation

On August 13, 2013, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) adopted rules to harmonize conflicting 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 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”).

 

 

44


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 based on specific lot identification.

Distributions to Shareholders

The Funds distribute most or all of their net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions on an annual basis. The Funds do not have a fixed dividend rate and do not guarantee that they will pay any distributions in any particular period. 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 the 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.

Organization and Offering Costs

Organizational costs consist of the costs of forming the AHL TargetRisk Core Fund, drafting the bylaws, administration, custody and transfer agency agreements, and legal services in connection with the initial meeting of trustees, and were expensed immediately as incurred. Offering costs consist of the costs of preparation, review and filing with the SEC the Fund’s registration statement (including the Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”)), the costs of preparation, the costs associated with the printing, mailing or other distribution of the Prospectus, SAI and the amounts of associated filing fees and legal fees associated with the offering. Organizational costs and offering costs are subject to the Fund’s expense limitation agreement discussed in Note 2 and offering costs require amortization over twelve months on a straight-line basis from the commencement of operations. For the period ended December 31, 2020, the Fund recorded $80,980 of organization costs and $2,881 of amortized offering costs.

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.

 

 

45


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 AHL Managed Futures Strategy 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 Funds, AHL TargetRisk and AHL TargetRisk Core, 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 preforming the duties under the Management Agreement, the Manager will receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of the each 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 Funds, and the Manager have entered into 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

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

First $500 million

     0.525

Next $500 million

     0.50

Next $500 million

     0.45

Over $1.5 billion

     0.40

 

 

46


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 4,068,166  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    1.00       11,629,397  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    1.35     $ 15,697,563  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 1,660,574  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.55       2,580,070  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.90     $ 4,240,644  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 1,431  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.53       2,147  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.88     $ 3,578  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the R5 and Y Classes of the Funds and has agreed to

 

 

47


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 R5 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 R5 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 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

   $ 711,601  

AHL TargetRisk

     375,617  

AHL TargetRisk Core

     4  

As of December 31, 2020, 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

   $ 59,280  

AHL TargetRisk

     51,341  

AHL TargetRisk Core

     4  

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 listed below held the following shares with a December 31, 2020 fair value and dividend income earned from the investment in the USG Select Fund.

 

Affiliated Security

   Type of
Transaction
     Fund    December 31,
2020
Shares/Principal
     Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
     Realized
Gain
(Loss)
     Dividend
Income
     December 31,
2020
Fair Value
 

U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund

     Direct      AHL Managed
Futures Strategy
     -      $ -      $ -      $ 107,682      $ -  

U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund

     Direct      AHL TargetRisk      -        -        -        44,405        -  

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, 2020, the Manager earned fees on the Funds’ direct investments in the USG Select Fund as shown below:

 

Fund

   Direct Investments in
USG Select Fund
 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

   $ 32,358  

AHL TargetRisk

     27,702  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Funds, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may participate in a credit facility whereby each fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is

 

 

48


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020, the Funds did not uilize 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 year ended December 31, 2020, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

         Expense Cap                Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

   Class   1/1/2020 -
4/30/2020
  5/1/2020 -
12/31/2020
  Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy    R5*   1.54%   1.54%   $ 178,324      $ (192,366 )**      2023  
AHL Managed Futures Strategy    Y   1.64%   1.61%     134,988        (495,304 )**      2023  
AHL Managed Futures Strategy    Investor   1.92%   1.92%     11,793        (18,995 )**      2023  
AHL Managed Futures Strategy    A   1.94%   1.87%     548        (3,081 )**       2023  
AHL Managed Futures Strategy    C   2.69%   2.62%     979        (6,961 )**       2023  
AHL TargetRisk    R5*   1.04%   1.04%     20,187        (5,422 )***      2023  
AHL TargetRisk    Y   1.14%   1.11%     66,932        (76,789 )***      2023  
AHL TargetRisk    Investor   1.42%   1.42%     3,858        (4,232 )***      2023  
AHL TargetRisk    A   1.44%   1.44%     410        (3,831 )***      2023  
AHL TargetRisk    C   2.19%   2.19%     754        (7,435 )***      2023  
AHL TargetRisk Core    Y   N/A   1.09%     742        -       2023  
AHL TargetRisk Core    A   N/A   1.39%     746        -       2023  
AHL TargetRisk Core    C   N/A   2.14%     746        -       2023  
AHL TargetRisk Core    R6   N/A   0.99%     54,029        -       2023  

* Formerly Institutional Class.

** This amounts represents Recouped Expenses from prior fiscal years and is reflected in Total Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

*** Of this amounts, $97,619 represents Recouped Expenses from prior fiscal years and is reflected in Total Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

Of these amounts, $72,139 was disclosed as a payable to the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2020 for the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and $58,459 and $4,508 were disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2020 for the AHL TargetRisk Fund and AHL TargetRisk Core Fund, respectively.

The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee or voluntary 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 from the date of the Manager’s waiver/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 2023. The

 

 

49


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements due to the current assessment that reimbursements are uncertain. 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

   $ 398,102      $ -      $ 1,584,080        2020  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

     223,679        544,423        -        2021  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

     94,926        205,831        -        2022  

AHL TargetRisk

     6,679        -        -        2021  

AHL TargetRisk

     90,940        266,317        -        2022  

Concentration of Ownership

From time to time, the Funds may have a concentration of one or more accounts constituting a significant percentage of shares outstanding. Investment activities by holders of accounts that represent a significant ownership of more than 5% of the Funds’ outstanding shares could have a material impact on the Funds. As of December 31, 2020, one account has been identified as representing an affiliated significant ownership of approximately 47% for the AHL TargetRisk Core Fund.

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ Distributor, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”), may receive a portion of Class A sales charges from broker dealers which may be used to offset distribution related expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, RID collected $1,837, $11,023 and $0 for AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, AHL TargetRisk Fund and AHL TargetRisk Core 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, 2020, of $41 were CDSC fees collected for the Class A Shares of the AHL TargetRisk Fund. There were no CDSC fees collected for the AHL Managed Futures Fund and AHL TargetRisk Core Fund during the year ended December 31, 2020.

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 year ended December 31, 2020, CDSC fees of $864, $7,585 and $0 were collected for the Class C Shares of AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, AHL TargetRisk Fund and AHL TargetRisk Core Fund, respectively.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

Effective January 1, 2021, as compensation for their service to the American Beacon Funds Complex, including the Trust (collectively, the “Trusts”), each Trustee is compensated from the Trusts as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $120,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $12,000 for in-person attendance, or $5,000 for telephonic attendance, by Board members for each regularly scheduled or special Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,000 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (d) $2,500 for attendance by Board members for each special telephonic Board meeting; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. For this purpose, the Board considers attendance at regular meetings held by videoconference to constitute in-person attendance at a Board meeting. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time. For her

 

 

50


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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

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 may materially affect the value of those securities. If the Manager determines that the last quoted prices of

 

 

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December 31, 2020

 

 

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 Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) and futures contracts. The Valuation Committee, established by the Board, may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but the Fund is open. The Fund uses outside pricing services to provide closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the Valuation Committee routinely compares closing prices, the next day’s opening prices in the same markets and adjusted prices.

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

Valuation Inputs

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

 

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

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

Common stocks, ETFs, 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

 

 

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December 31, 2020

 

 

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 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.

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.

4.  Securities and Other Investments

Commodity Instruments

Exposure to physical commodities may subject the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and the AHL TargetRisk 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 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.

Fixed Income Investments

The Funds’ exposure to fixed-income instruments may include:

 

   

Emerging Markets Debt. The Funds may invest a significant portion of their assets in a particular geographic region or country, including emerging markets. The Funds may consider a country to be an

 

 

53


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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

 

   

High-Yield Bonds. High-yield, non-investment grade bonds (also known as “junk bonds”) are low-quality, high-risk corporate bonds that generally offer a high level of current income. These bonds are considered speculative by rating organizations. For example, Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch, Inc. rate them below Baa 3 and BBB-, respectively. High-yield bonds are often issued as a result of corporate restructurings, such as leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, or other similar events. They may also be issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged firms, which are generally less able to make scheduled payments of interest and principal than more financially stable firms. Because of their low credit quality, high-yield bonds must pay higher interest to compensate investors for the substantial credit risk they assume. Lower-rated securities are subject to certain risks that may not be present with investments in higher-grade securities. Investors should consider carefully their ability to assume the risks associated with lower-rated securities before investing in the Fund. The lower rating of certain high yielding corporate income securities reflects a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer or adverse changes in general economic conditions may impair the ability of the issuer to pay income and principal. Changes by rating agencies in their ratings of a fixed income security also may affect the value of these investments. However, allocating investments in the Fund among securities of different issuers should reduce the risks of owning any such securities separately. The prices of these high yielding securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During economic downturns, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that adversely affects their ability to service principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals or to obtain additional financing, and the markets for their securities may be more volatile. If an issuer defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Additionally, accruals of interest income for the Fund may have to be adjusted in the event of default. In the event of an issuer’s default, the Fund may write off prior income accruals for that issuer, resulting in a reduction in the Fund’s current dividend payment. Frequently, the higher yields of high-yielding securities may not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities may expect, but rather the risk that such securities may lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of their issuer’s financial restructuring or default. Additionally, an economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on the high-yield securities market and on the market value of the high-yield securities held by the Fund, as well as on the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and interest on their borrowings.

 

   

Inflation Index Linked Securities. Inflation-indexed securities, also known as inflation-protected securities, are fixed income instruments structured such that their interest and principal payments are adjusted to keep up with inflation. In periods of deflation when the inflation rate is declining, the principal value of an inflation-indexed security will be adjusted downward. This will result in a decrease in the interest payments.

 

   

Investment Grade Securities. Investment grade securities that the Funds may purchase, either as part of its principal investment strategy or to implement a temporary defensive policy, include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, as well as securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by a rating organization rating that security (such as S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or Fitch, Inc.) or comparably rated by the sub-advisor if unrated by a rating organization. The Funds, at the discretion of the sub-advisor, may retain a security that has been downgraded below the initial investment criteria.

 

   

Sovereign Debt. Sovereign debt securities are typically issued or guaranteed by national governments in order to finance the issuing country’s growth and/or budget. Investing in foreign sovereign debt securities will expose funds investing in such securities to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the debt securities.

 

   

U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government securities may include U.S. Treasury securities or debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises.

 

 

54


American Beacon FundsSM

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December 31, 2020

 

 

Illiquid and Restricted Securities

Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that the Funds reasonably expect cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment, as determined pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act or as otherwise permitted or required by SEC rules and interpretations. Historically, 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. Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. These securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on an issuer’s ability to honor a demand for repayment. However, the fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale of such investments to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of their liquidity.

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

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

Securities sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the “private placement” exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Section 4(a)(2) securities”) are restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally are sold to institutional investors, such as the Fund, that agree they are purchasing the securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public. Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to an exempt transaction and may be accomplished in accordance with Rule 144A. Section 4(a)(2) securities normally are resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or dealers that make a market in the Section 4(a)(2) securities, thus providing liquidity. Restricted securities outstanding during the year ended December 31, 2020 are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedules of Investments.

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 securities of an investment company advised by the Manager or a sub-advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment

 

 

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December 31, 2020

 

 

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.

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

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.

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.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

The Funds may have exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies and by purchasing securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund’s investments in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. Not all forward contracts require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

Forward contracts are two-party contracts pursuant to which one party agrees to pay the counterparty a fixed price for an agreed upon amount of commodities or securities, or the cash value of commodities, securities or a securities index, at an agreed upon future date. A forward currency contract is an obligation to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. An NDF is a forward contract where there is no physical settlement of the two currencies at maturity. Rather, on the contract settlement date, a net cash settlement will be made by one party to the other based on the difference between the contracted forward rate and the prevailing spot rate, on an agreed notional amount. Not all forward contracts require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Funds entered into forward foreign currency contracts primarily for investing and/or hedging foreign currency fluctuations.

 

 

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American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020

 

Fund

  Purchased Contracts           Sold Contracts  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

  $ 355,295,633       $ 311,668,362  

AHL TargetRisk

    3,704,871         128,221,879  

AHL TargetRisk Core

    -         156,575  

Futures Contracts

A futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell a particular security, or the cash value of an asset, such as securities, indices, or currencies, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under many such contracts, no delivery of the actual underlying asset is required. Rather, upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of the asset (e.g., a security or an index) at expiration, net of the initial and variation margin that was previously paid. An interest rate futures contract is a contract for the future delivery of an interest-bearing debt security. A treasury futures contract is a contract for the future delivery of a U.S. Treasury security. A Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its settlement or collateral obligations. The risks associated with the use of futures contracts also include that there may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to set aside or deposit with a broker an amount, termed the initial margin, which typically represents a portion of the face value of the futures contract. The Funds usually reflect this amount on the 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, 2020, the Funds entered into futures contracts primarily for investing and/or hedging purposes.

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 the purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by contracts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Year Ended December 31, 2020  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

    35,806  

AHL TargetRisk

    4,951  

AHL TargetRisk Core

    161  

Swap Agreements

A swap is a transaction in which a 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

 

 

57


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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.

Credit Default Swap Agreements

Credit default swap agreements involve one party making a stream of payments (referred to as the buyer of protection) to another party (the seller of protection) in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event for the referenced entity, obligation or index. As a seller of protection on credit default swap agreements, the Fund will generally receive from the buyer of protection a fixed rate of periodic premiums throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure up to the notional amount of the swap.

If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the

 

 

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American Beacon FundsSM

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December 31, 2020

 

 

notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are estimated by market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity specific factors and considerations until a credit event occurs. If a credit event has occurred, the recovery value is determined by a facilitated auction whereby a minimum number of allowable broker bids, together with a specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value.

Credit default swap agreements on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event. If a credit event occurs and cash settlement is not elected, a variety of other deliverable obligations may be delivered in lieu of the specific referenced obligation. The ability to deliver other obligations may result in a cheapest-to-deliver option (the buyer of protection’s right to choose the deliverable obligation with the lowest value following a credit event). The Fund may use credit default swaps on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues to provide a measure of protection against defaults of the issuers (i.e., to reduce risk where the Fund owns or has exposure to the referenced obligation) or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default.

Credit default swap agreements on asset-backed securities involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default or other credit event. Unlike credit default swaps on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues, deliverable obligations in most instances would be limited to the specific referenced obligation as performance for asset-backed securities can vary across deals. Prepayments, principal paydowns, and other writedown or loss events on the underlying mortgage loans will reduce the outstanding principal balance of the referenced obligation. These reductions may be temporary or permanent as defined under the terms of the swap agreement and the notional amount for the swap agreement will be adjusted by corresponding amounts. The Fund may use credit default swaps on asset-backed securities to provide a measure of protection against defaults of the referenced obligation that the Fund owns or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular referenced obligation’s default that the Fund does not own.

Credit default swap agreements on credit indices involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a write-down, principal shortfall, interest shortfall or default of all or part of the referenced entities comprising the credit index. A credit index is a basket of credit instruments or exposures designed to be representative of some part of the credit market as a whole. These indices are made up of reference credits that are judged by a poll of dealers to be the most liquid entities in the credit default swap market based on the sector of the index. Components of the indices may include, but are not limited to, investment grade securities, high yield securities, asset-backed securities, emerging markets, and/or various credit ratings within each sector. Credit indices are traded using credit default swaps with standardized terms including a fixed spread and standard maturity dates. An index credit default swap references all the names in the index, and if there is a default, the credit event is settled based on that name’s weight in the index. The composition of the indices changes periodically, usually every six months, and for most indices, each name has an equal weight in the index. The Fund may use credit default swaps on credit indices to hedge a portfolio of credit default swaps or bonds, which is less expensive than it would be to buy many credit default swaps to achieve a similar effect. Credit default swaps on indices are benchmarks for protecting investors owning bonds against default, and traders use them to speculate on changes in credit quality.

Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, utilized in determining the market value of credit default swap agreements on corporate issues, sovereign issues of an emerging country or U.S. municipal issues as of

 

 

59


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

period end are disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments and serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent a market participant view of the likelihood or risk of default for the underlying referenced security to credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. For credit default swap agreements on asset-backed securities and credit indices, the quoted market prices and resulting values serve as the indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Fund as a seller of protection could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be an amount equal to the notional amount of the agreement. Notional amounts of each individual credit default swap agreement outstanding as of December 31, 2020, for which the Fund is the seller of protection is disclosed in the Notes to the Schedule of Investments. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront payments received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from the settlement of buy protection credit default swap agreements entered into by the Fund for the same referenced entity or entities.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the AHL TargetRisk Fund entered into credit default swaps primarily for return enhancement and hedging.

The Fund’s credit default swap contract notional amounts outstanding fluctuate throughout the operating year as required to meet the strategic requirements. The following table illustrates the average quarterly volume of credit default swap contracts. For the purpose of this disclosure, the volume is measure by the notional amounts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Credit Default Swap Notional Amounts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Year Ended December 31, 2020  

AHL TargetRisk

    217,500,000  

Total Return Swap Agreements

The AHL TargetRisk 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, 2020  

AHL TargetRisk

    52,153,216  

 

 

60


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020:

 

    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     $ -         $ 5,323,030         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 5,323,030
Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)       -           10,171,253           20,913,458           987,907           12,414,397           44,487,015

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (2,062,796 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (2,062,796 )
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)       -           (13,883 )           (1,791,373 )           (231,646 )           (1,256,388 )           (3,293,290 )

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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     $ -         $ 16,010,652         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 16,010,652
Futures contracts       -           30,106,272           53,367,200           26,905,911           (44,083,775 )           66,295,608

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     $ -         $ 8,913,916         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 8,913,916
Futures contracts       -           4,716,478           15,118,315           1,072,437           5,755,006           26,662,236

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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     $ -         $ 74,878         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 74,878
Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)       -           -           -           1,411,366           4,920,516           6,331,882
Unrealized appreciation from swap agreements       341,211           -           -           -           1,446,638           1,787,849

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (2,785,591 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (2,785,591 )
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)       -           -           -           (747,031 )           (447,709 )           (1,194,740 )
Unrealized depreciation from swap agreements       (22,557 )           -           -           -           -           (22,557 )

 

 

61


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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     $ -         $ (6,527,518 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (6,527,518 )
Futures contracts       -           -           -           7,134,041           19,677,570           26,811,611
Swap agreements       4,235,473           -           -           -           5,312,310           9,547,783

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

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (2,069,010 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (2,069,010 )
Futures contracts       -           -           -           2,133,029           3,536,574           5,669,603
Swap agreements       (2,386,161 )           -           -           -           830,205           (1,555,956 )

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 24,889         $ 47,032         $ 71,921

Liabilities:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Unrealized depreciation of forward foreign currency contracts     $ -         $ (338 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (338 )
Payable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)       -           -           -           (2,048 )           (21,140 )           (23,188 )

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 15         $ 15

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     $ -         $ (338 )         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (338 )
Futures contracts       -           -           -           22,841           25,892           48,733

(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

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.

 

 

62


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 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, if applicable. 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, 2020.

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2020:

 

 

  Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts(1)   $ 44,487,015       $ 3,293,290  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts(2)     5,323,030         2,062,796  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 49,810,045       $ 5,356,086  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (44,487,015     $ (3,293,290
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 5,323,030       $ 2,062,796  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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(2)
          Cash Collateral
Pledged(2)
          Net Amount  

Deutsche Bank AG

  $ 2,047,971       $ (1,098,252     $ -       $ (949,719     $  

HSBC Bank (USA)

    3,195,262         (926,991       -         (670,000       1,598,271  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    79,797         (37,553       -         (42,244        
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

  $ 5,323,030       $     (2,062,796     $ -       $ (1,661,963     $ 1,598,271  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
    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(2)
          Cash Collateral
Received(2)
          Net Amount  

Deutsche Bank AG

  $ 1,098,252       $ (1,098,252     $ -       $ -       $ -  

HSBC Bank (USA)

    926,991         (926,991       -         -         -  

Royal Bank of Scotland PLC

    37,553         (37,553       -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

  $ 2,062,796       $ (2,062,796     $ -       $ -       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

63


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2020:

 

 

  Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts(1)   $ 6,331,882       $ 1,194,740  
Swap Agreement - Centrally cleared(1)     341,211         22,557  
Swap Agreement - OTC(2)     1,446,638         -  
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts(2)     74,878         2,785,591  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 8,194,609       $ 4,002,888  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (6,673,093     $ (1,217,297
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA   $ 1,521,516       $ 2,785,591  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets, Derivatives, and Collateral Received/(Pledged) by Counterparty as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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(2)
          Cash Collateral
Pledged(2)
          Net Amount  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

  $ 1,446,638       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,446,638  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

    74,878         (74,878       -         -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

  $ 1,521,516       $ (74,878     $ -       $ -       $ 1,446,638  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
    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(2)
          Cash Collateral
Received(2)
          Net Amount  

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  $ 2,785,591       $ (74,878     $ -       $ -       $ 2,710,713  

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2020:

 

 

              Assets           Liabilities  

Futures Contracts(1)

      $ 71,921       $ 23,188  

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts(2)

        -         338  
     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

      $ 71,921       $ 23,526  
     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

      $ (71,921     $ (23,188
     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total derivative assets and liabilities subject to an MNA

      $ -       $ 338  
     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

    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(2)
          Cash  Collateral
Received(2)
       

State Street Bank & Trust Co.

  $ 338       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 338  

(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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

(2) The securities presented here within are not subject to master netting agreements. As such, this is disclosed for informational purposes only.

6.  Principal Risks

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

Commodities Risk

The Funds’ investments in commodity-linked derivative instruments may subject the Funds to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be

 

 

64


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 Funds and the Subsidiaries each may concentrate its assets in a particular sector of the commodities market (such as oil, metal or agricultural products). As a result, the Funds and the Subsidiaries may be more susceptible to risks associated with those sectors. The Funds’ investments in commodity-related instruments may lead to losses in excess of the Funds’ investment in such products. Such losses can significantly and adversely affect the NAV of the Funds and, consequently, a shareholder’s interest in the Funds.

Counterparty Risk

There are two separate categories of counterparty risk that arise out of a Fund’s investments in derivatives. The first relates to the risk that its swap counterparty defaults, and the second category relates to the risk that a futures commission merchant (“FCM”) would default on an obligation set forth in an agreement between a Fund and the FCM. As for the first category of risk, entering into derivatives in the OTC market involves counterparty risk, which is the risk that the dealer providing the derivative or other product will fail to timely perform its payment and other obligations or experience financial difficulties, which may include filing for bankruptcy. Therefore, to the extent that a Fund engages in trading in OTC markets, the Fund could be exposed to greater risk of loss through default than if it confined its trading to transactions that are centrally cleared. The second category of risk exists at and from the time that a Fund enters into derivatives transactions that are centrally cleared. In such cases, a clearing organization becomes the Fund’s counterparty and the principal counterparty risk is that the clearing organization itself will default. In addition, the FCM may hold margin posted in connection with those contracts and that margin may be re-hypothecated (or re-pledged) by the FCM and lost or its return delayed due to a default by the FCM or other customer of the FCM. The FCM may itself file for bankruptcy, which would either delay the return of, or jeopardize altogether the assets posted by the FCM as margin in response to margin calls relating to cleared positions. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, goes bankrupt, or otherwise experiences a business interruptions, a Fund could miss investment opportunities or otherwise hold investments it would prefer to sell, resulting in losses for the Fund.

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

Currency Risk

The Funds may have exposure to foreign currencies by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies or in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, or by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, the U.S. dollar may decline in value relative to the currency being hedged, and thereby affect a Fund’s investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the

 

 

65


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

United States or abroad. As a result, the Funds’ investments in foreign currency denominated securities may reduce the returns of the Funds. Currency futures, forwards, options or swaps may not always work as intended, and in specific cases, the Funds may be worse off than if it had not used such instrument(s). There may not always be suitable hedging instruments available. Even where suitable hedging instruments are available, the Funds may choose to not hedge its currency risks.

Derivatives Risk

Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those derivatives, including the high degree of leverage often embedded in such instruments, and potential material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Derivatives may at times be illiquid, and the Funds may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Certain derivatives may be difficult to value, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil.

Derivatives may also be more volatile than other types of investments. The Funds may buy or sell derivatives not traded on an exchange, 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 and credit risk. As a result, the Fund may not recover 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. Ongoing changes to the regulation of the derivatives markets and potential changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit a Fund’s ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance.

Foreign Investing and Emerging Markets Risk

Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased price volatility, (6) less government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. To the extent the Funds invest a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. In addition, the economies and political environments of emerging market countries tend to be more unstable than those of developed countries, resulting in more volatile rates of return than the developed markets and substantially greater risk to investors. There may be very limited oversight of certain foreign banks or securities depositories that hold foreign securities and currency and the laws of certain countries may limit the ability to recover such assets if a foreign bank or depository or their agents goes bankrupt. When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets have unique risks that are greater than, or in addition to, investing in developed markets because emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political uncertainties; an economy’s dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities, resulting in increased volatility and limited liquidity for emerging market securities; trading suspensions; and delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures. In addition, there may be less information available to make investment decisions and more volatile rates of return.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts Risk

Forward foreign currency contracts, including non-deliverable forwards, are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract with a counterparty to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets

 

 

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American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The use of forward foreign currency contracts may expose the Funds to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the forward foreign currency contract.

Futures Contracts Risk

Futures contracts are derivative instruments where one party pays a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Funds to additional risks that they would not be subject to if they invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There also can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that a Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, which will increase the volatility of a 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 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 Funds’ 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 Funds’ transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. These costs are not reflected in the Funds’ annual operating expenses or in the expense example, but they can have a negative impact on performance. Frequent trading by the Funds could also result in increased realized net capital gains, distributions of which are taxable to the Funds’ shareholders (including net short-term capital gain distributions, which are taxable to them as ordinary income).

High-Yield Securities Risk

Exposure to high-yield, below investment-grade securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) generally involves significantly greater risks 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. These securities also may be difficult to sell at the time and price a Fund desires. 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. High-yield securities may experience greater price volatility and less liquidity than investment grade securities. Issuers of securities that are in default or have defaulted may fail to resume principal or interest payments, in which case the Funds may lose its entire investment.

Interest Rate Risk

Investments in investment-grade and non-investment grade fixed-income securities are subject to interest rate risk. The value of the Funds’ fixed-income investments typically will fall when interest rates rise. The Funds may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates if it invests in debt securities with intermediate and long terms to maturity. Debt securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates,

 

 

67


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

usually making them more volatile than debt securities with shorter durations. For example, if a bond has a duration of seven years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in a 7% decrease in the value of the bond. Yields of debt securities will fluctuate over time. Following the financial crisis that started in 2008, the Federal Reserve attempted to stabilize the economy and support the economic recovery by keeping the federal funds rate (the interest rate at which depository institutions lend reserve balances to each other overnight) at or near zero percent. The Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate several times since December 2015 and may continue to increase or decrease rates in the future. Interest rates may rise significantly and/or rapidly, potentially resulting in substantial losses to the Funds. During periods of very low or negative interest rates, the Funds may be unable to maintain positive returns. Certain European countries and Japan have recently experienced negative interest rates on deposits and debt securities have traded at negative yields. Negative interest rates may become more prevalent among non-U.S. issuers, and potentially within the United States. Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Funds’ performance to the extent the Funds are exposed to such interest rates.

Leverage Risk

Financial leverage magnifies the exposure to the movement in prices of an asset or class of assets underlying a derivative instrument and results in increased volatility, which means that a Fund will have the potential for greater losses than if a Fund does not use the derivative instruments that have a leveraging effect. Leverage tends to magnify, sometimes significantly, the effect of any increase or decrease in a Fund’s exposure to an asset or class of assets and may cause a Fund’s NAV to be volatile.

A Fund may experience leveraging risk in connection with investments in derivatives because its investments in derivatives may be purchased with a fraction of the assets that would be needed to purchase the securities directly, so that the remainder of the assets may be invested in other investments. Such investments may have the effect of leveraging a Fund because a Fund may experience gains or losses not only on its investments in derivatives, but also on the investments purchased with the remainder of the assets. If the value of a Fund’s investments in derivatives is increasing, this could be offset by declining values of a Fund’s other investments. Conversely, it is possible that the rise in the value of a Fund’s non-derivative investments could be offset by a decline in the value of a Fund’s investments in derivatives. In either scenario, a Fund may experience losses. In a market where the value of a Fund’s investments in derivatives is declining and the value of its other investments is declining, a Fund may experience substantial losses. The use of leverage may cause a Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet any required asset segregation requirements. In addition, the costs that a Fund pays to engage in these practices are additional costs borne by a Fund and could reduce or eliminate any net investment profits.

Libor Risk

Certain of the instruments identified in the Fund’s principal investment strategies have variable or floating coupon rates that are based on the ICE LIBOR (“LIBOR”), Euro Interbank Offered Rate and other similar types of reference rates (each, a “Reference Rate”). On July 27, 2017, the Chief Executive of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, announced that the FCA will no longer persuade nor require banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR and certain other Reference Rates after 2021. Such announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR and other Reference Rates on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. This announcement and any additional regulatory or market changes may have an adverse impact on the Fund or its investments, including increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR. On advance of 2021, regulators and market participants are working together to identify or develop successor Reference Rates. Additionally, prior to 2021, it is expected that market participants will focus on the transition mechanisms by which the Reference Rates in existing contracts or instruments may be amended, whether through marketwide protocols, fallback contractual provisions, bespoke negotiations or amendments or otherwise. Nonetheless, the termination of certain Reference Rates presents risks to the Fund. At this time, it is

 

 

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American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

not possible to completely identify or predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative Reference Rates or any other reforms to Reference Rates that may be enacted in the UK or elsewhere. The elimination of a Reference Rate or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of Reference Rates could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any securities or payments linked to those Reference Rates and other financial obligations held by the Fund or on its overall financial condition or results of operations. In addition, any substitute Reference Rate and any pricing adjustments imposed by a regulator or by counterparties or otherwise may adversely affect the Fund’s performance and/or NAV.

Liquidity Risk

When there is little or no active trading market for a specific type of security, it can become more difficult to purchase or sell the securities at or near their perceived value. During such periods, certain investments held by the Funds may be difficult to sell or other investments may be difficult to purchase at favorable times or prices. As a result, the Funds may have to lower the price on certain securities that 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. Additionally, the market for certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer.

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. In recent years, the markets have shown considerable volatility from day to day and even in intra-day trading.

Market Timing Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the Funds’ investments in high yield, and foreign securities, or its exposure to foreign securities through the derivatives it holds. If the Funds trade foreign securities, it generally prices these foreign securities using their closing prices from the foreign markets in which they trade, which typically is prior to the Funds’ calculation of its net asset value (“NAV”). These prices may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares. In such instances, the Funds may fair value high yield and foreign securities. However, some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Funds to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of the Funds’ shares. Frequent trading by Funds shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in the Funds, including (i) the dilution of the Funds’ NAV, (ii) an increase in the Funds’ expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager’s ability to execute efficient investment strategies. While the Manager monitors trading in the Funds, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.

Market Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect a Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other

 

 

69


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, including the U.S. presidential election, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

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. The sub-advisor will continue to test, evaluate and add new Models, which may lead to the Models being modified from time to time. Any modification of the Models or strategies will not be subject to any requirement that shareholders receive notice of the change or that they consent to it. There can be no assurance as to the effects (positive or negative) of any modification to the Models or strategies on a Fund’s performance.

Other Investment Companies Risk

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

 

 

70


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. ETFs have expenses associated with their operation, typically including advisory fees.

Recent Market Events Risk

An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in China in December 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may last for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained economic downturn or recession. The U.S. Federal Reserve and the U.S. federal government have taken numerous measures to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate the U.S. economy. The ultimate effects of these and other efforts that may be taken may not be known for some time.

The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it plans to maintain its interventions at an elevated level. Amid these ongoing efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown. The U.S. government has reduced the federal corporate income tax rate, 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. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. A rise in protectionist trade policies, slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on January 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and trade agreement negotiations during the transition period, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.

Short Position Risk

The Funds’ losses are potentially unlimited in a short position transaction because there is potentially no limit on the amount that the security that the Funds are required to purchase may have appreciated. Because the Funds may invest the proceeds of a short sale, another effect of short selling on the Funds is similar to the effect of leverage, in that it amplifies changes in the Funds’ NAV since it increases the exposure of the Funds to the market.

Sovereign and Quasi Sovereign Debt Risk

An investment in sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt obligations involves special risks not present in corporate debt obligations. Sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt securities. These investments are issued or guaranteed by a sovereign government or entity affiliated with or backed by a sovereign government. The issuer of the sovereign or quasi-sovereign debt that controls the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the Funds may have limited recourse in the event of a default. In addition, these investments are subject to risk of payment delays or defaults due to (1) country cash flow problems, (2) insufficient foreign currency reserves, (3) political considerations, (4) large debt positions relative to the

 

 

71


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

country’s economy, (5) policies toward foreign lenders or investors, (6) the failure to implement economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies, or (7) an inability or unwillingness to repay debts. It may be particularly difficult to enforce the rights of debt holders in frontier and emerging markets. A governmental entity that defaults on an obligation may request additional time in which to pay or receive further loans or may seek to restructure its obligations to reduce interest rates or outstanding principal. There is no legal process for collecting sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt that a government does not pay nor are there bankruptcy proceedings through which all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not repaid may be collected. Sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt risk is increased for emerging and frontier markets issuers, which are among the largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times, certain emerging market countries have declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on external debt. Certain emerging market countries have experienced difficulty in servicing their sovereign debt on a timely basis, which has led to defaults and the restructuring of certain indebtedness.

Subsidiaries Risk

There can be no assurance that the investment objective of a Subsidiary will be achieved. The Subsidiaries are not registered under the Act, and are not subject to all the investor protections of the Act. However, the AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and the AHL TargetRisk Fund wholly own and control its respective Subsidiary, and each Fund and its respective Subsidiary are both managed by the Manager and the sub-advisor pursuant to separate agreements, making it unlikely that a Subsidiary will take action contrary to the interests of its respective Fund and its shareholders. The Board has oversight responsibility for the investment activities of the Funds, including its investment in the Subsidiaries, and each Fund’s role as sole shareholder of its respective Subsidiary. Changes in the laws of the United States and/or the Cayman Islands, under which the Funds and Subsidiaries, respectively, are organized, could result in the inability of the Funds and/or Subsidiaries to operate as described in the Prospectus and could negatively affect the Funds and their respective shareholders. For example, the Cayman Islands government has undertaken not to impose any income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax on the Subsidiaries. If Cayman Islands law changes such that the Subsidiaries must pay Cayman Islands taxes, Fund shareholders would likely suffer decreased investment returns. Rulemaking by the CFTC or other regulatory initiatives may affect the Funds’ ability to use its respective Subsidiary to pursue its investment strategies.

Swap Agreement Risk

Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leveraging risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, the Funds are subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that is intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, the occurrence of unexpected price movements or the non-occurrence of expected price movements. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Interest rate swaps, total return swaps, currency swaps, credit default swaps and commodities swaps are subject to counterparty risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. In addition, interest rate swaps are subject to interest rate risk, total return swaps are subject to market risk, and interest rate risk if the underlying securities are bonds or other debt obligations, currency swaps are subject to currency risk, and commodities swaps are subject to commodities risk.

Tax Risk

To qualify as a “regulated investment company” under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”) (“RIC”), the AHL Managed Futures Strategy and AHL TargetRisk Funds (the “Funds”) must, among other requirements, derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from “qualifying income.” Income from certain commodity-linked derivative instruments in which the Funds invest is not considered qualifying income. The Funds will therefore restrict its income from direct investments in those instruments, such as commodity-linked swaps, to a maximum of 10% of its gross income for each taxable year. The Funds’ investment in the Subsidiary is expected to provide the Funds with exposure to the commodities markets

 

 

72


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

within the limitations of the federal tax requirements of Subchapter M. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued a large number of private letter rulings (“PLRs”) (which the Fund may not cite as precedent) from 2006 to 2011 that income a RIC derives from a wholly owned foreign subsidiary (a “controlled foreign corporation” or “CFC”) (such as the Subsidiary) that earns income derived from commodity-linked derivative instruments is qualifying income. Treasury regulations published on March 19, 2019, provide that income inclusions of a RIC from a CFC are qualifying income for the RIC whether or not the CFC makes distributions to the RIC out of its associated earnings and profits for the applicable taxable year. The federal income tax treatment of the Fund’s commodity-linked investments and income from the Subsidiary may be materially adversely affected by future legislation, other 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 or recognition, and/or amount of the Fund’s taxable income and/or net capital gains and, therefore, the distributions the Funds make.

Valuation Risk

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

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 per share to experience significant increases or declines in value over short periods of time. Market interest rate changes may also cause the Funds’ NAV per share to experience volatility. This is because the value of an obligation asset in a Fund is partially a function of whether it is paying what the market perceives to be a market rate of interest for the particular obligation given its individual credit and other characteristics. If market interest rates change, an obligation’s value could be affected to the extent the interest rate paid on that obligation does not reset at the same time.

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 ended December 31, 2020 for AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, the three year period ended December 31, 2020 for AHL TargetRisk Fund, and the tax year ended December 31, 2020 for AHL TargetRisk Core Fund 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.

 

 

73


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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           AHL TargetRisk
Core Fund
 
    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
          Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
          From December 16,
2020A to

December 31,
2020
 

Distributions paid from:

 

Ordinary income*

 

R5 Class**

  $ 7,226,741       $ 9,234,413       $ 563,870       $ 326,601       $ -  

Y Class

    31,971,972         15,348,555         3,811,853         2,771,893         -  

Investor Class

    955,098         403,194         60,415         329,122         -  

A Class

    149,153         89,638         15,396         35,728         -  

C Class

    276,834         102,163         57,110         134,524         -  

Long-term capital gains

 

R5 Class**

    3,092,793         6,676,655         140,263         220,924         -  

Y Class

    13,730,884         11,541,535         1,027,858         1,875,005         -  

Investor Class

    441,369         338,973         24,891         223,380         -  

A Class

    68,946         76,332         6,265         24,196         -  

C Class

    153,657         123,342         23,530         97,868         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 58,067,447       $ 43,934,800       $ 5,731,451       $ 6,039,241         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Commencement of operations.

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

** Formerly known as Institutional Class.

As of December 31, 2020, 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

  $ 1,067,231,871       $ 29,049,810       $ (107,208,285     $ (78,158,475

AHL TargetRisk

    690,235,358         9,843,281         (3,087,508       6,755,773  

AHL TargetRisk Core

    8,248,115         28,339         (342       27,997  

 

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

  $ (78,158,475     $ 22,882,963       $ 23,778,160       $ -       $ 34,844,806       $ 3,347,454  

AHL TargetRisk

    6,755,773         21,854,340         10,451,927         -         827,535         39,889,575  

AHL TargetRisk Core

    27,997         4,585         13,348         -         -         45,930  

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 losses related to straddles, and the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on certain derivative instruments.

 

 

74


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 the reclassification of income from investment subsidiary as of December 31, 2020:

 

Fund

  Paid-In-Capital           Distributable Earnings/
(Deficits)
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy   $ 55,642,800       $ (55,642,800
AHL TargetRisk     3,276,351         (3,276,351
AHL TargetRisk Core     -         -  

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, 2020, 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, 2020 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      335,691,960        160,492,351        223,434,430        83,317,748  
AHL TargetRisk Core      -        -        -        -  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2019
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           December 31,
2020
Shares/Fair
Value
 
AHL Managed Futures Strategy   Direct     $ 21,740,982       $ 1,008,524,960       $ 1,030,265,942       $ -  
AHL TargetRisk   Direct       5,176,875         686,468,220         691,645,095         -  
AHL TargetRisk Core   Direct       -         -         -         -  

9.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 12, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), renewed 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 $150 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of 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 11, 2021, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

 

 

75


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

On the Effective Date, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also renewed 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) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 11, 2021 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 “Loan expense” 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, 2020, 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:

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     21,105,054       $ 226,220,493         5,523,825       $ 58,583,179  
Reinvestment of dividends     386,143         4,012,021         1,438,862         14,719,562  
Shares redeemed     (37,240,997       (397,272,145       (10,209,295       (107,993,004
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (15,749,800     $ (167,039,631       (3,246,608     $ (34,690,263
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     56,516,359       $ 603,507,640         29,821,234       $ 313,727,954  
Reinvestment of dividends     4,180,306         43,224,363         2,476,697         25,237,540  
Shares redeemed     (39,737,169       (425,621,784       (17,263,378       (182,376,411
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     20,959,496       $ 221,110,219         15,034,553       $ 156,589,083  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,995,500       $ 21,056,649         571,566       $ 6,048,728  
Reinvestment of dividends     134,857         1,379,592         72,388         730,397  
Shares redeemed     (1,031,123       (10,919,214       (435,062       (4,608,458
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     1,099,234       $ 11,517,027         208,892       $ 2,170,667  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     666,950       $ 7,014,864         595,806       $ 6,284,846  
Reinvestment of dividends     18,757         192,070         15,181         153,174  
Shares redeemed     (664,912       (6,987,904       (601,608       (6,325,478
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     20,795       $ 219,030         9,379       $ 112,542  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

76


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     389,949       $ 3,975,520         281,963       $ 2,884,365  
Reinvestment of dividends     36,421         362,751         18,599         183,017  
Shares redeemed     (149,524       (1,523,799       (150,522       (1,522,998
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     276,846       $ 2,814,472         150,040       $ 1,544,384  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     6,832,761       $ 83,359,042         1,011,041       $ 12,665,501  
Reinvestment of dividends     54,549         688,955         44,728         547,021  
Shares redeemed     (451,831       (5,553,418       (2,492,324       (30,547,335
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     6,435,479       $ 78,494,579         (1,436,555     $ (17,334,813
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     48,720,779       $ 588,325,950         9,844,871       $ 121,540,614  
Reinvestment of dividends     379,265         4,790,119         377,186         4,612,984  
Shares redeemed     (6,617,816       (80,786,212       (498,286       (6,193,664
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     42,482,228       $ 512,329,857         9,723,771       $ 119,959,934  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,050,194       $ 12,578,538         1,047,196       $ 12,947,060  
Reinvestment of dividends     6,711         84,490         45,009         549,107  
Shares redeemed     (493,908       (6,006,978       (404,435       (4,935,327
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     562,997       $ 6,656,050         687,770       $ 8,560,840  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     295,029       $ 3,557,666         129,968       $ 1,601,555  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,713         21,523         4,916         59,925  
Shares redeemed     (101,923       (1,244,875       (13,675       (169,113
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     194,819       $ 2,334,314         121,209       $ 1,492,367  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

AHL TargetRisk Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,096,527       $ 13,140,033         466,000       $ 5,743,373  
Reinvestment of dividends     6,459         80,352         19,111         232,392  
Shares redeemed     (381,813       (4,576,726       (13,326       (163,766
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     721,173       $ 8,643,659         471,785       $ 5,811,999  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    December 16, 2020B to
December 31, 2020
             

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

                         
Shares sold     - C      $ - C         
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -          
Shares redeemed     -         -          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
 

 

 

77


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

    A Class  
    December 16, 2020B to
December 31, 2020
             

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

                         
Shares sold     - C      $ - C         
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -          
Shares redeemed     -         -          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
 
    C Class  
    December 16, 2020B to
December 31, 2020
             

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

                         
Shares sold     - C      $ - C         
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -          
Shares redeemed     -         -          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net increase in shares outstanding     -       $ -          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
 
    R6 Class  
    December 16, 2020B to
December 31, 2020
             

AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

                         
Shares sold     500,000 C      $ 5,000,001 C         
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -          
Shares redeemed     -         -          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         
Net increase in shares outstanding     500,000       $ 5,000,001          
 

 

 

     

 

 

         

A Formerly known as Institutional Class.

B Commencement of operations.

C Seed capital was received on December 16, 2020 in the amount of $100,000 for the Y Class, $100,000 for the A Class, $100,000 for the C class and $4,700,000 for the R6 Class. As a result, shares were issued in the amount of 10,000 for the Y Class, 10,000 for the A Class, 10,000 for the C class and 470,000 for the R6 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.

 

 

78


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.22       $ 10.63       $ 10.57       $ 10.44       $ 10.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (1.03       0.04         (0.02       (0.08       0.20  

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

    2.10         0.01         0.28         0.63         (0.22
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.07         0.05         0.26         0.55         (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.34       (0.27       (0.14       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.23       (0.19       (0.06       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.57       (0.46       (0.20       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.72       $ 10.22       $ 10.63       $ 10.57       $ 10.44  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    10.67       0.43       2.42       5.31       (0.19 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 195,920,482       $ 347,611,671       $ 396,044,490       $ 391,617,624       $ 353,601,987  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.59       1.60       1.71       1.98       1.90

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.54       1.54       1.54       1.54       1.54

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (3.19 )%        0.52       (0.40 )%        (1.20 )%        (1.69 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (3.14 )%        0.58       (0.23 )%        (0.77 )%        (1.33 )% 

Portfolio turnover rateC

          -                  

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

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 

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

 

79


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.17       $ 10.58       $ 10.53       $ 10.41       $ 10.45  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    0.08         0.08         0.10         (0.07       (0.08

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

    0.99         (0.05       0.14         0.61         0.04  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.07         0.03         0.24         0.54         (0.04
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.34       (0.25       (0.13       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.23       (0.19       (0.06       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.57       (0.44       (0.19       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.67       $ 10.17       $ 10.58       $ 10.53       $ 10.41  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    10.71       0.34       2.28       5.23       (0.38 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 888,669,539       $ 634,005,786       $ 500,530,112       $ 101,513,775       $ 52,391,912  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.64       1.63       1.72       2.04       1.97

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.62       1.64       1.64       1.64       1.64

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.02       0.48       0.71       (1.25 )%        (1.76 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    0.04       0.47       0.79       (0.84 )%        (1.44 )% 

Portfolio turnover rateB

          -                  

 

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 

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

 

80


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.07       $ 10.48       $ 10.44       $ 10.35       $ 10.41  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.04 )A        0.06         (0.12       (0.11       (0.25

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

    1.07         (0.05       0.31         0.62         0.19  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.03         0.01         0.19         0.51         (0.06
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.31       (0.23       (0.09       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.23       (0.19       (0.06       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.54       (0.42       (0.15       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.56       $ 10.07       $ 10.48       $ 10.44       $ 10.35  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    10.42       0.08       1.85       4.98       (0.58 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 31,217,881       $ 18,716,672       $ 17,292,936       $ 20,241,387       $ 31,223,150  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.97       1.94       1.97       2.20       2.13

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.92       1.92       1.92       1.92       1.92

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.44 )%        0.17       (0.95 )%        (1.48 )%        (1.93 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.39 )%        0.19       (0.90 )%        (1.20 )%        (1.72 )% 

Portfolio turnover rateC

          -                  

 

A 

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

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 

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

 

81


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.08       $ 10.49       $ 10.53       $ 10.36       $ 10.44  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.01       0.04         (0.06 )A        (0.41       0.23  

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

    1.03         (0.03       0.18         1.00         (0.31
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.02         0.01         0.12         0.59         (0.08
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.31       (0.23       (0.10       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.23       (0.19       (0.06       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.54       (0.42       (0.16       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.56       $ 10.08       $ 10.49       $ 10.53       $ 10.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    10.31       0.06       1.14       5.77       (0.77 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 4,653,583       $ 4,229,124       $ 4,303,787       $ 3,408,861       $ 23,330,824  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.91       1.89       2.05       2.35       2.29

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.90       1.94       1.94       1.94       1.94

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.69 )%        0.22       (0.72 )%        (1.62 )%        (2.08 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.68 )%        0.17       (0.61 )%        (1.21 )%        (1.74 )% 

Portfolio turnover rateC

          -                  

 

A 

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

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 

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

 

82


American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 9.82       $ 10.25       $ 10.19       $ 10.20       $ 10.34  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.11 )A        (0.06 )A        (0.17       (0.17       (0.08

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

    1.04         (0.02       0.30         0.58         (0.06
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    0.93         (0.08       0.13         0.41         (0.14
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.25       (0.16       (0.01       -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.23       (0.19       (0.06       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.48       (0.35       (0.07       (0.42       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.27       $ 9.82       $ 10.25       $ 10.19       $ 10.20  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    9.62       (0.78 )%        1.30       4.06       (1.35 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 9,482,185       $ 6,352,147       $ 5,088,250       $ 5,702,799       $ 4,300,637  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.65       2.64       2.78       3.10       3.04

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.64       2.69       2.69       2.69       2.69

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.07 )%        (0.53 )%        (1.61 )%        (2.31 )%        (2.84 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.06 )%        (0.58 )%        (1.52 )%        (1.90 )%        (2.49 )% 

Portfolio turnover rateC

          -                  

 

A 

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

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 

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

 

83


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018B  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.16       $ 10.00       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.05       0.02         -  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.74         2.69         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.69         2.71         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.03       (0.02       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.07       (0.53       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.10       (0.55       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.75       $ 12.16       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    5.68       27.06       -
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 95,337,373       $ 12,692,260       $ 24,800,000  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.08       1.59       89.10 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.04       1.04       0.00 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.97 )%        (0.44 )%        (89.10 )%D 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.93 )%        0.11       0.00

Portfolio turnover rate

    197       77       -

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

B 

Commenced operations on December 31, 2018.

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 

Annualized.

E 

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

 

84


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018A  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.16       $ 10.00       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.05       (0.02       -  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.73         2.73         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.68         2.71         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.03       (0.02       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.07       (0.53       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.10       (0.55       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.74       $ 12.16       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    5.55       27.06       -
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 665,119,502       $ 118,366,001       $ 100,000  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.13       1.62       241.64 %C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.11       1.14       0.00 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.18 )%        (1.13 )%        (241.64 )%C 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.16 )%        (0.65 )%        0.00

Portfolio turnover rate

    197       77       -

 

A 

Commenced operations on December 31, 2018.

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 

Annualized.

D 

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

 

85


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018A  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.14       $ 10.00       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.13       (0.07       -  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.76         2.76         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.63         2.69         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.02       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.07       (0.53       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.07       (0.55       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.70       $ 12.14       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    5.18       26.85      
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 16,012,197       $ 8,469,551       $ 100,010  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.45       1.93       241.89 %C 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.42       1.42       0.00 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.70 )%        (1.49 )%        (241.89 )%C 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.67 )%        (0.98 )%        0.00

Portfolio turnover rate

    197       77      

 

A 

Commenced operations on December 31, 2018.

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 

Annualized.

D 

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

 

86


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Year EndedA
December 31,
2019
 
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.12       $ 11.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

     

Net investment (loss)

    (0.10       (0.03

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.73         1.38  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.63         1.35  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.00 )B        (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.07       (0.53
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.07       (0.55
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.68       $ 12.12  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    5.19       11.89 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 4,007,021       $ 1,469,217  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.45       2.33 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.44       1.44 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.57 )%        (1.73 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.56 )%        (0.84 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    197       77 %D 

 

A 

Commenced operations on April 30, 2019.

B 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

87


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Year EndedA
December 31,
2019
 
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.09       $ 11.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

     

Net investment (loss)

    (0.17       (0.06

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.70         1.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.53         1.30  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.07       (0.53
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.07       (0.53
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 12.55       $ 12.09  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    4.37       11.42 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 14,969,947       $ 5,702,552  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.20       2.76 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.19       2.19 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (2.34 )%        (2.28 )%D 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.33 )%        (1.71 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    197       77 %C 

 

A 

Commenced operations on April 30, 2019.

B 

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

C 

Not annualized.

D 

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

88


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    December 16,
2020A to
December 31,
2020
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment income

    (0.00 )B 

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.05  
 

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.05  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.05  
 

 

 

 

Total returnC

    0.50 %D 
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 100,456  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    19.25 %EF 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.09 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (19.22 )%EF 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.06 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rateG

   

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-recurring organization and offering costs.

G 

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

 

89


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    December 16,
2020A to
December 31,
2020
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.01

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.05  
 

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.04  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.04  
 

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.40 %C 
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 100,443  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    19.65 %DE 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.39 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (19.62 )%DE 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.36 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rateF

   

 

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-recurring organization and offering costs.

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

 

90


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    December 16,
2020A to
December 31,
2020
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.01

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.05  
 

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.04  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.04  
 

 

 

 

Total returnB

    0.40 %C 
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 100,413  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    20.40 %DE 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.14 %D 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (20.37 )%DE 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (2.11 )%D 

Portfolio turnover rateF

   

 

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-recurring organization and offering costs.

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

 

91


American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    December 16,
2020A to
December 31,
2020
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 10.00  
 

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

 

Net investment income

    (0.00 )B 

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    0.05  
 

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    0.05  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 10.05  
 

 

 

 

Total returnC

    0.50 %D 
 

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 9,744,619  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    14.61 %EF 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.99 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (14.58 )%EF 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.96 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rateG

   

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Includes non-recurring organization and offering costs.

G 

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

 

92


American Beacon FundsSM

Affirmation of the Commodity Pool Operator

December 31, 2020 (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, American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund for the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, 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,

American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund and

American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund

 

 

93


American Beacon FundsSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2020 (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, 2020. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020.

The Funds designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. 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

    0.00

AHL TargetRisk Core

    0.00

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

    0.00

AHL TargetRisk

    0.00

AHL TargetRisk Core

    0.00

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

  $ 17,487,649  

AHL TargetRisk

    1,222,807  

AHL TargetRisk Core

    -  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

AHL Managed Futures Strategy

  $ 5,887,932  

AHL TargetRisk

    2,967,918  

AHL TargetRisk Core

    -  

Shareholders received notification in January 2021 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2020 income tax returns.

 

 

94


Disclosure Regarding Management and Investment Advisory AgreementSM

(Unaudited)

 

 

At its August 17-18, 2020 meetings via videoconference, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the American Beacon Funds (the “Trust”) considered:

(1) the approval of the Management Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the “Manager”) and the Trust, on behalf of the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund (the “Fund”), a newly created series of the Trust; and

(2) the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Manager, the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and AHL Partners LLP (the “Subadviser”), the Fund’s proposed subadviser.

Approval of the Management Agreement

Prior to the meeting, information was provided to the Board by the Manager in response to requests from the Board in connection with the Board’s consideration of the Management Agreement for the Fund. The Investment Committee of the Board also met with representatives of the Manager. The Board also considered information that had been provided by the Manager to the Board at the May 14, 2020 and June 3-4, 2020 Board meetings in connection with the review of the then-current Management Agreement between the Manager and the Trust as it related to the existing series of the Trust (the “Existing Funds”).

Provided below is an overview of the primary factors the Board considered at its August 17-18, 2020 meetings at which the Board considered the approval of the Management Agreement with respect to the Fund. In determining whether to approve the Management Agreement, the Board considered, among other things, the following factors with respect to the Fund: (1) the nature and quality of the services to be provided; (2) the estimated costs to be incurred by the Manager in rendering its services to the Fund and the resulting profits or losses; (3) the extent to which economies of scale, if any, have been taken into account in setting the fee schedule; (4) whether fee levels reflect economies of scale, if any, for the benefit of investors; (5) comparisons of services and fees with contracts entered into by the Manager with the Existing Funds; and (6) any other benefits derived or anticipated to be derived by the Manager from its relationship with the Fund.

The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration of the Management Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the approval of investment advisory contracts, such as the Management Agreement. The memorandum explained the regulatory requirements surrounding the Trustees’ process for evaluating investment advisors and the terms of investment advisory contracts. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of the Management Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the approval of the Management Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. The Board considered that it had reviewed the Management Agreement between the Manager and the Trust as it relates to the Existing Funds at its May 14, 2020 and June 3-4, 2020 meetings. At those meetings, the Board received detailed information regarding the Manager, including information with respect to the scope of services provided by the Manager to the Existing Funds and the background and experience of the Manager’s key investment personnel. The Board also considered representations made by the Manager at the Board’s May 14, 2020 and June 3-4, 2020 meetings. At those meetings, the Manager described its disciplined investment approach and goal to provide above-average long-term performance on behalf of the Existing Funds and detailed the culture of compliance and support that reduces risks to the Existing Funds. The Board considered the Manager’s representation that the advisory, administrative and related services proposed to be provided to the Fund will be consistent with the services provided to the Existing Funds that have a single investment subadviser. In addition, the Board considered the background and experience of key investment personnel who will have primary responsibility for the day-to-day oversight of the Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Manager were appropriate for the Fund.

 

 

95


Disclosure Regarding Management and Investment Advisory AgreementSM

(Unaudited)

 

 

Investment Performance. The Board considered that the Fund is new and, therefore, had no historical performance for the Board to review with respect to the Manager. The Board also considered that it would review the historical investment performance record relevant to the Fund’s investment professionals in connection with its consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement.

Costs of the Services Provided to the Fund and the Profits or Losses to Be Realized by the Manager from Its Relationship with the Fund. In analyzing the cost of services and profitability of the Manager, the Board considered the estimated revenues to be earned and the expenses to be incurred by the Manager with respect to the Fund.

The Board then considered that, at assumed estimated initial asset levels, the Manager was projected to incur a pre-tax loss before and after distribution revenues and expenses from its first year of rendering services to the Fund. The Board also considered the amounts of those projected losses. The Board considered the Manager’s explanation regarding its cost allocation methodology in calculating these projections.

Comparisons of the Amounts to Be Paid to the Manager Under the Management Agreement and Other Funds in the Morningstar Category and Select Peer Group. In evaluating the Management Agreement, the Board reviewed the Manager’s proposed management fee schedule. The Board considered a comparison of the management fee rate to be charged by the Manager under the Management Agreement versus the fee rates charged by the Manager to other single-subadviser funds in the Trust. The Board considered information provided by the Manager reflecting that the contractual management fee rate proposed by the Manager for the Fund, when combined with the proposed contractual advisory fee rate to be paid to the Subadviser, is higher than the average advisory fee rate paid by funds in the Fund’s potential Morningstar, Inc. category and a group of peer funds selected by the Manager (the “Select Peer Group”). The Board considered that the Manager had contractually agreed to limit the Fund’s total expenses through at least April 30, 2022, at competitive market levels, which are slightly above the Select Peer Group averages. This information assisted the Board in concluding that the management fee rate appeared to be within a reasonable range for the services to be provided to the Fund, in light of all the factors considered.

Economies of Scale. The Board considered the Manager’s representation that the proposed management fee rate for the Fund contains breakpoints, which the Manager believes properly reflect economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s shareholders.

Benefits Derived from the Relationship with the Fund. The Board considered the Manager’s representation that it has not identified any material indirect “fall-out” benefits that may accrue to it or its affiliates because of its proposed relationship with the Fund, except that the Manager will benefit from the Fund’s investment of its cash sweep accounts in the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, a series of the American Beacon Select Funds. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Manager by virtue of its relationship with the Fund appear to be fair and reasonable.

Board’s Conclusion. Based on the various considerations described above, the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund or the Manager, as that term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”): (1) concluded that the proposed management fee is fair and reasonable with respect to the Fund; (2) determined that the Fund and its shareholders were expected to benefit from the Manager’s management of the Fund; and (3) approved the Management Agreement on behalf of the Fund.

Approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement

Prior to the August 17-18, 2020 meetings, information was provided to the Board by the Subadviser in response to requests from the Board and/or the Manager in connection with the Board’s consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Investment Committee of the Board also met with representatives of the Subadviser. Information regarding the Subadviser was also provided to the Board by the Subadviser in response to requests from the Board and/or Manager prior to the Board’s May 14, 2020 and June 3-4, 2020 meetings at which the Board considered the existing investment advisory agreement among the Manager, the Subadviser and the Trust, on behalf of other series of the Trust for which the Subadviser serves as subadviser (the “Existing AHL Funds”).

 

 

96


Disclosure Regarding Management and Investment Advisory AgreementSM

(Unaudited)

 

 

Provided below is an overview of the primary factors the Board considered at its August 17-18, 2020 meetings at which the Board considered the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement. In determining whether to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board considered, among other things, the following factors: (1) the nature and quality of the services to be provided; (2) the investment performance of a comparable client account managed by the Subadviser; (3) the extent to which economies of scale, if any, have been taken into account in setting the fee schedule; (4) whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale, if any, for the benefit of investors; (5) comparisons of services and fees with contracts entered into by the Subadviser with other clients; and (6) any other benefits anticipated to be derived by the Subadviser from its relationship with the Fund.

The Board did not identify any particular information that was most relevant to its consideration of the Investment Advisory Agreement, and each Trustee may have afforded different weight to the various factors. Legal counsel to the Independent Trustees provided the Board with a memorandum regarding its responsibilities pertaining to the approval of investment advisory contracts, such as the Investment Advisory Agreement. The memorandum explained the regulatory requirements surrounding the Trustees’ process for evaluating investment advisors and the terms of investment advisory contracts. Based on its evaluation, the Board unanimously concluded that the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement were reasonable and fair and that the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund.

Nature, Extent and Quality of the Services to Be Provided by the Subadviser. The Board considered that it had reviewed investment advisory agreements among the Manager, the Trust, on behalf of the Existing AHL Funds, and the Subadviser at its May 14, 2020 and June 3-4, 2020 meetings. At those meetings, the Board received information regarding the Subadviser, including information regarding the Subadviser’s principal business activities, financial condition and overall capabilities to perform the services under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Board also considered information provided at those meetings with respect to the Subadviser’s investment resources, infrastructure and the adequacy of its compliance program, and the Subadviser’s representation regarding the strength of its financial condition. In addition, the Board considered the background and experience of the personnel who will be assigned responsibility for managing the Fund. The Board also took into consideration the Manager’s recommendation of the Subadviser. The Board considered the Subadviser’s representation that its current staffing levels were adequate to service the Fund. Based on this information, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the advisory services to be provided by the Subadviser were appropriate for the Fund in light of its investment objective and, thus, supported a decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement.

Performance of the Subadviser. The Board evaluated the information provided by the Subadviser and the Manager regarding the performance of a comparable client account managed by the Subadviser relative to the performance of: the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, one of the Existing AHL Funds; an appropriate benchmark index; and the funds included in the Select Peer Group. The Board considered representations made by the Subadviser and the Manager that, for various periods ended June 30, 2020, the comparable account’s relative performance was favorable. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the historical investment performance record of the Subadviser supported approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement.

Comparisons of the Amounts to Be Paid Under the Investment Advisory Agreement with Those Under Contracts Between the Subadviser and Its Other Clients. In evaluating the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Board reviewed the proposed advisory fee rate for services to be performed by the Subadviser on behalf of the Fund. The Board considered that the Subadviser’s investment advisory fee rate under the Investment Advisory Agreement would be paid to the Subadviser by the Fund. The Board considered the Subadviser’s representation that the advisory fee rate proposed for the Fund is favorable compared to other comparable client accounts. After evaluating this information, the Board concluded that the Subadviser’s advisory fee rate under the Investment Advisory Agreement was reasonable in light of the services to be provided to the Fund.

Costs of the Services to Be Provided and Profits to Be Realized by the Subadviser and Its Affiliates from Its Relationship with the Fund. The Board did not consider the costs of the services to be provided and any profits to

 

 

97


Disclosure Regarding Management and Investment Advisory AgreementSM

(Unaudited)

 

 

be realized by the Subadviser from its relationship with the Fund, noting instead the arm’s-length nature of the relationship between the Manager and the Subadviser with respect to the negotiation of the advisory fee rate on behalf of the Fund.

Economies of Scale. The Board considered the Subadviser’s representation that it believes that the proposed advisory fee schedule for the Fund, which includes breakpoints, reflects economies of scale for the benefit of the Fund’s investors.

Benefits to Be Derived by the Subadviser from Its Relationship with the Fund. The Board considered the Subadviser’s representation that it is not aware of any “fall-out” benefits that may accrue to it because of the Subadviser’s relationship with the Fund. Based on the foregoing information, the Board concluded that the potential benefits accruing to the Subadviser by virtue of its relationship with the Fund appear to be fair and reasonable.

Board’s Conclusion. Based on the various considerations described above, the Board, including a majority of Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Fund, the Manager or the Subadviser, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, concluded that the proposed investment advisory fee rate is fair and reasonable and the approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund and approved the Investment Advisory Agreement.

 

 

98


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-two 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

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
  

Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or

retirement*

  
Gilbert G. Alvarado (51)    Trustee since 2015    President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-Present); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Senior 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, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); 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 (58)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Switchback Energy Acquisition (2019-Present); 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. (2014-2017) (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) (2013-2018); 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 (62)    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).
Brenda A. Cline (60)   

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 and Open-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-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).

 

 

99


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*

  
Eugene J. Duffy (66)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-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).
Claudia A. Holz (63)    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 (59)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Consultant, Carne Financial Services (2017-2019); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); 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).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (57)    Trustee since 2012    President/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).
R. Gerald Turner (75)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-2019); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-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).

 

 

100


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   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (66)    President since 2009    President (2009-2018), CEO and Director (2009–Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc., President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015–Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present),Resolute Topco, Inc.; President (2015-2018); Director, and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-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 (2016-2020); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019 – Present); President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present);Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-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); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present).
Rosemary K. Behan (61)   

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. (2017-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 and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-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).

 

 

101


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   
Brian E. Brett (60)    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), Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-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 (51)    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 (50)    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).
Melinda G. Heika (59)   

Principal Accounting Officer since 2017 and 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 (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Principal Accounting Officer (2017-Present) and Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (2018-Present).

 

 

102


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   
Terri L. McKinney (57)    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 (45)    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 (2017-Present), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), 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 (2015-2020); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); 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).

Samuel J. Silver (57)    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).

 

 

103


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   
Christina E. Sears (49)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

and Asst. Secretary since 1999

   Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2019) and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); 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 (64)   

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 (46)    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 (54)    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 (2016-2020); 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 (62)    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 (2016-2020); 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 to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75. As of 12/31/2020 Dr. Turner retired from the Board.

 

 

104


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2020 (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.

 

 

105


  

 

 

 

 

 

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107


  

 

 

 

 

 

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108


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-PORT as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-PORT 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, American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Core Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc.

AR 12/20


LOGO


About American Beacon Advisors

 

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

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

 

 

BAHL & GAYNOR SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND

Investing in small-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. The use of futures contracts for cash management may subject the Fund to losing more money than invested. The Fund 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, 2020


Contents

 

 

President’s Message

    1  

Market and Performance Overviews

    2  

Expense Examples

    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

    47  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

For much of this reporting period, headlines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. presidential election dominated the 24-hour news cycle. Chances are, the media coverage about these ongoing headwinds – including sickness and death, healthcare insurance and vaccines, unemployment and underemployment, food and housing insecurities, civil unrest and disobedience, and the transition of government leadership – has left you feeling adrift and fearful.

 

During such uncertainty, we recognize that fear of loss can be a powerful emotion, leading many investors to make short-term decisions subject to a variety of potential error-leading biases. Unfortunately, short-term investment decisions may capsize future plans. We encourage investors to

remain focused on the horizon by working with financial professionals to make thoughtful adjustments based on changing needs and long-term financial goals.

Our three Ds – direction, discipline and diversification – may help you navigate this conversation.

 

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 maintain your bearing. 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 investment styles 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. 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 continuing to stay the course with American Beacon. For additional information about our investment products 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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

Despite a tumultuous first quarter in 2020, the domestic equity market barreled back in the ensuing quarters and posted double-digit positive returns for most broad equity market indexes – including the Russell 1000 Index, which returned 20.96% for the year. Despite the year looking like it would shape up to be another large-cap year, small-cap stocks returned one of the best quarters ever in the fourth quarter. Growth stocks, however, kept up the pace and trounced Value stocks despite the Value turnaround in the fourth quarter.

In many ways, the domestic equity market’s performance can be viewed in three parts: (1) the first quarter; (2) the rebound, which lasted through the rest of the year; and (3) the Value turnaround at the end of the year.

In the first quarter, the domestic equity markets posted substantial losses amid concerns over the unprecedented economic impact of the global coronavirus pandemic. The first quarter began with positive investor sentiment from the end of 2019 carrying over briefly into January, before worries about the COVID-19 outbreak in China triggered the first of a series of sharp market drops. Markets plunged in mid-March in response to the unfolding pandemic and a surprise oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. Meanwhile, volatility rose to record highs. No sectors were spared in the downturn, but the Energy sector suffered disproportionately due to collapsing oil prices and the anticipation of a global slowdown in business and leisure travel.

The rebound was sharp and swift. Domestic equity markets rallied throughout the second and third quarters of 2020. Government stimulus efforts, encouraging signs of an economic recovery and news about multiple promising COVID-19 vaccines helped boost market performance.

Following a brief pullback in October, U.S. markets delivered positive performance over the final quarter of 2020. Increasing clarity about the results of the U.S. presidential election in November and the makeup of Congress helped reduce the political uncertainty, and the approval and distribution of multiple COVID-19 vaccines and lower-than-expected new applications for unemployment benefits boosted investor confidence. These events sparked not only a domestic market turnaround, but also generated a Value turnaround. Nonetheless, this positive relative performance was not enough to overcome the massive dispersion between Growth and Value stocks that had built up earlier in the year.

 

 

2


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 11.91% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The Fund underperformed the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 34.63% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 7/15/2014 through 12/31/2020

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2020

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

  

Since Inception
(7/15/2014)

  

Value of $10,000

7/15/2014-

12/31/2020

R5 Class** (1,4)

     GBSIX          12.06 %          7.65 %          12.29 %        10.06 %      $ 18,582

Y Class (1,4)

     GBSYX          11.92 %          7.53 %          12.17 %        9.95 %      $ 18,465

Investor Class (1,4)

     GBSPX          11.91 %          7.32 %          11.89 %        9.68 %      $ 18,169

A without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     GBSAX          11.62 %          7.19 %          11.83 %        9.62 %      $ 18,104

A with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     GBSAX          5.19 %          5.09 %          10.51 %        8.62 %      $ 17,063

C without Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     GBSCX          10.84 %          6.44 %          11.00 %        8.81 %      $ 17,255

C with Sales Charge (1,2,4)

     GBSCX          9.84 %          6.44 %          11.00 %        8.81 %      $ 17,255
                                   

Russell 2000® Growth Index (3)

              34.63 %          16.20 %          16.36 %        13.45 %      $ 22,617

S&P 500 Index (3)

              18.40 %          14.18 %          15.22 %        12.72 %      $ 21,683

 

**

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

 

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.

A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

 

3


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

3.

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. American Beacon Funds is not promoted, sponsored or endorsed by, nor in any way affiliated with the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. LSE Group is not responsible for and has not reviewed the American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund nor any associated literature or publications and LSE Group makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise. All rights in the Russell 2000 Growth Index (the “Index”) vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the Index. Russell 2000® is a trademark of the relevant LSE Group company and is used by any other LSE Group company under license. The Index is calculated by or on behalf of FTSE International Limited or its affiliate, agent or partner. The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of (a) the use of, reliance on or any error in the Index or (b) investment in or operation of the Fund. The LSE Group makes no claim, prediction, warranty or representation either as to the results to be obtained from the Fund or the suitability of the Index for the purpose to which it is being put by the Manager. 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.

 

4.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y, Investor, A and C Class shares were 1.33%, 1.38%, 1.71%, 1.64%, and 2.47%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

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

From a stock selection standpoint, the Fund’s holdings in the Health Care and Industrials sectors detracted the most from relative performance. In the Health Care sector, the Fund’s positions in National Research Corp. (down 20.4%) and Luminex Corp. (down 0.8%) negatively impacted returns. The Fund did not hold Index-position Teladoc Health, Inc. (up 141.0%), further detracting from relative performance. Within the Industrials sector, the Fund was absent Index-position Plug Power, Inc., which was up 973.1% for the period. Positions in BWX Technologies, Inc. and Barrett Business Services, Inc. were down 1.5% and 36.0%, respectively.

Offsetting some of the aforementioned performance were positions in the Materials and Financials sectors. In Materials, the Fund held Scott’s Miracle-Gro Co. (up 99.8%) and Avient Corp. (up 60.7%), which boosted relative returns. The Fund did not hold Index-positions Ingevity Corp. (down 13.3%) and Innospec, Inc. (down 11.1%). Within the Financials sector, the Fund held Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (up 80.1%) and Evercore, Inc. A (up 50.6%), while it avoided Index-positions eHealth, Inc. (down 26.5%) and FirstCash, Inc. (down 11.7%).

As it relates to sector allocation, the Fund held a sizeable underweight to Health Care, the top performing sector in the Index (up 47.1%). The Fund was also overweight Financials, which detracted value for the period. Offsetting some of this performance was an overweight to Industrials (a top performing sector in the Index), and a slight underweight to Communication Services.

The Fund’s basic philosophy remains focused on investing in companies using a fundamental investment approach that seeks price appreciation, capital preservation and income.

 

 

4


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

Tetra Tech, Inc.           4.1  
Progress Software Corp.           3.6  
US Physical Therapy, Inc.           3.1  
Simulations Plus, Inc.           3.0  
CONMED Corp.           2.9  
Ensign Group, Inc.           2.9  
Evercore, Inc., Class A           2.9  
Power Integrations, Inc.           2.9  
Quanta Services, Inc.           2.9  
Chemed Corp.           2.8  
Total Fund Holdings      54       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)

 

Industrials           25.5  
Health Care           22.3  
Information Technology           18.7  
Financials           10.3  
Materials           6.6  
Real Estate           5.2  
Consumer Discretionary           4.6  
Consumer Staples           3.0  
Utilities           2.4  
Energy           0.8  
Communication Services           0.6  

 

 

5


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2020 (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, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

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 R5 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 R5 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 Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund            
    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2020
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2020
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2020-12/31/2020*
R5 Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,257.40       $5.56
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,020.21       $4.98
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,256.70       $6.13
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.71       $5.48
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,255.10       $7.71
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,018.30       $6.90
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,254.60       $7.59
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,018.40       $6.80
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,250.20       $12.05
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,014.43       $10.79

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.98%, 1.08%, 1.36%, 1.34%, and 2.13% for the R5, 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 (366) to reflect the half-year period.

**

Formerly known as Institutional Class.

***

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, 2020, 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 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 the Fund at December 31, 2020, 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 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 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, 2020, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. 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, 2021

 

 

8


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.66%            
Communication Services - 0.55%            
Media - 0.55%            
Nexstar Media Group, Inc., Class A       2,126         $ 232,138
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 4.56%            
Household Durables - 1.97%            
MDC Holdings, Inc.       17,100           831,060
           

 

 

 
           
Leisure Products - 2.59%            
Brunswick Corp.       7,022           535,357
Johnson Outdoors, Inc., Class A       4,910           553,014
           

 

 

 
              1,088,371
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              1,919,431
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 2.91%            
Food Products - 2.91%            
John B Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.       4,809           379,238
Lancaster Colony Corp.       4,602           845,525
           

 

 

 
              1,224,763
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              1,224,763
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 0.74%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 0.74%            
World Fuel Services Corp.       10,002           311,662
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 10.20%            
Banks - 3.37%            
First Financial Bancorp       31,651           554,842
First Interstate BancSystem, Inc., Class A       21,171           863,142
           

 

 

 
              1,417,984
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 2.87%            
Evercore, Inc., Class A       11,049           1,211,412
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 3.96%            
Horace Mann Educators Corp.       15,681           659,229
Kinsale Capital Group, Inc.       5,036           1,007,855
           

 

 

 
              1,667,084
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              4,296,480
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 21.98%            
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 7.63%            
CONMED Corp.       10,997           1,231,664
LeMaitre Vascular, Inc.       28,500           1,154,250
Mesa Laboratories, Inc.       2,897           830,396
           

 

 

 
              3,216,310
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 9.75%            
Chemed Corp.       2,240           1,193,046
Ensign Group, Inc.       16,603           1,210,691
National Research Corp.       9,415           402,491
US Physical Therapy, Inc.       10,822           1,301,346
           

 

 

 
              4,107,574
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

9


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.66% (continued)            
Health Care - 21.98% (continued)            
Health Care Technology - 2.97%            
Simulations Plus, Inc.       17,376         $ 1,249,682
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 1.63%            
Luminex Corp.       29,738           687,543
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              9,261,109
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 25.18%            
Aerospace & Defense - 3.54%            
BWX Technologies, Inc.       15,083           909,203
Curtiss-Wright Corp.       4,991           580,703
           

 

 

 
              1,489,906
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 4.02%            
AAON, Inc.       7,047           469,541
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.       6,367           594,996
UFP Industries, Inc.       11,327           629,215
           

 

 

 
              1,693,752
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 8.64%            
MSA Safety, Inc.       6,418           958,785
Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Inc.       13,921           968,206
Tetra Tech, Inc.       14,781           1,711,344
           

 

 

 
              3,638,335
           

 

 

 
           
Construction & Engineering - 2.92%            
Quanta Services, Inc.       17,099           1,231,470
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 2.62%            
Federal Signal Corp.       27,092           898,642
Watts Water Technologies, Inc., Class A       1,682           204,699
           

 

 

 
              1,103,341
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 2.61%            
Exponent, Inc.       12,224           1,100,527
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 0.83%            
Watsco, Inc.       1,534           347,528
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              10,604,859
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 18.46%            
IT Services - 6.02%            
CSG Systems International, Inc.       19,184           864,623
Hackett Group, Inc.       17,161           246,947
ManTech International Corp., Class A       9,516           846,353
TTEC Holdings, Inc.       7,943           579,283
           

 

 

 
              2,537,206
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 8.35%            
Brooks Automation, Inc.       11,073           751,303
CMC Materials, Inc.       5,418           819,743
Power Integrations, Inc.       15,067           1,233,385
Universal Display Corp.       3,098           711,920
           

 

 

 
              3,516,351
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

10


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.66% (continued)            
Information Technology - 18.46% (continued)            
Software - 4.09%            
Pegasystems, Inc.       1,569         $ 209,085
Progress Software Corp.       33,519           1,514,724
           

 

 

 
              1,723,809
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              7,777,366
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 6.53%            
Chemicals - 6.53%            
Avient Corp.       7,909           318,575
Balchem Corp.       6,393           736,601
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.       3,250           647,205
Stepan Co.       8,792           1,049,061
           

 

 

 
              2,751,442
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              2,751,442
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 5.15%            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 5.15%            
CoreSite Realty Corp.       3,809           477,192
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.       4,403           185,498
Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc.       15,171           745,048
Terreno Realty Corp.       13,001           760,688
           

 

 

 
              2,168,426
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              2,168,426
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 2.40%            
Gas Utilities - 2.40%            
Chesapeake Utilities Corp.       7,538           815,687
ONE Gas, Inc.       2,538           194,842
           

 

 

 
              1,010,529
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              1,010,529
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $28,842,438)

              41,558,205
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.34% (Cost $562,884)            
Investment Companies - 1.34%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 0.01%A B       562,884           562,884
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.00% (Cost $29,405,322)

              42,121,089

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.00%

              876
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 42,121,965
           

 

 

 
             
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.                  

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

B 7-day yield.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Equity Futures Contracts                         
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Notional Amount      Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Russell 2000 E-Mini Index Futures      6      March 2021      $    589,846      $ 592,440        $ 2,594  
              

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $    589,846      $ 592,440        $ 2,594  
              

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

11


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of December 31, 2020, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 41,558,205       $ -       $ -       $ 41,558,205  

Short-Term Investments

    562,884         -         -         562,884  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 42,121,089       $ -       $ -       $ 42,121,089  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

             

Futures Contracts

  $ 2,594       $ -       $ -       $ 2,594  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 2,594       $ -       $ -       $ 2,594  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 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, 2020

 

 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value

  $ 41,558,205  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    562,884  

Cash

    1,664  

Cash collateral held at broker for futures contracts

    42,000  

Dividends and interest receivable

    32,100  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    2,239  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    3,524  

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

    2,637  

Prepaid expenses

    31,598  
 

 

 

 

Total assets

    42,236,851  
 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    31,594  

Cash due to broker for futures contracts

    3,115  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    30,689  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    1,685  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    2,657  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    5,647  

Professional fees payable

    32,392  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    97  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    6,530  

Other liabilities

    480  
 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    114,886  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 42,121,965  
 

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 31,655,900  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    10,466,065  
 

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 42,121,965  
 

 

 

 

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

 

R5 ClassB

    1,072,888  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

    1,227,345  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

    207,569  
 

 

 

 

A Class

    89,935  
 

 

 

 

C Class

    19,803  
 

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

R5 ClassB

  $ 17,373,228  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 19,738,717  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 3,286,176  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 1,422,125  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 301,719  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

R5 ClassB

  $ 16.19  
 

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 16.08  
 

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 15.83  
 

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 15.81  
 

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 16.77  
 

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 15.24  
 

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 28,842,438  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 562,884  
A The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at year end.  
B Formerly known as Institutional Class.  

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Statement of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2020

 

 

Investment income:

 

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes)

  $ 624,626  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 2)

    1,900  

Interest income

    235  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 9)

    684  
 

 

 

 

Total investment income

    627,445  
 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    338,496  

Transfer agent fees:

 

R5 Class (Note 2)A

    7,476  

Y Class (Note 2)

    19,563  

Investor Class

    1,423  

A Class

    97  

C Class

    46  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    36,264  

Professional fees

    34,341  

Registration fees and expenses

    63,168  

Service fees (Note 2):

 

Investor Class

    12,065  

A Class

    1,107  

C Class

    364  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

 

A Class

    3,228  

C Class

    2,649  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    20,406  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    3,452  

Loan expense (Note 10)

    417  

Other expenses

    9,229  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    553,791  
 

 

 

 

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

    (134,708
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    419,083  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    208,362  
 

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    (99,504

Futures contracts

    169,918  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesC

    3,589,334  

Futures contracts

    (1,060
 

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

    3,658,688  
 

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 3,867,050  
 

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 1,931  

A Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

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

 

14


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net investment income

  $ 208,362       $ 186,423  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities and futures contracts

    70,414         (1,102,975

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

    3,588,274         10,458,272  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    3,867,050         9,541,720  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Total retained earnings:

     

R5 ClassA

    (85,585       (75,322

Y Class

    (97,396       (94,465

Investor Class

    (14,820       (11,534

A Class

    (6,476       (4,681

C Class

    -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (204,277       (186,002
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 11):

 

Proceeds from sales of shares

    3,765,505         8,734,505  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    201,044         180,671  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (10,503,998       (12,021,467
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

    (6,537,449       (3,106,291
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    (2,874,676       6,249,427  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

Beginning of period

    44,996,641         38,747,214  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 42,121,965       $ 44,996,641  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Formerly known as Institutional Class.

     

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020, the Trust consists of twenty-eight active series, one of which is presented in this filing: American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”). The remaining twenty-seven 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 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

Class Disclosure

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as the Institutional Class.

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
 
R5 Class    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 Class    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 based on 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

 

 

16


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 Fund. Interest income, net of foreign taxes, is earned from settlement date, recorded on the accrual basis, and adjusted, if necessary, for accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Realized gains (losses) from securities sold are determined based on specific lot identification.

Distributions to Shareholders

The Fund distributes most or all of its net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions on an annual basis. The Fund does not have a fixed dividend rate and does not guarantee that it will pay any distributions in any particular period. 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 (loss) 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 the 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.

 

 

17


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 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 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, 2020 were as follows:

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.350     $ 136,198  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.525       202,298  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.875     $ 338,496  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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 of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee of 10% of such loan fees. 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. These fees are included in “Income derived from securities lending” and “Management and

 

 

18


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

investment advisory fees” on the Statement of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Manager received securities lending fees of $52 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 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 a Service Plan that obligates 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 Plan, 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.

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 R5 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 its 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 R5 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 R5 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 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

   $ 25,367  

As of December 31, 2020, 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

   $ 2,243  

 

 

19


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 listed below held the following shares with a December 31, 2020 fair value and dividend income earned from the investment in the USG Select Fund.

 

Affiliated Security

  Type of
Transaction
        Fund         December 31,
2020
Shares/Principal
          Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
          Realized
Gain
(Loss)
          Dividend
Income
          December 31,
2020
Fair Value
 
U.S. Government Money Market Fund   Direct     Bahl & Gaynor
Small Cap Growth
    $ 562,884       $ -       $ -       $ 1,900       $ 562,884  

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, 2020, 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
 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   $ 520  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Fund, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may participate in a credit facility whereby each fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the funds because it provides added liquidity and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Fund borrowed on average $2,366,779 for 4 days at an average interest rate of 0.88% with interest charges of $223. These amounts are recorded as “Other expenses” in the Statement of Operations.

 

 

20


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

Fund

   Class   Expense Cap     Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
     Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 
  1/1/2020 –
4/30/2020
    5/1/2020 –
12/31/2020
 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   R5*     0.98     0.98   $ 57,834      $ -        2023  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   Y     1.08     1.08     60,590        -        2023  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   Investor     1.36     1.36     11,685        -        2023  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   A     1.38     1.34     3,739        -        2023  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

   C     2.13     2.13     860        -        2023  

* Formerly Institutional Class

Of these amounts, $3,524 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2020.

The Fund has adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee or voluntary 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 from the date of the Manager’s waiver/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 2023. The Fund did not record a liability for potential reimbursement due to the current assessment that a reimbursement is uncertain. 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

   $ -      $ -      $ 98,480        2020  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

     -        118,073        -        2021  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

     -        141,101        -        2022  

Sales Commissions

The Fund’s Distributor, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”), may receive a portion of Class A sales charges from broker dealers which may be used to offset distribution related expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, RID collected $108 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, 2020, there were no CDSC fees collected for the 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 year ended December 31, 2020, there were no CDSC fees collected for Class C Shares of the Fund.

 

 

21


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Trustee Fees and Expenses

Effective January 1, 2021, as compensation for their service to the American Beacon Funds Complex, including the Trust (collectively, the “Trusts”), each Trustee is compensated from the Trusts as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $120,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $12,000 for in-person attendance, or $5,000 for telephonic attendance, by Board members for each regularly scheduled or special Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,000 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (d) $2,500 for attendance by Board members for each special telephonic Board meeting; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. For this purpose, the Board considers attendance at regular meetings held by video conference to constitute in-person attendance at a Board meeting. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time. For her service as Board Chair, Ms. Cline receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although she attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, she receives only a single $2,500 fee each quarter for her attendance at those meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000.

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

 

 

22


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 Depositary 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.

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.

 

 

23


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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.

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.

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 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

 

 

24


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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.

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 (“BDCs”), ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Fund may invest in securities of an investment company 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 gain market exposure on cash balances to hedge foreign currency exposure 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 does not use derivatives for the purpose of creating financial leverage.

Futures Contracts

A futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell a particular security, or the cash value of an asset, such as securities, indices, or currencies, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under many such contracts, no delivery of the actual underlying asset is required. Rather, upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of the asset (e.g., a security or an index) at expiration, net of the initial and variation margin that was previously paid. An interest rate futures contract is a contract for the future delivery of an interest-bearing debt security. A treasury futures contract is a contract for the future delivery of a U.S. Treasury security. A Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its settlement or collateral obligations. The risks associated with the use of futures contracts also include that there may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract.

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

 

 

25


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020, 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 the purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by contracts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Year Ended December 31, 2020  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

    8  

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, 2020:

 

    Derivatives not accounted for as hedging instruments

Assets:

  Credit contracts       Foreign exchange
contracts
      Commodity
contracts
      Interest rate
contracts
      Equity contracts       Total
Receivable for variation margin from open futures contracts(2)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 2,594         $ 2,594

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 169,918         $ 169,918

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     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (1,060 )         $ (1,060 )

(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, if applicable. 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

 

 

26


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020.

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2020:

 

 

  Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts(1)   $ 2,594       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 2,594       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (2,594     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

(1) 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.

6.  Principal Risks

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

Dividend Risk

A Fund’s focus on dividend-paying stocks could cause a Fund to underperform funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends. An issuer of stock held by a 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. In addition, stocks of companies with a history of paying dividends may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as most other stocks, and a sharp rise in interest rates or an economic downturn could cause a company to unexpectedly reduce or eliminate its dividend. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, and as interest rates rise, the prices of such securities may fall. At times, a Fund may not be able to identify dividend-paying stocks that are attractive investments. The income received by a Fund will also fluctuate due to the amount of dividends that companies elect to pay.

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 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 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, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased price volatility, (6) less

 

 

27


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. There may be very limited oversight of certain foreign banks or securities depositories that hold foreign securities and currency and the laws of certain countries may limit the ability to recover such assets if a foreign bank, depository, or their agents goes bankrupt. To the extent a Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region.

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. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There also can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that a Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, 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

The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, including the U.S. presidential election, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

 

28


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Other Investment Companies Risk

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

Recent Market Events Risk

An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in China in December 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may last for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained economic downturn or recession. The U.S. Federal Reserve and the U.S. federal government have taken numerous measures to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate the U.S. economy. The ultimate effects of these and other efforts that may be taken may not be known for some time. The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it plans to maintain its interventions at an elevated level. Amid these ongoing efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown. The U.S. government has reduced the federal corporate income tax rate, 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. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. A rise in protectionist trade policies, slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on January 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and trade agreement negotiations during the transition period, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.

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 indemnifies 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

 

 

29


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Fund’s securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities. A Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated money market fund. A Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with a Fund’s ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions and there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In any case in which the loaned securities are not returned to the Fund before an ex-dividend date, the payment in lieu of the dividend that the Fund receives from the securities’ borrower would not be treated as a dividend for federal income tax purposes and thus would not qualify for treatment as “qualified dividend income”.

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, 2020 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:

 

    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

Distributions paid from:

 

Ordinary income*

 

R5 Class**

  $ 85,585       $ 75,322  

Y Class

    97,396         94,465  

Investor Class

    14,820         11,534  

A Class

    6,476         4,681  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 204,277       $ 186,002  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

**Formerly known as Institutional Class.

As of December 31, 2020, 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

  $ 29,820,976       $ 12,658,749       $ (358,635     $ 12,300,114  

 

 

30


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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

  $ 12,300,114       $ -       $ -       $ (1,834,049     $ -       $ 10,466,065  

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 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 derived from distributions in excess of current earnings as of December 31, 2020.

 

Fund

   Paid-In-Capital              Distributable
Earnings/(Deficits)
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth    $    (1,800)         $  1,800  

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, 2020, the Fund had the following capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund

   Short-Term
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
             Long-Term
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth    $ 770,153          $ 1,063,896  

The Fund utilized $3,818 short-term and $159,305 long-term 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, 2020 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Purchases (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
          Sales (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth    $ 14,693,945       $ 21,149,546  

A summary of the Fund’s transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
      December 31,
2019
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales         December 31,
2020
Shares/Fair
Value
 
Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth   Direct     $ 409,470       $ 9,278,357       $9,124,943     $ 562,884  

 

 

31


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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.

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.

The Fund did not have any securities on loan or hold any securities lending collateral as of the year ended December 31, 2020.

10.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 12, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Fund, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), renewed a committed revolving line of credit (the “Committed Line”)

 

 

32


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 $150 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of 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 11, 2021, 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 renewed 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) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (”OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 11, 2021 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 “Loan expense” 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, 2020, 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:

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     41,600       $ 498,818         125,798       $ 1,591,846  
Reinvestment of dividends     5,339         85,585         5,163         75,322  
Shares redeemed     (202,445       (2,733,663       (96,357       (1,289,871
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (155,506     $ (2,149,260       34,604       $ 377,297  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     200,131       $ 2,487,401         487,613       $ 6,141,181  
Reinvestment of dividends     5,915         94,163         6,138         89,056  
Shares redeemed     (505,161       (6,363,513       (513,061       (6,622,200
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (299,115     $ (3,781,949       (19,310     $ (391,963
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     60,656       $ 753,862         61,538       $ 810,365  
Reinvestment of dividends     945         14,820         815         11,612  
Shares redeemed     (80,383       (1,059,922       (75,797       (993,240
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (18,782     $ (291,240       (13,444     $ (171,263
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

33


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,981       $ 22,924         10,242       $ 130,620  
Reinvestment of dividends     413         6,476         327         4,681  
Shares redeemed     (23,475       (299,467       (246,102       (3,014,915
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (21,081     $ (270,067       (235,533     $ (2,879,614
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     181       $ 2,500         4,670       $ 60,493  
Reinvestment of dividends     -         -         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (3,966       (47,433       (7,929       (101,241
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (3,785     $ (44,933       (3,259     $ (40,748
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Formerly known as Institutional 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 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)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.52       $ 11.62       $ 13.93       $ 12.77       $ 10.17  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.10         0.07         0.07         0.04         0.03  

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

    1.65         2.89         (1.66       1.71         2.60  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.75         2.96         (1.59       1.75         2.63  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.08       (0.06       (0.05       (0.05       (0.03

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.67       (0.54       -  

Tax return of capitalC

    -         -         (0.00 )B        -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.08       (0.06       (0.72       (0.59       (0.03
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.19       $ 14.52       $ 11.62       $ 13.93       $ 12.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    12.06       25.49       (11.27 )%        13.65       25.88
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 17,373,228       $ 17,837,496       $ 13,875,243       $ 16,498,344       $ 7,563,970  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.35       1.33       1.26       1.32       1.85

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.98       0.98       0.98       0.98       0.98

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.26       0.18       0.17       0.18       (0.30 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.63       0.53       0.45       0.52       0.57

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       35       42       38       23

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

B 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

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

 

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,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.44       $ 11.57       $ 13.89       $ 12.75       $ 10.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.08         0.06         0.05         0.05         0.04  

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

    1.64         2.87         (1.65       1.68         2.58  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.72         2.93         (1.60       1.73         2.62  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.08       (0.06       (0.05       (0.05       (0.03

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.67       (0.54       -  

Tax return of capitalB

    -         -         (0.00 )A        -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.08       (0.06       (0.72       (0.59       (0.03
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.08       $ 14.44       $ 11.57       $ 13.89       $ 12.75  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    11.92       25.34       (11.37 )%        13.52       25.80
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 19,738,717       $ 22,038,090       $ 17,879,581       $ 15,114,316       $ 6,856,954  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.40       1.38       1.34       1.38       1.98

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.08       1.08       1.08       1.08       1.08

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    0.22       0.13       0.13       0.12       (0.43 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.54       0.43       0.39       0.42       0.47

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       35       42       38       23

 

A 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

C 

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

 

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,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.21       $ 11.41       $ 13.75       $ 12.65       $ 10.12  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    0.02         0.01         (0.00 )A        0.02         0.03  

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

    1.67         2.84         (1.62       1.66         2.53  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.69         2.85         (1.62       1.68         2.56  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.07       (0.05       (0.05       (0.04       (0.03

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.67       (0.54       -  

Tax return of capitalB

    -         -         (0.00 )A        -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.07       (0.05       (0.72       (0.58       (0.03
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.83       $ 14.21       $ 11.41       $ 13.75       $ 12.65  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    11.91       24.99       (11.64 )%        13.23       25.31
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 3,286,176       $ 3,217,039       $ 2,736,498       $ 4,344,476       $ 3,595,277  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.75       1.71       1.53       1.57       2.09

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.36       1.36       1.36       1.36       1.36

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.14 )%        (0.20 )%        (0.14 )%        (0.09 )%        (0.51 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.25       0.15       0.03       0.12       0.23

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       35       42       38       23

 

A 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

C 

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

 

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,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 14.23       $ 11.42       $ 13.75       $ 12.64       $ 10.11  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.03 A        0.01 A        0.02         0.03         0.04  

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

    1.62         2.84         (1.64       1.65         2.52  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.65         2.85         (1.62       1.68         2.56  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.07       (0.04       (0.04       (0.03       (0.03

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.67       (0.54       -  

Tax return of capitalC

    -         -         (0.00 )B        -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.07       (0.04       (0.71       (0.57       (0.03
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.81       $ 14.23       $ 11.42       $ 13.75       $ 12.64  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    11.62       24.97       (11.70 )%        13.30       25.34
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 1,422,125       $ 1,579,622       $ 3,958,224       $ 3,955,277       $ 2,321,426  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.64       1.64       1.61       1.69       2.18

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.35       1.38       1.38       1.38       1.38

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.04 )%        (0.18 )%        (0.16 )%        (0.20 )%        (0.61 )% 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.25       0.08       0.07       0.11       0.18

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       35       42       38       23

 

A 

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

B 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

C 

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

D 

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

 

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,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.75       $ 11.09       $ 13.42       $ 12.42       $ 10.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.18       (0.14       (0.21       (0.06       (0.05

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

    1.67         2.80         (1.45       1.60         2.49  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    1.49         2.66         (1.66       1.54         2.44  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         (0.02

Distributions from net realized gains

    -         -         (0.67       (0.54       -  

Tax return of capitalB

    -         -         (0.00 )A        -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    -         -         (0.67       (0.54       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 15.24       $ 13.75       $ 11.09       $ 13.42       $ 12.42  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    10.84       23.99       (12.26 )%        12.38       24.35
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 301,719       $ 324,394       $ 297,668       $ 520,113       $ 412,390  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.45       2.47       2.35       2.44       3.09

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    2.13       2.13       2.13       2.13       2.13

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.84 )%        (0.97 )%        (0.92 )%        (0.96 )%        (1.56 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.52 )%        (0.63 )%        (0.70 )%        (0.65 )%        (0.60 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    38       35       42       38       23

 

A 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

C 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

39


American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth FundSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2020 (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, 2020. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020.

The Fund designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. 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

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

    100

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

  $ -  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth

  $ -  

Shareholders received notification in January 2021 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2020 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-two 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

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
  

Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or

retirement*

  
Gilbert G. Alvarado (51)    Trustee since 2015    President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-Present); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Senior 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, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); 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 (58)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Switchback Energy Acquisition (2019-Present); 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. (2014-2017) (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) (2013-2018); 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 (62)    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).
Brenda A. Cline (60)   

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 and Open-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-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*

  
Eugene J. Duffy (66)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-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).
Claudia A. Holz (63)    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 (59)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Consultant, Carne Financial Services (2017-2019); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); 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).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (57)    Trustee since 2012    President/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).
R. Gerald Turner (75)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-2019); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-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

OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (66)    President since 2009    President (2009-2018), CEO and Director (2009–Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc., President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015–Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Topco, Inc.; President (2015-2018); Director, and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-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 (2016-2020); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019 – Present); President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-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); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present).
Rosemary K. Behan (61)   

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. (2017-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 and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-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).

 

 

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   
Brian E. Brett (60)    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), Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-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 (51)    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 (50)    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).
Melinda G. Heika (59)    Principal Accounting Officer since 2017 and 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 (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Principal Accounting Officer (2017-Present) and Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, 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   
Terri L. McKinney (57)    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 (45)    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 (2017-Present), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), 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 (2015-2020); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); 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).
Samuel J. Silver (57)    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).

 

 

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   
Christina E. Sears (49)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

and Asst. Secretary since 1999

   Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2019) and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); 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 (64)   

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 (46)    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 (54)    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 (2016-2020); 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 (62)    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 (2016-2020); 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 to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75. As of 12/31/2020 Dr. Turner retired from the Board.

 

 

46


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2020 (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.

 

 

 

47


  

 

 

 

 

 

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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-PORT as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-PORT 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 12/20


LOGO


About American Beacon Advisors

 

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

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

BRIDGEWAY LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND

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

BRIDGEWAY LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

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

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

 

American Beacon Funds

December 31, 2020


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

    25  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

    45  

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

    51  

Federal Tax Information

    57  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    58  

Privacy Policy

    64  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

For much of this reporting period, headlines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. presidential election dominated the 24-hour news cycle. Chances are, the media coverage about these ongoing headwinds – including sickness and death, healthcare insurance and vaccines, unemployment and underemployment, food and housing insecurities, civil unrest and disobedience, and the transition of government leadership – has left you feeling adrift and fearful.

 

During such uncertainty, we recognize that fear of loss can be a powerful emotion, leading many investors to make short-term decisions subject to a variety of potential error-leading biases. Unfortunately, short-term investment decisions may capsize future plans. We encourage investors to

remain focused on the horizon by working with financial professionals to make thoughtful adjustments based on changing needs and long-term financial goals.

Our three Ds – direction, discipline and diversification – may help you navigate this conversation.

 

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 maintain your bearing. 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 investment styles 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. 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 continuing to stay the course with American Beacon. For additional information about our investment products 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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

Despite a tumultuous first quarter in 2020, the domestic equity market barreled back in the ensuing quarters and posted double-digit positive returns for most broad equity market indexes – including the Russell 1000 Index, which returned 20.96% for the year. Despite the year looking like it would shape up to be another large-cap year, small-cap stocks returned one of the best quarters ever in the fourth quarter. Growth stocks, however, kept up the pace and trounced Value stocks despite the Value turnaround in the fourth quarter.

In many ways, the domestic equity market’s performance can be viewed in three parts: (1) the first quarter; (2) the rebound, which lasted through the rest of the year; and (3) the Value turnaround at the end of the year.

In the first quarter, the domestic equity markets posted substantial losses amid concerns over the unprecedented economic impact of the global coronavirus pandemic. The first quarter began with positive investor sentiment from the end of 2019 carrying over briefly into January, before worries about the COVID-19 outbreak in China triggered the first of a series of sharp market drops. Markets plunged in mid-March in response to the unfolding pandemic and a surprise oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. Meanwhile, volatility rose to record highs. No sectors were spared in the downturn, but the Energy sector suffered disproportionately due to collapsing oil prices and the anticipation of a global slowdown in business and leisure travel.

The rebound was sharp and swift. Domestic equity markets rallied throughout the second and third quarters of 2020. Government stimulus efforts, encouraging signs of an economic recovery and news about multiple promising COVID-19 vaccines helped boost market performance.

Following a brief pullback in October, U.S. markets delivered positive performance over the final quarter of 2020. Increasing clarity about the results of the U.S. presidential election in November and the makeup of Congress helped reduce the political uncertainty, and the approval and distribution of multiple COVID-19 vaccines and lower-than-expected new applications for unemployment benefits boosted investor confidence. These events sparked not only a domestic market turnaround, but also generated a Value turnaround. Nonetheless, this positive relative performance was not enough to overcome the massive dispersion between Growth and Value stocks that had built up earlier in the year.

 

 

2


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 34.02% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, compared to the Russell 1000® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 38.49% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2010 through 12/31/2020

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2020

 

      
      

Ticker

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

    

Value of $10,000
12/31/2010-

12/31/2020

R5 Class** (1,8)

     BRLGX          34.48 %          18.06 %          17.19 %          15.71 %        $ 43,024

Y Class (1,2,8)

     BLYYX          34.34 %          17.64 %          17.10 %          15.66 %        $ 42,849

Investor Class (1,3,8)

     BLYPX          34.02 %          17.64 %          16.77 %          15.50 %        $ 42,247

A without Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BLYAX          34.11 %          17.61 %          16.81 %          15.52 %        $ 42,322

A with Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BLYAX          26.40 %          15.32 %          15.44 %          14.84 %        $ 39,882

C without Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BLYCX          33.04 %          16.48 %          15.93 %          15.08 %        $ 40,753

C with Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BLYCX          32.04 %          16.48 %          15.93 %          15.08 %        $ 40,753

R6 Class (1,6,8)

     BLYRX          34.58 %          18.13 %          17.23 %          15.73 %        $ 43,095
                                       

Russell 1000® Growth Index (7)

              38.49 %          22.99 %          21.00 %          17.21 %        $ 48,929

 

**

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

 

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 R5 Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future.

 

 

3


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.

Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception.

 

3.

Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was higher than actual returns shown since inception.

 

4.

Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. Asa result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception. A Class shares have a maximum sales charge of 5.75%.

 

5.

Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. Asa result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 12/31/10. A portion of fees charged to the C Class of the Fund was waived from Fund inception through 2017, partially recovered in 2018, and waived in 2019. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown through 2017 and for 2019. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 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 R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 12/31/10. A portion of fees charged to the R6 Class of the Fund has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception.

 

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. American Beacon Funds is not promoted, sponsored or endorsed by, nor in any way affiliated with the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. LSE Group is not responsible for and has not reviewed the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund nor any associated literature or publications and LSE Group makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise. All rights in the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the “Index”) vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the Index. Russell 1000® is a trademark of the relevant LSE Group company and is used by any other LSE Group company under license. The Index is calculated by or on behalf of FTSE International Limited or its affiliate, agent or partner. The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of (a) the use of, reliance on or any error in the Index or (b) investment in or operation of the Fund. The LSE Group makes no claim, prediction, warranty or representation either as to the results to be obtained from the Fund or the suitability of the Index for the purpose to which it is being put by the Manager. 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 R5, Y, Investor, A, C and R6 Class shares were 0.90%, 0.95%, 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.96% and 0.84%, 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 mainly due to sector allocation, while stock selection also detracted from performance relative to the Index.

From a sector allocation perspective, the Fund’s overweight to Financials and Real Estate detracted from relative performance. In contrast, a slight underweighting to the Health Care sector modestly offset underperformance for the period.

Most of the Fund’s underperformance related to security selection was attributed to holdings in the Consumer Discretionary and Industrials sectors. Within Consumer Discretionary, positions in O’Reilly Automotive Inc. and Best Buy Co., Inc. (down 24.3% and up 17.4%, respectively) hurt performance. In the Industrials sector, the Fund owned United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (down 63.0%) and Delta Air Lines, Inc. (down 48.9%) detracting from relative performance. This performance was modestly offset by positions in the Information Technology sector. Within this sector, positions in Square, Inc., Class A (up 144.2%) and RingCentral, Inc., Class A (up 124.7%) contributed most to the Fund’s relative performance.

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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

Apple, Inc.           4.7  
Amazon.com, Inc.           3.8  
Microsoft Corp.           3.0  
Roku, Inc.           2.9  
RingCentral, Inc., Class A           2.8  
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.           2.2  
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.           2.2  
Match Group, Inc.           2.2  
Monster Beverage Corp.           2.2  
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.           2.0  
Total Fund Holdings      77       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)

 

Information Technology           41.3  
Consumer Discretionary           15.1  
Communication Services           12.3  
Health Care           11.9  
Consumer Staples           5.9  
Financials           4.9  
Industrials           4.0  
Real Estate           2.5  
Utilities           1.1  
Materials           1.0  

 

 

5


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund (the “Fund”) returned -3.36% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The Fund underperformed the Russell 1000® Value Index (the “Index”) return of 2.80% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2010 through 12/31/2020

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2020

 

      
      

Ticker

    

1
Year

    

3
Years

    

5
Years

    

10
Years

    

Value of $10,000
12/31/2010-

12/31/2020

R5 Class** (1,8)

     BRLVX          -3.01 %          1.71 %          7.23 %          10.28 %        $ 26,601

Y Class (1,2,8)

     BWLYX          -3.14 %          1.63 %          7.15 %          10.21 %        $ 26,433

Investor Class (1,3,8)

     BWLIX          -3.36 %          1.36 %          6.86 %          9.96 %        $ 25,834

A without Sales Charge (1,4,8).

     BWLAX          -3.38 %          1.36 %          6.84 %          9.89 %        $ 25,683

A with Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     BWLAX          -8.93 %          -0.62 %          5.58 %          9.24 %        $ 24,199

C without Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BWLCX          -4.08 %          0.62 %          6.05 %          9.19 %        $ 24,089

C with Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     BWLCX          -5.08 %          0.62 %          6.05 %          9.19 %        $ 24,089

R6 Class (1,6,8)

     BWLRX          -3.03 %          1.73 %          7.23 %          10.28 %        $ 26,604
                                       

Russell 1000® Value Index (7)

              2.80 %          6.07 %          9.74 %          10.50 %        $ 27,148

 

**

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

 

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 R5 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 for 2008 through 2013.

 

2.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Y Class been in existence since 12/31/10. 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 for 2012.

 

 

6


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

3.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the Investor Class been in existence since 12/31/10. 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 for 2012.

 

4.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the A Class been in existence since 12/31/10. 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 for 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 R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be higher than they would have been had the C Class been in existence since 12/31/10. 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 for 2012 and 2013. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6.

Fund performance for the five-year and ten-year periods represent the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 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 R5 Class. As a result, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the R6 Class of the Fund was waived in 2017 and 2019. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2017 and 2019.

 

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. American Beacon Funds is not promoted, sponsored or endorsed by, nor in any way affiliated with the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. LSE Group is not responsible for and has not reviewed the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund nor any associated literature or publications and LSE Group makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise. All rights in the Russell 1000 Value Index (the “Index”) vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the Index. Russell 1000® is a trademark of the relevant LSE Group company and is used by any other LSE Group company under license. The Index is calculated by or on behalf of FTSE International Limited or its affiliate, agent or partner. The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of (a) the use of, reliance on or any error in the Index or (b) investment in or operation of the Fund. The LSE Group makes no claim, prediction, warranty or representation either as to the results to be obtained from the Fund or the suitability of the Index for the purpose to which it is being put by the Manager. 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 R5, Y, Investor, A, C and R6 Class shares were 0.73%, 0.80%, 1.08%, 1.10%, 1.81% and 0.70%, 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 positions in the Health Care and Information Technology sectors detracted the most relative value. Within the Health Care sector, the Fund’s positions in Teladoc Health, Inc. and Mylan N.V. (down 9.2% and 20.2%, respectively) hampered performance. Companies in the Information Technology sector detracting from relative performance included Western Digital Corporation (down 44.5%) and The Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (down 21.7%). This was somewhat offset by stock selection in the Consumer Staples sector including Campbell Soup Company (up 11.0%) and The Kroger Company (up 12.7%) which helped performance.

The Fund’s underweight allocations to the Health Care and Materials sectors, the second-best and best performing sectors for the Index, respectively, also detracted from relative performance. Somewhat offsetting this underperformance was a slight overweight to the Information Technology 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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

Citigroup, Inc.           1.3  
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A           1.3  
Synchrony Financial           1.3  
Viatris, Inc.           1.3  
Walmart, Inc.           1.3  
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.           1.2  
DaVita, Inc.           1.2  
General Motors Co.           1.2  
HCA Healthcare, Inc.           1.2  
Target Corp.           1.2  
Total Fund Holdings      101       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)

 

Financials           23.4  
Health Care           16.2  
Consumer Staples           10.7  
Industrials           10.4  
Communication Services           9.3  
Information Technology           8.0  
Energy           6.5  
Consumer Discretionary           5.2  
Utilities           5.0  
Materials           2.9  
Real Estate           2.4  

 

 

8


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2020 (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, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

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 R5 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 R5 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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2020
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2020
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2020-12/31/2020*
R5 Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,266.70       $4.62
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,021.06       $4.12
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,266.30       $4.96
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,020.76       $4.42
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,264.60       $6.38
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.51       $5.69
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,266.00       $6.27
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.61       $5.58
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,260.60       $10.46
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,015.89       $9.32
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,267.30       $4.33
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,021.32       $3.86

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.81%, 0.87%, 1.12%, 1.10%, 1.84%, and 0.76% for the R5, 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 (366) to reflect the half-year period.

**

Formerly known as Institutional Class.

***

5% return before expenses.

 

American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2020
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2020
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2020-12/31/2020*
R5 Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,210.80       $4.17
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,021.37       $3.81
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,209.50       $4.72
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,020.86       $4.32
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,208.50       $6.16
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.56       $5.63
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,208.10       $6.27
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.46       $5.74
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,204.20       $10.25
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,015.84       $9.37
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,210.80       $4.11
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,021.42       $3.76

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.75%, 0.85%, 1.11%, 1.13%, 1.85%, and 0.74% for the R5, 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 (366) to reflect the half-year period.

**

Formerly known as Institutional Class.

***

5% return before expenses.

 

 

10


American Beacon FundsSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

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

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, 2020, and the related statements of operations, 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, 2020, 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.

 

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, 2020   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020   For each of the four years in the period ended December 31, 2020, 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, 2020   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020   For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2020

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, 2020, 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, 2021

 

 

11


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.88%            
Communication Services - 12.19%            
Entertainment - 4.82%            
Activision Blizzard, Inc.       25,100         $ 2,330,535
Netflix, Inc.A       3,800           2,054,774
Roku, Inc.A       19,100           6,341,582
           

 

 

 
              10,726,891
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - 3.12%            
Match Group, Inc.A       32,100           4,853,199
Pinterest, Inc., Class AA       31,600           2,082,440
           

 

 

 
              6,935,639
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 3.72%            
Altice USA, Inc., Class AA       75,000           2,840,250
Discovery, Inc., Class AA B       83,300           2,506,497
DISH Network Corp., Class AA       91,100           2,946,174
           

 

 

 
              8,292,921
           

 

 

 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services - 0.53%            
T-Mobile US, Inc.A       8,700           1,173,195
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              27,128,646
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 14.88%            
Diversified Consumer Services - 1.00%            
Chegg, Inc.A       24,700           2,231,151
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 3.80%            
Amazon.com, Inc.A       2,600           8,468,018
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 2.28%            
Dollar General Corp.       14,500           3,049,350
Target Corp.       11,500           2,030,095
           

 

 

 
              5,079,445
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 5.80%            
Best Buy Co., Inc.       26,600           2,654,414
Burlington Stores, Inc.A       6,400           1,673,920
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.       11,500           1,845,865
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.A       4,400           1,991,308
TJX Cos., Inc.       36,000           2,458,440
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.       22,400           2,281,216
           

 

 

 
              12,905,163
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 2.00%            
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.A       12,800           4,454,784
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              33,138,561
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 5.84%            
Beverages - 2.70%            
Monster Beverage Corp.A       52,700           4,873,696
PepsiCo, Inc.       7,600           1,127,080
           

 

 

 
              6,000,776
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 0.98%            
Costco Wholesale Corp.       5,800           2,185,324
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.88% (continued)            
Consumer Staples - 5.84% (continued)            
Food Products - 0.46%            
Campbell Soup Co.       21,400         $ 1,034,690
           

 

 

 
           
Personal Products - 1.70%            
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc., Class A       14,200           3,779,898
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              13,000,688
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 4.87%            
Capital Markets - 2.35%            
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.       13,000           2,526,290
Charles Schwab Corp.       24,257           1,286,591
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.       12,300           1,418,067
           

 

 

 
              5,230,948
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 0.79%            
Synchrony Financial       50,600           1,756,326
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 1.73%            
Allstate Corp.       17,000           1,868,810
Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc.       16,900           1,977,300
           

 

 

 
              3,846,110
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              10,833,384
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 11.73%            
Biotechnology - 3.93%            
AbbVie, Inc.       19,400           2,078,710
Biogen, Inc.A       10,100           2,473,086
Seagen, Inc.A       18,700           3,275,118
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       3,900           921,726
           

 

 

 
              8,748,640
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 1.00%            
Abbott Laboratories       20,300           2,222,647
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 4.02%            
AmerisourceBergen Corp.       18,900           1,847,664
DaVita, Inc.A       23,200           2,723,680
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.       12,500           4,383,500
           

 

 

 
              8,954,844
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 0.99%            
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.       4,700           2,189,166
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 1.79%            
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.       32,300           2,003,569
Zoetis, Inc.       12,000           1,986,000
           

 

 

 
              3,989,569
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              26,104,866
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 4.00%            
Commercial Services & Supplies - 2.01%            
Republic Services, Inc.       10,100           972,630
Rollins, Inc.       89,400           3,492,858
           

 

 

 
              4,465,488
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.88% (continued)            
Industrials - 4.00% (continued)            
Industrial Conglomerates - 0.68%            
3M Co.       8,700         $ 1,520,673
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 1.31%            
IHS Markit Ltd.       32,400           2,910,492
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              8,896,653
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 40.82%            
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 0.70%            
CDW Corp.       11,800           1,555,122
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 1.97%            
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.       10,400           1,471,184
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.       10,600           1,717,094
Okta, Inc.A       4,700           1,195,022
           

 

 

 
              4,383,300
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 9.45%            
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.A       53,700           4,924,827
Applied Materials, Inc.       31,500           2,718,450
Lam Research Corp.       6,200           2,928,074
NVIDIA Corp.       7,400           3,864,280
QUALCOMM, Inc.       16,100           2,452,674
Teradyne, Inc.       17,000           2,038,130
Universal Display Corp.       9,200           2,114,160
           

 

 

 
              21,040,595
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 21.17%            
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.A       35,500           4,843,265
Coupa Software, Inc.A       9,700           3,287,427
Fair Isaac Corp.A       4,700           2,401,888
Fortinet, Inc.A       16,600           2,465,598
HubSpot, Inc.A       11,000           4,360,840
Microsoft Corp.       30,100           6,694,842
Oracle Corp.       45,700           2,956,333
RingCentral, Inc., Class AA       16,400           6,215,108
salesforce.com, Inc.A       8,300           1,846,999
ServiceNow, Inc.A       8,000           4,403,440
Workday, Inc., Class AA       16,100           3,857,721
Zendesk, Inc.A       26,600           3,806,992
           

 

 

 
              47,140,453
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 7.53%            
Apple, Inc.       78,400           10,402,896
Dell Technologies, Inc., Class CA       47,253           3,463,173
HP, Inc.       117,500           2,889,325
           

 

 

 
              16,755,394
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              90,874,864
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 1.00%            
Containers & Packaging - 1.00%            
Crown Holdings, Inc.A       22,300           2,234,460
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.88% (continued)            
Real Estate - 2.45%            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 2.45%            
American Homes 4 Rent, Class A       35,500         $ 1,065,000
Crown Castle International Corp.       19,100           3,040,529
Equinix, Inc.       1,900           1,356,942
           

 

 

 
              5,462,471
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              5,462,471
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 1.10%            
Electric Utilities - 1.10%            
NRG Energy, Inc.       65,000           2,440,750
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $145,038,041)

              220,115,343
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 1.07% (Cost $2,381,088)            
Investment Companies - 1.07%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 0.01%C D       2,381,088           2,381,088
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $2,381,088)

              2,381,088
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.95% (Cost $147,419,129)

              222,496,431

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 0.05%

              122,222
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 222,618,653
           

 

 

 
             
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, collateralized by either cash and/or U.S. Treasuries, at December 31, 2020 (Note 9).

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

D 7-day yield.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Equity Futures Contracts  
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Notional Amount        Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures      12      March 2021      $ 2,222,470        $ 2,249,280        $ 26,810  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 2,222,470        $ 2,249,280        $ 26,810  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Index Abbreviations:
S&P 500    S&P 500 Index - 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, 2020, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

 

Common Stocks

  $ 220,115,343       $ -       $ -       $ 220,115,343  

Short-Term Investments

    2,381,088         -         -         2,381,088  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 222,496,431       $ -       $ -       $ 222,496,431  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Futures Contracts

  $ 26,810       $ -       $ -       $ 26,810  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 26,810       $ -       $ -       $ 26,810  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 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, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 94.58%            
Communication Services - 8.80%            
Diversified Telecommunication Services - 2.89%            
AT&T, Inc.       338,000         $ 9,720,880
CenturyLink, Inc.       1,028,600           10,028,850
Verizon Communications, Inc.       157,400           9,247,250
           

 

 

 
              28,996,980
           

 

 

 
           
Entertainment - 1.14%            
Activision Blizzard, Inc.       123,600           11,476,260
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - 1.05%            
Zillow Group, Inc., Class CA       81,000           10,513,800
           

 

 

 
           
Media - 3.72%            
Discovery, Inc., Class AA B       352,500           10,606,725
DISH Network Corp., Class AA       301,000           9,734,340
Fox Corp., Class A       269,500           7,847,840
Sirius XM Holdings, Inc.B       1,437,100           9,154,327
           

 

 

 
              37,343,232
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              88,330,272
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 4.90%            
Automobiles - 1.19%            
General Motors Co.       285,680           11,895,715
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - 0.90%            
PulteGroup, Inc.       209,400           9,029,328
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 0.94%            
eBay, Inc.       187,300           9,411,825
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 1.20%            
Target Corp.       68,400           12,074,652
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 0.67%            
Best Buy Co., Inc.       67,700           6,755,783
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              49,167,303
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 10.14%            
Beverages - 1.02%            
PepsiCo, Inc.       69,000           10,232,700
           

 

 

 
           
Food & Staples Retailing - 3.17%            
Costco Wholesale Corp.       25,600           9,645,568
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.       230,600           9,196,328
Walmart, Inc.       90,400           13,031,160
           

 

 

 
              31,873,056
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 3.01%            
General Mills, Inc.       63,201           3,716,219
Hormel Foods Corp.       182,800           8,520,308
JM Smucker Co.       69,766           8,064,949
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A       168,900           9,875,583
           

 

 

 
              30,177,059
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

16


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 94.58% (continued)            
Consumer Staples - 10.14% (continued)            
Household Products - 2.94%            
Clorox Co.       44,100         $ 8,904,672
Colgate-Palmolive Co.       129,600           11,082,096
Procter & Gamble Co.       68,600           9,545,004
           

 

 

 
              29,531,772
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              101,814,587
           

 

 

 
           
Energy - 6.11%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 6.11%            
ConocoPhillips       253,300           10,129,467
Devon Energy Corp.       393,394           6,219,559
Exxon Mobil Corp.       232,200           9,571,284
Marathon Oil Corp.       602,200           4,016,674
Marathon Petroleum Corp.       279,000           11,539,440
ONEOK, Inc.       244,900           9,399,262
Phillips 66       150,000           10,491,000
           

 

 

 
              61,366,686
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              61,366,686
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 22.14%            
Banks - 8.11%            
Bank of America Corp.       357,900           10,847,949
Citigroup, Inc.       204,100           12,584,806
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.       603,100           7,617,153
JPMorgan Chase & Co.       84,800           10,775,536
KeyCorp       546,100           8,961,501
Regions Financial Corp.       650,000           10,478,000
US Bancorp       227,100           10,580,589
Wells Fargo & Co.       316,300           9,545,934
           

 

 

 
              81,391,468
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 4.56%            
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.       63,800           12,398,254
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.       271,700           11,530,948
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.       87,800           10,122,462
Morgan Stanley       170,900           11,711,777
           

 

 

 
              45,763,441
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 2.42%            
Ally Financial, Inc.       312,600           11,147,316
Synchrony Financial       378,100           13,123,851
           

 

 

 
              24,271,167
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Financial Services - 0.84%            
Voya Financial, Inc.       143,800           8,456,878
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 6.21%            
Aflac, Inc.       247,200           10,992,984
Allstate Corp.       88,445           9,722,759
American Financial Group, Inc.       70,900           6,212,258
MetLife, Inc.       249,900           11,732,805
Principal Financial Group, Inc.       197,600           9,802,936
Prudential Financial, Inc.       111,000           8,665,770
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.       44,500           5,157,550
           

 

 

 
              62,287,062
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              222,170,016
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 94.58% (continued)            
Health Care - 15.32%            
Biotechnology - 1.04%            
Biogen, Inc.A       42,400         $ 10,382,064
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 3.35%            
Abbott Laboratories       96,100           10,521,989
Baxter International, Inc.       60,047           4,818,171
Danaher Corp.       39,700           8,818,958
Medtronic PLC       80,500           9,429,770
           

 

 

 
              33,588,888
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 6.01%            
AmerisourceBergen Corp.       83,700           8,182,512
DaVita, Inc.A       104,700           12,291,780
HCA Healthcare, Inc.       73,000           12,005,580
Humana, Inc.       22,900           9,395,183
Laboratory Corp. of America HoldingsA       38,900           7,918,095
McKesson Corp.       60,700           10,556,944
           

 

 

 
              60,350,094
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 0.80%            
Teladoc Health, Inc.A B       40,200           8,038,392
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 0.94%            
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.A       8,300           9,459,344
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 3.18%            
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.       62,200           3,858,266
Merck & Co., Inc.       125,200           10,241,360
Viatris, Inc.A       697,071           13,063,111
Zoetis, Inc.       28,800           4,766,400
           

 

 

 
              31,929,137
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              153,747,919
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 9.87%            
Airlines - 0.91%            
Delta Air Lines, Inc.       226,500           9,107,565
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 1.66%            
Johnson Controls International PLC       212,900           9,919,011
Masco Corp.       122,400           6,723,432
           

 

 

 
              16,642,443
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 1.98%            
Republic Services, Inc.       104,600           10,072,980
Rollins, Inc.       250,950           9,804,617
           

 

 

 
              19,877,597
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - 0.81%            
AMETEK, Inc.       67,400           8,151,356
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 1.65%            
Cummins, Inc.       37,300           8,470,830
Fortive Corp.       114,200           8,087,644
           

 

 

 
              16,558,474
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 1.04%            
IHS Markit Ltd.       115,800           10,402,314
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 94.58% (continued)            
Industrials - 9.87% (continued)            
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.82%            
Fastenal Co.       212,600         $ 10,381,258
Watsco, Inc.       34,800           7,883,940
           

 

 

 
              18,265,198
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              99,004,947
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 7.56%            
IT Services - 1.85%            
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.       69,600           9,845,616
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.       53,600           8,682,664
           

 

 

 
              18,528,280
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 2.00%            
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.A       106,300           9,748,773
Intel Corp.       207,100           10,317,722
           

 

 

 
              20,066,495
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 1.66%            
Autodesk, Inc.A       19,700           6,015,198
Oracle Corp.       165,100           10,680,319
           

 

 

 
              16,695,517
           

 

 

 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals - 2.05%            
HP, Inc.       410,100           10,084,359
NetApp, Inc.       158,100           10,472,544
           

 

 

 
              20,556,903
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              75,847,195
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 2.72%            
Chemicals - 1.71%            
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.       115,441           4,468,721
LyondellBasell Industries N.V., Class A       138,500           12,694,910
           

 

 

 
              17,163,631
           

 

 

 
           
Containers & Packaging - 1.01%            
WestRock Co.       232,800           10,133,784
           

 

 

 
           

Total Materials

              27,297,415
           

 

 

 
           
Real Estate - 2.32%            
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - 2.32%            
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.       54,500           9,712,990
American Homes 4 Rent, Class A       174,500           5,235,000
Realty Income Corp.       133,800           8,318,346
           

 

 

 
              23,266,336
           

 

 

 
           

Total Real Estate

              23,266,336
           

 

 

 
           
Utilities - 4.70%            
Electric Utilities - 1.91%            
NRG Energy, Inc.       254,100           9,541,455
PG&E Corp.A       772,700           9,627,842
           

 

 

 
              19,169,297
           

 

 

 
           
Independent Power & Renewable Electricity Producers - 1.02%            
Vistra Energy Corp.       522,300           10,268,418
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 94.58% (continued)            
Utilities - 4.70% (continued)            
Multi-Utilities - 1.77%            
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.       145,800         $ 8,500,140
Sempra Energy       72,800           9,275,448
           

 

 

 
              17,775,588
           

 

 

 
           

Total Utilities

              47,213,303
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $852,181,211)

              949,225,979
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.48% (Cost $34,927,126)            
Investment Companies - 3.48%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 0.01%C D       34,927,126           34,927,126
           

 

 

 
           

Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $34,927,126)

              34,927,126
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 98.06% (Cost $887,108,337)

              984,153,105

OTHER ASSETS, NET OF LIABILITIES - 1.94%

              19,468,764
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 1,003,621,869
           

 

 

 

 

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, collateralized by either cash and/or U.S. Treasuries, at December 31, 2020 (Note 9).

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

D 7-day yield.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

Long Futures Contracts Open on December 31, 2020:

 

Equity Futures Contracts  
Description      Number of
Contracts
     Expiration Date      Notional Amount        Contract Value        Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
S&P 500 E-Mini Index Futures      187      March 2021      $ 34,391,687        $ 35,051,280        $ 659,593  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 
     $ 34,391,687        $ 35,051,280        $ 659,593  
              

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

Index Abbreviations:
S&P 500    S&P 500 Index - 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, 2020, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

 

Common Stocks

  $ 949,225,979       $ -       $ -       $ 949,225,979  

Short-Term Investments

    34,927,126         -         -         34,927,126  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 984,153,105       $ -       $ -       $ 984,153,105  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

 

Futures Contracts

  $ 659,593       $ -       $ -       $ 659,593  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Financial Derivative Instruments - Assets

  $ 659,593       $ -       $ -       $ 659,593  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap
Growth Fund
          Bridgeway Large Cap
Value Fund
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value§

  $ 220,115,343       $ 949,225,979  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    2,381,088         34,927,126  

Cash collateral held at broker for futures contracts

    102,000         2,516,000  

Dividends and interest receivable

    85,370         1,450,570  

Receivable for investments sold

    -         11,648,189  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    68,853         20,556,555  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    164,090         6,542  

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

    26,819         659,998  

Prepaid expenses

    54,355         73,155  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    222,997,918         1,021,064,114  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    -         7,076,250  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    105,241         8,878,852  

Cash due to broker for futures contracts

    11,447         431,816  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    132,739         606,599  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    21,847         77,518  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    12,760         55,310  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    9,759         32,644  

Professional fees payable

    39,396         83,092  

Registration fees payable

    12,266         -  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    398         8,855  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    7,960         145,592  

Other liabilities

    25,452         45,717  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    379,265         17,442,245  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 222,618,653       $ 1,003,621,869  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 143,245,549       $ 954,993,458  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    79,373,104         48,628,411  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 222,618,653       $ 1,003,621,869  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap
Growth Fund
          Bridgeway Large Cap
Value Fund
 

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

 

R5 ClassB

    3,152,530         18,749,256  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    87,870         12,026,662  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    2,361,687         5,165,115  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    61,846         1,055,572  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    75,410         1,335,748  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

    449,167         4,124,088  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

R5 ClassB

  $ 114,246,613       $ 445,009,590  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 3,168,012       $ 284,218,555  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 84,109,027       $ 121,683,174  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 2,212,193       $ 24,734,491  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 2,575,041       $ 30,186,523  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ 16,307,767       $ 97,789,536  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

R5 ClassB

  $ 36.24       $ 23.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 36.05       $ 23.63  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 35.61       $ 23.56  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 35.77       $ 23.43  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 37.95       $ 24.86  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 34.15       $ 22.60  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ 36.31       $ 23.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 145,038,041       $ 852,181,211  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 2,381,088       $ 34,927,126  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 170,460       $ 26,409,472  

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

 

B Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2020

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap
Growth Fund
          Bridgeway Large Cap
Value Fund
 

Investment income:

 

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities

  $ 1,579,202       $ 48,779,409  

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 2)

    14,695         255,312  

Interest income

    1,839         30,581  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 9)

    108,196         68,074  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    1,703,932         49,133,376  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    1,535,359         12,899,146  

Transfer agent fees:

     

R5 Class (Note 2)A

    49,658         154,633  

Y Class (Note 2)

    2,342         762,186  

Investor Class

    9,898         17,370  

A Class

    -         3,494  

C Class

    -         5,257  

R6 Class

    -         5,487  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    49,512         212,546  

Professional fees

    53,424         183,598  

Registration fees and expenses

    80,576         145,827  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    264,253         1,388,210  

A Class

    1,643         39,892  

C Class

    1,304         35,047  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    4,753         86,206  

C Class

    18,073         370,561  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    27,587         284,372  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    16,872         193,350  

Loan expense (Note 10)

    919         13,378  

Other expenses

    26,255         260,140  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    2,142,428         17,060,700  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (306,167       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    1,836,261         17,060,700  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment income (loss)

    (132,329       32,072,676  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesB

    19,486,764         (93,783,109

Futures contracts

    607,877         12,722,846  

Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesC

    38,015,657         (370,244,028

Futures contracts

    (20,347       614,721  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain (loss) from investments

    58,089,951         (450,689,570
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 57,957,622       $ (418,616,894
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

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

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund           Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
          Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

             

Operations:

             

Net investment income (loss)

  $ (132,329     $ 263,349       $ 32,072,676       $ 64,979,780  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments in unaffiliated securities and futures contracts

    20,094,641         28,391,466         (81,060,263       214,637,010  

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

    37,995,310         27,938,130         (369,629,307       625,561,461  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    57,957,622         56,592,945         (418,616,894       905,178,251  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Total retained earnings:

             

R5 ClassA

    (11,290,573       (11,270,063       (44,306,858       (49,898,828

Y Class

    (310,789       (199,045       (28,312,156       (58,703,209

Investor Class

    (8,140,966       (6,878,930       (12,433,778       (22,164,868

A Class

    (212,602       (197,898       (2,676,140       (2,157,671

C Class

    (260,226       (110,609       (3,079,893       (1,806,442

R6 Class

    (1,629,151       (11,081       (7,627,906       (9,322,560
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (21,844,307       (18,667,626       (98,436,731       (144,053,578
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 11):

             

Proceeds from sales of shares

    37,770,155         12,698,919         466,619,482         977,847,418  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    21,372,868         18,255,572         96,482,344         141,054,545  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (68,657,706       (94,788,665       (2,636,995,103       (2,419,288,681
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions

    (9,514,683       (63,834,174       (2,073,893,277       (1,300,386,718
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

    26,598,632         (25,908,855       (2,590,946,902       (539,262,045
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

             

Beginning of period

    196,020,021         221,928,876         3,594,568,771         4,133,830,816  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 222,618,653       $ 196,020,021       $ 1,003,621,869       $ 3,594,568,771  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

     

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020, the Trust consists of twenty-eight 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 twenty-six 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 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

Class Disclosure

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as the Institutional Class.

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
 
R5 Class    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 Class    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    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold through retirement plan sponsors.      None  

 

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 based on 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 based on specific lot identification.

Distributions to Shareholders

The Funds distribute most or all of their net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions on an annual basis. The Funds do not have a fixed dividend rate and do not guarantee that they will pay any distributions in any particular period. Dividends to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ in amount and character from net investment income and realized gains recognized for purposes of U.S. GAAP. To the extent necessary to fully distribute capital gains, the Funds may designate earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on the redemption of shares.

Commission Recapture

The Funds have established brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If 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 (loss) 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 the 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.

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 each 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 Investment Advisory Agreements with Bridgeway Capital Management, 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:

 

First $250 million

     0.40

Next $250 million

     0.35

Over $500 million

     0.30

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 687,222  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.44 %*        848,137  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.79     $ 1,535,359  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

* The above amount includes a non-recurring expense of 0.04%. The effective fee rate would have been 0.40% without the expense.

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate            Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35      $ 6,870,095  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.31        6,029,051  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

    0.66      $ 12,899,146  
 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee of 10% of such loan fees. 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. 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, 2020, the Manager received securities lending fees of $11,490 and $6,477 for the securities lending activities of the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, respectively.

Distribution Plans

The Funds, except for the A and C Classes of the Funds, have adopted a “defensive” Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Act, pursuant to which no separate fees may be charged to the Funds for distribution purposes. However, the Plan authorizes the management fee received by the Manager and the investment advisors hired by the Manager to be used for distribution purposes. Under this Plan, the Funds do not intend to compensate the Manager or any other party, either directly or indirectly, for the distribution of Fund shares.

Separate Distribution Plans (the “Distribution Plans”) have been adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act for the A and C Classes of the Funds. Under the Distribution Plans, as compensation for distribution 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 customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the R5 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 R5 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 R5 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 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

   $ 33,397  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     837,065  

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

As of December 31, 2020, 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

   $ 3,344  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     42,062  

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 listed below held the following shares with a December 31, 2020 fair value and dividend income earned from the investment in the USG Select Fund.

 

Affiliated Security

  Type of
Transaction
        Fund         December 31,
2020
Shares/Principal
          Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
          Realized
Gain
(Loss)
          Dividend
Income
          December 31,
2020
Fair Value
 
U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund   Direct     Bridgeway Large
Cap Growth
    $ 2,381,088       $ -       $ -       $ 14,695       $ 2,381,088  
U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund   Direct     Bridgeway Large
Cap Value
      34,927,126         -         -         255,312         34,927,126  

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, 2020, 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
Investments in USG
Select Fund
     Total  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

   $ 3,247      $ 1,418      $ 4,665  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

     61,961        700        62,661  

Interfund Credit Facility

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Funds, along with other registered investment companies having management contracts with the Manager, may participate in a credit facility whereby each fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other participating funds for temporary purposes. The interfund credit facility is advantageous to the funds because it provides added liquidity and eliminates the need to maintain higher cash balances to meet redemptions. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When a fund liquidates portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). Redemption requests normally are satisfied on the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager’s asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report the activities of the credit facility to the Board. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund borrowed on average $8,274,657 for 4 days at an average interest rate of 1.51% with interest charges of $1,387. These amounts are recorded as “Other expenses” in the Statements of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund did not utilize the credit facility.

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

        Expense Cap                 Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

  Class   1/1/2020 -
4/30/2020
    5/1/2020 -
12/31/2020
    Reimbursed
Expenses
    (Recouped)
Expenses
 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  R5*     0.81     0.81   $ 174,657     $ -       2023  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  Y     0.91     0.87     3,807       (310 )**      2023  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  Investor     1.19     1.12     117,466       (129 )**      2023  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  A     1.21     1.10     2,490       (161 )**      2023  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  C     1.96     1.84     2,455       (108 )**      2023  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  R6     0.76     0.76     5,292       -       2023  

* Formerly Institutional Class

** These amounts represent Recouped Expenses from prior fiscal years and are reflected in Total Expense on the Statement of Operations.

Of these amounts, $164,090 and $6,542 were disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2020 for the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund respectively.

The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee or voluntary 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 from the date of the Manager’s waiver/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 2023. The Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements due to the current assessment that reimbursements are uncertain. 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

   $ 658      $ -      $ 332,077        2020  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

     50        343,271        -        2021  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

     -        161,557        -        2022  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    
-
 
     4,871        -        2022  

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ Distributor, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”), may receive a portion of Class A sales charges from broker dealers which may be used to offset distribution related expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, RID collected $601 and $1,513 for Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, respectively, from the sale of Class A Shares.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the Funds’ Prospectus. Any applicable CDSC will be 0.50% of the lesser of the original purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class A Shares redeemed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no CDSC fees collected for the 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

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

purchase price or the value of the redemption of the Class C Shares redeemed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, CDSC fees of $2,796 were collected for the Class C Shares of Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund. There were no CDSC fees collected for the Class C Shares of the Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

Effective January 1, 2021, as compensation for their service to the American Beacon Funds Complex, including the Trust (collectively, the “Trusts”), each Trustee is compensated from the Trusts as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $120,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $12,000 for in-person attendance, or $5,000 for telephonic attendance, by Board members for each regularly scheduled or special Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,000 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (d) $2,500 for attendance by Board members for each special telephonic Board meeting; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. For this purpose, the Board considers attendance at regular meetings held by video conference to constitute in-person attendance at a Board meeting. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time. For her service as Board Chair, Ms. Cline receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although she attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, she receives only a single $2,500 fee each quarter for her attendance at those meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000.

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.

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 Depositary 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.

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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.

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

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.

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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

A futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell a particular security, or the cash value of an asset, such as securities, indices, or currencies, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under many such contracts, no delivery of the actual underlying asset is required. Rather, upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of the asset (e.g., a security or an index) at expiration, net of the initial and variation margin that was previously paid. An interest rate futures contract is a contract for the future delivery of an interest-bearing debt security. A treasury futures contract is a contract for the future delivery of a U.S. Treasury security. A Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its settlement or collateral obligations. The risks associated with the use of futures contracts also include that there may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract.

Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to set aside or deposit with a broker an amount, termed the initial margin, which typically represents a portion of the face value of the futures contract. The Funds usually reflect this amount on the 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, 2020, 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 the purpose of this disclosure, volume is measured by contracts outstanding at each quarter end.

 

Average Futures Contracts Outstanding

 

Fund

  Year Ended December 31, 2020  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

    26  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    356  

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, 2020:

 

    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)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 26,810         $ 26,810

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 607,877         $ 607,877

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     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ (20,347 )         $ (20,347 )

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Fair values of financial instruments on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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)     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 659,593         $ 659,593

 

The effect of financial derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations as of December 31, 2020:

 

    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     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 12,722,846         $ 12,722,846

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     $ -         $ -         $ -         $ -         $ 614,721         $ 614,721

(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, if applicable. 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, 2020.

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2020:

 

 

  Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts(1)   $ 26,810       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 26,810       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (26,810     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Offsetting of Financial and Derivative Assets as of December 31, 2020:

 

 

  Assets           Liabilities  
Futures Contracts(1)   $ 659,593       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Total derivative assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities   $ 659,593       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 
Derivatives not subject to a Master Netting Agreement or similar agreement (“MNA”)   $ (659,593     $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

(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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

6.  Principal Risks

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

Dividend Risk

A Fund’s focus on dividend-paying stocks could cause a Fund to underperform funds that invest without consideration of a company’s track record of paying dividends. An issuer of stock held by a 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. In addition, stocks of companies with a history of paying dividends may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as most other stocks, and a sharp rise in interest rates or an economic downturn could cause a company to unexpectedly reduce or eliminate its dividend. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates, and as interest rates rise, the prices of such securities may fall. At times, a Fund may not be able to identify dividend-paying stocks that are attractive investments. The income received by a Fund will also fluctuate due to the amount of dividends that companies elect to pay.

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.

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. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There also can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that a Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, which will increase the volatility of a 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 a 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. A Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. The share price of a Fund fluctuates, which means that when you sell your shares of a Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in a Fund.

Market Risk

The Funds are subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect a Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, including the U.S. presidential election, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

Other Investment Companies Risk

The Funds may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including 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, including for example advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to the Funds’ direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies. For example, the Funds’ investments in money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. The Funds must rely on the investment company in which it invests to achieve its investment objective. If the investment company fails to achieve its

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

investment objective, the value of the Funds’ investment will decline, adversely affecting the Funds’ performance. To the extent the Funds invest in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Funds are subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject.

Recent Market Events Risk

An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in China in December 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may last for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained economic downturn or recession. The U.S. Federal Reserve and the U.S. federal government have taken numerous measures to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate the U.S. economy. The ultimate effects of these and other efforts that may be taken may not be known for some time. The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it plans to maintain its interventions at an elevated level. Amid these ongoing efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown. The U.S. government has reduced the federal corporate income tax rate, 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. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. A rise in protectionist trade policies, slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on January 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and trade agreement negotiations during the transition period, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.

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

 

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020 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, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
          Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

Distributions paid from:

 

Ordinary income*

 

R5 Class**

  $ 3,479,748       $ 265,226       $ 6,519,374       $ 23,305,258  

Y Class

    95,785         4,684         4,146,756         26,904,554  

Investor Class

    2,406,105         161,886         1,820,700         8,833,240  

A Class

    62,836         4,657         391,872         871,149  

C Class

    76,911         2,603         450,992         443,571  

R6 Class

    502,104         261         1,140,363         4,396,187  

Long-term capital gains

 

R5 Class**

    7,810,825         11,004,837         37,787,484         26,593,570  

Y Class

    215,004         194,361         24,165,400         31,798,655  

Investor Class

    5,734,861         6,717,044         10,613,078         13,331,628  

A Class

    149,766         193,241         2,284,268         1,286,522  

C Class

    183,315         108,006         2,628,901         1,362,871  

R6 Class

    1,127,047         10,820         6,487,543         4,926,373  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 21,844,307       $ 18,667,626       $ 98,436,731       $ 144,053,578  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

** Formerly known as Institutional Class.

As of December 31, 2020, 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   $ 147,419,166       $ 76,141,748       $ (1,064,483     $ 75,077,265  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     887,114,955         143,596,516         (46,558,366       97,038,150  

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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   $ 75,077,265       $ 2,079,999       $ 2,215,840       $ -       $ -       $ 79,373,104  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     97,038,150         31,543,759         -         (79,953,498       -         48,628,411  

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 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 equalization as of December 31, 2020:

 

Fund

  Paid-In-Capital           Distributable
Earnings/
(Deficits)
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 3,062,611       $ (3,062,611
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, 2020, the Funds had the following capital loss carryforwards:

 

Fund

  Short-Term Capital
Loss Carryforwards
          Long-Term Capital
Loss Carryforwards
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $       $  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     23,110,397         56,843,101  

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, 2020 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
          Sales (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 110,494,488       $ 142,345,399  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     821,975,896         2,971,287,816  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2019
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           December 31,
2020
Shares/Fair
Value
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   Direct     $ 2,526,142       $ 105,497,144       $ 105,642,198       $ 2,381,088  
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   Securities Lending       2,165,786         13,625,680         15,791,466         -  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value   Direct       38,744,589         3,187,566,692         3,191,384,155         34,927,126  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value   Securities Lending       -         29,763,584         29,763,584         -  

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable.

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

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

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

As of December 31, 2020, the value of outstanding securities on loan and the value of collateral were as follows:

 

Fund

  Market Value
of Securities
on Loan
          Cash
Collateral
Received
          Non-Cash
Collateral
Received
          Total
Collateral
Received
 
Bridgeway Large Cap Growth   $ 170,460       $ -       $ 172,783       $ 172,783  
Bridgeway Large Cap Value     26,409,472         -         27,363,064         27,363,064  

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.

 

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

10.  Borrowing Arrangements

Effective November 12, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), renewed 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 $150 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of 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 11, 2021, 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 renewed 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) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (”OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 11, 2021 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 “Loan expense” 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, 2020, the Funds did not utilize this facility.

11.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     507,690       $ 15,419,904         324,106       $ 9,469,356  
Reinvestment of dividends     298,366         10,833,656         364,137         10,869,492  
Shares redeemed     (1,636,489       (52,215,029       (2,686,027       (78,392,764
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (830,433     $ (25,961,469       (1,997,784     $ (58,053,916
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     75,159       $ 2,162,207         41,071       $ 1,221,925  
Reinvestment of dividends     8,604         310,789         6,695         199,045  
Shares redeemed     (64,428       (2,086,718       (70,745       (2,101,935
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     19,335       $ 386,278         (22,979     $ (680,965
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     67,308       $ 2,224,132         54,950       $ 1,653,213  
Reinvestment of dividends     228,150         8,140,412         233,725         6,878,528  
Shares redeemed     (378,907       (11,327,990       (473,407       (13,822,576
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (83,449     $ (963,446       (184,732     $ (5,290,835
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     3,843       $ 132,756         3,012       $ 90,592  
Reinvestment of dividends     5,932         212,602         6,704         197,898  
Shares redeemed     (16,692       (470,148       (8,630       (250,326
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (6,917     $ (124,790       1,086       $ 38,164  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     41,743       $ 1,184,215         9,300       $ 263,833  
Reinvestment of dividends     7,605         260,226         3,874         110,609  
Shares redeemed     (12,035       (390,020       (7,597       (221,064
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     37,313       $ 1,054,421         5,577       $ 153,378  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R6 Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     461,299       $ 16,646,941         -       $ -  
Reinvestment of dividends     44,410         1,615,183         -         -  
Shares redeemed     (60,139       (2,167,801       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     445,570       $ 16,094,323         -       $ -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     6,010,683       $ 134,342,037         12,047,419       $ 306,145,671  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,881,123         43,660,873         1,773,435         48,148,759  
Shares redeemed     (33,561,839       (762,700,736       (33,216,721       (854,845,294
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (25,670,033     $ (584,697,826       (19,395,867     $ (500,550,864
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     8,883,564       $ 198,516,821         16,724,658       $ 426,777,300  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,188,000         27,454,668         2,131,290         57,694,034  
Shares redeemed     (51,843,932       (1,176,692,536       (31,709,599       (810,319,281
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (41,772,368     $ (950,721,047       (12,853,651     $ (325,847,947
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     3,739,265       $ 80,817,046         5,783,122       $ 145,523,103  
Reinvestment of dividends     536,487         12,360,665         817,055         22,109,503  
Shares redeemed     (20,841,551       (490,262,559       (24,264,151       (623,217,163
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (16,565,799     $ (397,084,848       (17,663,974     $ (455,584,557
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     251,951       $ 5,727,622         524,036       $ 13,042,263  
Reinvestment of dividends     108,580         2,488,657         77,978         2,100,719  
Shares redeemed     (1,483,009       (32,276,083       (1,976,037       (50,282,114
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (1,122,478     $ (24,059,804       (1,374,023     $ (35,139,132
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

43


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     70,980       $ 1,518,046         110,708       $ 2,694,165  
Reinvestment of dividends     132,564         2,930,997         63,912         1,678,970  
Shares redeemed     (1,131,031       (24,639,507       (1,352,619       (33,637,583
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (927,487     $ (20,190,464       (1,177,999     $ (29,264,448
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R6 Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,993,609       $ 45,697,910         3,342,503       $ 83,664,916  
Reinvestment of dividends     327,145         7,586,484         343,626         9,322,560  
Shares redeemed     (6,588,491       (150,423,682       (1,805,883       (46,987,246
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (4,267,737     $ (97,139,288       1,880,246       $ 46,000,230  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Formerly known as Institutional 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.

 

 

44


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,     Year EndedC
December 31,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          Year EndedB
June 30,
 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.84       $ 25.27       $ 29.88       $ 24.47       $ 22.77       $ 23.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.07         0.10         0.13         0.10         0.04         0.07  

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

    10.21         7.55         (1.99       6.56         1.82         (0.90
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    10.28         7.65         (1.86       6.66         1.86         (0.83
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.07               (0.11       (0.08       (0.16       (0.11

Distributions from net realized gains

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.64       (1.17                
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (3.88       (3.08       (2.75       (1.25       (0.16       (0.11
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.24       $ 29.84       $ 25.27       $ 29.88       $ 24.47       $ 22.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    34.44       30.27       (6.03 )%        27.21       8.15 %E        (3.52 )% 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 114,246,613       $ 118,831,764       $ 151,163,119       $ 178,062,388       $ 133,638,400       $ 136,460,611  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.97       0.90       0.93       1.06       1.02 %F        0.89

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.82 %G        0.81       0.81       0.81       0.81 %F        0.83

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.08 )%        0.19       0.26       0.15       0.12 %F        0.30

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.07       0.28       0.38       0.40       0.33 %F        0.35

Portfolio turnover rate

    58       77       60       78       40 %E        100

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

B 

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

C 

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.

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 

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 Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,     Year EndedA
December 31,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          February 5,
2016B to
June 30,
 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.72       $ 25.21       $ 29.82       $ 24.45       $ 22.77       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income

    0.00 H        0.05         0.12         0.05         0.03         0.03  

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

    10.21         7.54         (1.98       6.57         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    10.21         7.59         (1.86       6.62         1.84         2.31  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.07       -         (0.11       (0.08       (0.16       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.64       (1.17       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (3.88       (3.08       (2.75       (1.25       (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.05       $ 29.72       $ 25.21       $ 29.82       $ 24.45       $ 22.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    34.34       30.11       (6.04 )%        27.06       8.06 %D        11.29 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 3,168,012       $ 2,036,785       $ 2,306,982       $ 2,016,161       $ 669,530       $ 401,220  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.02       0.95       0.97       1.13       1.09 %E        4.00 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.89 %F        0.91       0.91       0.91       0.91 %E        0.91 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.14 )%        0.12       0.27       0.08       0.11 %E        (2.69 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    (0.01 )%        0.16       0.33       0.30       0.28 %E        0.40 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    58       77       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 

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.

G 

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

H 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes

 

46


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,     Year EndedA
December 31,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          February 5,
2016B to
June 30,
 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.42       $ 25.05       $ 29.65       $ 24.38       $ 22.74       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.08       (0.04       0.01         (0.01       (0.01       0.01  

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

    10.08         7.49         (1.94       6.53         1.81         2.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    10.00         7.45         (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

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.64       (1.17       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.67       (1.25       (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.61       $ 29.42       $ 25.05       $ 29.65       $ 24.38       $ 22.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    33.98       29.74       (6.33 )%        26.72       7.90 %D        11.14 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 84,109,027       $ 71,928,098       $ 65,869,325       $ 71,273,896       $ 399,798       $ 133,696  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.31       1.20       1.20       1.40       1.55 %E        8.43 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.15 %F        1.19       1.19       1.19       1.19 %E        1.18 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    (0.43 )%        (0.11 )%        (0.01 )%        (0.66 )%        (0.35 )%E        (7.08 )%E 

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

    (0.27 )%        (0.10 )%        0.00 %G        (0.45 )%        0.02 %E        0.17 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    58       77       60       78       40 %D        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 

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 

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.

G 

Amount represents less than 0.005% of average net assets.

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)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,     Year EndedA
December 31,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          February 5,
2016B to
June 30,
 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.51       $ 25.12       $ 29.70       $ 24.39       $ 22.74       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.10       (0.03       (0.11       0.00 C        0.00 C        0.00 C 

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

    10.17         7.50         (1.83       6.54         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    10.07         7.47         (1.94       6.54         1.81         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         (0.06       (0.16       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.64       (1.17       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.64       (1.23       (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 35.77       $ 29.51       $ 25.12       $ 29.70       $ 24.39       $ 22.74  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    34.11       29.74       (6.35 )%        26.79       7.94 %E        11.14 %E 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 2,212,193       $ 2,029,102       $ 1,700,188       $ 4,625,607       $ 135,710       $ 159,744  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.27       1.18       1.25       1.44       1.43 %F        5.25 %F 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.14       1.21       1.21       1.21       1.21 %F        1.21 %F 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    (0.39 )%        (0.09 )%        (0.09 )%        (0.23 )%        (0.26 )%F        (4.01 )%F 

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

    (0.26 )%        (0.12 )%        (0.05 )%        0.00 %G        (0.05 )%F        0.02 %F 

Portfolio turnover rate

    58       77       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

 

48


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,     Year EndedA
December 31,
          Six Months
Ended
December 31,
          February 5,
2016B to
June 30,
 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 28.53       $ 24.55       $ 29.30       $ 24.22       $ 22.67       $ 20.46  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                     

Net investment (loss)

    (0.01       (0.20       (0.17       (0.10       (0.13       (0.04

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

    9.44         7.26         (1.94       6.35         1.84         2.25  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    9.43         7.06         (2.11       6.25         1.71         2.21  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         (0.16       -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.64       (1.17       -         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.64       (1.17       (0.16       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 34.15       $ 28.53       $ 24.55       $ 29.30       $ 24.22       $ 22.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    33.04       28.75       (7.02 )%        25.78       7.52 %D        10.80 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 2,575,041       $ 1,086,848       $ 798,319       $ 769,559       $ 175,907       $ 244,146  

Ratios to average net assets:

                     

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    2.01       1.92       1.95       2.09       2.18 %E        7.33 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments

    1.87 %F        1.96       1.96       1.96       1.96 %E        1.96 %E 

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements or recoupments

    (1.14 )%        (0.83 )%        (0.76 )%        (0.90 )%        (1.04 )%E        (5.98 )%E 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements or recoupments

    (1.00 )%        (0.87 )%        (0.77 )%        (0.77 )%        (0.81 )%E        (0.62 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    58       77       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 

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.

G 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

49


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           April 30,
2018A to
December 31,
 
       
    2020           2019           2018  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 29.86       $ 25.28       $ 30.89  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income

    0.04 B        0.10         0.12  

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

    10.29         7.56         (2.98
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    10.33         7.66         (2.86
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.07       -         (0.11

Distributions from net realized gains

    (3.81       (3.08       (2.64
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (3.88       (3.08       (2.75
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 36.31       $ 29.86       $ 25.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    34.58       30.30       (9.07 )%D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 16,307,767       $ 107,424       $ 90,943  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.91       0.84       4.15 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.76       0.76       0.76 %E 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.05 )%        0.25       (2.85 )%E 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.10       0.33       0.54 %E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    58       77       60 %F 

 

A 

Commencement of operations.

B 

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

C 

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

D 

Not annualized.

E 

Annualized.

F 

Portfolio turnover rate is for the period from April 30, 2018 through December 31, 2018 and is not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

50


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.14       $ 22.61       $ 28.57       $ 26.08       $ 22.75  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.59         0.55         0.45         0.37         0.38  

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

    (1.48       5.13         (4.28       3.78         3.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.89       5.68         (3.83       4.15         3.70  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.00 )B        (0.54       (0.47       (0.39       (0.35

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.52       (0.61       (1.66       (1.27       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.52       (1.15       (2.13       (1.66       (0.37
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.73       $ 27.14       $ 22.61       $ 28.57       $ 26.08  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    (3.05 )%        25.11       (13.28 )%        15.88       16.24
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 445,009,590       $ 1,205,569,140       $ 1,442,789,043       $ 1,547,760,278       $ 1,185,013,905  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.75       0.73       0.72       0.72       0.73

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.75       0.73       0.72       0.72       0.73

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    1.76       1.71       1.63       1.41       1.69

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.76       1.71       1.63       1.41       1.69

Portfolio turnover rate

    43       44       49       48       56

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

51


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.06       $ 22.54       $ 28.49       $ 26.01       $ 22.69  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.67         0.46         0.44         0.33         0.32  

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

    (1.58       5.19         (4.28       3.79         3.35  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.91       5.65         (3.84       4.12         3.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.00 )A        (0.52       (0.45       (0.37       (0.33

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.52       (0.61       (1.66       (1.27       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.52       (1.13       (2.11       (1.64       (0.35
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.63       $ 27.06       $ 22.54       $ 28.49       $ 26.01  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (3.14 )%        25.06       (13.35 )%        15.82       16.17
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 284,218,555       $ 1,455,648,440       $ 1,502,519,807       $ 1,547,228,114       $ 879,852,983  

Ratios to average net assets:

 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.83       0.80       0.79       0.79       0.80

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.83       0.80       0.79       0.79       0.80

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    1.66       1.65       1.57       1.35       1.63

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.66       1.65       1.57       1.35       1.63

Portfolio turnover rate

    43       44       49       48       56

 

A 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

B 

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

 

See accompanying notes

 

52


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.05       $ 22.50       $ 28.41       $ 25.93       $ 22.64  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    2.12         0.62         0.43         0.32         0.27  

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

    (3.09       4.95         (4.33       3.71         3.31  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.97       5.57         (3.90       4.03         3.58  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.41       (0.35       (0.28       (0.27

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.52       (0.61       (1.66       (1.27       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.52       (1.02       (2.01       (1.55       (0.29
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.56       $ 27.05       $ 22.50       $ 28.41       $ 25.93  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    (3.36 )%        24.74       (13.60 )%        15.52       15.81
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 121,683,174       $ 587,724,123       $ 886,572,501       $ 1,387,184,369       $ 1,583,853,257  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.10       1.08       1.05       1.06       1.08

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.10       1.08       1.05       1.06       1.08

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    1.44       1.37       1.26       1.04       1.35

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.44       1.37       1.26       1.04       1.35

Portfolio turnover rate

    43       44       49       48       56

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

53


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.92       $ 22.41       $ 28.32       $ 25.82       $ 22.53  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.84         0.58         0.36         0.42         0.32  

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

    (1.81       4.95         (4.25       3.58         3.24  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.97       5.53         (3.89       4.00         3.56  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.41       (0.36       (0.23       (0.25

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.52       (0.61       (1.66       (1.27       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.52       (1.02       (2.02       (1.50       (0.27
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.43       $ 26.92       $ 22.41       $ 28.32       $ 25.82  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    (3.38 )%        24.70       (13.60 )%        15.46       15.79
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 24,734,491       $ 58,637,332       $ 79,610,028       $ 96,229,248       $ 152,520,884  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.10       1.10       1.07       1.08       1.12

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.10       1.10       1.07       1.08       1.12

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    1.40       1.35       1.28       1.01       1.31

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.40       1.35       1.28       1.01       1.31

Portfolio turnover rate

    43       44       49       48       56

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

54


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.25       $ 21.86       $ 27.63       $ 25.27       $ 22.08  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income

    0.22         0.21         0.16         0.08         0.13  

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

    (1.35       4.99         (4.12       3.62         3.16  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (1.13       5.20         (3.96       3.70         3.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         (0.20       (0.15       (0.07       (0.08

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.52       (0.61       (1.66       (1.27       (0.02
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.52       (0.81       (1.81       (1.34       (0.10
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 22.60       $ 26.25       $ 21.86       $ 27.63       $ 25.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    (4.08 )%        23.79       (14.23 )%        14.62       14.91
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 30,186,523       $ 59,409,216       $ 75,231,917       $ 102,553,616       $ 100,447,531  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.83       1.81       1.79       1.83       1.86

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    1.83       1.81       1.79       1.83       1.86

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    0.69       0.63       0.54       0.28       0.57

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    0.69       0.63       0.54       0.28       0.57

Portfolio turnover rate

    43       44       49       48       56

 

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.

 

See accompanying notes

 

55


American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year Ended December 31,           April 28,
2017A to
December 31,
 
    2020           2019           2018           2017  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.12       $ 22.59       $ 28.55       $ 26.73  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

             

Net investment income

    0.24         0.49         0.54         0.11  

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

    (1.12       5.20         (4.37       3.37  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    (0.88       5.69         (3.83       3.48  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

             

Dividends from net investment income

    (0.01       (0.55       (0.47       (0.39

Distributions from net realized gains

    (2.52       (0.61       (1.66       (1.27
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (2.53       (1.16       (2.13       (1.66
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 23.71       $ 27.12       $ 22.59       $ 28.55  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    (3.03 )%        25.17       (13.27 )%        13.01 %C 
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 97,789,536       $ 227,580,520       $ 147,107,520       $ 91,521,786  

Ratios to average net assets:

             

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.73       0.70       0.70       0.75 %D 

Expenses, net of reimbursements

    0.73       0.70       0.70       0.71 %D 

Net investment income, before expense reimbursements

    1.77       1.76       1.69       1.44 %D 

Net investment income, net of reimbursements

    1.77       1.76       1.69       1.48 %D 

Portfolio turnover rate

    43       44       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

 

56


American Beacon FundsSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2020 (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, 2020. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020.

The Funds designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. 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

    20.60

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    100.00

Qualified Dividend Income:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

    20.85

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    100.00

Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  $ 18,283,429  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    83,966,674  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Bridgeway Large Cap Growth

  $ 6,386,320  

Bridgeway Large Cap Value

    14,403,494  

Shareholders received notification in January 2021 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2020 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-two 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

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Gilbert G. Alvarado (51)    Trustee since 2015    President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-Present); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Senior 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, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); 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 (58)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Switchback Energy Acquisition (2019-Present); 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. (2014-2017) (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) (2013-2018); 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 (62)    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).
Brenda A. Cline (60)   

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 and Open-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-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).
Eugene J. Duffy (66)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-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*   
Claudia A. Holz (63)    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 (59)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Consultant, Carne Financial Services (2017-2019); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); 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).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (57)    Trustee since 2012    President/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).
R. Gerald Turner (75)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-2019); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-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

OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (66)    President since 2009    President (2009-2018), CEO and Director (2009–Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc., President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015–Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present),Resolute Topco, Inc.; President (2015-2018); Director, and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-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 (2016-2020); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019 – Present); President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present);Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-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); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present).
Rosemary K. Behan (61)   

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. (2017-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 and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-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).

 

 

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   
Brian E. Brett (60)    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), Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-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 (51)    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 (50)    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).
Melinda G. Heika (59)    Principal Accounting Officer since 2017 and 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 (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Principal Accounting Officer (2017-Present) and Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, 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   
Terri L. McKinney (57)    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 (45)    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 (2017-Present), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), 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 (2015-2020); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); 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).
Samuel J. Silver (57)    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).

 

 

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   
Christina E. Sears (49)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

and Asst. Secretary since 1999

   Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2019) and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); 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 (64)   

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 (46)    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 (54)    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 (2016-2020); 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 (62)    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 (2016-2020); 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 to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75. As of 12/31/2020 Dr. Turner retired from the Board.

 

 

63


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2020 (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-PORT as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-PORT 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 12/20


LOGO


About American Beacon Advisors

 

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

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

STEPHENS MID-CAP GROWTH FUND

Growth stocks typically are more volatile than value stocks; however, value stocks have a lower expected growth rate in earnings and sales. Investing in medium-capitalization stocks may involve greater volatility and lower liquidity than larger company stocks. Investing in foreign securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations and economic and political risks. The 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, 2020


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

    26  

Financial Highlights:

 

American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

    44  

American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

    50  

Federal Tax Information

    56  

Trustees and Officers of the American Beacon Funds

    57  

Privacy Policy

    63  

Additional Fund Information

    Back Cover  


President’s Message

 

 

LOGO  

Dear Shareholders,

 

For much of this reporting period, headlines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and the U.S. presidential election dominated the 24-hour news cycle. Chances are, the media coverage about these ongoing headwinds – including sickness and death, healthcare insurance and vaccines, unemployment and underemployment, food and housing insecurities, civil unrest and disobedience, and the transition of government leadership – has left you feeling adrift and fearful.

 

During such uncertainty, we recognize that fear of loss can be a powerful emotion, leading many investors to make short-term decisions subject to a variety of potential error-leading biases. Unfortunately, short-term investment decisions may capsize future plans. We encourage investors to

remain focused on the horizon by working with financial professionals to make thoughtful adjustments based on changing needs and long-term financial goals.

Our three Ds – direction, discipline and diversification – may help you navigate this conversation.

 

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 maintain your bearing. 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 investment styles 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. 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 continuing to stay the course with American Beacon. For additional information about our investment products 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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

Despite a tumultuous first quarter in 2020, the domestic equity market barreled back in the ensuing quarters and posted double-digit positive returns for most broad equity market indexes – including the Russell 1000 Index, which returned 20.96% for the year. Despite the year looking like it would shape up to be another large-cap year, small-cap stocks returned one of the best quarters ever in the fourth quarter. Growth stocks, however, kept up the pace and trounced Value stocks despite the Value turnaround in the fourth quarter.

In many ways, the domestic equity market’s performance can be viewed in three parts: (1) the first quarter; (2) the rebound, which lasted through the rest of the year; and (3) the Value turnaround at the end of the year.

In the first quarter, the domestic equity markets posted substantial losses amid concerns over the unprecedented economic impact of the global coronavirus pandemic. The first quarter began with positive investor sentiment from the end of 2019 carrying over briefly into January, before worries about the COVID-19 outbreak in China triggered the first of a series of sharp market drops. Markets plunged in mid-March in response to the unfolding pandemic and a surprise oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. Meanwhile, volatility rose to record highs. No sectors were spared in the downturn, but the Energy sector suffered disproportionately due to collapsing oil prices and the anticipation of a global slowdown in business and leisure travel.

The rebound was sharp and swift. Domestic equity markets rallied throughout the second and third quarters of 2020. Government stimulus efforts, encouraging signs of an economic recovery and news about multiple promising COVID-19 vaccines helped boost market performance.

Following a brief pullback in October, U.S. markets delivered positive performance over the final quarter of 2020. Increasing clarity about the results of the U.S. presidential election in November and the makeup of Congress helped reduce the political uncertainty, and the approval and distribution of multiple COVID-19 vaccines and lower-than-expected new applications for unemployment benefits boosted investor confidence. These events sparked not only a domestic market turnaround, but also generated a Value turnaround. Nonetheless, this positive relative performance was not enough to overcome the massive dispersion between Growth and Value stocks that had built up earlier in the year.

 

 

2


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 39.80% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. The Fund outperformed the Russell Midcap® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 35.59% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2010 through 12/31/2020

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2020

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

    

Value of $10,000

12/31/2010-

12/31/2020

R5 Class** (1,2,8)

     SFMIX          40.30 %          23.63 %          20.98 %          15.34 %        $ 41,657

Y Class (1,3,8)

     SMFYX          40.22 %          23.51 %          20.85 %          15.22 %        $ 41,233

Investor Class (1,8)

     STMGX          39.80 %          23.21 %          20.56 %          14.94 %        $ 40,252

A without Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     SMFAX          39.85 %          23.16 %          20.50 %          14.89 %        $ 40,084

A with Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     SMFAX          31.80 %          20.76 %          19.09 %          14.22 %        $ 37,784

C without Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     SMFCX          38.82 %          22.28 %          19.63 %          14.15 %        $ 37,564

C with Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     SMFCX          37.82 %          22.28 %          19.63 %          14.15 %        $ 37,564

R6 (1,6,8)

     SFMRX          40.36 %          23.66 %          21.00 %          15.35 %        $ 41,689
                                       

Russell Midcap® Growth Index (7)

              35.59 %          20.50 %          18.66 %          15.04 %        $ 40,613

S&P 500 Index (7)

              18.40 %          14.18 %          15.22 %          13.88 %        $ 36,670

 

**

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

 

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 1-800-9687-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived from 2007 through 2013, partially recovered in 2014, fully recovered in 2015, and waived in 2018 and 2019. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown for 2007 through 2013 and for 2018 and 2019.

 

 

3


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.

A portion of the fees charged to the R5 Class has been waived since Class inception (August 31, 2006). Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown since inception.

 

3.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/10 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 12/31/10. 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 from 2017 through 2020. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012, 2013, and 2017 through 2020.

 

4.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/10 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 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived in 2012 and 2013, fully recovered in 2015, waived in 2016 and 2018, partially recovered in 2019 and waived in 2020. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than the actual returns shown in 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020. 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 Investor Class from 12/31/10 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 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the C Class was waived from 2012 through 2014, fully recovered in 2015, waived in 2016 through 2018, partially recovered in 2019, and waived in 2020. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012 through 2014 and for 2016 through 2018. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 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 represents the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 up to 12/31/18, 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 those of the R5 Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the R6 Class has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception.

 

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. American Beacon Funds is not promoted, sponsored or endorsed by, nor in any way affiliated with the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. LSE Group is not responsible for and has not reviewed the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund nor any associated literature or publications and LSE Group makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise. All rights in the Russell MidCap Growth Index (the “Index”) vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the Index. Russell 1000®is a trademark of the relevant LSE Group company and is used by any other LSE Group company under license. The Index is calculated by or on behalf of FTSE International Limited or its affiliate, agent or partner. The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of (a) the use of, reliance on or any error in the Index or (b) investment in or operation of the Fund. The LSE Group makes no claim, prediction, warranty or representation either as to the results to be obtained from the Fund or the suitability of the Index for the purpose to which it is being put by the Manager. 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 R5, Y, Investor, A, C, and R6 Class shares were 0.96%, 1.01%, 1.28%, 1.29%, 2.01%, and 0.92%, 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 Financials and Communication Services sectors contributed the most to relative returns. In Financials, MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. was up 52.6% and SVB Financial Group was up 54.7% for the period. Within Communication Services, the Fund held Spotify Technology S.A. (up 116.3%), Roku, Inc. (up 287.3%) and IAC/InterActiveCorp (up 31.1%).

In contrast, stock selection in the Health Care and Energy sectors detracted from relative returns. In Health Care, the Fund did not hold Index-position Moderna, Inc., which ended the year up 434.1%. Selections in Energy that dragged on performance during the period included Core Laboratories N.V. (down 93.6%) and Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. (down 3.9%).

 

 

4


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

As it relates to sector allocation, the Fund’s overweight to Communication Services, the best performing sector in the Index (up 59.2%) added the most value for the period. The Fund also held an overweight in Health Care, another top performing sector in the Index (up 46.8%). Offsetting some of this performance was the Fund’s cash position and an overweight to Financials.

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

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.           2.4  
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.           2.3  
Autodesk, Inc.           1.8  
Copart, Inc.           1.8  
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.           1.8  
Spotify Technology S.A.           1.8  
Verisk Analytics, Inc.           1.8  
Match Group, Inc.           1.7  
Roku, Inc.           1.7  
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.           1.7  
Total Fund Holdings      96       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)

 

Information Technology           34.1  
Health Care           20.1  
Industrials           12.7  
Communication Services           11.8  
Consumer Discretionary           11.5  
Financials           6.7  
Consumer Staples           2.2  
Energy           0.9  

 

 

5


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The Investor Class of the American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund”) returned 37.18% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, outperforming the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the “Index”) return of 34.63% for the same period.

Comparison of Change in Value of a $10,000 Investment for the period from 12/31/2010 through 12/31/2020

 

LOGO

 

Total Returns for the Period Ended December 31, 2020

 

      

Ticker

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

    

Value of $10,000

12/31/2010-

12/31/2020

R5 Class** (1,2,8)

     STSIX          37.56 %          20.41 %          18.07 %          13.61 %        $ 35,819

Y Class (1,3,8)

     SPWYX          37.56 %          20.35 %          18.01 %          13.51 %        $ 35,513

Investor Class (1,8)

     STSGX          37.18 %          20.04 %          17.75 %          13.30 %        $ 34,845

A without Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     SPWAX          37.25 %          20.09 %          17.72 %          13.21 %        $ 34,581

A with Sales Charge (1,4,8)

     SPWAX          29.38 %          17.75 %          16.33 %          12.54 %        $ 32,586

C without Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     SPWCX          36.16 %          19.15 %          16.81 %          12.45 %        $ 32,325

C with Sales Charge (1,5,8)

     SPWCX          35.16 %          19.15 %          16.81 %          12.45 %        $ 32,325

R6 Class (1,6,8)

     STSRX          37.76 %          20.47 %          18.11 %          13.62 %        $ 35,870
                                       

Russell 2000® Growth Index (7)

              34.63 %          16.20 %          16.36 %          13.48 %        $ 35,424

S&P 500 Index (7)

              18.40 %          14.18 %          15.22 %          13.88 %        $ 36,670

 

**

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

 

1.

Performance shown is historical and is not indicative of future returns. Investment returns and principal value will vary, and shares may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. Performance shown is calculated based on the published end-of-day net asset values as of date indicated, and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. To obtain performance as of the most recent month end, please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-967-9009. Fund performance in the table above does not reflect the deduction of taxes a shareholder would pay on distributions or the redemption of shares. Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only; and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights. Please note that the recent performance of the securities market has helped produce short-term returns that are not typical and may not continue in the future. A portion of the fees charged to the Investor Class was waived from 2005 through 2013, fully recovered in 2014, waived in 2015, fully recovered in 2017, and waived in 2020. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2005 through 2013 and for 2015 and 2020.

 

 

6


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

2.

A portion of the fees charged to the R5 Class was waived from 2006 through 2013 and fully recovered in 2014. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2006 through 2013.

 

3.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/10 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 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the Y Class was waived in 2012 and 2013, fully recovered in 2014, and waived in 2020. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012, 2013 and 2020.

 

4.

Fund performance for the ten-year period represents the returns achieved by the Investor Class from 12/31/10 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 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the A Class was waived in 2012, partially recovered in 2013 and 2014, fully recovered in 2015, and waived in 2020. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012 and 2020. 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 Investor Class from 12/31/10 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 12/31/10. 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 and waived from 2019 to 2020. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown for 2012 and 2019 through 2020. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge for the C Class is 1.00% for shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.

 

6.

Fund performance represents the returns achieved by the R5 Class from 12/31/10 up to 4/30/19, 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 those of the R5 Class. Therefore, total returns shown may be lower than they would have been had the R6 Class been in existence since 12/31/10. A portion of the fees charged to the R6 Class has been waived since Fund inception. Performance prior to waiving fees was lower than actual returns shown since inception.

 

7.

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. Russell 2000 Index is an unmanaged index of approximately 2000 smaller-capitalization stocks from various industrial sectors. Russell 2000 Index and Russell 2000 Growth Index are registered trademarks of Frank Russell Company. American Beacon Funds is not promoted, sponsored or endorsed by, nor in any way affiliated with the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. LSE Group is not responsible for and has not reviewed the American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund nor any associated literature or publications and LSE Group makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise. All rights in the Russell Small Cap Growth Index (the “Index”) vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the Index. Russell 2000®is a trademark of the relevant LSE Group company and is used by any other LSE Group company under license. The Index is calculated by or on behalf of FTSE International Limited or its affiliate, agent or partner. The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of (a) the use of, reliance on or any error in the Index or (b) investment in or operation of the Fund. The LSE Group makes no claim, prediction, warranty or representation either as to the results to be obtained from the Fund or the suitability of the Index for the purpose to which it is being put by the Manager. 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.

 

8.

The Total Annual Fund Operating Expense ratios set forth in the most recent Fund prospectus for the R5, Y, Investor, A, C and R6 Class shares were 1.05%, 1.11%, 1.35%, 1.34%, 2.14% and 1.38%, respectively. The expense ratios above may vary from the expense ratios presented in other sections of this report that are based on expenses incurred during the period covered by this report.

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

Security selection contributed the most value for the period, led by positions in Industrials and Communication Services. In the Industrials sector, the Fund’s position in Kornit Digital Ltd. (up 160.4%), Axon Enterprise, Inc. (up 76.5%), Trex Co., Inc. (up 84.1%), and SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. (up 73.0%) contributed the most to relative performance. Within Communication Services, the Fund benefited from positions in ANGI Homeservices, Inc., Class A (up 63.5%) and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (up 75.3%).

 

 

7


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Performance Overview

December 31, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

The aforementioned performance was partially offset by selections in the Health Care and Consumer Staples sectors. In Health Care, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was down 4.7% and NuVasive, Inc. ended down 27.9%. Within Consumer Staples, Calavo Growers, Inc. was down 21.6% and Limoneira Co., was down 10.7%. The Fund did not hold Index-position Freshpet, Inc., which was up 140.3% for the year.

As it relates to sector allocation, the Fund held a sizeable overweight to Information Technology, the second-best performing sector in the Index (up 45.4%). This contributed to relative performance, as did the Fund’s underweight to Real Estate. Modestly offsetting some of this outperformance was an overweight to Financials, as well as an underweight Health Care, which was the best performing sector in the Index (up 47.1%).

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

 

Top Ten Holdings (% Net Assets)

 

Five9, Inc.           2.3  
Kornit Digital Ltd.           2.2  
Chegg, Inc.           2.1  
Repligen Corp.           2.1  
Globant S.A.           1.9  
ICON PLC           1.9  
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.           1.8  
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.           1.8  
Axon Enterprise, Inc.           1.7  
Manhattan Associates, Inc.           1.6  
Total Fund Holdings      97       
       
Sector Allocation (% Equities)

 

Information Technology           32.2  
Health Care           21.7  
Industrials           18.4  
Consumer Discretionary           11.1  
Financials           9.5  
Communication Services           3.0  
Consumer Staples           2.9  
Materials           0.8  
Energy           0.4  

 

 

 

8


American Beacon FundsSM

Expense Examples

December 31, 2020 (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, 2020 through December 31, 2020.

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 R5 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 R5 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, 2020 (Unaudited)

 

 

American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund            
    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2020
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2020
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2020-12/31/2020*
R5 Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,277.40       $5.09
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,020.66       $4.52
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,276.70       $5.44
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,020.36       $4.82
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,275.30       $6.98
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.00       $6.19
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,275.20       $6.92
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.05       $6.14
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,270.40       $11.07
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,015.38       $9.83
Ultra Class            
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,277.60       $4.81
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,020.91       $4.27

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.89%, 0.95%, 1.22%, 1.21%, 1.94%, and 0.84% for the R5, 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 (366) to reflect the half-year period.

**

Formerly known as Institutional Class.

***

5% return before expenses.

 

American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund            
    Beginning Account Value
7/1/2020
  Ending Account Value
12/31/2020
  Expenses Paid During
Period
7/1/2020-12/31/2020*
R5 Class**            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,284.70       $5.69
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,020.16       $5.03
Y Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,284.60       $6.03
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,019.86       $5.33
Investor Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,282.90       $7.46
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,018.60       $6.60
A Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,283.10       $7.35
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,018.70       $6.50
C Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,277.50       $11.79
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,014.78       $10.43
R6 Class            
Actual       $1,000.00       $1,285.70       $5.46
Hypothetical***       $1,000.00       $1,020.36       $4.82

 

*

Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratios for the six-month period of 0.99%, 1.05%, 1.30%, 1.28%, 2.06%, and 0.95% for the R5, 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 (366) to reflect the half-year period.

**

Formerly known as Institutional Class.

***

5% return before expenses.

 

 

10


American Beacon FundsSM

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

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

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, 2020, 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 at December 31, 2020, 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, 2020, 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, 2021

 

 

11


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.16%            
Communication Services - 11.55%            
Entertainment - 8.60%            
Electronic Arts, Inc.A       63,904         $ 9,176,614
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.A       105,713           7,767,792
Roku, Inc.A       31,951           10,608,371
Spotify Technology S.A.A       35,124           11,052,118
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.A       50,647           10,523,940
Warner Music Group Corp., Class A       90,416           3,434,904
           

 

 

 
              52,563,739
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - 2.95%            
IAC/InterActiveCorpA       39,884           7,552,035
Match Group, Inc.A       69,343           10,483,968
           

 

 

 
              18,036,003
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              70,599,742
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 11.26%            
Distributors - 0.62%            
Pool Corp.       10,197           3,798,383
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Consumer Services - 1.66%            
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.A       39,770           6,879,812
Chegg, Inc.A       36,484           3,295,600
           

 

 

 
              10,175,412
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 1.07%            
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.       17,109           6,560,617
           

 

 

 
           
Household Durables - 0.72%            
Garmin Ltd.       36,598           4,379,317
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 1.43%            
MercadoLibre, Inc.A       5,211           8,729,571
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 1.92%            
Dollar Tree, Inc.A       51,327           5,545,369
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.A B       75,460           6,170,364
           

 

 

 
              11,715,733
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 3.09%            
Aaron’s Co., Inc.A       29,721           563,510
Burlington Stores, Inc.A       22,548           5,897,430
Ross Stores, Inc.       52,346           6,428,612
Ulta Beauty, Inc.A       20,961           6,019,161
           

 

 

 
              18,908,713
           

 

 

 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods - 0.75%            
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.A       13,144           4,574,506
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              68,842,252
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 2.19%            
Beverages - 2.19%            
Brown-Forman Corp., Class B       66,397           5,273,914
Monster Beverage Corp.A       87,924           8,131,211
           

 

 

 
              13,405,125
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              13,405,125
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

12


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.16% (continued)            
Energy - 0.94%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 0.94%            
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.       150,470         $ 2,449,652
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.       28,779           3,277,640
           

 

 

 
              5,727,292
           

 

 

 
           

Total Energy

              5,727,292
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 6.63%            
Banks - 1.34%            
SVB Financial GroupA       21,074           8,173,129
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 3.22%            
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.       18,922           10,796,136
Tradeweb Markets, Inc., Class A       142,083           8,873,084
           

 

 

 
              19,669,220
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 2.07%            
FirstCash, Inc.       78,294           5,483,712
PROG Holdings, Inc.       133,699           7,202,365
           

 

 

 
              12,686,077
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              40,528,426
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 19.70%            
Biotechnology - 1.05%            
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       24,928           3,894,750
Exelixis, Inc.A       125,882           2,526,452
           

 

 

 
              6,421,202
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 9.96%            
ABIOMED, Inc.A       13,031           4,224,650
Align Technology, Inc.A       11,897           6,357,519
DexCom, Inc.A       25,267           9,341,715
Hologic, Inc.A       89,398           6,510,857
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.A       27,760           13,876,391
Insulet Corp.A       18,696           4,779,259
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.A       7,592           6,211,015
ResMed, Inc.       44,868           9,537,142
           

 

 

 
              60,838,548
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 1.20%            
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.A       79,994           4,020,499
Henry Schein, Inc.A       49,741           3,325,683
           

 

 

 
              7,346,182
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 2.35%            
Cerner Corp.       67,303           5,281,939
Teladoc Health, Inc.A B       10,423           2,084,183
Veeva Systems, Inc., Class AA       25,720           7,002,270
           

 

 

 
              14,368,392
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 4.63%            
Bio-Techne Corp.       17,903           5,685,098
ICON PLCA       36,031           7,025,324
Illumina, Inc.A       21,302           7,881,740
PRA Health Sciences, Inc.A       45,435           5,699,366
Repligen Corp.A       10,423           1,997,360
           

 

 

 
              28,288,888
           

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

13


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.16% (continued)            
Health Care - 19.70% (continued)            
Pharmaceuticals - 0.51%            
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.A       52,346         $ 3,132,385
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              120,395,597
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 12.45%            
Aerospace & Defense - 2.45%            
HEICO Corp., Class A       41,470           4,854,478
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.       27,873           5,268,555
Mercury Systems, Inc.A       54,839           4,829,122
           

 

 

 
              14,952,155
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - 0.64%            
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.       41,696           3,914,004
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 1.76%            
Copart, Inc.A       84,525           10,755,806
           

 

 

 
           
Electrical Equipment - 0.98%            
Rockwell Automation, Inc.       23,793           5,967,522
           

 

 

 
           
Industrial Conglomerates - 0.83%            
Roper Technologies, Inc.       11,783           5,079,534
           

 

 

 
           
Professional Services - 4.27%            
CoStar Group, Inc.A       10,198           9,425,808
IHS Markit Ltd.       64,811           5,821,972
Verisk Analytics, Inc.       52,346           10,866,506
           

 

 

 
              26,114,286
           

 

 

 
           
Road & Rail - 0.74%            
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.       33,199           4,536,643
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 0.78%            
Fastenal Co.       97,216           4,747,057
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              76,067,007
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 33.44%            
Communications Equipment - 0.54%            
Ciena Corp.A       62,884           3,323,419
           

 

 

 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 3.82%            
Cognex Corp.       80,900           6,495,057
IPG Photonics Corp.A       29,006           6,491,253
Keysight Technologies, Inc.A       43,849           5,792,014
National Instruments Corp.       103,247           4,536,673
           

 

 

 
              23,314,997
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 5.10%            
Global Payments, Inc.       43,623           9,397,267
Shopify, Inc., Class AA       4,945           5,597,493
Square, Inc., Class AA       25,946           5,646,888
WEX, Inc.A       36,144           7,356,388
Wix.com Ltd.A       12,690           3,171,992
           

 

 

 
              31,170,028
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

14


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 98.16% (continued)            
Information Technology - 33.44% (continued)            
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 3.99%            
Microchip Technology, Inc.       74,894         $ 10,343,610
NXP Semiconductors N.V.       34,444           5,476,941
Xilinx, Inc.       60,164           8,529,450
           

 

 

 
              24,350,001
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 19.99%            
ANSYS, Inc.A       16,203           5,894,651
Aspen Technology, Inc.A       39,657           5,165,324
Autodesk, Inc.A       36,711           11,209,337
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.A       106,280           14,499,780
Coupa Software, Inc.A       7,818           2,649,598
DocuSign, Inc.A       39,770           8,840,871
Dropbox, Inc., Class AA       159,080           3,529,985
Envestnet, Inc.A       72,175           5,939,281
FireEye, Inc.A       255,048           5,881,407
Five9, Inc.A       18,242           3,181,405
Fortinet, Inc.A       35,465           5,267,617
Guidewire Software, Inc.A       14,390           1,852,425
Manhattan Associates, Inc.A       40,110           4,218,770
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.A       21,867           7,771,313
Proofpoint, Inc.A       41,809           5,703,166
PTC, Inc.A       51,213           6,125,587
RingCentral, Inc., Class AA       26,399           10,004,429
Splunk, Inc.A       37,956           6,448,345
Tyler Technologies, Inc.A       15,069           6,577,920
Unity Software, Inc.A B       9,290           1,425,736
           

 

 

 
              122,186,947
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              204,345,392
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $382,742,959)

              599,910,833
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 3.64% (Cost $22,209,703)            
Investment Companies - 3.64%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 0.01%C D       22,209,703           22,209,703
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 0.19% (Cost $1,154,190)            
Investment Companies - 0.19%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 0.01%C D       1,154,190           1,154,190
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 101.99% (Cost $406,106,852)

              623,274,726

LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS - (1.99%)

              (12,139,247 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 611,135,479
           

 

 

 
             
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, collateralized by either cash and/or U.S. Treasuries, at December 31, 2020 (Note 8).

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

D 7-day yield.

LP - Limited Partnership.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

See accompanying notes

 

15


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of December 31, 2020, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

             

Common Stocks

  $ 599,910,833       $ -       $ -       $ 599,910,833  

Short-Term Investments

    22,209,703         -         -         22,209,703  

Securities Lending Collateral

    1,154,190         -         -         1,154,190  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 623,274,726       $ -       $ -       $ 623,274,726  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 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, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 99.32%            
Communication Services - 2.94%            
Entertainment - 1.06%            
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.A       20,101         $ 1,477,021
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.A       14,585           3,030,617
           

 

 

 
              4,507,638
           

 

 

 
           
Interactive Media & Services - 1.25%            
ANGI Homeservices, Inc., Class AA B       401,117           5,292,739
           

 

 

 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services - 0.63%            
Boingo Wireless, Inc.A       208,730           2,655,046
           

 

 

 
           

Total Communication Services

              12,455,423
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Discretionary - 10.98%            
Auto Components - 1.17%            
Fox Factory Holding Corp.A       46,970           4,965,199
           

 

 

 
           
Diversified Consumer Services - 3.14%            
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.A       24,534           4,244,137
Chegg, Inc.A       100,082           9,040,407
           

 

 

 
              13,284,544
           

 

 

 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure - 2.73%            
Chuy’s Holdings, Inc.A       55,647           1,474,089
Papa John’s International, Inc.       61,907           5,252,809
Wingstop, Inc.       36,596           4,850,800
           

 

 

 
              11,577,698
           

 

 

 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail - 0.24%            
Revolve Group, Inc.A       32,654           1,017,825
           

 

 

 
           
Leisure Products - 0.76%            
YETI Holdings, Inc.A       46,941           3,214,050
           

 

 

 
           
Multiline Retail - 1.15%            
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc.A B       59,365           4,854,276
           

 

 

 
           
Specialty Retail - 1.79%            
Aaron’s Co., Inc.A       21,494           407,526
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class AA       54,405           5,051,504
Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings, Inc.A       119,813           2,102,718
           

 

 

 
              7,561,748
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Discretionary

              46,475,340
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Staples - 2.90%            
Beverages - 0.93%            
MGP Ingredients, Inc.       83,471           3,928,145
           

 

 

 
           
Food Products - 1.97%            
Calavo Growers, Inc.       65,037           4,515,519
Limoneira Co.       95,418           1,588,710
Mission Produce, Inc.A       149,387           2,248,274
           

 

 

 
              8,352,503
           

 

 

 
           

Total Consumer Staples

              12,280,648
           

 

 

 
           

 

See accompanying notes

 

17


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 99.32% (continued)            
Energy - 0.37%            
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels - 0.37%            
Viper Energy Partners LP       134,341         $ 1,561,043
           

 

 

 
           
Financials - 9.45%            
Banks - 0.31%            
Silvergate Capital Corp., Class AA       17,517           1,301,688
           

 

 

 
           
Capital Markets - 1.97%            
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.       7,546           4,305,446
Piper Sandler Cos.       40,128           4,048,915
           

 

 

 
              8,354,361
           

 

 

 
           
Consumer Finance - 5.90%            
Encore Capital Group, Inc.A       144,414           5,624,925
EZCORP, Inc., Class AA       327,418           1,568,332
FirstCash, Inc.       79,922           5,597,737
PRA Group, Inc.A       143,606           5,695,414
PROG Holdings, Inc.       120,307           6,480,938
           

 

 

 
              24,967,346
           

 

 

 
           
Insurance - 1.27%            
eHealth, Inc.A       11,129           785,819
Palomar Holdings, Inc.A       51,731           4,595,782
           

 

 

 
              5,381,601
           

 

 

 
           

Total Financials

              40,004,996
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care - 21.50%            
Biotechnology - 2.32%            
Exelixis, Inc.A       96,230           1,931,336
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.A       77,251           3,299,390
Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A B       46,104           4,585,043
           

 

 

 
              9,815,769
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 4.01%            
Insulet Corp.A       19,684           5,031,821
iRhythm Technologies, Inc.A       4,491           1,065,310
Neogen Corp.A       47,440           3,761,992
NuVasive, Inc.A       50,856           2,864,719
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.A       44,255           4,234,318
           

 

 

 
              16,958,160
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Providers & Services - 3.42%            
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.A       111,594           5,608,714
BioTelemetry, Inc.A       74,565           5,374,645
HealthEquity, Inc.A       50,446           3,516,591
           

 

 

 
              14,499,950
           

 

 

 
           
Health Care Technology - 3.70%            
HealthStream, Inc.A       80,829           1,765,305
HMS Holdings Corp.A       121,241           4,455,607
Omnicell, Inc.A       56,128           6,736,483
Schrodinger, Inc.A       34,446           2,727,434
           

 

 

 
              15,684,829
           

 

 

 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 6.50%            
Bio-Techne Corp.       17,574           5,580,624
ICON PLCA       40,496           7,895,910

 

See accompanying notes

 

18


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 99.32% (continued)            
Health Care - 21.50% (continued)            
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 6.50% (continued)            
PRA Health Sciences, Inc.A       41,409         $ 5,194,345
Repligen Corp.A       46,047           8,823,986
           

 

 

 
              27,494,865
           

 

 

 
           
Pharmaceuticals - 1.55%            
Pacira BioSciences, Inc.A       69,597           4,164,685
Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.A       95,013           2,390,527
           

 

 

 
              6,555,212
           

 

 

 
           

Total Health Care

              91,008,785
           

 

 

 
           
Industrials - 18.32%            
Aerospace & Defense - 7.10%            
AeroVironment, Inc.A       70,614           6,136,357
Axon Enterprise, Inc.A       58,763           7,200,230
HEICO Corp., Class A       35,486           4,153,991
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.A       272,149           7,465,047
Mercury Systems, Inc.A       58,009           5,108,273
           

 

 

 
              30,063,898
           

 

 

 
           
Air Freight & Logistics - 1.64%            
Echo Global Logistics, Inc.A       116,115           3,114,204
Hub Group, Inc., Class AA       67,122           3,825,954
           

 

 

 
              6,940,158
           

 

 

 
           
Building Products - 2.13%            
AZEK Co., Inc.A       86,409           3,322,426
Trex Co., Inc.A       67,952           5,688,942
           

 

 

 
              9,011,368
           

 

 

 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies - 0.71%            
Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.A       96,646           2,992,160
           

 

 

 
           
Machinery - 4.98%            
Hydrofarm Holdings Group, Inc.A       3,577           188,079
Kornit Digital Ltd.A       103,596           9,233,511
Lindsay Corp.       23,157           2,974,748
Proto Labs, Inc.A       32,707           5,017,254
RBC Bearings, Inc.A       20,373           3,647,582
           

 

 

 
              21,061,174
           

 

 

 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors - 1.76%            
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.A       46,922           7,443,237
           

 

 

 
           

Total Industrials

              77,511,995
           

 

 

 
           
Information Technology - 32.03%            
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components - 3.01%            
Cognex Corp.       45,492           3,652,325
National Instruments Corp.       75,974           3,338,298
nLight, Inc.A       176,245           5,754,399
           

 

 

 
              12,745,022
           

 

 

 
           
IT Services - 4.03%            
Globant S.A.A       36,996           8,050,700
MAXIMUS, Inc.       25,034           1,832,238
Repay Holdings Corp.A       100,463           2,737,617

 

See accompanying notes

 

19


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Shares       Fair Value
             
COMMON STOCKS - 99.32% (continued)            
Information Technology - 32.03% (continued)            
IT Services - 4.03% (continued)            
WEX, Inc.A       21,900         $ 4,457,307
           

 

 

 
              17,077,862
           

 

 

 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment - 4.84%            
Inphi Corp.A       32,985           5,293,103
Power Integrations, Inc.       54,930           4,496,569
Semtech Corp.A       85,333           6,151,656
Silicon Laboratories, Inc.A       35,632           4,537,379
           

 

 

 
              20,478,707
           

 

 

 
           
Software - 20.15%            
8x8, Inc.A       121,741           4,196,412
Aspen Technology, Inc.A       24,770           3,226,292
CyberArk Software Ltd.A       23,103           3,733,214
Envestnet, Inc.A       75,727           6,231,575
FireEye, Inc.A       251,250           5,793,825
Five9, Inc.A       55,217           9,629,845
Guidewire Software, Inc.A       14,583           1,877,270
Manhattan Associates, Inc.A       64,486           6,782,637
Mimecast Ltd.A       44,776           2,545,068
Proofpoint, Inc.A       39,197           5,346,863
PROS Holdings, Inc.A       98,202           4,985,715
Q2 Holdings, Inc.A       42,058           5,321,599
Qualys, Inc.A       34,878           4,250,582
Rapid7, Inc.A       51,086           4,605,914
SPS Commerce, Inc.A       55,478           6,024,356
Tyler Technologies, Inc.A       11,375           4,965,415
Varonis Systems, Inc.A B       35,120           5,745,983
           

 

 

 
              85,262,565
           

 

 

 
           

Total Information Technology

              135,564,156
           

 

 

 
           
Materials - 0.83%            
Chemicals - 0.83%            
Balchem Corp.       30,328           3,494,392
           

 

 

 
           

Total Common Stocks (Cost $192,751,683)

              420,356,778
           

 

 

 
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 0.80% (Cost $3,370,450)            
Investment Companies - 0.80%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 0.01%C D       3,370,450           3,370,450
           

 

 

 
           
SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL - 0.14% (Cost $573,716)            
Investment Companies - 0.14%            
American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund, 0.01%C D       573,716           573,716
           

 

 

 
           

TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 100.26% (Cost $196,695,849)

              424,300,944

LIABILITIES, NET OF OTHER ASSETS - (0.26%)

              (1,086,483 )
           

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.00%

            $ 423,214,461
           

 

 

 
             
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, collateralized by either cash and/or U.S. Treasuries, at December 31, 2020 (Note 8).

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

D 7-day yield.

LP - Limited Partnership.

PLC - Public Limited Company.

 

See accompanying notes

 

20


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

 

 

The Fund’s investments are summarized by level based on the inputs used to determine their values. As of December 31, 2020, the investments were classified as described below:

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

  Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total  

Assets

 

Common Stocks

  $ 420,356,778       $ -       $ -       $ 420,356,778  

Short-Term Investments

    3,370,450         -         -         3,370,450  

Securities Lending Collateral

    573,716         -         -         573,716  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Investments in Securities - Assets

  $ 424,300,944       $ -       $ -       $ 424,300,944  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

U.S. GAAP requires transfers between all levels to/from level 3 be disclosed. During the year ended December 31, 2020, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

 

See accompanying notes

 

21


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth Fund
          Stephens Small Cap
Growth Fund
 

Assets:

 

Investments in unaffiliated securities, at fair value§

  $ 599,910,833       $ 420,356,778  

Investments in affiliated securities, at fair value

    23,363,893         3,944,166  

Cash

    -         6,042  

Dividends and interest receivable

    71,958         24,776  

Receivable for fund shares sold

    2,096,078         276,467  

Receivable for expense reimbursement (Note 2)

    3,988         64  

Prepaid expenses

    74,769         42,596  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total assets

    625,521,519         424,650,889  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

Payable for investments purchased

    12,676,325         120,888  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

    75,647         321,843  

Management and sub-advisory fees payable (Note 2)

    387,300         319,032  

Service fees payable (Note 2)

    8,363         21,236  

Transfer agent fees payable (Note 2)

    12,768         10,763  

Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 8)§

    1,154,190         573,716  

Custody and fund accounting fees payable

    12,521         12,786  

Professional fees payable

    40,918         41,395  

Trustee fees payable (Note 2)

    575         793  

Payable for prospectus and shareholder reports

    15,327         13,929  

Other liabilities

    2,106         47  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    14,386,040         1,436,428  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 611,135,479       $ 423,214,461  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysis of net assets:

 

Paid-in-capital

  $ 390,823,767       $ 186,300,494  

Total distributable earnings (deficits)A

    220,311,712         236,913,967  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets

  $ 611,135,479       $ 423,214,461  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

22


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

December 31, 2020

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth Fund
          Stephens Small Cap
Growth Fund
 

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

 

R5 ClassB

    12,639,821         13,591,676  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

    1,851,274         3,062,817  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

    553,296         4,657,062  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

    264,145         396,192  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

    109,283         46,132  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

    991,310         882,871  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

 

R5 ClassB

  $ 476,150,642       $ 261,976,294  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 69,132,838       $ 58,341,053  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 17,203,402       $ 78,610,201  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 8,166,847       $ 6,575,393  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 3,107,948       $ 675,112  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ 37,373,802       $ 17,036,408  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share:

 

R5 ClassB

  $ 37.67       $ 19.27  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Y Class

  $ 37.34       $ 19.05  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Investor Class

  $ 31.09       $ 16.88  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class

  $ 30.92       $ 16.60  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Class (offering price)

  $ 32.81       $ 17.61  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

C Class

  $ 28.44       $ 14.63  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

R6 Class

  $ 37.70       $ 19.30  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Cost of investments in unaffiliated securities

  $ 382,742,959       $ 192,751,683  

Cost of investments in affiliated securities

  $ 23,363,893       $ 3,944,166  

§ Fair value of securities on loan

  $ 8,796,258       $ 13,289,377  
A The Fund’s investments in affiliated securities did not have unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at year end.

 

B Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

23


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Operations

For the year ended December 31, 2020

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth Fund
          Stephens Small Cap
Growth Fund
 

Investment income:

 

Dividend income from unaffiliated securities (net of foreign taxes)

  $ 1,549,348       $ 732,574 A 

Dividend income from affiliated securities (Note 2)

    26,549         4,774  

Income derived from securities lending (Note 8)

    18,237         86,524  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total investment income

    1,594,134         823,872  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management and sub-advisory fees (Note 2)

    3,276,290         3,273,592  

Transfer agent fees:

     

R5 Class (Note 2)B

    29,630         67,881  

Y Class (Note 2)

    43,770         49,478  

Investor Class

    2,182         4,154  

A Class

    411         363  

C Class

    277         77  

R6 Class

    765         -  

Custody and fund accounting fees

    69,060         62,797  

Professional fees

    61,771         60,698  

Registration fees and expenses

    114,507         96,743  

Service fees (Note 2):

     

Investor Class

    36,590         218,167  

A Class

    4,177         3,384  

C Class

    1,521         694  

Distribution fees (Note 2):

     

A Class

    16,099         12,837  

C Class

    26,522         6,041  

Prospectus and shareholder report expenses

    53,176         31,813  

Trustee fees (Note 2)

    33,868         30,954  

Loan expense (Note 9)

    4,252         3,964  

Line of credit interest expense (Note 9)

    -         7  

Other expenses

    70,114         36,720  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total expenses

    3,844,982         3,960,364  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    (84,717       (229,274
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net expenses

    3,760,265         3,731,090  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net investment (loss)

    (2,166,131       (2,907,218
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments:

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesC

    11,253,224         51,889,194  

Change in net unrealized appreciation of:

     

Investments in unaffiliated securitiesD

    149,332,454         67,775,468  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net gain from investments

    160,585,678         119,664,662  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

  $ 158,419,547       $ 116,757,444  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Foreign taxes

  $ 5,982       $ 1,005  

A Includes significant dividends from one issuer of $182,980.

 

B Formerly known as Institutional Class.

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

See accompanying notes

 

24


American Beacon FundsSM

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund           Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
          Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

Operations:

 

Net investment (loss)

  $ (2,166,131     $ (1,246,316     $ (2,907,218     $ (3,632,849

Net realized gain from investments in unaffiliated securities

    11,253,224         1,513,288         51,889,194         36,639,071  

Change in net unrealized appreciation of investments in unaffiliated securities

    149,332,454         50,142,892         67,775,468         48,881,662  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

    158,419,547         50,409,864         116,757,444         81,887,884  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders:

 

Total retained earnings:

             

R5 ClassA

    (5,534,575       (8,147,853       (24,212,368       (24,776,590

Y Class

    (823,490       (894,750       (5,438,426       (5,801,234

Investor Class

    (245,834       (514,984       (8,061,059       (6,756,362

A Class

    (117,516       (226,381       (688,632       (558,550

C Class

    (47,791       (120,145       (78,788       (99,376

R6 ClassB C

    (426,238       (493,965       (1,546,235       (779,978
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net distributions to shareholders

    (7,195,444       (10,398,078       (40,025,508       (38,772,090
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Capital share transactions (Note 10):

             

Proceeds from sales of shares

    221,967,584         268,908,107         77,363,934         140,286,646  

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

    4,600,565         7,671,334         38,026,150         35,453,806  

Cost of shares redeemed

    (116,912,065       (80,331,201       (150,423,464       (189,913,453
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

    109,656,084         196,248,240         (35,033,380       (14,173,001
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets

    260,880,187         236,260,026         41,698,556         28,942,793  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net assets:

             

Beginning of period

    350,255,292         113,995,266         381,515,905         352,573,112  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

End of period

  $ 611,135,479       $ 350,255,292       $ 423,214,461       $ 381,515,905  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Formerly known as Institutional Class.

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

C Class launched on April 30, 2019 and commenced operations on May 1, 2019 in the Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund (Note 1).

 

See accompanying notes

 

25


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, 2020, the Trust consists of twenty-eight 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 twenty-six 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 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the transitioning away from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

Class Disclosure

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as the Institutional Class.

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
 
R5 Class    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 Class    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    Large institutional retirement plan investors - sold through retirement plan sponsors.      None  

 

 

26


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 based on 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 based on specific lot identification.

Distributions to Shareholders

The Funds distribute most or all of their net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income and distributions of realized net capital gains and net gains from foreign currency transactions on an annual basis. The Funds do not have a fixed dividend rate and do not guarantee that they will pay any distributions in any particular period. 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 the 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.

 

 

27


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 each 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 Funds, and the Manager have entered into 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

 

All assets

     0.45

Stephens Small Cap Growth

 

First $200 million

     0.60

Over $200 million

     0.55

The Management and Sub-Advisory Fees paid by the Funds for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 1,434,053  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.45       1,842,237  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.80     $ 3,276,290  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

    Effective Fee Rate           Amount of Fees Paid  

Management Fees

    0.35     $ 1,239,837  

Sub-Advisor Fees

    0.58       2,033,755  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    0.93     $ 3,273,592  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

28


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 of 10% of the net monthly interest income (the gross interest income earned by the investment of cash collateral, less the amount paid to borrowers and related expenses) from such activities and, with respect to loan fees paid by borrowers, a fee of 10% of such loan fees. 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. 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, 2020, the Manager received securities lending fees of $1,751 and $9,514 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 customers of the intermediaries that hold positions in the R5 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 R5 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 R5 and Y Classes on an annual basis. During the year ended December 31, 2020, 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

   $ 59,797  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     107,021  

 

 

29


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

As of December 31, 2020, 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

   $ 10,822  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     8,630  

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 listed below held the following shares with a December 31, 2020 fair value and dividend income earned from the investment in the USG Select Fund.

 

Affiliated Security

  Type of
Transaction
        Fund         December 31,
2020
Shares/Principal
          Change in
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
          Realized
Gain
(Loss)
          Dividend
Income
          December 31,
2020
Fair Value
 
U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund   Direct     Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth
    $ 22,209,703       $ -       $ -       $ 26,549       $ 22,209,703  
U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund   Securities Lending     Stephens Mid-Cap
Growth
      1,154,190         -         -         N/A         1,154,190  
U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund   Direct     Stephens Small
Cap Growth
      3,370,450         -         -         4,774         3,370,450  
U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund   Securities Lending     Stephens Small
Cap Growth
      573,716         -         -         N/A         573,716  

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, 2020, 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
Investments in USG
Select Fund
     Total  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   $ 11,144      $ 288      $ 11,432  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     2,401        2,490        4,891  

Interfund Credit Facility

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

 

 

30


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

the year ended December 31, 2020, the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund borrowed on average $10,134,163 for 2 days at an average interest rate of 2.17% with interest charges of $1,205 and the Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund borrowed on average $1,507,502 for 29 days at an average interest rate of 1.51% with interest charges of $2,048. 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, 2020, the Manager waived and/or reimbursed expenses as follows:

 

         Expense Cap                  Expiration of
Reimbursed
Expenses
 

Fund

   Class   1/1/2020 -
4/30/2020
    5/1/2020 -
12/31/2020
    Reimbursed
Expenses
     (Recouped)
Expenses
 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   R5*     0.89   $ 0.89   $ 55,280      $ (19,725 )**      2023  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   Y     0.99     0.95     17,256        (1,227 )**      2023  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   Investor     1.25     1.22     699        (9,383 )**      2023  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   A     1.29     1.21     474        (1,807 )**      2023  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   C     2.04     1.94     569        (13 )**      2023  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

   R6     0.84     0.84     10,511        -       2023  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

   R5*     0.99     0.99     136,290        (635 )***      2023  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

   Y     1.06     1.05     32,583        -       2023  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

   Investor     1.31     1.30     56,305        (7,238 )***      2023  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

   A     1.28     1.28     3,250        -       2023  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

   C     2.06     2.06     534        -       2023  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

   R6     0.95     0.95     7,550        (226 )***      2023  

* Formerly Institutional Class

** Of these amounts, $32,083 represents Recouped Expenses from prior fiscal years and is reflected in Total Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

*** Of these amounts, $861 represents Recouped Expenses from prior fiscal years and is reflected in Total Expenses on the Statements of Operations.

Of these amounts, $3,988 and $64 was disclosed as a receivable from the Manager on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities at December 31, 2020 for the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, respectively.

The Funds have adopted an Expense Reimbursement Plan whereby the Manager may seek repayment of such fee or voluntary 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 from the date of the Manager’s waiver/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 2023. The Funds did not record a liability for potential reimbursements due to the current assessment that reimbursements are uncertain. 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

   $ 19,725      $ -      $ 28,054        2020  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

     4,388        93,319        -        2021  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

     7,970        144,366        -        2022  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

     861        17,925        -        2022  

 

 

31


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Sales Commissions

The Funds’ Distributor, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (“RID” or “Distributor”), may receive a portion of Class A sales charges from broker dealers which may be used to offset distribution related expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2020, CDSC fees of $2,335 and $978 were collected for the Class A Shares of Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, respectively.

A CDSC of 0.50% will be deducted with respect to Class A Shares on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase, unless waived as discussed in the 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, 2020, there were no CDSC fees collected for the 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 year ended December 31, 2020, CDSC fees of $168 were collected for the Class C Shares of Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund. There were no CDSC fees collected for the Class C Shares of Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund during the year ended December 31, 2020.

Trustee Fees and Expenses

Effective January 1, 2021, as compensation for their service to the American Beacon Funds Complex, including the Trust (collectively, the “Trusts”), each Trustee is compensated from the Trusts as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $120,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $12,000 for in-person attendance, or $5,000 for telephonic attendance, by Board members for each regularly scheduled or special Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,000 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (d) $2,500 for attendance by Board members for each special telephonic Board meeting; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. For this purpose, the Board considers attendance at regular meetings held by videoconference to constitute in-person attendance at a Board meeting. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time. For her service as Board Chair, Ms. Cline receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although she attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, she receives only a single $2,500 fee each quarter for her attendance at those meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000.

3.  Security Valuation and Fair Value Measurements

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

 

 

32


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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.

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.

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’

 

 

33


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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

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 (“BDCs”), ETFs, unit investment trusts, and other investment companies of the Trust. The Funds may invest in securities of an investment company 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.

Publicly Traded Partnerships/Master Limited Partnerships (“MLP”)

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

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 investment risk and market risk. The Funds’ investments in equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, REITs, depositary receipts, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. Such investments may expose the Funds to additional risk. The value of a company’s common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock

 

 

34


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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, (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

The Funds are subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect a Fund’s performance. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple assets may decline in value simultaneously. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last decade, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions, general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, or factors that affect a particular industry or industries. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole. Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters and related events have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to instability in world economies and markets generally and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets, which may disrupt economies and markets and adversely affect the value of your investment. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Policy changes by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and political events within the U.S. and abroad, including the U.S. presidential election, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations.

 

 

35


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Other Investment Companies Risk

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

Recent Market Events Risk

An outbreak of infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first detected in China in December 2019 and has subsequently spread globally. The transmission of COVID-19 and efforts to contain its spread have resulted, and may continue to result, in significant disruptions to business operations, widespread business closures and layoffs, travel restrictions and closed borders, prolonged quarantines and stay-at-home orders, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, service and event changes, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the global economy. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may last for an extended period of time and may result in a sustained economic downturn or recession. The U.S. Federal Reserve and the U.S. federal government have taken numerous measures to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate the U.S. economy. The ultimate effects of these and other efforts that may be taken may not be known for some time. The Federal Reserve has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to keep credit flowing through short-term money markets and has signaled that it plans to maintain its interventions at an elevated level. Amid these ongoing efforts, concerns about the markets’ dependence on the Federal Reserve’s provision of liquidity have grown. The U.S. government has reduced the federal corporate income tax rate, 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. High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. A rise in protectionist trade policies, slowing global economic growth, risks associated with the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union on January 31, 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” and trade agreement negotiations during the transition period, the risks associated with ongoing trade negotiations with China, the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, tensions or open conflict between nations, or political or economic dysfunction within some nations that are major producers of oil could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time. Economists and others have expressed increasing concern about the potential effects of global climate change on property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change.

 

 

36


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Sector Risk

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

To the extent a Fund invests significantly in the information technology sector, the value of the Fund’s shares may be particularly vulnerable to factors affecting that sector, such as a greater degree of market risk and sharp price fluctuations than other types of securities. These securities may fall in and out of favor with investors rapidly, which may cause sudden selling and dramatically lower market prices. The value of a Fund’s shares could experience significantly greater volatility than investment companies investing more broadly.

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

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, if applicable. 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, 2020.

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of December 31, 2020
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  

Securities Lending Transactions

                 

Common Stocks

  $ 1,154,190       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,154,190  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

  $ 1,154,190       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 1,154,190  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions

 

  $ 1,154,190  
                 

 

 

 

 

 

37


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

    Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
As of December 31, 2020
 
    Overnight and
Continuous
          <30 days           Between
30 & 90 days
          >90 days           Total  

Securities Lending Transactions

                 

Common Stocks

  $ 573,716       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 573,716  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total Borrowings

  $ 573,716       $ -       $ -       $ -       $ 573,716  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions

 

  $ 573,716  
                 

 

 

 

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 ended December 31, 2020 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.

The tax character of distributions paid were as follows:

 

    Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund           Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund  
    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
          Year Ended
December 31, 2020
          Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

Distributions paid from:

 

Long-term capital gains

 

R5 Class

  $ 5,534,575       $ 8,147,853       $ 24,212,368       $ 24,776,590  

Y Class

    823,490         894,750         5,438,426         5,801,234  

Investor Class

    245,834         514,984         8,061,059         6,756,362  

A Class

    117,516         226,381         688,632         558,550  

C Class

    47,791         120,145         78,788         99,376  

R6 Class

    426,238         493,965         1,546,235         779,978  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

  $ 7,195,444       $ 10,398,078       $ 40,025,508       $ 38,772,090  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

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

As of December 31, 2020, 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

  $ 406,954,216       $ 218,408,498       $ (2,087,988     $ 216,320,510  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    199,195,905         229,798,469         (4,693,430       225,105,039  

 

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

  $ 216,320,510       $ -       $ 3,991,202       $ -       $ -       $ 220,311,712  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    225,105,039         -         11,808,928         -         -         236,913,967  

 

 

38


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 equalization as of December 31, 2020:

 

Fund

  Paid-In-Capital           Distributable
Earnings/
(Deficits)
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   $ (2,166,131     $ 2,166,131  
Stephens Small Cap Growth     3,756,249         (3,756,249

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, 2020, the Funds did not have any capital loss carryforwards.

7.  Investment Transactions

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales and maturities of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Purchases (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
          Sales (non-U.S.
Government Securities)
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   $ 185,782,121       $ 88,068,468  
Stephens Small Cap Growth     64,243,372         144,838,195  

A summary of the Funds’ transactions in the USG Select Fund for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

Fund

  Type of
Transaction
        December 31,
2019
Shares/Fair
Value
          Purchases           Sales           December 31,
2020
Shares/Fair
Value
 
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   Direct     $ 8,224,439       $ 154,706,732       $ 140,721,468       $ 22,209,703  
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth   Securities Lending       1,361,768         4,296,340         4,503,918         1,154,190  
Stephens Small Cap Growth   Direct       735,867         74,582,485         71,947,902         3,370,450  
Stephens Small Cap Growth   Securities Lending       6,159,911         19,377,138         24,963,333         573,716  

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.

 

 

39


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

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 Statements of Assets and Liabilities as a payable.

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

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

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

As of December 31, 2020, 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

  $ 8,796,258       $ 1,154,190       $ 7,959,748       $ 9,113,938  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    13,289,377         573,716         13,232,409         13,806,125  

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 12, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), the Funds, along with certain other funds managed by the Manager (“Participating Funds”), renewed 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 $150 million with interest at a rate equal to the higher of (a) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of 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 11, 2021, unless extended by the Bank or terminated by the Participating Funds in accordance with the agreement.

 

 

40


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

On the Effective Date, the Funds, along with certain other Participating Funds managed by the Manager, also renewed 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) Overnight Bank Funding Rate (“OBFR”) daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to 1.25% plus the sum of 0.10% or (b) the Federal Funds daily fluctuating rate per annum on amounts borrowed on each outstanding loan. Each of the Participating Funds paid a proportional amount of a closing fee of $35,000 on the Effective Date. The Uncommitted Line expires November 11, 2021 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 “Loan expense” 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, 2020, the Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund borrowed a total of $117,137 from the Committed Line for a total of 1 day with interest charges of $7 in order to facilitate portfolio liquidity. The amount is recorded as “Line of credit interest expense” in the Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2020, the Fund did not have an outstanding balance with either facility. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund did not utilize this facility.

10.  Capital Share Transactions

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

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     5,617,954       $ 166,249,719         8,675,357       $ 225,809,554  
Reinvestment of dividends     80,608         3,041,338         202,603         5,527,012  
Shares redeemed     (3,298,052       (92,821,944       (2,152,234       (56,451,107
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     2,400,510       $ 76,469,113         6,725,726       $ 174,885,459  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     1,121,635       $ 34,246,597         790,607       $ 20,551,345  
Reinvestment of dividends     20,660         772,688         32,440         877,828  
Shares redeemed     (424,235       (12,189,092       (175,915       (4,550,758
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     718,060       $ 22,830,193         647,132       $ 16,878,415  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     97,711       $ 2,386,694         172,721       $ 3,681,388  
Reinvestment of dividends     6,321         196,886         19,375         438,838  
Shares redeemed     (206,994       (4,482,169       (341,010       (7,338,963
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (102,962     $ (1,898,589       (148,914     $ (3,218,737
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     23,604       $ 571,957         31,021       $ 658,147  
Reinvestment of dividends     3,743         115,930         9,533         214,761  
Shares redeemed     (51,508       (1,074,309       (446,487       (9,791,483
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (24,161     $ (386,422       (405,933     $ (8,918,575
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

41


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     25,291       $ 559,570         37,065       $ 739,652  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,667         47,485         5,693         118,930  
Shares redeemed     (71,151       (1,526,362       (34,804       (707,333
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (44,193     $ (919,307       7,954       $ 151,249  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R6 Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     515,407       $ 17,953,047         661,501       $ 17,468,021  
Reinvestment of dividends     11,288         426,238         18,107         493,965  
Shares redeemed     (163,648       (4,818,189       (56,055       (1,491,557
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     363,047       $ 13,561,096         623,553       $ 16,470,429  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     3,329,875       $ 49,093,988         5,384,052       $ 86,839,870  
Reinvestment of dividends     1,149,562         22,278,506         1,388,810         21,540,446  
Shares redeemed     (6,761,864       (104,135,516       (8,744,493       (143,573,984
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (2,282,427     $ (32,763,022       (1,971,631     $ (35,193,668
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Y Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     770,192       $ 10,988,055         1,273,740       $ 20,210,164  
Reinvestment of dividends     283,599         5,433,756         376,731         5,782,821  
Shares redeemed     (1,893,741       (27,731,637       (1,174,453       (19,042,416
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (839,950     $ (11,309,826       476,018       $ 6,950,569  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     773,434       $ 11,261,475         1,698,303       $ 24,963,869  
Reinvestment of dividends     471,643         8,008,499         486,439         6,712,856  
Shares redeemed     (1,245,153       (16,983,024       (1,719,250       (25,032,031
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     (76     $ 2,286,950         465,492       $ 6,644,694  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    A Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     26,408       $ 385,838         6,838       $ 100,116  
Reinvestment of dividends     40,765         680,366         41,028         557,564  
Shares redeemed     (34,197       (498,089       (114,496       (1,637,069
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease) in shares outstanding     32,976       $ 568,115         (66,630     $ (979,389
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 
    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     4,754       $ 62,250         4,620       $ 61,033  
Reinvestment of dividends     5,352         78,788         7,326         89,667  
Shares redeemed     (30,515       (375,121       (40,521       (536,232
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net (decrease) in shares outstanding     (20,409     $ (234,083       (28,575     $ (385,532
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
 

 

 

42


American Beacon FundsSM

Notes to Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020     2019B  

Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund

 

Shares

         

Amount

         

Shares

         

Amount

 
Shares sold     313,602       $ 5,572,328         484,218       $ 8,111,594  
Reinvestment of dividends     79,662         1,546,235         49,675         770,452  
Shares redeemed     (38,372       (700,077       (5,914       (91,721
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
Net increase in shares outstanding     354,892       $ 6,418,486         527,979       $ 8,790,325  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

A Formerly known as Institutional Class.

B Class launched on April 30,2019 and commenced operations on May 1, 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.

 

 

43


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R5 ClassA  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.17       $ 21.23       $ 22.45       $ 18.29       $ 18.11  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.07       (0.12 )B        (0.12 )B        (0.07       (0.26

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    11.02         6.87         0.57         5.26         1.49  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    10.95         6.75         0.45         5.19         1.23  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.67       $ 27.17       $ 21.23       $ 22.45       $ 18.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    40.30       31.79       2.20       28.38       6.76
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 476,150,642       $ 278,175,115       $ 74,603,963       $ 60,933,913       $ 50,451,447  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    0.91       0.96       1.04       1.07       1.09

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsD

    0.89       0.89       0.94 %E        0.99       1.00

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.52 )%        (0.52 )%        (0.60 )%        (0.36 )%        (0.60 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.50 )%        (0.45 )%        (0.50 )%        (0.28 )%        (0.51 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    22       15       38       24       22

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

B 

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

C 

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

D 

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 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on July 1, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

44


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

Y Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 26.95       $ 21.09       $ 22.34       $ 18.22       $ 18.06  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.04       (0.14 )A        (0.15 )A        0.12         (0.10

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    10.88         6.81         0.57         5.03         1.31  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    10.84         6.67         0.42         5.15         1.21  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.34       $ 26.95       $ 21.09       $ 22.34       $ 18.22  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    40.22       31.62       2.08       28.27       6.67
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 69,132,838       $ 30,544,300       $ 10,252,661       $ 5,639,207       $ 2,510,649  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.00       1.01       1.08       1.11       1.12

Expenses, net of reimbursementsC

    0.96       0.99       1.03 %D        1.09       1.12

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.61 )%        (0.57 )%        (0.64 )%        (0.42 )%        (0.63 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.57 )%        (0.55 )%        (0.59 )%        (0.40 )%        (0.63 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    22       15       38       24       22

 

A 

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

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 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on July 1, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

45


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

Investor Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.56       $ 17.80       $ 19.15       $ 15.77       $ 15.80  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.61       (0.55       (0.12       (0.21       (0.27

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    9.59         6.12         0.44         4.62         1.29  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    8.98         5.57         0.32         4.41         1.02  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 31.09       $ 22.56       $ 17.80       $ 19.15       $ 15.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    39.80       31.28       1.91       27.97       6.42
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 17,203,402       $ 14,802,058       $ 14,330,547       $ 14,749,984       $ 13,078,292  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.23       1.28       1.28       1.29       1.38

Expenses, net of reimbursementsB

    1.23       1.25       1.25 %C        1.29       1.38

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.85 )%        (0.84 )%        (0.86 )%        (0.58 )%        (0.89 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.85 )%        (0.81 )%        (0.83 )%        (0.58 )%        (0.89 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    22       15       38       24       22

 

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 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on July 1, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

46


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

A Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 22.43       $ 17.71       $ 19.08       $ 15.72       $ 15.77  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.49       (1.94       (0.24       (0.28       (0.14

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    9.43         7.47         0.54         4.67         1.14  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    8.94         5.53         0.30         4.39         1.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 30.92       $ 22.43       $ 17.71       $ 19.08       $ 15.72  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnA

    39.85       31.22       1.81       27.93       6.30
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 8,166,847       $ 6,467,469       $ 12,293,695       $ 13,854,727       $ 13,886,296  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.24       1.27       1.33       1.39       1.42

Expenses, net of reimbursementsB

    1.23       1.29       1.31 %C        1.39       1.41

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.86 )%        (0.84 )%        (0.91 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.92 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.85 )%        (0.86 )%        (0.89 )%        (0.67 )%        (0.92 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    22       15       38       24       22

 

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 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on July 1, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

47


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    C Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 20.81       $ 16.59       $ 18.11       $ 15.08       $ 15.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.94       (0.25       (0.33 )A        (0.11       (0.60

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    9.02         5.28         0.48         4.17         1.45  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    8.08         5.03         0.15         4.06         0.85  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.45       (0.81       (1.67       (1.03       (1.05
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 28.44       $ 20.81       $ 16.59       $ 18.11       $ 15.08  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    38.82       30.31       1.07       26.93       5.52
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 3,107,948       $ 3,193,238       $ 2,414,400       $ 1,862,472       $ 1,389,526  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.96       2.00       2.07       2.11       2.19

Expenses, net of reimbursementsC

    1.94       2.01       2.06 %D        2.11       2.18

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.57 )%        (1.56 )%        (1.64 )%        (1.40 )%        (1.70 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.55 )%        (1.57 )%        (1.63 )%        (1.39 )%        (1.69 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    22       15       38       24       22

 

A 

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

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 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on July 1, 2018.

 

See accompanying notes

 

48


American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year Ended December 31,     December 31,
2018A to
December 31,
2018
 
    2020           2019        
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 27.18       $ 21.23       $ 21.23  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

         

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.06       (0.05       -  

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    11.03         6.81         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    10.97         6.76         -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

         

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (0.45       (0.81       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (0.45       (0.81       -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 37.70       $ 27.18       $ 21.23  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnB

    40.36       31.84       0.00
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 37,373,802       $ 17,073,112       $ 100,000  

Ratios to average net assets:

         

Expenses, before reimbursements

    0.90       0.92       0.00

Expenses, net of reimbursementsC

    0.84       0.84       0.00

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.49 )%        (0.50 )%        0.00

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.43 )%        (0.42 )%        0.00

Portfolio turnover rate

    22       15       38 %D 

 

A 

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

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 

Not annualized.

 

See accompanying notes

 

49


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

R5 ClassA

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.40       $ 13.83       $ 19.01       $ 16.45       $ 15.08  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.31 )D        (0.26       (0.33 )B        (0.23       0.00 C 

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    6.11         3.44         0.80         3.44         1.51  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    5.80         3.18         0.47         3.21         1.51  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         0.00 E        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.27       $ 15.40       $ 13.83       $ 19.01       $ 16.45  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnF

    37.56       22.92       3.26       19.52       9.98
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 261,976,294       $ 244,394,530       $ 246,845,478       $ 433,520,624       $ 450,286,537  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements or recoupments

    1.05       1.08       1.09       1.08       1.09

Expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupmentsG

    0.99       1.08 %H        1.09       1.08       1.09

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.82 )%        (0.83 )%        (0.76 )%        (0.79 )%        (0.78 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.76 )%        (0.83 )%        (0.76 )%        (0.79 )%        (0.78 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18       20       16       22       40

 

A 

Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class was known as Institutional Class.

B 

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

C 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

D 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Wingstop, Inc. amounting to $0.0083.

E 

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

F 

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.

G 

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.

H 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on August 23, 2019.

 

See accompanying notes

 

50


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

Y Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.24       $ 13.72       $ 18.91       $ 16.38       $ 15.02  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.56 )C        (0.14 )A        (0.49 )B        (0.28       (0.52

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    6.30         3.27         0.95         3.46         2.02  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    5.74         3.13         0.46         3.18         1.50  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         0.00 D        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.05       $ 15.24       $ 13.72       $ 18.91       $ 16.38  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnE

    37.56       22.74       3.25       19.42       9.96
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 58,341,053       $ 59,481,096       $ 46,998,050       $ 82,072,563       $ 81,069,652  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.12       1.14       1.15       1.14       1.15

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    1.06       1.14 %G        1.15       1.14       1.15

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.89 )%        (0.89 )%        (0.83 )%        (0.85 )%        (0.81 )% 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.83 )%        (0.89 )%        (0.83 )%        (0.85 )%        (0.81 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18       20       16       22       40

 

A 

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

B 

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

C 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Wingstop, Inc. amounting to $0.0081.

D 

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

E 

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

F 

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.

G 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on August 23, 2019.

 

See accompanying notes

 

51


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    Investor Class  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.70       $ 12.49       $ 17.77       $ 15.45       $ 14.20  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.14 )C        (0.17 )A        (0.21 )AB        (0.37       (0.41

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    5.25         2.99         0.58         3.34         1.80  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    5.11         2.82         0.37         2.97         1.39  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         0.00 D        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.88       $ 13.70       $ 12.49       $ 17.77       $ 15.45  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnE

    37.18       22.49       2.93       19.23       9.76
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 78,610,201       $ 63,799,443       $ 52,359,859       $ 51,839,469       $ 50,544,287  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.39       1.38       1.38       1.29       1.35

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    1.31       1.38 %G        1.38       1.31       1.35

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.15 )%        (1.13 )%        (1.05 )%        (1.01 )%        (1.02 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.07 )%        (1.13 )%        (1.05 )%        (1.03 )%        (1.02 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18       20       16       22       40

 

A 

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

B 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.24).

C 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Wingstop, Inc. amounting to $0.0074.

D 

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

E 

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

F 

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.

G 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on August 23, 2019.

 

See accompanying notes

 

52


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

A Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 13.49       $ 12.32       $ 17.59       $ 15.32       $ 14.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (0.15 )AC        (0.39       (0.22 )AB        (0.62       (0.31

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    5.19         3.17         0.60         3.54         1.67  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    5.04         2.78         0.38         2.92         1.36  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         (0.00 )D 

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         0.00 E        -  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 16.60       $ 13.49       $ 12.32       $ 17.59       $ 15.32  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnF

    37.25       22.48       3.03       19.06       9.61
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 6,575,393       $ 4,899,301       $ 5,293,719       $ 5,553,261       $ 7,029,682  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.35       1.37       1.38       1.40       1.46

Expenses, net of reimbursementsG

    1.28       1.37 %H        1.38       1.40       1.46

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.11 )%        (1.12 )%        (1.09 )%        (1.11 )%        (1.14 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.04 )%        (1.12 )%        (1.09 )%        (1.11 )%        (1.14 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18       20       16       22       40

 

A 

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

B 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.25).

C 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Wingstop, Inc. amounting to $0.0078.

D 

Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

E 

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

F 

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.

G 

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.

H 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on August 23, 2019.

 

See accompanying notes

 

53


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

   

C Class

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
    2020           2019           2018           2017           2016  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 12.15       $ 11.31       $ 16.74       $ 14.71       $ 13.65  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) from investment operations:

                 

Net investment (loss)

    (1.69 )C        (1.19       (0.35 )AB        (1.25       (1.08

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    6.10         3.64         0.57         3.93         2.28  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income (loss) from investment operations

    4.41         2.45         0.22         2.68         1.20  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

                 

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -         -         -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14

Tax return of capital

    -         -         -         -         0.00  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.93       (1.61       (5.65       (0.65       (0.14
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 14.63       $ 12.15       $ 11.31       $ 16.74       $ 14.71  
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnD

    36.16       21.56       2.19       18.22       8.76
 

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

                 

Net assets, end of period

  $ 675,112       $ 808,661       $ 1,076,006       $ 977,321       $ 1,280,971  

Ratios to average net assets:

                 

Expenses, before reimbursements

    2.15       2.17       2.15       2.14       2.23

Expenses, net of reimbursementsE

    2.06       2.14 %F        2.15       2.14       2.23

Net investment (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (1.93 )%        (1.92 )%        (1.84 )%        (1.86 )%        (1.91 )% 

Net investment (loss), net of reimbursements

    (1.84 )%        (1.89 )%        (1.84 )%        (1.86 )%        (1.91 )% 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18       20       16       22       40

 

A 

Includes non-recurring dividends. Without these dividends, net investment loss per share would have been $(0.38).

B 

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

C 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Wingstop, Inc. amounting to $0.0063.

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 

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.

F 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on August 23, 2019.

 

See accompanying notes

 

54


American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth FundSM

Financial Highlights

(For a share outstanding throughout the period)

 

 

    R6 Class  
    Year Ended
December 31,
2020
          Period EndedA
December 31,
2019
 

Net asset value, beginning of period

  $ 15.40       $ 16.91  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income from investment operations:

     

Net investment income (loss)

    (0.08 )B        (0.01

Net gains on investments (both realized and unrealized)

    5.91         0.11  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total income from investment operations

    5.83         0.10  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Less distributions:

     

Dividends from net investment income

    -         -  

Distributions from net realized gains

    (1.93       (1.61
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total distributions

    (1.93       (1.61
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

  $ 19.30       $ 15.40  
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total returnC

    37.76       0.53 %D 
 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Ratios and supplemental data:

     

Net assets, end of period

  $ 17,036,408       $ 8,132,874  

Ratios to average net assets:

     

Expenses, before reimbursements

    1.02       1.41 %E 

Expenses, net of reimbursementsF

    0.95       0.96 %EG 

Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements

    (0.76 )%        (1.18 )%E 

Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements

    (0.69 )%        (0.73 )%E 

Portfolio turnover rate

    18       20 %D 

 

A 

Class launched on April 30, 2019 and commenced operations on May 1, 2019 (Note 1).

B 

Net investment income includes significant dividend payment from Wingstop, Inc. amounting to $0.0084.

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 

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.

G 

Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on August 23, 2019.

 

See accompanying notes

 

55


American Beacon FundsSM

Federal Tax Information

December 31, 2020 (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, 2020. The information and distributions reported herein may differ from information and distributions taxable to the shareholders for the calendar year ended December 31, 2020.

The Funds designated the following items with regard to distributions paid during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. 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

  $ 7,195,444  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    46,688,975  

Short-Term Capital Gain Distributions:

 

Stephens Mid-Cap Growth

  $ -  

Stephens Small Cap Growth

    -  

Shareholders received notification in January 2021 of the applicable tax information necessary to prepare their 2020 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-two 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

NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES   

Term

  
   Lifetime of Trust until removal, resignation or retirement*   
Gilbert G. Alvarado (51)    Trustee since 2015    President, SJVIIF, LLC, Impact Investment Fund (2018-Present); Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-2017); Senior Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Senior 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, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017–2018); 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 (58)    Trustee since 2015    Director, Switchback Energy Acquisition (2019-Present); 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. (2014-2017) (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) (2013-2018); 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 (62)    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).
Brenda A. Cline (60)   

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 and Open-End Funds (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2004-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).
Eugene J. Duffy (66)    Trustee since 2008    Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2008-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*   
Claudia A. Holz (63)    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 (59)    Trustee since 2018    CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Consultant, Carne Financial Services (2017-2019); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016); 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).
Barbara J. McKenna, CFA (57)    Trustee since 2012    President/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).
R. Gerald Turner (75)    Trustee since 2001    President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (1996-2019); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present); Trustee, American Beacon Select Funds (2001-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

OFFICERS   

Term

  
   One Year   
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (66)    President since 2009    President (2009-2018), CEO and Director (2009–Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc., President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015–Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Topco, Inc.; President (2015-2018); Director, and CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; President (2015-2018), Director and CEO (2015-Present), Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Director, Chairman, President and CEO; Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2017-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 (2016-2020); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Director, Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019 – Present); President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-2018); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); President American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-2020); President, American Beacon Select Funds (2009-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); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present).
Rosemary K. Behan (61)   

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. (2017-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 and General Counsel, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Secretary, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-2018); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Chief Legal Officer, Vice President and Secretary, American Beacon Select Funds (2006-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).

 

 

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   
Brian E. Brett (60)    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), Senior Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2018-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 (51)    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 (50)    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).
Melinda G. Heika (59)    Principal Accounting Officer since 2017 and 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 (2016-2020); Treasurer and CFO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Treasurer, Green Harvest Asset Management (2019-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-2018); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. (2018-Present); Principal Accounting Officer (2017-Present) and Treasurer, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (2017-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund (2018-Present); Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer, 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   
Terri L. McKinney (57)    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 (45)    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 (2017-Present), Vice President (2012-2017), Manager (2015-Present), 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 (2015-2020); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director, Executive Vice President & COO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present); Director, RSW Investments Holdings LLC, (2019-Present); Manager, SSI Investment Management, LLC (2019-Present); Director, National Investment Services of America, LLC (2019-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-2018); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd (2018-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Select Funds (2010-2018); 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).
Samuel J. Silver (57)    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).

 

 

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   
Christina E. Sears (49)   

Chief Compliance

Officer since 2004

and Asst. Secretary since 1999

   Vice President, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors (2017-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Services, Inc. (2019-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, LLC (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer (2016-2019) and Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-2020); 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 (64)   

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 (46)    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 (54)    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 (2016-2020); 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 (62)    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 (2016-2020); 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 to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75. As of 12/31/2020 Dr. Turner retired from the Board.

 

 

62


American Beacon FundsSM

Privacy Policy

December 31, 2020 (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.

 

 

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LOGO

 

 

 

Delivery of Documents

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

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

www.americanbeaconfunds.com

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

To obtain more information about the Fund:

 

LOGO   LOGO
 
By E-mail:   On the Internet:
american_beacon.funds@ambeacon.com   Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
   
     
 

LOGO

By Telephone:

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-PORT as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Forms N-PORT 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 12/20


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 July 6, 2020 to disclose the removal of the American Beacon Sound Point Alternative Lending Fund. 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 and Claudia Holz, members of the Trust’s Audit and Compliance Committee, are “audit committee financial experts” as defined in Form N-CSR. Mr. Gilbert Alvarado and Ms. Claudia Holz are “independent” as defined in Form N-CSR.

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

(a)

  

Audit Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$249,955

     12/31/2019  

$289,962

     12/31/2020  

 

(b)1

  

Audit Related Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$0

     12/31/2019  

$0

     12/31/2020  

 

(c)2

  

Tax Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$100,572

     12/31/2019  

$70,610

     12/31/2020  

 

(d)

  

All Other Fees

   Fiscal Year Ended  

$0

     12/31/2019  

$0

     12/31/2020  

 

  1 

“Audit-Related Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees”. These fees include accounting consultations and consents, if applicable.

 

  2 

“Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning. These fees include federal and state tax reviews, excise tax reviews, and PFIC analysis reviews.

(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  

$100,572

   $ 547,885        N/A        12/31/2019  

$70,610

   $ 163,506        N/A        12/31/2020  

(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. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

Not Applicable.

ITEM 13. 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 5, 2021

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 5, 2021

 

By  

/s/ Melinda G. Heika

  Melinda G. Heika
  Treasurer
  American Beacon Funds

Date: March 5, 2021