N-CSRS 1 c100025_ncsrs.htm CERTIFIED SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT

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: 811-07538

 

LORD ABBETT SECURITIES TRUST

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

 

90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

John T. Fitzgerald, Esq., Vice President & Assistant Secretary

90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (888) 522-2388

 

Date of fiscal year end: 10/31

 

Date of reporting period: 4/30/2020

 
 
Item 1:Report(s) to Shareholders.
 
 

 

LORD ABBETT

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

 

Lord Abbett

 

Alpha Strategy Fund Growth Leaders Fund
Durable Growth Fund Health Care Fund
Focused Growth Fund International Equity Fund
Focused Large Cap Value Fund International Opportunities Fund
Focused Small Cap Value Fund International Value Fund
Fundamental Equity Fund Value Opportunities Fund
Global Equity Research Fund  

 

For the six-month period ended April 30, 2020

 

Important Information on Paperless Delivery

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

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. Shareholders who hold accounts directly with a Fund may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by signing into your Lord Abbett online account at lordabbett.com and selecting “Log In.” For further information, you may also contact the Funds at (800) 821-5129. Shareholders who hold accounts through a financial intermediary should contact them directly.

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge by contacting a Fund at (800) 821-5129. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with Lord Abbett. If your fund shares are held through a financial intermediary please contact them directly. Your election applies to all funds held with that intermediary.

 

Table of Contents

 

1   A Letter to Shareholders
     
2   Information About Your Fund’s Expenses and Holdings Presented by Portfolio Allocation/Sector
     
    Schedules of Investments:
     
29   Alpha Strategy Fund
     
30   Durable Growth Fund
     
33   Focused Growth Fund
     
35   Focused Large Cap Value Fund
     
37   Focused Small Cap Value Fund
     
40   Fundamental Equity Fund
     
43   Global Equity Research Fund
     
48   Growth Leaders Fund
     
51   Health Care Fund
     
54   International Equity Fund
     
60   International Opportunities Fund
     
66   International Value Fund
     
71   Value Opportunities Fund
     
74   Statements of Assets and Liabilities
     
82   Statements of Operations
     
86   Statements of Changes in Net Assets
     
100   Financial Highlights
     
142   Notes to Financial Statements
     
180   Supplemental Information to Shareholders
 

 

 

Lord Abbett Securities Trust

Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund, Lord Abbett Durable Growth Fund, Lord Abbett Focused Growth Fund, Lord Abbett Focused Large Cap Value Fund, Lord Abbett Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Lord Abbett Fundamental Equity Fund, Lord Abbett Global Equity Research Fund, Lord Abbett Growth Leaders Fund, Lord Abbett Health Care Fund, Lord Abbett International Equity Fund, Lord Abbett International Opportunities Fund, Lord Abbett International Value Fund, and Lord Abbett Value Opportunities Fund

Semiannual Report

For the six-month period ended April 30, 2020

 

 

From left to right: James L.L. Tullis, Independent Chairman of the Lord Abbett Funds and Douglas B. Sieg, Trustee, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Lord Abbett Funds.

 

Dear Shareholders: We are pleased to provide you with this semiannual report of the Funds for the six-month period ended April 30, 2020. For additional information about the Funds, please visit our website at www.lordabbett.com, where you can access the quarterly commentaries by the Funds’ portfolio managers. General information about Lord Abbett mutual funds, as well as in-depth discussions of market trends and investment strategies, is also provided in Lord Abbett Insights, a quarterly newsletter available on our website.

Thank you for investing in Lord Abbett mutual funds. We value the trust that you place in us and look forward to serving your investment needs in the years to come.

 

Best regards,

Douglas B. Sieg

Trustee, President, and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

1

 

 

 

Expense Example

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (these charges vary among the share classes); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees (these charges vary among the share classes); and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (November 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020).

 

Actual Expenses

For each class of each Fund, the first line of the table on the following pages provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading titled “Expenses Paid During Period 11/1/19 – 4/30/20” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

For each class of each Fund, the second line of the table on the following pages provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in each Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

2

 

Alpha Strategy Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period†#
 
   11/1/19  4/30/20  11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A             
Actual  $1,000.00  $870.70   $2.05  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,022.68   $2.21  
Class C             
Actual  $1,000.00  $867.50   $5.57  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.90   $6.02  
Class F             
Actual  $1,000.00  $871.40   $1.35  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,023.42   $1.46  
Class F3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $871.90   $0.42  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,024.42   $0.45  
Class I             
Actual  $1,000.00  $871.50   $0.88  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,023.92   $0.96  
Class R2             
Actual  $1,000.00  $869.30   $3.72  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.89   $4.02  
Class R3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $869.70   $3.21  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.43   $3.47  
Class R4             
Actual  $1,000.00  $870.80   $2.05  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,022.68   $2.21  
Class R5             
Actual  $1,000.00  $871.50   $0.88  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,023.92   $0.96  
Class R6             
Actual  $1,000.00  $872.30   $0.42  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,024.42   $0.45  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (0.44% for Class A, 1.20% for Class C, 0.29% for Class F, 0.09% for Class F3, 0.19% for Class I, 0.80% for Class R2, 0.69% for Class R3, 0.44% for Class R4, 0.19% for Class R5 and 0.09% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).
# Does not include expenses of Underlying Funds in which Alpha Strategy Fund invests.

 

3

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Portfolio Allocation

April 30, 2020

 

Underlying Fund Name  %*
Lord Abbett Developing Growth Fund, Inc. – Class I  20.40%
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Focused Small Cap Value Fund – Class I  9.19%
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – International Opportunities Fund – Class I  19.99%
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Micro-Cap Growth Fund – Class I  10.66%
Lord Abbett Research Fund, Inc. – Small Cap Value Fund – Class I  19.61%
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Value Opportunities Fund – Class I  20.15%
Total  100.00%
   
* Represents percent of total investments.

 

4

 

Durable Growth Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
    11/1/19   4/30/20   11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,050.80   $4.76  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,019.81   $4.69  
Class C              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,046.70   $8.51  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,016.14   $8.38  
Class F              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,051.70   $3.51  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.03   $3.46  
Class F3              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,052.50   $3.21  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.32   $3.16  
Class I              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,052.50   $3.51  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.03   $3.46  
Class R3              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,049.70   $6.01  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,018.58   $5.92  
Class R4              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,050.80   $4.76  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,019.81   $4.69  
Class R5              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,051.90   $3.51  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.03   $3.46  
Class R6              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,052.50   $3.21  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.32   $3.16  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (0.95% for Class A, 1.70% for Class C, 0.70% for Class F, 0.64% for Class F3, 0.70% for Class I, 1.20% for Class R3, 0.95% for Class R4, 0.70% for Class R5 and 0.64% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 179/366 (to reflect the period from November 1, 2019 commencement of operations, to April 30, 2020.).

 

5

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   13.49%
Consumer Discretionary   15.93%
Consumer Staples   4.26%
Energy   0.52%
Financials   2.32%
Health Care   15.01%
Industrials   7.98%
Information Technology   35.94%
Materials   2.30%
Real Estate   2.25%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

6

 

Focused Growth Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
    11/1/19   4/30/20   11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,168.10   $5.66  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,019.64   $5.27  
Class C              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,163.30   $9.68  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,015.91   $9.02  
Class F              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,169.70   $4.32  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,020.89   $4.02  
Class F3*              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,170.20   $3.94  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.23   $3.67  
Class I              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,169.00   $4.31  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,020.89   $4.02  
Class R3              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,165.80   $7.00  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,018.40   $6.52  
Class R4              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,167.40   $5.66  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,019.64   $5.27  
Class R5              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,169.70   $4.32  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,020.89   $4.02  
Class R6*              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,170.20   $3.94  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.23   $3.67  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.05% for Class A, 1.80% for Class C, 0.80% for Class F, 0.73% for Class F3, 0.80% for Class I, 1.30% for Class R3, 1.05% for Class R4, 0.80% for Class R5 and 0.73% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half period).
* The annualized expenses have been updated to 0.72% for Classes F3 and R6. Had these updated expense ratios been in place throughout the most recent fiscal half-year, expenses paid during the period would have been:
           
    Actual   Hypothetical
(5% Return
Before Expenses)
 
Class F3   $3.89   $3.62  
Class R6   $3.89   $3.62  

 

7

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   9.56%
Consumer Discretionary   18.54%
Health Care   11.85%
Information Technology   50.45%
Real Estate   2.75%
Repurchase Agreement   6.85%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

8

 

Focused Large Cap Value Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
    11/1/19   4/30/20   11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 789.90     $4.27  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,020.09     $4.82  
Class C                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 786.60     $7.60  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,016.36     $8.57  
Class F                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 790.50     $3.16  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,021.33     $3.57  
Class F3                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 790.90     $2.81  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,021.73     $3.17  
Class I                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 790.90     $3.16  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,021.33     $3.57  
Class R3                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 788.20     $5.38  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,018.85     $6.07  
Class R4                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 789.20     $4.27  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,020.09     $4.82  
Class R5                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 790.20     $3.16  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,021.33     $3.57  
Class R6                  
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 790.90     $2.81  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $ 1,021.73     $3.17  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (0.96% for Class A, 1.71% for Class C, 0.71% for Class F, 0.63% for Class F3, 0.71% for Class I, 1.21% for Class R3, 0.96% for Class R4, 0.71% for Class R5 and 0.63% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

9

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   7.04%
Consumer Discretionary   13.55%
Consumer Staples   5.98%
Energy   6.59%
Financials   29.75%
Health Care   11.81%
Industrials   8.62%
Information Technology   6.06%
Materials   9.90%
Repurchase Agreement   0.70%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

10

 

Focused Small Cap Value Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
   11/1/19  4/30/20  11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A             
Actual  $1,000.00  $715.80   $ 5.46  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.50   $ 6.42  
Class C             
Actual  $1,000.00  $712.10   $ 8.60  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,014.82   $10.12  
Class F             
Actual  $1,000.00  $716.30   $ 4.40  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.74   $ 5.17  
Class F3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $717.10   $ 4.06  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.14   $ 4.77  
Class I             
Actual  $1,000.00  $716.30   $ 4.40  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.74   $ 5.17  
Class R3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $714.80   $ 6.52  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.26   $ 7.67  
Class R4             
Actual  $1,000.00  $715.90   $ 5.46  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.50   $ 6.42  
Class R5             
Actual  $1,000.00  $716.30   $ 4.40  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.74   $ 5.17  
Class R6             
Actual  $1,000.00  $716.80   $ 4.06  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.14   $ 4.77  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.28% for Class A, 2.02% for Class C, 1.03% for Class F, 0.95% for Class F3, 1.03% for Class I, 1.53% for Class R3, 1.28% for Class R4, 1.03% for Class R5 and 0.95% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

11

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   2.01%
Consumer Discretionary   13.53%
Consumer Staples   2.80%
Energy   5.22%
Financials   29.77%
Health Care   2.91%
Industrials   23.50%
Information Technology   6.59%
Materials   8.12%
Real Estate   2.79%
Repurchase Agreement   0.32%
Money Market Funds(a)   2.44%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.
(a)   Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

12

 

Fundamental Equity Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
   11/1/19  4/30/20  11/1/19-
4/30/20
 
Class A             
Actual  $1,000.00  $863.40   $4.40  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.14   $4.77  
Class C             
Actual  $1,000.00  $859.60   $7.91  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,016.36   $8.57  
Class F             
Actual  $1,000.00  $863.20   $3.71  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.89   $4.02  
Class F3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $864.40   $2.92  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.73   $3.17  
Class I             
Actual  $1,000.00  $864.40   $3.24  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.38   $3.52  
Class P             
Actual  $1,000.00  $862.20   $5.37  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.10   $5.82  
Class R2             
Actual  $1,000.00  $861.60   $6.06  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.35   $6.57  
Class R3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $862.30   $5.60  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.85   $6.07  
Class R4             
Actual  $1,000.00  $863.40   $4.40  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.14   $4.77  
Class R5             
Actual  $1,000.00  $864.30   $3.24  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.38   $3.52  
Class R6             
Actual  $1,000.00  $864.30   $2.92  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.73   $3.17  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (0.95% for Class A, 1.71% for Class C, 0.80% for Class F, 0.63% for Class F3, 0.70% for Class I, 1.16% for Class P, 1.31% for Class R2, 1.21% for Class R3, 0.95% for Class R4, 0.70% for Class R5 and 0.63% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

13

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   8.65%
Consumer Discretionary   5.88%
Consumer Staples   8.81%
Energy   6.69%
Financials   20.69%
Health Care   15.61%
Industrials   10.17%
Information Technology   9.11%
Materials   4.20%
Real Estate   2.83%
Utilities   6.95%
Repurchase Agreement   0.41%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

14

 

Global Equity Research Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
   11/1/19  4/30/20  11/1/19-
4/30/20
 
Class A             
Actual  $1,000.00  $922.60   $4.30  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.39   $4.52  
Class C             
Actual  $1,000.00  $919.60   $7.88  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,016.66   $8.27  
Class F             
Actual  $1,000.00  $923.90   $3.59  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.13   $3.77  
Class F3*             
Actual  $1,000.00  $924.40   $3.01  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.73   $3.17  
Class I             
Actual  $1,000.00  $924.00   $3.11  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.63   $3.27  
Class R2             
Actual  $1,000.00  $921.30   $5.97  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.65   $6.27  
Class R3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $921.90   $5.50  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.14   $5.77  
Class R4             
Actual  $1,000.00  $922.70   $4.30  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.39   $4.52  
Class R5             
Actual  $1,000.00  $924.10   $3.11  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.63   $3.27  
Class R6*             
Actual  $1,000.00  $924.40   $3.01  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,021.73   $3.17  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (0.90% for Class A, 1.65% for Class C, 0.75% for Class F, 0.63% for Class F3, 0.65% for Class I, 1.25% for Class R2, 1.15% for Class R3, 0.90% for Class R4, 0.65% for Class R5 and 0.63% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).
* The annualized expenses have been updated to 0.61% for Classes F3 and R6. Had these updated expense ratios been in place throughout the most recent fiscal half-year, expenses paid during the period would have been:
           
    Actual   Hypothetical
(5% Return
Before Expenses)
 
Class F3   $2.92   $3.07  
Class R6   $2.92   $3.07  

 

15

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   10.00%
Consumer Discretionary   10.79%
Consumer Staples   11.11%
Energy   3.59%
Financials   12.96%
Health Care   11.74%
Industrials   9.64%
Information Technology   18.65%
Materials   3.60%
Real Estate   3.31%
Utilities   4.61%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

16

 

Growth Leaders Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
    11/1/19   4/30/20   11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,129.50   $4.87  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,020.29   $4.62  
Class C              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,125.30   $8.88  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,016.51   $8.42  
Class F              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,130.60   $3.55  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.53   $3.37  
Class F3              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,131.10   $3.23  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.83   $3.07  
Class I              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,130.50   $3.55  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.53   $3.37  
Class R2              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,127.10   $6.72  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,018.55   $6.37  
Class R3              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,128.20   $6.19  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,019.05   $5.87  
Class R4              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,129.40   $4.87  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,020.29   $4.62  
Class R5              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,130.80   $3.55  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.53   $3.37  
Class R6              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,131.10   $3.23  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.83   $3.07  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (0.92% for Class A, 1.68% for Class C, 0.67% for Class F, 0.61% for Class F3, 0.67% for Class I, 1.27% for Class R2, 1.17% for Class R3, 0.92% for Class R4, 0.67% for Class R5 and 0.61% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

17

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   10.61%
Consumer Discretionary   17.23%
Consumer Staples   0.55%
Financials   1.98%
Health Care   14.92%
Industrials   4.56%
Information Technology   45.38%
Real Estate   1.30%
Repurchase Agreement   3.03%
Money Market Funds(a)   0.44%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.
(a)   Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

18

 

Health Care Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
    11/1/19   4/30/20   11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,111.20   $5.41  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,019.74   $5.17  
Class C              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,107.30   $9.33  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,016.01   $8.92  
Class F              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,112.60   $4.10  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,020.98   $3.92  
Class F3              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,113.20   $3.68  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.38   $3.52  
Class I              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,112.30   $4.10  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,020.98   $3.92  
Class R3              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,109.90   $6.71  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,018.50   $6.42  
Class R4              
Actual   $1,000.00   $ 1,111.20   $5.41  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,019.74   $5.17  
Class R5              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,112.30   $4.10  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,020.98   $3.92  
Class R6              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,113.20   $3.68  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,021.38   $3.52  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.03% for Class A, 1.78% for Class C, 0.78% for Class F, 0.70% for Class F3, 0.78% for Class I, 1.28% for Class R3, 1.03% for Class R4, 0.78% for Class R5 and 0.70% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

19

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Financials   0.39%
Health Care   95.23%
Repurchase Agreement   4.38%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

20

 

International Equity Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
   11/1/19  4/30/20  11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A             
Actual  $1,000.00  $880.70   $5.47  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.05   $5.87  
Class C             
Actual  $1,000.00  $877.40   $8.96  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,015.32   $9.62  
Class F             
Actual  $1,000.00  $881.50   $4.49  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.09   $4.82  
Class F3*             
Actual  $1,000.00  $881.50   $3.98  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.86   $4.32  
Class I             
Actual  $1,000.00  $881.90   $4.02  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.59   $4.32  
Class P             
Actual  $1,000.00  $880.00   $6.40  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.15   $6.87  
Class R2             
Actual  $1,000.00  $879.60   $7.10  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.30   $7.62  
Class R3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $879.50   $6.64  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.80   $7.12  
Class R4             
Actual  $1,000.00  $880.30   $5.47  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.05   $5.87  
Class R5             
Actual  $1,000.00  $881.50   $4.30  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.29   $4.62  
Class R6*             
Actual  $1,000.00  $882.20   $3.98  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.64   $4.27  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.17% for Class A, 1.92% for Class C, 0.96% for Class F, 0.85% for Class F3, 0.86% for Class I, 1.37% for Class P, 1.52% for Class R2, 1.42% for Class R3, 1.17% for Class R4, 0.92% for Class R5 and 0.85% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).
* The annualized expenses have been updated to 0.84% for Classes F3 and R6. Had these updated expense ratios been in place throughout the most recent fiscal half-year, expenses paid during the period would have been:

 

21

 
    Actual   Hypothetical
(5% Return
Before Expenses)
 
Class F3   $3.93   $4.21  
Class R6   $3.93   $4.21  

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   4.07%
Consumer Discretionary   11.63%
Consumer Staples   9.13%
Energy   3.63%
Financials   17.29%
Health Care   11.51%
Industrials   14.08%
Information Technology   13.88%
Materials   7.47%
Real Estate   3.01%
Utilities   2.13%
Repurchase Agreement   2.17%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

22

 

International Opportunities Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
   11/1/19  4/30/20  11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A             
Actual  $1,000.00  $850.00   $ 5.80  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.60   $ 6.32  
Class C             
Actual  $1,000.00  $847.00   $ 9.28  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,014.82   $10.12  
Class F             
Actual  $1,000.00  $850.90   $ 5.11  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.34   $ 5.57  
Class F3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $851.50   $ 4.24  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.29   $ 4.62  
Class I             
Actual  $1,000.00  $851.20   $ 4.65  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.84   $ 5.07  
Class P             
Actual  $1,000.00  $849.70   $ 6.71  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.60   $ 7.32  
Class R2             
Actual  $1,000.00  $849.00   $ 7.45  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,016.81   $ 8.12  
Class R3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $848.90   $ 6.99  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.30   $ 7.62  
Class R4             
Actual  $1,000.00  $850.00   $ 5.80  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.60   $ 6.32  
Class R5             
Actual  $1,000.00  $851.70   $ 4.65  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.84   $ 5.07  
Class R6             
Actual  $1,000.00  $851.50   $ 4.24  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.29   $ 4.62  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.26% for Class A, 2.02% for Class C, 1.11% for Class F, 0.92% for Class F3, 1.01% for Class I, 1.46% for Class P, 1.62% for Class R2, 1.52% for Class R3, 1.26% for Class R4, 1.01% for Class R5 and 0.92% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

23

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   5.14%
Consumer Discretionary   9.78%
Consumer Staples   7.08%
Financials   11.31%
Health Care   7.65%
Industrials   23.71%
Information Technology   14.47%
Materials   7.80%
Real Estate   8.15%
Utilities   3.88%
Repurchase Agreement   1.03%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

24

 

International Value Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
   11/1/19  4/30/20  11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A             
Actual  $1,000.00  $810.40   $5.04  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.29   $5.62  
Class C             
Actual  $1,000.00  $807.00   $8.40  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,015.56   $9.37  
Class F             
Actual  $1,000.00  $810.40   $4.14  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.29   $4.62  
Class F3*             
Actual  $1,000.00  $811.20   $3.65  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.84   $4.07  
Class I             
Actual  $1,000.00  $811.50   $3.69  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.79   $4.12  
Class R2             
Actual  $1,000.00  $806.70   $6.60  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.55   $7.37  
Class R3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $809.70   $6.16  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.05   $6.87  
Class R4             
Actual  $1,000.00  $810.20   $5.04  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.29   $5.62  
Class R5             
Actual  $1,000.00  $810.90   $3.92  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.54   $4.37  
Class R6*             
Actual  $1,000.00  $811.20   $3.65  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.84   $4.07  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.12% for Class A, 1.87% for Class C, 0.92% for Class F, 0.81% for Class F3, 0.82% for Class I, 1.47% for Class R2, 1.37% for Class R3, 1.12% for Class R4, 0.87% for Class R5 and 0.81% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).
* The annualized expenses have been updated to 0.80% for Classes F3 and R6. Had these updated expense ratios been in place throughout the most recent fiscal half- year, expenses paid during the period would have been:
    Actual   Hypothetical
(5% Return
Before Expenses)
 
Class F3   $3.60   $4.01  
Class R6   $3.60   $4.01  

 

25

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   4.97%
Consumer Discretionary   12.35%
Consumer Staples   7.44%
Energy   4.77%
Financials   23.94%
Health Care   11.51%
Industrials   11.71%
Information Technology   6.04%
Materials   4.68%
Real Estate   4.87%
Utilities   5.19%
Money Market Funds(a)   2.53%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.
(a)   Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

26

 

Value Opportunities Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
   11/1/19  4/30/20  11/1/19 -
4/30/20
 
Class A             
Actual  $1,000.00  $893.30   $5.65  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.90   $6.02  
Class C             
Actual  $1,000.00  $889.40   $9.21  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,015.12   $9.82  
Class F             
Actual  $1,000.00  $893.80   $4.94  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,019.64   $5.27  
Class F3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $894.70   $3.96  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.69   $4.22  
Class I             
Actual  $1,000.00  $893.90   $4.47  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.14   $4.77  
Class P             
Actual  $1,000.00  $892.10   $6.59  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.90   $7.02  
Class R2             
Actual  $1,000.00  $891.50   $7.34  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.11   $7.82  
Class R3             
Actual  $1,000.00  $892.00   $6.87  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,017.60   $7.32  
Class R4             
Actual  $1,000.00  $893.00   $5.65  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,018.90   $6.02  
Class R5             
Actual  $1,000.00  $894.10   $4.47  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.14   $4.77  
Class R6             
Actual  $1,000.00  $894.60   $3.96  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,020.69   $4.22  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.20% for Class A, 1.96% for Class C, 1.05% for Class F, 0.84% for Class F3, 0.95% for Class I, 1.40% for Class P, 1.56% for Class R2, 1.46% for Class R3, 1.20% for Class R4, 0.95% for Class R5 and 0.84% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

27

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   0.76%
Consumer Discretionary   10.99%
Consumer Staples   0.74%
Energy   1.42%
Financials   15.98%
Health Care   15.27%
Industrials   17.53%
Information Technology   17.60%
Materials   7.54%
Real Estate   6.02%
Utilities   6.04%
Repurchase Agreement   0.11%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

28

 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

ALPHA STRATEGY FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
INVESTMENTS IN UNDERLYING FUNDS(a)(b) 99.98% 
Lord Abbett Developing Growth Fund, Inc. – Class I*(c)   6,050,401   $143,395 
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Focused Small Cap Value Fund – Class I*(d)   3,953,545    64,561 
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – International Opportunities Fund – Class I(d)   10,146,862    140,534 
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Micro-Cap Growth Fund – Class I*(d)   5,376,444    74,948 
Lord Abbett Research Fund, Inc. – Small Cap Value Fund – Class I(d)   10,202,537    137,836 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Value Opportunities Fund –Class I(d)   9,127,569   $141,660 
Total Investments in Underlying Funds
(cost $915,552,091)
        702,934 
Cash and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 0.02%        114 
Net Assets 100.00%       $703,048 

 

*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Affiliated issuer (see Note 13).
(b)   These investments offer daily redemptions.
(c)   Fund investment objective is long-term growth of capital through a diversified and actively managed portfolio consisting of developing growth companies, many of which are traded over the counter.
(d)   Fund investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.


 

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
 (000)
   Level 2
 (000)
   Level 3
 (000)
   Total
 (000)
Investments in Underlying Funds  $702,934   $   $   $702,934
Total  $702,934   $   $   $702,934

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each investment in Underlying Funds.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 29
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

DURABLE GROWTH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 99.19%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 1.42%          
Airbus SE*(a)  EUR 187   $12 
Airbus SE ADR*   45,118    710 
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.   7,420    1,437 
TransDigm Group, Inc.   1,021    371 
Total        2,530 
           
Automobiles 0.34%          
Tesla, Inc.*   765    598 
           
Banks 0.85%          
First Republic Bank   14,493    1,512 
           
Beverages 2.75%          
Brown-Forman Corp. Class B   20,219    1,257 
Coca-Cola Co. (The)   56,026    2,571 
PepsiCo, Inc.   8,025    1,062 
Total        4,890 
           
Biotechnology 2.98%          
AbbVie, Inc.   26,084    2,144 
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*   6,789    666 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   9,923    2,493 
Total        5,303 
           
Capital Markets 0.87%          
Moody’s Corp.   6,313    1,540 
           
Chemicals 0.73%          
Air Products and          
Chemicals, Inc.   5,796    1,307 
           
Construction Materials 1.01%          
Vulcan Materials Co.   15,979    1,805 
           
Containers & Packaging 0.53%          
Avery Dennison Corp.   8,540    943 
           
Entertainment 2.46%          
Netflix, Inc.*   7,842    3,293 
Walt Disney Co. (The)   9,988    1,080 
Total        4,373 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 2.23%          
American Tower Corp.   9,081   $2,161 
SBA Communications Corp.   6,256    1,814 
Total        3,975 
           
Food & Staples Retailing 1.14%          
Walmart, Inc.   16,704    2,030 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 5.58%          
ABIOMED, Inc.*   4,348    832 
Align Technology, Inc.*   6,455    1,387 
Boston Scientific Corp.*   39,818    1,492 
Danaher Corp.   12,759    2,086 
DexCom, Inc.*   3,284    1,101 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*   3,353    1,713 
Teleflex, Inc.   3,928    1,317 
Total        9,928 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 2.25%          
Anthem, Inc.   5,648    1,586 
Centene Corp.*   36,384    2,422 
Total        4,008 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 1.70%          
Aramark   41,943    1,145 
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*   2,142    1,882 
Total        3,027 
           
Household Products 0.34%          
Church & Dwight Co., Inc.   8,564    599 
           
Industrial Conglomerates 2.26%          
Honeywell International, Inc.   14,235    2,020 
Roper Technologies, Inc.   5,875    2,004 
Total        4,024 
           
Information Technology Services 9.76%          
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   20,827    2,747 
Genpact Ltd.   46,147    1,589 
Global Payments, Inc.   9,410    1,562 
Mastercard, Inc. Class A   19,224    5,286 


 

30 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

DURABLE GROWTH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Information Technology Services (continued)          
PayPal Holdings, Inc.*   27,134   $3,337 
Visa, Inc. Class A   15,939    2,849 
Total        17,370 
           
Insurance 0.59%          
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   7,169    1,047 
           
Interactive Media & Services 10.92%          
Alphabet, Inc. Class A*   8,192    11,032 
Facebook, Inc. Class A*   32,965    6,748 
IAC/InterActiveCorp.*   7,477    1,671 
Total        19,451 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 8.05%          
Amazon.com, Inc.*   5,796    14,339 
           
Machinery 0.80%          
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.   12,905    1,422 
           
Multi-Line Retail 0.80%          
Dollar Tree, Inc.*   17,821    1,420 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.51%          
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.   10,221    913 
           
Pharmaceuticals 4.08%          
AstraZeneca plc ADR   21,891    1,145 
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.   29,288    1,781 
Merck & Co., Inc.   12,871    1,021 
Zoetis, Inc.   25,701    3,323 
Total        7,270 
           
Professional Services 0.97%          
CoStar Group, Inc.*   2,665    1,728 
           
Road & Rail 2.47%          
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.   17,906    1,811 
Norfolk Southern Corp.   5,318    910 
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.   11,553    1,678 
Total        4,399 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 5.40% 
Analog Devices, Inc.   22,496   $2,466 
Lam Research Corp.   4,348    1,110 
NVIDIA Corp.   9,081    2,654 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   22,958    1,806 
Xilinx, Inc.   18,081    1,580 
Total        9,616 
           
Software 15.63%          
Microsoft Corp.   102,586    18,384 
RingCentral, Inc. Class A*   12,330    2,818 
salesforce.com, Inc.*   19,224    3,113 
ServiceNow, Inc.*   6,600    2,320 
Splunk, Inc.*   8,540    1,199 
Total        27,834 
           
Specialty Retail 3.18%          
Burlington Stores, Inc.*   11,135    2,034 
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*   5,047    1,950 
TJX Cos., Inc. (The)   34,163    1,676 
Total        5,660 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripheral 4.86% 
Apple, Inc.   29,482    8,662 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 1.73%          
NIKE, Inc. Class B   35,386    3,085 
Total Investments in Common Stock 99.19%
(cost $184,087,414)
        176,608 
Cash and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 0.81%    1,446 
Net Assets 100.00%       $178,054 

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
EUR   Euro.
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 31
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

DURABLE GROWTH FUND April 30, 2020

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
(000)
   Level 2
(000)
   Level 3
(000)
   Total
(000)
Common Stocks                   
Aerospace & Defense  $2,518   $12   $   $2,530
Remaining Industries   174,078            174,078
Total  $176,596   $12   $   $176,608

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy.

 

32 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

FOCUSED GROWTH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 96.49%        
         
Automobiles 3.69%        
Tesla, Inc.*   602   $471 
           
Biotechnology 6.31%          
Immunomedics, Inc.*   6,644    202 
Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*   3,642    117 
Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*   1,280    109 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   1,496    376 
Total        804 
           
Diversified Consumer Services 1.94%          
Chegg, Inc.*   5,792    248 
           
Entertainment 3.52%          
Netflix, Inc.*   1,070    449 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 4.49%          
DexCom, Inc.*   886    297 
Nevro Corp.*   2,335    275 
Total        572 
           
Health Care Technology 1.48%          
Teladoc Health, Inc.*   1,150    189 
           
Information Technology Services 12.03%          
EPAM Systems, Inc.*   1,121    248 
Mastercard, Inc. Class A   2,085    573 
Shopify, Inc. Class A (Canada)*(a)   644    407 
Square, Inc. Class A*   4,676    305 
Total        1,533 
           
Interactive Media & Services 6.38%          
Alphabet, Inc. Class A*   604    813 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 9.74%          
Amazon.com, Inc.*   401    992 
Chewy, Inc. Class A*   5,777    250 
Total        1,242 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Real Estate Management & Development 2.85%        
Redfin Corp.*   17,203   $363 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 13.14%      
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*   7,230    379 
Applied Materials, Inc.   3,674    183 
Inphi Corp.*   3,120    301 
NVIDIA Corp.   1,945    568 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   3,101    244 
Total        1,675 
           
Software 21.83%          
DocuSign, Inc.*   2,837    297 
Microsoft Corp.   5,263    943 
Paycom Software, Inc.*   1,053    275 
RingCentral, Inc. Class A*   1,771    405 
SVMK, Inc.*   19,802    311 
Trade Desk, Inc. (The) Class A*   1,137    332 
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. Class A*   1,626    220 
Total        2,783 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripheral 5.26%  
Apple, Inc.   2,285    671 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 3.83%          
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (Canada)*(a)   1,088    243 
NIKE, Inc. Class B   2,808    245 
Total        488 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $10,793,805)
        12,301 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 33
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

FOCUSED GROWTH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
(000)
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT 7.10%        
           
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $900,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.125% due 8/15/2021; value: $926,600; proceeds: $905,080
(cost $905,080)
         $905   $905 
Total Investments in Securities 103.59%
(cost $11,698,885)
        13,206 
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (3.59)%        (458)
Net Assets 100.00%       $12,748 

 

     
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
(000)
   Level 2
(000)
   Level 3
(000)
   Total
(000)
 
Common Stocks  $12,301      $   $   $12,301 
Short-Term Investment                    
Repurchase Agreement       905        905 
Total  $12,301   $905   $   $13,206 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography.

 

34 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

FOCUSED LARGE CAP VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 98.69%        
         
Aerospace & Defense 2.57%        
General Dynamics Corp.   48,847   $6,380 
           
Airlines 2.87%          
Delta Air Lines, Inc.   275,530    7,139 
           
Auto Components 2.48%          
Lear Corp.   63,167    6,168 
           
Automobiles 4.13%          
Thor Industries, Inc.   154,987    10,260 
           
Banks 8.56%          
Citigroup, Inc.   166,792    8,099 
U.S. Bancorp   169,470    6,186 
Wells Fargo & Co.   240,384    6,983 
Total        21,268 
           
Capital Markets 7.85%          
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.   68,646    7,890 
Invesco Ltd.   721,968    6,224 
KKR & Co., Inc. Class A   213,417    5,380 
Total        19,494 
           
Chemicals 6.96%          
Dow, Inc.*   233,437    8,565 
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.   185,786    8,735 
Total        17,300 
           
Consumer Finance 7.12%          
Ally Financial, Inc.   521,752    8,552 
Discover Financial Services   212,478    9,130 
Total        17,682 
           
Diversified Telecommunication Services 1.74%          
Verizon Communications, Inc.   75,406    4,332 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 3.22%      
Avnet, Inc.   266,611    8,004 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Energy Equipment & Services 1.45%        
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.   285,136   $3,604 
           
Entertainment 1.87%          
Walt Disney Co. (The)   42,963    4,646 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 11.73%          
CVS Health Corp.   122,822    7,560 
Laboratory Corp. of America  Holdings*   42,579    7,002 
McKesson Corp.   52,400    7,401 
Universal Health Services, Inc. Class B   68,086    7,196 
Total        29,159 
           
Household Products 3.29%          
Spectrum Brands  Holdings, Inc.   190,122    8,187 
           
Insurance 6.04%          
American International Group, Inc.   323,947    8,238 
AXA SA(a)  EUR  381,291    6,778 
Total        15,016 
           
Leisure Products 4.04%          
Brunswick Corp.   210,452    10,043 
           
Machinery 3.13%          
Westinghouse Air Brake  Technologies Corp.   137,772    7,773 
           
Media 3.39%          
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Class A   120,081    8,411 
           
Metals & Mining 2.88%          
Nucor Corp.   173,875    7,162 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 5.10%          
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   137,812    4,421 
Noble Energy, Inc.   485,159    4,759 
Total SA ADR   99,114    3,484 
Total        12,664 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 35
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

FOCUSED LARGE CAP VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 2.80%    
Intel Corp.   116,001   $6,958 
           
Specialty Retail 2.82%          
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.   66,818    6,999 
           
Tobacco 2.65%          
Altria Group, Inc.   167,846    6,588 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $224,115,722)
        245,237 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT 0.69%        
         
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $1,725,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 1.75% due 7/31/2021; value: $1,766,447; proceeds: $1,726,836
(cost $1,726,836)
  $1,727   $1,727 
Total Investments in Securities 99.38%
(cost $225,842,558)
        246,964 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 0.62%        1,530 
Net Assets 100.00%       $248,494 
     
ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
EUR   Euro.
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.


 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Investment Type(2)  (000)   (000)   (000)   (000) 
Common Stocks                    
Insurance  $8,238   $6,778   $   $15,016 
Remaining Industries   230,221            230,221 
Short-Term Investment                    
Repurchase Agreement       1,727        1,727 
Total  $238,459   $8,505   $   $246,964 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy.

 

36 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

FOCUSED SMALL CAP VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 99.53%        
         
COMMON STOCKS 98.00%        
         
Aerospace & Defense 1.29%        
Triumph Group, Inc.   153,491   $1,081 
           
Auto Components 4.49%          
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.*   305,559    1,320 
LCI Industries   28,081    2,435 
Total        3,755 
           
Automobiles 3.23%          
Thor Industries, Inc.   40,777    2,700 
           
Banks 16.12%          
Bancorp, Inc. (The)*   336,656    2,346 
BankUnited, Inc.   101,500    2,011 
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.   33,534    2,410 
Opus Bank   126,001    2,422 
Sterling Bancorp   121,100    1,493 
TCF Financial Corp.   65,696    1,950 
Valley National Bancorp   101,165    846 
Total        13,478 
           
Building Products 3.72%          
Masonite International  Corp.*   52,644    3,110 
           
Capital Markets 7.48%          
Brightsphere Investment  Group, Inc.*   236,893    1,756 
Golub Capital BDC, Inc.(a)   151,400    1,553 
Moelis & Co. Class A   59,800    1,786 
Victory Capital Holdings, Inc. Class A   77,169    1,165 
Total        6,260 
           
Chemicals 5.00%          
AdvanSix, Inc.*   173,744    2,116 
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   104,717    2,067 
Total        4,183 
Investments   Shares    Fair
Value
(000)
 
Construction & Engineering 6.84%          
Arcosa, Inc.   49,709   $1,853 
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.   57,122    1,902 
EMCOR Group, Inc.   30,892    1,962 
Total        5,717 
           
Consumer Finance 2.12%          
Ally Financial, Inc.   108,073    1,771 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 2.56%      
Avnet, Inc.   71,258    2,139 
           
Energy Equipment & Services 0.83%          
Core Laboratories NV (Netherlands)(a)(b)   35,361    693 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 1.75%          
Outfront Media, Inc.   93,467    1,467 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.81%          
Natus Medical, Inc.*   60,696    1,517 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 1.17%          
AMN Healthcare  Services, Inc.*   20,798    977 
           
Household Products 2.87%          
Spectrum Brands  Holdings, Inc.   55,727    2,400 
           
Insurance 3.48%          
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   31,800    1,164 
ProSight Global, Inc.*   208,430    1,742 
Total        2,906 
           
Leisure Products 3.92%          
Malibu Boats, Inc. Class A*   95,400    3,280 
           
Machinery 9.78%          
Alamo Group, Inc.   21,642    2,131 
Blue Bird Corp.*   95,300    1,169 
Columbus McKinnon Corp.   85,500    2,315 
Hillenbrand, Inc.   122,443    2,565 
Total        8,180 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 37
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

FOCUSED SMALL CAP VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Media 2.06%        
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Class A   24,596   $1,723 
           
Metals & Mining 3.31%          
Lundin Mining Corp.(c)  CAD565,200    2,769 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 4.11%          
MEG Energy Corp.*(c)  CAD308,200    688 
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*   132,508    1,288 
Parsley Energy, Inc. Class A   71,071    672 
WPX Energy, Inc.*   129,195    792 
Total        3,440 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 4.19%      
Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.*   25,700    1,429 
Ichor Holdings Ltd.*   83,300    2,074 
Total        3,503 
           
Specialty Retail 2.21%          
Williams-Sonoma, Inc.   29,891    1,849 
           
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance 1.24%          
Essent Group Ltd.   38,100    1,041 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors 2.42%          
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.*   91,948    2,023 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $101,049,536)
        81,962 
           
   Principal
Amount
(000)
      
CORPORATE BONDS 1.50%          
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.40%          
Centennial Resource Production LLC†(d)  $1,100,000    336 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 1.10% 
Realogy Group LLC†(e)   1,300,000    918 
Total Corporate Bonds
(cost $2,248,428)
        1,254 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
RIGHTS 0.03%        
         
Capital Markets        
Golub Capital BDC, Inc.*(f)   37,475   $24 
Total Long-Term Investments
(cost $103,297,964)
        83,240 
           
   Principal
Amount
(000)
     
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 2.81%          
           
Repurchase Agreement 0.32%          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $270,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.125% due 8/15/2021; value: $277,980; proceeds: $270,009
(cost $270,009)
   $270    270 
           
   Shares
(000)
     
Money Market Funds 2.49%        
CitiBank N.A.(g)   208    208 
Fidelity Government Portfolio(g)    1,877    1,877 
Total Money Market Funds
(cost $2,085,120)
        2,085 
Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $2,355,129)
        2,355 
Total Investments in Securities 102.34%
(cost $105,653,093)
        85,595 
Liabilities in Excess of Cash, Securities Lending and Other Assets (2.34)%        (1,960)
Net Assets 100.00%       $83,635 


 

38 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

FOCUSED SMALL CAP VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

CAD   Canadian dollar.
*   Non-income producing security.
  Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and, unless registered under such Act or exempted from registration, may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers. At April 30, 2020, the total value of Rule 144A securities was $1,254, which represents 1.50% of net assets.
(a)   All or a portion of these securities are temporarily on loan to unaffiliated broker/dealers.
(b)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.
(c)   Investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.
(d)   The security has an interest rate 6.88% with a maturity of 4/01/2027.
(e)   The security has an interest rate 9.38% with a maturity of 4/01/2027.
(f)   The rights has an expiration of 5/07/2020.
(g)   Security was purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.


 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Investment Type(2)  (000)   (000)   (000)   (000) 
Long-Term Investments                
Common Stocks  $81,962   $   $   $81,962 
Corporate Bonds       1,254        1,254 
Rights   24            24 
Short-Term Investments                    
Repurchase Agreement       270        270 
Money Market Funds   2,085            2,085 
Total  $84,071   $1,524   $   $85,595 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 39
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

FUNDAMENTAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 99.44%        
           
Aerospace & Defense 3.06%          
General Dynamics Corp.   211,982   $27,689 
Raytheon Technologies Corp.   443,798    28,763 
Total        56,452 
           
Auto Components 0.85%          
Lear Corp.   160,699    15,692 
           
Banks 9.57%          
Citigroup, Inc.   818,334    39,738 
East West Bancorp, Inc.   739,333    25,929 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   549,643    52,634 
U.S. Bancorp   716,905    26,167 
Wells Fargo & Co.   1,111,538    32,290 
Total        176,758 
           
Beverages 1.70%          
PepsiCo, Inc.   237,966    31,480 
           
Biotechnology 1.46%          
Amgen, Inc.   57,668    13,795 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.   156,553    13,151 
Total        26,946 
           
Building Products 1.49%          
Masco Corp.   671,790    27,570 
           
Capital Markets 4.38%          
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.   237,366    27,283 
BlackRock, Inc.   48,585    24,392 
E*TRADE Financial Corp.   718,877    29,193 
Total        80,868 
           
Chemicals 3.64%          
Corteva, Inc.*   901,410    23,608 
Dow, Inc.*   492,710    18,077 
PPG Industries, Inc.   282,139    25,627 
Total        67,312 
           
Consumer Finance 1.83%          
American Express Co.   371,000    33,854 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Diversified Telecommunication Services 2.67%     
Verizon Communications, Inc.   857,110   $49,241 
           
Electric: Utilities 5.79%          
American Electric Power Co., Inc.   274,142    22,784 
Duke Energy Corp.   300,122    25,408 
Edison International   467,798    27,465 
NextEra Energy, Inc.   135,851    31,398 
Total        107,055 
           
Electrical Equipment 1.52%          
Hubbell, Inc.   225,656    28,078 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 1.10%
Avnet, Inc.   674,489    20,248 
           
Energy Equipment & Services 0.67%          
National Oilwell Varco, Inc.   976,945    12,349 
           
Entertainment 1.26%          
Walt Disney Co. (The)   215,891    23,349 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 2.82%          
Alexandria Real Estate          
Equities, Inc.   165,325    25,971 
Prologis, Inc.   293,457    26,185 
Total        52,156 
           
Food Products 2.94%          
Danone SA(a)  EUR  134,200    9,354 
General Mills, Inc.   372,754    22,324 
Nestle SA ADR   215,623    22,662 
Total        54,340 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 2.58%          
Alcon, Inc. (Switzerland)*(b)   310,052    16,374 
Medtronic plc (Ireland)(b)   320,219    31,263 
Total        47,637 


 

40 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

FUNDAMENTAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Health Care Providers & Services 5.89%          
Anthem, Inc.   100,776   $28,291 
CVS Health Corp.   494,276    30,423 
McKesson Corp.   121,673    17,186 
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.   101,531    11,179 
Universal Health Services, Inc. Class B   205,400    21,709 
Total        108,788 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 0.58%          
Starbucks Corp.   139,900    10,734 
           
Household Products 1.66%          
Procter & Gamble Co. (The)   260,763    30,736 
           
Industrial Conglomerates 0.95%          
Honeywell International, Inc.   124,214    17,626 
           
Information Technology Services 1.01%          
Mastercard, Inc. Class A   67,800    18,643 
           
Insurance 4.88%          
American International Group, Inc.   939,722    23,897 
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.   451,216    16,514 
Everest Re Group Ltd.   102,015    17,662 
Globe Life, Inc.   117,800    9,700 
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The)   588,466    22,356 
Total        90,129 
           
Interactive Media & Services 2.70%          
Alphabet, Inc. Class A*   21,430    28,860 
Facebook, Inc. Class A*   102,670    21,017 
Total        49,877 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 1.23%          
eBay, Inc.   571,300    22,755 
           
Machinery 3.14%          
Cummins, Inc.   204,200    33,386 
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.   435,657    24,580 
Total        57,966 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Media 2.01%          
Comcast Corp. Class A   460,222   $17,318 
Fox Corp. Class A   355,500    9,197 
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Class A   150,650    10,551 
Total        37,066 
           
Metals & Mining 0.55%          
Nucor Corp.   246,285    10,144 
           
Multi-Utilities 1.15%          
CMS Energy Corp.   370,600    21,158 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 6.01%          
Chevron Corp.   314,530    28,937 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.    732,453    23,497 
Noble Energy, Inc.   2,395,081    23,495 
ONEOK, Inc.   299,262    8,957 
Suncor Energy, Inc. (Canada)(b)   549,457    9,808 
Total SA ADR   466,920    16,412 
Total        111,106 
           
Personal Products 0.92%          
Unilever plc(a)  GBP 330,200    17,003 
           
Pharmaceuticals 5.66%          
Johnson & Johnson   159,397    23,916 
Merck & Co., Inc.   351,749    27,908 
Novartis AG ADR   346,123    29,327 
Sanofi(a)  EUR 239,450    23,388 
Total        104,539 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 2.59%
Intel Corp.   644,978    38,686 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   78,497    9,111 
Total        47,797 
           
Software 2.88%          
Microsoft Corp.   152,100    27,258 
Oracle Corp.   491,410    26,030 
Total        53,288 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 41
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

FUNDAMENTAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Specialty Retail 3.21%          
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.   300,900   $31,519 
TJX Cos., Inc. (The)   568,206    27,871 
Total        59,390 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 1.52%
Apple, Inc.   95,500    28,058 
           
Tobacco 1.57%          
Philip Morris International, Inc.   387,762    28,927 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $1,846,478,331)
        1,837,115 
Investments  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
(000)
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT 0.41%          
           
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $7,565,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.00% due 8/31/2021; value: $7,773,771; proceeds: $7,616,639
(cost $7,616,639)
   $7,617   $7,617 
Total Investments in Securities 99.85%
(cost $1,854,094,970)
        1,844,732 
Cash, Foreign Cash and Other Assets in Excess Liabilities 0.15%        2,685 
Net Assets 100.00%       $1,847,417 

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
EUR   Euro.
GBP   British pound.
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.
(b)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.


 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):
 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
Investment Type(2)  (000)   (000)   (000)   (000)
Common Stocks                   
Food Products   $44,986   $9,354   $   $54,340
Personal Products       17,003        17,003
Pharmaceuticals   81,151    23,388        104,539
Remaining Industries   1,661,233            1,661,233
Short-Term Investment                   
Repurchase Agreement       7,617        7,617
Total  $1,787,370   $57,362   $   $1,844,732

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy.

 

42 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

GLOBAL EQUITY RESEARCH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 98.36%          
           
Australia 1.04%          
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts          
Goodman Group   8,447   $72 
           
Austria 0.65%          
           
Banks          
BAWAG Group AG   1,322    45 
           
Belgium 1.34%          
           
Banks          
KBC Group NV   1,709    93 
           
Brazil 0.96%          
           
Metals & Mining          
Vale SA   8,101    67 
           
Canada 4.61%          
           
Information Technology Services 1.53%          
Shopify, Inc.*   168    106 
           
Insurance 1.30%          
Intact Financial Corp.   943    90 
           
Multi-Utilities 1.02%          
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.   5,095    71 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.76%          
Pembina Pipeline Corp.   2,324    53 
Total Canada        320 
           
China 5.01%          
           
Insurance 1.29%          
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd. Class H   8,799    90 
           
Interactive Media & Services 1.86%          
Tencent Holdings Ltd.   2,456    129 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 1.86%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*   636   $129 
Total China        348 
           
Denmark 2.61%          
           
Beverages 1.30%          
Carlsberg A/S Class B   718    90 
           
Pharmaceuticals 1.31%          
Novo Nordisk A/S Class B   1,424    91 
Total Denmark        181 
           
France 2.95%          
           
Beverages 1.08%          
Pernod Ricard SA   490    75 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.83%          
Total SA   1,633    58 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 1.04%          
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   188    72 
Total France        205 
           
Germany 2.16%          
           
Industrial Conglomerates 1.14%          
Siemens AG Registered Shares   854    79 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 1.02%
Infineon Technologies AG   3,802    71 
Total Germany        150 
           
Hong Kong 1.24%          
           
Real Estate Management & Development          
Kerry Properties Ltd.   31,107    86 
           
India 0.94%          
           
Banks          
ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR   6,615    65 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 43
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

GLOBAL EQUITY RESEARCH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Japan 4.37%        
         
Building Products 1.35%        
Sanwa Holdings Corp.   12,078   $94 
           
Construction & Engineering 1.12%          
SHO-BOND Holdings Co. Ltd.   1,938    78 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 1.19% 
Azbil Corp.   3,137    82 
           
Personal Products 0.71%          
Shiseido Co., Ltd.   840    49 
Total Japan        303 
           
Mexico 0.72%          
           
Banks          
Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV   18,463    50 
           
New Zealand 1.27%          
           
Diversified Telecommunication Services          
Spark New Zealand Ltd.   32,667    88 
           
Russia 0.76%          
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels          
Lukoil PJSC ADR   813    53 
           
South Africa 0.73%          
           
Metals & Mining          
Anglo American plc   2,842    51 
           
South Korea 2.23%          
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals          
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   3,765    155 
           
Spain 0.69%          
           
Containers & Packaging          
Vidrala SA   536    48 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Taiwan 1.40%          
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment          
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   9,645   $97 
           
United Kingdom 5.21%          
           
Capital Markets 1.37%          
London Stock Exchange Group plc   1,016    95 
           
Insurance 1.22%          
Prudential plc   6,037    85 
           
Multi-Utilities 1.18%          
National Grid plc   6,955    82 
           
Pharmaceuticals 1.44%          
AstraZeneca plc ADR   1,915    100 
Total United Kingdom        362 
           
United States 57.47%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 0.65%          
Raytheon Technologies Corp.   695    45 
           
Auto Components 1.20%          
Lear Corp.   851    83 
           
Banks 1.47%          
JPMorgan Chase & Co.   1,069    102 
           
Beverages 1.81%          
Coca-Cola Co. (The)   2,752    126 
           
Biotechnology 1.54%          
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   426    107 
           
Capital Markets 1.46%          
MSCI, Inc.   310    101 
           
Chemicals 1.15%          
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.*   4,041    80 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies 0.94%          
Waste Management, Inc.   652    65 


 

44 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

GLOBAL EQUITY RESEARCH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
United States (continued)          
           
Consumer Finance 0.99%          
Discover Financial Services   1,608   $69 
           
Electric: Utilities 2.33%          
Evergy, Inc.   1,373    80 
FirstEnergy Corp.   1,986    82 
         162 
           
Electrical Equipment 1.17%          
AMETEK, Inc.   970    81 
           
Entertainment 2.06%          
Netflix, Inc.*   180    75 
Walt Disney Co. (The)   626    68 
         143 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 0.98%          
Alexandria Real Estate          
Equities, Inc.   432    68 
           
Food & Staples Retailing 3.61%          
Sysco Corp.   1,500    84 
Walmart, Inc.   1,371    167 
         251 
           
Food Products 0.72%          
Mondelez International, Inc. Class A   961    50 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 0.96%          
Boston Scientific Corp.*   1,798    67 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 2.13%          
CVS Health Corp.   1,584    97 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   173    51 
         148 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 1.51%          
Aramark   1,428    39 
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*   75    66 
         105 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Information Technology Services 1.63%          
Mastercard, Inc. Class A   412   $113 
           
Interactive Media & Services 3.61%          
Alphabet, Inc. Class A*   129    174 
Facebook, Inc. Class A*   378    77 
         251 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 3.53%          
Amazon.com, Inc.*   99    245 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 0.88%          
10X Genomics, Inc. Class A*   768    61 
           
Machinery 1.30%          
Hillenbrand, Inc.   1,593    34 
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.   510    56 
         90 
           
Multi-Line Retail 0.66%          
Dollar Tree, Inc.*   571    46 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.17%          
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   1,133    37 
Noble Energy, Inc.   4,498    44 
         81 
           
Pharmaceuticals 3.28%          
Merck & Co., Inc.   1,770    140 
Zoetis, Inc.   680    88 
         228 
           
Road & Rail 1.81%          
Norfolk Southern Corp.   383    66 
Saia, Inc.*   653    60 
         126 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 1.96% 
NVIDIA Corp.   465    136 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 45
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

GLOBAL EQUITY RESEARCH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
United States (continued)          
           
Software 7.40%          
Microsoft Corp.   1,318   $236 
RingCentral, Inc. Class A*   380    87 
salesforce.com, Inc.*   610    99 
Trade Desk, Inc. (The) Class A*   313    92 
         514 
           
Specialty Retail 0.82%          
TJX Cos., Inc. (The)   1,154    57 
           
Tobacco 1.70%          
Philip Morris International, Inc.   1,583    118 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Wireless Telecommunication Services 1.04%          
T-Mobile US, Inc.*   815   $72 
Total United States        3,991 
Total Investments in Common Stock 98.36%
(cost $6,990,222)
        6,830 
Cash, Foreign Cash and Other Assets in Excess Liabilities 1.64%        114 
Net Assets 100.00%       $6,944 

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
  Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and, unless registered under such Act or exempted from registration, may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers. At April 30, 2020, the total value of Rule 144A securities was $45, which represents 0.65% of net assets.
*   Non-income producing security.


 

46 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

GLOBAL EQUITY RESEARCH FUND April 30, 2020

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Investment Type(2)  (000)   (000)   (000)   (000) 
Common Stocks                    
Australia  $   $72   $   $72 
Austria       45        45 
Belgium       93        93 
Brazil   67            67 
Canada   320            320 
China   129    219        348 
Denmark       181        181 
France       205        205 
Germany       150        150 
Hong Kong       86        86 
India   65            65 
Japan       303        303 
Mexico   50            50 
New Zealand       88        88 
Russia       53        53 
South Africa       51        51 
South Korea       155        155 
Spain   48            48 
Taiwan       97        97 
United Kingdom   185    177        362 
United States   3,991            3,991 
Total  $4,855   $1,975   $   $6,830 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 47
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

GROWTH LEADERS FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 98.91%        
         
Aerospace & Defense 0.78%        
Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*   102,662   $33,434 
           
Air Freight & Logistics 0.48%          
ZTO Express Cayman, Inc. ADR   697,126    20,746 
           
Automobiles 1.88%          
Tesla, Inc.*   103,561    80,972 
           
Biotechnology 7.75%          
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   414,466    20,297 
Argenx SE ADR*   127,461    18,672 
Immunomedics, Inc.*   1,716,132    52,136 
Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*   952,446    30,621 
Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*   308,173    26,207 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   36,611    19,253 
Seattle Genetics, Inc.*   380,699    52,243 
Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc.*   351,228    18,092 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   383,174    96,253 
Total        333,774 
           
Capital Markets 2.03%          
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.   99,804    45,412 
MSCI, Inc.   128,533    42,030 
Total        87,442 
           
Communications Equipment 0.91%          
Lumentum Holdings, Inc.*   483,120    39,089 
           
Diversified Consumer Services 1.48%          
Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.*   180,134    20,977 
Chegg, Inc.*   1,003,771    42,911 
Total        63,888 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Electrical Equipment 1.45%          
AMETEK, Inc.   349,246   $29,292 
Generac Holdings, Inc.*   340,489    33,177 
Total        62,469 
           
Entertainment 3.75%          
Activision Blizzard, Inc.   328,959    20,964 
Netflix, Inc.*   248,988    104,538 
Roku, Inc.*   298,182    36,149 
Total        161,651 
           
Food & Staples Retailing 0.57%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   80,594    24,420 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 4.70%          
Danaher Corp.   201,842    32,993 
DexCom, Inc.*   208,240    69,802 
Insulet Corp.*   160,591    32,074 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*   62,590    31,976 
Nevro Corp.*   300,256    35,322 
Total        202,167 
           
Health Care Technology 0.77%          
Teladoc Health, Inc.*   202,270    33,292 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 0.78%          
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*   38,319    33,665 
           
Information Technology Services 9.50%          
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*   558,603    54,581 
EPAM Systems, Inc.*   200,858    44,368 
Mastercard, Inc. Class A   364,696    100,280 
PayPal Holdings, Inc.*   184,514    22,695 
Shopify, Inc. Class A (Canada)*(a)   130,331    82,407 
Square, Inc. Class A*   680,399    44,321 
Visa, Inc. Class A   336,683    60,172 
Total        408,824 


 

48 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

GROWTH LEADERS FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Interactive Media & Services 7.11%          
Alphabet, Inc. Class A*   145,295   $195,669 
Facebook, Inc. Class A*   435,167    89,083 
Match Group, Inc.*   279,204    21,487 
Total        306,239 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 9.01%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*   95,709    19,397 
Amazon.com, Inc.*   118,437    293,013 
Chewy, Inc. Class A*   1,269,777    54,905 
MercadoLibre, Inc. (Argentina)*(a)   35,454    20,688 
Total        388,003 
           
Leisure Products 1.23%          
Peloton Interactive, Inc. Class A*   564,427    17,779 
YETI Holdings, Inc.*   1,269,089    35,040 
Total        52,819 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 1.29%          
10X Genomics, Inc. Class A*   421,760    33,686 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   65,369    21,878 
Total        55,564 
           
Pharmaceuticals 0.77%          
Zoetis, Inc.   256,187    33,128 
           
Professional Services 0.79%          
TransUnion   429,428    33,835 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 1.33%          
Redfin Corp.*   2,718,426    57,440 
           
Road & Rail 1.18%          
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.   203,439    29,558 
Uber Technologies, Inc.*   697,454    21,112 
Total        50,670 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 8.95%      
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*   1,279,666   $67,042 
Applied Materials, Inc.   624,970    31,048 
Inphi Corp.*   679,299    65,580 
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   219,616    43,903 
NVIDIA Corp.   396,562    115,907 
QUALCOMM, Inc.   787,926    61,986 
Total        385,466 
           
Software 22.33%          
Adobe, Inc.*   88,242    31,206 
Alteryx, Inc. Class A*   247,862    28,053 
Atlassian Corp. plc Class A (Australia)*(a)   279,566    43,470 
Coupa Software, Inc.*   113,094    19,915 
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. Class A*   804,334    54,421 
DocuSign, Inc.*   806,778    84,510 
Five9, Inc.*   650,687    60,299 
Intuit, Inc.   148,109    39,961 
Microsoft Corp.   1,692,493    303,312 
Paycom Software, Inc.*   111,450    29,091 
Paylocity Holding Corp.*   400,238    45,839 
RingCentral, Inc. Class A*   354,301    80,969 
SVMK, Inc.*   2,199,821    34,537 
Trade Desk, Inc. (The)Class A*   176,558    51,657 
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. Class A*   402,131    54,356 
Total        961,596 
           
Specialty Retail 0.90%          
Carvana Co.*(b)   481,116    38,542 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 4.81%      
Apple, Inc.   704,544    206,995 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 49
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

GROWTH LEADERS FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 2.38%          
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (Canada)*(a)   191,390   $42,772 
NIKE, Inc. Class B   683,742    59,608 
Total        102,380 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $3,525,356,153)
        4,258,510 
           
   Principal
Amount
(000)
      
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 3.55%          
           
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $130,075,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.625% due 12/15/2021 value: $136,451,146; proceeds: $133,774,523
(cost $133,774,523)
  $133,775   $133,775 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Money Market Funds 0.44%          
CitiBank N.A.(c)   1,919   $1,919 
Fidelity Government Portfolio(c)   17,267    17,267 
Total Money Market Funds
(cost $19,186,124)
        19,186 
Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $152,960,647)
        152,961 
Total Investments in Securities 102.46%
(cost $3,678,316,800)
        4,411,471 
Liabilities in Excess of Cash, Securities Lending and Other Assets (2.46)%        (105,796)
Net Assets 100.00%       $4,305,675 

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.
(b)   All or a portion of these securities are temporarily on loan to unaffiliated broker/dealers.
(c)   Security was purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.


 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
(000)
   Level 2
(000)
   Level 3
(000)
   Total
(000)
Common Stocks  $4,258,510   $   $   $4,258,510
Short-Term Investments                   
Repurchase Agreement       133,775        133,775
Money Market Funds   19,186            19,186
Total  $4,277,696   $133,775   $   $4,411,471

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography.

 

50 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

HEALTH CARE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 94.00%        
         
Belgium 1.34%        
         
Pharmaceuticals        
UCB SA   566   $52 
           
Denmark 4.72%          
           
Biotechnology 1.36%          
Genmab A/S*   221    53 
           
Pharmaceuticals 3.36%          
Novo Nordisk A/S Class B   2,055    131 
Total Denmark        184 
           
Germany 0.31%          
           
Biotechnology          
MorphoSys AG ADR*   444    12 
           
Netherlands 1.44%          
           
Biotechnology          
Argenx SE*   224    33 
uniQure NV*   356    23 
Total Netherlands        56 
           
Switzerland 6.38%          
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 2.30%          
Lonza Group AG Registered Shares*   158    69 
Tecan Group AG   65    21 
         90 
           
Pharmaceuticals 4.08%          
Novartis AG Registered Shares   484    41 
Roche Holding AG   341    118 
         159 
Total Switzerland        249 
Investments  Shares U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
United Kingdom 3.64%          
           
Pharmaceuticals          
AstraZeneca plc   1,189   $124 
GW Pharmaceuticals plc ADR*   180    18 
Total United Kingdom        142 
           
United States 76.17%          
           
Biotechnology 25.97%          
Acceleron Pharma, Inc.*   350    32 
Amgen, Inc.   405    97 
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   550    27 
Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc.*   450    17 
Blueprint Medicines Corp.*   281    16 
Bridgebio Pharma, Inc.*   1,133    34 
ChemoCentryx, Inc.*   641    34 
Coherus Biosciences, Inc.*   977    16 
Immunomedics, Inc.*   2,088    63 
Insmed, Inc.*   902    21 
Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.*   1,144    37 
Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*   323    27 
Krystal Biotech, Inc.*   522    25 
Mirati Therapeutics, Inc.*   371    31 
Natera, Inc.*   1,130    42 
Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.*   333    33 
NextCure, Inc.*   553    18 
PTC Therapeutics, Inc.*   350    18 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   89    47 
REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.*   680    21 
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   1,329    20 
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.*   326    38 
Seattle Genetics, Inc.*   461    63 
Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.*   730    15 
TG Therapeutics, Inc.*   1,774    21 
Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc.*   616    32 
Twist Bioscience Corp.*   1,188    39 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   514    129 
         1,013 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 51
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

HEALTH CARE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
United States (continued)          
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 21.59%          
Abbott Laboratories   1,507   $139 
Align Technology, Inc.*   157    34 
Axonics Modulation Technologies, Inc.*   749    24 
Boston Scientific Corp.*   2,004    75 
Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)   123    35 
Danaher Corp.   692    113 
DexCom, Inc.*   197    66 
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*   251    55 
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*   112    31 
Insulet Corp.*   233    46 
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*   131    67 
Natus Medical, Inc.*   796    20 
Nevro Corp.*   345    41 
Penumbra, Inc.*   107    19 
Teleflex, Inc.   114    38 
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.   327    39 
         842 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 10.43%          
Anthem, Inc.   172    48 
Centene Corp.*   952    64 
CVS Health Corp.   1,301    80 
Guardant Health, Inc.*   354    27 
HealthEquity, Inc.*   321    18 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   581    170 
         407 
           
Health Care Technology 2.05%          
Phreesia, Inc.*   822    21 
Teladoc Health, Inc.*   208    34 
Veeva Systems, Inc. Class A*   128    25 
         80 
           
Insurance 0.38%          
eHealth, Inc.*   141    15 
Investments  Shares U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Life Sciences Tools & Services 7.44%          
10X Genomics, Inc. Class A*   530   $42 
Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.*   575    18 
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Class A*   133    59 
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*   199    29 
Codexis, Inc.*   1,915    22 
Repligen Corp.*   258    30 
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.   268    90 
         290 
           
Pharmaceuticals 8.31%          
Johnson & Johnson   543    82 
Merck & Co., Inc.   1,918    152 
Zoetis, Inc.   699    90 
         324 
Total United States        2,971 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $3,382,195)
        3,666 
           
   Principal
Amount
(000)
      
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT 4.31%          
           
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $170,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.125% due 8/15/2021; value: $175,025; proceeds: $167,608
(cost $167,608)
   $168    168 
Total Investments in Securities 98.31%
(cost $3,549,803)
        3,834 
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 1.69%        66 
Net Assets 100.00%       $3,900 

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
*   Non-income producing security.


 

52 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

HEALTH CARE FUND April 30, 2020

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
(000)
   Level 2
(000)
   Level 3
(000)
   Total
(000)
Common Stocks                   
Belgium     $    $52   $   $52
Denmark       184        184
Germany   12            12
Netherlands   23    33        56
Switzerland       249        249
United Kingdom   18    124        142
United States   2,971            2,971
Short-Term Investment                   
Repurchase Agreement       168        168
Total  $3,024   $810   $   $3,834

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 53
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 97.79%          
           
Australia 3.54%          
           
Biotechnology 0.61%           
CSL Ltd.   10,232   $2,040 
           
Capital Markets 0.91%          
Macquarie Group Ltd.   45,713    3,028 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 0.63%          
Goodman Group   245,029    2,087 
           
Metals & Mining 1.39%          
BHP Group Ltd.   225,734    4,608 
Total Australia        11,763 
           
Belgium 2.67%          
           
Banks 1.21%          
KBC Group NV   73,797    4,003 
           
Beverages 0.52%          
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA   37,389    1,741 
           
Pharmaceuticals 0.94%          
UCB SA   34,048    3,120 
Total Belgium        8,864 
           
Canada 2.70%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 0.69%          
CAE, Inc.   138,000    2,280 
           
Food & Staples Retailing 0.79%          
Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc. Class B   93,800    2,618 
           
Insurance 0.47%          
Intact Financial Corp.   16,500    1,570 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.75%          
Pembina Pipeline Corp.   109,467    2,510 
Total Canada        8,978 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Chile 0.48%          
           
Metals & Mining          
Lundin Mining Corp.   328,200   $1,608 
           
China 10.69%          
           
Banks 1.13%          
China Construction Bank Corp. Class H   4,659,000    3,740 
           
Information Technology Services 0.84%         
GDS Holdings Ltd. ADR*   48,817    2,798 
           
Insurance 1.55%          
Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China Ltd. Class H   505,500    5,144 
           
Interactive Media & Services 2.89%          
Tencent Holdings Ltd.   182,600    9,599 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 3.28%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR*   53,727    10,889 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 1.00%      
Logan Property Holdings Co., Ltd.   2,112,000    3,329 
Total China        35,499 
           
Denmark 4.25%          
           
Air Freight & Logistics 0.55%          
DSV PANALPINA A/S   17,559    1,824 
           
Beverages 1.17%          
Carlsberg A/S Class B   30,850    3,892 
           
Biotechnology 1.09%          
Genmab A/S*   15,002    3,606 
           
Pharmaceuticals 1.44%          
Novo Nordisk A/S Class B   74,917    4,779 
Total Denmark        14,101 


 

54 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Finland 0.54%          
           
Banks          
Nordea Bank Abp   276,628   $1,793 
           
France 9.49%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 0.37%          
Safran SA   13,247    1,232 
           
Auto Components 0.94%          
Cie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA   32,283    3,119 
           
Beverages 1.04%          
Pernod Ricard SA   22,589    3,449 
           
Chemicals 1.39%          
Air Liquide SA   36,307    4,613 
           
Construction & Engineering 1.08%          
Vinci SA   43,875    3,594 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.78%          
Total SA   73,035    2,592 
           
Personal Products 1.39%          
L’Oreal SA   15,909    4,626 
           
Pharmaceuticals 0.61%          
Sanofi   20,584    2,011 
           
Software 0.22%          
Dassault Systemes SE   5,011    734 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 1.67%         
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE   14,300    5,528 
Total France        31,498 
           
Germany 7.58%          
           
Air Freight & Logistics 1.04%          
Deutsche Post AG Registered Shares   115,957    3,445 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Automobiles 0.78%          
Volkswagen AG   17,432   $2,577 
           
Chemicals 0.80%          
Symrise AG   26,293    2,664 
           
Insurance 1.15%          
Allianz SE Registered Shares   20,798    3,828 
           
Media 1.18%          
Stroeer SE & Co. KGaA   61,941    3,920 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 0.51%     
Vonovia SE   34,281    1,695 
           
Software 1.65%          
SAP SE   46,111    5,492 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.47%       
adidas AG   6,781    1,552 
Total Germany        25,173 
           
Hong Kong 4.53%          
           
Capital Markets 1.21%          
Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.   125,300    4,018 
           
Insurance 1.95%          
AIA Group Ltd.   703,800    6,459 
           
Machinery 0.50%          
Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.   219,500    1,664 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 0.87%     
Kerry Properties Ltd.   1,043,500    2,882 
Total Hong Kong        15,023 
           
India 1.23%          
           
Banks          
HDFC Bank Ltd. ADR   44,822    1,943 
ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR   220,017    2,147 
Total India        4,090 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 55
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Indonesia 0.56%          
           
Banks          
Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT   10,162,600   $1,849 
           
Ireland 1.23%          
           
Construction Materials          
CRH plc   135,324    4,080 
           
Japan 14.84%          
           
Automobiles 1.86%          
Toyota Motor Corp.   99,900    6,176 
           
Beverages 0.76%          
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.   73,800    2,538 
           
Building Products 1.23%          
Daikin Industries Ltd.   31,700    4,068 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies 0.82%     
Secom Co. Ltd.   32,600    2,713 
           
Electrical Equipment 0.99%          
Nidec Corp.   56,200    3,272 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 3.86%
Hitachi Ltd.   80,800    2,398 
Keyence Corp.   6,900    2,464 
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   83,700    4,716 
TDK Corp.   37,700    3,250 
         12,828 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.16%     
Hoya Corp.   42,100    3,839 
           
Household Durables 1.97%          
Sony Corp.   101,900    6,558 
           
Insurance 0.49%          
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.   34,800    1,633 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Specialty Retail 0.66%          
Fast Retailing Co. Ltd.   4,600   $2,181 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors 1.04%       
ITOCHU Corp.   175,400    3,439 
Total Japan        49,245 
           
Netherlands 3.42%          
           
Chemicals 1.13%          
Akzo Nobel NV   49,552    3,760 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.86%          
Royal Dutch Shell plc A Shares   172,809    2,845 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 1.43%  
ASML Holding NV   16,295    4,760 
Total Netherlands        11,365 
           
Peru 0.53%          
           
Banks          
Credicorp Ltd.   11,693    1,743 
           
Russia 1.24%          
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels          
Lukoil PJSC ADR   62,850    4,100 
           
Singapore 0.71%          
           
Banks          
United Overseas Bank Ltd.   164,900    2,356 
           
South Africa 1.04%          
           
Metals & Mining          
Anglo American plc   194,338    3,456 
           
South Korea 2.79%          
           
Personal Products 0.60%          
LG Household & Health Care Ltd.   1,737    1,970 


 

56 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
South Korea (continued)          
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 2.19%  
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   176,999   $7,278 
Total South Korea        9,248 
           
Spain 1.03%          
           
Electric: Utilities          
Iberdrola SA   343,323    3,415 
           
Sweden 2.31%          
           
Building Products 0.80%          
Assa Abloy AB Class B   148,345    2,656 
           
Machinery 1.51%          
Atlas Copco AB A Shares   48,565    1,674 
Sandvik AB*   217,076    3,339 
         5,013 
Total Sweden        7,669 
           
Switzerland 8.08%          
           
Capital Markets 1.02%          
UBS Group AG   315,881    3,382 
           
Food Products 2.14%          
Nestle SA Registered Shares   67,054    7,102 
           
Insurance 0.88%          
Zurich Financial Services AG   9,231    2,927 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 1.79%          
Lonza Group AG Registered Shares   13,644    5,958 
           
Pharmaceuticals 2.25%          
Novartis AG Registered Shares   18,713    1,597 
Roche Holding AG   16,909    5,855 
         7,452 
Total Switzerland        26,821 
Investments  Shares  

U.S. $

Fair Value

(000)

 
Taiwan 3.18%          
           
Machinery 1.17%          
Airtac International Group   202,000   $3,871 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 2.01%  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR   125,907    6,690 
Total Taiwan        10,561 
           
United Kingdom 6.93%          
           
Capital Markets 1.25%          
London Stock Exchange Group plc   44,338    4,150 
           
Insurance 0.50%          
Prudential plc   118,176    1,667 
           
Multi-Utilities 1.10%          
National Grid plc   311,882    3,655 
           
Personal Products 0.71%          
Unilever NV   47,422    2,362 
           
Pharmaceuticals 1.62%          
AstraZeneca plc   51,453    5,381 
           
Professional Services 1.75%          
Intertek Group plc   34,519    2,060 
RELX plc   165,349    3,731 
         5,791 
Total United Kingdom        23,006 
           
United States 2.20%          
           
Information Technology Services 1.65%          
Accenture plc Class A   13,191    2,443 
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.   22,939    3,025 
         5,468 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors 0.55%     
Ferguson plc   25,573    1,844 
Total United States        7,312 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $325,276,008)
        324,616 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 57
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Principal
Amount
(000)
   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT 2.17%          
           
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $660,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 1.625% due 12/31/21; and $6,365,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.625% due 12/31/2021; value: $7,356,168; proceeds: $7,209,188
(cost $7,209,188)
   $7,209   $7,209 
Total Investments in Securities 99.96%
(cost $332,485,196)
        331,825 
Foreign Cash and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 0.04%        132 
Net Assets 100.00%       $331,957 

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
*   Non-income producing security.


 

58 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND April 30, 2020

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
(000)
   Level 2
(000)
   Level 3
(000)
   Total
(000)
 
Common Stocks                    
Australia  $   $11,763   $   $11,763 
Belgium       8,864        8,864 
Canada   8,978            8,978 
Chile   1,608            1,608 
China   13,687    21,812        35,499 
Denmark       14,101        14,101 
Finland   1,793            1,793 
France       31,498        31,498 
Germany       25,173        25,173 
Hong Kong       15,023        15,023 
India   4,090            4,090 
Indonesia       1,849        1,849 
Ireland       4,080        4,080 
Japan       49,245        49,245 
Netherlands       11,365        11,365 
Peru   1,743            1,743 
Russia       4,100        4,100 
Singapore       2,356        2,356 
South Africa       3,456        3,456 
South Korea       9,248        9,248 
Spain       3,415        3,415 
Sweden       7,669        7,669 
Switzerland       26,821        26,821 
Taiwan   6,690    3,871        10,561 
United Kingdom       23,006        23,006 
United States   5,468    1,844        7,312 
Short-Term Investment                    
Repurchase Agreement       7,209        7,209 
Total  $44,057   $287,768   $   $331,825 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 59
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30, 2020

 

       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
COMMON STOCKS 96.49%          
           
Australia 3.36%          
           
Auto Components 0.78%          
GUD Holdings Ltd.   502,399   $2,982 
           
Diversified Financial Services 0.70%          
Omni Bridgeway Ltd.   1,032,510    2,693 
           
Electric: Utilities 1.88%          
AusNet Services   5,930,402    7,233 
Total Australia        12,908 
           
Austria 4.63%          
           
Banks 1.44%          
BAWAG Group AG   162,610    5,527 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 1.30%
AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG   288,751    4,977 
           
Machinery 1.89%          
ANDRITZ AG   221,381    7,274 
Total Austria        17,778 
           
Belgium 1.25%          
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 0.69%     
Warehouses De Pauw CVA   97,414    2,672 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services 0.56%     
Orange Belgium SA   128,637    2,140 
Total Belgium        4,812 
           
Canada 1.22%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 0.77%          
CAE, Inc.   179,200    2,961 
           
Paper & Forest Products 0.45%          
Interfor Corp.*   290,400    1,713 
Total Canada        4,674 
       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
Chile 0.82%          
           
Metals & Mining          
Lundin Mining Corp.   643,600   $3,153 
           
Denmark 1.70%          
           
Machinery          
FLSmidth & Co. A/S*   248,576    6,542 
           
France 1.42%          
           
Construction Materials 0.55%          
Vicat SA   75,301    2,113 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 0.87%       
Korian SA   99,525    3,343 
Total France        5,456 
           
Germany 7.91%          
           
Biotechnology 1.03%          
MorphoSys AG*   37,630    3,948 
           
Industrial Conglomerates 1.56%          
Rheinmetall AG   88,348    5,979 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 1.62%       
Gerresheimer AG   78,192    6,219 
           
Media 1.52%          
Stroeer SE & Co. KGaA   92,407    5,848 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 2.18%    
LEG Immobilien AG   27,426    3,149 
PATRIZIA AG   234,313    5,232 
         8,381 
Total Germany        30,375 
           
Hong Kong 4.57%          
           
Consumer Finance 0.49%          
Sun Hung Kai & Co., Ltd.   4,571,000    1,879 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 0.81%          
Melco International Development Ltd.   1,665,000    3,112 


 

60 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30, 2020

 

       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
Hong Kong (continued)          
           
Pharmaceuticals 0.35%          
SSY Group Ltd.   1,904,000   $1,341 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 1.07%      
Kerry Properties Ltd.   1,485,000    4,102 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 1.35%    
ASM Pacific Technology Ltd. 513,900        5,193 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.50%      
Stella International Holdings Ltd.   1,918,432    1,930 
Total Hong Kong        17,557 
           
Iceland 0.98%          
           
Machinery          
Marel HF   881,658    3,779 
           
Ireland 3.43%          
           
Beverages 0.20%          
C&C Group plc   315,215    774 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 0.90%     
Hibernia REIT plc   2,650,135    3,447 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 1.18%     
UDG Healthcare plc   572,143    4,516 
           
Household Durables 0.33%          
Glenveagh Properties plc*   2,059,635    1,281 
           
Information Technology Services 0.82%     
Keywords Studios plc   157,492    3,155 
Total Ireland        13,173 
           
Israel 0.84%          
           
Food Products          
Strauss Group Ltd.   114,237    3,229 
       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
Italy 6.44%          
           
Auto Components 1.44%          
Freni Brembo SpA   652,988   $5,539 
           
Capital Markets 1.76%          
Anima Holding SpA   1,915,238    6,780 
           
Construction Materials 0.81%          
Buzzi Unicem SpA   158,043    3,101 
           
Diversified Financial Services 0.39%          
doValue SpA   201,129    1,486 
           
Machinery 1.39%          
IMA Industria Macchine Automatiche SpA   78,569    5,356 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.65%       
Brunello Cucinelli SpA   77,140    2,488 
Total Italy        24,750 
           
Japan 22.34%          
           
Building Products 1.19%          
Sanwa Holdings Corp.   587,000    4,555 
           
Chemicals 0.47%          
Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.   95,500    1,814 
           
Construction & Engineering 2.40%          
SHO-BOND Holdings Co. Ltd.   229,500    9,211 
           
Distributors 1.08%          
PALTAC Corp.   79,600    4,157 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 3.57% 
Azbil Corp.   319,500    8,402 
Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.   190,500    5,312 
         13,714 
           
Entertainment 1.44%          
Capcom Co., Ltd.   180,300    5,527 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 61
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30, 2020

 

       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
Japan (continued)          
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 2.10%     
GLP J-REIT   2,910   $3,752 
Nippon Prologis REIT, Inc.   1,565    4,332 
         8,084 
           
Food Products 1.63%          
Nichirei Corp.   250,600    6,269 
           
Information Technology Services 1.49%          
NS Solutions Corp.   49,100    1,240 
TIS, Inc.   234,600    4,474 
         5,714 
           
Machinery 2.38%          
CKD Corp.   365,600    6,095 
OSG Corp.   234,500    3,047 
         9,142 
           
Professional Services 0.78%          
TechnoPro Holdings, Inc.   52,900    3,013 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 1.00%     
Kenedix, Inc.   851,100    3,846 
           
Software 0.31%          
Freee KK*   33,200    1,173 
           
Specialty Retail 1.14%          
Bic Camera, Inc.   386,500    3,578 
United Arrows Ltd.   50,800    792 
         4,370 
           
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance 0.24%          
Aruhi Corp.   81,100    937 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services 1.12%      
Okinawa Cellular Telephone Co.   112,600    4,300 
Total Japan        85,826 
       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
Jersey 1.46%          
           
Construction Materials          
Breedon Group plc*   5,196,151   $5,592 
           
Netherlands 0.96%          
           
Biotechnology 0.60%          
uniQure NV*   36,208    2,304 
           
Machinery 0.36%          
Aalberts NV   49,207    1,386 
Total Netherlands        3,690 
           
Philippines 0.14%          
           
Industrial Conglomerates          
Alliance Global Group, Inc.*   4,224,600    537 
           
Portugal 2.05%          
           
Banks 0.15%          
Banco Comercial Portugues SA   5,061,875    566 
           
Multi-Utilities 1.90%          
REN- Redes Energeticas Nacionais SGPS SA   2,697,054    7,306 
Total Portugal        7,872 
           
South Korea 3.15%          
           
Food & Staples Retailing 1.16%          
GS Retail Co., Ltd.   143,193    4,462 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 0.73%  
WONIK IPS Co., Ltd.*   121,920    2,785 
           
Software 1.26%          
Douzone Bizon Co. Ltd.   66,737    4,836 
Total South Korea        12,083 
           
Spain 2.90%          
           
Containers & Packaging 1.39%          
Vidrala SA   59,512    5,331 


 

62 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30 2020

 

       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
Spain (continued)          
           
Food Products 1.05%          
Ebro Foods SA   190,351   $4,047 
           
Professional Services 0.46%          
Applus Services SA   270,572    1,775 
Total Spain        11,153 
           
Sweden 3.38%          
           
Commercial Services & Supplies 2.40%          
Bravida Holding AB*   575,657    4,648 
Loomis AB Class B   188,260    4,591 
         9,239 
           
Food & Staples Retailing 0.98%          
Axfood AB   176,246    3,749 
Total Sweden        12,988 
           
Switzerland 5.27%          
           
Airlines 0.73%          
Wizz Air Holdings plc*   77,922    2,816 
           
Containers & Packaging 1.67%          
SIG Combibloc Group AG*   395,323    6,403 
           
Insurance 0.63%          
Swiss Life Holding AG Registered Shares   6,842    2,426 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 0.96%          
Tecan Group AG   11,417   $3,676 
           
Machinery 1.28%          
Sulzer AG   69,568    4,921 
Total Switzerland        20,242 
           
Taiwan 2.77%          
           
Machinery 0.67%          
Airtac International Group   135,000    2,587 
       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 2.10%  
Realtek Semiconductor Corp.    693,000   $5,935 
Visual Photonics Epitaxy Co., Ltd.   722,000    2,122 
         8,057 
Total Taiwan        10,644 
           
United Arab Emirates 1.19%          
           
Information Technology Services          
Network International Holdings plc*   875,743    4,567 
           
United Kingdom 10.33%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 0.54%          
Senior plc   2,558,219    2,089 
           
Beverages 1.04%          
Britvic plc   432,542    3,981 
           
Capital Markets 1.29%          
Man Group plc   2,951,998    4,946 
           
Consumer Finance 0.36%          
Arrow Global Group plc   1,079,979    1,371 
           
Household Durables 0.58%          
Countryside Properties plc   435,336    2,218 
           
Insurance 1.61%          
Lancashire Holdings Ltd.   802,485    6,186 
           
Machinery 0.64%          
Concentric AB*   216,977    2,446 
           
Media 0.37%          
Huntsworth plc   1,067,645    1,446 
           
Multi-Line Retail 1.47%          
B&M European Value Retail SA   1,349,497    5,644 
           
Pharmaceuticals 0.85%          
Dechra Pharmaceuticals plc   94,356    3,284 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 63
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30, 2020

 

       U.S. $ 
       Fair Value 
Investments  Shares   (000) 
United Kingdom (continued)          
           
Specialty Retail 0.76%          
WH Smith PLC   184,369   $2,910 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors 0.82%       
Grafton Group plc Unit   395,670    3,157 
Total United Kingdom        39,678 
           
United States 1.74%          
           
Exchange-Traded Funds          
VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners   165,038    6,661 
           
Vietnam 0.24%          
           
Closed-Ended Fund          
VinaCapital Vietnam Opportunity Fund Ltd.   256,946    904 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $413,983,729)
        370,623 
   Principal   Fair 
   Amount   Value 
Investments  (000)   (000) 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT 1.00%          
           
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $3,805,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 1.75% due 11/30/2021; value: $3,926,265; proceeds: $3,849,126
(cost $3,849,126)
   $3,849   $3,849 
Total Investments in Securities 97.49%
(cost $417,832,855)
        374,472 
Foreign Cash and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities(a) 2.51%        9,657 
Net Assets 100.00%       $384,129 

 

REIT   Real Estate Investment Trust.
*   Non-income producing security.
  Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and, unless registered under such Act or exempted from registration, may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers. At April 30, 2020, the total value of Rule 144A securities was $33,102, which represents 8.62% of net assets.
(a)   Foreign Cash and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities net unrealized appreciation on Total return swaps as follows:


 

Open Total Return Swap Contracts at April 30, 2020:

 

Swap  Referenced  Referenced        Termination  Notional   Notional   Unrealized 
Counterparty  Index*  Spread  Units  Position  Date  Amount   Value   Appreciation 
Bank of America  MLEILAEN  1 Mo. LIBOR + .28%  69,067  Long  6/11/2020  $4,248,311   $4,268,042            $19,731 
Bank of America  MLEILAEN  1 Mo. LIBOR + .28%  25,051  Long  6/12/2020   1,540,887    1,548,044    7,157 
Total                 $5,789,198   $5,816,086   $26,888 

 

* Merrill Lynch Custom Basket Index.

 

64 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30, 2020

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Investment Type(2)  (000)   (000)   (000)   (000) 
Common Stocks                    
Australia  $   $12,908   $   $12,908 
Austria       17,778        17,778 
Belgium       4,812        4,812 
Canada   4,674            4,674 
Chile   3,153            3,153 
Denmark       6,542        6,542 
France       5,456        5,456 
Germany       30,375        30,375 
Hong Kong       17,557        17,557 
Iceland       3,779        3,779 
Ireland   774    12,399        13,173 
Israel       3,229        3,229 
Italy   1,486    23,264        24,750 
Japan       85,826        85,826 
Jersey       5,592        5,592 
Netherlands   2,304    1,386        3,690 
Philippines       537        537 
Portugal       7,872        7,872 
South Korea       12,083        12,083 
Spain   4,047    7,106        11,153 
Sweden       12,988        12,988 
Switzerland       20,242        20,242 
Taiwan       10,644        10,644 
United Arab Emirates       4,567        4,567 
United Kingdom   7,632    32,046        39,678 
United States   6,661            6,661 
Vietnam       904        904 
Short-Term Investment                    
Repurchase Agreement       3,849        3,849 
Total  $30,731   $343,741   $   $374,472 
Other Financial Instruments                    
Total Return Swap Contracts                    
Assets  $   $27   $   $27 
Liabilities                
Total  $   $27   $   $27 

 

  (1) Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
  (2) See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 65
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 97.89%          
           
Australia 4.34%          
           
Banks 1.39%          
National Australia Bank Ltd.   549,932   $6,026 
           
Capital Markets 1.04%          
Macquarie Group Ltd.   67,898    4,498 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 0.74%
Goodman Group   375,061    3,194 
           
Metals & Mining 1.17%          
BHP Group Ltd.   246,742    5,037 
Total Australia        18,755 
           
Austria 0.99%          
           
Banks          
BAWAG Group AG   126,059    4,284 
           
Belgium 1.85%          
           
Beverages 0.82%          
Anheuser-Busch InBev SA   75,843    3,532 
           
Pharmaceuticals 1.03%          
UCB SA   48,489    4,444 
Total Belgium        7,976 
           
Brazil 0.67%          
           
Metals & Mining          
Vale SA ADR   351,547    2,900 
           
Canada 2.43%          
           
Banks 1.08%          
Royal Bank of Canada   76,000    4,675 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.35%         
Pembina Pipeline Corp.   253,033    5,803 
Total Canada        10,478 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Chile 1.44%          
 
Metals & Mining 0.73%          
Lundin Mining Corp.   647,455   $3,172 
 
Water Utilities 0.71%          
Aguas Andinas SA   9,084,038    3,047 
Total Chile        6,219 
 
China 3.75%          
 
Banks 1.04%          
China Construction Bank Corp. Class H   5,595,000    4,491 
 
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 0.86%          
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR *   18,405    3,730 
 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.75%     
CNOOC Ltd.   2,920,000    3,229 
 
Real Estate Management & Development 1.10%
Logan Property Holdings Co., Ltd.   3,016,000    4,754 
Total China        16,204 
 
France 14.36%          
 
Aerospace & Defense 0.82%          
Safran SA   38,232    3,554 
 
Banks 1.35%          
Credit Agricole SA   725,479    5,835 
 
Building Products 1.03%          
Cie de Saint-Gobain   166,496    4,430 
 
Construction & Engineering 1.39%     
Vinci SA   72,947    5,976 
 
Diversified Telecommunication Services 1.26%
Orange SA   448,848    5,453 
 
Food Products 1.67%          
Danone SA   103,432    7,209 


 

66 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
France (continued)          
 
Gas Utilities 0.89%          
Rubis SCA   85,609   $3,836 
 
Insurance 1.60%          
AXA SA   387,189    6,883 
 
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.11%     
Total SA   135,510    4,810 
 
Pharmaceuticals 3.24%          
Sanofi(a)   143,370    14,003 
Total France        61,989 
 
Germany 12.17%          
 
Air Freight & Logistics 1.65%          
Deutsche Post AG Registered  Shares   240,469    7,144 
 
Auto Components 0.78%          
Continental AG   40,212    3,360 
 
Automobiles 1.30%          
Volkswagen AG   37,891    5,602 
 
Industrial Conglomerates 1.12%     
Siemens AG Registered Shares   52,434    4,839 
 
Insurance 2.11%          
Allianz SE Registered Shares   49,609    9,130 
 
Machinery 0.80%          
KION Group AG   69,963    3,470 
 
Media 1.14%          
Stroeer SE & Co. KGaA   77,865    4,928 
 
Pharmaceuticals 1.15%          
Bayer AG Registered Shares   75,136    4,942 
 
Real Estate Management & Development 1.22%
Aroundtown SA   816,416    4,391 
Vonovia SE   17,584    870 
         5,261 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 0.90%
Infineon Technologies AG   209,003   $3,885 
Total Germany        52,561 
 
Hong Kong 3.21%          
 
Electric: Utilities 1.38%          
CK Infrastructure Holdings Ltd.   1,001,000    5,946 
 
Real Estate Management & Development 1.83%
Kerry Properties Ltd.   2,859,000    7,896 
Total Hong Kong        13,842 
 
Italy 0.49%          
 
Auto Components          
Freni Brembo SpA(a)   251,995    2,138 
 
Japan 17.34%          
 
Automobiles 2.75%          
Toyota Motor Corp.   192,300    11,889 
 
Banks 1.66%          
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.   272,300    7,161 
 
Beverages 1.64%          
Asahi Group Holdings Ltd.   206,300    7,094 
 
Building Products 1.42%          
Sanwa Holdings Corp.   788,500    6,119 
 
Diversified Financial Services 1.37%     
ORIX Corp.   500,900    5,894 
      
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 1.95%
Hitachi Ltd.   74,700    2,256 
TDK Corp.   71,600    6,172 
         8,428 
 
Household Durables 2.26%          
Sony Corp.   151,600    9,756 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 67
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
Japan (continued)          
           
Insurance 1.44%          
Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.   132,900   $6,235 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors 1.45%      
ITOCHU Corp.   319,000    6,254 
           
Wireless Telecommunication Services 1.40%      
SoftBank Group Corp.   140,800    6,035 
Total Japan        74,865 
           
Macau 1.33%          
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure          
Sands China Ltd.   1,414,800    5,728 
           
Mexico 0.56%          
           
Banks          
Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV   887,466    2,427 
           
Netherlands 2.11%          
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels          
Royal Dutch Shell plc Class A ADR(a)   275,198    9,117 
           
New Zealand 1.19%          
           
Diversified Telecommunication Services       
Spark New Zealand Ltd.   1,905,180    5,156 
           
Russia 1.59%          
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels          
Lukoil PJSC ADR   105,126    6,858 
           
Singapore 0.85%          
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components
Venture Corp. Ltd.   329,700    3,685 
           
South Africa 2.12%          
           
Metals & Mining          
Anglo American plc   515,336    9,165 
Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
South Korea 1.73%          
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals      
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.   181,501   $7,463 
           
Spain 0.86%          
           
Banks          
Banco Santander SA   1,661,578    3,713 
           
Switzerland 7.36%          
           
Capital Markets 0.84%          
UBS Group AG   337,135    3,610 
           
Insurance 2.18%          
Swiss Life Holding AG Registered Shares  12,425    4,406 
Zurich Financial Services AG   15,840    5,022 
         9,428 
           
Pharmaceuticals 4.34%          
Novartis AG Registered Shares   107,215    9,149 
Roche Holding AG   27,721    9,600 
         18,749 
Total Switzerland        31,787 
           
Taiwan 0.64%          
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment          
Realtek Semiconductor Corp.   321,000    2,749 
           
United Kingdom 14.51%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 1.46%          
BAE Systems plc   988,713    6,306 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 0.94%          
GVC Holdings plc   429,820    4,080 
           
Household Durables 1.00%          
Persimmon plc   155,292    4,303 


 

68 See Notes to Financial Statements.
   

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
United Kingdom (continued)          
           
Insurance 2.42%          
Prudential plc   405,998   $5,728 
RSA Insurance Group plc   1,037,787    4,703 
         10,431 
           
Multi-Line Retail 0.69%          
Next plc   50,077    2,981 
           
Multi-Utilities 2.24%          
National Grid plc   826,781    9,689 
           
Pharmaceuticals 1.80%          
AstraZeneca plc   74,232    7,764 
           
Tobacco 3.34%          
British American Tobacco plc   251,159    9,680 
Imperial Brands plc   225,340    4,741 
         14,421 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors 0.62%      
Ashtead Group plc   97,658    2,668 
Total United Kingdom        62,643 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $477,843,744)
        422,702 
Investments  Shares
(000)
   U.S. $
Fair Value
(000)
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 2.54%          
           
Money Market Funds          
CitiBank N.A.(b)  $1,097   $1,097 
Fidelity Government Portfolio(b)   9,874    9,874 
Total Money Market Funds
(cost $10,970,585)
        10,971 
Total Investments in Securities 100.43%
(cost $488,814,329)
        433,673 
Foreign Cash, Securities Lending and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities (0.43)%        (1,861)
Net Assets 100.00%       $431,812 
     
ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
*   Non-income producing security.
  Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and, unless registered under such Act or exempted from registration, may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers. At April 30, 2020, the total value of Rule 144A securities was $4,284, which represents 0.99% of net assets.
(a)   All or a portion of this security was on loan to brokers at April 30, 2020.
(b)   Security was purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 69
   

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND April 30, 2020

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
(000)
   Level 2
(000)
   Level 3
(000)
   Total
(000)
 
Common Stocks                    
Australia  $   $18,755   $   $18,755 
Austria       4,284        4,284 
Belgium       7,976        7,976 
Brazil   2,900            2,900 
Canada   10,478            10,478 
Chile   6,219            6,219 
China   3,730    12,474        16,204 
France       61,989        61,989 
Germany       52,561        52,561 
Hong Kong       13,842        13,842 
Italy       2,138        2,138 
Japan       74,865        74,865 
Macau       5,728        5,728 
Mexico   2,427            2,427 
Netherlands   9,117            9,117 
New Zealand       5,156        5,156 
Russia       6,858        6,858 
Singapore       3,685        3,685 
South Africa       9,165        9,165 
South Korea       7,463        7,463 
Spain       3,713        3,713 
Switzerland       31,787        31,787 
Taiwan       2,749        2,749 
United Kingdom       62,643        62,643 
Short-Term Investments                    
Money Market Funds   10,971            10,971 
Total  $45,842   $387,831   $   $433,673 
     
(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy.

 

70 See Notes to Financial Statements.
   

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 100.03%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 1.70%          
Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*   72,070   $23,471 
           
Auto Components 4.56%          
Dorman Products, Inc.*   258,870    16,329 
LCI Industries   288,364    25,007 
Lear Corp.   220,441    21,526 
Total        62,862 
           
Banks 7.24%          
Bank of Hawaii Corp.   316,727    21,594 
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.   307,057    22,065 
East West Bancorp, Inc.   449,035    15,748 
First Republic Bank   196,048    20,446 
SVB Financial Group*   103,184    19,932 
Total        99,785 
           
Beverages 0.74%          
Primo Water Corp.   991,968    10,178 
           
Building Products 5.24%          
A.O. Smith Corp.   561,542    23,798 
Allegion plc (Ireland)(a)   229,487    23,073 
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   351,596    25,350 
Total        72,221 
           
Capital Markets 2.15%          
Ares Capital Corp.   1,400,893    17,988 
Hamilton Lane, Inc. Class A   178,046    11,546 
Total        29,534 
           
Chemicals 4.41%          
Axalta Coating          
Systems Ltd.*   1,205,058    23,788 
PolyOne Corp.   687,822    16,019 
Valvoline, Inc.   1,221,112    20,991 
Total        60,798 
           
Consumer Finance 1.16%          
Discover Financial Services   373,009    16,028 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Containers & Packaging 1.65%          
Avery Dennison Corp.   205,303   $22,663 
           
Electric: Utilities 3.12%          
IDACORP, Inc.   240,182    22,044 
Portland General Electric Co.   447,267    20,927 
Total        42,971 
           
Electrical Equipment 4.32%          
Acuity Brands, Inc.   261,534    22,646 
AMETEK, Inc.   274,321    23,007 
Generac Holdings, Inc.*   141,398    13,778 
Total        59,431 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 3.45%
FLIR Systems, Inc.   626,560    27,193 
Littelfuse, Inc.   139,640    20,281 
Total        47,474 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 5.04%
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.   161,318    25,342 
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.   623,036    23,532 
UDR, Inc.   547,136    20,501 
Total        69,375 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 8.09%
Cooper Cos., Inc. (The)   71,360    20,459 
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.   206,198    23,195 
LivaNova plc (United Kingdom)*(a)   183,097    9,726 
NuVasive, Inc.*   280,385    17,070 
STERIS plc   171,284    24,408 
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.*   145,215    16,610 
Total        111,468 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 1.02%      
Encompass Health Corp.   212,127    14,053 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 1.79%       
Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.   393,133    24,704 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 71
   

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Industrial Conglomerates 1.36%          
Carlisle Cos., Inc.   155,288   $18,784 
           
Information Technology Services 7.15%      
Amdocs Ltd.   341,526    22,008 
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.   372,461    27,354 
EPAM Systems, Inc.*   51,987    11,483 
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.   132,828    21,724 
MAXIMUS, Inc.   236,840    15,944 
Total        98,513 
           
Insurance 5.45%          
Arch Capital Group Ltd.*   289,785    6,964 
Brown & Brown, Inc.   251,821    9,043 
Globe Life, Inc.   172,164    14,176 
Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (The)   218,838    21,967 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   157,348    22,974 
Total        75,124 
           
Leisure Products 1.17%          
Malibu Boats, Inc. Class A*   469,508    16,142 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 6.18%         
Bio-Techne Corp.   89,337    20,101 
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*   197,994    28,644 
ICON plc (Ireland)*(a)   95,817    15,376 
PerkinElmer, Inc.   232,129    21,014 
Total        85,135 
           
Machinery 1.24%          
Crane Co.   312,895    17,037 
           
Media 0.76%          
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The)   619,293    10,516 
           
Metals & Mining 1.49%          
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.   228,629    20,481 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Multi-Utilities 1.41%          
NorthWestern Corp.   336,532   $19,414 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.42%          
Concho Resources, Inc.   144,964    8,222 
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.*   400,269    3,891 
Parsley Energy, Inc. Class A   784,973    7,418 
Total        19,531 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 0.99%
Marcus & Millichap, Inc.*   470,800    13,677 
           
Road & Rail 3.70%          
Landstar System, Inc.   259,200    26,778 
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.   166,062    24,127 
Total        50,905 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 5.92%
Entegris, Inc.   634,959    34,434 
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   111,167    22,223 
Teradyne, Inc.   397,433    24,856 
Total        81,513 
           
Software 1.11%          
Synopsys, Inc.*   97,554    15,328 
           
Specialty Retail 1.96%          
Burlington Stores, Inc.*   147,543    26,955 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 1.52%      
Columbia Sportswear Co.   286,148    20,857 
           
Water Utilities 1.52%          
American Water Works Co., Inc.   172,332    20,971 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $1,298,811,566)
        1,377,899 


 

72 See Notes to Financial Statements.
   

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
(000)
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT 0.10%          
           
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $1,445,000 of U.S.Treasury Note at 1.625% due 12/31/2021; value: $1,486,953; proceeds: $1,455,622
(cost $1,455,622)
   $1,456   $1,456 
Total Investments in Securities 100.13%
(cost $1,300,267,188)
        1,379,355 
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets (0.13)%        (1,846)
Net Assets 100.00%       $1,377,509 
           
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.


 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
(000)
 Level 2
(000)
   Level 3
(000)
   Total
(000)
Common Stocks  $1,377,899    $   $   $1,377,899
Short-Term Investment                   
Repurchase Agreement       1,456        1,456
Total  $1,377,899   $1,456   $   $1,379,355

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(l) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 73
   

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

April 30, 2020

 

   Alpha Strategy
Fund
   Durable Growth
Fund
   Focused Growth
Fund
 
ASSETS:                  
Investments in securities, at cost    $     $184,087,414     $11,698,885 
Investments in Underlying Funds, at cost     915,552,091             
Investments in securities, at fair value including $0, $0, $0, $0, $2,002,705, $0 and $0, respectively, of securities loaned    $     $176,608,397     $13,206,163 
Investments in Underlying Funds, at value     702,933,708             
Cash     60,138      1,451,553       
Foreign cash, at value (cost $0, $0, $0, $0, $0, $9,163,378, $991, respectively)                  
Receivables:                     
Investment securities sold           853,517      692,767 
Capital shares sold     495,026            70,864 
Interest and dividends           69,139      1,193 
Securities lending income receivable                  
From advisor (See Note 3)     19      29      13,836 
Investments in Underlying Funds sold     760,709             
Prepaid expenses and other assets     67,665      43,481      76,992 
Total assets     704,317,265      179,026,116      14,061,815 
LIABILITIES:                     
Payables:                     
Investments securities purchased           865,437      1,256,619 
Payable for collateral due to broker for securities lending                  
Capital shares reacquired     718,009             
Management fee           76,474      5,985 
Trustees’ fees     126,716            136 
12b-1 distribution plan     120,126      296      1,396 
Fund administration     21,203      5,562      368 
Offering costs           1,905      25,298 
Accrued expenses     282,719      22,715      23,915 
Total liabilities     1,268,773      972,389      1,313,717 
Commitments and contingent liabilities                     
NET ASSETS    $703,048,492     $178,053,727     $12,748,098 
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:                     
Paid-in capital    $857,961,825     $188,147,990     $11,143,541 
Total distributable earnings (loss)     (154,913,333)     (10,094,263)     1,604,557 
Net Assets    $703,048,492     $178,053,727     $12,748,098 

 

74 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Focused Large
Cap Value Fund
   Focused Small
Cap Value Fund
   Fundamental
Equity Fund
   Global Equity
Research Fund
 
                      
  $225,842,558     $105,653,093     $1,854,094,970     $6,990,222 
                      
                          
  $246,964,448     $85,595,316     $1,844,731,853     $6,829,766 
                      
               312,374      99,341 
                          
               9,218,962      1,002 
                          
         447,092      44,782,473      24,591 
   30,005,048      98,793      305,985      811 
   326,571      51,340      3,329,629      10,360 
         1,204             
   3,086      22,024            16,418 
                      
   57,232      89,984      90,792      68,928 
   277,356,385      86,305,753      1,902,772,068      7,051,217 
                          
   28,713,388      361,160      19,660,613      20,887 
                          
         2,085,120             
         98,242      33,136,550      9 
   94,535      48,200      812,432      2,396 
   349      16,560      557,765      324 
   300      898      275,786      1,171 
   6,409      2,410      58,765      213 
   7,835                  14,707 
   39,679      58,588      853,177      67,382 
   28,862,495      2,671,178      55,355,088      107,089 
                          
  $248,493,890     $83,634,575     $1,847,416,980     $6,944,128 
                          
  $231,215,510     $114,926,128     $1,927,535,487     $6,926,406 
   17,278,380      (31,291,553)     (80,118,507)     17,722 
  $248,493,890     $83,634,575     $1,847,416,980     $6,944,128 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 75
 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)(continued)

April 30, 2020

 

   Alpha Strategy
Fund
   Durable Growth
Fund
   Focused Growth
Fund
 
                   
Net assets by class:                     
Class A Shares    $383,421,931     $791,305     $5,592,313 
Class C Shares    $67,469,014     $121,349     $450,911 
Class F Shares    $115,107,127     $266,190     $1,528,909 
Class F3 Shares    $28,133,420     $115,757     $620,890 
Class I Shares    $81,106,181     $176,584,924     $1,679,666 
Class P Shares                  
Class R2 Shares    $1,094,772             
Class R3 Shares    $19,631,713     $10,495     $12,330 
Class R4 Shares    $3,180,044     $10,507     $12,368 
Class R5 Shares    $393,399     $10,520     $12,407 
Class R6 Shares    $3,510,891     $142,680     $2,838,304 
Outstanding shares by class (unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest):                     
Class A Shares     21,002,468      50,232      301,505 
Class C Shares     4,669,319      7,728      24,532 
Class F Shares     6,246,919      16,885      82,160 
Class F3 Shares     1,485,984      7,342      33,333 
Class I Shares     4,297,032      11,200,924      90,248 
Class P Shares                  
Class R2 Shares     62,851             
Class R3 Shares     1,118,118      666.90      667 
Class R4 Shares     174,642      667      666.66 
Class R5 Shares     20,833      667.43      666.67 
Class R6 Shares     185,381      9,049      152,383 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share (Net assets divided by outstanding shares):                     
Class A Shares-Net asset value     $18.26      $15.75      $18.55 
Class A Shares-Maximum offering price (Net asset value plus sales charge of 5.75%)     $19.37      $16.71      $19.68 
Class C Shares-Net asset value     $14.45      $15.70      $18.38 
Class F Shares-Net asset value     $18.43      $15.76      $18.61 
Class F3 Shares-Net asset value     $18.93      $15.77      $18.63 
Class I Shares-Net asset value     $18.87      $15.77      $18.61 
Class P Shares-Net asset value                  
Class R2 Shares-Net asset value     $17.42             
Class R3 Shares-Net asset value     $17.56      $15.74      $18.49 
Class R4 Shares-Net asset value     $18.21      $15.75      $18.55 
Class R5 Shares-Net asset value     $18.88      $15.76      $18.61 
Class R6 Shares-Net asset value     $18.94      $15.77      $18.63 

 

76 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Focused Large
Cap Value Fund
   Focused Small
Cap Value Fund
   Fundamental
Equity Fund
   Global Equity
Research Fund
 
                      
  $818,835     $4,566,896     $1,048,828,263     $3,270,431 
  $164,890     $67,830     $112,774,589     $555,456 
  $444,614     $48,635     $123,054,881     $1,202,924 
  $389,093     $7,015     $15,886,902     $11,610 
  $246,088,106     $77,930,290     $442,211,570     $1,168,023 
              $3,505,766       
              $3,171,797     $11,685 
  $7,748     $6,981     $81,518,794     $192,112 
  $7,762     $6,996     $3,415,937     $11,820 
  $7,777     $7,010     $1,533,588     $11,918 
  $565,065     $992,922     $11,514,893     $508,149 
                          
   70,677      301,922      107,689,912      311,104 
   14,277      4,195      13,261,575      53,185 
   38,338      2,977.38      12,798,873      114,239 
   33,544      429      1,611,325      1,102 
   21,216,310      4,770,887      45,099,431      110,909 
               367,835       
               333,575      1,112 
   669.48      429.32      8,546,022      18,364 
   670.17      429.24      352,899      1,124 
   671      429.19      156,309      1,132 
   48,714      60,722      1,167,316      48,241 
                          
   $11.59      $15.13      $  9.74      $10.51 
                          
   $12.30      $16.05      $10.33      $11.15 
   $11.55      $16.17      $  8.50      $10.44 
   $11.60      $16.33      $  9.61      $10.53 
   $11.60      $16.35      $  9.86      $10.54 
   $11.60      $16.33      $  9.81      $10.53 
               $  9.53       
               $  9.51      $10.51 
   $11.57      $16.26      $  9.54      $10.46 
   $11.58      $16.30      $  9.68      $10.52 
   $11.59      $16.33      $  9.81      $10.53 
   $11.60      $16.35      $  9.86      $10.53 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 77
 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)(continued)

April 30, 2020

 

   Growth Leaders
Fund
   Health Care
Fund
   International
Equity Fund
 
ASSETS:                     
Investments in securities, at cost    $3,678,316,800     $3,549,803     $332,485,196 
Investments in securities, at fair value including $17,697,020, $0, $0, $0, $9,438,134 and $0, respectively, of securities loaned    $4,411,470,579     $3,833,894     $331,824,989 
Due from broker                  
Foreign cash, at value (cost $0, $0, $1,299,142, $6,110,273, $12,751,616 and $0, respectively)                 1,305,441 
Receivables:                     
Investment securities sold     59,048,575      65,916      6,260,274 
Capital shares sold     19,444,372      19,930      46,044 
Interest and dividends     271,816      2,773      1,720,725 
Securities lending income receivable     10,785             
From advisor (See Note 3)     121,538      13,889      25,035 
Total return swap, at fair value                  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     128,641      59,643       
Total assets     4,490,496,306      3,996,045      341,182,508 
LIABILITIES:                     
Payables:                     
Investment securities purchased     156,312,526      29,379      8,155,238 
Payable for collateral due to broker for securities lending     19,186,124             
Capital shares reacquired     5,934,333            541,886 
Management fee     1,681,481      1,813      184,948 
Trustees’ fees     214,765      25      99,175 
12b-1 distribution plan     862,446      347      (221)
To bank                  
Fund administration     127,961      117      10,568 
Offering costs           42,220       
Variation margin on futures contracts                  
Accrued expenses     502,155      21,676      233,808 
Total liabilities     184,821,791      95,577      9,225,402 
Commitments and contingent liabilities                     
NET ASSETS    $4,305,674,515     $3,900,468     $331,957,106 
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:                     
Paid-in capital    $3,436,904,504     $3,674,276     $366,643,792 
Total distributable earnings (loss)     868,770,011      226,192      (34,686,686)
Net Assets    $4,305,674,515     $3,900,468     $331,957,106 

 

78 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
International
Opportunities
Fund
   International
Value Fund
   Value
Opportunities
Fund
 
                
  $417,832,855     $488,814,329     $1,300,267,188 
                   
  $374,472,082     $433,673,117     $1,379,354,535 
   53,886             
                   
   6,225,335      12,977,947       
                   
   3,470,763      5,063,373      3,910,653 
   435,549      266,920      1,286,711 
   1,355,978      3,794,239      310,829 
         166       
         39,350       
   26,888             
   60,147      46,613      116,538 
   386,100,628      455,861,725      1,384,979,266 
                   
   918,725      10,553,406      1,318,967 
                   
         10,970,585       
   369,496      329,867      4,182,515 
   222,421      234,561      784,316 
   71,977      148,400      328,499 
   32,201      55,368      169,867 
         1,384,967       
   11,862      13,404      42,476 
                
                
   344,977      359,538      643,503 
   1,971,659      24,050,096      7,470,143 
                   
  $384,128,969     $431,811,629     $1,377,509,123 
                   
  $539,168,817     $935,572,678     $1,263,800,633 
   (155,039,848)     (503,761,049)     113,708,490 
  $384,128,969     $431,811,629     $1,377,509,123 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 79
 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)(concluded)

April 30, 2020

 

   Growth Leaders
Fund
   Health Care
Fund
   International
Equity Fund
 
                   
Net assets by class:                     
Class A Shares    $1,170,337,307     $1,148,541     $140,566,144 
Class C Shares    $687,656,523     $152,385     $8,090,123 
Class F Shares    $1,641,426,575     $540,353     $9,656,866 
Class F3 Shares    $104,368,740     $537,656     $3,648,463 
Class I Shares    $627,992,104     $118,211     $161,334,422 
Class P Shares                $36,544 
Class R2 Shares    $606,010           $158,728 
Class R3 Shares    $15,017,260     $10,706     $5,549,647 
Class R4 Shares    $9,730,432     $10,726     $923,294 
Class R5 Shares    $10,150,733     $10,746     $43,654 
Class R6 Shares    $38,388,831     $1,371,144     $1,949,221 
Outstanding shares by class (unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest):                     
Class A Shares     39,332,144      71,378      12,274,384 
Class C Shares     25,245,291      9,524      709,390 
Class F Shares     54,013,965      33,524      847,655 
Class F3 Shares     3,396,047      33,356      314,984 
Class I Shares     20,527,291      7,337      13,954,371 
Class P Shares                 3,187 
Class R2 Shares     20,761            13,866 
Class R3 Shares     515,459      666.67      491,883 
Class R4 Shares     326,908      666.67      80,997 
Class R5 Shares     331,664      666.97      3,794 
Class R6 Shares     1,249,163      85,056      168,362 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share (Net assets divided by outstanding shares):                     
Class A Shares-Net asset value     $29.76      $16.09      $11.45 
Class A Shares-Maximum offering price (Net asset value plus sales charge of 5.75%)     $31.58      $17.07      $12.15 
Class C Shares-Net asset value     $27.24      $16.00      $11.40 
Class F Shares-Net asset value     $30.39      $16.12      $11.39 
Class F3 Shares-Net asset value     $30.73      $16.12      $11.58 
Class I Shares-Net asset value     $30.59      $16.11      $11.56 
Class P Shares-Net asset value                 $11.47 
Class R2 Shares-Net asset value     $29.19            $11.45 
Class R3 Shares-Net asset value     $29.13      $16.06      $11.28 
Class R4 Shares-Net asset value     $29.77      $16.09      $11.40 
Class R5 Shares-Net asset value     $30.61      $16.11      $11.51 
Class R6 Shares-Net asset value     $30.73      $16.12      $11.58 

 

80 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
International
Opportunities
Fund
   International
Value Fund
   Value
Opportunities
Fund
 
                
  $94,883,808     $185,395,205     $603,237,457 
  $14,504,626     $21,896,553     $98,192,877 
  $46,168,824     $23,297,939     $138,489,903 
  $15,242,445     $18,920,297     $202,613,542 
  $158,152,903     $175,731,933     $208,719,828 
  $100,579           $15,925,119 
  $2,390,249     $17,490     $4,738,374 
  $13,110,423     $5,524,191     $43,524,528 
  $4,916,685     $39,282     $33,877,781 
  $8,965,717     $8,641     $1,736,561 
  $25,692,710     $980,098     $26,453,153 
                   
   7,052,916      33,014,176      40,738,090 
   1,164,054      3,932,307      7,748,814 
   3,468,720      4,129,025      9,119,926 
   1,094,916      3,347,963      12,964,435 
   11,415,701      31,070,732      13,446,445 
   7,275            1,102,087 
   180,736      3,037      337,074 
   996,295      972,747      3,052,273 
   367,227      7,008      2,291,065 
   647,514      1,532      111,782 
   1,845,544      173,389      1,693,943 
                   
   $13.45      $5.62      $14.81 
                   
   $14.27      $5.96      $15.71 
   $12.46      $5.57      $12.67 
   $13.31      $5.64      $15.19 
   $13.92      $5.65      $15.63 
   $13.85      $5.66      $15.52 
  $13.83            $14.45 
   $13.23      $5.76      $14.06 
   $13.16      $5.68      $14.26 
   $13.39      $5.61      $14.79 
   $13.85      $5.64      $15.54 
   $13.92      $5.65      $15.62 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 81
 

Statements of Operations (unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2020

 

   Alpha Strategy
Fund
   Durable
Growth Fund
*   Focused
Growth Fund
 
Investment income:                     
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $0, $0, $0, $11,798, $4,241, $549,296 and $4,088, respectively)    $4,743,569     $392,252     $25,962 
Securities lending net income                  
Interest     8,304      6,841      869 
Total investment income     4,751,873      399,093      26,831 
Expenses:                     
Management fee     419,221      254,831      37,105 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class A     557,300      620      6,832 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class C     422,040      563      1,267 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class F     78,370      246      583 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class P                  
12b-1 distribution plan-Class R2     4,108             
12b-1 distribution plan-Class R3     58,896      25      28 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class R4     4,350      13      14 
Shareholder servicing     425,914      764      1,442 
Fund administration     167,688      18,533      2,283 
Registration     65,903      2,303      52,812 
Reports to shareholders     41,337      367      206 
Professional     21,363      23,686      17,558 
Trustees’ fees     13,495            148 
Custody     4,269      656      1,471 
Offering costs           30,326      17,527 
Other     10,954      6,038      5,141 
Gross expenses     2,295,208      338,971      144,417 
Expense reductions (See Note 9)     (9,604)     (19)     (100)
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed (See Note 3)     (419,221)     (18,423)     (91,576)
Net expenses     1,866,383      320,529      52,741 
Net investment income (loss)     2,885,490      78,564      (25,910)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss):                     
Capital gain distributions received from Underlying Funds     99,573,231             
Net realized gain (loss) on Investment in Underlying Funds     (18,086,749)            
Net realized gain (loss) on investments           (2,691,802)     513,484 
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts                  
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions           (22)      
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments           (7,479,017)     982,755 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation in Underlying Funds     (196,976,455)            
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies                  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (115,489,973)     (10,170,841)     1,496,239 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations    $(112,604,483)    $(10,092,277)    $1,470,329 
* For the period November 1, 2019 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2020.

 

82 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Focused Large
Cap Value Fund
   Focused Small
Cap Value Fund
   Fundamental
Equity Fund
   Global Equity
Research Fund
 
                      
  $892,873     $1,056,380     $30,322,520     $68,157 
         1,204             
   15,870      123,708            121 
   908,743      1,181,292      30,322,520      68,278 
                          
   200,055      442,390      6,147,654      16,833 
   791      11,662      1,561,361      4,265 
   634      220      697,889      2,844 
   237      15      80,805      718 
               9,668       
               10,737      37 
   23      22      230,730      500 
   11      11      5,127      16 
   18,017      24,886      908,556      2,589 
   13,563      22,120      454,020      1,496 
   11,144      83,381      79,882      67,648 
   2,237      4,346      100,756      2,786 
   21,448      28,530      36,582      26,495 
   559      1,812      36,617      115 
   482      6,606      8,992      10,297 
   29,070                   
   4,473      13,790      84,919      7,595 
   302,744      639,791      10,454,295      144,234 
   (17)     (335)     (20,345)     (80)
   (60,925)     (58,508)           (111,535)
   241,802      580,948      10,433,950      32,619 
   666,941      600,344      19,888,570      35,659 
                          
                      
                          
                      
   (4,271,945)     (11,727,950)     (66,554,818)     223,028 
         (680)           160 
                          
   1,474      3,808      65,273      (744)
                          
   21,000,577      (23,555,086)     (297,143,850)     (798,968)
                          
                      
                          
   1,509      4      (42,825)     (69)
   16,731,615      (35,279,904)     (363,676,220)     (576,593)
                          
  $17,398,556     $(34,679,560)    $(343,787,650)    $(540,934)

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 83
 

Statements of Operations (unaudited)(concluded)

For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2020

 

   Growth Leaders
Fund
   Health Care
Fund
   International
Equity Fund
 
Investment income:                     
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $0, $1,245, $588,492, $513,255, $1,213,727 and $18,611, respectively)    $10,370,681     $16,499     $4,153,925 
Securities lending net income     10,785             
Interest     182,161      267      28,760 
Total investment income     10,563,627      16,766      4,182,685 
Expenses:                     
Management fee     10,303,113      10,521      1,433,041 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class A     1,319,663      1,252      207,764 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class C     3,246,087      667      48,837 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class F     751,242      258      18,312 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class P                 91 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class R2     3,229            1,192 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class R3     36,123      26      16,042 
12b-1 distribution plan-Class R4     10,859      13      1,336 
Shareholder servicing     1,393,441      1,122      195,940 
Fund administration     784,468      679      81,888 
Registration     123,583      11,144      66,553 
Reports to shareholders     151,339      565      24,581 
Professional     39,122      23,206      54,637 
Trustees’ fees     56,510      44      6,614 
Custody     14,038      514      25,330 
Offering costs           34,057       
Other     103,130      4,615      44,966 
Gross expenses     18,335,947      88,683      2,227,124 
Expense reductions (See Note 9)     (41,292)     (21)     (2,619)
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed (See Note 3)     (751,242)     (74,108)     (115,537)
Net expenses     17,543,413      14,554      2,108,968 
Net investment income (loss)     (6,979,786)     2,212      2,073,717 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss):                     
Net realized gain (loss) on investments     155,873,411      (7,679)     (11,934,453)
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts                  
Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts                  
Net realized gain (loss) on swap contracts                  
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions           75      30,277 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments     328,408,839      310,462      (37,789,798)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swap contracts                  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies           27      5,893 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     484,282,250      302,885      (49,688,081)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting From Operations    $477,302,464     $305,097     $(47,614,364)

 

84 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
International
Opportunities
Fund
   International
Value Fund
   Value
Opportunities
Fund
 
                
  $2,962,583     $6,091,854     $13,007,180 
         166       
   63,608      15,659      12,273 
   3,026,191      6,107,679      13,019,453 
                   
   1,819,809      1,831,877      6,030,101 
   141,472      289,252      881,210 
   97,408      142,229      611,495 
   35,577      16,656      90,066 
   219            43,161 
   8,864      117      17,615 
   42,777      16,280      128,984 
   6,929      47      49,553 
   224,117      234,888      877,170 
   97,057      104,679      330,370 
   68,078      65,229      78,050 
   29,783      33,040      133,274 
   39,614      53,202      33,152 
   8,110      8,489      27,364 
   41,832      27,338      9,593 
                
   64,025      62,737      79,215 
   2,725,671      2,886,060      9,420,373 
   (3,217)     (3,839)     (14,369)
         (206,645)      
   2,722,454      2,675,576      9,406,004 
   303,737      3,432,103      3,613,449 
                   
   (24,413,154)     (33,895,407)     34,687,822 
         (50)      
                   
   (4,819)            
   (4,747,872)            
                   
   (75,486)     26,829       
                   
   (47,138,103)     (72,810,384)     (213,073,243)
                   
   15,007             
                   
   116,256      169,672       
   (76,248,171)     (106,509,340)     (178,385,421)
                   
  $(75,944,434)    $(103,077,237)    $(174,771,972)

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 85
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   Alpha Strategy Fund 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS  For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Operations:              
Net investment income (loss)    $2,885,490     $(1,510,876)
Capital gain distributions received from Underlying Funds     99,573,231      141,088,951 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments in Underlying Funds     (18,086,749)     (22,111,433)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments in Underlying Funds     (196,976,455)     (70,488,971)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (112,604,483)     46,977,671 
Distributions to shareholders:              
Class A     (64,393,529)     (64,320,005)
Class C     (15,294,929)     (18,964,806)
Class F     (23,235,257)     (25,648,079)
Class F3     (4,127,641)     (4,274,550)
Class I     (11,845,960)     (10,723,289)
Class R2     (211,258)     (237,992)
Class R3     (3,583,900)     (3,664,779)
Class R4     (473,062)     (401,776)
Class R5     (39,612)     (40,519)
Class R6     (566,017)     (516,083)
Total distributions to shareholders     (123,771,165)     (128,791,878)
Capital share transactions (Net of share conversions) (See Note 16):           
Net proceeds from sales of shares     76,009,591      134,508,508 
Reinvestment of distributions     107,813,540      110,704,653 
Cost of shares reacquired     (161,847,830)     (258,558,622)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions     21,975,301      (13,345,461)
Net decrease in net assets     (214,400,347)     (95,159,668)
NET ASSETS:              
Beginning of period    $917,448,839     $1,012,608,507 
End of period    $703,048,492     $917,448,839 

 

* For the period November 1, 2019 (commencement of operations) to April 30, 2020.
** For the period January 20, 2019 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2019.
*** For the period July 26, 2019 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2019.

 

86 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

 

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    87
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Durable Growth Fund
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS  For the Period Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)*
 
Operations:       
Net investment income (loss)    $78,564 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions     (2,691,824)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments     (7,479,017)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (10,092,277)
Distributions to shareholders:       
Class A     (185)
Class F     (493)
Class F3     (128)
Class I     (573)
Class R3     (4)
Class R4     (8)
Class R5     (12)
Class R6     (583)
Total distributions to shareholders     (1,986)
Capital share transactions (See Note 16):       
Net proceeds from sales of shares     193,250,174 
Reinvestment of distributions     1,986 
Cost of shares reacquired     (5,104,170)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions     188,147,990 
Net increase in net assets     178,053,727 
NET ASSETS:       
Beginning of period    $ 
End of period    $178,053,727 

 

88 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Focused Growth Fund   
For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Period Ended
October 31, 2019**
   
              
  $(25,910)    $(34,755)  
              
   513,484      (390,246)  
              
   982,755      524,523   
              
   1,470,329      99,522   
              
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
              
   3,784,653      10,315,635   
            
   (2,432,589)     (489,452)  
              
   1,352,064      9,826,183   
   2,822,393      9,925,705   
              
  $9,925,705     $   
  $12,748,098     $9,925,705   

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 89
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Focused Large Cap Value Fund 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS  For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Period Ended
October 31, 2019***
 
Operations:              
Net investment income (loss)    $666,941     $69,175 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency related transactions     (4,270,471)     (62,101)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies     21,002,086      121,313 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     17,398,556      128,387 
Distributions to shareholders:              
Class A     (2,766)      
Class C     (326)      
Class F     (2,983)      
Class F3     (3,213)      
Class I     (249,650)      
Class R3     (43)      
Class R4     (53)      
Class R5     (64)      
Class R6     (3,681)      
Total distributions to shareholders     (262,779)      
Capital share transactions (See Note 16):              
Net proceeds from sales of shares     191,047,868      40,578,830 
Reinvestment of distributions     262,312       
Cost of shares reacquired     (318,990)     (340,294)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions     190,991,190      40,238,536 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets     208,126,967      40,366,923 
NET ASSETS:              
Beginning of period    $40,366,923     $ 
End of period    $248,493,890     $40,366,923 

 

90 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Focused Small Cap Value Fund   
For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
   
              
  $600,344     $(88,791)  
              
   (11,724,822)     18,107,304   
              
              
   (23,555,082)     (16,643,010)  
   (34,679,560)     1,375,503   
              
   (930,691)     (921,358)  
   (1,499)        
   (1,499)        
   (1,500)        
   (16,913,603)     (17,602,082)  
   (1,500)        
   (1,500)        
   (1,500)        
   (224,135)        
   (18,077,427)     (18,523,440)  
              
   13,784,918      6,106,925   
   17,320,956      17,420,876   
   (15,926,515)     (18,785,893)  
              
   15,179,359      4,741,908   
   (37,577,628)     (12,406,029)  
              
  $121,212,203     $133,618,232   
  $83,634,575     $121,212,203   

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 91
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Fundamental Equity Fund 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS  For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Operations:              
Net investment income    $19,888,570     $36,555,458 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency related transactions     (66,489,545)     231,898,572 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies     (297,186,675)     (92,878,635)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (343,787,650)     175,575,395 
Distributions to shareholders:              
Class A     (139,407,947)     (123,304,286)
Class C     (16,649,980)     (19,708,286)
Class F     (18,953,312)     (21,587,807)
Class F3     (2,109,059)     (1,772,318)
Class I     (62,285,912)     (8,065,892)
Class P     (512,325)     (460,530)
Class R2     (400,669)     (293,042)
Class R3     (9,958,421)     (9,723,337)
Class R4     (503,129)     (447,256)
Class R5     (150,353)     (71,449)
Class R6     (2,273,124)     (1,511,589)
Total distributions to shareholders     (253,204,231)     (186,945,792)
Capital share transactions (See Note 16):              
Net proceeds from sales of shares     192,151,225      392,224,846 
Net proceeds from reorganizations (See Note 17)           423,880,340 
Reinvestment of distributions     243,117,721      172,204,806 
Cost of shares reacquired     (479,418,341)     (677,408,504)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions     (44,149,395)     310,901,488 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets     (641,141,276)     299,531,091 
NET ASSETS:              
Beginning of period    $2,488,558,256     $2,189,027,165 
End of period    $1,847,416,980     $2,488,558,256 

 

92 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Global Equity Research Fund   
For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
   
              
  $35,659     $92,628   
              
   222,444      (53,617)  
              
   (799,037)     763,337   
   (540,934)     802,348   
              
   (41,267)     (143,845)  
   (1,897)     (27,294)  
   (17,441)     (57,059)  
   (181)     (551)  
   (17,804)     (55,069)  
            
   (107)     (487)  
   (1,908)     (8,046)  
   (150)     (531)  
   (182)     (562)  
   (8,710)     (27,363)  
   (89,647)     (320,807)  
              
   782,915      2,204,559   
            
   80,997      293,134   
   (1,834,038)     (1,044,597)  
              
   (970,126)     1,453,096   
   (1,600,707)     1,934,637   
              
  $8,544,835     $6,610,198   
  $6,944,128     $8,544,835   

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 93
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   Growth Leaders Fund 
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS  For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Operations:              
Net investment income (loss)    $(6,979,786)    $(16,937,658)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions     155,873,411      312,471,158 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies     328,408,839      205,849,051 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     477,302,464      501,382,551 
Distributions to shareholders:              
Class A     (81,848,840)     (139,466,357)
Class C     (55,520,466)     (98,074,145)
Class F     (115,075,437)     (197,323,552)
Class F3     (5,998,021)     (7,037,899)
Class I     (41,625,583)     (106,192,456)
Class R2     (94,793)     (212,191)
Class R3     (1,134,003)     (2,381,926)
Class R4     (604,646)     (985,529)
Class R5     (741,362)     (1,325,658)
Class R6     (2,986,993)     (4,060,630)
Total distributions to shareholders     (305,630,144)     (557,060,343)
Capital share transactions (Net of share conversions) (See Note 16):              
Net proceeds from sales of shares     855,383,575      1,059,846,667 
Reinvestment of distributions     278,119,573      507,905,692 
Cost of shares reacquired     (739,562,104)     (1,387,549,103)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions     393,941,044      180,203,256 
Net increase in net assets     565,613,364      124,525,464 
NET ASSETS:              
Beginning of period    $3,740,061,151     $3,615,535,687 
End of period    $4,305,674,515     $3,740,061,151 

 

****  For the period July 26, 2019 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 2019.

 

94 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Health Care Fund   
For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Period Ended
October 31, 2019****
   
              
  $2,212     $(1,558)  
              
   (7,604)     (52,402)  
              
   310,489      (26,371)  
   305,097      (80,331)  
              
            
            
   (37)        
   (346)        
   (54)        
            
            
            
   (5)        
   (563)        
   (1,005)        
              
   1,377,190      2,700,258   
   788         
   (401,529)        
              
   976,449      2,700,258   
   1,280,541      2,619,927   
              
  $2,619,927     $   
  $3,900,468     $2,619,927   

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 95
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

   International Equity Fund 
DECREASE IN NET ASSETS  For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Operations:              
Net investment income    $2,073,717     $8,226,596 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps and foreign currency related transactions     (11,904,176)     (19,724,648)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, swaps and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies     (37,783,905)     62,344,104 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (47,614,364)     50,846,052 
Distributions to shareholders:              
Class A     (2,639,912)     (3,896,951)
Class C     (71,571)     (107,427)
Class F     (800,991)     (1,270,319)
Class F3     (76,992)     (112,288)
Class I     (3,329,607)     (6,366,583)
Class P     (544)     (706)
Class R2     (5,530)     (5,759)
Class R3     (89,018)     (155,667)
Class R4     (16,392)     (20,580)
Class R5     (1,430)     (1,612)
Class R6     (43,726)     (61,964)
Total distributions to shareholders     (7,075,713)     (11,999,856)
Capital share transactions (See Note 16):              
Net proceeds from sales of shares     7,704,998      22,087,754 
Reinvestment of distributions     6,953,333      11,810,501 
Cost of shares reacquired     (80,490,387)     (181,068,582)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from capital share transactions     (65,832,056)     (147,170,327)
Net decrease in net assets     (120,522,133)     (108,324,131)
NET ASSETS:              
Beginning of period    $452,479,239     $560,803,370 
End of period    $331,957,106     $452,479,239 

 

96 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
International Opportunities Fund   
For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
   
              
  $303,737     $7,251,498   
              
   (29,241,331)     (78,498,976)  
              
   (47,006,840)     108,574,437   
   (75,944,434)     37,326,959   
              
   (1,578,626)     (16,618,071)  
   (105,055)     (3,197,538)  
   (1,183,908)     (17,138,682)  
   (280,820)     (2,259,887)  
   (3,153,719)     (23,771,223)  
   (891)     (11,144)  
   (28,321)     (371,090)  
   (187,243)     (3,678,989)  
   (84,735)     (494,086)  
   (266,449)     (3,884,423)  
   (509,434)     (3,869,296)  
   (7,379,201)     (75,294,429)  
              
   37,177,260      121,724,408   
   6,975,122      68,420,987   
   (137,699,881)     (381,295,013)  
              
   (93,547,499)     (191,149,618)  
   (176,871,134)     (229,117,088)  
              
  $561,000,103     $790,117,191   
  $384,128,969     $561,000,103   

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 97
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (concluded)

 

   International Value Fund 
DECREASE IN NET ASSETS  For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Operations:              
Net investment income    $3,432,103     $20,176,335 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency related transactions     (33,868,628)     (16,618,660)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies     (72,640,712)     36,853,093 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (103,077,237)     40,410,768 
Distributions to shareholders:              
Class A     (1,524,251)     (8,071,368)
Class C     (85,001)     (846,038)
Class F     (249,824)     (1,347,041)
Class F3     (179,938)     (841,245)
Class I     (1,553,660)     (8,117,139)
Class P            
Class R2           (10,825)
Class R3     (33,868)     (200,439)
Class R4     (229)     (1,084)
Class R5     (78)     (367)
Class R6     (10,792)     (50,339)
Total distributions to shareholders     (3,637,641)     (19,485,885)
Capital share transactions (See Note 16):              
Net proceeds from sales of shares     36,761,409      69,499,865 
Reinvestment of distributions     3,546,416      18,898,989 
Cost of shares reacquired     (81,851,655)     (267,470,860)
Net decrease in net assets resulting from capital share transactions     (41,543,830)     (179,072,006)
Net decrease in net assets     (148,258,708)     (158,147,123)
NET ASSETS:              
Beginning of period    $580,070,337     $738,217,460 
End of period    $431,811,629     $580,070,337 

 

98 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Value Opportunities Fund   
For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
   
              
  $3,613,449     $7,214,039   
              
   34,687,822      240,098,045   
              
   (213,073,243)     (156,042,103)  
   (174,771,972)     91,269,981   
              
   (85,094,354)     (82,769,526)  
   (17,196,886)     (22,544,150)  
   (22,240,666)     (34,047,751)  
   (27,977,023)     (29,372,410)  
   (31,069,513)     (39,402,346)  
   (2,448,798)     (2,324,620)  
   (736,437)     (696,446)  
   (6,339,609)     (7,151,640)  
   (4,776,365)     (4,905,199)  
   (306,961)     (168,860)  
   (4,315,563)     (8,231,369)  
   (202,502,175)     (231,614,317)  
              
   84,404,803      209,293,368   
   196,957,357      219,865,690   
   (380,330,717)     (1,016,349,328)  
              
   (98,968,557)     (587,190,270)  
   (476,242,704)     (727,534,606)  
              
  $1,853,751,827     $2,581,286,433   
  $1,377,509,123     $1,853,751,827   

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 99
 

Financial Highlights

ALPHA STRATEGY FUND

 

       Per Share Operating Performance:
       Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(b)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class A                                   
4/30/2020(d)   $24.04    $  0.06    $(2.55)   $(2.49)   $    –    $(3.29)   $(3.29)
10/31/2019   26.62    (0.03)   0.87    0.84    (0.26)   (3.16)   (3.42)
10/31/2018   28.92    (0.05)   0.93    0.88        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   25.94    (0.05)   5.96    5.91        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   29.79    (0.03)   0.19    0.16    (0.19)   (3.82)   (4.01)
10/31/2015   32.40    0.02    0.78    0.80    (0.48)   (2.93)   (3.41)
Class C                                   
4/30/2020(d)   19.73    (g)    (1.99)   (1.99)       (3.29)   (3.29)
10/31/2019   22.43    (0.17)   0.66    0.49    (0.03)   (3.16)   (3.19)
10/31/2018   25.03    (0.21)   0.79    0.58        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   22.96    (0.21)   5.21    5.00        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   26.83    (0.19)   0.14    (0.05)       (3.82)   (3.82)
10/31/2015   29.51    (0.19)   0.71    0.52    (0.27)   (2.93)   (3.20)
Class F                                   
4/30/2020(d)   24.22    0.08    (2.58)   (2.50)       (3.29)   (3.29)
10/31/2019   26.80    0.01    0.87    0.88    (0.30)   (3.16)   (3.46)
10/31/2018   29.06    (g)    0.92    0.92        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   26.01    (0.02)   6.00    5.98        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   29.87    0.02    0.17    0.19    (0.23)   (3.82)   (4.05)
10/31/2015   32.49    0.07    0.78    0.85    (0.54)   (2.93)   (3.47)
Class F3                                   
4/30/2020(d)   24.78    0.09    (2.65)   (2.56)       (3.29)   (3.29)
10/31/2019   27.32    0.05    0.91    0.96    (0.34)   (3.16)   (3.50)
10/31/2018   29.52    0.05    0.93    0.98        (3.18)   (3.18)
4/4/2017 to 10/31/2017(h)   26.15    (0.01)   3.38    3.37             
Class I                                   
4/30/2020(d)   24.72    0.08    (2.64)   (2.56)       (3.29)   (3.29)
10/31/2019   27.29    0.03    0.89    0.92    (0.33)   (3.16)   (3.49)
10/31/2018   29.50    0.02    0.95    0.97        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   26.34    0.02    6.07    6.09        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   30.20    0.02    0.20    0.22    (0.26)   (3.82)   (4.08)
10/31/2015   32.81    0.11    0.78    0.89    (0.57)   (2.93)   (3.50)
Class R2                                   
4/30/2020(d)   23.11    0.03    (2.43)   (2.40)       (3.29)   (3.29)
10/31/2019   25.65    (0.10)   0.83    0.73    (0.11)   (3.16)   (3.27)
10/31/2018   28.07    (0.13)   0.89    0.76        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   25.34    (0.14)   5.80    5.66        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   29.16    (0.11)   0.18    0.07    (0.07)   (3.82)   (3.89)
10/31/2015   31.81    (0.07)   0.75    0.68    (0.40)   (2.93)   (3.33)

 

100 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
       Ratios to Average Net Assets:(a)  Supplemental Data:
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(c)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                                 
 $18.26    (12.93)(e)   0.44(f)    0.54(f)    0.71(f)    $383,422    15(e) 
 24.04    5.65    0.44    0.54    (0.13)   482,675    17 
 26.62    3.11    0.42    0.52    (0.17)   508,472    8 
 28.92    24.55    0.41    0.54    (0.19)   510,601    6 
 25.94    0.91    0.27    0.55    (0.10)   507,241    13 
 29.79    2.54    0.25    0.53    0.08    580,945    8 
                                 
 14.45    (13.25)(e)   1.20(f)    1.30(f)    (0.02)(f)    67,469    15(e) 
 19.73    4.86    1.19    1.29    (0.85)   97,096    17 
 22.43    2.31    1.17    1.27    (0.87)   140,681    8 
 25.03    23.69    1.16    1.29    (0.92)   224,568    6 
 22.96    0.12    1.02    1.30    (0.84)   265,906    13 
 26.83    1.76    1.00    1.28    (0.67)   314,946    8 
                                 
 18.43    (12.86)(e)   0.29(f)    0.39(f)    0.90(f)    115,107    15(e) 
 24.22    5.81    0.29    0.39    0.04    176,784    17 
 26.80    3.25    0.27    0.37    (0.01)   204,245    8 
 29.06    24.78    0.27    0.39    (0.06)   247,908    6 
 26.01    1.05    0.12    0.40    0.06    230,558    13 
 29.87    2.68    0.10    0.38    0.23    271,865    8 
                                 
 18.93    (12.81)(e)   0.09(f)    0.19(f)    1.02(f)    28,133    15(e) 
 24.78    6.03    0.10    0.20    0.20    32,219    17 
 27.32    3.42    0.08    0.19    0.17    33,677    8 
 29.52    12.89(e)   0.09(f)    0.19(f)    (0.08)(f)    34,672    6 
                                 
 18.87    (12.85)(e)   0.19(f)    0.29(f)    0.91(f)    81,106    15(e) 
 24.72    5.88    0.19    0.29    0.11    92,448    17 
 27.29    3.38    0.17    0.27    0.08    87,441    8 
 29.50    24.90    0.16    0.30    0.06    69,232    6 
 26.34    1.15    0.02    0.30    0.09    67,982    13 
 30.20    2.78    0.00    0.28    0.36    43,135    8 
                                 
 17.42    (13.07)(e)   0.80(f)    0.90(f)    0.37(f)    1,095    15(e) 
 23.11    5.26    0.79    0.89    (0.45)   1,476    17 
 25.65    2.75    0.77    0.87    (0.49)   2,531    8 
 28.07    24.11    0.76    0.89    (0.55)   3,064    6 
 25.34    0.57    0.62    0.90    (0.45)   2,704    13 
 29.16    2.16    0.60    0.88    (0.22)   2,704    8 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 101
 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

ALPHA STRATEGY FUND

 

       Per Share Operating Performance:
       Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(b)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class R3                                   
4/30/2020(d)   $23.26    $  0.04    $(2.45)   $(2.41)   $     –    $(3.29)   $(3.29)
10/31/2019   25.86    (0.09)   0.84    0.75    (0.19)   (3.16)   (3.35)
10/31/2018   28.25    (0.11)   0.90    0.79        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   25.46    (0.11)   5.83    5.72        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   29.30    (0.09)   0.19    0.10    (0.12)   (3.82)   (3.94)
10/31/2015   31.93    (0.05)   0.76    0.71    (0.41)   (2.93)   (3.34)
Class R4                                   
4/30/2020(d)   23.98    0.05    (2.53)   (2.48)       (3.29)   (3.29)
10/31/2019   26.58    (0.04)   0.87    0.83    (0.27)   (3.16)   (3.43)
10/31/2018   28.88    (0.06)   0.94    0.88        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   25.90    (0.09)   6.00    5.91        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   29.79    (0.07)   0.23    0.16    (0.23)   (3.82)   (4.05)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(i)   31.87    (0.03)   (2.05)   (2.08)            
Class R5                                   
4/30/2020(d)   24.73    0.06    (2.62)   (2.56)       (3.29)   (3.29)
10/31/2019   27.30    0.03    0.89    0.92    (0.33)   (3.16)   (3.49)
10/31/2018   29.52    0.02    0.94    0.96        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   26.35    (0.04)   6.14    6.10        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   30.20    0.04    0.19    0.23    (0.26)   (3.82)   (4.08)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(i)   32.28    (g)   (2.08)   (2.08)            
Class R6                                   
4/30/2020(d)   24.78    0.09    (2.64)   (2.55)       (3.29)   (3.29)
10/31/2019   27.33    0.05    0.90    0.95    (0.34)   (3.16)   (3.50)
10/31/2018   29.52    0.05    0.94    0.99        (3.18)   (3.18)
10/31/2017   26.34    (0.01)   6.12    6.11        (2.93)   (2.93)
10/31/2016   30.20    (g)    0.23    0.23    (0.27)   (3.82)   (4.09)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(i)   32.28    (g)    (2.08)   (2.08)            

 

(a) Does not include expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Fund invests.
(b) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(c) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(d) Unaudited.
(e) Not annualized.
(f) Annualized.
(g) Amount less than $0.01.
(h) Commenced on April 4, 2017.
(i) Commenced on June 30, 2015.

 

102 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
        Ratios to Average Net Assets:(a)  Supplemental Data:
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(c)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                                 
 $17.56    (13.03)(e)    0.69(f)    0.79(f)    0.49(f)    $19,632    15(e) 
 23.26    5.38    0.69    0.79    (0.38)   26,729    17 
 25.86    2.84    0.67    0.77    (0.40)   28,601    8 
 28.25    24.24    0.65    0.79    (0.43)   33,190    6 
 25.46    0.68    0.52    0.80    (0.35)   34,223    13 
 29.30    2.28    0.50    0.78    (0.17)   36,656    8 
                                 
 18.21    (12.92)(e)    0.44(f)    0.54(f)    0.64(f)    3,180    15(e) 
 23.98    5.61    0.44    0.54    (0.16)   3,461    17 
 26.58    3.12    0.42    0.52    (0.22)   3,236    8 
 28.88    24.60    0.42    0.53    (0.34)   1,998    6 
 25.90    0.91    0.28    0.55    (0.27)   278    13 
 29.79    (6.53)(e)    0.25(f)    0.53(f)    (0.25)(f)    9    8 
                                 
 18.88    (12.85)(e)    0.19(f)    0.29(f)    0.76(f)    393    15(e) 
 24.73    5.90    0.19    0.29    0.13    296    17 
 27.30    3.34    0.17    0.27    0.06    106    8 
 29.52    24.93    0.18    0.28    (0.13)   84    6 
 26.35    1.19        0.30    0.16    9    13 
 30.20    (6.44)(e)    0.00(f)    0.28(f)    0.00(f)    9    8 
                                 
 18.94    (12.77)(e)    0.09(f)    0.19(f)    1.05(f)    3,511    15(e) 
 24.78    5.98    0.10    0.20    0.19    4,266    17 
 27.33    3.45    0.08    0.19    0.17    3,619    8 
 29.52    24.98    0.09    0.19    1.34    3,855    6 
 26.34    1.17    0.03    0.17    (0.01)   675    13 
 30.20    (6.44)(e)    0.00(f)    0.12(f)    0.03(f)    9    8 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 103
 

Financial Highlights

DURABLE GROWTH FUND

 

       Per Share Operating Performance:    
       Investment Operations:  Distributions
to
shareholders
from:
   
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
invest-
ment
income
  Net
asset
value,
end of
period
Class A                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   $15.00   $    –(g)    $0.76    $0.76    $(0.01)       $15.75 
Class C                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   15.00    (0.04)   0.74    0.70        15.70 
Class F                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   15.00    0.03    0.74    0.77    (0.01)   15.76 
Class F3                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   15.00    0.03    0.76    0.79    (0.02)   15.77 
Class I                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   15.00    0.01    0.78    0.79    (0.02)   15.77 
Class R3                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   15.00    (0.01)   0.76    0.75    (0.01)   15.74 
Class R4                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   15.00    (g)    0.76    0.76    (0.01)   15.75 
Class R5                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   15.00    0.02    0.77    0.79    (0.02)   15.77 
Class R6                              
11/1/2019 to 4/30/2020(e)(f)   15.00    0.03    0.76    0.79    (0.02)   15.77 

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Not annualized.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Unaudited.
(f) Commenced on November 1, 2019.
(g) Amount less than $0.01.

 

104 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
    Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
        
Total
return
(%)(b)(c)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)(d)
  Total
expenses
(%)(d)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)(d)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)(c)
                            
 5.08    0.95    2.22    0.01   $791    11 
                            
 4.67    1.70    4.09    (0.63)   121    11 
                            
 5.17    0.70    3.28    0.41    266    11 
                            
 5.25    0.64    3.07    0.45    116    11 
                            
 5.25    0.70    0.69    0.17    176,585    11 
                            
 4.97    1.20    3.65    (0.14)   10    11 
                            
 5.08    0.95    3.44    0.06    11    11 
                            
 5.19    0.70    3.14    0.36    11    11 
                            
 5.25    0.64    3.00    0.48    143    11 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 105
 

Financial Highlights

FOCUSED GROWTH FUND

 

       Per Share Operating Performance:
        
       Investment Operations:        
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)(c)
Class A                              
4/30/2020(e)   $15.88    $(0.04)   $2.71    $2.67    $18.55    16.81 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.10)   0.98    0.88    15.88    5.87 
Class C                              
4/30/2020(e)   15.80    (0.10)   2.68    2.58    18.38    16.33 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.19)   0.99    0.80    15.80    5.33 
Class F                              
4/30/2020(e)   15.91    (0.02)   2.72    2.70    18.61    16.97 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.07)   0.98    0.91    15.91    6.07 
Class F3                              
4/30/2020(e)   15.92    (0.02)   2.73    2.71    18.63    17.02 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.06)   0.98    0.92    15.92    6.13 
Class I                              
4/30/2020(e)   15.92    (0.02)   2.71    2.69    18.61    16.90 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.07)   0.99    0.92    15.92    6.13 
Class R3                              
4/30/2020(e)   15.86    (0.06)   2.69    2.63    18.49    16.58 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.13)   0.99    0.86    15.86    5.73 
Class R4                              
4/30/2020(e)   15.89    (0.04)   2.70    2.66    18.55    16.74 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.10)   0.99    0.89    15.89    5.93 
Class R5                              
4/30/2020(e)   15.91    (0.02)   2.72    2.70    18.61    16.97 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.07)   0.98    0.91    15.91    6.07 
Class R6                              
4/30/2020(e)   15.92    (0.02)   2.73    2.71    18.63    17.02 
1/30/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.06)   0.98    0.92    15.92    6.13 

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Not annualized.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Unaudited.
(f) Commencement of operations was 1/30/2019, SEC effective date was 1/31/2019 and date shares first became available to the public was 2/1/2019.
(g) Net investment income, net realized and unrealized gain amounted to less than $.01 for the period 1/30/2019 through 1/31/2019.

 

106 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)(d)
  Total
expenses
(%)(d)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)(d)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)(c)
                       
 1.05    2.66    (0.58)   $  5,592    100 
 1.05    3.09    (0.83)   4,889    130 
                       
 1.80    3.39    (1.37)   451    100 
 1.80    4.10    (1.55)   156    130 
                       
 0.80    2.50    (0.34)   1,529    100 
 0.80    3.14    (0.56)   1,005    130 
                       
 0.73    2.39    (0.26)   621    100 
 0.73    3.07    (0.48)   531    130 
                       
 0.80    2.42    (0.33)   1,680    100 
 0.80    2.91    (0.60)   1,492    130 
                       
 1.30    2.87    (0.80)   12    100 
 1.30    3.64    (1.06)   11    130 
                       
 1.05    2.62    (0.55)   12    100 
 1.05    3.37    (0.80)   11    130 
                       
 0.80    2.38    (0.32)   12    100 
 0.80    3.12    (0.55)   11    130 
                       
 0.73    2.38    (0.28)   2,838    100 
 0.73    2.83    (0.50)   1,821    130 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 107
 

Financial Highlights

FOCUSED LARGE CAP VALUE FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:   
      Investment Operations:  Distributions
to
shareholders
from:
   
                   
                   
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
income
(a) 
  Net
realized and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
Investment
operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class A                              
4/30/2020(e)    $14.75    $0.10      $(3.18)          $(3.08)            $(0.08)      $11.59 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.06    (0.31)(h)    (0.25)       14.75 
Class C                              
4/30/2020(e)    14.72    0.06    (3.19)   (3.13)   (0.04)   11.55 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.03    (0.31)(h)    (0.28)       14.72 
Class F                              
4/30/2020(e)    14.76    0.12    (3.19)   (3.07)   (0.09)   11.60 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.07    (0.31)(h)    (0.24)       14.76 
Class F3                              
4/30/2020(e)    14.76    0.13    (3.19)   (3.06)   (0.10)   11.60 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.07    (0.31)(h)    (0.24)       14.76 
Class I                              
4/30/2020(e)    14.76    0.11    (3.17)   (3.06)   (0.10)   11.60 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.04    (0.28)(h)    (0.24)       14.76 
Class R3                              
4/30/2020(e)    14.74    0.09    (3.20)   (3.11)   (0.06)   11.57 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.05    (0.31)(h)    (0.26)       14.74 
Class R4                              
4/30/2020(e)    14.75    0.11    (3.20)   (3.09)   (0.08)   11.58 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.06    (0.31)(h)    (0.25)       14.75 
Class R5                              
4/30/2020(e)    14.76    0.12    (3.19)   (3.07)   (0.10)   11.59 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.07    (0.31)(h)    (0.24)       14.76 
Class R6                              
4/30/2020(e)    14.76    0.12    (3.18)   (3.06)   (0.10)   11.60 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)    15.00    0.07    (0.31)(h)    (0.24)       14.76 

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Not annualized.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Unaudited.
(f) Commencement of operations was 7/26/2019, SEC effective date was 7/31/2019 and date shares first became available to the public was 8/1/2019.
(g) Net investment income, net realized and unrealized gain amounted to less than $.01 for the period 7/26/2019 through 7/31/2019.
(h) Realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share does not correlate to the aggregate of the net realized and unrealized gain(loss) in the Statement of Operations for the period ended October 31, 2019, primarily due to the timing of the sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the Fund’s portfolio.

 

108 See Notes to Financial Statements.
   
   Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:    
                    
Total
return
(%)(b)(c)
  Total
expenses
after waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)
(d)
  Total
expenses
(%)
(d)
  Net
investment
income
(%)(d)
  Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)(c)
   
                                
  (21.01)    0.96    1.24    1.81      $819    31     
 (1.67)   0.96    4.40    1.57    508    16     
                                
 (21.34)   1.71    1.99    1.03    165    31     
 (1.87)   1.71    5.27    0.75    108    16     
                                
 (20.95)   0.71    1.12    2.06    445    31     
 (1.60)   0.71    4.37    1.75    492    16     
                                
 (20.91)   0.63    0.94    2.13    389    31     
 (1.60)   0.63    4.21    1.83    492    16     
                                
 (20.91)   0.71    0.87    1.93    246,088    31     
 (1.60)   0.71    1.07    1.10    38,221    16     
                                
 (21.18)   1.21    1.48    1.56    8    31     
 (1.73)   1.21    4.78    1.24    10    16     
                                
 (21.08)   0.96    1.21    1.83    8    31     
 (1.67)   0.96    4.51    1.47    10    16     
                                
 (20.98)   0.71    0.97    2.07    8    31     
 (1.60)   0.71    4.27    1.75    10    16     
                                
 (20.91)   0.63    0.93    2.12    565    31     
 (1.60)   0.63    4.21    1.83    517    16     

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 109
   

Financial Highlights

FOCUSED SMALL CAP VALUE FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:   
      Investment Operations:  Distributions
to
shareholders
from:
   
             
             
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
income
(loss)
(a)
  Net
realized and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
realized
gain
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class A                              
4/30/2020(c)        $25.14        $0.06      $(5.96)     $(5.90)   $(4.11)     $15.13 
10/31/2019   29.02    (0.04)   0.39    0.35    (4.23)   25.14 
10/31/2018   34.92    (0.32)   0.47    0.15    (6.05)   29.02 
10/31/2017   33.65    (0.27)   7.56    7.29    (6.02)   34.92 
10/31/2016   31.34    (0.22)   3.27    3.05    (0.74)   33.65 
10/31/2015   34.19    (0.26)   1.00    0.74    (3.59)   31.34 
Class C                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.71    (0.03)   (6.40)   (6.43)   (4.11)   16.17 
6/28/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)   27.39    (0.03)   (0.65)   (0.68)       26.71 
Class F                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.80    0.08    (6.44)   (6.36)   (4.11)   16.33 
6/28/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)   27.39    0.06    (0.65)   (0.59)       26.80 
Class F3                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.80    0.10    (6.44)   (6.34)   (4.11)   16.35 
6/28/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)   27.39    0.06    (0.65)   (0.59)       26.80 
Class I                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.80    0.09    (6.45)   (6.36)   (4.11)   16.33 
10/31/2019   30.64    (0.02)   0.41    0.39    (4.23)   26.80 
10/31/2018   36.53    (0.33)   0.49    0.16    (6.05)   30.64 
10/31/2017   34.95    (0.28)   7.88    7.60    (6.02)   36.53 
10/31/2016   32.52    (0.23)   3.40    3.17    (0.74)   34.95 
10/31/2015   35.34    (0.27)   1.04    0.77    (3.59)   32.52 
Class R3                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.75    0.05    (6.43)   (6.38)   (4.11)   16.26 
6/28/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)   27.39    0.01    (0.65)   (0.64)       26.75 
Class R4                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.77    0.07    (6.43)   (6.36)   (4.11)   16.30 
6/28/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)   27.39    0.03    (0.65)   (0.62)       26.77 
Class R5                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.80    0.09    (6.45)   (6.36)   (4.11)   16.33 
6/28/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)   27.39    0.05    (0.64)   (0.59)       26.80 
Class R6                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.81    0.10    (6.45)   (6.35)   (4.11)   16.35 
6/28/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)   27.39    0.09    (0.67)   (0.58)       26.81 

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Class A does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Commencement of operation was 6/28/2019 and date shares first became available to the public was 7/1/2019.

 

110 See Notes to Financial Statements.
   
   Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:    
                    
Total
return
(%)(b)
  Total
expenses
after waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
   
                                
 (28.42)(d)      1.28(e)    1.39(e)    0.83(e)       $4,567    44(d)     
 1.68    1.53    1.58    (0.16)   5,729    135     
 0.11    1.63    1.63    (1.02)   6,382    57     
 23.38    1.66    1.66    (0.81)   6,698    48     
 10.00    1.80    1.80    (0.71)   6,083    52     
 2.79    1.79    1.79    (0.86)   17,198    70     
                                
 (28.79)(d)    2.02(e)    2.20(e)    (0.35)(e)    68    44(d)     
 (2.48)(d)    2.03(e)    2.14(e)    (0.37)(e)    10    135     
                                
 (28.37)(d)    1.03(e)    1.34(e)    1.06(e)    49    44(d)     
 (2.15)(d)    1.03(e)    1.30(e)    0.65(e)    10    135     
                                
 (28.29)(d)    0.95(e)    1.10(e)    1.17(e)    7    44(d)     
 (2.15)(d)    0.95(e)    1.15(e)    0.71(e)    10    135     
                                
 (28.37)(d)    1.03(e)    1.15(e)    1.12(e)    77,930    44(d)     
 1.77    1.45    1.50    (0.07)   114,088    135     
 0.10    1.63    1.63    (1.02)   127,236    57     
 23.40    1.66    1.66    (0.80)   135,852    48     
 9.97    1.80    1.80    (0.72)   135,269    52     
 2.81    1.79    1.79    (0.86)   153,050    70     
                                
 (28.52)(d)    1.53(e)    1.62(e)    0.58(e)    7    44(d)     
 (2.34)(d)    1.53(e)    1.64(e)    0.12(e)    10    135     
                                
 (28.41)(d)    1.28(e)    1.37(e)    0.83(e)    7    44(d)     
 (2.26)(d)    1.28(e)    1.40(e)    0.37(e)    10    135     
                                
 (28.37)(d)    1.03(e)    1.12(e)    1.08(e)    7    44(d)     
 (2.15)(d)    1.03(e)    1.15(e)    0.62(e)    10    135     
                                
 (28.32)(d)    0.95(e)    1.11(e)    1.18(e)    993    44(d)     
 (2.12)(d)    0.95(e)    1.24(e)    1.01(e)    1,336    135     

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 111
   

Financial Highlights

FUNDAMENTAL EQUITY FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class A                                                           
4/30/2020(c)   $12.53     $0.09     $(1.60)     $(1.51)   $(0.19)   $(1.09)   $(1.28)
10/31/2019   12.64    0.19    0.79    0.98    (0.18)   (0.91)   (1.09)
10/31/2018   13.99    0.16    0.10    0.26    (0.18)   (1.43)   (1.61)
10/31/2017   12.54    0.17    1.94    2.11    (0.19)   (0.47)   (0.66)
10/31/2016   13.32    0.19    0.34    0.53    (0.17)   (1.14)   (1.31)
10/31/2015   16.00    0.15    0.04    0.19    (0.10)   (2.77)   (2.87)
Class C                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.04    0.04    (1.40)   (1.36)   (0.09)   (1.09)   (1.18)
10/31/2019   11.22    0.09    0.69    0.78    (0.05)   (0.91)   (0.96)
10/31/2018   12.58    0.06    0.08    0.14    (0.07)   (1.43)   (1.50)
10/31/2017   11.33    0.07    1.76    1.83    (0.11)   (0.47)   (0.58)
10/31/2016   12.14    0.09    0.31    0.40    (0.07)   (1.14)   (1.21)
10/31/2015   14.83    0.04    0.04    0.08    (f)    (2.77)   (2.77)
Class F                                   
4/30/2020(c)   12.40    0.09    (1.58)   (1.49)   (0.21)   (1.09)   (1.30)
10/31/2019   12.52    0.21    0.78    0.99    (0.20)   (0.91)   (1.11)
10/31/2018   13.87    0.18    0.10    0.28    (0.20)   (1.43)   (1.63)
10/31/2017   12.44    0.19    1.93    2.12    (0.22)   (0.47)   (0.69)
10/31/2016   13.23    0.21    0.33    0.54    (0.19)   (1.14)   (1.33)
10/31/2015   15.93    0.17    0.05    0.22    (0.15)   (2.77)   (2.92)
Class F3                                   
4/30/2020(c)   12.69    0.10    (1.62)   (1.52)   (0.22)   (1.09)   (1.31)
10/31/2019   12.78    0.23    0.80    1.03    (0.21)   (0.91)   (1.12)
10/31/2018   14.12    0.21    0.09    0.30    (0.21)   (1.43)   (1.64)
4/4/2017 to 10/31/2017(g)   13.24    0.11    0.77    0.88             
Class I                                   
4/30/2020(c)   12.63    0.10    (1.61)   (1.51)   (0.22)   (1.09)   (1.31)
10/31/2019   12.73    0.22    0.80    1.02    (0.21)   (0.91)   (1.12)
10/31/2018   14.09    0.19    0.09    0.28    (0.21)   (1.43)   (1.64)
10/31/2017   12.62    0.21    1.96    2.17    (0.23)   (0.47)   (0.70)
10/31/2016   13.40    0.23    0.34    0.57    (0.21)   (1.14)   (1.35)
10/31/2015   16.11    0.18    0.04    0.22    (0.16)   (2.77)   (2.93)
Class P                                   
4/30/2020(c)   12.28    0.07    (1.56)   (1.49)   (0.17)   (1.09)   (1.26)
10/31/2019   12.40    0.16    0.77    0.93    (0.14)   (0.91)   (1.05)
10/31/2018   13.74    0.13    0.09    0.22    (0.13)   (1.43)   (1.56)
10/31/2017   12.32    0.14    1.92    2.06    (0.17)   (0.47)   (0.64)
10/31/2016   13.10    0.17    0.33    0.50    (0.14)   (1.14)   (1.28)
10/31/2015   15.79    0.12    0.04    0.16    (0.08)   (2.77)   (2.85)

 

112 See Notes to Financial Statements.
   
      Ratios to Average
Net Assets:
  Supplemental Data:            
                            
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
           
                                                     
$9.74    (13.66)(d)    0.95(e)    1.75(e)   $1,048,828    30(d)             
 12.53    8.52    0.99    1.57    1,378,201    88             
 12.64    1.99    0.96    1.22    1,446,816    92             
 13.99    17.45    0.96    1.29    1,571,170    96             
 12.54    4.36    0.98    1.60    1,653,389    135             
 13.32    1.18    0.97    1.09    2,027,292    149             
                                        
 8.50    (14.04)(d)    1.71(e)    0.99(e)    112,775    30(d)             
 11.04    7.71    1.74    0.83    157,803    88             
 11.22    1.21    1.71    0.48    232,937    92             
 12.58    16.63    1.71    0.55    445,017    96             
 11.33    3.59    1.73    0.85    544,649    135             
 12.14    0.40    1.72    0.34    713,824    149             
                                        
 9.61    (13.68)(d)    0.80(e)    1.89(e)    123,055    30(d)             
 12.40    8.71    0.84    1.73    183,310    88             
 12.52    2.17    0.81    1.38    247,704    92             
 13.87    17.62    0.81    1.43    323,584    96             
 12.44    4.48    0.83    1.76    304,083    135             
 13.23    1.35    0.82    1.25    436,263    149             
                                        
 9.86    (13.56)(d)    0.63(e)    2.07(e)    15,887    30(d)             
 12.69    8.92    0.64    1.92    20,698    88             
 12.78    2.36    0.62    1.57    20,270    92             
 14.12    6.65(d)    0.62(e)    1.42(e)    20,497    96             
                                        
 9.81    (13.56)(d)    0.70(e)    2.01(e)    442,212    30(d)             
 12.63    8.84    0.74    1.79    613,182    88             
 12.73    2.19    0.71    1.48    92,508    92             
 14.09    17.81    0.72    1.54    120,146    96             
 12.62    4.64    0.73    1.87    142,316    135             
 13.40    1.37    0.72    1.36    236,867    149             
                                        
 9.53    (13.78)(d)    1.16(e)    1.54(e)    3,506    30(d)             
 12.28    8.30    1.19    1.36    5,117    88             
 12.40    1.77    1.16    1.02    5,648    92             
 13.74    17.28    1.17    1.11    7,096    96             
 12.32    4.17    1.18    1.40    10,798    135             
 13.10    0.94    1.17    0.90    13,733    149             

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 113
   

Financial Highlights (concluded)

FUNDAMENTAL EQUITY FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class R2                                                                          
4/30/2020(c)   $12.24      $0.07      $(1.57)     $(1.50)     $(0.14   $(1.09   $(1.23
10/31/2019   12.33    0.14    0.78    0.92    (0.10)   (0.91)   (1.01)
10/31/2018   13.68    0.11    0.10    0.21    (0.13)   (1.43)   (1.56)
10/31/2017   12.27    0.12    1.91    2.03    (0.15)   (0.47)   (0.62)
10/31/2016   13.05    0.15    0.33    0.48    (0.12)   (1.14)   (1.26)
10/31/2015   15.71    0.10    0.04    0.14    (0.03)   (2.77)   (2.80)
Class R3                                   
4/30/2020(c)   12.28    0.07    (1.56)   (1.49)   (0.16)   (1.09)   (1.25)
10/31/2019   12.40    0.16    0.77    0.93    (0.14)   (0.91)   (1.05)
10/31/2018   13.75    0.12    0.10    0.22    (0.14)   (1.43)   (1.57)
10/31/2017   12.34    0.14    1.90    2.04    (0.16)   (0.47)   (0.63)
10/31/2016   13.12    0.16    0.33    0.49    (0.13)   (1.14)   (1.27)
10/31/2015   15.80    0.11    0.06    0.17    (0.08)   (2.77)   (2.85)
Class R4                                   
4/30/2020(c)   12.46    0.09    (1.59)   (1.50)   (0.19)   (1.09)   (1.28)
10/31/2019   12.58    0.19    0.78    0.97    (0.18)   (0.91)   (1.09)
10/31/2018   13.94    0.16    0.10    0.26    (0.19)   (1.43)   (1.62)
10/31/2017   12.52    0.16    1.95    2.11    (0.22)   (0.47)   (0.69)
10/31/2016   13.32    0.17    0.36    0.53    (0.19)   (1.14)   (1.33)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(h)   13.52    0.05    (0.25)   (0.20)            
Class R5                                   
4/30/2020(c)   12.63    0.10    (1.61)   (1.51)   (0.22)   (1.09)   (1.31)
10/31/2019   12.74    0.22    0.79    1.01    (0.21)   (0.91)   (1.12)
10/31/2018   14.09    0.19    0.10    0.29    (0.21)   (1.43)   (1.64)
10/31/2017   12.63    0.19    1.97    2.16    (0.23)   (0.47)   (0.70)
10/31/2016   13.41    0.17    0.40    0.57    (0.21)   (1.14)   (1.35)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(h)   13.60    0.06    (0.25)   (0.19)            
Class R6                                   
4/30/2020(c)   12.69    0.10    (1.62)   (1.52)   (0.22)   (1.09)   (1.31)
10/31/2019   12.79    0.23    0.79    1.02    (0.21)   (0.91)   (1.12)
10/31/2018   14.12    0.21    0.10    0.31    (0.21)   (1.43)   (1.64)
10/31/2017   12.64    0.21    1.97    2.18    (0.23)   (0.47)   (0.70)
10/31/2016   13.41    0.23    0.35    0.58    (0.21)   (1.14)   (1.35)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(h)   13.60    0.06    (0.25)   (0.19)            

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Amount less than $0.01.
(g) Commenced on April 4, 2017.
(h) Commenced on June 30, 2015.

 

114 See Notes to Financial Statements.
   
      Ratios to Average
Net Assets:
  Supplemental Data:            
                      
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
           
                                                                
$9.51    (13.84)(d)    1.31(e)    1.40(e)   $3,172    30(d)             
 12.24    8.17    1.34    1.20    4,009    88             
 12.33    1.64    1.31    0.88    3,587    92             
 13.68    17.07    1.31    0.93    8,062    96             
 12.27    3.97    1.33    1.25    7,952    135             
 13.05    0.81    1.33    0.76    10,543    149             
                                        
 9.54    (13.77)(d)    1.21(e)    1.49(e)    81,519    30(d)             
 12.28    8.27    1.24    1.32    98,059    88             
 12.40    1.66    1.21    0.97    116,719    92             
 13.75    17.19    1.21    1.04    147,010    96             
 12.34    4.09    1.23    1.35    157,626    135             
 13.12    0.97    1.22    0.84    206,984    149             
                                        
 9.68    (13.66)(d)    0.95(e)    1.76(e)    3,416    30(d)             
 12.46    8.51    0.99    1.56    4,880    88             
 12.58    2.00    0.96    1.22    5,164    92             
 13.94    17.45    0.95    1.19    4,355    96             
 12.52    4.37    0.95    1.40    121    135             
 13.32    (1.48)(d)    0.93(e)    1.12(e)    10    149             
                                        
 9.81    (13.57)(d)    0.70(e)    2.01(e)    1,534    30(d)             
 12.63    8.76    0.74    1.80    1,482    88             
 12.74    2.28    0.71    1.45    810    92             
 14.09    17.73    0.70    1.40    1,049    96             
 12.63    4.64    0.68    1.40    125    135             
 13.41    (1.40)(d)    0.68(e)    1.37(e)    10    149             
                                        
 9.86    (13.57)(d)    0.63(e)    2.08(e)    11,515    30(d)             
 12.69    8.83    0.64    1.89    21,815    88             
 12.79    2.36    0.62    1.57    16,864    92             
 14.12    17.97    0.62    1.51    6,440    96             
 12.64    4.73    0.61    1.88    123    135             
 13.41    (1.40)(d)    0.59(e)    1.46(e)    10    149             

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 115
   

Financial Highlights

GLOBAL EQUITY RESEARCH FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class A                                   
4/30/2020(c)   $11.52     $0.05    $(0.93)   $(0.88)   $(0.13)       $    $(0.13)
10/31/2019   10.93    0.13    0.97    1.10    (0.09)   (0.42)   (0.51)
10/31/2018   11.58    0.09    (0.11)   (0.02)   (0.11)   (0.52)   (0.63)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    0.08    1.50    1.58             
Class C                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.40    0.01    (0.93)   (0.92)   (0.04)       (0.04)
10/31/2019   10.81    0.05    0.97    1.02    (0.01)   (0.42)   (0.43)
10/31/2018   11.52    0.01    (0.12)   (0.11)   (0.08)   (0.52)   (0.60)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    (0.02)   1.54    1.52             
Class F                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.54    0.05    (0.91)   (0.86)   (0.15)       (0.15)
10/31/2019   10.94    0.15    0.97    1.12    (0.10)   (0.42)   (0.52)
10/31/2018   11.60    0.11    (0.12)   (0.01)   (0.13)   (0.52)   (0.65)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    0.10    1.50    1.60             
Class F3                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.56    0.06    (0.91)   (0.85)   (0.17)       (0.17)
10/31/2019   10.96    0.16    0.97    1.13    (0.11)   (0.42)   (0.53)
10/31/2018   11.61    0.12    (0.11)   0.01    (0.14)   (0.52)   (0.66)
4/4/2017 to 10/31/2017(g)   10.28    0.07    1.26    1.33             
Class I                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.55    0.06    (0.92)   (0.86)   (0.16)       (0.16)
10/31/2019   10.95    0.16    0.97    1.13    (0.11)   (0.42)   (0.53)
10/31/2018   11.61    0.12    (0.12)       (0.14)   (0.52)   (0.66)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    0.10    1.51    1.61             
Class R2                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.50    0.03    (0.92)   (0.89)   (0.10)       (0.10)
10/31/2019   10.89    0.10    0.97    1.07    (0.04)   (0.42)   (0.46)
10/31/2018   11.55    0.05    (0.12)   (0.07)   (0.07)   (0.52)   (0.59)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    0.05    1.50    1.55             

 

116 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
          
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                   
 $10.51    (7.74)(d)    0.90(e)    3.93(e)    0.94(e)   $3,270    91(d) 
 11.52    10.85    0.90     4.20     1.24     3,551    65  
 10.93    (0.22)   0.95     5.07     0.79     3,124    108  
 11.58    15.80(d)    1.05(e)    5.00(e)    0.96(e)    1,667    140  
                                     
 10.44    (8.04)(d)    1.65(e)    4.69(e)    0.18(e)    555    91(d) 
 11.40    10.05    1.65     4.96     0.46     581    65  
 10.81    (1.07)   1.70     5.76     0.07     699    108  
 11.52    15.20(d)    1.80(e)    5.61(e)    (0.24)(e)    336    140  
                                     
 10.53    (7.61)(d)    0.75(e)    3.77(e)    1.07(e)    1,203    91(d) 
 11.54    11.07    0.75     4.09     1.37     2,207    65  
 10.94    (0.19)   0.82     4.90     0.94     1,203    108  
 11.60    16.00(d)    0.90(e)    4.86(e)    1.12(e)    1,178    140  
                                     
 10.54    (7.56)(d)    0.63(e)    3.61(e)    1.21(e)    12    91(d) 
 11.56    11.22    0.63     3.88     1.50     13    65  
 10.96    0.01    0.69     4.80     1.08     11    108  
 11.61    12.94(d)    0.75(e)    4.78(e)    1.04(e)    11    140  
                                     
 10.53    (7.60)(d)    0.65(e)    3.68(e)    1.20(e)    1,168    91(d) 
 11.55    11.19    0.65     3.95     1.49     1,264    65  
 10.95    (0.10)   0.72     4.81     1.03     1,137    108  
 11.61    16.10(d)    0.80(e)    4.76(e)    1.23(e)    1,137    140  
                                     
 10.51    (7.87)(d)    1.25(e)    4.26(e)    0.60(e)    12    91(d) 
 11.50    10.57    1.25     4.52     0.89     13    65  
 10.89    (0.66)   1.32     5.40     0.44     11    108  
 11.55    15.50(d)    1.40(e)    5.36(e)    0.64(e)    12    140  

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 117
 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

GLOBAL EQUITY RESEARCH FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class R3                                   
4/30/2020(c)   $11.45     $0.03    $(0.91)   $(0.88)   $(0.11)       $    $(0.11)
10/31/2019   10.90    0.11    0.96    1.07    (0.10)   (0.42)   (0.52)
10/31/2018   11.56    0.03    (0.09)   (0.06)   (0.08)   (0.52)   (0.60)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    0.06    1.50    1.56             
Class R4                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.53    0.05    (0.92)   (0.87)   (0.14)       (0.14)
10/31/2019   10.93    0.13    0.97    1.10    (0.08)   (0.42)   (0.50)
10/31/2018   11.58    0.10    (0.12)   (0.02)   (0.11)   (0.52)   (0.63)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    0.08    1.50    1.58             
Class R5                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.55    0.06    (0.92)   (0.86)   (0.16)       (0.16)
10/31/2019   10.95    0.16    0.97    1.13    (0.11)   (0.42)   (0.53)
10/31/2018   11.61    0.12    (0.12)       (0.14)   (0.52)   (0.66)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    0.10    1.51    1.61             
Class R6                                   
4/30/2020(c)   11.56    0.06    (0.92)   (0.86)   (0.17)       (0.17)
10/31/2019   10.96    0.17    0.96    1.13    (0.11)   (0.42)   (0.53)
10/31/2018   11.61    0.13    (0.12)   0.01    (0.14)   (0.52)   (0.66)
1/17/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   10.00    0.11    1.50    1.61             

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Commenced on January 17, 2017.
(g) Commenced on April 4, 2017.

 

118 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
          
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b) 
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                   
 $10.46    (7.81)(d)    1.15(e)    4.19(e)    0.70(e)    $192    91(d) 
 11.45    10.63    1.15     4.46     0.98     200    65  
 10.90    (0.56)   1.18     5.98     0.27     165    108  
 11.56    15.60(d)    1.30(e)    5.25(e)    0.74(e)    12    140  
                                     
 10.52    (7.73)(d)    0.90(e)    3.93(e)    0.93(e)    12    91(d) 
 11.53    10.89    0.90     4.18     1.24     13    65  
 10.93    (0.24)   0.97     5.05     0.83     12    108  
 11.58    15.80(d)    1.05(e)    5.00(e)    0.93(e)    12    140  
                                     
 10.53    (7.59)(d)    0.65(e)    3.67(e)    1.19(e)    12    91(d) 
 11.55    11.19    0.65     3.93     1.49     13    65  
 10.95    (0.10)   0.72     4.80     1.03     12    108  
 11.61    16.10(d)    0.80(e)    4.74(e)    1.25(e)    12    140  
                                     
 10.53    (7.56)(d)    0.63(e)    3.61(e)    1.22(e)    508    91(d) 
 11.56    11.13    0.63     3.88     1.56     690    65  
 10.96    0.01    0.63     4.62     1.12     236    108  
 11.61    16.10(d)    0.75(e)    4.72(e)    1.30(e)    12    140  

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 119
 

Financial Highlights

GROWTH LEADERS FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:    
      Investment Operations:  Distributions
to
shareholders
from:
   
                   
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
 

Net
realized and
unrealized
gain (loss)

  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
realized
gain
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class A                              
4/30/2020(c)   $28.61    $(0.04)   $ 3.53    $ 3.49    $(2.34)   $29.76 
10/31/2019   29.82    (0.13)   3.57    3.44    (4.65)   28.61 
10/31/2018   28.97    (0.14)   2.82    2.68    (1.83)   29.82 
10/31/2017   22.42    (0.06)   6.61    6.55        28.97 
10/31/2016   23.73    0.03    (0.24)   (0.21)   (1.10)   22.42 
10/31/2015   23.08    (0.02)   1.96    1.94    (1.29)   23.73 
Class C                              
4/30/2020(c)   26.47    (0.11)   3.22    3.11    (2.34)   27.24 
10/31/2019   28.14    (0.31)   3.29    2.98    (4.65)   26.47 
10/31/2018   27.63    (0.35)   2.69    2.34    (1.83)   28.14 
10/31/2017   21.54    (0.24)   6.33    6.09        27.63 
10/31/2016   23.01    (0.14)   (0.23)   (0.37)   (1.10)   21.54 
10/31/2015   22.57    (0.19)   1.92    1.73    (1.29)   23.01 
Class F                              
4/30/2020(c)   29.14    (0.01)   3.60    3.59    (2.34)   30.39 
10/31/2019   30.21    (0.06)   3.64    3.58    (4.65)   29.14 
10/31/2018   29.26    (0.07)   2.85    2.78    (1.83)   30.21 
10/31/2017   22.59    (0.01)   6.68    6.67        29.26 
10/31/2016   23.87    0.06    (0.24)   (0.18)   (1.10)   22.59 
10/31/2015   23.17    0.01    1.98    1.99    (1.29)   23.87 
Class F3                              
4/30/2020(c)   29.43    (0.01)   3.65    3.64    (2.34)   30.73 
10/31/2019   30.45    (0.05)   3.68    3.63    (4.65)   29.43 
10/31/2018   29.46    (0.06)   2.88    2.82    (1.83)   30.45 
4/4/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   24.81    (0.03)   4.68    4.65        29.46 
Class I                              
4/30/2020(c)   29.32    (0.01)   3.62    3.61    (2.34)   30.59 
10/31/2019   30.37    (0.06)   3.66    3.60    (4.65)   29.32 
10/31/2018   29.40    (0.07)   2.87    2.80    (1.83)   30.37 
10/31/2017   22.69    (0.01)   6.72    6.71        29.40 
10/31/2016   23.95    0.08    (0.24)   (0.16)   (1.10)   22.69 
10/31/2015   23.23    0.04    1.97    2.01    (1.29)   23.95 
Class R2                              
4/30/2020(c)   28.15    (0.07)   3.45    3.38    (2.34)   29.19 
10/31/2019   29.51    (0.22)   3.51    3.29    (4.65)   28.15 
10/31/2018   28.78    (0.24)   2.80    2.56    (1.83)   29.51 
10/31/2017   22.35    (0.15)   6.58    6.43        28.78 
10/31/2016   23.74    (0.05)   (0.24)   (0.29)   (1.10)   22.35 
10/31/2015   23.17    (0.10)   1.96    1.86    (1.29)   23.74 

 

120 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
   Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
       
 Total
return
(%)(b) 
   Total
expenses
after waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)
   Total
expenses
(%)
   Net
investment
income
(loss)
(%)
   Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
   Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                      
 12.95(d)    0.92(e)    0.92(e)    (0.38)(e)    $1,170,337    68(d) 
 15.32    0.93     0.93     (0.48)   1,001,973    143  
 9.68    0.91     0.91     (0.47)   900,405    161  
 29.21    0.91     0.96     (0.23)   754,101    192  
 (0.96)   0.85     0.98     0.12    750,576    246  
 8.84    0.85     0.99     (0.09)   742,393    271  
                               
 12.53(d)    1.68(e)    1.68(e)    (1.13)(e)    687,657    68(d) 
 14.45    1.68     1.68     (1.23)   631,400    143  
 8.87    1.65     1.66     (1.21)   595,344    161  
 28.27    1.66     1.71     (0.99)   523,008    192  
 (1.72)   1.60     1.73     (0.64)   482,693    246  
 8.07    1.59     1.74     (0.84)   414,557    271  
                               
 13.06(d)    0.67(e)    0.77(e)    (0.12)(e)    1,641,427    68(d) 
 15.63    0.68     0.78     (0.23)   1,444,533    143  
 9.94    0.66     0.76     (0.22)   1,315,881    161  
 29.53    0.70     0.81     (0.04)   1,103,103    192  
 (0.82)   0.70     0.83     0.26    763,623    246  
 9.03    0.70     0.84     0.06    733,463    271  
                               
 13.11(d)    0.61(e)    0.61(e)    (0.08)(e)    104,369    68(d) 
 15.68    0.62     0.62     (0.19)   74,378    143  
 10.01    0.60     0.60     (0.18)   44,379    161  
 18.74(d)    0.59(e)    0.62(e)    (0.19)(e)    18,841    192  
                               
 13.05(d)    0.67(e)    0.67(e)    (0.13)(e)    627,992    68(d) 
 15.62    0.68     0.68     (0.20)   520,195    143  
 9.96    0.66     0.66     (0.21)   702,389    161  
 29.57    0.67     0.70     (0.06)   303,795    192  
 (0.73)   0.60     0.74     0.36    98,506    246  
 9.10    0.60     0.74     0.16    96,090    271  
                               
 12.71(d)    1.27(e)    1.28(e)    (0.66)(e)    606    68(d) 
 14.94    1.28     1.28     (0.82)   1,153    143  
 9.31    1.26     1.26     (0.79)   1,332    161  
 28.77    1.26     1.30     (0.60)   1,784    192  
 (1.35)   1.20     1.34     (0.24)   1,267    246  
 8.49    1.20     1.34     (0.44)   593    271  

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 121
 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

GROWTH LEADERS FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:   
      Investment Operations:  Distributions
to
shareholders
from:
   
             
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
realized
gain
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class R3                  
4/30/2020(c)   $28.09    $(0.06)   $ 3.44    $ 3.38    $(2.34)      $29.13 
10/31/2019   29.43    (0.19)   3.50    3.31    (4.65)   28.09 
10/31/2018   28.68    (0.21)   2.79    2.58    (1.83)   29.43 
10/31/2017   22.25    (0.12)   6.55    6.43        28.68 
10/31/2016   23.62    (0.04)   (0.23)   (0.27)   (1.10)   22.25 
10/31/2015   23.03    (0.08)   1.96    1.88    (1.29)   23.62 
Class R4                              
4/30/2020(c)   28.62    (0.04)   3.53    3.49    (2.34)   29.77 
10/31/2019   29.82    (0.13)   3.58    3.45    (4.65)   28.62 
10/31/2018   28.97    (0.15)   2.83    2.68    (1.83)   29.82 
10/31/2017   22.42    (0.08)   6.63    6.55        28.97 
10/31/2016   23.74    (0.01)   (0.21)   (0.22)   (1.10)   22.42 
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)   23.42    (0.01)   0.33    0.32        23.74 
Class R5                              
4/30/2020(c)   29.33    (0.01)   3.63    3.62    (2.34)   30.61 
10/31/2019   30.38    (0.06)   3.66    3.60    (4.65)   29.33 
10/31/2018   29.41    (0.07)   2.87    2.80    (1.83)   30.38 
10/31/2017   22.70    (h)   6.71    6.71        29.41 
10/31/2016   23.95    0.02    (0.17)   (0.15)   (1.10)   22.70 
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)   23.61    0.01    0.33    0.34        23.95 
Class R6                              
4/30/2020(c)   29.43    (0.01)   3.65    3.64    (2.34)   30.73 
10/31/2019   30.45    (0.05)   3.68    3.63    (4.65)   29.43 
10/31/2018   29.46    (0.05)   2.87    2.82    (1.83)   30.45 
10/31/2017   22.72    (0.02)   6.76    6.74        29.46 
10/31/2016   23.96    0.08    (0.22)   (0.14)   (1.10)   22.72 
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)   23.61    0.02    0.33    0.35        23.96 

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Commenced on April 4, 2017.
(g) Commenced on June 30, 2015.
(h) Amount less than $0.01.

 

122 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
   Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
       
Total
return
(%)(b) 
  Total
expenses
after waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                
 12.82(d)    1.17(e)    1.17(e)    (0.63)(e)     $15,017    68(d) 
 15.03    1.18     1.18     (0.71)   13,610    143  
 9.41    1.16     1.16     (0.71)   15,206    161  
 28.90    1.16     1.21     (0.48)   13,261    192  
 (1.23)   1.10     1.24     (0.17)   13,471    246  
 8.58    1.10     1.24     (0.35)   13,501    271  
                               
 12.94(d)    0.92(e)    0.92(e)    (0.38)(e)    9,730    68(d) 
 15.35    0.93     0.93     (0.47)   6,543    143  
 9.68    0.91     0.91     (0.47)   6,345    161  
 29.21    0.92     0.95     (0.31)   4,698    192  
 (1.00)   0.85     1.00     (0.03)   1,735    246  
 1.37(d)    0.87(e)    0.99(e)    (0.18)(e)    10    271  
                               
 13.08(d)    0.67(e)    0.67(e)    (0.12)(e)    10,151    68(d) 
 15.61    0.68     0.68     (0.22)   9,344    143  
 9.96    0.66     0.66     (0.22)   8,598    161  
 29.56    0.67     0.71     (0.01)   5,810    192  
 (0.68)   0.60     0.75     0.08    3,700    246  
 1.44(d)    0.60(e)    0.72(e)    0.09(e)    10    271  
                               
 13.11(d)    0.61(e)    0.61(e)    (0.05)(e)    38,389    68(d) 
 15.68    0.62     0.62     (0.18)   36,932    143  
 10.01    0.60     0.60     (0.16)   25,657    161  
 29.67    0.59     0.62     (0.06)   20,884    192  
 (0.64)   0.50     0.63     0.34    1,534    246  
 1.48(d)    0.48(e)    0.60(e)    0.21(e)    10    271  

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 123
 

Financial Highlights

HEALTH CARE FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:   
      Investment Operations:  Distributions
to
shareholders
from:
   
              
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class A                              
4/30/2020(e)   $14.48    $(0.01)   $ 1.62    $ 1.61    $      –    $16.09 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.01)   (0.51)   (0.52)       14.48 
Class C                              
4/30/2020(e)   14.45    (0.05)   1.60    1.55        16.00 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.04)   (0.51)   (0.55)       14.45 
Class F                              
4/30/2020(e)   14.49    0.01    1.62    1.63    (h)    16.12 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.01)   (0.50)   (0.51)       14.49 
Class F3                              
4/30/2020(e)   14.49    0.02    1.62    1.64    (0.01)   16.12 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (h)    (0.51)   (0.51)       14.49 
Class I                              
4/30/2020(e)   14.49    0.01    1.62    1.63    (0.01)   16.11 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.01)   (0.50)   (0.51)       14.49 
Class R3                              
4/30/2020(e)   14.47    (0.02)   1.61    1.59        16.06 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.02)   (0.51)   (0.53)       14.47 
Class R4                              
4/30/2020(e)   14.48    (0.01)   1.62    1.61        16.09 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.01)   (0.51)   (0.52)       14.48 
Class R5                              
4/30/2020(e)   14.49    0.01    1.62    1.63    (0.01)   16.11 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (0.01)   (0.50)   (0.51)       14.49 
Class R6                              
4/30/2020(e)   14.49    0.02    1.62    1.64    (0.01)   16.12 
7/26/2019 to 10/31/2019(f)(g)   15.00    (h)    (0.51)   (0.51)       14.49 

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Not annualized.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Unaudited.
(f) Commencement of operations was 7/26/2019, SEC effective date was 7/31/2019 and date shares first became available to the public was 8/1/2019.
(g) Net investment income, net realized and unrealized gain amounted to less than $.01 for the period 7/26/2019 through 7/31/2019.
(h) Amount less than $0.01.

 

124 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
   Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
        
Total
return
(%)(b)(c)
  Total
expenses
after waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)(d)
  Total
Expenses
(%)(d)
  Net
investment
income
(loss)
(%)(d)
  Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)(c)
                      
 11.12    1.03       5.41    (0.10)   $1,149    32 
 (3.47)   1.03    9.00    (0.36)   906    16 
                            
 10.73    1.78    6.16    (0.83)   152    32 
 (3.67)   1.78    9.84    (1.17)   129    16 
                            
 11.26    0.78    5.28    0.18    540    32 
 (3.40)   0.78    8.95    (0.16)   483    16 
                            
 11.32    0.70    5.07    0.26    538    32 
 (3.40)   0.70    8.72    (0.08)   483    16 
                            
 11.23    0.78    5.18    0.18    118    32 
 (3.40)   0.78    8.85    (0.16)   106    16 
                            
 10.99    1.28    5.70    (0.35)   11    32 
 (3.53)   1.28    9.36    (0.64)   10    16 
                            
 11.12    1.03    5.45    (0.12)   11    32 
 (3.47)   1.03    9.12    (0.40)   10    16 
                            
 11.23    0.78    5.20    0.14    11    32 
 (3.40)   0.78    8.83    (0.16)   10    16 
                            
 11.32    0.70    5.12    0.38    1,371    32 
 (3.40)   0.70    8.72    (0.08)   484    16 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 125
 

Financial Highlights

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

       Per Share Operating Performance:        
       Investment Operations:  Distributions
to
shareholders
from:
    
                
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
income(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class A                              
4/30/2020(c)   $13.19    $0.05      $(1.59)   $(1.54)   $(0.20)   $11.45 
10/31/2019   12.18    0.18    1.08    1.26    (0.25)   13.19 
10/31/2018   14.10    0.19    (1.83)   (1.64)   (0.28)   12.18 
10/31/2017   12.03    0.18    2.15    2.33    (0.26)   14.10 
10/31/2016   12.64    0.27    (0.72)   (0.45)   (0.16)   12.03 
10/31/2015   13.34    0.20    (0.75)   (0.55)   (0.15)   12.64 
Class C                              
4/30/2020(c)   13.08    0.01    (1.60)   (1.59)   (0.09)   11.40 
10/31/2019   12.02    0.08    1.08    1.16    (0.10)   13.08 
10/31/2018   13.92    0.09    (1.82)   (1.73)   (0.17)   12.02 
10/31/2017   11.86    0.09    2.13    2.22    (0.16)   13.92 
10/31/2016   12.45    0.18    (0.70)   (0.52)   (0.07)   11.86 
10/31/2015   13.14    0.11    (0.75)   (0.64)   (0.05)   12.45 
Class F                              
4/30/2020(c)   13.13    0.04    (1.56)   (1.52)   (0.22)   11.39 
10/31/2019   12.12    0.20    1.08    1.28    (0.27)   13.13 
10/31/2018   14.02    0.22    (1.82)   (1.60)   (0.30)   12.12 
10/31/2017   11.96    0.22    2.12    2.34    (0.28)   14.02 
10/31/2016   12.55    0.29    (0.70)   (0.41)   (0.18)   11.96 
10/31/2015   13.26    0.24    (0.77)   (0.53)   (0.18)   12.55 
Class F3                              
4/30/2020(c)   13.36    0.07    (1.62)   (1.55)   (0.23)   11.58 
10/31/2019   12.32    0.22    1.11    1.33    (0.29)   13.36 
10/31/2018   14.25    0.24    (1.86)   (1.62)   (0.31)   12.32 
4/4/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   12.34    0.05    1.86    1.91        14.25 
Class I                              
4/30/2020(c)   13.33    0.07    (1.61)   (1.54)   (0.23)   11.56 
10/31/2019   12.30    0.23    1.08    1.31    (0.28)   13.33 
10/31/2018   14.23    0.25    (1.87)   (1.62)   (0.31)   12.30 
10/31/2017   12.13    0.24    2.16    2.40    (0.30)   14.23 
10/31/2016   12.73    0.33    (0.73)   (0.40)   (0.20)   12.13 
10/31/2015   13.44    0.25    (0.76)   (0.51)   (0.20)   12.73 
Class P                              
4/30/2020(c)   13.20    0.04    (1.60)   (1.56)   (0.17)   11.47 
10/31/2019   12.17    0.16    1.09    1.25    (0.22)   13.20 
10/31/2018   14.10    0.14    (1.82)   (1.68)   (0.25)   12.17 
10/31/2017   12.03    0.15    2.16    2.31    (0.24)   14.10 
10/31/2016   12.63    0.25    (0.71)   (0.46)   (0.14)   12.03 
10/31/2015   13.31    0.17    (0.75)   (0.58)   (0.10)   12.63 

 

126 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
   Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
        
Total
return
(%)(b) 
  Total
expenses
after waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
income
(%)
  Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)(c) 
                          
 (11.93)(d)    1.17(e)    1.21(e)    0.92(e)    $140,566    47(d) 
 10.64    1.17     1.17     1.43     178,701    88  
 (11.91)   1.15     1.16     1.34     194,360    124  
 19.80    1.12     1.22     1.43     241,626    163  
 (3.54)   1.12     1.31     2.29     263,064    164  
 (4.16)   1.12     1.33     1.56     341,437    62  
                                
 (12.26)(d)    1.92(e)    1.97(e)    0.15(e)    8,090    47(d) 
 9.88    1.92     1.92     0.68     10,652    88  
 (12.59)   1.90     1.92     0.65     12,821    124  
 19.02    1.85     1.95     0.71     25,687    163  
 (4.21)   1.85     2.04     1.54     31,798    164  
 (4.86)   1.81     2.02     0.86     42,057    62  
                                
 (11.85)(d)    0.96(e)    1.05(e)    0.68(e)    9,657    47(d) 
 10.90    0.96     1.02     1.64     48,782    88  
 (11.77)   0.92     1.01     1.63     58,347    124  
 20.17    0.87     1.06     1.71     63,479    163  
 (3.24)   0.87     1.16     2.48     62,655    164  
 (3.99)   0.87     1.14     1.85     63,830    62  
                                
 (11.85)(d)    0.85(e)    0.87(e)    1.26(e)    3,648    47(d) 
 11.13    0.84     0.85     1.76     4,527    88  
 (11.62)   0.78     0.85     1.73     5,083    124  
 15.48(d)    0.68(e)    0.91(e)    0.65(e)    5,847    163  
                                
 (11.81)(d)    0.86(e)    0.96(e)    1.24(e)    161,334    47(d) 
 11.04    0.86     0.92     1.82     198,368    88  
 (11.65)   0.82     0.91     1.78     277,141    124  
 20.26    0.77     0.96     1.87     292,598    163  
 (3.15)   0.77     1.05     2.74     160,673    164  
 (3.83)   0.77     1.04     1.92     61,077    62  
                                
 (12.00)(d)    1.37(e)    1.42(e)    0.73(e)    37    47(d) 
 10.50    1.37     1.37     1.25     42    88  
 (12.14)   1.35     1.36     1.02     40    124  
 19.59    1.32     1.42     1.19     89    163  
 (3.65)   1.32     1.51     2.12     95    164  
 (4.38)   1.28     1.49     1.32     110    62  

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 127
 

 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:        
      Investment Operations:  Distributions
to
shareholders
from:
    
               
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
income(a)
  Net
realized and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
investment
income
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class R2                              
4/30/2020(c)   $13.17    $0.02     $(1.58)   $(1.56)   $(0.16)   $11.45 
10/31/2019   12.13    0.14    1.08    1.22    (0.18)   13.17 
10/31/2018   14.05    0.13    (1.83)   (1.70)   (0.22)   12.13 
10/31/2017   11.99    0.16    2.12    2.28    (0.22)   14.05 
10/31/2016   12.58    0.23    (0.71)   (0.48)   (0.11)   11.99 
10/31/2015   13.29    0.17    (0.76)   (0.59)   (0.12)   12.58 
Class R3                              
4/30/2020(c)   12.98    0.04    (1.58)   (1.54)   (0.16)   11.28 
10/31/2019   11.98    0.15    1.06    1.21    (0.21)   12.98 
10/31/2018   13.87    0.14    (1.79)   (1.65)   (0.24)   11.98 
10/31/2017   11.84    0.15    2.12    2.27    (0.24)   13.87 
10/31/2016   12.44    0.23    (0.70)   (0.47)   (0.13)   11.84 
10/31/2015   13.14    0.17    (0.74)   (0.57)   (0.13)   12.44 
Class R4                              
4/30/2020(c)   13.14    0.05    (1.59)   (1.54)   (0.20)   11.40 
10/31/2019   12.13    0.18    1.09    1.27    (0.26)   13.14 
10/31/2018   14.07    0.19    (1.83)   (1.64)   (0.30)   12.13 
10/31/2017   12.00    0.17    2.16    2.33    (0.26)   14.07 
10/31/2016   12.63    0.27    (0.72)   (0.45)   (0.18)   12.00 
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)    13.06    0.04    (0.47)   (0.43)       12.63 
Class R5                              
4/30/2020(c)   13.27    0.06    (1.59)   (1.53)   (0.23)   11.51 
10/31/2019   12.26    0.21    1.08    1.29    (0.28)   13.27 
10/31/2018   14.19    0.22    (1.84)   (1.62)   (0.31)   12.26 
10/31/2017   12.11    0.16    2.21    2.37    (0.29)   14.19 
10/31/2016   12.73    0.30    (0.72)   (0.42)   (0.20)   12.11 
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)    13.15    0.05    (0.47)   (0.42)       12.73 
Class R6                              
4/30/2020(c)   13.35    0.07    (1.61)   (1.54)   (0.23)   11.58 
10/31/2019   12.32    0.22    1.10    1.32    (0.29)   13.35 
10/31/2018   14.24    0.24    (1.85)   (1.61)   (0.31)   12.32 
10/31/2017   12.14    0.26    2.14    2.40    (0.30)   14.24 
10/31/2016   12.74    0.17    (0.57)   (0.40)   (0.20)   12.14 
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)    13.15    0.06    (0.47)   (0.41)       12.74 

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Commenced on April 4, 2017.
(g) Commenced on June 30, 2015.

 

128 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
   Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
        
Total
return
(%)(b) 
  Total
expenses
after waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
income
(%)
  Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                                
 (12.04)(d)    1.52(e)    1.57(e)    0.41(e)    $    159    47(d) 
 10.32    1.52     1.52     1.09     451    88  
 (12.28)   1.50     1.52     0.93     375    124  
 19.40    1.47     1.56     1.22     679    163  
 (3.85)   1.47     1.66     1.93     517    164  
 (4.48)   1.43     1.64     1.31     658    62  
                                
 (12.05)(d)    1.42(e)    1.46(e)    0.68(e)    5,550    47(d) 
 10.39    1.42     1.42     1.21     7,208    88  
 (12.18)   1.40     1.41     1.05     8,954    124  
 19.63    1.34     1.44     1.23     12,674    163  
 (3.79)   1.36     1.54     1.99     14,945    164  
 (4.35)   1.33     1.53     1.35     18,466    62  
                                
 (11.97)(d)    1.17(e)    1.21(e)    0.94(e)    923    47(d) 
 10.77    1.17     1.17     1.46     1,180    88  
 (11.96)   1.15     1.16     1.36     948    124  
 19.92    1.10     1.18     1.25     582    163  
 (3.55)   1.12     1.28     2.27     9    164  
 (3.29)(d)    1.12(e)    1.25(e)    0.89(e)    10    62  
                                
 (11.85)(d)    0.92(e)    0.95(e)    1.14(e)    44    47(d) 
 11.00    0.92     0.92     1.68     81    88  
 (11.68)   0.90     0.91     1.61     69    124  
 20.10    0.87     0.94     1.21     71    163  
 (3.31)   0.87     1.04     2.52     9    164  
 (3.19)(d)    0.87(e)    1.00(e)    1.14(e)    10    62  
                                
 (11.78)(d)    0.85(e)    0.87(e)    1.24(e)    1,949    47(d) 
 11.04    0.84     0.85     1.78     2,489    88  
 (11.62)   0.78     0.85     1.73     2,667    124  
 20.35    0.70     0.86     2.04     3,074    163  
 (3.14)   0.65     0.88     1.39     10,765    164  
 (3.12)(d)    0.70(e)    0.84(e)    1.31(e)    10    62  

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 129
 

Financial Highlights

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a) 
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class A                                   
4/30/2020(c)    $16.02    $     –(d)   $(2.36   $(2.36)         $ (0.21     $     $(0.21)
10/31/2019   16.84    0.16    0.77    0.93    (0.17)   (1.58)   (1.75)
10/31/2018   20.88    0.14    (3.28)   (3.14)   (0.17)   (0.73)   (0.90)
10/31/2017   16.13    0.09    4.77    4.86    (0.11)       (0.11)
10/31/2016   17.01    0.13    (0.30)   (0.17)   (0.10)   (0.61)   (0.71)
10/31/2015   16.22    0.09    1.36    1.45    (0.18)   (0.48)   (0.66)
Class C                                   
4/30/2020(c)    14.78    (0.05)   (2.20)   (2.25)   (0.07)       (0.07)
10/31/2019   15.61    0.04    0.71    0.75        (1.58)   (1.58)
10/31/2018   19.46    (d)    (3.05)   (3.05)   (0.07)   (0.73)   (0.80)
10/31/2017   15.03    (0.04)   4.47    4.43             
10/31/2016   15.92    0.01    (0.28)   (0.27)   (0.01)   (0.61)   (0.62)
10/31/2015   15.23    (0.04)   1.29    1.25    (0.08)   (0.48)   (0.56)
Class F                                   
4/30/2020(c)    15.86    (d)    (2.32)   (2.32)   (0.23)       (0.23)
10/31/2019   16.70    0.18    0.76    0.94    (0.20)   (1.58)   (1.78)
10/31/2018   20.70    0.18    (3.25)   (3.07)   (0.20)   (0.73)   (0.93)
10/31/2017   16.00    0.11    4.73    4.84    (0.14)       (0.14)
10/31/2016   16.88    0.15    (0.29)   (0.14)   (0.13)   (0.61)   (0.74)
10/31/2015   16.11    0.10    1.37    1.47    (0.22)   (0.48)   (0.70)
Class F3                                   
4/30/2020(c)    16.59    0.03    (2.45)   (2.42)   (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2019   17.38    0.22    0.80    1.02    (0.23)   (1.58)   (1.81)
10/31/2018   21.49    0.23    (3.39)   (3.16)   (0.22)   (0.73)   (0.95)
4/4/2017 to 10/31/2017(h)    17.75    (0.02)   3.76    3.74             
Class I                                   
4/30/2020(c)    16.51    0.02    (2.43)   (2.41)   (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2019   17.32    0.21    0.79    1.00    (0.23)   (1.58)   (1.81)
10/31/2018   21.44    0.19    (3.37)   (3.18)   (0.21)   (0.73)   (0.94)
10/31/2017   16.56    0.14    4.90    5.04    (0.16)       (0.16)
10/31/2016   17.44    0.17    (0.30)   (0.13)   (0.14)   (0.61)   (0.75)
10/31/2015   16.63    0.13    1.39    1.52    (0.23)   (0.48)   (0.71)
Class P                                   
4/30/2020(c)    16.43    (d)    (2.44)   (2.44)   (0.16)       (0.16)
10/31/2019   17.18    0.14    0.79    0.93    (0.10)   (1.58)   (1.68)
10/31/2018   21.26    0.10    (3.33)   (3.23)   (0.12)   (0.73)   (0.85)
10/31/2017   16.40    0.04    4.88    4.92    (0.06)       (0.06)
10/31/2016   17.27    0.08    (0.29)   (0.21)   (0.05)   (0.61)   (0.66)
10/31/2015   16.46    0.05    1.40    1.45    (0.16)   (0.48)   (0.64)

 

130 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
        Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
            
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b) 
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                              
 $13.45    (15.00)(e)    1.26(f)    0.03(f)    $ 94,884    27(e) 
 16.02    7.05    1.25     1.04    126,700    58  
 16.84    (15.72)   1.20     0.73    172,940    81  
 20.88    30.38    1.23     0.50    190,861    76  
 16.13    (0.99)   1.35     0.82    153,000    82  
 17.01    9.36    1.33     0.51    160,628    82  
                              
 12.46    (15.30)(e)    2.02(f)    (0.76)(f)    14,505    27(e) 
 14.78    6.23    2.00     0.29    22,450    58  
 15.61    (16.34)   1.95     (g)    33,874    81  
 19.46    29.47    1.97     (0.26)   39,434    76  
 15.03    (1.75)   2.09     0.08    27,396    82  
 15.92    8.58    2.06     (0.23)   31,273    82  
                              
 13.31    (14.91)(e)    1.11(f)    0.07(f)    46,169    27(e) 
 15.86    7.19    1.09     1.20    91,019    58  
 16.70    (15.58)   1.05     0.91    206,400    81  
 20.70    30.59    1.07     0.58    264,221    76  
 16.00    (0.84)   1.20     0.96    88,852    82  
 16.88    9.52    1.18     0.61    118,963    82  
                              
 13.92    (14.85)(e)    0.92(f)    0.40(f)    15,242    27(e) 
 16.59    7.43    0.91     1.40    19,153    58  
 17.38    (15.46)   0.87     1.11    22,158    81  
 21.49    21.13(e)    0.89(f)    (0.15)(f)    18,095    76  
                              
 13.85    (14.88)(e)    1.01(f)    0.28(f)    158,153    27(e) 
 16.51    7.24    1.00     1.32    221,455    58  
 17.32    (15.46)   0.95     0.94    235,952    81  
 21.44    30.74    0.99     0.76    249,331    76  
 16.56    (0.75)   1.10     1.06    267,188    82  
 17.44    9.59    1.08     0.77    296,965    82  
                              
 13.83    (15.03)(e)    1.46(f)    (0.06)(f)    101    27(e) 
 16.43    6.80    1.45     0.91    96    58  
 17.18    (15.87)   1.40     0.50    132    81  
 21.26    30.12    1.45     0.23    229    76  
 16.40    (1.17)   1.55     0.49    363    82  
 17.27    9.15    1.53     0.29    595    82  

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 131
 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a) 
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class R2                                   
4/30/2020(c)    $15.72    $(0.02)   $(2.33)   $(2.35)   $(0.14)     $      –    $(0.14)
10/31/2019   16.54    0.11    0.75    0.86    (0.10)   (1.58)   (1.68)
10/31/2018   20.53    0.06    (3.21)   (3.15)   (0.11)   (0.73)   (0.84)
10/31/2017   15.89    0.04    4.69    4.73    (0.09)       (0.09)
10/31/2016   16.81    0.08    (0.30)   (0.22)   (0.09)   (0.61)   (0.70)
10/31/2015   16.05    0.02    1.35    1.37    (0.13)   (0.48)   (0.61)
Class R3                                   
4/30/2020(c)    15.64    (0.02)   (2.31)   (2.33)   (0.15)       (0.15)
10/31/2019   16.53    0.09    0.77    0.86    (0.17)   (1.58)   (1.75)
10/31/2018   20.49    0.10    (3.21)   (3.11)   (0.12)   (0.73)   (0.85)
10/31/2017   15.85    0.02    4.71    4.73    (0.09)       (0.09)
10/31/2016   16.73    0.11    (0.31)   (0.20)   (0.07)   (0.61)   (0.68)
10/31/2015   15.97    0.05    1.34    1.39    (0.15)   (0.48)   (0.63)
Class R4                                   
4/30/2020(c)    15.95    (d)    (2.34)   (2.34)   (0.22)       (0.22)
10/31/2019   16.79    0.14    0.78    0.92    (0.18)   (1.58)   (1.76)
10/31/2018   20.82    0.16    (3.28)   (3.12)   (0.18)   (0.73)   (0.91)
10/31/2017   16.11    0.10    4.75    4.85    (0.14)       (0.14)
10/31/2016   17.01    0.09    (0.26)   (0.17)   (0.12)   (0.61)   (0.73)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(i)    17.49    (d)    (0.48)   (0.48)            
Class R5                                   
4/30/2020(c)    16.50    0.01    (2.41)   (2.40)   (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2019   17.32    0.16    0.83    0.99    (0.23)   (1.58)   (1.81)
10/31/2018   21.43    0.21    (3.38)   (3.17)   (0.21)   (0.73)   (0.94)
10/31/2017   16.56    0.15    4.88    5.03    (0.16)       (0.16)
10/31/2016   17.44    0.18    (0.31)   (0.13)   (0.14)   (0.61)   (0.75)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(i)    17.92    0.02    (0.50)   (0.48)            
Class R6                                   
4/30/2020(c)    16.59    0.02    (2.44)   (2.42)   (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2019   17.39    0.21    0.80    1.01    (0.23)   (1.58)   (1.81)
10/31/2018   21.49    0.21    (3.36)   (3.15)   (0.22)   (0.73)   (0.95)
10/31/2017   16.60    0.20    4.85    5.05    (0.16)       (0.16)
10/31/2016   17.45    0.17    (0.27)   (0.10)   (0.14)   (0.61)   (0.75)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(i)    17.92    0.03    (0.50)   (0.47)            

  

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Amount less than $0.01.
(e) Not annualized.
(f) Annualized.
(g) Amount is less than 0.01%.
(h) Commenced on April 4, 2017.
(i) Commenced on June 30, 2015.

 

132 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
          
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b) 
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                        
 $13.23    (15.10)(e)    1.62(f)    (0.31)(f)    $2,390    27(e) 
 15.72    6.67    1.60     0.72    3,318    58  
 16.54    (16.00)   1.55     0.32    3,476    81  
 20.53    29.96    1.57     0.21    5,228    76  
 15.89    (1.34)   1.71     0.49    2,520    82  
 16.81    8.92    1.68     0.15    935    82  
                              
 13.16    (15.11)(e)    1.52(f)    (0.28)(f)    13,110    27(e) 
 15.64    6.77    1.50     0.58    19,568    58  
 16.53    (15.87)   1.46     0.54    35,677    81  
 20.49    30.07    1.47     0.14    9,828    76  
 15.85    (1.20)   1.59     0.67    18,124    82  
 16.73    9.11    1.56     0.29    9,161    82  
                              
 13.39    (15.00)(e)    1.26(f)    0.06(f)    4,917    27(e) 
 15.95    7.06    1.25     0.93    6,293    58  
 16.79    (15.70)   1.20     0.80    5,606    81  
 20.82    30.43    1.23     0.55    3,334    76  
 16.11    (1.03)   1.38     0.57    1,883    82  
 17.01    (2.74)(e)    1.35(f)    0.03(f)    10    82  
                              
 13.85    (14.83)(e)    1.01(f)    0.10(f)    8,966    27(e) 
 16.50    7.25    1.00     1.00    17,765    58  
 17.32    (15.47)   0.97     1.06    39,621    81  
 21.43    30.69    0.98     0.79    4,121    76  
 16.56    (0.75)   1.13     1.06    2,751    82  
 17.44    (2.68)(e)    1.10(f)    0.28(f)    10    82  
                              
 13.92    (14.85)(e)    0.92(f)    0.36(f)    25,693    27(e) 
 16.59    7.37    0.91     1.30    33,183    58  
 17.39    (15.41)   0.87     1.04    34,281    81  
 21.49    30.85    0.90     1.03    17,212    76  
 16.60    (0.56)   0.94     1.00    1,843    82  
 17.45    (2.62)(e)    0.93(f)    0.48(f)    13    82  

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 133
 

Financial Highlights

INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class A                                   
4/30/2020(c)   $6.98    $  0.04    $(1.36)   $(1.32)   $(0.04)   $      –    $(0.04)
10/31/2019   6.73    0.20    0.26    0.46    (0.21)       (0.21)
10/31/2018   7.63    0.22    (0.89)   (0.67)   (0.23)       (0.23)
10/31/2017   6.71    0.22    0.95    1.17    (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2016   7.05    0.24    (0.35)   (0.11)   (0.23)       (0.23)
10/31/2015   8.75    0.25    (1.22)   (0.97)   (0.24)   (0.49)   (0.73)
Class C                                   
4/30/2020(c)   6.92    0.01    (1.34)   (1.33)   (0.02)       (0.02)
10/31/2019   6.67    0.15    0.25    0.40    (0.15)       (0.15)
10/31/2018   7.56    0.16    (0.88)   (0.72)   (0.17)       (0.17)
10/31/2017   6.66    0.17    0.92    1.09    (0.19)       (0.19)
10/31/2016   6.99    0.19    (0.34)   (0.15)   (0.18)       (0.18)
10/31/2015   8.68    0.19    (1.20)   (1.01)   (0.19)   (0.49)   (0.68)
Class F                                   
4/30/2020(c)   7.01    0.04    (1.36)   (1.32)   (0.05)       (0.05)
10/31/2019   6.76    0.21    0.26    0.47    (0.22)       (0.22)
10/31/2018   7.66    0.23    (0.89)   (0.66)   (0.24)       (0.24)
10/31/2017   6.73    0.24    0.95    1.19    (0.26)       (0.26)
10/31/2016   7.06    0.25    (0.34)   (0.09)   (0.24)       (0.24)
10/31/2015   8.77    0.27    (1.23)   (0.96)   (0.26)   (0.49)   (0.75)
Class F3                                   
4/30/2020(c)   7.02    0.05    (1.37)   (1.32)   (0.05)       (0.05)
10/31/2019   6.77    0.22    0.26    0.48    (0.23)       (0.23)
10/31/2018   7.67    0.24    (0.89)   (0.65)   (0.25)       (0.25)
4/4/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   7.03    (0.01)   0.79    0.78    (0.14)       (0.14)
Class I                                   
4/30/2020(c)   7.03    0.05    (1.37)   (1.32)   (0.05)       (0.05)
10/31/2019   6.77    0.23    0.25    0.48    (0.22)       (0.22)
10/31/2018   7.68    0.23    (0.89)   (0.66)   (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2017   6.75    0.25    0.94    1.19    (0.26)       (0.26)
10/31/2016   7.08    0.26    (0.34)   (0.08)   (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2015   8.79    0.27    (1.22)   (0.95)   (0.27)   (0.49)   (0.76)
Class R2                                   
4/30/2020(c)   7.14    0.01    (1.39)   (1.38)            
10/31/2019   6.88    0.18    0.26    0.44    (0.18)       (0.18)
10/31/2018   7.80    0.18    (0.90)   (0.72)   (0.20)       (0.20)
10/31/2017   6.86    0.21    0.95    1.16    (0.22)       (0.22)
10/31/2016   7.19    0.22    (0.35)   (0.13)   (0.20)       (0.20)
10/31/2015   8.92    0.22    (1.24)   (1.02)   (0.22)   (0.49)   (0.71)

 

134 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                                 
 $5.62    (18.96)(d)   1.12(e)   1.19(e)   1.23(e)   $185,395    42(d)
 6.98    6.91    1.12    1.16    2.97    256,381    62 
 6.73    (9.05)   1.12    1.14    2.85    290,289    74 
 7.63    17.68    1.12    1.14    3.15    367,465    61 
 6.71    (1.52)   1.12    1.20    3.57    419,886    58 
 7.05    (11.74)   1.12    1.19    3.14    710,835    77 
                                 
 5.57    (19.30)(d)   1.87(e)   1.95(e)   0.45(e)   21,897    42(d)
 6.92    6.12    1.87    1.91    2.17    32,274    62 
 6.67    (9.71)   1.87    1.89    2.07    45,888    74 
 7.56    16.60    1.87    1.89    2.41    68,558    61 
 6.66    (2.01)   1.87    1.95    2.85    86,306    58 
 6.99    (12.49)   1.84    1.90    2.40    142,492    77 
                                 
 5.64    (18.96)(d)   0.92(e)   1.04(e)   1.42(e)   23,298    42(d)
 7.01    7.04    0.92    1.01    3.10    37,857    62 
 6.76    (8.87)   0.91    0.99    3.06    54,167    74 
 7.66    17.96    0.91    0.99    3.37    95,299    61 
 6.73    (1.22)   0.91    1.05    3.78    111,056    58 
 7.06    (11.65)   0.90    1.00    3.38    210,696    77 
                                 
 5.65    (18.88)(d)   0.81(e)   0.86(e)   1.55(e)   18,920    42(d)
 7.02    7.15    0.81    0.84    3.28    24,764    62 
 6.77    (8.76)   0.82    0.83    3.21    26,911    74 
 7.67    11.16(d)   0.77(e)   0.83(e)   (0.19)(e)   27,215    61 
                                 
 5.66    (18.85)(d)   0.82(e)   0.94(e)   1.54(e)   175,732    42(d)
 7.03    7.29    0.82    0.91    3.35    219,764    62 
 6.77    (8.89)   0.81    0.89    3.05    310,984    74 
 7.68    18.02    0.81    0.89    3.48    471,341    61 
 6.75    (1.10)   0.81    0.95    3.90    710,951    58 
 7.08    (11.52)   0.80    0.91    3.50    1,080,845    77 
                                 
 5.76    (19.33)(d)   1.47(e)   1.58(e)   0.25(e)   17    42(d)
 7.14    6.54    1.47    1.51    2.64    449    62 
 6.88    (9.44)   1.47    1.49    2.35    369    74 
 7.80    17.17    1.47    1.49    2.93    592    61 
 6.86    (1.70)   1.47    1.55    3.28    680    58 
 7.19    (12.13)   1.44    1.51    2.80    1,029    77 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 135
 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class R3                                   
4/30/2020(c)   $7.05    $0.03    $(1.37)   $(1.34)   $(0.03)   $      –    $(0.03)
10/31/2019   6.80    0.18    0.26    0.44    (0.19)       (0.19)
10/31/2018   7.71    0.19    (0.89)   (0.70)   (0.21)       (0.21)
10/31/2017   6.78    0.21    0.95    1.16    (0.23)       (0.23)
10/31/2016   7.11    0.22    (0.34)   (0.12)   (0.21)       (0.21)
10/31/2015   8.83    0.23    (1.23)   (1.00)   (0.23)   (0.49)   (0.72)
Class R4                                   
4/30/2020(c)   6.97    0.04    (1.36)   (1.32)   (0.04)       (0.04)
10/31/2019   6.72    0.20    0.26    0.46    (0.21)       (0.21)
10/31/2018   7.62    0.20    (0.87)   (0.67)   (0.23)       (0.23)
10/31/2017   6.71    0.21    0.95    1.16    (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2016   7.05    0.24    (0.35)   (0.11)   (0.23)       (0.23)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)   7.75    0.05    (0.72)   (0.67)   (0.03)       (0.03)
Class R5                                   
4/30/2020(c)   7.01    0.05    (1.37)   (1.32)   (0.05)       (0.05)
10/31/2019   6.76    0.23    0.25    0.48    (0.23)       (0.23)
10/31/2018   7.66    0.24    (0.89)   (0.65)   (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2017   6.74    0.24    0.94    1.18    (0.26)       (0.26)
10/31/2016   7.08    0.26    (0.35)   (0.09)   (0.25)       (0.25)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)   7.78    0.06    (0.72)   (0.66)   (0.04)       (0.04)
Class R6                                   
4/30/2020(c)   7.02    0.05    (1.37)   (1.32)   (0.05)       (0.05)
10/31/2019   6.77    0.22    0.26    0.48    (0.23)       (0.23)
10/31/2018   7.67    0.24    (0.89)   (0.65)   (0.25)       (0.25)
10/31/2017   6.75    0.26    0.92    1.18    (0.26)       (0.26)
10/31/2016   7.08    0.26    (0.34)   (0.08)   (0.25)       (0.25)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(g)   7.78    0.06    (0.72)   (0.66)   (0.04)       (0.04)

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Commenced on April 4, 2017.
(g) Commenced on June 30, 2015.

 

136 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                                 
 $5.68    (19.03)(d)   1.37(e)   1.45(e)   0.98(e)   $  5,524    42(d)
 7.05    6.56    1.37    1.41    2.70    7,029    62 
 6.80    (9.35)   1.37    1.39    2.41    7,801    74 
 7.71    17.35    1.37    1.39    2.90    12,888    61 
 6.78    (1.58)   1.37    1.44    3.29    12,697    58 
 7.11    (12.03)   1.34    1.40    2.93    12,680    77 
                                 
 5.61    (18.98)(d)   1.12(e)   1.19(e)   1.37(e)   39    42(d)
 6.97    6.92    1.12    1.17    2.99    36    62 
 6.72    (9.06)   1.12    1.13    2.67    40    74 
 7.62    17.60    1.11    1.11    2.85    38    61 
 6.71    (1.48)   1.12    1.16    3.57    9    58 
 7.05    (8.56)(d)   1.12(e)   1.15(e)   2.02(e)   9    77 
                                 
 5.64    (18.91)(d)   0.87(e)   0.92(e)   1.50(e)   9    42(d)
 7.01    7.16    0.87    0.89    3.36    10    62 
 6.76    (8.78)   0.86    0.86    3.12    10    74 
 7.66    17.90    0.87    0.86    3.39    11    61 
 6.74    (1.24)   0.87    0.92    3.81    9    58 
 7.08    (8.46)(d)   0.87(e)   0.90(e)   2.28(e)   9    77 
                                 
 5.65    (18.88)(d)   0.81(e)   0.86(e)   1.52(e)   980    42(d)
 7.02    7.15    0.81    0.84    3.22    1,507    62 
 6.77    (8.76)   0.82    0.83    3.17    1,758    74 
 7.67    17.88    0.81    0.83    3.45    2,229    61 
 6.75    (1.09)   0.80    0.82    3.88    9    58 
 7.08    (8.46)(d)   0.80(e)   0.80(e)   2.34(e)   9    77 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 137
 

Financial Highlights

VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class A                                   
4/30/2020(c)   $18.62    $  0.03    $(1.76)   $(1.73)   $(0.07)   $(2.01)   $(2.08)
10/31/2019   19.50    0.05    0.84    0.89    (0.01)   (1.76)   (1.77)
10/31/2018   20.80    0.01    (0.06)   (0.05)       (1.25)   (1.25)
10/31/2017   18.95    0.03    2.95    2.98        (1.13)   (1.13)
10/31/2016   19.56    0.02    0.77    0.79        (1.40)   (1.40)
10/31/2015   21.67    (0.01)   0.77    0.76        (2.87)   (2.87)
Class C                                   
4/30/2020(c)   16.22    (0.02)   (1.52)   (1.54)       (2.01)   (2.01)
10/31/2019   17.32    (0.07)   0.73    0.66        (1.76)   (1.76)
10/31/2018   18.75    (0.12)   (0.06)   (0.18)       (1.25)   (1.25)
10/31/2017   17.31    (0.11)   2.68    2.57        (1.13)   (1.13)
10/31/2016   18.11    (0.11)   0.71    0.60        (1.40)   (1.40)
10/31/2015   20.41    (0.15)   0.72    0.57        (2.87)   (2.87)
Class F                                   
4/30/2020(c)   19.06    0.04    (1.81)   (1.77)   (0.09)   (2.01)   (2.10)
10/31/2019   19.92    0.08    0.86    0.94    (0.04)   (1.76)   (1.80)
10/31/2018   21.18    0.04    (0.04)       (0.01)   (1.25)   (1.26)
10/31/2017   19.28    0.05    3.00    3.05    (0.02)   (1.13)   (1.15)
10/31/2016   19.85    0.04    0.79    0.83        (1.40)   (1.40)
10/31/2015   21.92    0.02    0.78    0.80        (2.87)   (2.87)
Class F3                                   
4/30/2020(c)   19.56    0.05    (1.85)   (1.80)   (0.12)   (2.01)   (2.13)
10/31/2019   20.38    0.12    0.88    1.00    (0.06)   (1.76)   (1.82)
10/31/2018   21.65    0.08    (0.05)   0.03    (0.05)   (1.25)   (1.30)
4/4/2017 to 10/31/2017(f)   20.25    (0.03)   1.43    1.40             
Class I                                   
4/30/2020(c)   19.45    0.05    (1.85)   (1.80)   (0.12)   (2.01)   (2.13)
10/31/2019   20.29    0.10    0.88    0.98    (0.06)   (1.76)   (1.82)
10/31/2018   21.59    0.06    (0.06)       (0.05)   (1.25)   (1.30)
10/31/2017   19.62    0.08    3.06    3.14    (0.04)   (1.13)   (1.17)
10/31/2016   20.16    0.06    0.80    0.86        (1.40)   (1.40)
10/31/2015   22.20    0.04    0.79    0.83        (2.87)   (2.87)
Class P                                   
4/30/2020(c)   18.20    0.01    (1.72)   (1.71)   (0.03)   (2.01)   (2.04)
10/31/2019   19.13    0.01    0.82    0.83        (1.76)   (1.76)
10/31/2018   20.46    (0.03)   (0.05)   (0.08)       (1.25)   (1.25)
10/31/2017   18.70    (0.01)   2.90    2.89        (1.13)   (1.13)
10/31/2016   19.36    (0.02)   0.76    0.74        (1.40)   (1.40)
10/31/2015   21.51    (0.05)   0.77    0.72        (2.87)   (2.87)

 

138 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
          
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                            
 $14.81    (10.67)(d)   1.20(e)   0.39(e)   $   603,237    15(d)
 18.62    5.22    1.18    0.29    775,746    51 
 19.50    (0.28)   1.11    0.06    922,813    54 
 20.80    16.23    1.15    0.14    1,028,166    57 
 18.95    4.33    1.17    0.09    959,416    37 
 19.56    3.67    1.17    (0.05)   1,026,959    47 
                            
 12.67    (11.06)(d)   1.96(e)   (0.37)(e)   98,193    15(d)
 16.22    4.48    1.93    (0.46)   142,020    51 
 17.32    (1.05)   1.87    (0.69)   225,551    54 
 18.75    15.35    1.89    (0.61)   335,148    57 
 17.31    3.57    1.92    (0.66)   330,066    37 
 18.11    2.87    1.92    (0.80)   356,709    47 
                            
 15.19    (10.62)(d)   1.05(e)   0.55(e)   138,490    15(d)
 19.06    5.38    1.03    0.45    210,350    51 
 19.92    (0.03)   0.97    0.22    390,627    54 
 21.18    16.34    1.00    0.27    807,684    57 
 19.28    4.48    1.02    0.23    663,069    37 
 19.85    3.84    1.02    0.09    557,742    47 
                            
 15.63    (10.53)(d)   0.84(e)   0.76(e)   202,614    15(d)
 19.56    5.61    0.83    0.64    260,948    51 
 20.38    0.13    0.78    0.39    331,176    54 
 21.65    6.91(d)   0.79(e)   (0.25)(e)   315,394    57 
                            
 15.52    (10.61)(d)   0.95(e)   0.65(e)   208,720    15(d)
 19.45    5.51    0.93    0.54    292,610    51 
 20.29    (0.02)   0.86    0.30    450,720    54 
 21.59    16.51    0.90    0.41    397,265    57 
 19.62    4.57    0.92    0.34    470,399    37 
 20.16    3.94    0.92    0.20    557,008    47 
                            
 14.45    (10.79)(d)   1.40(e)   0.20(e)   15,925    15(d)
 18.20    5.05    1.38    0.08    22,113    51 
 19.13    (0.49)   1.31    (0.14)   25,501    54 
 20.46    15.96    1.35    (0.05)   33,644    57 
 18.70    4.10    1.37    (0.11)   36,327    37 
 19.36    3.50    1.37    (0.25)   42,225    47 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 139
 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class R2                                   
4/30/2020(c)   $17.75    $    –(g)   $(1.67)   $(1.67)   $(0.01)   $(2.01)   $(2.02)
10/31/2019   18.72    (0.01)   0.80    0.79        (1.76)   (1.76)
10/31/2018   20.06    (0.06)   (0.03)   (0.09)       (1.25)   (1.25)
10/31/2017   18.38    (0.05)   2.86    2.81        (1.13)   (1.13)
10/31/2016   19.08    (0.05)   0.75    0.70        (1.40)   (1.40)
10/31/2015   21.27    (0.08)   0.76    0.68        (2.87)   (2.87)
Class R3                                   
4/30/2020(c)   17.97    0.01    (1.70)   (1.69)   (0.01)   (2.01)   (2.02)
10/31/2019   18.92    0.01    0.80    0.81        (1.76)   (1.76)
10/31/2018   20.25    (0.04)   (0.04)   (0.08)       (1.25)   (1.25)
10/31/2017   18.52    (0.02)   2.88    2.86        (1.13)   (1.13)
10/31/2016   19.20    (0.03)   0.75    0.72        (1.40)   (1.40)
10/31/2015   21.37    (0.06)   0.76    0.70        (2.87)   (2.87)
Class R4                                   
4/30/2020(c)   18.60    0.03    (1.77)   (1.74)   (0.06)   (2.01)   (2.07)
10/31/2019   19.47    0.05    0.85    0.90    (0.01)   (1.76)   (1.77)
10/31/2018   20.79    0.01    (0.06)   (0.05)   (0.02)   (1.25)   (1.27)
10/31/2017   18.95        2.99    2.99    (0.02)   (1.13)   (1.15)
10/31/2016   19.57    (0.01)   0.79    0.78        (1.40)   (1.40)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(h)   20.33    (g)   (0.76)   (0.76)            
Class R5                                   
4/30/2020(c)   19.46    0.05    (1.84)   (1.79)   (0.12)   (2.01)   (2.13)
10/31/2019   20.30    0.10    0.88    0.98    (0.06)   (1.76)   (1.82)
10/31/2018   21.59    0.07    (0.07)       (0.04)   (1.25)   (1.29)
10/31/2017   19.63    0.10    3.03    3.13    (0.04)   (1.13)   (1.17)
10/31/2016   20.16    0.05    0.82    0.87        (1.40)   (1.40)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(h)   20.93    0.01    (0.78)   (0.77)            
Class R6                                   
4/30/2020(c)   19.55    0.06    (1.86)   (1.80)   (0.12)   (2.01)   (2.13)
10/31/2019   20.37    0.12    0.88    1.00    (0.06)   (1.76)   (1.82)
10/31/2018   21.65    0.08    (0.06)   0.02    (0.05)   (1.25)   (1.30)
10/31/2017   19.66    0.09    3.07    3.16    (0.04)   (1.13)   (1.17)
10/31/2016   20.17    0.09    0.80    0.89        (1.40)   (1.40)
6/30/2015 to 10/31/2015(h)   20.93    0.02    (0.78)   (0.76)            

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Commenced on April 4, 2017.
(g) Amount less than $0.01.
(h) Commenced on June 30, 2015.

 

140 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
          
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
income
(loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                            
 $14.06    (10.85)(d)   1.56(e)   0.05(e)   $   4,738    15(d)
 17.75    4.88    1.53    (0.07)   6,483    51 
 18.72    (0.50)   1.46    (0.29)   7,339    54 
 20.06    15.79    1.50    (0.25)   9,047    57 
 18.38    3.94    1.52    (0.26)   6,245    37 
 19.08    3.33    1.53    (0.40)   7,120    47 
                            
 14.26    (10.80)(d)   1.46(e)   0.14(e)   43,525    15(d)
 17.97    4.94    1.43    0.04    56,855    51 
 18.92    (0.45)   1.36    (0.19)   77,440    54 
 20.25    15.94    1.39    (0.10)   88,592    57 
 18.52    4.03    1.42    (0.16)   99,544    37 
 19.20    3.42    1.42    (0.30)   114,489    47 
                            
 14.79    (10.70)(d)   1.20(e)   0.39(e)   33,878    15(d)
 18.60    5.27    1.18    0.29    43,879    51 
 19.47    (0.30)   1.11    0.06    54,408    54 
 20.79    16.27    1.15    (0.01)   63,867    57 
 18.95    4.28    1.14    (0.06)   2,929    37 
 19.57    (3.74)(d)   1.15(e)   (0.07)(e)   10    47 
                            
 15.54    (10.59)(d)   0.95(e)   0.67(e)   1,737    15(d)
 19.46    5.55    0.93    0.52    2,599    51 
 20.30    (0.01)   0.87    0.31    1,927    54 
 21.59    16.46    0.89    0.51    5,111    57 
 19.63    4.62    0.89    0.24    42,825    37 
 20.16    (3.68)(d)   0.89(e)   0.19(e)   10    47 
                            
 15.62    (10.54)(d)   0.84(e)   0.77(e)   26,453    15(d)
 19.55    5.62    0.83    0.66    40,149    51 
 20.37    0.08    0.78    0.39    93,784    54 
 21.65    16.60    0.78    0.45    104,218    57 
 19.66    4.72    0.79    0.46    56,533    37 
 20.17    (3.63)(d)   0.82(e)   0.28(e)   29,039    47 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 141
 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION  

 

Lord Abbett Securities Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as an open-end management investment company and was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 26, 1993.

 

As of April 30, 2020, the Trust currently consists of fourteen funds. All funds are diversified except Lord Abbett Focused Growth Fund and Lord Abbett Focused Large Cap Value Fund. This report covers the following thirteen funds (separately, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”) and their respective active share classes during the period ended April 30, 2020:

 

Funds Share Classes
Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund (“Alpha Strategy Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Durable Growth Fund (“Durable Growth Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Focused Growth Fund (“Focused Growth Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Focused Large Cap Value Fund (“Focused Large Cap Value Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Focused Small Cap Value Fund (“Focused Small Cap Value Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Fundamental Equity Fund (“Fundamental Equity Fund”) A, C, F, F3 I, P, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Global Equity Research Fund (“Global Equity Research Fund) A, C, F, F3, I, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Growth Leaders Fund (“Growth Leaders Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Health Care Fund (“Health Care Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett International Equity Fund (“International Equity Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, P, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett International Opportunities Fund (“International Opportunities Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, P, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett International Value Fund (“International Value Fund) A, C, F, F3, I, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6
Lord Abbett Value Opportunities Fund (“Value Opportunities Fund”) A, C, F, F3, I, P, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6

 

The Funds’ Class P shares are closed to substantially all investors, with certain exceptions as set forth in the Funds’ prospectus. Durable Growth Fund commenced operations on November 1, 2019.

 

Each of Alpha Strategy Fund’s, Focused Large Cap Value Fund’s, Focused Small Cap Value Fund’s, Global Equity Research Fund’s, Health Care Fund’s, International Equity Fund’s, International Opportunities Fund’s, and Value Opportunities Fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Alpha Strategy Fund invests principally in other funds (“Underlying Funds”) managed by Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC (“Lord Abbett”). Fundamental Equity Fund’s investment objective is long-term growth of capital and income without excessive fluctuations in market value. Durable Growth Fund’s, Growth Leaders Fund’s and Focused Growth Fund’s investment objective is to seek capital appreciation. International Value Fund’s investment objective is to seek a high level of total return.

 

Each class of shares has different expenses and dividends. A front-end sales charge is normally added to the net asset value (“NAV”) for Class A shares. There is no front-end sales charge in the case of Class C, F, F3, I, P, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 shares, although there may be a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) in certain cases as follows: Class A shares purchased without a sales charge and redeemed before the first day of the month in which the one-year anniversary of the purchase falls (subject to certain exceptions as set forth in each Fund’s prospectus); and Class C shares redeemed before the first anniversary of purchase. Class C shares automatically convert into Class A shares on the 25th day of the month (or, if the 25th day is not a business day, the next business day thereafter) following the tenth anniversary of the month on which the purchase order was accepted.

 

142

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. These Funds are considered investment companies under U.S. GAAP and follow the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

 

(a) Investment ValuationUnder procedures approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”), Lord Abbett, the Funds’ investment manager, has formed a Pricing Committee to administer the pricing and valuation of portfolio investments and to ensure that prices utilized reasonably reflect fair value. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.
   
  Securities actively traded on any recognized U.S. or non-U.S. exchange or on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC are valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the exchange or system on which they are principally traded. Events occurring after the close of trading on non-U.S. exchanges may result in adjustments to the valuation of foreign securities to reflect their fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Each Fund may utilize an independent fair valuation service in adjusting the valuations of foreign securities. Unlisted equity securities are valued at the last quoted sale price or, if no sale price is available, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices. Exchange traded options and futures contracts are valued at the last quoted sale price in the market where they are principally traded. If no sale has occurred, the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices is used. Swaps are valued daily using independent pricing services or quotations from broker/dealers to the extent available. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using daily forward exchange rates. Investments in the Underlying Funds are valued at their NAV each business day at the close of regular trading on the NYSE, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time.
   
  Securities for which prices are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the Pricing Committee. The Pricing Committee considers a number of factors, including observable and unobservable inputs, when arriving at fair value. The Pricing Committee may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values and other relevant information to determine the fair value of portfolio investments. The Board or a designated committee thereof regularly reviews fair value determinations made by the Pricing Committee and may employ techniques such as reviewing related market activity, reviewing inputs and assumptions, and retrospectively comparing prices of subsequent purchases and sales transactions to fair value determinations made by the Pricing Committee.
   
  Short-term securities with 60 days or less remaining to maturity are valued using the amortized cost method, which approximates fair value.
   
(b) Security TransactionsSecurity transactions are recorded as of the date that the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains and losses on sales of portfolio securities are calculated using the identified-cost method. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets at the beginning of the day.

 

143

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

(c) Investment IncomeDividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis as earned. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized using the effective interest method and are included in Interest on the Statements of Operations. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. Investment income is allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets at the beginning of the day.
   
(d) Income TaxesIt is the policy of each Fund to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all taxable income and capital gains to its shareholders. Therefore, no income tax provision is required.
   
  Each Fund files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on each Fund’s filed U.S. federal tax returns remains open for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 through October 31, 2019. The statutes of limitations on the Trust’s state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction.
   
(e) ExpensesExpenses incurred by the Trust that do not specifically relate to an individual fund are generally allocated to the Funds within the Trust on a pro rata basis by relative net assets. Expenses, excluding class-specific expenses, are allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets at the beginning of the day. Class A, C, A1, F, P, R2, R3 and R4 shares bear their class-specific share of all expenses and fees relating to the Funds’ 12b-1 Distribution Plan.
   
(f) Foreign TransactionsThe books and records of each Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars and transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in each Fund’s records at the rate prevailing when earned or recorded. Asset and liability accounts that are denominated in foreign currencies are adjusted daily to reflect current exchange rates and any unrealized gain (loss) is included in Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies in each Fund’s Statement of Operations. The resultant exchange gains and losses upon settlement of such transactions are included in Net realized loss on foreign currency related transactions in each Fund’s Statement of Operations. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the changes in market prices of the securities.
   
  The Funds use foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign-denominated securities. Losses from these transactions may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency or if the counterparties do not perform under the contracts’ terms.
   
(g) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange ContractsGlobal Equity Research Fund, Health Care Fund, International Equity Fund, International Opportunities Fund and International Value Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to reduce their exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on their foreign portfolio holdings, or gain or reduce exposure to foreign currency solely for investment purposes. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated rate. The contracts are valued daily at forward exchange rates and any unrealized gain (loss) is included in Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies in each Fund’s Statement of Operations. The gain (loss) arising from the difference between the U.S. dollar cost of the
   

144

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

  original contract and the value of the foreign currency in U.S. dollars upon closing of such contracts is included in Net realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency related transactions in each Fund’s Statement of Operations.
   
(h) Futures ContractsEach Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts to enhance returns, to attempt to economically hedge some of its investment risk, or as a substitute position in lieu of holding the underlying asset on which the instrument is based. At the time of entering into a futures transaction, an investor is required to deposit and maintain a specified amount of cash or eligible securities called “initial margin.” Subsequent payments made or received by a Fund called “variation margin” are made on a daily basis as the market price of the futures contract fluctuates. Each Fund will record an unrealized gain (loss) based on the amount of variation margin. When a contract is closed, a realized gain (loss) is recorded equal to the difference between the opening and closing value of the contract.
   
(i) Repurchase AgreementsEach Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with respect to securities. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which a Fund acquires a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (a bank or securities dealer) at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon date. Each Fund requires at all times that the repurchase agreement be collateralized by cash, or by securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies, its instrumentalities, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises having a value equal to, or in excess of, the value of the repurchase agreement (including accrued interest). If the seller of the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying securities at a time when the fair value of these securities has declined, a Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the securities.
   
(j) When-Issued or Forward TransactionsEach Fund may purchase portfolio securities on a when-issued or forward basis. When-issued or forward transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase securities, with payment and delivery (“settlement”) to take place in the future, in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price or yield at the time of entering into the transaction. During the period between purchase and settlement, the fair value of the securities will fluctuate and assets consisting of cash and/or marketable securities (normally short-term U.S. Government or U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities) marked to market daily in an amount sufficient to make payment at settlement will be segregated at each Fund’s custodian in order to pay for the commitment. At the time each Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the liability for the purchase and fair value of the security in determining its NAV. Each Fund, generally, has the ability to close out a purchase obligation on or before the settlement date rather than take delivery of the security. Under no circumstances will settlement for such securities take place more than 120 days after the purchase date.
   
(k) Total Return SwapsEach Fund may enter into total return swap agreements to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning such security or investing directly in that market. Each Fund may agree to make payments that are the equivalent of interest in exchange for the right to receive payments equivalent to any appreciation in the value of an underlying security, index or other asset, as well as receive payments equivalent to any distributions made on that asset, over the term of the swap. If the value of the asset underlying a total return swap declines over the term of the swap, each Fund also may be required to pay an amount equal to that decline in value to their counterparty.
   

145

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

(l) Fair Value MeasurementsFair value is defined as the price that each Fund would receive upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk- for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value (such as a pricing model) and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level of inputs that is significant to the fair value measurement, and is summarized in the three broad Levels listed below:
   
Level 1 –  unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;
     
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and
     
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
     
  A summary of inputs used in valuing each Fund’s investments and other financial instruments as of April 30, 2020 and, if applicable, Level 3 rollforwards for the six months then ended is included in each Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
   
  Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the three-tier hierarchy. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

3. MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES  

 

Management Fee

The Trust has a management agreement with Lord Abbett, pursuant to which Lord Abbett supplies each Fund with investment management services and executive and other personnel, provides office space and pays for ordinary and necessary office and clerical expenses relating to research and statistical work and supervision of each Fund’s investment portfolio.

 

For the six months ended April 30, 2020, the effective management fee, net of any applicable waivers, was based on each Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annualized rates:

 

    Net Effective
    Management Fee
Alpha Strategy Fund   .00%(1)
Durable Growth Fund   .51%(2)
Focused Growth Fund   .00%(3)
Focused Large Cap Value Fund   .40%(4)
Focused Small Cap Value Fund   .70%(5)
Fundamental Equity Fund   .55%(6)
Global Equity Research Fund   .00%(7)

 

146

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

    Net Effective
    Management Fee
Growth Leaders Fund   .53%(8)
Health Care Fund   .00%(9)
International Equity Fund   .70%(10)
International Opportunities Fund   .76%(11)
International Value Fund   .67%(10)
Value Opportunities Fund   .74%(12)

 

(1) Lord Abbett is voluntarily waiving the entire management fee of 0.10%. Lord Abbett may discontinue the voluntary waiver at any time without notice.
(2) The management fee for Durable Growth Fund is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $2 billion .55%  
  Over $2 billion .50%  
   
(3) The management fee for Focused Growth Fund is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $1 billion .65%  
  Next $1 billion .63%  
  Next $5 billion .60%  
  Over $7 billion .59%  
   
(4) The management fee for Focused Large Cap Value Fund is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $1 billion .59%  
  Over $1 billion .53%  
   
(5) The management fee for Focused Small Cap Value Fund is 0.80% on the Fund’s average daily net assets.
(6) The management fee for Fundamental Equity Fund is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $200 million .75%  
  Next $300 million .65%  
  Over $500 million .50%  
   
(7) The management fee for Global Equity Research Fund is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $1 billion .45%  
  Next $2 billion .43%  
  Over $3 billion .41%  
   
(8) The management fee for Growth Leaders Fund is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $2 billion .55%  
  Over $2 billion .50%  
   
(9) The management fee for Health Care Fund is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $1 billion .62%  
  Over $1 billion .51%  
   
(10) The management fees for International Equity Fund and International Value Fund are based on each Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $1 billion .70%  
  Next $1 billion .65%  
  Over $2 billion .60%  
   
(11) The management fee for International Opportunities Fund is based on the average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $1 billion .75%  
  Next $1 billion .70%  
  Over $2 billion .65%  

 

147

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

(12) The management fee for Value Opportunities Fund is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the following annual rates:
   
  First $1 billion .75%  
  Next $1 billion .70%  
  Next $3 billion .65%  
  Over $5 billion .58%  

 

In addition, Lord Abbett provides certain administrative services to each Fund pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement in return for a fee at an annual rate of .04% of each Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

For the period ended April 30, 2020 and continuing through February 28, 2021, Lord Abbett has contractually agreed to waive its fees and reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to limit total net annual operating expenses, excluding 12b-1 fees, to the following annual rates:

 

    Durable Growth Fund*
Classes      
A, C, F, I, R2, R3, R4 and R5   0.70%  
F3 and R6   0.64%  
* Effective November 1, 2019.      

 

    Focused Growth Fund  
    Effective Prior to  
Classes   March 1, 2020 March 1, 2020  
A, C, F, I, R2, R3, R4 and R5   0.80% 0.80%  
F3 and R6   0.72% 0.73%  

 

    Focused Large Cap Value Fund
Classes      
A, C, F, I, R3, R4 and R5   0.71%  
F3 and R6   0.63%  

 

    Focused Small Cap Value Fund
Classes      
A, C, F, I, R3, R4 and R5   1.03%  
F3 and R6   0.95%  

 

    Global Equity Research Fund  
    Effective Prior to  
Classes   March 1, 2020 March 1, 2020  
A, C, F, I, R2, R3, R4 and R5   0.65% 0.65%  
F3 and R6   0.61% 0.63%  

 

    Health Care Fund
Classes      
A, C, F, I, R3, R4 and R5   0.78%  
F3 and R6   0.70%  

 

    International Equity Fund  
    Effective Prior to  
Classes   March 1, 2020 March 1, 2020  
A, C, P, R2, R3, R4 and R5   0.92% 0.92%  
F and I   0.86% 0.86%  
F3 and R6   0.84% 0.85%  

 

148

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

    International Value Fund  
    Effective Prior to  
Classes   March 1, 2020 March 1, 2020  
A, C, R2, R3, R4 and R5   0.87% 0.87%  
F and I   0.82% 0.82%  
F3 and R6   0.80% 0.81%  

 

All contractual fee waiver and expense reimbursement agreements between the Funds and Lord Abbett may be terminated only upon the approval of the Funds’ Board.

 

12b-1 Distribution Plan

Each Fund has adopted a distribution plan with respect to Class A, C, F, P, R2, R3 and R4 shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act, which provides for the payment of ongoing distribution and service fees to Lord Abbett Distributor LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of Lord Abbett. The following annual rates have been authorized by the Board pursuant to the plan:

 

Fees* Class A(1)   Class C   Class F(2) (3) Class P(4)   Class R2   Class R3   Class R4
Service .25%   .25%     .25%   .25%   .25%   .25%
Distribution   .75%   .10%   .20%   .35%   .25%  

 

* The Funds may designate a portion of the aggregate fee as attributable to service activities for purposes of calculating Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) sales charge limitations.
(1) Prior to July 1, 2019 the Board did not authorize such Class A 12b-1 fees on the Focused Small Cap Value Fund. This agreement may be terminated only by the Fund’s Board.
(2) The Class F Share Rule 12b-1 fee may be designated as a service fee in limited circumstances as described in the Funds’ prospectus.
(3) For the six months ended April 30, 2020 and continuing through February 28, 2021, the Distributor has contractually agreed to waive Durable Growth Fund’s, Growth Leaders Fund’s, Focused Growth Fund’s, Focused Small Cap Value Fund’s, Focused Large Cap Value Fund’s and Health Care Fund’s 0.10% Rule 12b-1 fee for Class F. These agreements may be terminated only by the Fund’s Board.
(4) Fundamental Equity Fund, International Equity Fund, International Opportunities Fund and Value Opportunities Fund only.

 

Class F3, I, R5 and R6 shares do not have a distribution plan.

 

Commissions

Distributor received the following commissions on sales of shares of the Funds, after concessions were paid to authorized dealers, for the six months ended April 30, 2020:

 

   Distributor   Dealers’ 
   Commissions   Concessions 
Alpha Strategy Fund              $25,331          $142,726 
Durable Growth Fund        
Focused Growth Fund   6,158    35,200 
Focused Large Cap Value Fund        
Focused Small Cap Value Fund        
Fundamental Equity Fund   33,926    186,589 
Global Equity Research Fund   176    1,021 
Growth Leaders Fund   286,305    1,601,498 
Health Care Fund        
International Equity Fund   5,948    31,623 
International Opportunities Fund   10,268    53,979 
International Value Fund   20,933    111,430 
Value Opportunities Fund   35,362    190,456 

 

149

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Distributor received the following amount of CDSCs for the six months ended April 30, 2020:

 

   Class A   Class C 
Alpha Strategy Fund  $118   $2,823 
Durable Growth Fund        
Focused Growth Fund        
Focused Large Cap Value Fund        
Focused Small Cap Value Fund        
Fundamental Equity Fund   270    1,774 
Global Equity Research Fund        
Growth Leaders Fund   27,747    36,018 
Health Care Fund        
International Equity Fund   134    445 
International Opportunities Fund   106    492 
International Value Fund   58    132 
Value Opportunities Fund   1,319    2,280 

 

One Trustee and certain of the Trust’s officers have an interest in Lord Abbett.

 

Other Related Parties

As of April 30, 2020, the percentages of Durable Growth Fund’s, Focused Large Cap Value Fund’s, Focused Small Cap Value Fund’s, Fundamental Equity Fund’s, Growth Leaders Fund’s, International Value Fund’s, International Equity Fund’s, International Opportunities Fund’s and Value Opportunities Fund’s outstanding shares owned by each Fund of Funds were as follows:

 

Fund of Funds Durable
Growth
Fund
  Focused
Large Cap
Value
Fund
  Focused
Small Cap
Value
Fund
  Fundamental
Equity
Fund
  Growth
Leaders
Fund
  International
Value
Fund
  International
Equity
Fund
  International
Opportunities
Fund
  Value
Opportunities
Fund
Alpha Strategy Fund     76.88%           35.93%   9.86%
Multi-Asset Balanced Opportunity Fund 79.93%   68.88     16.65%   5.54%   25.13%   31.24%    
Multi-Asset Income Fund 19.25%   30.11     4.29%   1.41%   12.39%   16.54%    

 

4.DISTRIBUTIONS AND CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARDS  

 

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly for International Value Fund, annually for Alpha Strategy Fund, Durable Growth Fund, Focused Growth Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund, Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Fundamental Equity Fund, Global Equity Research Fund, Growth Leaders Fund, Health Care Fund, International Equity Fund, International Opportunities Fund and Value Opportunities Fund. Taxable net realized gains from investment transactions, reduced by allowable capital loss carryforwards, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders at least annually. The capital loss carryforward amount, if any, is available to offset future net capital gains. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amounts of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the components of net assets based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions, which exceed earnings and profits for tax purposes, are reported as a tax return of capital.

 

150

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the six months ended April 30, 2020 and fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, was as follows:

 

 Alpha Strategy Fund Durable Growth Fund
 Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
 Year Ended
10/31/2019
 Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
 Period Ended
10/31/2019
Distributions paid from:                   
Ordinary income  $   $9,057,439   $1,986   $
Net long-term capital gains   123,771,165    119,734,439        
Total distributions paid  $123,771,165   $128,791,878   $1,986   $
                    
   Focused Growth Fund   Focused Large Cap Value Fund
 Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
 Year Ended
10/31/2019
 Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
 Year Ended
10/31/2019
Distributions paid from:                   
Ordinary income  $   $   $262,779  $
Net long-term capital gains               
Total distributions paid  $   $   $262,779  $
                    
   Focused Small Cap Value Fund   Fundamental Equity Fund
 Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
 Year Ended
10/31/2019
 Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
 Year Ended
10/31/2019
Distributions paid from:                   
Ordinary income  $   $2,788,803  $37,742,194   $43,144,200
Net long-term capital gains   18,077,427    15,734,637    215,462,036    143,801,592
Total distributions paid  $18,077,427   $18,523,440   $253,204,230   $186,945,792
                    
   Global Equity Research Fund   Growth Leaders Fund
   Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
   Year Ended
10/31/2019
   Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
   Year Ended
10/31/2019
Distributions paid from:                   
Ordinary income  $89,647   $191,532   $50,781,905   $211,623,767
Net long-term capital gains       129,275    254,848,239    345,436,576
Total distributions paid  $89,647   $320,807   $305,630,144   $557,060,343
                    
       Health Care Fund   International Equity Fund
   Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
   Year Ended
10/31/2019
   Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
   Year Ended
10/31/2019
Distributions paid from:                   
Ordinary income  $1,005   $   $7,075,713   $11,999,856
Net long-term capital gains               
Total distributions paid  $1,005   $   $7,075,713   $11,999,856

 

151

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

   International Opportunities Fund   International Value Fund
 Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
 Year Ended
10/31/2019
 Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
 Year Ended
10/31/2019
Distributions paid from:                   
Ordinary income  $7,379,201   $8,261,793                 $3,637,641   $19,485,885
Net long-term capital gains       67,032,636        
Total distributions paid  $7,379,201   $75,294,429   $3,637,641   $19,485,885
                    
   Value Opportunities Fund 
   Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
   Year Ended
10/31/2019
 
Distributions paid from:          
Ordinary income  $7,526,613   $40,730,253 
Net long-term capital gains   194,975,562    190,884,064 
Total distributions paid  $202,502,175   $231,614,317 

 

As of April 30, 2020, the following funds had capital losses, which will carry forward indefinitely:

 

Focused Growth Fund  $377,291 
Focused Large Cap Value   61,752 
Global Equity Research Fund   49,919 
Health Care Fund   46,625 
International Equity Fund   19,566,790 
International Opportunities Fund   74,186,108 
International Value Fund   398,027,470 

 

In accordance with the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, each Fund will carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 (“post-enactment losses”) indefinitely. Post-enactment losses will also retain their character as either short-term or long-term losses.

 

As of April 30, 2020, the aggregate unrealized security gains and losses on investments and other financial instruments, if any, based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

   Alpha   Durable   Focused 
   Strategy Fund   Growth Fund   Growth Fund 
Tax cost  $939,199,879   $184,087,414   $11,711,840 
Gross unrealized gain   7,665,513    8,140,773    1,679,223 
Gross unrealized loss   (243,931,684)   (15,619,790)   (184,900)
Net unrealized security gain (loss)  $(236,266,171)  $(7,479,017)  $1,494,323 
                
   Focused Large   Focused Small   Fundamental 
   Cap Value Fund   Cap Value Fund   Equity Fund 
Tax cost  $225,842,558   $103,652,968   $1,870,142,659 
Gross unrealized gain   24,690,076    4,078,118    209,584,972 
Gross unrealized loss   (3,568,186)   (24,220,890)   (234,995,778)
Net unrealized security gain (loss)  $21,121,890   $(20,142,772)  $(25,410,806)

 

152

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

   Global Equity   Growth   Health 
   Research Fund   Leaders Fund   Care Fund 
Tax cost  $7,008,061   $3,691,382,386   $3,549,803 
Gross unrealized gain   514,094    774,433,865    404,373 
Gross unrealized loss   (692,389)   (54,345,672)   (120,282)
Net unrealized security gain  $(178,295)  $720,088,193   $284,091 
                
   International   International   International 
   Equity Fund   Opportunities Fund   Value Fund 
Tax cost  $336,554,269   $426,462,098   $506,941,157 
Gross unrealized gain   19,711,507    22,320,375    12,331,188 
Gross unrealized loss   (24,440,787)   (74,283,503)   (85,599,228)
Net unrealized security gain (loss)  $(4,729,280)  $(51,963,128)  $(73,268,040)

 

   Value
Opportunities Fund
   
Tax cost  $1,301,737,682   
Gross unrealized gain   241,162,702   
Gross unrealized loss   (163,545,849)  
Net unrealized security gain  $77,616,853   

 

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized gains (losses) is attributable to the tax treatment of wash sales, certain securities, certain distributions, and other financial instruments.

 

 5.PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS  

 

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended April 30, 2020 were as follows:

 

   Purchases   Sales 
Alpha Strategy Fund  $122,851,877   $122,378,619 
Durable Growth Fund   200,204,235    13,425,019 
Focused Growth Fund   12,049,517    10,965,953 
Focused Large Cap Value Fund   216,515,068    28,185,971 
Focused Small Cap Value Fund   47,726,050    49,718,794 
Fundamental Equity Fund   666,931,381    943,989,730 
Global Equity Research Fund   6,659,149    7,651,227 
Growth Leaders Fund   2,710,033,143    2,646,272,723 
Health Care Fund   1,812,304    1,026,460 
International Equity Fund   188,442,388    256,529,183 
International Opportunities Fund   126,285,842    212,135,588 
International Value Fund   213,110,266    247,023,555 
Value Opportunities Fund   240,318,287    536,959,664 

 

There were no purchases or sales of U.S. Government securities for the six months ended April 30, 2020.

 

Each Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities (“cross-trade”) from and to other Lord Abbett funds or client accounts pursuant to procedures approved by the Board in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the “Rule”). Each cross-trade is executed at a fair market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the six months ended April 30, 2020, the following Funds engaged in cross-trades:

 

153

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Fund  Purchases   Sales   Gain/(Loss)
Focused Large Cap Value Fund  $8,781,847   $   $ 
Focused Small Cap Value Fund   168,165    128,656    (58,620)
Fundamental Equity Fund   25,885,977    9,902,107    (3,600,586)
Growth Leaders Fund   5,059,615         
International Opportunities   180,982         
International Value Fund   180,982        (43,958)
Value Opportunities Fund   221,989    2,221,770    253,296 

 

6.DISCLOSURES ABOUT DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES  

 

International Opportunities Fund entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for the six months ended April 30, 2020 (as described in note 2(g)). A forward foreign currency exchange contract reduces the Fund’s exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver (or settle in cash) and increases its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive (or settle in cash) for the duration of the contract. The Fund’s use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that Lord Abbett will not accurately predict currency movements, and the Fund’s returns could be reduced as a result. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedged positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. The Fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

 

International Opportunities Fund entered into total return swaps on indexes for the six months ended April 30, 2020 (as described in note 2(k)) to hedge credit risk. The Fund may enter into total return swap agreements to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning such security or investing directly in that market. The Fund may agree to make payments that are the equivalent of interest in exchange for the right to receive payments equivalent to any appreciation in the value of an underlying security, index or other asset, as well as receive payments equivalent to any distributions made on that asset, over the term of the swap. If the value of the asset underlying a total return swap declines over the term of the swap, the Fund also may be required to pay an amount equal to that decline in value to their counterparty.

 

As of April 30, 2020, International Opportunities Fund had the following derivatives at fair value, grouped into risk categories that illustrate the Funds’ use of derivative instruments:

 

International Opportunities Fund         
   Equity         
Asset Derivatives  Contracts         
Total Return Swap Contracts(1)   $26,888         

 

(1) Statements of Assets and Liabilities location: Total return swap, at fair value.

 

154

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Transaction in derivatives instruments for the period ended April 30, 2020, were as follows:

 

Focused Small Cap Value Fund          
   Equity         
   Contracts         
Net Realized Gain (Loss)             
Futures Contracts(1)  $(680)        
              
Global Equity Research Fund          
   Equity         
   Contracts         
Net Realized Gain (Loss)             
Futures Contracts(1)      $160         
Average Number of Contracts/Notional Amounts             
Futures Contracts(5)   1         
     
   International Opportunities Fund 
   Forward     
   Currency   Equity 
   Contracts   Contracts 
Net Realized Gain (Loss)          
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts(2)  $(4,819)    
Total Return Swaps Contracts(3)      $(4,747,872)
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation          
Total Return Swaps Contracts(4)      $15,007 
Average Number of Contracts/Notional Amounts*          
Total Return Swaps Contracts(6)  $   $151,813 
           
International Value Fund          
   Equity         
   Contracts         
Net Realized Gain (Loss)             
Futures Contracts(1)  $(50)        

 

* Calculated based on the number of contracts or notional amounts for the six months ended April 30, 2020.
(1) Statements of Operations location: Net realized gain(loss) on futures contracts.
(2) Statements of Operations location: Net realized gain(loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
(3) Statements of Operations location: Net realized gain(loss) on swap contracts.
(4) Statements of Operations location: Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swap contracts.
(5) Amount represents number of contracts.
(6) Amounts represents notional amounts in U.S. dollars.

 

7.DISCLOSURES ABOUT OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) requires disclosures intended to help better assess the effect or potential effect of offsetting arrangements on a fund’s financial position. The following tables illustrate gross and net information about recognized assets and liabilities eligible for offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities; and disclose such amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement, by a counterparty. A master netting agreement is an agreement between a fund and a counterparty which provides for the net settlement of amounts owed under all contracts traded under that agreement, as well as cash collateral, through a single payment by one party to the other in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. The Funds’ accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the

 

155

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

agreement, the master netting agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Funds and the applicable counterparty:

 

       Focused Growth Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $905,080   $    $905,080
Total   $905,080   $    $905,080

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.   $905,080   $   $    $(905,080)  $
Total   $905,080   $   $    $(905,080)  $

 

       Focused Large Cap Value Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $1,726,836   $    $1,726,836
Total   $1,726,836   $    $1,726,836

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  Presented in
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.  $1,726,836   $   $   $(1,726,836)  $
Total  $1,726,836   $   $   $(1,726,836)  $

 

       Focused Small Cap Value Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $270,009   $    $270,009
Total   $270,009   $    $270,009

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.   $270,009   $   $    $(270,009)  $
Total   $270,009   $   $    $(270,009)  $

 

156

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

       Fundamental Equity Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $7,616,639   $    $7,616,639
Total   $7,616,639   $    $7,616,639

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.  $7,616,639   $   $   $(7,616,639)  $
Total  $7,616,639   $   $   $(7,616,639)  $

 

       Growth Leaders Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $133,774,523   $    $133,774,523
Total   $133,774,523   $    $133,774,523

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.  $133,774,523   $   $   $(133,774,523)  $
Total  $133,774,523   $   $   $(133,774,523)  $

 

       Health Care Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $167,608   $    $167,608
Total   $167,608   $    $167,608

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.   $167,608   $   $    $(167,608)  $
Total   $167,608   $   $    $(167,608)  $

 

157

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

       International Equity Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $7,209,188   $    $7,209,188
Total   $7,209,188   $    $7,209,188

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.  $7,209,188   $   $   $(7,209,188)  $
Total  $7,209,188   $   $   $(7,209,188)  $

 

       International Opportunities Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $3,849,126   $    $3,849,126
Total Return Equity Swaps   26,888        26,888
Total   $3,876,014   $    $3,876,014

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Bank of America  $26,888   $   $   $   $26,888
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.   3,849,126            (3,849,126)   
Total  $3,876,014   $   $   $(3,849,126)  $26,888

 

       Value Opportunities Fund
Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
Repurchase Agreement   $1,455,622   $    $1,455,622
Total   $1,455,622   $    $1,455,622

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
    
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.  $1,455,622   $   $   $(1,455,622)  $
Total  $1,455,622   $   $   $(1,455,622)  $

 

(a) Collateral disclosed is limited to an amount not to exceed 100% of the net amount of assets (liabilities) presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, for each respective counterparty.
(b) Net amount represents the amount owed to the Fund by the counterparty as of April 30, 2020.

 

158

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

8. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION  

 

The Trust’s officers and one Trustee, who are associated with Lord Abbett, do not receive any compensation from the Trust for serving in such capacities. Independent Trustees’ fees are allocated among all Lord Abbett-sponsored funds based on the net assets of each fund. There is an equity-based plan available to all Independent Trustees under which Independent Trustees must defer receipt of a portion of, and may elect to defer receipt of an additional portion of Trustees’ fees. The deferred amounts are treated as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in the funds. Such amounts and earnings accrued thereon are included in Trustees’ fees on the Statements of Operations and in Trustees’ fees payable on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and are not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes until such amounts are paid.

 

9. EXPENSE REDUCTIONS  

 

The Trust has entered into an arrangement with its transfer agent and custodian, whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of each Fund’s expenses.

 

10. LINE OF CREDIT  

 

For the period ended April 30, 2020, the Funds (except Alpha Strategy Fund, Durable Growth Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Health Care Fund) and certain other funds managed by Lord Abbett (collectively, the “Participating Funds”) entered into a Syndicated Facility with various lenders for $1.17 billion whereas State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”) participated as a lender and as agent for the lenders. The Participating Funds are subject to graduated borrowing limits of one third of Fund net assets (if Fund net assets are less than $750 million), $250 million, $300 million, $350 million, $500 million, or $1 billion, based on past borrowings and likelihood of future borrowings, among other factors.

 

For the period ended April 30, 2020, the Participating Funds entered a Bilateral Facility with SSB for $330 million, $250 million committed and $80 million uncommitted. Under the Bilateral Facility, the Participating Funds are subject to graduated borrowing limits of one-third of Fund net assets (if net assets are less than $750 million), $250 million, $300 million, or $330 million, based on past borrowings and likelihood of future borrowings, among other factors.

 

The Syndicated Facility and the Bilateral Facility are to be used for temporary or emergency purposes as an additional source of liquidity to satisfy redemptions.

 

The Growth Leaders Fund utilized the Facility on November 22, 2019 with a borrowing amount of $50,200,000. The average interest rate was 2.80% and total interest paid amounted to $11,725.

 

11. INTERFUND LENDING PROGRAM  

 

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC exemptive order”) certain registered open-end management investment companies managed by Lord Abbett, including each Fund, participate in a joint lending and borrowing program (the “Interfund Lending Program”). The SEC exemptive order allows the Funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes subject to limitations and conditions.

 

For the six months ended April 30, 2020, the Funds did not participate as a borrower or lender in the Interfund Lending Program.

 

159

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

12. CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT  

 

SSB is the Trust’s custodian and accounting agent. SSB performs custodial, accounting and recordkeeping functions relating to portfolio transactions and calculating each Fund’s NAV.

 

13. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED ISSUERS  

 

An affiliated issuer is one in which a Fund has ownership of at least 5% of the outstanding voting securities of the underlying issuer at any point during the fiscal year or any company which is under common ownership or control. Alpha Strategy Fund had the following transactions with affiliated issuers (i.e. the Underlying Funds) during the six months ended April 30, 2020:

 

Alpha Strategy Fund                                
Affiliated Issuer  Balance of
Shares
Held at
10/31/2019
   Gross
Additions
   Gross
Sales
   Balance of
Shares
Held at
4/30/2020
   Fair
Value at
4/30/2020
   Net Realized
Gain
11/1/2019 to
4/30/2020
   Dividend
Income
11/1/2019 to
4/30/2020
   Change in
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
11/1/2019 to
4/30/2020
 
Lord Abbett Developing Growth Fund, Inc. – Class I   6,293,405    1,219,794    (1,462,798)   6,050,401   $143,394,512   $24,555,366(a)  $   $(23,273,679)
Lord Abbett Securities Trust- Focused Small Cap Value Fund – Class I   3,528,280    778,098    (352,833)   3,953,545    64,561,395    12,638,672(b)       (37,547,071)
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – International Opportunities Fund – Class I   11,395,952    305,386    (1,554,476)   10,146,862    140,534,033    1,750,319    2,763,597    (31,312,002)
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Micro-Cap Growth Fund – Class I   5,576,731    935,326    (1,135,613)   5,376,444    74,947,634    12,400,027(c)       (7,959,868)
Lord Abbett Research Fund, Inc. – Small Cap Value Fund – Class I   8,905,270    1,831,642    (534,375)   10,202,537    137,836,269    16,953,029(d)   880,426    (63,195,124)
Lord Abbett Securities Trust- Value Opportunities Fund – Class I   9,590,809    1,363,372    (1,826,612)   9,127,569    141,659,865    13,189,069(e)   1,099,546    (33,688,711)
Total                      $702,933,708   $81,486,482   $4,743,569   $(196,976,455)

 

(a) Includes $28,247,947 of distributed capital gains.
(b) Includes $13,929,615 of distributed capital gains.
(c) Includes $13,216,296 of distributed capital gains.
(d) Includes $25,232,472 of distributed capital gains.
(e) Includes $18,946,901 of distributed capital gains.

 

14. SECURITIES LENDING AGREEMENT  

 

The Funds have established a securities lending agreement with Citibank, N.A. for the lending of securities to qualified brokers in exchange for securities or cash collateral equal to at least the market value of securities loaned, plus interest, if applicable. Cash collateral is invested in an approved money market fund. In accordance with the Funds’ securities lending agreement, the market value of securities on loan is determined each day at the close of business and any additional collateral required to cover the value of securities on loan is delivered to each Fund on the next business day. As with other extensions of credit, each Fund may experience a delay in the recovery of their securities or incur a loss should the borrower of the securities breach its

 

160

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

agreement with each Fund or become insolvent at a time when the collateral is insufficient to cover the cost of repurchasing securities on loan. Such income earned from securities lending is included in Securities Lending Income on the Statement of Operations.

 

As of April 30, 2020, the market value of securities loaned and collateral received for the Funds was as follows:

 

Funds  Market Value of
Securities Loaned
   Collateral
Received
 
Lord Abbett Focused Small Cap Value Fund    $2,002,705     $2,085,120 
Lord Abbett Growth Leaders Fund     17,697,020      19,186,124 
Lord Abbett International Value Fund     9,438,134      10,970,585 

 

15. INVESTMENT RISKS  

 

Each Fund is subject to the general risks and considerations associated with equity investing. The value of the Funds’ investments will fluctuate in response to movements in the equity securities markets in general and to the changing prospects of individual companies in which the Funds invest. If a Fund’s assessment of a company’s value or prospects for exceeding earnings expectations or market conditions is wrong, the Fund could suffer losses or produce poor performance relative to other funds, even in a favorable market.

 

Large company stocks, in which Durable Growth Fund, Focused Growth Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund, Fundamental Equity Fund, Global Equity Research Fund, Growth Leaders Fund, International Equity Fund and International Value Fund invest, may perform differently than the market as a whole and other types of stocks, such as small company stocks. Small and mid-sized company stocks, in which Alpha Strategy Fund, Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Focused Growth Fund, Fundamental Equity Fund, Growth Leaders Fund, International Equity Fund, International Opportunities Fund and Value Opportunities Fund invest, may be less able to weather economic shifts or other adverse developments than those of larger, more established companies.

 

In general, Durable Growth Fund, Focused Growth Fund and Growth Leaders Fund employ a growth investing style, Global Equity Research Fund employs a blended growth investing and value investing style, and Focused Large Cap Value Fund, Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Fundamental Equity Fund, International Value Fund and Value Opportunities Fund employ a value investing style. Growth stocks generally are more volatile than value stocks. The price of value stocks may lag the market for long periods of time.

 

Global Equity Research Fund, International Equity Fund, International Opportunities Fund and International Value Fund are subject to the risks of investing in foreign securities. Foreign securities may pose greater risks than domestic securities, including greater price fluctuations, economic, political, and social instability and subject to less government supervision, lack of transparency, inadequate regulatory and accounting standards, foreign taxes, and higher transaction costs. Foreign investments also may be affected by changes in currency rates or currency controls. These risks are generally greater for securities issued by companies in emerging market companies. Similarly, due to their investments in multinational and foreign companies, Alpha Strategy Fund, Durable Growth Fund, Focused Growth Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund, Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Fundamental Equity Fund, Growth Leaders Fund, Health Care Fund, and Value Opportunities Fund are subject to the risks of investing in foreign securities and similarly may experience increased market, liquidity, currency, political, informational, and other risks.

 

161

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Health Care Fund is subject to the risks of investing in the health care sector, including changes in government regulations, dependence on patents and intellectual property rights, expenses and losses from litigation based on product liability and similar claims, industry competition, extensive research and development, marketing, and sales costs, and rapid technological change and potential for product obsolescence. Health Care Fund is also subject to the risks of investing in structured securities. As a result, Health Care Fund is subject to the same risks associated with direct investments in the underlying securities or other instruments they seek to replicate, as well as liquidity risk and the risk that the issuer and/or the counterparty of the structured security may be unable to perform under the terms of the instrument, or may disagree as to the meaning or application of such terms.

 

International Value Fund is subject to the risks of investing in dividend paying stocks. Dividend paying stocks may be sensitive to changes in market interest rates, and the prices of such stocks may decline as rates rise. There is no guarantee that companies that currently pay dividends will continue to do so. International Value Fund may be subject to the volatility of stocks that have high dividends per share due to recent decreases in their share prices.

 

Alpha Strategy Fund’s investments are concentrated in the Underlying Funds and, as a result, the Fund’s performance is directly related to their performance and subject to their risks. In addition, the Fund is exposed to the same risks as the Underlying Funds in direct proportion to the allocation of its assets among the Underlying Funds.

 

Alpha Strategy Fund, Global Equity Research Fund, Health Care Fund, International Equity Fund, International Opportunities Fund and International Value Fund are subject to the risks associated with derivatives, which may be different from and greater than the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. Derivatives may be subject to risks such as liquidity risk, leveraging risk, interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Illiquid securities may lower the Funds’ returns since the Funds may be unable to sell these securities at their desired time or price. Derivatives also may involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the value of the underlying asset, rate or index. Whether a Fund’s use of derivatives is successful will depend on, among other things, the Fund’s ability to correctly forecast market movements, changes in foreign exchange and interest rates, and other factors. If a Fund incorrectly forecasts these and other factors, its performance could suffer. A Fund’s use of derivatives could result in a loss exceeding the amount of the Fund’s investment in these instruments.

 

Health Care Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Focused Small Cap Value Fund are subject to the general risks and considerations associated with investing in fixed income securities. The value of an investment will change as interest rates fluctuate and in response to market movements. When interest rates rise, the prices of fixed income securities are likely to decline; when interest rates fall, such prices tend to rise. Longer-term securities are usually more sensitive to interest rate changes. There is also the risk that an issuer of a fixed income security will fail to make timely payments of principal and/or interest to a Fund, a risk that is greater with high-yield bonds (sometimes called “junk bonds”) in which one or more of the Funds may invest. Some issuers, particularly of high-yield bonds, may default as to principal and/or interest payments after a Fund purchases their securities. A default, or concerns in the market about an increase in risk of default, may result in losses to each Fund. High-yield bonds are subject to greater price fluctuations and increased liquidity risk, as well as additional risks.

 

162

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Focused Growth Fund and Focused Large Cap Value Fund are non-diversified mutual funds under the Act. The value of each Fund’s investments may be more adversely affected by a single economic, political or regulatory event than the value of the investments of a diversified mutual fund.

 

Geopolitical and other events (e.g., wars, terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 outbreak which began in late 2019) may disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets, thereby decreasing the value of the Fund’s investments. Market disruptions can also prevent the Fund from implementing its investment strategies and achieving its investment objective.

 

Durable Growth Fund, Focused Growth Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund, Global Equity Research Fund and Health Care Fund are newly organized and there can be no assurance that a Fund will reach or maintain a sufficient asset size to effectively implement its investment strategy. A Fund’s gross expense ratio may fluctuate during its initial operating period because of the Fund’s relatively smaller asset size and, until the Fund achieves sufficient scale, a Fund shareholder may experience proportionally higher Fund expenses than would be experienced by shareholders of a fund with a larger asset base.

 

These factors can affect each Fund’s performance.

 

16. SUMMARY OF CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS  

 

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

Alpha Strategy Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   1,663,166   $34,244,773    1,936,873   $44,322,451 
Converted from Class C*   238,324    4,795,186    716,346    17,053,037 
Reinvestment of distributions   2,522,201    56,648,626    2,793,742    56,209,490 
Shares reacquired   (3,502,384)   (71,437,681)   (4,466,691)   (104,513,019)
Increase   921,307   $24,250,904    980,270   $13,071,959 
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   373,386   $6,295,338    648,264   $11,881,327 
Reinvestment of distributions   745,028    13,276,398    999,837    16,617,299 
Shares reacquired   (1,070,868)   (18,230,110)   (2,128,169)   (41,118,494)
Converted to Class A*   (299,432)   (4,795,186)   (870,238)   (17,053,037)
Decrease   (251,886)  $(3,453,560)   (1,350,306)  $(29,672,905)
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   726,338   $15,542,583    2,031,440   $47,362,668 
Reinvestment of distributions   772,654    17,500,621    958,776    19,415,210 
Shares reacquired   (2,552,079)   (49,483,428)   (3,310,986)   (77,171,909)
Decrease   (1,053,087)  $(16,440,224)   (320,770)  $(10,394,031)
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold   297,664   $5,942,650    306,118   $7,490,426 
Reinvestment of distributions   177,457    4,127,641    206,700    4,274,550 
Shares reacquired   (289,591)   (6,206,021)   (444,819)   (10,871,528)
Increase   185,530   $3,864,270    67,999   $893,448 

 

163

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Alpha Strategy Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class I Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   525,108   $11,052,785    710,550   $17,555,047 
Reinvestment of distributions   508,610    11,799,741    474,059    9,789,326 
Shares reacquired   (476,459)   (9,812,160)   (649,328)   (15,636,447)
Increase   557,259   $13,040,366    535,281   $11,707,926 
                     
Class R2 Shares                    
Shares sold   8,479   $178,709    16,203   $348,739 
Reinvestment of distributions   7,418    159,120    6,506    126,278 
Shares reacquired   (16,895)   (306,393)   (57,525)   (1,360,572)
Increase (decrease)   (998)  $31,436    (34,816)  $(885,555)
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold   77,855   $1,547,310    133,797   $3,056,487 
Reinvestment of distributions   165,768    3,583,900    187,841    3,664,779 
Shares reacquired   (274,609)   (5,675,027)   (278,393)   (6,386,647)
Increase (decrease)   (30,986)  $(543,817)   43,245   $334,619 
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold   28,550   $610,181    50,981   $1,190,516 
Reinvestment of distributions   20,202    452,531    19,121    383,942 
Shares reacquired   (18,440)   (379,558)   (47,528)   (1,122,234)
Increase   30,312   $683,154    22,574   $452,224 
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold   7,571   $177,471    10,161   $275,029 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,707    39,612    1,961    40,519 
Shares reacquired   (401)   (7,216)   (4,044)   (91,221)
Increase   8,877   $209,867    8,078   $224,327 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   19,534   $417,791    42,360   $1,025,818 
Reinvestment of distributions   9,684    225,350    8,857    183,260 
Shares reacquired   (15,988)   (310,236)   (11,481)   (286,551)
Increase   13,230   $332,905    39,736   $922,527 
                     
Durable Growth Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)(a)
           
Class A Shares   Shares   Amount           
Shares sold   68,043   $1,025,110           
Reinvestment of distributions   12    185           
Shares reacquired   (17,823)   (270,347)          
Increase   50,232   $754,948           
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   8,559   $128,296           
Shares reacquired   (831)   (12,237)          
Increase   7,728   $116,059           

 

164

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Durable Growth Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)(a)
                 
Class F Shares  Shares   Amount                 
Shares sold   33,334   $500,000                 
Reinvestment of distributions   32    493                 
Shares reacquired   (16,481)   (251,000)                
Increase   16,885   $249,493                 
                           
Class F3 Shares                          
Shares sold   7,334   $110,000                 
Reinvestment of distributions   8    128                 
Increase   7,342   $110,128                 
                           
Class I Shares                          
Shares sold   11,465,994   $190,824,868                 
Reinvestment of distributions   38    573                 
Shares reacquired   (265,108)   (4,070,681)                
Increase   11,200,924   $186,754,760                 
                           
Class R3 Shares                          
Shares sold   666.90   $10,000                 
Reinvestment of distributions       4                 
Shares reacquired       59                 
Increase   666.90   $10,063                 
                           
Class R4 Shares                          
Shares sold   667   $10,000                 
Reinvestment of distributions       8                 
Increase   667   $10,008                 
                           
Class R5 Shares                          
Shares sold   666   $10,000                 
Reinvestment of distributions   1.43    12                 
Increase   667.43   $10,012                 
                           
Class R6 Shares                          
Shares sold   41,841   $631,900                 
Reinvestment of distributions   38    583                 
Shares reacquired   (32,830)   (499,964)                
Increase   9,049   $132,519                 
               
Focused Growth Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
     Year Ended
October 31, 2019(b)
 
Class A Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   136,092   $2,327,465    313,088   $4,982,505 
Converted from Class C*   18    272         
Shares reacquired   (142,446)   (2,203,094)   (5,247)   (86,577)
Increase (decrease)   (6,336)  $124,643    307,841   $4,895,928 

 

165

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Focused Growth Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
     Year Ended
October 31, 2019(b)
 
Class C Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   17,178   $289,775    9,893   $150,587 
Shares reacquired   (2,521)   (43,242)        
Converted to Class A *   (18)   (272)        
Increase   14,639   $246,261    9,893   $150,587 
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   20,217   $364,979    65,436   $1,018,838 
Shares reacquired   (1,218)   (19,258)   (2,275)   (37,420)
Increase   18,999   $345,721    63,161   $981,418 
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    33,333   $500,000 
Increase (decrease)      $    33,333   $500,000 
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   5,482   $95,141    118,709   $1,862,022 
Shares reacquired   (8,953)   (145,028)   (24,990)   (414,549)
Increase (decrease)   (3,471)  $(49,887)   93,719   $1,447,473 
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.66   $10,000 
Increase (decrease)      $    666.66   $10,000 
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.66   $10,000 
Increase      $    666.66   $10,000 
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.67   $10,000 
Increase      $    666.67   $10,000 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   39,276   $707,293    114,343   $1,820,777 
Shares reacquired   (1,236)   (21,967)        
Increase   38,040   $685,326    114,343   $1,820,777 
                     
Focused Large Cap Value Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
      Year Ended
October 31, 2019(c)
 
Class A Shares   Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount 
Shares sold   56,389   $749,441    34,405   $511,285 
Reinvestment of distributions   182    2,767         
Shares reacquired   (20,299)   (318,990)        
Increase   36,272   $433,218    34,405   $511,285 
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   6,923   $74,336    7,903   $118,476 
Reinvestment of distributions   21    326         
Shares reacquired           (570)   (8,082)
Increase   6,944   $74,662    7,333   $110,394 

 

166

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Focused Large Cap Value Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019(c)
 
Class F Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   4,809   $62,373    33,333   $500,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   196    2,983         
Increase   5,005   $65,356    33,333   $500,000 
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    33,333   $500,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   211    3,214         
Increase   211   $3,214    33,333   $500,000 
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   18,610,201   $190,010,000    2,612,058   $38,394,069 
Reinvestment of distributions   16,392    249,649         
Shares reacquired           (22,341)   (332,212)
Increase   18,626,593   $190,259,649    2,589,717   $38,061,857 
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.67   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   2.81    43         
Increase   2.81   $43    666.67   $10,000 
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.67   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   3.50    53         
Increase   3.50   $53    666.67   $10,000 
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.67   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   4    64         
Increase   4   $64    666.67   $10,000 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   13,495   $151,718    35,008   $525,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   211    3,213         
Increase   13,706   $154,931    35,008   $525,000 
                     
Focused Small Cap Value Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
        Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares   Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount 
Shares sold   414,073   $8,749,295    11,847   $281,257 
Reinvestment of distributions   42,884    930,586    37,848    921,231 
Shares reacquired   (382,945)   (5,991,722)   (41,661)   (1,035,362)
Increase   74,012   $3,688,159    8,034   $167,126 
                     
Class C Shares(d)                    
Shares sold   3,761   $77,127    365.10   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   69    1,597         
Shares reacquired       6         
Increase   3,830   $78,730    365.10   $10,000 

 

167

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Focused Small Cap Value Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class F Shares(d)  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   3,217.09   $63,500    365.10   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   64.09    1,500         
Shares reacquired   (668.90)   (9,532)        
Increase   2,612.28   $55,468    365.10   $10,000 
                     
Class F3 Shares(d)                    
Shares sold      $    365.10   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   64    1,500         
Increase   64   $1,500    365.10   $10,000 
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   196,530   $4,404,797    161,876   $4,447,058 
Reinvestment of distributions   699,990    16,379,773    636,560    16,499,645 
Shares reacquired   (383,111)   (9,747,446)   (694,231)   (17,750,531)
Increase   513,409   $11,037,124    104,205   $3,196,172 
                     
Class R3 Shares(d)                    
Shares sold      $    365.10   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   64.22    1,500         
Increase   64.22   $1,500    365.10   $10,000 
                     
Class R4 Shares(d)                    
Shares sold      $    365.10   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   64.14    1,500         
Increase   64.14   $1,500    365.10   $10,000 
                     
Class R5 Shares(d)                    
Shares sold      $    365.10   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   64.09    1,500         
Increase   64.09   $1,500    365.10   $10,000 
                     
Class R6 Shares(d)                    
Shares sold   21,684   $490,199    49,829   $1,318,610 
Reinvestment of distributions   64    1,500         
Shares reacquired   (10,855)   (177,821)        
Increase   10,893   $313,878    49,829   $1,318,610 
                     
Fundamental Equity Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
        Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares   Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount 
Shares sold   2,689,599   $27,752,549    4,718,174   $55,165,061 
Converted from Class C*   735,959    7,782,997    3,683,848    44,448,681 
Reinvestment of distributions   11,401,122    132,024,995    10,083,565    115,658,483 
Shares reacquired   (17,121,473)   (184,075,969)   (27,315,112)   (324,121,133)
Shares issued in reorganization (See Note 17)           4,361,818    52,385,435 
Decrease   (2,294,793)  $(16,515,428)   (4,467,707)  $(56,463,473)

 

168

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Fundamental Equity Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class C Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   517,663   $4,810,050    870,720   $8,928,523 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,522,175    15,434,858    1,754,685    17,845,137 
Shares reacquired   (2,232,183)   (21,370,259)   (6,028,943)   (63,103,130)
Converted to Class A*   (841,709)   (7,782,997)   (4,170,352)   (44,448,681)
Shares issued in reorganization (See Note 17)           1,107,914    11,777,130 
Decrease   (1,034,054)  $(8,908,348)   (6,465,976)  $(69,001,021)
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   868,170   $9,581,331    2,235,497   $26,350,493 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,631,329    18,629,776    1,532,614    17,364,522 
Shares reacquired   (4,488,069)   (47,510,344)   (10,171,607)   (118,364,600)
Shares issued in reorganization (See Note 17)           1,405,515    16,683,465 
Decrease   (1,988,570)  $(19,299,237)   (4,997,981)  $(57,966,120)
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold   157,676   $1,762,375    179,608   $2,191,371 
Reinvestment of distributions   180,261    2,109,059    153,157    1,772,029 
Shares reacquired   (358,257)   (3,987,490)   (528,928)   (6,385,071)
Shares issued in reorganization (See Note 17)           241,589    2,930,474 
Increase (decrease)   (20,320)  $(116,056)   45,426   $508,803 
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   11,997,835   $133,916,107    22,514,073   $280,040,627 
Reinvestment of distributions   5,308,220    61,787,685    674,198    7,773,499 
Shares reacquired   (20,771,764)   (195,318,949)   (9,822,144)   (118,890,371)
Shares issued in reorganization (See Note 17)           27,933,427    337,435,793 
Increase (decrease)   (3,465,709)  $384,843    41,299,554   $506,359,548 
                     
Class P Shares                    
Shares sold   23,446   $236,541    39,457   $460,418 
Reinvestment of distributions   45,179    512,324    40,900    460,530 
Shares reacquired   (117,558)   (1,285,192)   (119,152)   (1,397,845)
Decrease   (48,933)  $(536,327)   (38,795)  $(476,897)
                     
Class R2 Shares                    
Shares sold   28,853   $294,214    136,576   $1,594,416 
Reinvestment of distributions   25,618    290,000    16,758    188,189 
Shares reacquired   (48,518)   (555,590)   (160,033)   (1,897,172)
Shares issued in reorganization (See Note 17)           43,370    509,602 
Increase   5,953   $28,624    36,671   $395,035 

 

169

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Fundamental Equity Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class R3 Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   1,102,520   $11,324,232    685,521   $8,057,902 
Reinvestment of distributions   877,394    9,958,420    863,530    9,723,346 
Shares reacquired   (1,418,760)   (15,007,613)   (2,982,209)   (35,034,683)
Increase (decrease)   561,154   $6,275,039    (1,433,158)  $(17,253,435)
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold   53,219   $585,824    101,971   $1,217,294 
Reinvestment of distributions   36,123    415,774    28,501    324,914 
Shares reacquired   (128,088)   (1,402,637)   (150,357)   (1,834,834)
Decrease   (38,746)  $(401,039)   (19,885)  $(292,626)
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold   61,723   $734,568    76,473   $912,647 
Reinvestment of distributions   10,804    125,869    6,197    71,449 
Shares reacquired   (33,526)   (355,683)   (30,030)   (368,002)
Increase   39,001   $504,754    52,640   $616,094 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   101,165   $1,153,434    630,249   $7,306,094 
Reinvestment of distributions   156,188    1,828,961    88,317    1,022,708 
Shares reacquired   (808,748)   (8,548,615)   (487,162)   (6,011,663)
Increase (decrease)   (551,395)  $(5,566,220)   231,404   $2,317,139 
                     
Global Equity Research Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
        Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares   Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount 
Shares sold   51,182   $586,556    53,087   $547,006 
Converted from Class C*   27    323    213    2,344 
Reinvestment of distributions   3,449    41,353    14,647    143,542 
Shares reacquired   (51,856)   (608,703)   (45,581)   (495,091)
Increase   2,802   $19,529    22,366   $197,801 
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   7,845   $90,626    11,438   $121,417 
Reinvestment of distributions   157    1,871    2,799    27,287 
Shares reacquired   (5,800)   (64,779)   (27,655)   (302,168)
Converted to Class A*   (27)   (323)   (214)   (2,344)
Increase (decrease)   2,175   $27,395    (13,632)  $(155,808)
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   82   $1,000    77,850   $888,980 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,452    17,441    5,822    57,059 
Shares reacquired   (78,536)   (926,233)   (2,391)   (27,496)
Increase (decrease)   (77,002)  $(907,792)   81,281   $918,543 

 

170

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Global Equity Research Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class F3 Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Reinvestment of distributions   15   $181    56   $551 
Increase   15   $181    56   $551 
                     
Class I Shares                    
Reinvestment of distributions   1,484   $17,804    5,619   $55,069 
Increase   1,484   $17,804    5,619   $55,069 
                     
Class R2 Shares                    
Reinvestment of distributions   9   $107    49   $487 
Increase   9   $107    49   $487 
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold   725   $8,401    3,162   $34,863 
Reinvestment of distributions   160    1,908    824    8,046 
Shares reacquired   (6)   (70)   (1,598)   (16,908)
Increase   879   $10,239    2,388   $26,001 
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Reinvestment of distributions   13    150    54    531 
Increase   13   $150    54   $531 
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Reinvestment of distributions   15    182    58    562 
Increase   15   $182    58   $562 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   7,791   $96,332    56,579   $612,293 
Shares reacquired   (19,262)   (234,253)   (18,445)   (202,934)
Increase (decrease)   (11,471)  $(137,921)   38,134   $409,359 
                   
Growth Leaders Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
        Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares   Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount 
Shares sold   8,044,299   $223,387,873    9,574,121   $260,894,777 
Converted from Class C*   149,952    4,183,187    450,402    12,611,775 
Reinvestment of distributions   2,858,584    78,067,940    5,703,953    131,362,113 
Shares reacquired   (6,740,917)   (183,820,733)   (10,904,698)   (291,740,042)
Increase   4,311,918   $121,818,267    4,823,778   $113,128,623 
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   3,129,408   $79,437,673    4,874,829   $120,614,002 
Reinvestment of distributions   2,026,352    50,820,908    4,194,598    90,016,077 
Shares reacquired   (3,596,423)   (91,472,969)   (5,890,335)   (145,940,340)
Converted to Class A*   (163,574)   (4,183,187)   (485,536)   (12,611,775)
Increase   1,395,763   $34,602,425    2,693,556   $52,077,964 

 

171

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Growth Leaders Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class F Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   12,485,811   $354,616,739    17,961,047   $493,296,464 
Reinvestment of distributions   3,547,411    98,830,859    7,214,078    168,809,431 
Shares reacquired   (11,593,788)   (326,130,544)   (19,155,816)   (517,175,665)
Increase   4,439,434   $127,317,054    6,019,309   $144,930,230 
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold   1,107,513   $31,436,335    1,460,074   $41,997,664 
Reinvestment of distributions   212,922    5,998,021    297,904    7,036,481 
Shares reacquired   (451,331)   (12,919,393)   (688,380)   (19,372,905)
Increase   869,104   $24,514,963    1,069,598   $29,661,240 
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   5,033,002   $149,061,506    4,186,429   $118,557,567 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,446,088    40,562,759    4,452,801    104,818,928 
Shares reacquired   (3,694,399)   (106,854,921)   (14,025,170)   (393,625,778)
Increase (decrease)   2,784,691   $82,769,344    (5,385,940)  $(170,249,283)
                     
Class R2 Shares                    
Shares sold   29,666   $826,377    21,383   $552,400 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,660    44,544    3,881    88,243 
Shares reacquired   (51,525)   (1,423,609)   (29,433)   (799,202)
Decrease   (20,199)  $(552,688)   (4,169)  $(158,559)
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold   50,108   $1,367,861    79,419   $2,148,140 
Reinvestment of distributions   42,361    1,134,001    105,069    2,381,915 
Shares reacquired   (61,456)   (1,628,506)   (216,716)   (5,723,924)
Increase (decrease)   31,013   $873,356    (32,228)  $(1,193,869)
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold   146,427   $4,091,846    86,092   $2,250,949 
Reinvestment of distributions   10,913    298,136    14,565    335,582 
Shares reacquired   (59,062)   (1,641,111)   (84,758)   (2,346,240)
Increase   98,278   $2,748,871    15,899   $240,291 
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold   62,317   $1,883,667    129,982   $3,744,733 
Reinvestment of distributions   26,421    741,362    56,291    1,325,659 
Shares reacquired   (75,645)   (2,210,464)   (150,726)   (4,168,242)
Increase   13,093   $414,565    35,547   $902,150 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   323,151   $9,273,698    575,215   $15,789,971 
Reinvestment of distributions   57,545    1,621,043    73,296    1,731,263 
Shares reacquired   (386,326)   (11,459,854)   (236,259)   (6,656,765)
Increase (decrease)   (5,630)  $(565,113)   412,252   $10,864,469 

 

172

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Health Care Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
     Year Ended
October 31, 2019(c)
 
Class A Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   32,489   $511,036    62,564   $927,336 
Shares reacquired   (23,675)   (367,133)        
Increase   8,814   $143,903    62,564   $927,336 
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   2,431   $38,975    8,941   $132,309 
Shares reacquired   (1,848)   (27,396)        
Increase   583   $11,579    8,941   $132,309 
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   189   $3,021    33,333   $500,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   2    37         
Increase   191   $3,058    33,333   $500,000 
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    33,333   $500,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   23    346         
Increase   23   $346    33,333   $500,000 
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold      $    7,333   $110,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   4    54         
Increase   4   $54    7,333   $110,000 
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.67   $10,000 
Increase (decrease)      $    666.67   $10,000 
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.67   $10,000 
Increase      $    666.67   $10,000 
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold      $    666.67   $10,000 
Reinvestment of distributions   0.30    5         
Increase   0.30   $5    666.67   $10,000 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   52,183   $824,158    33,377   $500,613 
Reinvestment of distributions   23    346         
Shares reacquired   (527)   (7,000)        
Increase   51,679   $817,504    33,377   $500,613 

 

173

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

International Equity Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   371,520   $4,621,802    767,237   $9,361,078 
Converted from Class C*   38,708    478,567    56,367    712,132 
Reinvestment of distributions   189,205    2,569,398    332,029    3,801,727 
Shares reacquired   (1,868,953)   (22,776,401)   (3,571,725)   (44,065,459)
Decrease   (1,269,520)  $(15,106,634)   (2,416,092)  $(30,190,522)
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   27,500   $328,907    64,962   $787,135 
Reinvestment of distributions   5,241    71,063    9,329    106,626 
Shares reacquired   (98,563)   (1,172,935)   (270,455)   (3,316,716)
Converted to Class A*   (38,832)   (478,567)   (56,744)   (712,132)
Decrease   (104,654)  $(1,251,532)   (252,908)  $(3,135,087)
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   101,416   $1,346,499    216,036   $2,660,956 
Reinvestment of distributions   58,860    794,606    110,757    1,260,411 
Shares reacquired   (3,026,942)   (37,410,592)   (1,426,548)   (17,554,903)
Decrease   (2,866,666)  $(35,269,487)   (1,099,755)  $(13,633,536)
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold   23,150   $304,798    40,455   $507,547 
Reinvestment of distributions   5,612    76,992    9,709    112,239 
Shares reacquired   (52,712)   (675,559)   (123,719)   (1,546,723)
Decrease   (23,950)  $(293,769)   (73,555)  $(926,937)
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   22,512   $278,269    553,797   $6,945,062 
Reinvestment of distributions   243,036    3,329,599    549,976    6,346,721 
Shares reacquired   (1,191,639)   (16,093,600)   (8,753,899)   (110,005,402)
Decrease   (926,091)  $(12,485,732)   (7,650,126)  $(96,713,619)
                     
Class P Shares                    
Shares sold   35   $448    66   $825 
Reinvestment of distributions   40    544    62    706 
Shares reacquired   (95)   (1,278)   (188)   (2,350)
Decrease   (20)  $(286)   (60)  $(819)
                     
Class R2 Shares                    
Shares sold   2,164   $27,561    8,518   $106,300 
Reinvestment of distributions   162    2,195    185    2,126 
Shares reacquired   (22,701)   (242,349)   (5,347)   (67,134)
Increase (decrease)   (20,375)  $(212,593)   3,356   $41,292 
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold   48,914   $589,412    98,258   $1,192,235 
Reinvestment of distributions   6,648    89,018    13,788    155,667 
Shares reacquired   (118,871)   (1,536,642)   (304,335)   (3,711,897)
Decrease   (63,309)  $(858,212)   (192,289)  $(2,363,995)

 

174

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

International Equity Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class R4 Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   13,056   $166,849    29,206   $360,320 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,212    16,392    1,800    20,518 
Shares reacquired   (23,070)   (290,421)   (19,307)   (236,550)
Increase (decrease)   (8,802)  $(107,180)   11,699   $144,288 
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold   486   $5,484    861   $10,950 
Reinvestment of distributions   105    1,430    140    1,612 
Shares reacquired   (2,919)   (39,436)   (509)   (6,415)
Increase (decrease)   (2,328)  $(32,522)   492   $6,147 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   2,612   $34,969    13,196   $155,346 
Reinvestment of distributions   153    2,096    186    2,148 
Shares reacquired   (20,813)   (251,174)   (43,449)   (555,033)
Decrease   (18,048)  $(214,109)   (30,067)  $(397,539)
                     
International Opportunities Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
        Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares   Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount 
Shares sold   519,662   $7,876,300    773,410   $11,705,432 
Converted from Class C*   26,143    387,210    38,705    601,117 
Reinvestment of distributions   87,790    1,454,675    1,093,179    15,282,642 
Shares reacquired   (1,489,885)   (22,225,893)   (4,262,836)   (65,159,953)
Decrease   (856,290)  $(12,507,708)   (2,357,542)  $(37,570,762)
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   98,072   $1,441,409    171,903   $2,372,915 
Reinvestment of distributions   6,381    98,205    230,489    2,991,751 
Shares reacquired   (431,189)   (5,832,280)   (1,011,279)   (14,347,970)
Converted to Class A*   (28,201)   (387,210)   (41,834)   (601,117)
Decrease   (354,937)  $(4,679,876)   (650,721)  $(9,584,421)
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   551,412   $8,118,446    3,127,784   $46,668,008 
Reinvestment of distributions   62,373    1,022,286    931,165    12,868,695 
Shares reacquired   (2,884,002)   (42,339,014)   (10,678,693)   (163,231,093)
Decrease   (2,270,217)  $(33,198,282)   (6,619,744)  $(103,694,390)
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold   174,111   $2,580,066    256,576   $4,086,577 
Reinvestment of distributions   16,393    280,820    156,610    2,259,887 
Shares reacquired   (250,361)   (3,831,476)   (533,032)   (8,479,003)
Decrease   (59,857)  $(970,590)   (119,846)  $(2,132,539)

 

175

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

International Opportunities Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class I Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   300,797   $4,684,842    1,468,815   $23,403,291 
Reinvestment of distributions   184,630    3,147,949    1,638,684    23,564,274 
Shares reacquired   (2,481,267)   (37,728,982)   (3,315,166)   (52,601,168)
Decrease   (1,995,840)  $(29,896,191)   (207,667)  $(5,633,603)
                     
Class P Shares                    
Shares sold   2,044   $34,125    498   $7,839 
Reinvestment of distributions   52    891    776    11,144 
Shares reacquired   (682)   (10,196)   (3,099)   (50,736)
Increase (decrease)   1,414   $24,820    (1,825)  $(31,753)
                     
Class R2 Shares                    
Shares sold   32,580   $440,897    74,942   $1,138,054 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,631    26,601    21,672    298,204 
Shares reacquired   (64,565)   (905,640)   (95,660)   (1,451,607)
Increase (decrease)   (30,354)  $(438,142)   954   $(15,349)
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold   116,479   $1,618,747    381,954   $5,669,574 
Reinvestment of distributions   11,544    187,243    268,932    3,678,988 
Shares reacquired   (382,576)   (5,248,511)   (1,558,908)   (23,275,731)
Decrease   (254,553)  $(3,442,521)   (908,022)  $(13,927,169)
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold   63,707   $932,290    210,639   $3,269,594 
Reinvestment of distributions   4,037    66,568    24,276    337,923 
Shares reacquired   (94,997)   (1,516,729)   (174,290)   (2,752,340)
Increase (decrease)   (27,253)  $(517,871)   60,625   $855,177 
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold   110,808   $1,633,978    318,352   $4,896,019 
Reinvestment of distributions   15,637    266,448    270,315    3,884,423 
Shares reacquired   (555,460)   (7,517,585)   (1,799,660)   (28,372,327)
Decrease   (429,015)  $(5,617,159)   (1,210,993)  $(19,591,885)
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   518,017   $7,816,160    1,165,326   $18,507,105 
Reinvestment of distributions   24,719    423,436    224,744    3,243,056 
Shares reacquired   (697,703)   (10,543,575)   (1,361,388)   (21,573,085)
Increase (decrease)   (154,967)  $(2,303,979)   28,682   $177,076 
                     
International Value Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
        Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares   Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount 
Shares sold   1,876,265   $11,794,051    3,801,220   $25,543,177 
Converted from Class C*   75,227    483,423    399,257    2,749,743 
Reinvestment of distributions   224,803    1,508,671    1,174,724    7,982,832 
Shares reacquired   (5,905,645)   (37,354,667)   (11,762,268)   (79,261,194)
Decrease   (3,729,350)  $(23,568,522)   (6,387,067)  $(42,985,442)

 

176

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

International Value Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class C Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   88,636   $568,938    156,977   $1,052,086 
Reinvestment of distributions   10,411    75,795    112,990    766,245 
Shares reacquired   (755,932)   (4,749,957)   (2,080,259)   (13,904,624)
Converted to Class A*   (75,912)   (483,423)   (402,931)   (2,749,743)
Decrease   (732,797)  $(4,588,647)   (2,213,223)  $(14,836,036)
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   667,691   $4,389,414    2,762,728   $18,744,587 
Reinvestment of distributions   32,378    216,526    164,638    1,121,397 
Shares reacquired   (1,971,811)   (11,984,421)   (5,543,501)   (37,378,303)
Decrease   (1,271,742)  $(7,378,481)   (2,616,135)  $(17,512,319)
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold   413,089   $2,611,321    818,922   $5,549,050 
Reinvestment of distributions   27,163    179,938    123,243    841,245 
Shares reacquired   (619,399)   (4,009,060)   (1,391,262)   (9,491,928)
Decrease   (179,147)  $(1,217,801)   (449,097)  $(3,101,633)
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   2,848,793   $16,857,427    2,593,354   $17,570,912 
Reinvestment of distributions   230,836    1,531,197    1,169,360    7,984,324 
Shares reacquired   (3,285,316)   (22,375,737)   (18,398,216)   (124,903,980)
Decrease   (205,687)  $(3,987,113)   (14,635,502)  $(99,348,744)
                     
Class R2 Shares                    
Shares sold   502   $3,445    19,777   $136,968 
Reinvestment of distributions           75    523 
Shares reacquired   (60,318)   (432,491)   (10,637)   (73,753)
Increase (decrease)   (59,816)  $(429,046)   9,215   $63,738 
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold   74,378   $475,381    115,300   $783,081 
Reinvestment of distributions   4,888    33,868    29,117    200,440 
Shares reacquired   (102,845)   (664,434)   (294,971)   (2,025,828)
Decrease   (23,579)  $(155,185)   (150,554)  $(1,042,307)
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold   2,527   $17,507    1,440   $9,542 
Reinvestment of distributions   35    229    160    1,084 
Shares reacquired   (725)   (5,111)   (2,401)   (16,297)
Increase (decrease)   1,837   $12,625    (801)  $(5,671)
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold   34   $182    258   $1,756 
Reinvestment of distributions   12    78    54    367 
Shares reacquired           (264)   (1,831)
Increase   46   $260    48   $292 

 

177

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

International Value Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class R6 Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   6,804   $43,743    15,922   $108,706 
Reinvestment of distributions   17    114    78    532 
Shares reacquired   (47,985)   (275,777)   (61,084)   (413,122)
Decrease   (41,164)  $(231,920)   (45,084)  $(303,884)
                     
Value Opportunities Fund       Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
        Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares   Shares    Amount    Shares    Amount 
Shares sold   2,037,749   $31,835,740    3,752,897   $66,187,933 
Converted from Class C*   296,461    4,700,322    1,149,150    20,901,483 
Reinvestment of distributions   4,842,769    81,745,942    4,554,701    78,887,425 
Shares reacquired   (8,093,544)   (130,262,076)   (15,125,658)   (266,938,327)
Decrease   (916,565)  $(11,980,072)   (5,668,910)  $(100,961,486)
                     
Class C Shares                    
Shares sold   256,402   $3,567,762    529,849   $8,095,824 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,138,754    16,511,937    1,402,722    21,307,340 
Shares reacquired   (2,057,742)   (29,218,969)   (4,878,778)   (75,020,977)
Converted to Class A*   (345,927)   (4,700,322)   (1,317,261)   (20,901,483)
Decrease   (1,008,513)  $(13,839,592)   (4,263,468)  $(66,519,296)
                     
Class F Shares                    
Shares sold   594,521   $9,813,508    2,313,077   $41,740,454 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,260,844    21,812,599    1,639,657    29,021,931 
Shares reacquired   (3,772,400)   (62,201,205)   (12,529,094)   (225,857,303)
Decrease   (1,917,035)  $(30,575,098)   (8,576,360)  $(155,094,918)
                     
Class F3 Shares                    
Shares sold   1,086,820   $17,832,133    2,330,846   $43,518,039 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,568,561    27,904,698    1,620,065    29,371,776 
Shares reacquired   (3,031,848)   (51,980,912)   (6,859,383)   (128,738,522)
Decrease   (376,467)  $(6,244,081)   (2,908,472)  $(55,848,707)
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   567,204   $9,642,557    961,893   $17,806,754 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,753,254    30,997,529    2,179,337    39,337,041 
Shares reacquired   (3,919,127)   (65,089,657)   (10,309,720)   (191,202,476)
Decrease   (1,598,669)  $(24,449,571)   (7,168,490)  $(134,058,681)
                     
Class P Shares                    
Shares sold   50,235   $791,938    92,438   $1,619,819 
Reinvestment of distributions   148,473    2,448,323    137,034    2,324,097 
Shares reacquired   (311,565)   (5,003,757)   (347,892)   (6,125,288)
Decrease   (112,857)  $(1,763,496)   (118,420)  $(2,181,372)

 

178

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Value Opportunities Fund      Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
       Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class R2 Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   33,366   $487,241    110,386   $1,880,618 
Reinvestment of distributions   40,808    654,971    32,716    541,780 
Shares reacquired   (102,331)   (1,531,173)   (169,877)   (2,869,687)
Decrease   (28,157)  $(388,961)   (26,775)  $(447,289)
                     
Class R3 Shares                    
Shares sold   273,763   $4,061,982    513,819   $8,806,383 
Reinvestment of distributions   389,411    6,339,608    426,709    7,151,641 
Shares reacquired   (774,254)   (12,017,502)   (1,870,901)   (32,453,823)
Decrease   (111,080)  $(1,615,912)   (930,373)  $(16,495,799)
                     
Class R4 Shares                    
Shares sold   133,023   $2,102,299    254,756   $4,545,894 
Reinvestment of distributions   272,329    4,591,465    259,988    4,497,790 
Shares reacquired   (473,825)   (7,830,731)   (949,223)   (16,963,873)
Decrease   (68,473)  $(1,136,967)   (434,479)  $(7,920,189)
                     
Class R5 Shares                    
Shares sold   25,438   $470,411    65,981   $1,178,244 
Reinvestment of distributions   16,871    298,450    9,247    166,992 
Shares reacquired   (64,072)   (1,150,713)   (36,590)   (676,241)
Increase (decrease)   (21,763)  $(381,852)   38,638   $668,995 
                     
Class R6 Shares                    
Shares sold   220,528   $3,799,232    766,687   $13,913,406 
Reinvestment of distributions   205,390    3,651,835    400,545    7,257,877 
Shares reacquired   (786,019)   (14,044,022)   (3,717,129)   (69,502,811)
Decrease   (360,101)  $(6,592,955)   (2,549,897)  $(48,331,528)

 

* Automatic conversion of Class C shares occurs on the 25th day of the month (or, if the 25th day was not a business day, the next business day thereafter) following the tenth anniversary of the day on which the purchase order was accepted.
(a) Commenced on November 1, 2019.
(b) Commenced on January 30, 2019.
(c) Commenced on July 26, 2019.
(d) Commenced on June 28, 2019.

 

17. REORGANIZATION  

 

The following table illustrates share conversion ratios and dollar amounts of the reorganization on February 22, 2019:

 

Class  Calibrated Large
Cap Value Fund
Shares
  Conversion
Ratio
  Fundamental
Equity Fund
Shares
  Fundamental
Equity Fund
Amount
A  2,635,997  1.654713  4,361,818  $52,385,435
C  602,069  1.840179  1,107,914  11,777,130
F  837,536  1.678115  1,405,515  16,683,465
F3  147,215  1.641063  241,589  2,930,474
I  16,963,051  1.646722  27,933,427  337,435,793
R2  25,481  1.702043  43,370  509,602
R3  4,531  1.675276  7,590  89,490
R4  630  1.659422  1,046  12,488
R5  634  1.644442  1,043  12,604
R6  102,702  1.639275  168,358  2,043,859

 

179

 

Investments in Underlying Funds (unaudited)

 

Alpha Strategy Fund invests in Underlying Funds managed by Lord Abbett. As of April 30, 2020, Alpha Strategy Fund’s long-term investments were allocated among the Underlying Funds as follows:

 

Underlying Fund Name  % of Investments  
Lord Abbett Developing Growth Fund, Inc. – Class I   20.40%
Lord Abbett Research Fund, Inc. – Small-Cap Value Fund – Class I   19.61%
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Focused Small-Cap Value Fund – Class I   9.19%
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – International Opportunities Fund – Class I   19.99%
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Micro-Cap Growth Fund – Class I   10.66%
Lord Abbett Securities Trust – Value Opportunities Fund – Class I   20.15%

 

The Ten Largest Holdings and the Holdings by Sector, as of April 30, 2020, for each Underlying Fund are presented below. Each Underlying Fund’s annual and semiannual reports, which are sent to shareholders and filed with the SEC, contain information about the Underlying Fund’s portfolio holdings, including a complete schedule of holdings. A complete schedule of holdings for each Underlying Fund is also filed with the SEC on Form N-PORT as of the end of each respective Underlying Fund’s first and third quarters. In addition, on or about the first day of the second month following each calendar quarter-end, each Fund makes publicly available a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings as of the last day of each such quarter. The information for the most recently ended calendar quarter may be viewed at www.lordabbett.com or requested at no charge by calling Lord Abbett at 888-522-2388.

 

Lord Abbett Developing Growth Fund, Inc.

 

Ten Largest Holdings  % of Investments  
Inphi Corp.   2.63%
Five9, Inc.   2.42%
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   2.12%
Generac Holdings, Inc.   2.05%
Chegg, Inc.   1.97%
Teladoc Health, Inc.   1.78%
Wingstop, Inc.   1.68%
Everbridge, Inc.   1.64%
YETI Holdings, Inc.   1.62%
SVMK, Inc.   1.62%
      
Holdings by Sector*  % of Investments  
Consumer Discretionary   15.01%
Consumer Staples   3.22%
Financials   2.90%
Health Care   29.94%
Industrials   11.76%
Information Technology   30.87%
Real Estate   1.47%
Money Market Fund(a)   1.52%
Repurchase Agreement   3.31%
Total   100.00%

 

* A sector may comprise several industries.
(a) Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

180

 

Investments in Underlying Funds (unaudited)(continued)

 

Focused Small Cap Value Fund

 

Ten Largest Holdings  % of Investments  
Malibu Boats, Inc. Class A   3.93%
Masonite International Corp.   3.72%
Lundin Mining Corp.   3.32%
Thor Industries, Inc.   3.23%
Hillenbrand, Inc.   3.07%
LCI Industries   2.92%
Opus Bank   2.90%
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc.   2.89%
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.   2.87%
Bancorp, Inc. (The)   2.81%
      
Holdings by Sector*  % of Investments  
Communication Services   2.01%
Consumer Discretionary   13.53%
Consumer Staples   2.80%
Energy   5.22%
Financials   29.77%
Health Care   2.91%
Industrials   23.50%
Information Technology   6.59%
Materials   8.12%
Real Estate   2.79%
Money Market Fund(a)   2.44%
Repurchase Agreement   0.32%
Total   100.00%

 

* A sector may comprise several industries.
(a) Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

International Opportunities Fund

 

Ten Largest Holdings  % of Investments  
SHO-BOND Holdings Co., Ltd.   2.46%
Azbil Corp.   2.24%
REN - Redes Energeticas Nacionais SGPS SA   1.95%
Andritz AG   1.94%
AusNet Services   1.93%
Anima Holding SpA   1.81%
VanEck Vectors Junior Gold Miners   1.78%
FLSmidth & Co. A/S   1.75%
SIG Combibloc Group AG   1.71%
Nichirei Corp.   1.67%

 

181

 

Investments in Underlying Funds (unaudited)(continued)

 

Holdings by Sector*  % of Investments  
Communication Services   5.14%
Consumer Discretionary   9.78%
Consumer Staples   7.08%
Financials   11.31%
Health Care   7.65%
Industrials   23.71%
Information Technology   14.47%
Materials   7.80%
Real Estate   8.15%
Utilities   3.88%
Repurchase Agreement   1.03%
Total   100.00%

 

* A sector may comprise several industries.

 

Micro Cap Growth Fund

 

Ten Largest Holdings  % of Investments  
Redfin Corp.   2.17%
Endava plc ADR   2.13%
Nevro Corp.   2.13%
Fiverr International Ltd. (Israel)   2.10%
Calix, Inc.   2.06%
OrthoPediatrics Corp.   2.05%
ChemoCentryx, Inc.   1.98%
Limelight Networks, Inc.   1.98%
EverQuote, Inc. Class A   1.98%
iRhythm Technologies, Inc.   1.88%
Total     
      
Holdings by Sector*  % of Investments  
Communication Services   1.80%
Consumer Discretionary   14.79%
Consumer Staples   2.26%
Financials   3.67%
Health Care   36.36%
Industrials   7.07%
Information Technology   22.08%
Real Estate   1.98%
Money Market Fund(a)   8.97%
Repurchase Agreement   1.02%
Total   100.00%

 

* A sector may comprise several industries.
(a) Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

182

 

Investments in Underlying Funds (unaudited)(continued)

 

Lord Abbett Research Fund, Inc. – Small Cap Value Fund

 

Ten Largest Holdings  % of Investments  
NuVasive, Inc.   2.08%
Syneos Health, Inc.   2.05%
Malibu Boats, Inc. Class A   2.01%
Thor Industries, Inc.   1.91%
Bancorp, Inc. (The)   1.89%
STAG Industrial, Inc.   1.84%
Alamo Group, Inc.   1.83%
Landstar System, Inc.   1.82%
First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc.   1.82%
Williams-Sonoma, Inc   1.78%
      
Holdings by Sector*  % of Investments  
Communication Services   1.24%
Consumer Discretionary   9.94%
Consumer Staples   2.84%
Energy   3.99%
Financials   25.73%
Health Care   6.42%
Industrials   16.83%
Information Technology   9.21%
Materials   7.57%
Real Estate   8.59%
Utilities   6.64%
Repurchase Agreement   1.00%
Total   100.00%

 

* A sector may comprise several industries.

 

Value Opportunities Fund

 

Ten Largest Holdings  % of Investments  
Entegris, Inc.   2.50%
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.   2.08%
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.   1.98%
FLIR Systems, Inc.   1.97%
Burlington Stores, Inc.   1.95%
Landstar System, Inc.   1.94%
Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.   1.84%
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.   1.84%
LCI Industries   1.81%
Teradyne, Inc.   1.80%

 

183

 

Investments in Underlying Funds (unaudited)(concluded)

 

Holdings by Sector*  % of Investments  
Communication Services   0.76%
Consumer Discretionary   10.99%
Consumer Staples   0.74%
Energy   1.42%
Financials   15.98%
Health Care   15.27%
Industrials   17.53%
Information Technology   17.60%
Materials   7.54%
Real Estate   6.02%
Utilities   6.04%
Repurchase Agreement   0.11%
Total   100.00%

 

* A sector may comprise several industries.

 

184

 

Approval of Advisory Contract

 

Alpha Strategy Fund

Focused Growth Fund

Focused Large Cap Value Fund

Focused Small Cap Value Fund

Fundamental Equity Fund

Global Equity Research Fund

Growth Leaders Fund

Health Care Fund

International Equity Fund

International Opportunities Fund

International Value Fund

Value Opportunities Fund

 

The Board, including all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Company or of Lord Abbett, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), annually considers whether to approve the continuation of the existing management agreement between each Fund and Lord Abbett (the “Agreement”). In connection with its most recent approval, the Board reviewed materials relating specifically to the Agreement, as well as numerous materials received throughout the course of the year, including information about each Fund’s investment performance compared to the performance of one or more appropriate benchmarks. Before making its decision as to each Fund, the Board had the opportunity to ask questions and request further information, taking into account its knowledge of Lord Abbett gained through its meetings and discussions. These meetings and discussions included reviews of Fund performance conducted by members of the Contract Committee, the deliberations of the Contract Committee, and discussions between the Contract Committee and Lord Abbett’s management. The Independent Trustees also met with their independent legal counsel in various private sessions at which no representatives of management were present.

 

The materials received by the Board as to each Fund included, but were not limited to: (1) for each Fund (other than Focused Growth Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Health Care Fund, each of which commenced operations in 2019), information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions (“Broadridge”) regarding the investment performance of the Fund compared to the investment performance of certain funds with similar investment styles as determined by Broadridge, based, in part, on the Fund’s Morningstar category (the “performance peer group”), and the investment performance of one or more appropriate benchmarks; (2) information provided by Broadridge regarding the expense ratios, contractual and actual management fee rates, and other expense components for the Fund (other than Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Health Care Fund) and certain funds in the same Morningstar category, with generally the same or similar share classes and operational characteristics, including asset size (the “expense peer group”); (3) certain supplemental investment performance information provided by Lord Abbett; (4) information provided by Lord Abbett on the expense ratios, management fee rates, and other expense components for the Fund; (5) sales and redemption information for the Fund; (6) information regarding Lord Abbett’s financial condition; (7) an analysis of the relative profitability of the Agreement to Lord Abbett (for each Fund other than Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Health Care Fund); (8) information provided by Lord Abbett regarding the investment management fee schedules for Lord Abbett’s other advisory clients maintaining accounts with a similar investment strategy as the Fund (in the case of each Fund other than Alpha Strategy Fund, Focused Growth Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund, Focused Small Cap Value Fund, Health Care Fund,

 

185

 

Approval of Advisory Contract (continued)

 

International Equity Fund and International Value Fund); and (9) information regarding the personnel and other resources devoted by Lord Abbett to managing the Fund.

 

Investment Management and Related Services Generally. The Board considered the services provided by Lord Abbett to each Fund, including investment research, portfolio management, and trading, and Lord Abbett’s commitment to compliance with all applicable legal requirements. The Board also observed that Lord Abbett was solely engaged in the investment management business and accordingly did not experience the conflicts of interest that may result from being engaged in other lines of business. The Board considered the investment advisory services provided by Lord Abbett to other clients, the fees charged for the services, and the differences in the nature of the services provided to each Fund and other Lord Abbett Funds, on the one hand, and the services provided to other clients, on the other. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that each Fund was likely to continue to benefit from the nature, extent and quality of the investment services provided by Lord Abbett under the Agreement.

 

Investment Performance. The Board reviewed each Fund’s investment performance in relation to that of its performance peer group and one or more appropriate benchmarks as of various periods ended June 30, 2019. As to Alpha Strategy Fund, Focused Small Cap Value Fund, International Opportunities Fund and Value Opportunities Fund, the Board observed that the Fund’s investment performance was below the median of the performance peer group for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods. As to Fundamental Equity Fund, the Board observed that the Fund’s investment performance was below the median of the performance peer group for the three-year period, but above the median of the performance peer group for the one-, five- and ten-year periods. As to Global Equity Research Fund, the Board observed that the Fund’s investment performance was below the median of the performance peer group for the one-year period. As to Growth Leaders Fund, the Board observed that the Fund’s investment performance was above the median of the performance peer group for the one-, three-, and five-year periods. As to International Equity Fund, the Board observed that the Fund’s investment performance was below the median of the performance peer group for the three-, five- and ten-year periods, but equal to the median of the performance peer group for the one-year period. As to International Value Fund, the Board observed that the Fund’s investment performance was below the median of the performance peer group for the three-, five-and ten-year periods, but above the median of the performance peer group for the one-year period. As to Focused Growth Fund, Focused Large Cap Value Fund, and Health Care Fund, the Board observed that the Fund commenced operations on January 30, 2019, July 26, 2019, and July 26, 2019, respectively, and therefore did not yet have investment performance for a full calendar year. The Board noted that, therefore, it would be prudent to allow the portfolio management team more time to develop its performance record with the Fund. With respect to each Fund, the Board took into account actions taken by Lord Abbett to attempt to improve equity fund performance, including certain changes to the portfolio management teams of certain Funds (in the case of Global Equity Research Fund and International Equity Fund). The Board also took into account changes to the Focused Small Cap Value Fund’s investment strategies, effective July 1, 2019. The Board further considered Lord Abbett’s performance and reputation generally, the performance of other Lord Abbett-managed funds overseen by the Board, and the willingness of Lord Abbett to take steps intended to improve performance when appropriate. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that each Fund’s Agreement should be continued.

 

Lord Abbett’s Personnel and Methods. The Board considered the qualifications of the personnel providing investment management services to each Fund, in light of its investment objective and

 

186

 

Approval of Advisory Contract (continued)

 

discipline, and other services provided to each Fund by Lord Abbett. Among other things, the Board considered the size, experience, and turnover of Lord Abbett’s staff, Lord Abbett’s investment methodology and philosophy, and Lord Abbett’s approach to recruiting, training, and retaining personnel.

 

Nature and Quality of Other Services. The Board considered the nature, quality, and extent of compliance, administrative, and other services performed by Lord Abbett and the nature and extent of Lord Abbett’s supervision of third party service providers, including each Fund’s transfer agent and custodian.

 

Expenses. The Board considered the expense level of each Fund, including the contractual and actual management fee rates, and the expense levels of the Fund’s expense peer group. It also considered how the expense level of each Fund related to those of the expense peer group (or, in the case of Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Health Care Fund, the Fund’s Morningstar category) and the amount and nature of the fees paid by shareholders. As to Alpha Strategy Fund, the Board observed that while the net total expense ratio was above the median of the expense peer group, the Fund’s advisory fee (excluding underlying fund fees) was below the median of the expense peer group. As to each of Focused Growth Fund, Fundamental Equity Fund, Global Equity Research Fund, Growth Leaders Fund, International Equity Fund, International Opportunities Fund, International Value Fund, and Value Opportunities Fund, the Board observed that the net total expense ratio was below the median of the expense peer group. As to Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Health Care Fund, the Board observed that according to Morningstar, the Fund’s net effective management fee was in the top half of its peer group. As to Focused Small Cap Value Fund, the Board observed that while the net total expense ratio was above the median of the expense peer group, the Fund’s advisory fee (excluding other expenses) was equal to the median of the expense peer group. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded, within the context of its overall approval of the Agreement, that the management fees paid by, and expense level of, each Fund were reasonable in light of all of the factors it considered and supported the continuation of the Agreement on behalf of each Fund.

 

Profitability. As to each Fund other than Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Health Care Fund, the Board considered the level of Lord Abbett’s operating margin in managing the Fund, including a review of Lord Abbett’s methodology for allocating its costs to its management of the Fund. It considered whether each Fund was profitable to Lord Abbett in connection with the Fund’s operation, including the fee that Lord Abbett receives from the Fund for providing administrative services to the Fund. The Board considered Lord Abbett’s profit margins excluding Lord Abbett’s marketing and distribution expenses. The Board also considered Lord Abbett’s profit margins, without those exclusions, in comparison with available industry data and how those profit margins could affect Lord Abbett’s ability to recruit and retain personnel. The Board recognized that Lord Abbett’s overall profitability was a factor in enabling it to attract and retain qualified personnel to provide services to each Fund. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded, within the context of its overall approval of the Agreement, that Lord Abbett’s profitability with respect to each Fund was not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale. As to each Fund, the Board considered the extent to which there had been economies of scale in managing the Fund, whether the Fund’s shareholders had appropriately benefited from such economies of scale, and whether there was potential for realization of any further economies of scale. With respect to Alpha Strategy Fund, the Board concluded that the existing management fee schedule adequately addressed any economies of scale in managing the

 

187

 

Approval of Advisory Contract (continued)

 

Fund. With respect to Focused Small Cap Value Fund, the Board concluded that the existing management fee schedule, in conjunction with the Fund’s existing expense limitation agreement, adequately addressed any economies of scale in managing the Fund. With respect to each of Fundamental Equity Fund, Growth Leaders Fund, International Opportunities Fund and Value Opportunities Fund, the Board concluded that the existence of one or more contractual breakpoints in the Fund’s existing management fee schedule adequately addressed any economies of scale in managing the Fund. With respect to Focused Growth Fund, Global Equity Research Fund, International Equity Fund and International Value Fund, the Board concluded that the existence of one or more contractual breakpoints, in conjunction with the Fund’s proposed expense limitation agreement, adequately addressed any economies of scale in managing the Fund. With respect to Focused Large Cap Value Fund and Health Care Fund, the Board concluded that the contractual breakpoint in the existing management fee schedule, in conjunction with the Fund’s existing expense limitation agreement, adequately addressed any economies of scale in managing the Fund.

 

Other Benefits to Lord Abbett. As to each Fund, the Board considered the amount and nature of the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s shareholders to Lord Abbett and the Distributor for services other than investment advisory services, such as the fee that Lord Abbett receives from each Fund for providing administrative services to the Fund. The Board also considered the revenues and profitability of Lord Abbett’s investment advisory business apart from its mutual fund business, and the intangible benefits enjoyed by Lord Abbett by virtue of its relationship with each Fund. The Board observed that the Distributor receives 12b-1 fees from certain of the Lord Abbett Funds as to shares held in accounts for which there is no other broker of record, may retain a portion of the 12b-1 fees it receives, and receives a portion of the sales charges on sales and redemptions of some classes of shares of the Lord Abbett Funds. In addition, the Board observed that Lord Abbett accrues certain benefits for its business of providing investment advice to clients other than the Lord Abbett Funds, but that business also benefits the Funds. The Board also noted that Lord Abbett, as disclosed in the prospectus of each Fund, has entered into revenue sharing arrangements with certain entities that distribute shares of the Lord Abbett Funds. The Board also took into consideration the investment research that Lord Abbett receives as a result of client brokerage transactions.

 

Alternative Arrangements. As to each Fund, the Board considered whether, instead of approving continuation of the Agreement, it might be in the best interests of the Fund to implement one or more alternative arrangements, such as continuing to employ Lord Abbett, but on different terms. After considering all of the relevant factors, the Board unanimously found that continuation of the Agreement was in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders and voted unanimously to approve the continuation of the Agreement on behalf of each Fund. As to each Fund, in considering whether to approve the continuation of the Agreement, the Board did not identify any single factor as paramount or controlling. Individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. This summary does not discuss in detail all matters considered.

 

Durable Growth Fund

 

At the initial organizational meeting for the Durable Growth Fund, the Board, including all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Company or of Lord Abbett, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), considered whether to approve the proposed management agreement between the Fund and Lord Abbett (the “Agreement”). The Board reviewed materials relating specifically to the Agreement before and at the meeting and before making its decision, the Board had the opportunity to ask questions and

 

188

 

Approval of Advisory Contract (continued)

 

request further information. The Board also took into account its knowledge of Lord Abbett gained through its meetings and discussions.

 

The materials received by the Board included, but were not limited to: (1) information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions regarding the expense ratios, contractual and actual management fee rates, and other expense components for the Fund (estimated where appropriate for the Fund) and certain funds in the same Morningstar category, with generally the same or similar share classes and operational characteristics (the “expense peer group”); (2) information provided by Lord Abbett on the estimated expense ratios, management fee rates, and other expense components for the Fund; and (3) information regarding the investment strategies and risks of the Fund and the personnel and other resources devoted by Lord Abbett to managing the Fund.

 

Investment Management and Related Services Generally. The Board considered the services to be provided by Lord Abbett to the Fund, including investment research, portfolio management, and trading, and Lord Abbett’s commitment to compliance with all applicable legal requirements. The Board also observed that Lord Abbett was solely engaged in the investment management business and accordingly did not experience the conflicts of interest that may result from being engaged in other lines of business. The Board considered the investment advisory services provided by Lord Abbett to other clients, the fees charged for the services, and the differences in the nature of the services to be provided to the Fund and currently provided to other Lord Abbett Funds, on the one hand, and the services provided to other clients, on the other. In addition, the Board considered its experience with other funds advised by Lord Abbett. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that the Fund was likely to benefit from the nature, extent and quality of the investment services to be provided by Lord Abbett under the Agreement.

 

Investment Performance. Because the Fund had not yet begun operations, the Fund did not have any investment performance to review. The Board considered Lord Abbett’s performance and reputation generally and the performance of other Lord Abbett-managed funds overseen by the Board.

 

Lord Abbett’s Personnel and Methods. The Board considered the qualifications of the personnel who would provide investment management services to the Fund, in light of its investment objective and discipline, and other services to be provided to the Fund by Lord Abbett. Among other things, the Board considered the size, experience, and turnover of Lord Abbett’s staff, Lord Abbett’s investment methodology and philosophy, and Lord Abbett’s approach to recruiting, training, and retaining personnel.

 

Nature and Quality of Other Services. The Board considered the nature, quality, and extent of compliance, administrative, and other services to be performed by Lord Abbett and the nature and extent of Lord Abbett’s supervision of third party service providers, including the Fund’s transfer agent and custodian.

 

Expenses. The Board considered the estimated expense level of the Fund, including the contractual and actual management fee rates, and the expense levels of the Fund’s expense peer group. It also considered how the Fund’s estimated expense level related to those of the expense peer group and the amount and nature of the fees to be paid by shareholders. The Board observed that the estimated net total expense ratio of the Fund was below the median of the expense peer group. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded, within the context of its overall approval of the Agreement, that the estimated expense level of the Fund was reasonable and supported the approval of the Agreement.

 

189

 

Approval of Advisory Contract (concluded)

 

Profitability. Because the Fund had not yet begun operations, the Board was not able to consider the level of Lord Abbett’s profits in managing the Fund. The Board did consider that Lord Abbett would be subsidizing the Fund for the near future. The Board recognized that Lord Abbett’s overall profitability was a factor in enabling it to attract and retain qualified personnel to provide services to the Fund. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded, within the context of its overall approval of the Agreement, that Lord Abbett’s overall profitability was not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale. The Board considered whether there might be economies of scale in managing the Fund and whether the Fund would benefit appropriately from any such economies of scale. The Board concluded that the existence of a contractual breakpoint in the proposed management fee schedule, in conjunction with the Fund’s proposed expense limitation agreement, adequately addressed any economies of scale in managing the Fund.

 

Other Benefits to Lord Abbett. The Board considered the amount and nature of the fees to be paid by the Fund and the Fund’s shareholders to Lord Abbett and the Distributor for services other than investment advisory services, such as the fee that Lord Abbett will receive from the Fund for providing administrative services to the Fund. The Board also considered the revenues and profitability of Lord Abbett’s investment advisory business apart from its mutual fund business, and the intangible benefits expected to be enjoyed by Lord Abbett by virtue of its relationship with the Fund. The Board observed that the Distributor receives 12b-1 fees from certain of the Lord Abbett Funds as to shares held in accounts for which there is no other broker of record, may retain a portion of the 12b-1 fees it receives, and receives a portion of the sales charges on sales and redemptions of some classes of shares of the Lord Abbett Funds. In addition, the Board observed that Lord Abbett accrues certain benefits for its business of providing investment advice to clients other than the Lord Abbett Funds, but that business could also benefit the Funds. The Board also noted that Lord Abbett, as will be disclosed in the prospectus of the Fund, has entered into revenue sharing arrangements with certain entities that distribute shares of the Fund. The Board also took into consideration the investment research that Lord Abbett may receive as a result of client brokerage transactions.

 

Conclusion. After considering all of the relevant factors, the Board unanimously found that approval of the Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and voted unanimously to approve the Agreement. In considering whether to approve the Agreement, the Board did not identify any single factor as paramount or controlling. Individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. This summary does not discuss in detail all matters considered.

 

190

 

Householding

 

The Trust has adopted a policy that allows it to send only one copy of each Fund’s prospectus, proxy material, annual report and semiannual report to certain shareholders residing at the same “household.” This reduces Fund expenses, which benefits you and other shareholders. If you need additional copies or do not want your mailings to be “householded,” please call Lord Abbett at 888-522-2388 or send a written request with your name, the name of your fund or funds and your account number or numbers to Lord Abbett Family of Funds, P.O. Box 219336, Kansas City, MO 64121.

 

Proxy Voting Policies, Procedures and Records

 

A description of the policies and procedures that Lord Abbett uses to vote proxies related to each Fund’s portfolio securities, and information on how Lord Abbett voted each Fund’s proxies during the 12-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling 888-522-2388; (ii) on Lord Abbett’s Website at www.lordabbett.com; and (iii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Website at www.sec.gov.

 

Shareholder Reports and Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure

 

The Funds are required to file their complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for their first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Copies of the filings are available without charge, upon request on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov and may be available by calling Lord Abbett at 888-522-2388.

 

191

 

 

 

This report, when not used for the general information of shareholders of the Fund, is to be distributed only if preceded or accompanied by a current fund prospectus.

 

Lord Abbett mutual fund shares are distributed by
LORD ABBETT DISTRIBUTOR LLC.

 

Lord Abbett Securities Trust

 

Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund

Lord Abbett Durable Growth Fund

Lord Abbett Focused Growth Fund

Lord Abbett Focused Large Cap Value Fund

Lord Abbett Focused Small Cap Value Fund

Lord Abbett Fundamental Equity Fund

Lord Abbett Global Equity Research Fund

Lord Abbett Growth Leaders Fund

Lord Abbett Health Care Fund

Lord Abbett International Equity Fund

Lord Abbett International Opportunities Fund

Lord Abbett International Value Fund

Lord Abbett Value Opportunities Fund

LST-3
(06/20)
 
 

 

LORD ABBETT

SEMIANNUAL REPORT

 

Lord Abbett

Micro Cap Growth Fund

 

For the six-month period ended April 30, 2020

 

Important Information on Paperless Delivery

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

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. Shareholders who hold accounts directly with the Fund may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by signing into your Lord Abbett online account at lordabbett.com and selecting “Log In.” For further information, you may also contact the Fund at (800) 821-5129. Shareholders who hold accounts through a financial intermediary should contact them directly.

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge by contacting the Fund at (800) 821-5129. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with Lord Abbett. If your fund shares are held through a financial intermediary please contact them directly. Your election applies to all funds held with that intermediary.

 

Table of Contents

 

1   A Letter to Shareholders
     
2   Information About Your Fund’s Expenses and Holdings Presented by Sector
     
4   Schedule of Investments
     
7   Statement of Assets and Liabilities
     
8   Statement of Operations
     
9   Statements of Changes in Net Assets
     
10   Financial Highlights
     
12   Notes to Financial Statements
     
20   Supplemental Information to Shareholders
 

 

 

Lord Abbett Securities Trust

Lord Abbett Micro Cap Growth Fund

Semiannual Report

For the six-month period ended April 30, 2020

 

 

From left to right: James L.L. Tullis, Independent Chairman of the Lord Abbett Funds and Douglas B. Sieg, Trustee, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Lord Abbett Funds.

     

Dear Shareholders: We are pleased to provide you with this semiannual report for Lord Abbett Micro Cap Growth Fund for the six-month period ended April 30, 2020. For additional information about the Fund, please visit our website at www.lordabbett.com, where you also can access the quarterly commentaries by the Fund’s portfolio managers. General information about Lord Abbett mutual funds, as well as in-depth discussions of market trends and investment strategies, is also provided in Lord Abbett Insights, a quarterly newsletter available on our website.

Thank you for investing in Lord Abbett mutual funds. We value the trust that you place in us and look forward to serving your investment needs in the years to come.

 

Best regards,

 

Douglas B. Sieg

Trustee, President, and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

1

 

 

 

Expense Example

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (these charges vary among the share classes); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees (these charges vary among the share classes); and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (November 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020).

 

Actual Expenses

For each class of the Fund, the first line of the table on the following page provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading titled “Expenses Paid During Period 11/1/19 – 4/30/20” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

For each class of the Fund, the second line of the table on the following page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

2

 

Micro Cap Growth Fund

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
     11/1/19   4/30/20   11/1/19 –
4/30/20
 
Class A              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,032.20   $8.39  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,016.61   $8.32  
Class I              
Actual   $1,000.00   $1,032.00   $8.39  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)   $1,000.00   $1,016.61   $8.32  
   
For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.66% for Classes A and I) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

April 30, 2020

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services   1.80%
Consumer Discretionary   14.79%
Consumer Staples   2.26%
Financials   3.67%
Health Care   36.36%
Industrials   7.07%
Information Technology   22.08%
Real Estate   1.98%
Repurchase Agreement   1.02%
Money Market Funds(a)   8.97%
Total   100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.
(a)   Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

3

 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

MICRO CAP GROWTH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
COMMON STOCKS 99.98%        
         
Aerospace & Defense 1.33%        
AeroVironment, Inc.*   27,055   $1,630 
           
Auto Components 0.88%          
Fox Factory Holding Corp.*   21,169    1,080 
           
Beverages 0.12%          
Celsius Holdings, Inc.*(a)   28,687    144 
           
Biotechnology 24.40%          
Aduro Biotech, Inc.*   265,876    735 
Alector, Inc.*   41,659    1,030 
Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   24,302    1,190 
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Canada)*(a)(b)   56,652    977 
Black Diamond Therapeutics, Inc.*(a)   22,116    819 
Castle Biosciences, Inc.*   20,449    632 
ChemoCentryx, Inc.*   46,125    2,445 
Coherus Biosciences, Inc.*   37,730    626 
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   27,830    1,614 
Denali Therapeutics, Inc.*   38,479    841 
Eidos Therapeutics, Inc.*   36,507    1,695 
Insmed, Inc.*   54,965    1,264 
Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*   18,472    1,535 
Krystal Biotech, Inc.*   34,387    1,623 
Myovant Sciences Ltd. (United Kingdom)*(b)   135,944    1,629 
Natera, Inc.*   17,363    643 
NextCure, Inc.*   27,891    904 
REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.*   24,156    755 
Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*(a)   83,156    1,231 
Stoke Therapeutics, Inc.*   29,058    611 
TG Therapeutics, Inc.*   149,627    1,760 
Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc.*   31,615    1,628 
Twist Bioscience Corp.*   55,239    1,807 
uniQure NV (Netherlands)*(b)   12,500    796 
Veracyte, Inc.*   37,492    1,011 
Total        29,801 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Capital Markets 1.35%        
Assetmark Financial Holdings, Inc.*   68,584   $1,645 
           
Commercial Services & Supplies 1.11%          
Clean Harbors, Inc.*   25,427    1,359 
           
Communications Equipment 2.09%          
Calix, Inc.*   221,492    2,547 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 0.54% 
OSI Systems, Inc.*   9,134    661 
           
Food Products 1.55%          
Freshpet, Inc.*   25,032    1,888 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 11.22%          
Axonics Modulation          
Technologies, Inc.*(a)   58,344    1,879 
iRhythm Technologies, Inc.*   21,941    2,318 
Nevro Corp.*   22,364    2,631 
OrthoPediatrics Corp.*   51,846    2,533 
Shockwave Medical, Inc.*   35,433    1,421 
Silk Road Medical, Inc.*   47,707    1,998 
Tactile Systems Technology, Inc.*   17,959    927 
Total        13,707 
           
Health Care Technology 3.34%          
Health Catalyst, Inc.*   35,671    951 
Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*   30,104    2,157 
Schrodinger, Inc.*(a)   21,049    977 
Total        4,085 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 3.15%          
Papa John’s International, Inc.   31,009    2,230 
Wingstop, Inc.   13,819    1,621 
Total        3,851 
           
Household Durables 2.33%          
LGI Homes, Inc.*   25,163    1,524 
Sonos, Inc.*   129,648    1,325 
Total        2,849 


 

4 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

MICRO CAP GROWTH FUND April 30, 2020

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Information Technology Services 4.16%          
Endava plc ADR*   60,196   $2,635 
Limelight Networks, Inc.*   482,109    2,444 
Total        5,079 
           
Insurance 2.73%          
eHealth, Inc.*   5,171    552 
Goosehead Insurance, Inc. Class A*   27,207    1,527 
Trupanion, Inc.*(a)   41,884    1,253 
Total        3,332 
           
Interactive Media & Services 2.00%          
EverQuote, Inc. Class A*   62,682    2,443 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 5.73%          
Fiverr International Ltd. (Israel)*(a)(b)   66,149    2,595 
RealReal, Inc. (The)*(a)   103,694    1,217 
Rubicon Project, Inc. (The)*   139,311    999 
Stamps.com, Inc.*   13,836    2,190 
Total        7,001 
           
Internet Software & Services 0.69%          
Cardlytics, Inc.*   18,759    843 
           
Leisure Products 2.33%          
Malibu Boats, Inc. Class A*   39,484    1,358 
YETI Holdings, Inc.*(a)   53,782    1,485 
Total        2,843 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 1.43%          
NanoString Technologies, Inc.*   54,814    1,741 
           
Machinery 5.41%          
ESCO Technologies, Inc.   10,535    804 
Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.*   109,216    1,753 
Federal Signal Corp.   79,624    2,144 
SPX Corp.*   49,959    1,905 
Total        6,606 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Personal Products 0.85%        
elf Beauty, Inc.*   79,397   $1,038 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 2.20%          
Redfin Corp.*   126,938    2,682 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 5.30%
CEVA, Inc.*   55,611    1,743 
Diodes, Inc.*   19,070    970 
Ichor Holdings Ltd.*   69,399    1,728 
Impinj, Inc.*   28,298    636 
Rambus, Inc.*   111,931    1,403 
Total        6,480 
           
Software 11.74%          
8x8, Inc.*   75,471    1,280 
Agilysys, Inc.*   75,828    1,485 
Appian Corp.*(a)   35,495    1,621 
CERENCE, Inc.*   99,851    2,113 
Everbridge, Inc.*   12,607    1,404 
Rapid7, Inc.*   18,239    831 
ShotSpotter, Inc.*(a)   18,522    637 
Sprout Social, Inc.*(a)   85,226    1,433 
SVMK, Inc.*   126,042    1,979 
Upland Software, Inc.*   49,255    1,558 
Total        14,341 
           
Specialty Retail 2.00%          
National Vision Holdings, Inc.*   38,898    1,031 
Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc.*   9,842    1,415 
Total        2,446 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $101,283,446)
        122,122 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 5
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

MICRO CAP GROWTH FUND April 30, 2020

 

   Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
(000)
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 11.09%          
           
Repurchase Agreement          
Repurchase Agreement dated 4/30/2020, 0.00% due 5/1/2020 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $1,370,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.00% due 8/31/2021; value: $1,407,808; proceeds: $1,377,327
(cost $1,377,327)
  $1,377   $1,377 
   Shares   Fair
Value
(000)
 
Money Market Funds 9.96%          
Fidelity Government Portfolio(c)   10,956   $10,956 
CitiBank N.A.(c)   1,217    1,217 
Total Money Market Funds
(cost $12,173,065)
        12,173 
Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $13,550,392)
        13,550 
Total Investments in Securities 111.07%
(cost $114,833,838)
        135,672 
Liabilities in Excess of Cash, Securities Lending and Other Assets (11.07)%        (13,527)
Net Assets 100.00%       $122,145 
     
ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   All or a portion of these securities are temporarily on loan to unaffiliated broker/dealers.
(b)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.
(c)   Security was purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.


 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2020 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1
(000)
   Level 2
(000)
   Level 3
(000)
   Total
(000)
 
Common Stocks  $122,122   $   $   $122,122 
Short-Term Investments                    
Repurchase Agreement       1,377        1,377 
Money Market Funds   12,173            12,173 
Total  $134,295   $1,377   $   $135,672 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(g) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography.

 

6 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

April 30, 2020

 

ASSETS:    
Investments in securities, at fair value including $11,367,669 of securities loaned
(cost $114,833,838)
  $135,672,449 
Receivables:     
Investment securities sold   612,012 
Capital shares sold   50,105 
Securities lending income receivable   14,110 
Prepaid expenses   5,336 
Total assets   136,354,012 
LIABILITIES:     
Payables:     
Investment securities purchased   1,452,807 
Payable for collateral due to broker for securities lending   12,173,065 
Capital shares reacquired   380,355 
Management fee   135,736 
Trustees’ fees   16,267 
Fund administration   3,620 
Accrued expenses   47,303 
Total liabilities   14,209,153 
Commitments and contingent liabilities     
NET ASSETS  $122,144,859 
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:     
Paid-in capital  $101,708,711 
Total distributable earnings (loss)   20,436,148 
Net Assets  $122,144,859 
Net assets by class:     
Class A Shares  $13,129,268 
Class I Shares  $109,015,591 
Outstanding shares by class
(unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest)
     
Class A Shares   1,099,991 
Class I Shares   7,819,760 
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share
(Net assets divided by outstanding shares):
     
Class A Shares-Net asset value   $11.94 
Class A Shares-Maximum offering price
(Net asset value plus sales charge of 5.75%)
   $12.67 
Class I Shares-Net asset value   $13.94 
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 7
 

Statement of Operations (unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2020

 

Investment income:    
Dividends  $79,492 
Securities lending net income   14,110 
Interest   7,662 
Total investment income   101,264 
Expenses:     
Management fee   990,795 
Fund administration   26,421 
Professional   21,555 
Registration   17,606 
Shareholder servicing   13,592 
Reports to shareholders   6,021 
Custody   4,109 
Trustees’ fees   2,030 
Other   13,787 
Gross expenses   1,095,916 
Expense reductions (See Note 8)   (564)
Net expenses   1,095,352 
Net investment loss   (994,088)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss):     
Net realized gain (loss) on investments   3,139,359 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments   3,805,964 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   6,945,323 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $5,951,235 
   
8 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS  For the Six Months
Ended April 30, 2020
(unaudited)
   For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Operations:        
Net investment loss  $(994,088)  $(2,095,049)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments   3,139,359    19,880,977 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments   3,805,964    (6,268,997)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   5,951,235    11,516,931 
Distributions to shareholders:          
Class A   (2,158,436)   (3,195,562)
Class I   (18,035,766)   (33,452,600)
Total distributions to shareholders   (20,194,202)   (36,648,162)
Capital share transactions (See Note 14):          
Net proceeds from sales of shares   5,084,306    6,113,574 
Reinvestment of distributions   18,151,508    33,356,839 
Cost of shares reacquired   (19,260,409)   (27,261,172)
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions   3,975,405    12,209,241 
Net decrease in net assets   (10,267,562)   (12,921,990)
NET ASSETS:          
Beginning of period  $132,412,421   $145,334,411 
End of period  $122,144,859   $132,412,421 
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 9
 

Financial Highlights

MICRO CAP GROWTH FUND

 

       Per Share Operating Performance:
       Investment Operations:      Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning of
period
  Net
investment
income
(loss)(a)
  Net
realized and
unrealized
gain
  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class A                              
4/30/2020(c)      $13.83           $(0.08)              $0.56            $0.48           $(2.37)        $(2.37)
10/31/2019   18.05    (0.21)   0.98    0.77    (4.99)    
10/31/2018   18.26    (0.26)   2.75    2.49    (2.70)   (2.70)
10/31/2017   13.09    (0.21)   5.38    5.17         
10/31/2016   16.33    (0.19)   0.15    (0.04)   (3.20)    
10/31/2015   18.56    (0.30)   0.42    0.12    (2.35)    
                               
Class I                              
4/30/2020(c)   15.77    (0.09)   0.63    0.54    (2.37)   (2.37)
10/31/2019   19.84    (0.24)   1.16    0.92    (4.99)    
10/31/2018   19.80    (0.29)   3.03    2.74    (2.70)   (2.70)
10/31/2017   14.20    (0.23)   5.83    5.60         
10/31/2016   17.45    (0.21)   0.16    (0.05)   (3.20)    
10/31/2015   19.67    (0.32)   0.45    0.13    (2.35)    

 

(a)   Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)   Total return for Class A does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c)   Unaudited.
(d)   Not annualized.
(e)   Annualized.

 

10 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
        Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
            
Net asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return(b)
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
income (loss)
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
$11.94    3.22(d)       1.66(e)         (1.52)(e)           $13,129    50(d) 
 13.83    8.33    1.66    (1.48)   12,590    94 
 18.05    16.32    1.63    (1.43)   11,616    73 
 18.26    39.39    1.67    (1.36)   9,893    105 
 13.09    (1.30)   1.81    (1.52)   7,416    161 
 16.33    0.65    1.80    (1.64)   13,280    203 
                            
 13.94    3.20(d)    1.66(e)    (1.52)(e)    109,016    50(d) 
 15.77    8.34    1.66    (1.48)   119,822    94 
 19.84    16.31    1.63    (1.43)   133,719    73 
 19.80    39.44    1.67    (1.36)   139,068    105 
 14.20    (1.39)   1.81    (1.52)   133,112    161 
 17.45    0.71    1.80    (1.63)   136,136    203 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 11
 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION  

 

Lord Abbett Securities Trust (the “Trust”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a diversified, open-end management investment company and was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on February 26, 1993. The Trust currently consists of fourteen funds. This report covers one fund and its respective classes: Lord Abbett Micro-Cap Growth Fund (“Micro Cap Growth Fund”) or (the “Fund”), Class A and I shares. The Fund’s investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

 

Each class of shares has different expenses and dividends. A front-end sales charge is normally added to the net asset value (“NAV”) for Class A shares. A contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) may apply to certain redemptions of Class A shares purchased without a sales charge and redeemed before the first day of the month in which the one-year anniversary of the purchase falls (subject to certain exceptions as set forth in the Fund’s prospectus). Class I shares are not subject to any sales charges.

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

 

(a) Investment ValuationUnder procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC (“Lord Abbett”), the Fund’s investment manager, has formed a Pricing Committee to administer the pricing and valuation of portfolio investments and to ensure that prices utilized reasonably reflect fair value. Among other things, these procedures allow the Fund to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.
   
  Securities actively traded on any recognized U.S. or non-U.S. exchange or on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC are valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the exchange or system on which they are principally traded. Events occurring after the close of trading on non-U.S. exchanges may result in adjustments to the valuation of foreign securities to reflect their fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Fund may utilize an independent fair valuation service in adjusting the valuations of foreign securities. Unlisted equity securities are valued at the last quoted sale price or, if no sale price is available, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices.
   
  Securities for which prices are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the Pricing Committee. The Pricing Committee considers a number of factors, including observable and unobservable inputs, when arriving at fair value. The Pricing Committee may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values and other relevant information to determine the fair value of portfolio investments. The Board or a designated committee thereof regularly reviews fair value determinations made by the Pricing Committee and may employ techniques such as reviewing related market activity, reviewing inputs and assumptions, and retrospectively comparing prices of subsequent purchases and sales transactions to fair value determinations made by the Pricing Committee.

 

12

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

  Short-term securities with 60 days or less remaining to maturity are valued using the amortized cost method, which approximates fair value.
   
(b) Security TransactionsSecurity transactions are recorded as of the date that the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains and losses on sales of portfolio securities are calculated using the identified-cost method. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets at the beginning of the day.
   
(c) Investment IncomeDividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis as earned. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized using the effective interest method and are included in Interest on the Statements of Operations. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. Investment income is allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets at the beginning of the day.
   
(d) Income TaxesIt is the policy of the Fund to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all taxable income and capital gains to its shareholders. Therefore, no income tax provision is required.
   
  The Fund files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. The statute of limitations on the Fund’s filed U.S. federal tax returns remains open for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2016 through October 31, 2019. The statutes of limitations on the Trust’s state and local tax returns may remain open for an additional year depending upon the jurisdiction.
   
(e)
 
ExpensesExpenses incurred by the Trust that do not specifically relate to an individual fund are generally allocated to the Fund within the Trust on a pro rata basis by relative net assets. Expenses incurred by the Fund are allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets at the beginning of the day.
   
(f) Repurchase AgreementsThe Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with respect to securities. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which a Fund acquires a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (a bank or securities dealer) at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon date. The Fund requires at all times that the repurchase agreement be collateralized by cash, or by securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies, its instrumentalities, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises having a value equal to, or in excess of, the value of the repurchase agreement (including accrued interest). If the seller of the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying securities at a time when the fair value of these securities has declined, the Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the securities.
   
(g) Fair Value MeasurementsFair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk - for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value (such as a pricing model) and/or

 

13

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

  the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level of inputs that is significant to the fair value measurement, and is summarized in the three broad Levels listed below:
   
  Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;
       
  Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.); and
       
  Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
       
  A summary of inputs used in valuing the Fund’s investments as of April 30, 2020 and, if applicable, Level 3 rollforwards for the six months then ended is included in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.
   
  Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the three-tier hierarchy. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

3. MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES  

 

Management Fee

The Trust has a management agreement with Lord Abbett, pursuant to which Lord Abbett supplies the Fund with investment management services and executive and other personnel, provides office space and pays for ordinary and necessary office and clerical expenses relating to research and statistical work and supervision of the Fund’s investment portfolio.

 

The management fee is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at an annual rate of 1.50%, which was the Fund’s annualized effective management fee rate for the six months ended April 30, 2020.

 

Effective June 1, 2020, the management fee for the Fund will be at an annual rate of .90% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

In addition, Lord Abbett provides certain administrative services to the Fund pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement in return for a fee at an annual rate of .04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

12b-1 Distribution Plan

The Fund has adopted a distribution plan with respect to Class A shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act under which the Board may authorize the payment of ongoing distribution and service fees to Lord Abbett Distributor LLC (the “Distributor”), an affiliate of Lord Abbett. During the six months ended April 30, 2020, the Board did not authorize such Class A 12b-1 fees. Effective June 1, 2020, the Board authorized Class A 12b-1 fees at an annual rate of 0.25%.

 

Class I shares do not have a distribution plan.

 

14

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

Other Related Parties

As of April 30, 2020, the percentage of the Fund’s outstanding shares owned by Lord Abbett Alpha Strategy Fund was 60.28%.

 

One Trustee and certain of the Trust’s officers have an interest in Lord Abbett.

 

4. DISTRIBUTIONS AND CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARDS  

 

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid at least annually for the Fund. Taxable net realized gains from investment transactions, reduced by allowable capital loss carryforwards, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders at least annually. The capital loss carryforward amount, if any, is available to offset future net capital gains. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amounts of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the components of net assets based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions, which exceed earnings and profits for tax purposes, are reported as a tax return of capital.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the six months ended April 30, 2020 and fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

   For the
Six Months Ended
4/30/2020
(unaudited)
   For the
Year Ended
10/31/2019
 
Distributions paid from:          
Ordinary income  $   $6,937,287 
Net long-term capital gains   20,194,202    29,710,875 
Total distributions paid  $20,194,202   $36,648,162 

 

As of April 30, 2020, the aggregate unrealized security gains and losses on investments and other financial instruments, if any, based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Tax cost  $115,603,588 
Gross unrealized gain   25,473,824 
Gross unrealized loss   (5,404,963)
Net unrealized security gain/ (loss)  $20,068,861 

 

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized gains (losses) is attributable to the tax treatment of wash sales.

 

5. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS  

 

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the six months ended April 30, 2020 were as follows:

 

Purchases   Sales
$65,142,453   $79,104,715

 

There were no purchases or sales of U.S. Government securities for the six months ended April 30, 2020.

 

15

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

The Fund is permitted to purchase and sell securities (“cross-trade”) from and to other Lord Abbett funds or client accounts pursuant to procedures approved by the Board in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the Act (the “Rule”). Each cross-trade is executed at a fair market price in compliance with provisions of the Rule. For the six months ended April 30, 2020, the Fund engaged in cross-trade sales of $1,853,619 which resulted in net realized gain of $950,960.

 

6. DISCLOSURES ABOUT OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) requires disclosure to help better assess the effect or potential effect of offsetting arrangements on a fund’s financial position. The following tables illustrate gross and net information about recognized assets eligible for offset in the statement of assets and liabilities; and disclose such amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement, by counterparty. A master netting agreement is an agreement between a fund and a counterparty which provides for the net settlement of amounts owed under all contracts traded under that agreement, as well as cash collateral, through a single payment by one party to the other in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. The Fund’s accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the master netting agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Fund and the applicable counterparty:

 

Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
 
Repurchase Agreement     $1,377,327   $   $1,377,327 
Total  $1,377,327   $   $1,377,327 

 

    Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
    Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
       
Counterparty       Financial
Instruments
    Cash
Collateral
Received(a
)   Securities
Collateral
Received(a
)   Net Amount(b )
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.   $ 1,377,327     $      $     $ (1,377,327 )   $  
Total   $ 1,377,327     $     $     $ (1,377,327 )   $  

 

(a) Collateral disclosed is limited to an amount not to exceed 100% of the net amount of assets presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, for each respective counterparty.
(b) Net amount represents the amount owed to the Fund by the counterparty as of April 30, 2020.

 

7. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION  

 

The Trust’s officers and one Trustee, who are associated with Lord Abbett, do not receive any compensation from the Trust for serving in such capacities. Independent Trustees’ fees are allocated among all Lord Abbett-sponsored funds based on the net assets of the fund. There is an equity-based plan available to all Independent Trustees under which Independent Trustees must defer receipt of a portion of, and may elect to defer receipt of an additional portion of Trustees’ fees. The deferred amounts are treated as though equivalent dollar amounts had been invested in the Fund. Such amounts and earnings accrued thereon are included in Trustees’ fees on the Statements of Operations and in Trustees’ fees payable on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and are not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes until such amounts are paid.

 

16

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

8. EXPENSE REDUCTIONS  

 

The Trust has entered into an arrangement with its transfer agent and custodian, whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund’s expenses.

 

9. LINE OF CREDIT  

 

For the period ended April 30, 2020, the Fund and certain other funds managed by Lord Abbett (collectively, the “Participating Funds”) entered into a Syndicated Facility with various lenders for $1.17 billion whereas State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”) participated as a lender and as agent for the lenders. The Participating Funds are subject to graduated borrowing limits of one third of Fund net assets (if Fund net assets are less than $750 million), $250 million, $300 million, $350 million, $500 million, or $1 billion, based on past borrowings and likelihood of future borrowings, among other factors.

 

For the period ended April 30, 2020, the Participating Funds entered into a Bilateral Facility with SSB for $330 million ($250 million committed and $80 million uncommitted). Under the Bilateral Facility, the Participating Funds are subject to graduated borrowing limits of one-third of Fund net assets (if net assets are less than $750 million), $250 million, $300 million, or $330 million, based on past borrowings and likelihood of future borrowings, among other factors.

 

The Syndicated Facility and the Bilateral Facility are to be used for temporary or emergency purposes as an additional source of liquidity to satisfy redemptions.

 

For the six months ended April 30, 2020, the Fund did not utilize the Facilities.

 

10. INTERFUND LENDING PROGRAM  

 

Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC exemptive order”), certain registered open-end management investment companies managed by Lord Abbett, including the Fund, participate in a joint lending and borrowing program (the “Interfund Lending Program”). The SEC exemptive order allows the Fund to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes subject to the limitations and conditions.

 

For the six months ended April 30, 2020 the Fund did not participate as a borrower or lender in the Interfund Lending Program.

 

11. CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT  

 

SSB is the Trust’s custodian and accounting agent. SSB performs custodial, accounting and recordkeeping functions relating to portfolio transactions and calculating the Fund’s NAV.

 

12. SECURITIES LENDING AGREEMENT  

 

The Fund has established a securities lending agreement with Citibank, N.A. for the lending of securities to qualified brokers in exchange for securities or cash collateral equal to at least the market value of securities loaned, plus interest, if applicable. Cash collateral is invested in an approved money market fund. In accordance with the Fund’s securities lending agreement, the market value of securities on loan is determined each day at the close of business and any additional collateral required to cover the value of securities on loan is delivered to the Fund on the next business day. As with other extensions of credit, the Fund may experience a delay in the recovery of their securities or incur a loss should the borrower of the securities breach its agreement with the Fund or become insolvent at a time when the collateral is insufficient to cover

 

17

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

the cost of repurchasing securities on loan. Such income earned from securities lending is included in Securities Lending Income on the Statement of Operations.

 

As of April 30, 2020, the market value of securities loaned and collateral received for the Fund was as follows:

 

Market Value
of Securities
Loaned
  Collateral
Received
$ 11,367,669   $ 12,173,065

 

13. INVESTMENT RISKS  

 

The Fund is subject to the general risks and considerations associated with equity investing, as well as the particular risks associated with micro-cap growth stocks. The value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate in response to movements in the equity securities market in general and to the changing prospects of individual companies in which the Fund invests. Micro-cap companies may be subject to greater risks and may be more sensitive to changes in economic conditions than larger, more established companies. There may be less liquidity in micro-cap company stocks, subjecting them to greater price fluctuations than larger company stocks. Micro-cap companies also may fall out of favor relative to larger companies in certain market cycles. In the case of Micro Cap Growth Fund, the growth stocks in which it generally invests may add to the Fund’s volatility. Moreover, different investment styles, such as growth investing, may shift in and out of favor over time, depending on market and economic conditions, as well as investor sentiment.

 

Geopolitical and other events (e.g., wars, terrorism, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, such as the COVID-19 outbreak which began in late 2019) may disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets, thereby decreasing the value of the Fund’s investments. Market disruptions can also prevent the Fund from implementing its investment strategies and achieving its investment objective.

 

These factors can affect the Fund’s performance.

 

18

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(concluded)

 

14. SUMMARY OF CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS  

 

Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:

 

   Six Months Ended
April 30, 2020
(unaudited
)  Year Ended
October 31, 2019
 
Class A Shares  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   35,050   $388,158    34,291   $446,622 
Reinvestment of distributions   178,087    2,158,414    264,969    3,195,527 
Shares reacquired   (23,654)   (315,672)   (32,432)   (469,450)
Increase   189,483   $2,230,900    266,828   $3,172,699 
                     
Class I Shares                    
Shares sold   331,994   $4,696,148    379,357   $5,666,952 
Reinvestment of distributions   1,130,254    15,993,094    2,193,550    30,161,312 
Shares reacquired   (1,239,988)   (18,944,737)   (1,715,356)   (26,791,722)
Increase   222,260   $1,744,505    857,551   $9,036,542 

 

19

 

Approval of Advisory Contract

 

The Board, including all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” of the Company or of Lord Abbett, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Independent Trustees”), annually considers whether to approve the continuation of the existing management agreement between the Fund and Lord Abbett (the “Agreement”). In connection with its most recent approval, the Board reviewed materials relating specifically to the Agreement, as well as numerous materials received throughout the course of the year, including information about the Fund’s investment performance compared to the performance of its benchmarks. Before making its decision as to the Fund, the Board had the opportunity to ask questions and request further information, taking into account its knowledge of Lord Abbett gained through its meetings and discussions. These meetings and discussions included reviews of Fund performance conducted by members of the Contract Committee, the deliberations of the Contract Committee, and discussions between the Contract Committee and Lord Abbett’s management. The Independent Trustees also met with their independent legal counsel in various private sessions at which no representatives of management were present.

 

The materials received by the Board included, but were not limited to: (1) information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions (“Broadridge”) regarding the investment performance of the Fund compared to the investment performance of certain funds with similar investment styles as determined by Broadridge, based, in part, on the Fund’s Morningstar category (the “performance peer group”), and the investment performance of two appropriate benchmarks; (2) information provided by Broadridge regarding the expense ratios, contractual and actual management fee rates, and other expense components for the Fund and certain funds in the same Morningstar category, with generally the same or similar share classes and operational characteristics, including asset size (the “expense peer group”); (3) certain supplemental investment performance information provided by Lord Abbett; (4) information provided by Lord Abbett on the expense ratios, management fee rates, and other expense components for the Fund; (5) sales and redemption information for the Fund; (6) information regarding Lord Abbett’s financial condition; (7) an analysis of the relative profitability of the Agreement to Lord Abbett; (8) information provided by Lord Abbett regarding the investment management fee schedules for Lord Abbett’s other advisory clients maintaining accounts with a similar investment strategy as the Fund; and (9) information regarding the personnel and other resources devoted by Lord Abbett to managing the Fund.

 

Investment Management and Related Services Generally. The Board considered the services provided by Lord Abbett to the Fund, including investment research, portfolio management, and trading, and Lord Abbett’s commitment to compliance with all applicable legal requirements. The Board also observed that Lord Abbett was solely engaged in the investment management business and accordingly did not experience the conflicts of interest that may result from being engaged in other lines of business. The Board considered the investment advisory services provided by Lord Abbett to other clients, the fees charged for the services, and the differences in the nature of the services provided to the Fund and other Lord Abbett Funds, on the one hand, and the services provided to other clients, on the other. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that the Fund was likely to continue to benefit from the nature, extent and quality of the investment services provided by Lord Abbett under the Agreement.

 

Investment Performance. The Board reviewed the Fund’s investment performance in relation to that of the performance peer group and two appropriate benchmarks as of various periods ended June 30, 2019. The Board observed that the Fund’s investment performance was above the median of the performance peer group for the one, three, five-, and ten-year periods and took into

 

20

 

Approval of Advisory Contract (continued)

 

account actions taken by Lord Abbett to attempt to improve equity fund performance. The Board further considered Lord Abbett’s performance and reputation generally, the performance of other Lord Abbett-managed funds overseen by the Board, and the willingness of Lord Abbett to take steps intended to improve performance when appropriate. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that the Fund’s Agreement should be continued.

 

Lord Abbett’s Personnel and Methods. The Board considered the qualifications of the personnel providing investment management services to the Fund, in light of its investment objective and discipline, and other services provided to the Fund by Lord Abbett. Among other things, the Board considered the size, experience, and turnover of Lord Abbett’s staff, Lord Abbett’s investment methodology and philosophy, and Lord Abbett’s approach to recruiting, training, and retaining personnel.

 

Nature and Quality of Other Services. The Board considered the nature, quality, and extent of compliance, administrative, and other services performed by Lord Abbett and the nature and extent of Lord Abbett’s supervision of third party service providers, including the Fund’s transfer agent and custodian.

 

Expenses. The Board considered the expense level of the Fund, including the contractual and actual management fee rates, and the expense levels of the Fund’s expense peer group. It also considered how the expense level of the Fund related to those of the expense peer group and the amount and nature of the fees paid by shareholders. The Board observed that the net total expense ratio of the Fund was above the median of the expense peer group. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded, within the context of its overall approval of the Agreement, that the management fees paid by, and expense level of, the Fund were reasonable in light of all of the factors it considered and supported the continuation of the Agreement.

 

Profitability. The Board considered the level of Lord Abbett’s operating margin in managing the Fund, including a review of Lord Abbett’s methodology for allocating its costs to its management of the Fund. It considered whether the Fund was profitable to Lord Abbett in connection with the Fund’s operation, including the fee that Lord Abbett receives from the Fund for providing administrative services to the Fund. The Board considered Lord Abbett’s profit margins excluding Lord Abbett’s marketing expenses. The Board also considered Lord Abbett’s profit margins, without those exclusions, in comparison with available industry data and how those profit margins could affect Lord Abbett’s ability to recruit and retain personnel. The Board recognized that Lord Abbett’s overall profitability was a factor in enabling it to attract and retain qualified personnel to provide services to the Fund. After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded, within the context of its overall approval of the Agreement, that Lord Abbett’s profitability with respect to the Fund was not excessive.

 

Economies of Scale. The Board considered the extent to which there had been economies of scale in managing the Fund, whether the Fund’s shareholders had appropriately benefited from such economies of scale, and whether there was potential for realization of any further economies of scale. The Board took into account Lord Abbett’s representation that the Fund’s micro-cap investment strategy did not lend itself to significant economies of scale, and that the existing management fee schedule adequately addressed any economies of scale in managing the Fund.

 

Other Benefits to Lord Abbett. The Board considered the amount and nature of the fees paid by the Fund and the Fund’s shareholders to Lord Abbett for services other than investment advisory services, such as the fee that Lord Abbett receives from the Fund for providing administrative

 

21

 

Approval of Advisory Contract (concluded)

 

services to the Fund. The Board also considered the revenues and profitability of Lord Abbett’s investment advisory business apart from its mutual fund business, and the intangible benefits enjoyed by Lord Abbett by virtue of its relationship with the Fund. The Board observed that the Distributor receives a portion of the sales charges on sales and redemptions of some classes of shares of the Lord Abbett Funds. In addition, the Board observed that Lord Abbett accrues certain benefits for its business of providing investment advice to clients other than the Lord Abbett Funds, but that business also benefits the Funds. The Board also noted that Lord Abbett, as disclosed in the prospectus of the Fund, has entered into revenue sharing arrangements with certain entities that distribute shares of the Lord Abbett Funds. The Board also took into consideration the investment research that Lord Abbett receives as a result of client brokerage transactions.

 

Alternative Arrangements. The Board considered whether, instead of approving continuation of the Agreement, it might be in the best interests of the Fund to implement one or more alternative arrangements, such as continuing to employ Lord Abbett, but on different terms. After considering all of the relevant factors, the Board unanimously found that continuation of the Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders and voted unanimously to approve the continuation of the Agreement. In considering whether to approve the continuation of the Agreement, the Board did not identify any single factor as paramount or controlling. Individual Trustees may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. This summary does not discuss in detail all matters considered.

 

22

 

Householding

 

The Trust has adopted a policy that allows it to send only one copy of the Fund’s prospectus, proxy material, annual report and semiannual report to certain shareholders residing at the same “household.” This reduces Fund expenses, which benefits you and other shareholders. If you need additional copies or do not want your mailings to be “householded,” please call Lord Abbett at 888-522-2388 or send a written request with your name, the name of your fund or funds and your account number or numbers to Lord Abbett Family of Funds, P.O. Box 219336, Kansas City, MO 64121.

 

Proxy Voting Policies, Procedures and Records

 

A description of the policies and procedures that Lord Abbett uses to vote proxies related to the Fund’s portfolio securities, and information on how Lord Abbett voted the Fund’s proxies during the 12-month period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling 888-522-2388; (ii) on Lord Abbett’s Website at www.lordabbett.com; and (iii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Website at www.sec.gov.

 

Shareholder Reports and Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure

 

The Fund is required to file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for its first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Copies of the filings are available without charge, upon request on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov and may be available by calling Lord Abbett at 888-522-2388.

 

23

 

 

 

This report, when not used for the general information of shareholders of the Fund, is to be distributed only if preceded or accompanied by a current fund prospectus.

 

Lord Abbett mutual fund shares are distributed by
LORD ABBETT DISTRIBUTOR LLC.

 

Lord Abbett Securities Trust

 

Lord Abbett Micro-Cap Growth Fund

LAMCVF-3
(06/20)
 
 
Item 2:Code of Ethics.

Not applicable.

 

Item 3:Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable.

 

Item 4:Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable.

 

Item 5:Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

 

Item 6:Investments.

Not applicable.

 

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.

Not applicable.

 

Item 11:Controls and Procedures.

 

(a)Based on their evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to them by others within those entities.

 

(b)There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Item 12:Exhibits.

 

(a)(1)Code of Ethics. Not applicable.

 

(a)(2)Certification of each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is attached hereto as a part of EX-99.CERT.

 

(b)Certification of each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is provided as a part of 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.

 

    LORD ABBETT SECURITIES TRUST
     
  By: /s/Douglas B. Sieg
    Douglas B. Sieg
    President and Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: June 25, 2020    
     
  By:  /s/Bernard J. Grzelak
    Bernard J. Grzelak
    Chief Financial Officer and Vice President
     
Date: June 25, 2020    
 
 

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/Douglas B. Sieg
    Douglas B. Sieg
    President and Chief Executive Officer
     
Date: June 25, 2020    
     
  By: /s/Bernard J. Grzelak
    Bernard J. Grzelak
    Chief Financial Officer and Vice President
     
Date: June 25, 2020