REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Pre-Effective Amendment No.
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Post-Effective Amendment No. 319
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and/or
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
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Amendment No. 320
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(Check appropriate box or boxes.)
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Gene L. Needles, Jr., President
220 East Las Colinas Boulevard
Suite 1200
Irving, Texas 75039
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
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With copies to:
Kathy K. Ingber, Esq.
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006-1600
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immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
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on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
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60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
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75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
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on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
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This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
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American Beacon |
PROSPECTUS
XXXX XX, 2019
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Share Class |
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Y |
Institutional |
Investor |
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund |
XXXXX |
XXXXX |
XXXXX |
The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
This Prospectus contains important information you should know about investing, including information about risks. Please read it before you invest and keep it for future reference.
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Additional Information About Investment Policies and Strategies |
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American Beacon
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Investment Objective
The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. More information is available from your financial professional and in "Choosing Your Share Class" on page XX of the Prospectus.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Share Class |
Y |
Institutional |
Investor |
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Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
None |
None |
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Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) |
None |
None |
None |
1 Other Expenses and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses are based on estimated expenses for the current fiscal year.
Example
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:
Share Class |
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
Y |
$99 |
$309 |
$536 |
$1,190 |
Institutional |
$89 |
$278 |
$482 |
$1,073 |
Investor |
$126 |
$393 |
$681 |
$1,500 |
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or ‘‘turns over'' its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual Fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund's performance. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate for the Fund's last fiscal year was XX% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in the equity securities of companies based in at least three different countries located outside the United States, which may include developed and emerging market countries. The Fund may invest in international and U.S. companies representing a broad spectrum of market capitalizations, including large cap companies having market values of $10 billion or more, mid cap companies having market values between $2 billion and $10 billion and small cap companies having market values of less than $2 billion. The Fund may invest principally in the common stock, preferred stock, American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), and convertible securities of value companies, although the Fund also may invest in growth companies. The Fund's Sub-Advisor, Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. ("sub-advisor") may hedge the Fund's foreign currency exposure by selling foreign currency forward contracts.
The investment strategy of the Fund is value oriented and contrarian. The Fund seeks to invest in companies that have good long-term business fundamentals but are temporarily out of favor with investors, and hence have a market value lower than their intrinsic value. The fundamental research-based value orientation of the sub-advisor helps it identify companies believed to have good businesses. The sub-advisor's contrarian orientation enables the purchase of those companies at what the sub-advisor believes to be attractive prices.
Value oriented means that the sub-advisor seeks to invest in companies that are selling at a discount to their intrinsic value, and where business fundamentals are improving or expected to improve. In assessing intrinsic value, the sub-advisor's judgments will be based on a comparison of a company's stock market value with various financial parameters, including historical and projected cash flow, book earnings, and net asset value.
Contrarian means that the sub-advisor seeks investment opportunities in stocks that are out of favor with investors. The sub-advisor considers a stock to be out of favor when its price has declined significantly or has lagged the relevant market index for an extended period of time and the consensus among investors does not expect improvement.
In general, the sub-advisor acquires investment ideas by identifying companies whose stock prices are down, or have lagged the market. The sub-advisor then analyzes the quality of their business franchise and long-term fundamentals and makes a judgment regarding their intrinsic value. Alternatively, the sub-advisor may identify companies with strong long-term business fundamentals and then wait for them to fall out of favor with investors in order to buy them at a discount to intrinsic value.
Prospectus – Fund Summary |
1 |
The sub-advisor will purchase stocks for the Fund's portfolio when they meet the above criteria and when the Sub-Advisor believes that they have a limited risk of further decline. The sub-advisor will sell stocks when they are no longer considered to be good values.
The Fund may also invest cash balances in other investment companies, including money market funds, and may purchase and sell futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. The Fund may lend its securities to broker-dealers and other institutions to earn additional income.
Principal Risks
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund. The Fund is not designed for investors who need an assured level of income and is intended to be a long-term investment. The Fund is not a complete investment program and may not be appropriate for all investors. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund are:
Allocation Risk
The sub-advisor's judgments about, and allocations among, strategies, asset classes and market exposures may adversely affect
the Fund's performance.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty,
will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise
honor its obligations to the Fund.
Currency Risk
The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by making direct investments in non-U.S. currencies or in securities denominated
in non-U.S. currencies, or by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies. Foreign currencies
may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund's investments in foreign
(non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to,
foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. Not all forward contracts require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund
to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
The Fund and its service providers, and shareholders' ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to
operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity
incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary
information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers,
to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. It is not possible for the Fund or its service providers to
identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate
or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data
storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents
could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Emerging Markets Risk
When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities discussed below are heightened. Emerging
markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other
developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political uncertainties; an economy's dependence on revenues from particular
commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential
buyers for such securities resulting in increased volatility and limited liquidity for emerging market securities; trading
suspensions; and delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures.
Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund's investments in equity securities may include
common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks, and depositary receipts. Such
investments may expose the Fund to additional risks.
Common Stock. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible securities' investment value. Convertible securities are also sensitive to movements in interest rates.
Depositary Receipts. Depositary receipts are subject to certain of the risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity and more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.
Preferred Stock. Preferred stocks are sensitive to movements in interest rates. Preferred stocks may be less liquid than common stocks and, unlike common stocks, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. Distributions on preferred stocks generally are payable at the discretion of an issuer and after required payments to bond holders.
Foreign Investing Risk
Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments. Such risks include, but are not limited
to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity, (4) lack of uniform
accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) increased volatility, (6) different government regulation and
supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign
markets.
Futures Contracts Risk
Futures contracts are derivative instruments where one party pays a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other
underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it
would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. Futures contracts may experience
potentially dramatic price changes (losses) and imperfect correlation between the price of the contract and the underlying
security or index, which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of
initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price
of the futures contract).
Growth Companies Risk
Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, the prices
of these stocks may go down, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Growth company stocks also may lack the dividend
yield that can cushion stock price declines in market downturns.
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Prospectus – Fund Summary |
Hedging Risk
If the Fund uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges the market conditions incorrectly, or the hedged instrument
does not correlate to the risk sought to be hedged, the hedge might be unsuccessful, reduce the Fund's return, or create a
loss. In addition, hedges, even when successful in mitigating risk, may not prevent the Fund from experiencing losses on its
investments, and therefore the use of hedging strategies may reduce the Fund's return, or create a loss.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. When you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you
paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
Issuer Risk
The value of, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the
issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services, as well
as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets.
Large Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies
may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful
smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.
Market Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably based on
overall economic conditions and other factors. The value of a security may decline due to general market conditions which
are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the
general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investment sentiment generally. Changes
in the financial condition of a single issuer can impact a market as a whole. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and
the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that
cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.
Market Timing Risk
Because the Fund invests in foreign securities, or it has exposure to foreign securities through the derivatives it holds,
it is particularly subject to the risk of market timing activities. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other
shareholders in the Fund, including (i) the dilution of the Fund's NAV, (ii) an increase in the Fund's expenses, and (iii)
interference with the portfolio manager's ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Because of specific types of
securities in which the Fund may invest, it could be subject to the risk of market timing activities by shareholders.
Other Investment Companies Risk
The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including money market funds. To the extent that
the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses charged
by those investment companies in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated
with investments in those companies. For example, money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and
market risk.
Sector Risk
When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance may be driven largely by sector
performance and could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector includes companies engaged in the construction and engineering industry, machinery, energy, transportation, professional services, aerospace and defense industries. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and changes in commodity prices and exchange rates.
Securities Lending Risk
To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: i) borrowers of the Fund's securities
typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities, ii) the securities in which the collateral
is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the return collateral payments owed to borrowers, iii) delays may occur
in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund's ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions,
and iv) there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially.
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected by the sub-advisor for the Fund may not perform to expectations. The sub-advisor's investment models
may rely in part on data derived from third parties and may not perform as intended. This could result in the Fund's underperformance
compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.
Segregated Assets Risk
In connection with certain transactions that may give rise to future payment obligations, including investments in derivatives,
the Fund may be required to maintain a segregated amount of, or otherwise earmark, cash or liquid securities to cover the
obligation. Segregated assets cannot be sold while the position they are covering is outstanding, unless they are replaced
with other assets of equal value. The need to maintain cash or other liquid securities in segregated accounts could limit
the Fund's ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.
Small and Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investing in the securities of small and mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater
price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies. Since small and mid-capitalization companies may have narrower commercial markets
and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies, the securities
of these companies may lack
Prospectus – Fund Summary |
3 |
sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. In general, these risks are greater for small-capitalization companies than for mid-capitalization companies.
Valuation Risk
The Fund may value certain assets at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially
pronounced for investments that are illiquid or which may become illiquid.
Value Stocks Risk
Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized by the market or that their prices
may decline. The Fund's investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time, however, value
stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this
potentially lower risk. The Fund's investment in value stocks could cause the Fund to underperform funds that use a growth
or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Fund Performance
The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing how the Fund's performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's performance compares to a broad-based market index, which is the Fund's benchmark index and was the benchmark index of the Fund's predecessor.
The Investor Class shares of the Fund have adopted the performance history and financial statements of the Fund's predecessor. The chart and the table below show the performance of the Fund's Investor Class shares for all periods. Performance information of Y Class and Institutional Class shares of the Fund is not provided because these share classes of the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this Prospectus. You may obtain updated performance information on the Fund's website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. Past performance (before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares. Year Ended 12/31 |
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Highest Quarterly Return:
Lowest Quarterly Return:
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1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
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Investor Class |
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Returns Before Taxes |
xx.xx |
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xx.xx |
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xx.xx |
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Returns After Taxes on Distributions |
xx.xx |
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xx.xx |
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xx.xx |
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Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares |
xx.xx |
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xx.xx |
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xx.xx |
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1 Year |
5 Years |
10 Years |
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Index (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
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MSCI® EAFE Net Index (Reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or taxes) |
xx.xx |
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xx.xx |
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xx.xx |
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After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local income taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The return after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed the return before taxes due to an assumed tax benefit from any losses on a sale of Fund shares at the end of the measurement period. If you are a tax-exempt entity or hold your Fund shares through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as an individual retirement account ("IRA") or a 401(k) plan, the after-tax returns do not apply to your situation. After-tax returns are shown only for Investor Class shares; after-tax returns for other share classes will vary.
Management
The Manager
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager.
Sub-Advisor
The Fund's investment sub-advisor is Tocqueville Asset Management L.P.
Portfolio Manager
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. |
James E. Hunt
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* Predecessor Fund inception date.
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Prospectus – Fund Summary |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a direct mutual fund account, through a retirement account, through an investment professional or another financial intermediary. As a direct mutual fund account shareholder, you may buy or sell shares in various ways:
Internet |
www.americanbeaconfunds.com |
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Phone |
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)
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American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
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Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
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You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open, at the Fund's NAV per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form.
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New Account |
Existing Account |
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Share Class |
Minimum |
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Check/ACH/Exchange |
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire |
Investor |
$2,500 |
$50 |
$250 |
Y |
$100,000 |
$50 |
None |
Institutional |
$250,000 |
$50 |
None |
Tax Information
Dividends and other distributions, if any, that you receive from the Fund are subject to federal income tax and may also be subject to state and local income taxes, unless you are a tax-exempt entity or your account is tax-deferred, such as an IRA or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account).
Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If you purchase shares of the Fund through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary (such as a bank), the Fund and the Fund's distributor or the Manager may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the broker-dealer or other intermediary and your individual financial adviser to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial adviser or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.
Prospectus – Fund Summary |
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Additional Information About the Fund
To help you better understand the Fund, this section provides a detailed discussion of the Fund's investment policies, its principal strategies and principal risks and performance benchmark(s). However, this Prospectus does not describe all of the Fund's investment practices. For additional information, please see the Fund's statement of additional information ("SAI"), which is available at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or by contacting us via telephone at 1-800-658-5811, by U.S. mail at P.O. Box 219643, Kansas City, MO 64121-9643, or by e-mail at americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com.
Additional Information About Investment Policies and Strategies
Investment Objective
The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.
The Fund's investment objective is "non-fundamental," which means that it may be changed by the Fund's Board of Trustees ("Board") without the approval of Fund shareholders.
Temporary Defensive Policy
The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy by taking temporary defensive positions in response to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During these times, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Additional Information About the Management of the Fund
The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager. The Manager provides or oversees the provision of all administrative, investment advisory and portfolio management services to the Fund. The Manager:
develops overall investment strategies for the Fund,
selects and changes sub-advisors,
allocates assets among sub-advisors,
monitors and evaluates the sub-advisor's investment performance,
monitors the sub-advisor's compliance with the Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions,
oversees the Fund's securities lending activities and actions taken by the securities lending agent to the extent applicable, and
directs the investment of the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisor determines should be allocated to short-term investments.
The assets of the Fund are currently allocated by the Manager to one sub-advisor, Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. ("Tocqueville"). Tocqueville has full discretion to purchase and sell securities for the Fund in accordance with the Fund's objectives, policies, restrictions and more specific strategies provided by the Manager. The Manager oversees the sub-advisor but does not reassess individual security selections made by the sub-advisor for the Fund.
Although the Manager has no current intention to do so, the Fund's assets may be allocated among one or more additional sub-advisors in the future by the Manager. The Fund operates in a manager-of-managers structure. The Fund and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that permits the Fund, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to hire and replace sub-advisors that are unaffiliated with the Manager without approval of shareholders. The Fund and the Manager may seek to receive a further exemptive order from the SEC in the future that, if granted, would permit the Fund to hire and replace sub-advisors that are affiliated and unaffiliated with the Manager without shareholder approval, subject to certain conditions. The Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The order also exempts the Fund from disclosing the advisory fees paid by the Fund to individual sub-advisors that are unaffiliated with the Manager in various documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. Instead, the fees payable to unaffiliated sub-advisors are aggregated, and fees payable to sub-advisors that are affiliated with the Manager, if any, would be aggregated with fees payable to the Manager. Disclosure of the separate fees paid to an affiliated sub-advisor would be required. Whenever a sub-advisor change is proposed in reliance on the order, in order for the change to be implemented, the Board, including a majority of its "non-interested" trustees, must approve the change. In addition, the Fund is required to provide shareholders with certain information regarding any new sub-advisor within 90 days of the hiring of any new sub-advisor.
Additional Information About Investments
This section provides more detailed information regarding certain investments the Fund may invest in as well as information regarding the Fund's strategy with respect to investment of cash balances.
Cash Management Investments
The Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the ''Investment Company Act''), including money market funds that are advised by the Manager or a sub-advisor, and in futures contracts. If the Fund invests in money market funds, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the money market funds in which the Fund invests, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations. Shareholders also would be exposed to the risks associated with money market funds and the portfolio investments of such money market funds, including that a money market fund's yield will be lower than the return that the Fund would have derived from other investments that would provide liquidity.
To gain market exposure on cash balances held in anticipation of liquidity needs or to reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs, the Fund also may purchase and sell futures contracts on a daily basis that relate to securities in which it may invest directly and indices comprised of such securities. A futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell a particular security, or the cash value of an index, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under such contracts, no delivery of the actual securities is required. Rather, upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of a security or index at expiration, net of the variation margin that was previously paid. As cash balances are invested in securities, the Fund may invest simultaneously those balances in futures contracts until the cash balances are delivered to settle the securities transactions. This exposes the Fund to the market risks associated with the underlying securities and indices. Because the Fund will have market exposure simultaneously in both the invested securities and futures contracts, the Fund may have more than 100% of its assets exposed to the markets. This can magnify gains and losses in the Fund. The Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its settlement or collateral obligations. The risks associated with the use of futures contracts also include that there may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by the Fund and the prices of futures contracts or the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying investment or indices and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract.
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Prospectus – Additional Information About the Fund |
Currencies
The Fund may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities as well as forward currency contracts and may engage in foreign currency transactions either on a spot (cash) basis at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market at the time or through forward currency contracts. The Fund may engage in these transactions in order to hedge or protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign exchange rates in the purchase and sale of securities or other derivative positions. The Fund also may use foreign currency forward contracts to increase exposure to a foreign currency or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another.
Equity Investments
The Fund's equity investments may include:
Common Stocks. Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks below preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. Common stock may be traded via an exchange or over-the-counter. Over-the-counter stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.
Convertible Securities. Convertible securities are generally preferred stocks or other securities, including warrants that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock at a stated price or rate. Convertible securities are senior to common stock in an issuer's capital structure, but are usually subordinated to similar non-convertible securities. While typically providing a fixed-income stream, a convertible security also gives an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to participate in the capital appreciation of the issuing company depending upon a market price advance in the convertible security's underlying common stock.
Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies through American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). These securities are subject to many of the risks inherent in investing in foreign securities, including, but not limited to, currency fluctuations and political and financial instability in the home country of a particular ADR. ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by domestic banks and represent the deposit with the bank of a security of a foreign issuer. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts entails substantially the same risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in the Fund's possible inability to convert immediately into U.S. currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, the Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts, the issuers of which are not obligated to disclose material information about the underlying securities to investors in the United States. Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle the Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security.
Preferred Stock. Preferred stock blends the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond and its participation in the issuer's growth may be limited. Preferred stock has preference over common stock in the receipt of dividends and in any residual assets after payment to creditors should the issuer be dissolved. Although the dividend is typically set at a fixed annual rate, in some circumstances it can be variable, changed or omitted by the issuer.
Other Investment Company Securities
The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies, including money market funds. The Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or the sub-advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in this Prospectus, if applicable. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer's portfolio securities.
The Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as money market funds under the Investment Company Act, to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. The Fund would invest in money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. If the Fund invests in money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the money market funds in which the Fund invests, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager.
Additional Information About Risks
The greatest risk of investing in a mutual fund is that its returns will fluctuate and you could lose money. The following section provides additional information regarding the Fund's principal risk factors in light of its principal investment strategies.
Allocation Risk
This is the risk that the sub-advisor's judgments about, and allocations among, strategies, asset classes and market exposures may adversely affect the Fund's performance. This risk can be increased by the use of derivatives to increase allocations to various market exposures because derivatives can create investment leverage, which will magnify the impact to the Fund of its investment in any underperforming market exposure.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or derivative counterparty, will be unwilling or unable to satisfy its obligation to make timely principal, interest or settlement payments or to otherwise honor its obligations to the Fund. As a result, the Fund may obtain no recovery of its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
Currency Risk
The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by investing in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies or by purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. currencies or non-U.S. currency futures contracts. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedging positions, the U.S. dollar may decline in value relative to the currency being hedged, and thereby affect the Fund's investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments, central banks or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, or by the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the United States or abroad. As a result, the Fund's investments in foreign currency denominated securities may
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reduce the returns of the Fund. Currency futures or forwards may not always work as intended, and in specific cases, the Fund may be worse off than if it had not used such instrument(s). There may not always be suitable hedging instruments available. Even where suitable hedging instruments are available, the Fund may choose to not hedge its currency risks.
Cybersecurity and Operational Risk
The Fund, its service providers, and third-party fund distribution platforms, and shareholders' ability to transact with the Fund, may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to fund assets, customer data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems ("denial of services"), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs.
The occurrence of any of these problems could result in a loss of information, regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or its shareholders. The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid and mitigate risks that could lead to such problems. While the Manager has established business continuity plans and risk management systems seeking to address these problems, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, and it is not possible for the Manager, Fund service providers, or third-party fund distribution platforms to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Most issuers in which the Fund invests are heavily dependent on computers for data storage and operations, and require ready access to the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, leading to significant loss of value.
Equity Investments Risk
Equity securities are subject to investment risk and market risk. The Fund's investments in U.S. and foreign equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks and depositary receipts. Such investments may expose the Fund to additional risks.
Common Stocks. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or decreased demand for the company's products or services. A stock's value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company's stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company, such as changes in interest rates, exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company's common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock.
Convertible Securities. The value of a convertible security is influenced by both the yield of non-convertible securities of comparable issuers and by the value of the underlying common stock. The investment value of a convertible is based on its yield and tends to decline as interest rates increase. The conversion value of a convertible is the market value that would be received if the convertible were converted to its underlying common stock. The conversion value will decrease as the price of the underlying common stock decreases. When conversion value is substantially below investment value, the convertible's price tends to be influenced more by its yield, so changes in the price of the underlying common stock may not have as much of an impact. Conversely, the convertible's price tends to be influenced more by the price of the underlying common stock when conversion value is comparable to or exceeds investment value. The value of a synthetic convertible security will respond differently to market fluctuations than a convertible security, because a synthetic convertible is composed of two or more separate securities, each with its own market value. Convertible securities may be subject to market risk, credit risk and interest rate risk.
Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies through ADRs, and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. These securities are generally subject to many of the same risks of investing in the foreign securities that they evidence or into which they may be converted, including, but not limited to, currency exchange rate fluctuations, political and financial instability in the home country of a particular depositary receipt or foreign stock, less liquidity and more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement.
Preferred Stocks. If interest rates rise, the dividend on preferred stocks may be less attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stocks may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions for their call or redemption prior to maturity which can have a negative effect on their prices when interest rates decline. Issuers may threaten preferred stockholders with the cancellation of all dividends and liquidation preference rights in an attempt to force their conversion to less secure common stock. Certain preferred stocks are equity securities because they do not constitute a liability of the issuer and therefore do not offer the same degree of protection of capital or continuation of income as debt securities. The rights of preferred stock on distribution of a corporation's assets in the event of its liquidation are generally subordinated to the rights associated with a corporation's debt securities. Therefore, in the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, there is substantial risk that there will be nothing left to pay preferred stockholders after payments, if any, to bondholders have been made. Preferred stocks may also be subject to credit risk.
Foreign Investing & Emerging Markets Risk
Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with domestic investments. Such risks include, but are not limited to: (1) currency exchange rate fluctuations, (2) political and financial instability, (3) less liquidity and greater volatility of foreign investments, (4) lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, (5) less government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, (6) increased price volatility, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. To the extent the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. In addition, the economies and political environments of emerging market countries tend to be more unstable than those of developed countries, resulting in more volatile rates of return than the developed markets and substantially greater risk to investors. There may be very limited oversight of certain foreign banks or securities depositories that hold foreign securities and currency and the laws of certain countries may limit the ability to recover such assets if a foreign bank or depository or their agents goes bankrupt. When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets have unique risks that are greater than or in addition to investing in developed markets because emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political uncertainties; an economy's dependence on revenues from particular commodities or on international aid or development assistance; currency transfer restrictions; a limited number of potential buyers for such securities, resulting in increased volatility and limited liquidity for emerging market securities; trading suspensions; and delays and disruptions in securities settlement procedures. In addition, there may be less information available to make investment decisions and more volatile rates of return.
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Futures Contracts Risk
Futures contracts are a type of derivative investment. A derivative refers to any financial instrument whose value is derived, at least, in part, from the price of another security or a specified index, asset or rate. The use of derivatives presents risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in traditional securities. The Fund may use futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances held in anticipation of liquidity needs or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs, Futures contracts can be highly complex and their use within a management strategy can require specialized skills. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. If the Fund's portfolio manager incorrectly forecasts stock market values, the direction of interest rates or currency exchange rates in utilizing a specific derivatives strategy for the Fund, the Fund could lose money. In addition, leverage embedded in a futures contract can expose the Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. Gains or losses in the value of a futures contract may be magnified and be much greater than the derivative's original cost (generally the initial margin deposit). Futures contracts require the Fund to post margin to secure its future obligation; if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to sell investments from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. Futures contracts may experience dramatic price changes (losses) and imperfect correlations between the price of the contract and the underlying security, index or currency, which will increase the volatility of the Fund. Futures contracts may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract). There can be no assurance that, at all times, a liquid market will exist for offsetting a futures contract that the Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous. Equity index futures contracts expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying securities index. Interest rate and Treasury futures contracts expose the Fund to price fluctuations resulting from changes in interest rates. The Fund could suffer a loss if interest rates rise after the Fund has purchased an interest rate futures contract or fall after the Fund has sold an interest rate futures contract. Similarly, Treasury futures contracts expose the Fund to potential losses if interest rates do not move as expected.
Growth Companies Risk
Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, the prices of these stocks may decline, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Growth company stocks may lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock prices in market downturns. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund's growth style could cause it to underperform funds that use a value or non-growth approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Hedging Risk
The Fund intends to enter into hedging transactions with the intention of reducing or controlling risk. It is possible that hedging strategies will not be effective in controlling risk, due to unexpected non-correlation (or even positive correlation) between the hedging instrument and the position being hedged, increasing rather than reducing both risk and losses. To the extent that the Fund enters into hedging transactions, its hedges will not be static but rather will need to be continually adjusted based on the sub-advisor's assessment of market conditions, as well as the expected degree of non-correlation between the hedges and the portfolio being hedged. The success of the Fund's hedging strategies will depend on the sub-advisor's ability to implement such strategies efficiently and cost-effectively, as well as on the accuracy of its judgments concerning the hedging positions to be acquired by the Fund. The Fund will not, in general, attempt to hedge all market or other risks inherent in the Fund's investments, and will hedge certain risks only partially, if at all. Certain risks, either in respect of particular investments or in respect of the Fund's overall portfolio, may not be hedged, particularly if doing so is economically unattractive. As a result, various directional market risks may remain unhedged. Gains or losses from positions in hedging instruments may be much greater than the instrument's original cost. The use of hedges may fail to mitigate risks, and may reduce the Fund's return, or create a loss.
Investment Risk
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. The share price of the Fund fluctuates, which means that when you sell your shares of the Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in the Fund.
Issuer Risk
The value of, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets. When the issuer of a security implements strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions and dispositions, there is the risk that the market response to such initiatives will cause the share price of the issuer's securities to fall.
Large Capitalization Companies Risk
The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. Large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.
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Market Risk
Since the financial crisis that started in 2008, the U.S. and many foreign economies continue to experience its after-effects. Conditions in the U.S. and many foreign economies have resulted, and may continue to result, in certain instruments experiencing unusual liquidity issues, increased price volatility and, in some cases, credit downgrades and increased likelihood of default. These events have reduced the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, and have made it more difficult for some borrowers to obtain financing on attractive terms, if at all. In some cases, traditional market participants have been less willing to make a market in some types of debt instruments, which has affected the liquidity of those instruments. During times of market turmoil, investors tend to look to the safety of securities issued or backed by the U.S. Treasury, causing the prices of these securities to rise and the yields to decline. Reduced liquidity in fixed income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. In addition, global economies and financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibilities that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. A rise in protectionist trade policies, and the possibility of changes to some international trade agreements, could affect the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.
In response to the financial crisis, the U.S. and other governments, and the Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks, have taken steps to support financial markets. In some countries where economic conditions are recovering, they are nevertheless perceived as still fragile. Withdrawal of government support, failure of efforts in response to the crisis, or investor perception that such efforts are not succeeding, could adversely impact the value and liquidity of certain securities. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations, including changes in tax laws. The impact of new financial regulation legislation on the markets and the practical implications for market participants may not be fully known for some time. Regulatory changes are causing some financial services companies to exit long-standing lines of business, resulting in dislocations for other market participants. In addition, political and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad, such as the U.S. government's inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, the threat of a federal government shutdown and threats not to increase the federal government's debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The U.S. government has recently reduced federal corporate income tax rates, and future legislative, regulatory and policy changes may result in more restrictions on international trade, less stringent prudential regulation of certain players in the financial markets, and significant new investments in infrastructure and national defense. Markets may react strongly to expectations about the changes in these policies, which could increase volatility, especially if the markets' expectations for changes in government policies are not borne out.
Changes in market conditions will not have the same impact on all types of securities. Interest rates have been unusually low in recent years in the U.S. and abroad. Because there is little precedent for this situation, it is difficult to predict the impact of a significant rate increase on various markets. For example, because investors may buy securities or other investments with borrowed money, a significant increase in interest rates may cause a decline in the markets for those investments. Regulators have expressed concern that rate increases may cause investors to sell fixed income securities faster than the market can absorb them, contributing to price volatility. In addition, there is a risk that the prices of goods and services in the U.S. and many foreign economies may decline over time, known as deflation (the opposite of inflation). Deflation may have an adverse effect on stock prices and creditworthiness and may make defaults on debt more likely. If a country's economy slips into a deflationary pattern, it could last for a prolonged period and may be difficult to reverse. The precise details and the resulting impact of the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union (the "EU"), commonly referred to as "Brexit," are not yet known. The effect on the United Kingdom's economy will likely depend on the nature of trade relations with the EU and other major economies following its exit, which are matters to be negotiated. The outcomes may cause increased volatility and have a significant adverse impact on world financial markets, other international trade agreements, and the United Kingdom and European economies, as well as the broader global economy for some time, which could significantly adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments in the United Kingdom and Europe.
Market Timing Risk
The Fund invests in foreign securities and is therefore particularly subject to the risk of market timing activities. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in the Fund, including (i) the dilution of the Fund's NAV, (ii) an increase in the Fund's expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager's ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Because of specific securities in which the Fund may invest, it could be subject to the risk of market timing activities by shareholders. One example of these types of securities is foreign securities. The Fund generally prices these foreign securities using their closing prices from the foreign markets in which they trade, which typically is prior to the Fund's calculation of its NAV. These prices may be affected by events that occur after the close of a foreign market but before the Fund prices its shares. In such instances, the Fund may fair value foreign securities. However, some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of the Fund's shares. While the Manager monitors trading in the Fund, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk
Investments in mid-capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility than investments in larger, more established companies. Mid-capitalization companies often have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund's portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks. Additionally, mid-capitalization companies may have less market liquidity than large capitalization companies, and they can be sensitive to changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Other Investment Companies Risk
The Fund may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including money market funds managed by the Manager. To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear fees and expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses and will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies. For example, the Fund's investments in money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. The Fund must rely on the investment company in which it invests to achieve its investment objective. If the investment company fails to achieve its investment objective, the value of the Fund's investment will decline, adversely affecting the Fund's performance. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed income securities and/or foreign securities, or track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject.
Sector Risk
Sector risk is the risk associated with the Fund holding a significant amount of investments in similar businesses, which would be similarly affected by particular economic or market events, which may, in certain circumstances, cause the value of the equity and debt securities of companies in a particular
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sector of the market to change. To the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks to the Fund associated with that sector increase.
Industrials Sector Risk. The industrials sector includes companies engaged in the construction and engineering, machinery, energy, transportation, professional services, aerospace, and defense industries. Companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by changes in government regulation, world events and economic conditions. In addition, companies in the industrials sector may be adversely affected by environmental damages, product liability claims and changes in commodity prices and exchange rates.
Securities Lending Risk
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities; however, the Fund's securities lending agent may indemnify the Fund against that risk. There is a risk that the assets of the Fund's securities lending agent may be insufficient to satisfy any contractual indemnification requirements to the Fund. Borrowers of the Fund's securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities. The Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated money market fund. The Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund's ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions and there is the risk of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower fail financially. In any case in which the loaned securities are not returned to the Fund before an ex-dividend date, the payment in lieu of the dividend that the Fund receives from the securities' borrower would not be treated as a dividend for federal income tax purposes and thus would not qualify for treatment as "qualified dividend income" (as described under "Distributions and Taxes – Taxes" below).
Securities Selection Risk
Securities selected by the sub-advisor or the Manager for the Fund may decline substantially in value or may not perform to expectations. The portfolio managers' judgments about the attractiveness, value, and anticipated price movements of a particular asset class or individual security may be incorrect and there is no guarantee that individual securities will perform as anticipated. The value of an individual security can be more volatile than the market as a whole or the intrinsic value approach may fail to produce the intended results. The sub-advisor's estimate of intrinsic value may be wrong or even if its estimate of intrinsic value is correct, it may take a long period of time before the price and intrinsic value converge. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.
Segregated Assets Risk
In connection with certain transactions that may give rise to future payment obligations, including purchases and sales of futures contracts and investments in derivatives, the Fund may be required to maintain a segregated amount of, or otherwise earmark, cash or liquid securities to cover the position. Segregated or earmarked securities cannot be sold while the position or transaction they are covering is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other securities of equal value. There is the possibility that the segregation or earmarking of a large percentage of the Fund's assets may, in some circumstances, limit the Fund's ability to take advantage of investment opportunities or meet redemption requests.
Small Capitalization Companies Risk
Investments in small capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility than investments in larger capitalization and more established companies. Small capitalization companies often have narrower commercial markets and more limited operating history, product lines, and managerial and financial resources than larger, more established companies. As a result, performance can be more volatile and they face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund's portfolio. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks. Additionally, small capitalization companies may have less market liquidity than larger capitalization companies, and they can be sensitive to changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. Generally, the smaller the company size, the greater these risks.
Valuation Risk
This is the risk that the Fund has valued a security at a price different from the price at which it can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. If market conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, the Fund may value these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when the Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the Fund had not fair-valued the securities or had used a different valuation methodology. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before the Fund determines its NAV. The Fund's ability to value its investments in an accurate and timely manner may be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by third-party service providers, such as pricing services or accounting agents.
Value Stocks Risk
Investments in value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized by the market or that their prices may go down. This may result in the value stocks' prices remaining undervalued for extended periods of time. While the Fund's investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, the Fund may produce more modest gains as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. The Fund's performance also may be affected adversely if value stocks become unpopular with or lose favor among investors. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund's value style could cause it to underperform funds that use a growth or non-value approach to investing or have a broader investment style.
Additional Information About Performance Benchmarks
The annual total return of the Fund will be compared to the MSCI® EAFE Net Index. Set forth below is additional information regarding the index and composite to which the Fund's performance is compared.
The MSCI® EAFE Net Index is a market capitalization weighted index of international stock performance composed of equities from developed markets excluding the U.S. and Canada.
Notices Regarding Index Data:
Neither MSCI nor any other party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the MSCI data makes any express or implied warranties or representations with respect to such data (or the results to be obtained by the use thereof), and all such parties hereby expressly disclaim all warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any of such data. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall MSCI, any of its affiliates or third party involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating the data have any liability for any direct,
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indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages. No further distribution or dissemination of the MSCI data is permitted without MSCI's express written consent.
Fund Management
The Manager
AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC. (the "Manager") serves as the Manager and administrator of the Fund. The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC, which is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P., KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital Partners L.P.
The Manager was organized in 1986 to provide investment management, advisory, and administrative services. The Manager is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"). The Manager, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice claiming the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") Regulation 4.5 exclusion from registration as a commodity pool operator ("CPO") under the Commodity Exchange Act, and the Manager is exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Fund.
The Fund's Management Agreement with the Manager provides for the Fund to pay the Manager an annualized management fee based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:
First $5 billion |
0.35% |
Next $5 billion |
0.325% |
Next $10 billion |
0.30% |
Over $20 billion |
0.275% |
The Manager also may receive up to 10% of the net monthly income generated from the Fund's securities lending activities as compensation for oversight of the Fund's securities lending program, including the securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits the Fund to invest cash collateral received from securities lending transactions in shares of one or more private or registered investment companies managed by the Manager.
As of the date of this prospectus, the Fund intends to engage in securities lending activities.
A discussion of the Board's consideration and approval of the Management Agreement between the Fund and the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, the sub-advisor and the Manager will be available in the Fund's semi-annual report for the period ended April 30, 2019.
The Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund's Y Class, Institutional Class and Investor Class shares through February 28, 2021 to the extent that total annual fund operating expenses exceed 0.99% for the Y Class, 0.89% for the Institutional Class and 1.25% for the Investor Class (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses). The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund's Board of Trustees.The Board has approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager's own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses of a class to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of recoupment.
The Sub-Advisor
Set forth below is a brief description of the sub-advisor and the portfolio manager who is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio manager, including other accounts managed,his ownership in the Fund and his compensation.
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P ("Tocqueville'') , 40 W 57th Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10019, is a registered investment advisor and serves as the sub-advisor to the Fund. Tocqueville is a Limited Partnership that was organized in the State of Delaware. As of June 30, 2018, Tocqueville had approximately $10.7 billion in assets under management.
Tocqueville has managed the Fund's predecessor since its inception.
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Tocqueville pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay Tocqueville an annualized subadvisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily equal to 0.40% on the first $1 billion, 0.35% on the next $1 billion, and 0.325% thereafter of the Fund's average daily net assets.
James E. Hunt is a Portfolio Manager at Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. He joined Tocqueville in 2000 and is Chairman of the Investment Committee of the International Multi Cap Equity strategy and the Global Equity strategy, and Portfolio Manager of the Fund's predecessor, the Tocqueville International Value Fund, and Tocqueville Global Partners. He is also a member of the Investment Committee of the U.S. Multi Cap Equity strategy. Mr. Hunt was Director of Research at Tocqueville from 2000-2006. Prior to joining Tocqueville, he spent eight years with Lehman Brothers and two years with Warburg Dillon Read as an executive in their respective investment banking departments. He began his career in 1984 as an Equity Analyst with Delafield Asset Management. Mr. Hunt earned a B.A. from Brown University and an M.B.A. from Yale University's School of Management.
Valuation of Shares
The price of the Fund's shares is based on its NAV per share. The Fund's NAV is computed by adding total assets, subtracting all of the Fund's liabilities, and dividing the result by the total number of shares outstanding.
The NAV of each class of the Fund's shares is determined based on a pro rata allocation of the Fund's investment income, expenses and total capital gains and losses. The Fund's NAV per share is determined each business day as of the regular close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (‘‘NYSE‘'), which is typically 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. However, if trading on the NYSE closes at a time other than 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, the Fund's NAV per share typically would still be determined as of the regular close of trading on the NYSE. The Fund does not price its shares on days that the NYSE is closed. Foreign exchanges may permit trading in foreign securities on days when the Fund is not open for business, which may result in the value of the Fund's portfolio investments being affected at a time when you are unable to buy or sell shares.
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Prospectus – Fund Management |
Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued based on market value. Certain derivative instruments (other than short-term securities) usually are valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service. The price of debt securities generally is determined using pricing services or quotes obtained from broker/dealers who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as comparable characteristics, yield curve, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, underlying collateral and estimated cash flow. Investments in other mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share of the mutual funds on the day of valuation. Equity securities, including shares of closed-end funds and ETFs, are valued at the last sale price or official closing price.
The valuation of securities traded on foreign markets and certain fixed income securities will generally be based on prices determined as of the earlier closing time of the markets on which they primarily trade, unless a significant event has occurred. When the Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, under certain limited circumstances. For example, fair value pricing will be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, as determined by the Manager, such as when (i) trading for a security is restricted or stopped; (ii) a security's trading market is closed (other than customary closings); or (iii) a security has been de-listed from a national exchange. A security with limited market liquidity may require fair value pricing if the Manager determines that the available price does not reflect the security's true market value. In addition, if a significant event that the Manager determines to affect the value of one or more securities held by the Fund occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of the Fund's NAV, fair value pricing may be used on the affected security or securities.
The Fund is expected to fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which this Fund invest. Securities of small capitalization companies are also more likely to require a fair value determination using these procedures because they are more thinly traded and less liquid than the securities of larger capitalization companies. The Fund may fair value securities as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which the Fund invests. In addition, the Fund may invest in illiquid securities requiring these procedures.
Attempts to determine the fair value of securities introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities. As a result, the price of a security determined through fair valuation techniques may differ from the price quoted or published by other sources and may not accurately reflect the market value of the security when trading resumes. If a reliable market quotation becomes available for a security formerly valued through fair valuation techniques, the Manager compares the new market quotation to the fair value price to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fund's fair valuation procedures. If any significant discrepancies are found, the Manager may adjust the Fund's fair valuation procedures. You may view the Fund's most recent NAV per share at www.americanbeaconfunds.com by clicking on ‘‘Quick Links'' and then ‘‘Daily NAVs.''
About Your Investment
Choosing Your Share Class
The Fund offers various classes of shares. Each share class of the Fund represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities for the Fund, but each class has its own expense structure and combination of purchase restrictions and ongoing fees, allowing you to choose the class that best fits your situation.
Factors you should consider when choosing a class of shares include:
How long you expect to own the shares;
How much you intend to invest;
Total expenses associated with owning shares of each class;
Whether you plan to take any distributions in the near future; and
Availability of share classes.
Each investor's financial considerations are different. You should speak with your financial adviser to help you decide which share class is best for you.
Purchase and Redemption of Shares
Eligibility
The Y Class, Institutional Class, and Investor Class shares offered in this Prospectus are available to eligible investors who meet the minimum initial investment. American Beacon Funds do not accept accounts registered to foreign individuals or entities, including foreign correspondent accounts. The Fund does not conduct operations and is not offered for purchase outside of the United States.
Subject to your eligibility, you may invest in the Fund directly or through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, plan sponsors, third party administrators, and retirement plans.
If you invest directly with the Fund, the fees and policies with respect to the Fund's shares that are outlined in this Prospectus are set by the Fund. The Manager and the Fund are not responsible for determining the suitability of the Fund or a share class for any investor.
If you invest through a financial intermediary, most of the information you will need for managing your investment will come from your financial intermediary. This includes information on how to buy, sell and exchange shares of the Fund. If you establish an account through a financial intermediary, the investment minimums described in this section may not apply. Investors investing in the Fund through a financial intermediary should consult with their financial intermediary to ensure they obtain all information regarding the differences between available share classes. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary also may charge fees that are in addition to those described in this Prospectus. Please contact your intermediary for information regarding investment minimums, how to purchase and redeem shares and applicable fees.
Prospectus – About Your Investment |
13 |
Minimum Initial Investment by Share Class
|
New Account |
Existing Account |
|
Share Class |
Minimum Initial Investment Amount |
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by check/ACH/Exchange |
Purchase/Redemption Minimum by Wire |
Investor |
$2,500 |
$50 |
$250 |
Y |
$100,000 |
$50 |
None |
Institutional |
$250,000 |
$50 |
None |
Investor Class shares are also available to traditional IRA or Roth IRA shareholders investing directly in the Fund. The minimum investment is $2,500. A traditional IRA or Roth IRA invested directly will be charged an annual maintenance fee of $15.00 by the Custodian.
The Manager may allow a reasonable period of time after opening an account for a Y Class or Institutional Class investor to meet the initial investment requirement. In addition, for investors such as trust companies and financial advisors who make investments for a group of clients, the minimum initial investment can be met through aggregated purchase orders for more than one client.
Opening an Account
You may open an account through your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary. Please contact your financial intermediary for more information on how to open an account. Shares you purchase through your broker-dealer will normally be held in your account with that firm.
To open an account directly with the Fund, a completed, signed application is required. You may obtain an account application from the Fund's website www.americanbeaconfunds.com or by calling 1-800-658-5811. Institutional shareholders should call 1-800-967-9009.
Complete the application, sign it and send it:
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When you open an account, you will be asked for information that will allow the Fund or your financial institution to identify you. Non-public corporations and other entities may be required to provide articles of incorporation, trust or partnership agreements, and taxpayer identification numbers on the account or other documentation. The Fund is required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided.
The Fund reserves the right to liquidate a shareholder's account at the current day's NAV and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution is unable to verify the shareholder's identity within three days of account opening.
Purchase Policies
Shares of the Fund are offered and purchase orders are typically accepted until 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or the close of the NYSE (whichever comes first) on each day on which the NYSE is open for business. If a purchase order is received by the Fund in good order prior to the Fund's deadline, the purchase price will be the NAV per share next determined on that day. If a purchase order is received in good order after the applicable deadline, the purchase price will be the NAV per share of the following day that the Fund is open for business. Shares of the Fund will only be issued against full payment, as described more fully in this Prospectus and SAI.
The Fund has authorized certain third party financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, third-party administrators and trust companies, to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund and to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund. The Fund is deemed to have received such orders when they are received by the financial intermediaries or their designees. Thus, an order to purchase or sell Fund shares will be priced at the Fund's next determined NAV after receipt by the financial intermediary or its designee. It is the responsibility of your broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit orders that will be received by the Fund in proper form and in a timely manner. The Fund is not responsible for the failure of a broker-dealer or financial intermediary to transmit a purchase order in proper form and in a timely manner.
Fund shares may be purchased only in U.S. States and Territories in which they can be legally sold. Prospective investors should inquire as to whether shares of the Fund are available for offer and sale in their jurisdiction. The Fund reserves the right to refuse purchases if, in the judgment of the Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. The Fund has the right to reject any purchase order or cease offering any or all classes of shares at any time. Checks to purchase shares are accepted subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn in U.S. dollars on a U.S. bank. The Fund will not accept ‘‘starter'' checks, credit card checks, money orders, cashier's checks, or third-party checks.
If your payment is not received and collected, your purchase may be cancelled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the Fund or the Manager has incurred. Under applicable anti-money laundering regulations and other federal regulations, purchase orders may be suspended, restricted or canceled and the monies may be withheld.
Please refer to the section titled ‘‘Frequent Trading and Market Timing'' for information on the Fund's policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
Redemption Policies
If you purchased shares of the Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to sell shares of the Fund. A sale or redemption of your shares is generally taxable to you. See "Taxes."
The redemption price will be the NAV next determined after a redemption request is received in good order. In order to receive the redemption price calculated on a particular business day, redemption requests must be received in good order by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or by the close of the NYSE (whichever comes first).
14 |
Prospectus – About Your Investment |
Wire proceeds from redemption requests received in good order by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or by the close of the NYSE (whichever comes first) generally are transmitted to shareholders on the next day the Fund is open for business. In any event, proceeds from a redemption request will typically be transmitted to a shareholder by no later than seven days after the receipt of a redemption request in good order. Delivery of proceeds from shares purchased by check or pre-authorized automatic investment may be delayed until the funds have cleared, which may take up to ten days.
The Fund reserves the right to suspend redemptions or postpone the date of payment for more than seven days (i) when the NYSE is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday closings); (ii) when trading on the NYSE is restricted; (iii) when the SEC determines that an emergency exists so that disposal of the Fund's investments or determination of its NAV is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) by order of the SEC for protection of the Fund's shareholders.
Although the Fund intends to redeem shares by paying out available cash, cash generated by selling portfolio holdings (including cash equivalent portfolio holdings), or funds borrowed through the Fund's interfund credit facility, in stressed market conditions and other appropriate circumstances, the Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by borrowing funds from external parties or distributing securities or other assets held by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund redeems its shares in this manner, the shareholder assumes the risk of a subsequent change in the market value of those securities, the cost of liquidating the securities and the possibility of a lack of a liquid market for those securities.
Please refer to the section titled ‘‘Frequent Trading and Market Timing'' for information on the Fund's policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
Exchange Policies
If you purchased shares of the Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your financial intermediary to determine if you may take advantage of the exchange policies described in this section and for its policies to effect an exchange. An exchange is a taxable event to you. See "Taxes."
Shares of any class of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another American Beacon Fund under certain limited circumstances. Since an exchange involves a concurrent redemption and purchase, please review the sections titled ‘‘Redemption Policies'' and ‘‘Purchase Policies'' for additional limitations that apply to redemptions and purchases. If Fund shares were purchased by check, a shareholder must have owned those shares for at least ten days prior to exchanging out of the Fund and into another fund.
The eligibility and minimum investment requirement must be met for the class into which the shareholder is exchanging. Fund shares may be acquired through exchange only in U.S. states and Territories in which they can be legally sold. The Fund reserves the right to charge a fee and to modify or terminate the exchange privilege at any time. The Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange requests if, in the judgment of the Fund, the transaction would adversely affect the Fund and its shareholders. Please refer to the section titled "Frequent Trading and Market Timing" for information on the Fund's policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.
Shares of any class of the Fund may be converted to shares of another class of the Fund under certain limited circumstances. For federal income tax purposes, the conversion of shares of one share class of the Fund to shares of a different share class of the Fund will not result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. However, an exchange of shares of the Fund for shares of a different American Beacon Fund generally is considered a redemption and a concurrent purchase, respectively, and thus may result in the realization of capital gain or loss for those purposes.
How to Purchase, Redeem or Exchange Shares
If your account is through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, please contact them directly to purchase, redeem or exchange shares of the Fund. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary can help you open a new account, review your financial needs and formulate long-term investment goals and objectives. Your broker-dealer or financial intermediary will transmit your request to the Fund and may charge you a fee for this service. Dealers, other financial intermediaries or fiduciaries purchasing shares for their customers are responsible for determining the suitability of a particular share class for an investor. You should include the following information with any order:
Your name/account registration
Your account number
Type of transaction requested
Fund name(s) and fund numbers
Dollar amount or number of shares
Transactions for direct shareholders are conducted through:
Internet |
www.americanbeaconfunds.com |
|
Phone |
To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1
Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class Only)
|
|
|
American Beacon Funds
PO Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
|
Overnight Delivery:
American Beacon Funds
c/o DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
330 West 9th Street
Kansas City, MO 64105
|
Prospectus – About Your Investment |
15 |
Purchases by Wire:
Send a bank wire to State Street Bank and Trust Co. with these instructions:
ABA# 0110-0002-8; AC-9905-342-3,
Attn: American Beacon Funds
the fund name and fund number, and
shareholder account number and registration.
Share Class |
Minimum Initial Investment Amount |
Minimum Subsequent Investment Amount |
Investor |
$ 2,500 |
$250 |
Y |
$100,000 |
None |
Institutional |
$250,000 |
None |
Redemption Proceeds will be mailed to the account of record or transmitted to commercial bank designated on the account application form.
Supporting documents may be required for redemptions by estates, trusts, guardianships, custodians, corporations, and welfare, pension and profit sharing plans. Redemption requests must also include authorized signature(s) of all persons required to sign for the account. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions.
To protect the Fund(s) and your account from fraud, a STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantee is required for redemption orders:
with a request to send the proceeds to an address or commercial bank account other than the address or commercial bank account designated on the account application, or
for an account whose address has changed within the last 30 days if proceeds are sent by check.
The Fund(s) only accepts STAMP 2000 Medallion signature guarantees, which may be obtained at participating banks, broker-dealers and credit unions. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. Call 1-800-658-5811 for instructions and further assistance.
Payments to Financial Intermediaries
For certain share classes the Fund and/or the Manager (and/or the Manager's affiliates), at their own expense, may pay compensation to financial intermediaries for shareholder-related services and, if applicable, distribution-related services, including administrative, sub-transfer agency type, recordkeeping and shareholder communication services. For example, compensation may be paid to make Fund shares available to sales representatives and/or customers of a fund supermarket platform or similar program sponsor or for services provided in connection with such fund supermarket platforms and programs.
The amount of compensation paid to different financial intermediaries may differ. The compensation paid to a financial intermediary may be based on a variety of factors, including average assets under management in accounts distributed and/or serviced by the financial intermediary, gross sales by the financial intermediary and/or the number of accounts serviced by the financial intermediary that invest in the Fund. To the extent that the Fund pays any such compensation, it is designed to compensate the financial intermediary for providing services that would otherwise be provided by the Manager, the Fund or its transfer agent. To the extent the Manager or its affiliates pay such compensation, it would likely include amounts from that party's own resources and constitute what is sometimes referred to as ‘‘revenue sharing.''
Compensation received by a financial intermediary from the Fund, the Manager or an affiliate of the Manager may include payments for marketing and/or training expenses incurred by the financial intermediary, including expenses incurred by the financial intermediary in educating (itself and) its salespersons with respect to Fund shares. For example, such compensation may include reimbursements for expenses incurred in attending educational seminars regarding the Fund, including travel and lodging expenses. It may also cover costs incurred by financial intermediaries in connection with their efforts to sell Fund shares, including costs incurred compensating (registered) sales representatives and preparing, printing and distributing sales literature.
Any compensation received by a financial intermediary, whether from the Fund or the Manager and/or its affiliates, and the prospect of receiving it may provide the financial intermediary with an incentive to recommend the shares of the Fund, or a certain class of shares of the Fund, over other potential investments. Similarly, the compensation may cause financial intermediaries to elevate the prominence of the Fund within its organization by, for example, placing it on a list of preferred funds. You can contact your financial intermediary for details about any such payments it receives from the Manager, its affiliates and/or the Fund, or any other fees, expenses, or commissions your financial intermediary may charge you in addition to those disclosed in this Prospectus.
General Policies
If a shareholder's account balance falls below the following minimum levels, the shareholder may be asked to increase the balance.
Share Class |
Account Balance |
Investor |
$ 2,500 |
Y |
$25,000 |
Institutional |
$75,000 |
If the account balance remains below the applicable minimum account balance after 45 days, the Fund reserves the right to close the account and send the proceeds to the shareholder. The Fund reserves the authority to modify minimum account balances in its discretion.
A Signature Validation Program (‘‘SVP'') stamp or notary stamp may be required in order to change an account's registration or banking instructions. You may obtain a SVP stamp at participating banks, broker-dealers and credit unions, but not from a notary public. The SVP stamp is analogous to the STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantee in that it is provided at similar institutions. However, it is used only for non-financial transactions.
The following policies apply to instructions you may provide to the Fund by telephone:
The Fund, its officers, trustees, employees, or agents are not responsible for the authenticity of instructions provided by telephone, nor for any loss, liability, cost or expense incurred for acting on them.
The Fund employs procedures reasonably designed to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
Due to the volume of calls or other unusual circumstances, telephone redemptions may be difficult to implement during certain time periods.
16 |
Prospectus – About Your Investment |
The Fund reserves the right to:
liquidate a shareholder's account at the current day's NAV and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution are unable to verify the shareholder's identity within three business days of account opening,
seek reimbursement from the shareholder for any related loss incurred by the Fund if payment for the purchase of Fund shares by check does not clear the shareholder's bank, and
reject a purchase order and seek reimbursement from the shareholder for any related loss incurred by the Fund if funds are not received by the applicable wire deadline.
Escheatment
Please be advised that certain state escheatment laws may require the Fund to turn over your mutual fund account to the state listed in your account registration as abandoned property unless you contact the Fund. Many states have added ‘‘inactivity'' or the absence of customer initiated contact as a component of their rules and guidelines for the escheatment of unclaimed property. These states consider property to be abandoned when there is no shareholder initiated activity on an account for at least three (3) to five (5) years.
Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, customer initiated contact might be achieved by one of the following methods:
Send a letter to American Beacon Funds via the United States Post Office,
Speak to a Customer Service Representative on the phone after you go through a security verification process. For residents of certain states, contact cannot be made by phone but must be in writing or through the Fund's secure web application,
Access your account through the Fund's secure web application,
Cashing checks that are received and are made payable to the owner of the account.
The Fund, the Manager, and the Transfer Agent will not be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with escheatment laws. To learn more about the escheatment rules for your particular state, please contact your attorney or State Treasurer's and/or Controller's Offices. If you do not hold your shares directly with the Fund, you should contact your broker-dealer, retirement plan, or other third-party intermediary regarding applicable state escheatment laws.
Shareholders that reside in the state of Texas may designate a representative to receive escheatment notifications by completing and submitting a designation form that can be found on the website of the Texas Comptroller. While the designated representative does not have any rights to claim or access the shareholder's account or assets, the escheatment period will cease if the representative communicates knowledge of the shareholder's location and confirms that the shareholder has not abandoned his or her property. If a shareholder designates a representative to receive escheatment notifications, any escheatment notices will be delivered both to the shareholder and the designated representative. The completed designation form may be mailed to the below address.
Contact information:
American Beacon Funds
P.O. Box 219643
Kansas City, MO 64121-9643
1-800-658-5811
www.americanbeaconfunds.com
Frequent Trading and Market Timing
Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in the Fund, including (i) the dilution of the Fund's NAV, (ii) an increase in the Fund's expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio manager's ability to execute efficient investment strategies. Frequent, short-term trading of Fund shares in an attempt to profit from day-to-day fluctuations in the Fund's NAV is known as market timing.
The Fund's Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures intended to discourage frequent trading and market timing.
Shareholders may transact one ‘‘round trip'' in the Fund in any rolling 90-day period. A ‘‘round trip'' is defined as two transactions, each in an opposite direction. A round trip may involve either (i) a purchase or exchange into the Fund followed by a redemption or exchange out of the Fund or (ii) a redemption or exchange out of the Fund followed by a purchase or exchange into the Fund. If the Manager detects that a shareholder has exceeded one round trip in the Fund in any rolling 90-day period, the Manager, without prior notice to the shareholder, may prohibit the shareholder from making further purchases of the Fund. In general, the Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order, terminate the exchange privilege, or liquidate the account of any shareholder that the Manager determines has engaged in frequent trading or market timing, regardless of whether the shareholder's activity violates any policy stated in this Prospectus. Additionally, the Manager may in its discretion, reject any purchase or exchange into the Fund from any individual investor, institutional investor, or group whose trading activity could disrupt the management of the Fund or dilute the value of the Fund's shares, including collective trading (e.g. following the advice of an investment newsletter). Such investors may be barred from future purchases of American Beacon Funds.
The round-trip limit does not apply to the following transaction types:
shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions;
systematic purchases and redemptions;
shares redeemed to return excess IRA contributions; or
certain transactions made within a retirement or employee benefit plan, such as payroll contributions, minimum required distributions, loans, and hardship withdrawals, or other transactions that are initiated by a party other than the plan participant.
Financial intermediaries that offer Fund shares, such as broker-dealers, third party administrators of retirement plans, and trust companies, will be asked to enforce the Fund's policies to discourage frequent trading and market timing by investors. However, certain intermediaries that offer Fund shares have informed the Fund that they are currently unable to enforce the Fund's policies on an automated basis. In those instances, the Manager will monitor trading activity of the intermediary in an attempt to detect patterns of activity that indicate frequent trading or market timing by underlying investors. In some cases, intermediaries that offer Fund shares have their own policies to deter frequent trading and market timing that differ from the Fund's policies. The Fund may defer to an intermediary's policies. For more information, please contact the financial intermediary through which you invest in the Fund.
The Manager monitors trading activity in the Fund to attempt to identify shareholders engaged in frequent trading or market timing. The Manager may exclude transactions below a certain dollar amount from monitoring and may change that dollar amount from time to time. The ability of the Manager to
Prospectus – About Your Investment |
17 |
detect frequent trading and market timing activity by investors who own shares through an intermediary is dependent upon the intermediary's provision of information necessary to identify transactions by the underlying investors. The Fund has entered into agreements with the intermediaries that service the Fund's investors, pursuant to which the intermediaries agree to provide information on investor transactions to the Fund and to act on the Fund's instructions to restrict transactions by investors who the Manager has identified as having violated the Fund's policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing.
Wrap programs offered by certain intermediaries may be designated ‘‘Qualified Wrap Programs'' by the Fund based on specific criteria established by the Fund and a certification by the intermediary that the criteria have been met. A Qualified Wrap Program is a wrap program whose sponsoring intermediary: (i) certifies that it has investment discretion over $50 million or more in client assets invested in mutual funds at the time of the certification, (ii) certifies that it directs transactions in accounts participating in the wrap program(s) in concert with changes in a model portfolio; (iii) provides the Manager a description of the wrap program(s); and (iv) managed by an intermediary that agrees to provide the Manager sufficient information to identify individual accounts in the intermediary's wrap program(s). For purposes of applying the round-trip limit, transactions initiated by clients invested in a Qualified Wrap Program will not be matched to transactions initiated by the intermediary sponsoring the Qualified Wrap Program. For example, a client's purchase of the Fund followed within 90 days by the intermediary's redemption of the same Fund would not be considered a round trip. However, transactions initiated by a Qualified Wrap Program client are subject to the round-trip limit and will be matched to determine if the client has exceeded the round-trip limit. In addition, the Manager will monitor transactions initiated by Qualified Wrap Program intermediaries to determine whether any intermediary has engaged in frequent trading or market timing. If the Manager determines that an intermediary has engaged in activity that is harmful to the Fund, the Manager will revoke the intermediary's Qualified Wrap Program status. Upon termination of status as a Qualified Wrap Program, all account transactions will be matched for purposes of testing compliance with the Fund's frequent trading and market timing policies, including any applicable redemption fees.
The Fund reserves the right to modify the frequent trading and market timing policies and procedures and grant or eliminate waivers to such policies and procedures at any time without advance notice to shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Fund's policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing will have the intended effect or that the Manager will be able to detect frequent trading and market timing.
Distributions and Taxes
The Fund distributes most or all of its net earnings and realized gains, if any, each taxable year in the form of dividends from net investment income ("dividends") and distributions of realized net capital gains ("capital gain distributions") and net gains from foreign currency transactions (sometimes referred to below collectively as "other distributions") (and dividends and other distributions are sometimes referred to below collectively as "distributions"). Different tax treatment applies to different types of distributions (as described in the table below).
The Fund does not have a fixed dividend rate nor does it guarantee that it will pay any distributions in any particular period. Distributions paid by the Fund with respect to each class of shares are calculated in the same manner and at the same time, but dividends on different classes of shares may be different as a result of the services and/or fees applicable to certain classes of shares.
American Beacon Fund |
Dividends Paid |
Other Distributions Paid |
Tocqueville International Value Fund |
Annually |
Annually |
Options for Receiving Dividends and Other Distributions
When you open your Fund account, you can specify on your application how you want to receive distributions. To change that
option, you must notify the transfer agent. Unless you instruct otherwise in your account application, distributions payable
to you by the Fund will be reinvested in additional shares of the distributing class of the Fund. There are four payment options
available:
Reinvest All Distributions. You can elect to reinvest all distributions by the Fund in additional shares of the distributing
class of the Fund.
Reinvest Only Some Distributions. You can elect to reinvest some types of distributions by the Fund in additional shares of the distributing class of the Fund while receiving the other types of distributions by the Fund by check or having them sent directly to your bank account by ACH ("in cash").
Receive All Distributions in Cash. You can elect to receive all distributions in cash.
Reinvest Your Distributions in shares of another American Beacon Fund. You can reinvest all of your distributions by the Fund on a particular class of shares in shares of the same class of another American Beacon Fund that is available for exchanges. You must have an existing account in the same share class of the selected fund.
Distributions of Fund income are generally taxable to you regardless of the manner in which received or reinvested.
If you invest directly with the Fund, any election to receive distributions payable by check will only apply to distributions totaling $10.00 or more. Any distribution by the Fund totaling less than $10.00 will be reinvested in shares of the distributing class of the Fund and will not be paid to you by check.
If you elect to receive a distribution by check and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver your check, or if your check remains uncashed for at least six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the amount of your check, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions in shares of the distributing class of the Fund at the NAV per share on the day of the reinvestment. Interest will not accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
Shareholders investing in the Fund through a financial intermediary should discuss their options for receiving distributions with the intermediary.
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Prospectus – About Your Investment |
Taxes
Fund distributions are taxable to shareholders other than tax-qualified retirement accounts and other tax-exempt investors. However, the portion of the Fund's dividends derived from its investments in U.S. Government obligations, if any, is generally exempt from state and local income taxes. Fund dividends, except those that are "qualified dividend income" (as described below), are subject to federal income tax at the rates for ordinary income contained in the Code, as amended most recently by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017 ("Act"). The following table outlines the typical status of transactions in taxable accounts:
* Whether reinvested or taken by check or in cash.
** Except for dividends that are attributable to ‘‘qualified dividend income,'' if any.
To the extent distributions are attributable to net capital gain that the Fund recognizes on sales or exchanges of capital assets they are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (‘‘individuals'') (20% for individuals with taxable income exceeding certain thresholds, which amounts are indexed for inflation annually).
A portion of the dividends the Fund pays to individuals may be ‘‘qualified dividend income'' (‘‘QDI'') and thus eligible for the preferential rates mentioned above that apply to net capital gain. QDI is the aggregate of dividends the Fund receives from most domestic corporations and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions with respect to the shares on which the dividends are paid. To be eligible for those rates, a shareholder must meet similar restrictions with respect to his or her Fund shares.
A portion of the distributions the Fund pays may also be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations ("DRD") (which was reduced by the Act), subject to similar holding period and other restrictions, but the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends the Fund receives from domestic corporations only. However, dividends that a corporate shareholder receives and deducts pursuant to the dividends-received deduction may be subject indirectly to the federal alternative minimum tax.
A shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss when redeeming or exchanging shares. That gain or loss is treated as a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss, depending on how long the redeemed or exchanged shares were held. Any capital gain an individual shareholder recognizes on a redemption or exchange of Fund shares that have been held for more than one year generally will qualify for the maximum federal income tax rates mentioned above.
A shareholder who wants to use an acceptable basis determination method other than the average basis method (the Fund's default method) with respect to Fund shares, must elect to do so in writing, which may be electronic. The Fund, or its administrative agent, must report to the Internal Revenue Service and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for dispositions of Fund shares. See "Tax Information" in the SAI for a description of the rules regarding that election and the Fund's reporting obligation.
An individual must pay a 3.8% federal tax on the lesser of (1) the individual's ‘‘net investment income,'' which generally includes dividends, interest, and net gains from the disposition of investment property (including distributions the Fund pays and net gains realized on the redemption or exchange of Fund shares), or (2) the excess of the individual's ‘‘modified adjusted gross income'' over a threshold amount ($250,000 for married persons filing jointly and $200,000 for single taxpayers). This tax is in addition to any other taxes due on that income. A similar tax applies to estates and trusts. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding the effect, if any, this tax may have on their investment in Fund shares.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important federal income tax considerations that may affect Fund shareholders who should consult their tax advisers regarding specific questions as to the effect of federal, state and local income taxes on an investment in the Fund. Each year, the Fund's shareholders will receive tax information regarding Fund distributions and dispositions of Fund shares to assist them in preparing their income tax returns.
Additional Information
The Fund's Board of Trustees oversees generally the operations of the Fund. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Fund's manager, sub-advisor(s), custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
This Prospectus provides information concerning the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase Fund shares. Neither this Prospectus nor the SAI is intended, or should be read, to be or create an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any investor, or to create any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be waived. Nothing in this Prospectus, the SAI or the Fund's reports to shareholders is intended to provide investment advice and should not be construed as investment advice.
Service Plans and Service Fees
The Fund has adopted a shareholder services plan for its Investor Class shares for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries. The shareholder services plan authorizes annual payment of up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Investor Class shares. In addition, the Fund may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and Institutional Class shares of the Fund.
Portfolio Holdings
A complete list of the Fund's holdings will be made available on the Fund's website on a quarterly basis approximately sixty days after the end of each calendar quarter and will remain available for six months thereafter. A list of the Fund's ten largest holdings will be made available on the Fund's website on a quarterly basis. The ten largest holdings of the Fund will generally be posted to the website approximately fifteen days after the end of each calendar quarter and remain
Prospectus – Additional Information |
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available until the next quarter. To access the holdings information, go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com. The Fund's ten largest holdings may also be accessed by selecting the Fund's fact sheet.
A description of the Fund's policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of portfolio holdings is available in the Fund's SAI, which you may access on the Fund's website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-658-5811 to request a free copy.
Delivery of Documents
If you are interested in electronic delivery of the Fund's summary prospectus and shareholder reports, please go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and click on ‘‘Resource Center'' and then ‘‘Register for E-Delivery.''
To reduce expenses, your financial institution may mail only one copy of the summary prospectus, Annual Report and Semi-Annual Report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please contact your financial institution. Delivery of individual copies will commence thirty days after receiving your request.
Financial Highlights
The financial highlights tables are intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance for the period of the Fund's operations. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions).
The financial highlights shown below for Investor Class shares of the Fund represent the financial history of the Fund's predecessor, the Tocqueville International Value Fund, a series of Tocqueville Trust, which was acquired by the Fund in a reorganization on XXXX XX, 2019. The information for the fiscal periods ended October 31, 2014, October 31, 2015, October 31, 2016, October 31, 2017, and October 31, 2018 was audited by the Tocqueville Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP.
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Net investment income per share is calculated using the ending balance prior to consideration or adjustment for permanent book-to-tax differences. |
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Represents less than $0.01. |
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Prospectus – Additional Information |
Additional Information
Additional information about the Fund is found in the documents listed below. Request a free copy of these documents by calling 1-800-658-5811 or you may access them on the Fund's website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
Annual Report/Semi-Annual Report
The Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports list the Fund's actual investments as of the report's date. They also include a
discussion by the Manager of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance.
The report of the Fund's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm will be included in the Annual Report. Reports will
be available approximately 60 days after the Fund passes its first annual and semi-annual reporting periods.
Statement of Additional Information (‘‘SAI'')
The SAI contains more details about the Fund and its investment policies. The SAI is incorporated in this Prospectus by reference (it is legally part of this Prospectus). A current SAI is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
To obtain more information about the Fund or to request a copy of the documents listed above:
By Telephone: |
Call
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By Mail: |
American Beacon Funds
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By E-mail: |
americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com |
On the Internet: |
Visit our website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com
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The SAI and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. Copies of this information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic mail to publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-1520. The SAI and other information about the Fund may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.
American Beacon is a registered service mark of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. The American Beacon Funds and the American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
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SEC File Number 811-04984
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The information in this statement of additional information is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This statement of additional information is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Statement of Additional Information
XXXX XX, 2019
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Share Class |
Y |
Institutional |
Investor |
American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund |
XXXXX |
XXXXX |
XXXXX |
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated XXXX XX, 2019 (the "Prospectus") for the American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund (the "Fund"), a series of American Beacon Funds, a Massachusetts business trust. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 658-5811. You also may obtain copies of the Prospectus without charge by visiting the Fund's website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus. In other words, it is legally a part of the Prospectus. This SAI is not a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by the current Prospectus. Capitalized terms in this SAI have the same definition as in the Prospectus, unless otherwise defined.
The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date hereof. Accordingly, financial statements for the Fund are not available. Copies of the Fund's Annual Report may be obtained when available, without charge, upon request by calling (800) 658-5811 or visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com.
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Additional Information About Investment Strategies and Risks |
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Appendix A: Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures for the Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
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Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policies - Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. |
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ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY OF THE FUND
The Fund is a separate series of the American Beacon Funds (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 16, 1987. The Fund constitutes a separate investment portfolio with a distinct investment objective and distinct purpose and strategy. The Fund is diversified as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). The Fund is comprised of multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors. This SAI relates to the Y, Institutional and Investor shares of the Fund.
On XXXX XX, 201X, the Fund acquired all the assets and assumed all the liabilities of the Tocqueville International Value Fund, a series of Tocqueville Trust (the "Acquired Tocqueville Fund"). Since the investment objective and policies of the Acquired Tocqueville Fund are the same in all material respects as those of the Fund, and since the Fund has engaged the investment advisor that previously provided services to the Acquired Tocqueville Fund as the Fund's sub-advisor, the Fund has adopted the prior performance and financial history of the Acquired Tocqueville Fund.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
The investment objective and principal investment strategies and risks of the Fund are described in the Prospectus. This section contains additional information about the Fund's investment policies and risks and types of investments the Fund may purchase. The composition of the Fund's portfolio and the strategies the Fund may use in selecting investments may vary over time. The Fund is not required to use all of the investment strategies described below in pursuing its investment objectives. It may use some of the investment strategies only at some times or it may not use them at all.
Activist Risk — An activist investor uses an equity stake in a company to put public pressure on the company's management team and board in order to achieve certain objectives such as the increase of shareholder value through changes in corporate policy or financing structure, or to reduce expenses. Shareholder activism can take any of several forms, including proxy battles, publicity campaigns, and negotiations with management. Although the Fund does not intend to invest in companies for the purpose of effecting change or influencing or controlling management itself, the Fund invests in companies that the Sub-Advisor believes have potential for capital appreciation resulting from such changes. The Sub-Advisor's evaluation of companies may prove incorrect, or the efforts which they invest may not be successful, or even if successful, may have unintended affects or cause the Fund's investment to lose value.
Borrowing Risk — The Fund may borrow money in an amount up to one-third of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) from banks and other financial institutions. The Fund may borrow for temporary purposes or to facilitate short sales. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and in its total return. Interest expense and other fees associated with borrowing may reduce the Fund's return.
Cash Equivalents — Cash equivalents include certificates of deposit, time deposits, bearer deposit notes, bankers' acceptances, government obligations, commercial paper, short-term corporate debt securities and repurchase agreements.
Bankers' acceptances are short-term credit instruments designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.
Certificates of deposit ("CDs") are issued against funds deposited in an eligible bank (including its domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries and agencies), are for a definite period of time, earn a specified rate of return and are normally negotiable. U.S. dollar denominated CDs issued by banks abroad are known as Eurodollar CDs. CDs issued by foreign branches of U.S. banks are known as Yankee CDs.
Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate.
Common Stock — Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an ownership interest. It ranks below preferred stock and debt securities in claims for dividends and for assets of the company in a liquidation or bankruptcy. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors directly relating to that company, such as decisions made by its management or decreased demand for the company's products or services. A stock's value may also decline because of factors affecting not just the company, but also companies in the same industry or sector. The price of a company's stock may also be affected by changes in financial markets that are relatively unrelated to the company, such as changes in interest rates, currency exchange rates or industry regulation. Companies that elect to pay dividends on their common stock generally only do so after they invest in their own business and make required payments to bondholders and on other debt and preferred stock. Therefore, the value of a company's common stock will usually be more volatile than its bonds, other debt and preferred stock. Common stock may be exchange-traded or traded over-the-counter ("OTC"). OTC stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.
Convertible Securities — Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or dividends paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than the issuer's common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed-income security. The market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, they do enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the common stockholders, but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer. Because of the conversion feature, certain convertible securities may be considered equity equivalents.
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Cover and Asset Segregation — The Fund may make investments or employ trading practices that obligate the Fund, on a fixed or contingent basis, to deliver an asset or make a cash payment to another party in the future. The Fund will comply with guidance from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") with respect to coverage of certain investments and trading practices. This guidance requires segregation (which may include earmarking) by the Fund of cash or liquid assets with its custodian or a designated sub-custodian to the extent the Fund's obligations with respect to these strategies are not otherwise "covered" through ownership of the underlying security or financial instrument or by offsetting portfolio positions.
For example, if the Fund enters into a currency forward contract to sell foreign currency on a future date, the Fund may cover its obligation to deliver the foreign currency by segregating cash or liquid assets having a value at least equal to the value of the deliverable currency on a marked to market basis. Alternatively, the Fund could cover its obligation by entering into an offsetting transaction to acquire, on or before the date such foreign currency must be delivered, an amount of foreign currency at least equal to the deliverable amount at a price at or below the sale price to be received by the Fund under the currency forward contract.
The Fund's approach to asset coverage may vary among different types of transactions. For example, if the Fund's forward obligation on the transaction is only to make a cash payment equal to the amount, if any, by which the value of the Fund's position is less than that of its counterparty, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets equal to that difference calculated on a daily marked-to-market basis (a "net amount"). Additionally, if the Fund is a protection seller in a credit default swap, the Fund, depending on how the credit default swap is settled, usually will segregate assets equal to the full notional value of the swap. If the Fund is protection buyer in a credit default swap, depending on how the credit default swap is settled, it usually will cover the total amount of required premium payments plus the prepayment penalty.
With respect to certain investments, the Fund calculates the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis" (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). Under such circumstances, the Fund's current obligations will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid by the Fund based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount").
Inasmuch as the Fund covers its obligations under these transactions as described above, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the "Manager") and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities. Earmarking or otherwise segregating a large percentage of the Fund's assets could impede the sub-advisor's ability to manage the Fund's portfolio.
Currencies Risk — The Fund may have significant exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by making direct investments in non- U.S. currencies or in securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies, purchasing or selling forward currency exchange contracts in non-U.S. or emerging market currencies, non-U.S. currency futures contracts, options on non-U.S. currencies and non-U.S. currency futures and swaps for cross-currency investments.
Foreign currencies will fluctuate, and may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect the Fund's investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.
Cyber-Security Risk — With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Fund and its service providers may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other forms of cyber-security breaches. Cyber-attacks affecting the Fund or the sub-advisor, custodian, transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, result in the loss or theft of customer data or funds, impact the Fund's ability to calculate its net asset value ("NAV"), cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. A cyber-attack may also result in customers or service providers being unable to access electronic systems ("denial of services"), loss or theft of proprietary information or corporate data, physical damage to a computer or network system, or remediation costs associated with system repairs. The Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber-security risk management purposes. Similar types of cyber-security risks are also present for issues or securities in which the Fund may invest, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund's investment in such companies to lose value.
Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. For example, if a cyber-security incident results in a denial of service, Fund shareholders could lose access to their electronic accounts and be unable to buy or sell Fund shares for an unknown period of time, and employees could be unable to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for the Fund, such as trading, NAV calculation, shareholder accounting or fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions. Cyber-security incidents could cause the Fund or Fund service provider to incur regulatory penalties, reputational damage, additional compliance costs associated with corrective measures, or financial loss of a significant magnitude and could result in allegations that the Fund or Fund service provider violated privacy and other laws. Similar adverse consequences could result from cyber-security incidents affecting issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions and other parties. Although the Fund, its Manager, and the sub-advisor endeavor to determine that service providers have established risk management systems that seek to reduce the risks associated with cyber-security, and business continuity plans in the event there is a cyber-security breach, there are inherent limitations in these systems and plans, including the possibility that certain risks may not have been identified, in large part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. Furthermore, the Fund does not control the cyber-security systems and plans of the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests or the Fund's third-party service providers or trading counterparties or any other service providers whose operations may affect the Fund or its shareholders.
Depositary Receipts — American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs), Non-Voting Depositary Receipts (NVDRs) — ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form traded in U.S. securities markets. EDRs are in bearer form and traded in European securities markets. GDRs are in bearer form and traded in both the U.S. and European securities markets. NVDRs represent financial interests in an issuer but the holder is not entitled to any voting rights. Depositary receipts may not be
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denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted. Investing in depositary receipts entails substantially the same risks as direct investment in foreign securities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign companies and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. In addition, such companies may use different accounting and financial standards (and certain currencies may become unavailable for transfer from a foreign currency), resulting in the Fund's possible inability to convert immediately into U.S. currency proceeds realized upon the sale of portfolio securities of the affected foreign companies. In addition, the Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts, the issuers of which are not obligated to disclose material information about the underlying securities to investors in the United States. Ownership of unsponsored depositary receipts may not entitle the Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of a sponsored depositary receipt or the underlying security. Please see "Foreign Securities" below for a description of the risks associated with investments in foreign securities.
Derivatives — Generally a derivative is a financial arrangement, the value of which is based on, or "derived" from, a traditional security, asset, currency, or market index. Some "derivatives" such as mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are in many respects like any other investment, although they may be more volatile or less liquid than more traditional debt securities. There are, in fact, many different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. The value of certain derivative securities is linked to other equity securities (such as depositary receipts), currencies, interest rates, indices or other financial indicators (reference assets).
The Fund may invest in various types of derivatives, including, among others, forwards for currency hedges, warrants, rights, structured products and other derivative instruments. The enactment of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") resulted in historic and comprehensive reform relating to derivatives, including the manner in which they are entered into, reported, recorded, executed, and settled or cleared. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") have promulgated a broad range of new regulations with respect to security-based swaps (e.g., derivatives based on a single security or narrow-based securities index) which are regulated by the SEC, and other swaps which are regulated by the CFTC and the markets in which these instruments trade.
Prior to 2012, advisers of registered investment companies like the Fund that trade commodity interests (such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, non-deliverable forwards and swaps), were excluded from regulation as commodity pool operators ("CPOs") pursuant to CFTC Regulation 4.5. In 2012, the CFTC amended Regulation 4.5 to dramatically narrow this exclusion. Under the amended Regulation 4.5 exclusion, in order to rely on the exclusion the Fund's commodity interests other than those used for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC) — must be limited such that the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish the positions (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions and excluding the amount by which options that are "in-the-money" at the time of purchase) do not exceed 5% of the Fund's NAV, or alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of the positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, does not exceed 100% of the Fund's NAV (after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions). Further, to qualify for the exclusion in amended Regulation 4.5, the Fund must satisfy a marketing test, which requires, among other things, that the Fund not hold itself out as a vehicle for trading commodity interests. The Fund's ability to use these instruments also may be limited by federal income tax considerations. See the section entitled "Tax Information."
The Manager, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice claiming the CFTC Regulation 4.5 exclusion from registration with the CFTC as a commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act and the Manager is exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Fund.
Derivatives may involve significant risk. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the Fund's initial investment. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.
Derivatives may be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. The Fund may buy and sell derivatives that are neither centrally cleared nor traded on an exchange. Such derivatives may be subject to heightened counterparty, liquidity and valuation risk.
Transactions in derivatives may expose the Fund to an obligation to another party and, as a result, the Fund may need to "cover" the obligation or segregate liquid assets in compliance with SEC guidelines, as discussed above under "Cover and Asset Segregation."
Emerging Market Securities — The Fund may invest in emerging market securities. Investments in emerging market country securities involve special risks. The economies, markets and political structures of a number of the emerging market countries in which the Fund can invest do not compare favorably with the United States and other mature economies in terms of wealth and stability. Therefore, investments in these countries may be riskier, and will be subject to erratic and abrupt price movements. Some economies are less well developed and less diverse (for example, Latin America, Eastern Europe and certain Asian countries), and more vulnerable to the ebb and flow of international trade, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Similarly, many of these countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, are grappling with severe inflation or recession, high levels of national debt, currency exchange problems and government instability. Investments in countries that have recently begun moving away from central planning and state-owned industries toward free markets, such as the Eastern European, Russian or Chinese economies, should be regarded as speculative.
Certain emerging market countries have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. The issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of an emerging market country's debt may not be able or willing to repay the principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt. A debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, and, in the case of a government debtor, the extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole and the political constraints to which a government debtor may be subject. Government debtors may default on their debt and may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. Holders of government debt may be requested to participate in the rescheduling of such debt and to extend further loans to government debtors.
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If such an event occurs, the Fund may have limited legal recourse against the issuer and/or guarantor.
Remedies must, in some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself, and the ability of the holder of foreign government fixed income securities to obtain recourse may be subject to the political climate in the relevant country. In addition, no assurance can be given that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the holders of other foreign government debt obligations in the event of default under their commercial bank loan agreements.
The economies of individual emerging market countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Further, the economies of developing countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. Emerging market economies may develop unevenly or may never fully develop.
Investing in emerging market countries may entail purchasing securities issued by or on behalf of entities that are insolvent, bankrupt, in default or otherwise engaged in an attempt to reorganize or reschedule their obligations, and in entities that have little or no proven credit rating or credit history. In any such case, the issuer's poor or deteriorating financial condition may increase the likelihood that the investing Fund will experience losses or diminution in available gains due to bankruptcy, insolvency or fraud. Investments in the securities and derivatives with exposure to countries with emerging capital markets involve significantly higher risks not involved in investments in securities in more developed capital markets, such as (i) low or non-existent trading volume, resulting in a lack of liquidity and increased volatility in prices for such securities, as compared to securities from more developed capital markets, (ii) uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability, increasing the potential for expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, high rates of inflation or unfavorable diplomatic developments, (iii) possible fluctuations in exchange rates, differing legal systems and the existence or possible imposition of exchange controls, custodial restrictions or other non-U.S. or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to such investments, (iv) national policies that may limit the Fund's investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests, (v) the lack or relatively early development of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property, and (vi) less diverse or immature economic structures. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging capital markets may impose differential capital gain taxes on foreign investors.
Such capital markets are emerging in a dynamic political and economic environment brought about by events over recent years that have reshaped political boundaries and traditional ideologies. In such a dynamic environment, there can be no assurance that these capital markets will continue to present viable investment opportunities for the Fund. In the past, governments of such nations have expropriated substantial amounts of private property, and most claims of the property owners have never been fully settled. There is no assurance that such expropriations will not reoccur. In such event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets. The economies of emerging market countries may be based predominately on only a few industries or may be dependent on revenues from participating commodities or on international aid or developmental assistance, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates.
Also, there may be less publicly available information about emerging markets than would be available in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject. In certain countries with emerging capital markets, reporting standards vary widely. As a result, traditional investment measurements used in the U.S., may not be applicable. Emerging market securities may be substantially less liquid and more volatile than those of mature markets, and securities may be held by a limited number of investors. This may adversely affect the timing and pricing of the Fund's acquisition or disposal of securities.
The laws in certain emerging market countries may be based upon or be highly influenced by religious codes or rules. The interpretation of how these laws apply to certain investments may change over time, which could have a negative impact on those investments and the Fund.
Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because the Fund may use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable.
The Fund may consider a country to be an emerging market country based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, if the country is classified as an emerging or developing economy by any supranational organization such as the World Bank, International Finance Corporation or the United Nations, or related entities, or if the country is considered an emerging market country for purposes of constructing emerging markets indices.
Latin America
Inflation
. Most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including,
in some cases, hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation
in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many countries has lessened, there
is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels.
Political Instability . As an emerging market, Latin America historically suffered from social, political, and economic instability. For investors, this has meant additional risk caused by periods of regional conflict, political corruption, totalitarianism, protectionist measures, nationalization, hyperinflation, debt crises, sudden and large currency devaluation, and intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres. However, in some Latin American countries, a move to sustainable democracy and a more mature and accountable political environment is under way. Domestic economies have been deregulated, privatization of state-owned companies is almost completed and foreign trade restrictions have been relaxed.
Nonetheless, to the extent that events such as those listed above continue in the future, they could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in significant disruption in securities markets in the region. In addition, recent favorable economic performance in much of the region has led to a concern regarding government overspending in certain Latin American countries.
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Investors in the region continue to face a number of potential risks. Governments of many Latin American countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. Governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in Latin American countries, which could affect the companies in which the Fund invests and, therefore, the value of Fund shares.
Additionally, an investment in Latin America is subject to certain risks stemming from political and economic corruption, which may negatively affect the country or the reputation of companies domiciled in a certain country.
Dependence on Exports and Economic Risk . Certain Latin American countries depend heavily on exports to the U.S. and investments from a small number of countries. Accordingly, these countries may be sensitive to fluctuations in demand, exchange rates and changes in market conditions associated with those countries. The economic growth of most Latin American countries is highly dependent on commodity exports and the economies of certain Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Venezuela, are highly dependent on oil exports. As a result, these economies are particularly susceptible to fluctuations in the price of oil and other commodities and currency fluctuations. The 2008 global financial crisis weakened the global demand for oil and other commodities and, as a result, Latin American countries faced significant economic difficulties that led certain countries into recession. If global economic conditions worsen, prices for Latin American commodities may experience increased volatility and demand may continue to decrease. Although certain of these countries have recently shown signs of recovery, such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual. In addition, prolonged economic difficulties may have negative effects on the transition to a more stable democracy in some Latin American countries. In certain countries, political risk, including nationalization risk, is high.
Sovereign Debt . A number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing countries and have a history of reliance on foreign debt and default. The majority of the region's economies have become dependent upon foreign credit and loans from external sources to fund government economic plans. Historically, these plans have frequently resulted in little benefit accruing to the economy. Most countries have been forced to restructure their loans or risk default on their debt obligations. In addition, interest on the debt is subject to market conditions and may reach levels that would impair economic activity and create a difficult and costly environment for borrowers. Accordingly, these governments may be forced to reschedule or freeze their debt repayment, which could negatively affect local markets. Because of their dependence on foreign credit and loans, a number of Latin American economies faced significant economic difficulties and some economies fell into recession as the 2008 global financial crisis tightened international credit supplies. While the region has recently shown signs of economic improvement, recovery from past economic downturns in Latin America has historically been slow, and any such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual. The European crisis and weakened global economy may reduce demand for exports from Latin America and limit the availability of foreign credit for some countries in the region. As a result, the Fund's investments in Latin American securities could be harmed if economic recovery in the region is limited.
Pacific Basin Region . Many Asian countries may be subject to a greater degree of social, political and economic instability than is the case in the U.S. and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things, (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection. In addition, the Asia Pacific geographic region has historically been prone to natural disasters. The occurrence of a natural disaster in the region could negatively impact the economy of any country in the region. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also presents risks in certain Asian countries, as do environmental problems.
The economies of most of the Asian countries are heavily dependent on international trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic conditions of their trading partners, principally, the U.S., Japan, China and the European Union. The enactment by the U.S. or other principal trading partners of protectionist trade legislation, reduction of foreign investment in the local economies and general declines in the international securities markets could have a significant adverse effect upon the securities markets of the Asian countries. The 2008 global financial crisis spread to the region, significantly lowering its exports and foreign investments in the region, which are driving forces of its economic growth. In addition, the economic crisis also significantly affected consumer confidence and local stock markets. Although the economies of many countries in the region have recently shown signs of recovery from the crisis, such recovery, if sustained, may be gradual. Furthermore, any such recovery may be limited or hindered by the reduced demand for exports and lack of available capital for investment resulting from the European crisis and weakened global economy. The economies of certain Asian countries depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices that, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors. In addition, certain developing Asian countries, such as the Philippines and India are especially large debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments.
The securities markets in Asia are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the U.S. A high proportion of the shares of many issuers may be held by a limited number of persons and financial institutions, which may limit the number of shares available for investment by the Fund. Similarly, volume and liquidity in the bond markets in Asia are less than in the U.S. and, at times, price volatility can be greater than in the U.S. A limited number of issuers in Asian securities markets may represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value. The limited liquidity of securities markets in Asia may also affect the Fund's ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so. In addition, the Asian securities markets are susceptible to being influenced by large investors trading significant blocks of securities.
Many stock markets are undergoing a period of growth and change which may result in trading volatility and difficulties in the settlement and recording of transactions, and in interpreting and applying the relevant law and regulations. With respect to investments in the currencies of Asian countries, changes in the value of those currencies against the U.S. dollar will result in corresponding changes in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated in those currencies.
Some developing Asian countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. As illustrations, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of securities of a company which may have less advantageous terms (including price and shareholder rights) than securities of the company available for purchase by
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nationals. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to obtain required governmental approvals in a timely manner. In addition, changes to restrictions on foreign ownership of securities subsequent to the Fund's purchase of such securities may have an adverse effect on the value of such shares. Certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or industries deemed important to national interests.
Expense Risk — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in the Fund's net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that the Fund's net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, the Fund's expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in the Fund's expense ratio could be significant.
Fixed-Income Investments — The Fund may hold debt, including government and corporate debt, and other fixed-income securities. Typically, the values of fixed-income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed-income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause the Fund's NAV to likewise decrease, and vice versa. How specific fixed-income securities may react to changes in interest rates will depend on the specific characteristics of each security. For example, while securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields, they also tend to be more sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates and are therefore more volatile than shorter-term securities and are subject to greater market fluctuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Fixed-income securities are also subject to credit risk, which is the risk that the credit strength of an issuer of a fixed-income security will weaken and/or that the issuer will be unable to make timely principal and interest payments and that the security may go into default. In addition, there is prepayment risk, which is the risk that during periods of falling interest rates, certain fixed-income securities with higher interest rates, such as mortgage- and asset-backed securities, may be prepaid by their issuers thereby reducing the amount of interest payments. This may result in the Fund having to reinvest its proceeds in lower yielding securities. Securities underlying mortgage- and asset-backed securities, which may include subprime mortgages, also may be subject to a higher degree of credit risk, valuation risk, and liquidity risk. See "High-Yield Bonds" disclosure below for the risks associated with low-quality, high-risk corporate bonds, a type of fixed income security.
Foreign Securities — The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar denominated equity and debt securities of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks, including negotiable certificates of deposit ("CDs"), bankers' acceptances, and commercial paper. Foreign issuers are issuers organized and doing business principally outside the United States and include corporations, banks, non-U.S. governments, and quasi-governmental organizations. While investments in foreign securities are intended to reduce risk by providing further diversification, such investments involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These additional risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States; different laws and customs governing securities tracking; and possibly limited access to the courts to enforce the Fund's rights as an investor.
The Fund also may invest in equity, debt, or other income-producing securities that are denominated in or indexed to foreign currencies, including (1) common and preferred stocks, (2) CDs, commercial paper, fixed time deposits, and bankers' acceptances issued by foreign banks, (3) obligations of other corporations, and (4) obligations of foreign governments and their subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities, international agencies, and supranational entities. Investing in foreign currency denominated securities involves the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described in the preceding paragraph, and the additional risks of (1) adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and (2) adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which could prevent cash from being brought back to the United States). Additionally, dividends and interest payable on foreign securities (and gains realized on disposition thereof) may be subject to foreign taxes, including taxes withheld from those payments.
The Fund may also invest in foreign "market access" investments, such as participatory notes, low-exercise price options or warrants, equity-linked notes, or equity swaps. These investments may provide economic exposure to an issuer without directly holding its securities. For example, market access investments may be used where regulatory or exchange restrictions make it difficult or undesirable for the Fund to invest directly in an issuer's common stock. Use of market access investments may involve risks associated with derivative investments (see "Derivatives"). Market access investments can be either exchange-traded or over-the-counter. Certain market access investments can be subject to the credit risk of both the underlying issuer and a counterparty. Holders of certain market access investments might not have voting, dividend, or other rights associated with shareholders of the referenced securities. Holders of market access investments might not have any right to make a claim against an issuer or counterparty in the event of their bankruptcy or other restructuring. It may be more difficult or time consuming to dispose of certain market access investments than the referenced security.
Commissions on foreign securities exchanges are often at fixed rates and are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, although the sub-advisors endeavor to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.
Foreign securities may trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities may include higher custodial fees than apply to domestic custody arrangements and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions.
Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures. In certain markets, there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Fund is not invested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser.
Interest rates prevailing in other countries may affect the prices of foreign securities and exchange rates for foreign currencies. Local factors, including the strength of the local economy, the demand for borrowing, the government's fiscal and monetary policies, and the international balance of
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payments, often affect interest rates in other countries. Individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position.
Brexit Risk. The risk of investing in Europe may be heightened due to the 2016 referendum in which the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union (EU). There is a significant degree of uncertainty about how negotiations relating to the United Kingdom's withdrawal will be conducted, as well as the potential consequences and precise timeframe for "Brexit." In March 2017, the United Kingdom formally notified the European Council that it intends to withdraw from the EU by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which triggered a two-year period of negotiation on the terms of Brexit. While it is not possible to determine the precise impact these events may have on the Fund, during this period and beyond, the impact on the United Kingdom and European economies and the broader global economy could be significant, resulting in negative impacts, such as increased volatility and illiquidity, and potentially lower economic growth, on markets in the United Kingdom, Europe and globally, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments. In addition, if one or more other countries were to exit the EU or abandon the use of the euro as a currency, the value of investments tied to those countries or the euro could decline significantly and unpredictably.
Forward Contracts and Futures Contracts — The Fund may enter into forward and futures contracts. Forward and futures contracts, including equity, interest rate and treasury futures contracts, obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of a commodity, security or obligation underlying the futures contract at a specified time in the future for a specified price. Likewise, the seller incurs an obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying obligation against receipt of the specified price. Futures are traded on both U.S. and foreign commodities exchanges. A forward is a private agreement between two parties and is not traded on an exchange.
No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract the Fund is required to deposit "initial margin" consisting of cash or U.S. Government Securities in an amount set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and varying based on the volatility of the underlying asset. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to the Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, the Fund may be required by a futures exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action.
Subsequent "variation margin" payments are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as "marking-to-market." Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather represents a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a futures broker. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.
Purchasers and sellers of futures contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Positions in futures contracts may be closed only on a futures exchange or board of trade that trades that contract. The Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract.
Although many futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery or acquisition the underlying asset, in most cases the contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the contract without having to make or take such delivery of the securities or currency.
The offsetting of a contractual obligation is accomplished by buying (or selling, as appropriate) on a commodities exchange an identical futures contract calling for delivery in the same month. Such a transaction, which is effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation to make or take delivery of the securities or currency. Since all transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases or sells futures contracts. The Fund has no current intent to accept physical delivery in connection with the settlement of futures contracts.
Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract can vary from the previous day's settlement price; once that limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond the limit. Daily price limits do not limit potential losses because prices could move to the daily limit for several consecutive days with little or no trading, thereby preventing liquidation of unfavorable positions.
If the Fund were unable to liquidate a futures contract due to the absence of a liquid secondary market or the imposition of price limits, it could incur substantial losses. The Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily variation margin payments and might be required to maintain the position being hedged by the futures contract or option thereon or to maintain cash or securities in a segregated account.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to differences in the nature of those markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to initial deposit and variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting transactions that could distort the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the margin deposit requirements in the futures market are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a correct forecast of securities price or currency exchange rate trends by a sub-advisor may still not result in a successful transaction.
Futures contracts also entail other risks. Although the use of such contracts may benefit the Fund, if investment judgment about the general direction of, for example, an index is incorrect, the Fund's overall performance would be worse than if it had not entered into any such contract. There are
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differences between the securities and futures markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund's rights as a creditor.
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts . The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts ("forward currency contacts") for a variety of reasons. A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specified currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties at a price set at the time of the contract. Because forward currency contracts normally are settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
Forward currency contracts may serve as long hedges — for example, the Fund may purchase a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a security denominated in a foreign currency. Forward currency contract transactions also may serve as short hedges — for example, the Fund may sell a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar equivalent of the proceeds from the anticipated sale of a security or from a dividend or interest payment on a security denominated in a foreign currency.
The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts to sell a foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount approximating the value of some or all of its portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. In addition, the Fund may use forward currency contracts when a sub-advisor wishes to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of a security when the Fund is purchasing or selling a security denominated in a foreign currency or anticipates receiving a dividend or interest payment denominated in a foreign currency.
The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts for the purchase or sale of a specified currency at a specified future date either with respect to specific transactions or with respect to portfolio positions in order to minimize the risk to the Fund from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies.
The Fund may use forward currency contracts to seek to hedge against, or profit from, changes in the value of a particular currency by using forward currency contracts on another foreign currency or a basket of currencies, the value of which the applicable sub-advisor believes will have a positive correlation to the values of the currency being hedged. When hedging, use of a different foreign currency magnifies the risk that movements in the price of the forward contract will not correlate or will correlate unfavorably with the foreign currency being hedged.
In addition, the Fund may use forward currency contracts to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. For example, if the Fund owned securities denominated in a foreign currency that a sub-advisor believed would decline relative to another currency, it might enter into a forward currency contract to sell an appropriate amount of the first foreign currency, with payment to be made in the second currency. Transactions that involve two foreign currencies are sometimes referred to as "cross hedging." Use of a different foreign currency magnifies the Fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts usually are entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. When the Fund enters into a forward currency contract, it relies on the counterparty to make or take delivery of the underlying currency at the maturity of the contract. Failure by the counterparty to do so would result in the loss of any expected benefit of the transaction.
Sellers or purchasers of forward currency contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on futures, by purchasing or selling, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument sold or bought, respectively. Secondary markets generally do not exist for forward currency contracts, however, with the result that closing transactions generally can be made for forward currency contracts only by negotiating directly with the counterparty. Thus, there can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact be able to close out a forward currency contract at a favorable price prior to maturity. In addition, in the event of insolvency of the counterparty, the Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In either event, the Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain cash or a liquid position sufficient to cover the Fund's obligations with respect to the forward currency contract.
The precise matching of forward currency contract amounts and the value of securities, whose U.S. dollar value is being hedged by those contracts involved, generally will not be possible because the value of such securities, measured in the foreign currency, will change after the forward currency contract has been established. Thus, the Fund might need to purchase or sell foreign currencies in the spot (cash) market to the extent such foreign currencies are not covered by forward contracts. The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly uncertain.
The Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a forward currency contract in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a counterparty. If such a default occurs, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward currency contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect the Fund's rights as a creditor.
Growth Companies Risk — Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met, the prices of these stocks may go down, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. Growth company stocks may lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock prices in market downturns. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund's investments in growth stocks may underperform value or non-growth stocks that have a broader investment style.
High-Yield Bonds — High-yield, non-investment grade bonds (also known as "junk bonds") are low-quality, high-risk corporate bonds that generally offer a high level of current income. These bonds are considered speculative by rating organizations. For example, Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch, Inc. rate them below Baa and BBB, respectively. Please see "Appendix C Ratings Definitions" below for an explanation of the ratings applied to high-yield bonds. High-yield bonds are often issued as a result of corporate restructurings, such as leveraged buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, or other
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similar events. They may also be issued by smaller, less creditworthy companies or by highly leveraged firms, which are generally less able to make scheduled payments of interest and principal than more financially stable firms. Because of their low credit quality, high-yield bonds must pay higher interest to compensate investors for the substantial credit risk they assume. In order to minimize credit risk, the Fund intends to diversify its holdings among multiple bond issuers.
Lower-rated securities are subject to certain risks that may not be present with investments in higher-grade securities. Investors should consider carefully their ability to assume the risks associated with lower-rated securities before investing in the Fund. The lower rating of certain high yielding corporate income securities reflects a greater possibility that the financial condition of the issuer or adverse changes in general economic conditions may impair the ability of the issuer to pay income and principal. Changes by rating agencies in their ratings of a fixed income security also may affect the value of these investments. However, allocating investments in the Fund among securities of different issuers should reduce the risks of owning any such securities separately. The prices of these high yielding securities tend to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. During economic downturns or periods of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress that adversely affects their ability to service principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals or to obtain additional financing, and the markets for their securities may be more volatile. If an issuer defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Additionally, accruals of interest income for the Fund may have to be adjusted in the event of default. In the event of an issuer's default, the Fund may write off prior income accruals for that issuer, resulting in a reduction in the Fund's current dividend payment. Frequently, the higher yields of high-yielding securities may not reflect the value of the income stream that holders of such securities may expect, but rather the risk that such securities may lose a substantial portion of their value as a result of their issuer's financial restructuring or default. Additionally, an economic downturn or an increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on the high-yield securities market and on the market value of the high-yield securities held by the Fund, as well as on the ability of the issuers of such securities to repay principal and interest on their borrowings.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities — Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the price at which it has been valued.
Historically, illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days. Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. These securities may be sold only in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. A large institutional market exists for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act, including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily resold or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand for repayment. However, the fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale of such investments to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of their liquidity.
Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities, and the Fund might be unable to dispose of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within seven calendar days. In addition, the Fund may get only limited information about an issuer, so it may be less able to predict a loss. The Fund also might have to register such restricted securities in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
In recognition of the increased size and liquidity of the institutional market for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital, the SEC adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act. Rule 144A is designed to facilitate efficient trading among institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could increase the level of the Fund's illiquidity. The Manager or a sub-advisor, as applicable, acting under guidelines established by the Trust's Board, may determine that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid. Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered for sale in the United States and includes a provision for U.S. investors, such as the Fund, to purchase such unregistered securities if certain conditions are met.
Securities sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the "private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Section 4(a)(2) securities") are restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally are sold to institutional investors, such as the Fund that agree they are purchasing the securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public. Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to an exempt transaction and may be accomplished in accordance with Rule 144A. Section 4(a)(2) securities normally are resold to other institutional investors through or with the assistance of the issuer or dealers that make a market in the Section 4(a)(2) securities, thus providing liquidity.
The Manager and the sub-advisor(s) will carefully monitor the Fund's investments in Section 4(a)(2) securities offered and sold under Rule 144A, focusing on such important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity, and availability of information. Investments in Section 4(a)(2) securities could have the effect of reducing the Fund's liquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers no longer wish to purchase these restricted securities.
Initial Public Offerings — The Fund can invest in initial public offerings ("IPOs"). By definition, securities issued in IPOs have not traded publicly until the time of their offerings. Special risks associated with IPOs may include, among others, the fact that there may only be a limited number of shares available for trading. The market for those securities may be unseasoned. The issuer may have a limited operating history. These factors may contribute to price volatility. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may also make it more difficult for the Fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. In addition, some companies initially offering their shares publicly are involved
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in relatively new industries or lines of business, which may not be widely understood by investors. Some of the companies involved in new industries may be regarded as developmental state companies, without revenues or operating income, or the near-term prospects of them. Many IPOs are by small- or micro-cap companies that are undercapitalized.
Interfund Lending — Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the American Beacon Funds may participate in a credit facility whereby each American Beacon Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other American Beacon Funds for temporary purposes. The credit facility is administered by a credit facility team consisting of professionals from the Manager's asset management, compliance, and accounting areas who report on credit facility activities to the Board. The credit facility can provide a borrowing fund with savings at times when the cash position of a fund is insufficient to meet temporary cash requirements. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and certain funds have insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for a fund. When the funds liquidate portfolio securities to meet redemption requests, they often do not receive payment in settlement for up to two days (or longer for certain foreign transactions). However, redemption requests normally are satisfied the next business day. The credit facility provides a source of immediate, short-term liquidity pending settlement of the sale of portfolio securities. Although the credit facility may reduce the Fund's need to borrow from banks, the Fund remains free to establish and utilize lines of credit or other borrowing arrangements with banks.
Issuer Risk — The value of an investment may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services, as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets.
Large Capitalization Companies Risk — The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.
Legal and Litigation Risk — In certain frontier and emerging markets, fraud and corruption may be more prevalent than in developed market countries. Securities and issuers that the Fund may invest in are exposed to these risks, which could have a negative impact on a security's value.
It may be difficult for the Fund to obtain or enforce judgments against parties located outside of the U.S. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce remedies against non-U.S. governments, their agencies, quasi-sovereign entities, other foreign issuers or counterparties.
Market Events — Turbulence in the economic, political and financial system has historically resulted, and may continue to result, in an unusually high degree of volatility in the capital markets. Both domestic and foreign capital markets have been experiencing increased volatility and turmoil, with issuers that have exposure to the real estate, mortgage and credit markets particularly affected, and it is uncertain whether or for how long these conditions could continue.
Reduced liquidity in equity, credit and fixed-income markets may adversely affect many issuers worldwide. This reduced liquidity may result in less money being available to purchase raw materials, goods and services from emerging markets, which may, in turn, bring down the prices of these economic staples. It may also result in small or emerging market issuers having more difficulty obtaining financing, which may, in turn, cause a decline in their security prices. These events and possible continued market turbulence may have an adverse effect on the Fund.
Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk — Investing in the securities of micro-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since micro-capitalization companies may not have operating history, product lines, and financial resources. The securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk — Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in more established companies with larger capitalization. Since mid-capitalization companies may have limited operating history, product lines and financial resources, the securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and can be sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Options — The Fund may purchase and sell put options and call options on securities and foreign currencies in standardized contracts traded on recognized securities exchanges, boards of trade, or similar entities, or quoted on the NASDAQ National Market System. The Fund will only write (sell) covered call and put options. For a further description, see "Cover and Asset Segregation."
An option is a contract that gives the purchaser (holder) of the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put) the seller (writer) of the option the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option (normally not exceeding nine months). The writer of an option has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver, or pay the value of, the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security or currency.
By writing a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, in exchange for the premium less the commission ("net premium"), the opportunity to profit during the option period from an increase in the market value of the underlying security or currency above the exercise price. By writing a put option, the Fund, in exchange for the net premium received, accepts the risk of a decline in the market value of the underlying security or currency below the exercise price.
The Fund may terminate its obligation as the writer of a call or put option by purchasing an option with the same exercise price and expiration date as the option previously written.
When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the net premium received by the Fund is included in the liability section of the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a deferred credit. The amount of the deferred credit will be subsequently marked to market to reflect the current market value of the option written. The current market value of a traded option is the last sale price or, in the absence of a sale, the mean between the closing
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bid and asked price. If an option expires on its stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund will realize a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold), and the deferred credit related to such option will be eliminated.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying securities markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets. It is impossible to predict the volume of trading that may exist in such options, and there can be no assurance that viable exchange markets will develop or continue.
The Fund may use non-deliverable options ("NDOs") which is a foreign exchange product designed to assist in reducing the foreign exchange risk, in particular situations when physical delivery of the underlying currencies is not required or not possible.
The Fund may write (sell) and purchase covered call and put options on foreign currencies for hedging or non-hedging purposes. The Fund may use options on foreign currencies to protect against decreases in the U.S. dollar value of securities held or increases in the U.S. dollar cost of securities to be acquired by the Fund or to protect the U.S. dollar equivalent of dividends, interest, or other payments on those securities. In addition, the Fund may write and purchase covered call and put options on foreign currencies for non-hedging purposes (e.g., when the Manager or sub-advisor(s) anticipates that a foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund's investment portfolio). The Fund may write covered call and put options on any currency in order to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities alone.
Currency options have characteristics and risks similar to those of securities options, as discussed herein. Certain options on foreign currencies are traded on the OTC market and involve liquidity and credit risks that may not be present in the case of exchange-traded currency options.
Non-Deliverable Currency Forwards. The Fund also may enter into non-deliverable currency forwards ("NDFs"). NDFs are cash-settled, short-term forward contracts on foreign currencies (each a "Reference Currency"), generally on currencies that are non-convertible, and may be thinly traded or illiquid. NDFs involve an obligation to pay a U. S. dollar amount (the "Settlement Amount") equal to the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate for the Reference Currency and the agreed upon exchange rate (the "NDF Rate"), with respect to an agreed notional amount. NDFs have a fixing date and a settlement (delivery) date. The fixing date is the date and time at which the difference between the prevailing market exchange rate and the agreed upon exchange rate is calculated. The settlement (delivery) date is the date by which the payment of the Settlement Amount is due to the party receiving payment.
Although NDFs are similar to other forward currency contracts, NDFs do not require physical delivery of each Reference Currency on the settlement date. Rather, on the settlement date, one counterparty pays the Settlement Amount. NDFs typically may have terms from one month up to two years and are settled in U.S. dollars.
The Fund will typically use NDFs for hedging purposes or for direct investment in a foreign country for income or gain. The use of NDFs for hedging or to increase income or gain may not be successful, resulting in losses to the Fund, and the cost of such strategies may reduce the Fund's returns.
NDFs are subject to many of the risks associated with derivatives in general and forward currency transactions including risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency and the risk that the counterparty will fail to fulfill its obligations. In addition, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations adopted by the CFTC in connection with implementing the Dodd-Frank Act, NDFs are deemed to be swaps, and consequently commodity interests for purposes of amended Regulation 4.5.
Although NDFs have historically been traded OTC, in the future pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, they may be exchange-traded. Under such circumstances, they will be centrally cleared and a secondary market for them will exist. All NDFs are subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the counterparty will not perform as contractually required under the NDF. With respect to NDFs that are centrally-cleared, the Fund could lose margin payments it has deposited with the clearing organization as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if it breaches its obligations under the NDF, becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be entitled to the net amount of gains the investor is entitled to receive plus the return of margin owed to it only in proportion to the amount received by the clearing organization's other customers, potentially resulting in losses to the investor.
Other Investment Company Securities and Exchange-Traded Products — The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies and exchange-traded products, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, business development companies, exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), exchange-traded notes ("ETNs") and interests in unit investment trusts. The Fund may invest in investment company securities advised by the Manager or a sub-advisor. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear the Fund's proportionate share of the fees and expenses paid by shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations. These other fees and expenses are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer's portfolio securities.
The Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as money market funds under the Investment Company Act to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. The Fund would invest in money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. If the Fund invests in money market funds shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the money market funds in which the Fund invests, including such fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager.
Although a money market fund is designed to be a relatively low risk investment, it is not free of risk. Despite the short maturities and high credit quality of a money market fund's investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the money market
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fund has purchased may reduce the money market fund's yield and can cause the price of a money market security to decrease. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation.
The Fund may purchase shares of ETFs. ETFs trade like a common stock and passive ETFs usually represent a fixed portfolio of securities designed to track the performance and dividend yield of a particular domestic or foreign market index. Typically, the Fund would purchase passive ETF shares to obtain exposure to all or a portion of the stock or bond market. As a shareholder of an ETF, the Fund would be subject to its ratable share of the ETF's expenses, including its advisory and administration expenses. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary risks as an investment in a conventional mutual fund (i.e., one that is not exchange-traded) that has the same investment objective, strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and the Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF go down. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional funds: (1) the market price of the ETF's shares may trade at a discount or premium to their NAV; (2) an active trading market for an ETF's shares may not develop or be maintained; or (3) trading of an ETF's shares may be halted if the listing exchange's officials deem such action appropriate, the shares are delisted from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers" (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.
The Fund may also invest in ETNs, which are structured debt securities. Whereas ETFs' liabilities are secured by their portfolio securities, ETNs' liabilities are unsecured general obligations of the issuer. ETFs and ETNs have expenses associated with their operation, typically including, with respect to ETFs, advisory fees.
The Fund's investment in securities of other investment companies, except for money market funds, is generally limited to (i) 3% of the total voting stock of any one investment company, (ii) 5% of the Fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of the Fund's total assets in all investment companies in the aggregate. However, the Fund may exceed these limits when investing in shares of an ETF or other investment company, subject, under certain circumstances, to a statutory exemption or to the terms and conditions of an exemptive order from the SEC obtained by the ETF or other investment company that permits an investing fund such as the Fund, to invest in the ETF or other investment company in excess of the limits described above.
Preferred Stock — A preferred stock blends the characteristics of a bond and common stock. It can offer the higher yield of a bond and has priority over common stock in equity ownership, but does not have the seniority of a bond and its participation in the issuer's growth may be limited. Preferred stock generally has preference over common stock in the receipt of dividends and in any residual assets after payment to creditors should the issuer be dissolved. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stocks are subject to the risks associated with other types of equity securities, as well as additional risks, such as credit risk, interest rate risk, potentially greater volatility and risks related to deferral, non-cumulative dividends, subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights.
Real Estate Related Investments — The Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have a major effect on the value of the Fund's investments. Investing in securities issued by real estate and real estate-related companies may subject the Fund to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate. Changes in interest rates, debt leverage ratios, debt maturity schedules, and the availability of credit to real estate companies may also affect the value of the Fund's investment in real estate securities. Real estate securities are dependent upon specialized management skills at the operating company level, have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of properties. Real estate securities are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. The real estate industry tends to be cyclical. Such cycles may adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. The Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of a REIT's ongoing operating fees and expense. In addition, tax-qualified REITs are subject to the possibility of failing to (a) qualify for tax-free pass-through of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code, and (b) maintain exemption eligibility from Investment Company Act registration requirements.
Rights and Warrants — Rights are short-term warrants issued in conjunction with new stock or bond issues. Warrants are options to purchase an issuer's securities at a stated price during a stated term. If the market price of the underlying common stock does not exceed the warrant's exercise price during the life of the warrant, the warrant will expire worthless. Warrants usually have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The percentage increase or decrease in the value of a warrant may be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the value of the underlying common stock. Warrants may be purchased with values that vary depending on the change in value of one or more specified indices ("index warrants"). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of the exercise. The market for warrants or rights may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. There is no specific limit on the percentage of assets the Fund may invest in rights and warrants.
Securities Lending — To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks. Borrowers of the Fund's securities typically provide collateral in the form of cash that is reinvested in securities. The securities in which the collateral is invested may not perform sufficiently to cover the return collateral payments owed to borrowers. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund's ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions to seek income. There is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligations to return loaned securities; however, the Fund's securities lending agent may indemnify the Fund against that risk. There is a risk that the assets of the Fund's securities lending agent may be insufficient to satisfy any contractual indemnification requirements to that Fund. The Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated money market fund. The Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to meet obligations to the borrower. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with the Fund's ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions.
Small Capitalization Companies Risk — Investing in the securities of small capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since smaller companies may have limited operating
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history, product lines, and financial resources. The securities of these companies may lack sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to expected changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.
Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt — Investments in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments and their political subdivisions or agencies involve special risks. Sovereign debt is subject to risks in addition to those relating to non-U.S. investments generally. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and/or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt, and the Fund may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default. As a sovereign entity, the issuing government may be immune from lawsuits in the event of its failure or refusal to pay the obligations when due.
Sovereign debt differs from debt obligations issued by private entities in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party. Legal recourse is therefore somewhat diminished. Political conditions, especially a sovereign entity's willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations, are of considerable significance. Also, holders of commercial bank debt issued by the same sovereign entity may contest payments to the holders of sovereign debt in the event of default under commercial bank loan agreements.
A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its non-U.S. reserves, the availability of sufficient non-U.S. exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject. Increased protectionism on the part of a country's trading partners or political changes in those countries, could also adversely affect its exports. Such events could diminish a country's trade account surplus, if any, or the credit standing of a particular local government or agency.
Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on disbursements or assistance from foreign governments or multinational agencies, the country's access to trade and other international credits, and the country's balance of trade. Assistance may be dependent on a country's implementation of austerity measures and reforms, which measures may limit or be perceived to limit economic growth and recovery. Some sovereign debtors have rescheduled their debt payments, declared moratoria on payments or restructured their debt to effectively eliminate portions of it, and similar occurrences may happen in the future. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which sovereign debt on which governmental entities have defaulted may be collected in whole or in part.
The ability of some sovereign debtors to repay their obligations may depend on the timely receipt of assistance from international agencies or other governments, the flow of which is not assured. The willingness of such agencies to make these payments may depend on the sovereign debtor's willingness to institute certain economic changes, the implementation of which may be politically difficult.
The occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in one or more of the countries issuing sovereign debt could adversely affect the Fund's investments. Political changes or a deterioration of a country's domestic economy or balance of trade may affect the willingness of countries to service their sovereign debt. While the Manager and Sub-Advisor endeavor to manage investments in a manner that will minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be no assurance that adverse political changes will not cause the Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.
Sovereign debt securities may include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies or instrumentalities and political subdivisions located in emerging market countries; debt securities issued by government owned, controlled or sponsored entities located in emerging market countries; interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of instruments issued by any of the above issuers; participations in loans between emerging market governments and financial institutions; and Brady Bonds, which are debt securities issued under the framework of the Brady Plan as a means for debtor nations to restructure their outstanding external indebtedness.
Brady Bonds may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies (although most are dollar-denominated) and they are actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market. Certain Brady Bonds are collateralized in full as to principal due at maturity by zero coupon obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities having the same maturity ("Collateralized Brady Bonds"). Brady Bonds are not, however, considered to be U.S. Government Securities. Dollar-denominated, Collateralized Brady Bonds may be fixed rate bonds or floating rate bonds. Interest payments on Brady Bonds are often collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year's rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to "value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation components: (i) collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) collateralized interest payments; (iii) uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect to Collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments which would have been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds should be viewed as speculative.
Supranational entities may also issue debt securities. Supranational organizations are entities designated or supported by a government or governmental group to promote economic development. Included among these organizations are the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for payments of interest and principal to the extent their assets are insufficient. Further, the lending activities of such entities are limited to a percentage of their total capital, reserves and net income. Obligations of supranational entities are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity
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depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. Obligations of a supranational entity that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies, as described above in the section "Currencies Risk."
U.S. Government Agency Securities — U.S. Government agency securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. Some obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. While the U.S. Government currently provides financial support to certain U.S. Government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be given that it will always do so, since it is not so obligated by law. U.S. Government securities include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds, Federal Home Loan Bank obligations, Federal Intermediate Credit Bank obligations, U.S. Government agency obligations and repurchase agreements secured thereby. U.S. Government agency securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.
U.S. Treasury Obligations — U.S. Treasury obligations include bills (initial maturities of one year or less), notes (initial maturities between two and ten years), and bonds (initial maturities over ten years) issued by the U.S. Treasury, Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal component parts of such obligations (known as "STRIPS") and inflation-indexed securities. The prices of these securities (like all debt securities) change between issuance and maturity in response to fluctuating market interest rates. U.S. Treasury obligations are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk.
Valuation Risk — This is the risk that the Fund has valued certain securities at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as certain derivatives, which may be illiquid or which may become illiquid.
Value Companies Risk — Value companies are subject to the risk that their intrinsic value may never be realized by the market or that their prices may go down. While the Fund's investments in value stocks may limit its downside risk over time, the Fund may produce more modest gains than riskier stock funds as a trade-off for this potentially lower risk. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund's investments in value stocks may underperform growth or non-value stocks that have a broader investment style.
Variable or Floating Rate Obligations — The interest rates payable on certain fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate obligation has an interest rate which is adjusted at predesignated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the interest rate is based. Variable and floating rate obligations are less effective than fixed rate instruments at locking in a particular yield. Nevertheless, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons.
The Fund may invest in floating rate debt instruments ("floaters") and engage in credit spread trades. The interest rate on a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market index or U.S. Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide the Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, the Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. A credit spread trade is an investment position relating to a difference in the prices or interest rates of two securities or currencies, where the value of the investment position is determined by movements in the difference between the prices or interest rates, as the case may be, of the respective securities or currencies.
OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS
In addition to the investment strategies and risks described in the Prospectus, the Fund may (except where otherwise indicated):
Engage in dollar rolls or purchase or sell securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. The purchase or sale of when-issued securities enables an investor to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices by locking in an attractive price or yield. The price of when-issued securities is fixed at the time the commitment to purchase or sell is made, but delivery and payment for the when-issued securities takes place at a later date, normally one to two months after the date of purchase. During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the purchaser to the issuer and no interest accrues to the purchaser. Such transactions therefore involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date or if the value of the security to be sold increases prior to the settlement date. A sale of a when-issued security also involves the risk that the other party will be unable to settle the transaction. Dollar rolls are a type of forward commitment transaction. Purchases and sales of securities on a forward commitment basis involve a commitment to purchase or sell securities with payment and delivery to take place at some future date, normally one to two months after the date of the transaction. As with when-issued securities, these transactions involve certain risks, but they also enable an investor to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. Forward commitment transactions are executed for existing obligations, whereas in a when-issued transaction, the obligations have not yet been issued. When purchasing securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, a segregated amount of liquid assets at least equal to the value of purchase commitments for such securities will be maintained until the settlement date.
Invest in other investment companies (including affiliated investment companies) to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act, or exemptive relief granted by the SEC.
Loan securities to broker-dealers or other institutional investors. Securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by the Fund exceeds 33 1/3 % of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received). For purposes of complying with the Fund's investment policies and restrictions, collateral received in connection with securities loans is deemed an asset of the Fund to the extent required by law.
Enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which securities are acquired by the Fund from a securities dealer or bank subject to resale at an agreed upon price on a later date. The acquiring Fund bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral
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securities. However, the Manager or the sub-advisor(s), as applicable, attempts to minimize this risk by entering into repurchase agreements only with financial institutions that are deemed to be of good financial standing.
Purchase securities sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the "private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in Section 4(a)(2) securities and illiquid securities unless the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, determines, by continuous reference to the appropriate trading markets and pursuant to guidelines approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees ("Board") that any Section 4(a)(2) securities held by the Fund in excess of this level are at all times liquid.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Fundamental Policies . The Fund has the following fundamental investment policy that enables it to invest in another investment company or series thereof that has substantially similar investment objectives and policies:
Notwithstanding any other limitation, the Fund may invest all of its investable assets in an open-end management investment company with substantially the same investment objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund. For this purpose, "all of the Fund's investable assets" means that the only investment securities that will be held by the Fund will be the Fund's interest in the investment company.
Fundamental Investment Restrictions . The following discusses the investment policies of the Fund.
The following restrictions have been adopted by the Fund and may be changed with respect to the Fund only by the majority vote of that Fund's outstanding interests. "Majority of the outstanding voting securities" under the Investment Company Act and as used herein means, with respect to the Fund, the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the Fund present at the meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present and represented at the shareholders' meeting or (b) more than 50% of the shares of the Fund.
The Fund may not (unless otherwise indicated):
Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided, however, that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or interests therein when consistent with the other policies and limitations described in the Fund's Prospectus.
Invest in physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling foreign currency, options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars, securities on a forward-commitment or delayed-delivery basis, and other similar financial instruments).
Engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of securities, the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under federal securities law.
Lend any security or make any other loan except (i) as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act, (ii) pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff, (iii) through the purchase of a portion of an issue of debt securities in accordance with the Fund's investment objective, policies and limitations, or (iv) by engaging in repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities.
Issue any senior security except as otherwise permitted (i) under the Investment Company Act or (ii) pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff.
Borrow money, except as otherwise permitted under the Investment Company Act or pursuant to a rule, order or interpretation issued by the SEC or its staff, including (i) as a temporary measure, (ii) by entering into reverse repurchase agreements, and (iii) by lending portfolio securities as collateral. For purposes of this investment limitation, the purchase or sale of options, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars and other similar financial instruments shall not constitute borrowing.
Invest more than 5% of its total assets (taken at market value) in securities of any one issuer, other than obligations issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any one issuer, with respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets.
Invest more than 25% of its assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any particular industry or group of industries provided that this limitation does not apply to: (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities; and (ii) tax-exempt securities issued by municipalities and their agencies and authorities.
The above percentage limits (except the limitation to borrowings) are based upon asset values at the time of the applicable transaction; accordingly, a subsequent change in asset values will not affect a transaction that was in compliance with the investment restrictions at the time such transaction was effected. With respect to the fundamental investment restriction relating to making loans set forth in number 4 above, securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by the Fund exceeds 33 1/3 % of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received).
For purposes of the Fund's industry concentration policy set forth in (8) above, the Manager may analyze the characteristics of a particular issuer and instrument and may assign an industry classification consistent with those characteristics. The Manager may, but need not, consider industry classifications provided by third parties, and the classifications applied to Fund investments will be informed by applicable law. A large economic or market sector shall not be construed as a single industry or group of industries. The Manager currently considers securities issued by a foreign government (but not the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities) to be an "industry" subject to the 25% limitation. Thus, not more than 25% of the Fund's assets will be invested in securities issued by any one foreign government or supranational organization. The Fund might invest in certain securities issued by companies in a particular industry whose obligations are guaranteed by a foreign government. The Manager could consider such a company to be within the particular industry and, therefore, the Fund will invest in the securities of such a company only if it can do so under its policy of not being concentrated in any particular industry or group of industries.
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For purposes of the Fund's policy relating to issuing senior securities set forth in (5) above, "senior securities" are defined as Fund obligations that have a priority over the Fund's shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Fund assets. The Investment Company Act prohibits the Fund from issuing any class of senior securities or selling any senior securities of which it is the issuer, except that the Fund is permitted to borrow from a bank so long as, immediately after such borrowings, there is an asset coverage of at least 300% for all borrowings of the Fund (not including borrowings for temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets). In the event that such asset coverage falls below this percentage, the Fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and holidays) so that the asset coverage is restored to at least 300%. Consistent with guidance issued by the SEC and its staff, the requisite asset coverage may vary among different types of instruments. The policy in (5) above will be interpreted not to prevent collateral arrangements with respect to swaps, options, forward or futures contracts or other derivatives, or the posting of initial or variation margin.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions . The following non-fundamental investment restrictions apply to the Fund (except where noted otherwise) and may be changed with respect to the Fund by a vote of a majority of the Board. The Fund may not:
Invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including time deposits and repurchase agreements that mature in more than seven days; or
Purchase securities on margin or effect short sales, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases or sales of securities.
All percentage limitations on investments will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment. Except for the investment restrictions listed above as fundamental or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectus, the other investment policies described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE INVESTMENTS
In times of unstable or adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, where the Manager or the sub-advisor(s) believes it is appropriate and in the Fund's best interest, the Fund can invest up to 100% in cash and other types of securities for defensive or temporary purposes. It can also hold cash or purchase these types of securities for liquidity purposes to meet cash needs due to redemptions of Fund shares, or to hold while waiting to invest cash received from purchases of Fund shares or the sale of other portfolio securities.
These temporary investments can include: (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; (ii) commercial paper rated in the highest short-term category by a rating organization; (iii) domestic, Yankee and Eurodollar certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances of banks rated in the highest short-term category by a rating organization; (iv) any of the foregoing securities that mature in one year or less (generally known as "cash equivalents"); (v) other short-term corporate debt obligations; (vi) repurchase agreements; (vii) futures; or (viii) shares of money market funds, including funds advised by the Manager or the sub-advisor.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio turnover is a measure of trading activity in a portfolio of securities, usually calculated over a period of one year. The rate is calculated by dividing the lesser amount of purchases or sales of securities by the average amount of securities held over the period. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would indicate that the Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. High portfolio turnover can increase the Fund's transaction costs and generate additional capital gains or losses.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Fund publicly discloses portfolio holdings information as follows:
a complete list of holdings for the Fund on an annual and semi-annual basis in the reports to shareholders within sixty days of the end of each fiscal semi-annual period and in publicly available filings of Form N-CSR with the SEC within ten days thereafter;
a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of its first and third fiscal quarters in publicly available filings of Form N-Q with the SEC within sixty days of the end of the fiscal quarter;
a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter on the Fund's website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) approximately sixty days after the end of the calendar quarter; and
ten largest holdings for the Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter on the Fund's website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) and in sales materials approximately fifteen days after the end of the calendar quarter.
Public disclosure of the Fund's holdings on the website and in sales materials may be delayed when an investment manager informs the Fund that such disclosure could be harmful to the Fund. In addition, individual holdings may be omitted from website and sales material disclosure, when such omission is deemed to be in the Fund's best interest. Disclosure of the Fund's ten largest holdings may exclude U.S. Treasury securities and cash equivalent assets, although such holdings will be included in the Fund's complete list of holdings.
Disclosure of Nonpublic Holdings .
Occasionally, certain interested parties — including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute shares of the Fund, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and others — may request portfolio holdings information that has not yet been publicly disclosed by the Fund. The Fund's policy is to control the disclosure of nonpublic portfolio holdings information in an attempt to prevent parties from utilizing such information to engage in trading activity harmful to Fund shareholders. To this end, the Board has adopted a Policy and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information (the "Holdings Policy"). The purpose of the Holdings Policy is to define those interested parties who are
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authorized to receive nonpublic portfolio holdings information on a selective basis and to set forth conditions upon which such information may be provided. In general, nonpublic portfolio holdings may be disclosed on a selective basis only when it is determined that (i) there is a legitimate business purpose for the information; (ii) recipients are subject to a duty of confidentiality, including a duty not to trade on the nonpublic information; and (iii) disclosure is in the best interests of Fund shareholders. The Holdings Policy does not restrict the Fund from disclosing that a particular security is not a holding of the Fund. The Holdings Policy is summarized below.
A variety of third-party service providers require access to Fund holdings to provide services to the Fund or to assist the Manager and the sub-advisor(s) in managing the Fund ("service providers"). The service providers have a duty to keep the Fund's nonpublic information confidential either through written contractual arrangements with the Fund (or another Fund service provider) or by the nature of their role with respect to the Fund (or the service provider). The Fund has determined that disclosure of nonpublic holdings information to service providers fulfills a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interest of shareholders. In addition, the Fund has determined that disclosure of nonpublic holdings information to members of the Board fulfills a legitimate business purpose, is in the best interest of Fund shareholders, and each Trustee is subject to a duty of confidentiality.
The Fund has ongoing arrangements to provide nonpublic holdings information to the following service providers:
Service Provider |
Service |
Holdings Access |
Manager |
Investment management and administrator |
Complete list on intraday basis with no lag |
Sub-Advisor |
Investment management |
Holdings under sub-advisor's management on intraday basis with no lag |
State Street Bank and Trust Co. ("State Street") and its designated foreign sub-custodians |
Securities lending agent for Funds that participate in securities lending, Fund's custodian and foreign custody manager, and foreign sub-custodians |
Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
XXXX |
Fund's independent registered public accounting firm |
Complete list on annual basis with no lag |
FactSet Research Systems, Inc. |
Performance and portfolio analytics reporting for the Manager and sub-advisors |
Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. |
Proxy voting research provider to sub-advisor |
Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
Certain third parties are provided with nonpublic holdings information (either complete or partial lists) by the Manager or another service provider on an ad hoc basis. These third parties include: broker-dealers, prospective sub-advisors, borrowers of the Fund's portfolio securities, pricing services, legal counsel, and issuers (or their agents). Broker-dealers utilized by the Fund in the process of purchasing and selling portfolio securities or providing market quotations receive limited holdings information on a current basis with no lag. The Manager provides current holdings to investment managers being considered for appointment as a sub-advisor to the Fund. If the Fund participates in securities lending activities, potential borrowers of the Fund's securities receive information pertaining to the Fund's securities available for loan. Such information is provided on a current basis with no lag. The Fund utilizes various pricing services to supply market quotations and evaluated prices to State Street. State Street and the Manager may disclose current nonpublic holdings to those pricing services. An investment manager may provide holdings information to legal counsel when seeking advice regarding those holdings. From time to time, an issuer (or its agent) may contact the Fund requesting confirmation of ownership of the issuer's securities. Such holdings information is provided to the issuer (or its agent) as of the date requested. The Fund does not have written contractual arrangements with these third parties regarding the confidentiality of the holdings information. However, the Fund would not continue to utilize a third party that the Manager determined to have misused nonpublic holdings information.
The Fund has ongoing arrangements to provide periodic holdings information to certain organizations that publish ratings and/or rankings for the Fund or that redistribute the Fund's holdings to financial intermediaries to facilitate their analysis of the Fund. The Fund has determined that disclosure of holdings information to such organizations fulfills a legitimate business purpose and is in the best interest of shareholders, as it provides existing and potential shareholders with an independent basis for evaluating the Fund in comparison to other mutual funds. As of the date of this SAI, all such organizations receive holdings information after it has been made public on the Fund's website.
No compensation or other consideration may be paid to the Fund, the Fund's service providers, or any other party in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information.
Under the Holdings Policy, disclosure of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to parties other than those discussed above must meet all of the following conditions:
Recipients of portfolio holdings information must agree in writing to keep the information confidential until it has been posted to the Fund's website and not to trade based on the information;
Holdings may only be disclosed as of a month-end date;
No compensation may be paid to the Fund, the Manager or any other party in connection with the disclosure of information about portfolio securities; and
A member of the Manager's Compliance staff must approve requests for nonpublic holdings information.
In determining whether to approve a request for portfolio holdings disclosure by the Manager, Compliance staff generally considers the type of requestor and its relationship to the Fund, the stated reason for the request, any historical pattern of requests from that same individual or entity, the style and strategy of the Fund for which holdings have been requested (e.g., passive versus active management), whether the Fund is managed by one or multiple investment managers, and any other factors it deems relevant. Any potential conflicts between shareholders and affiliated persons of the Fund that arise as a result of a request for portfolio holdings information shall be decided by the Manager in the best interests of shareholders.
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However, if a conflict exists between the interests of shareholders and the Manager, the Manager may present the details of the request to the Board for a determination to either approve or deny the request. On a quarterly basis, the Manager will prepare a report for the Board outlining any instances of disclosures of nonpublic holdings during the period that did not comply with the Holdings Policy. The Compliance staff generally determines whether a historical pattern of requests by the same individual or entity constitutes an "ongoing arrangement" and should be disclosed in the Fund's SAI.
The Manager and the sub-advisor to the Fund may manage substantially similar portfolios for clients other than the Fund. Those other clients may receive and publicly disclose their portfolio holdings information prior to public disclosure by the Fund. The Holdings Policy is not intended to limit the Manager or the sub-advisor from making such disclosures to their clients.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Fund may lend securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to borrow securities to complete certain transactions. In connection with such loans, the Fund remains the beneficial owner of the loaned securities and continues to be entitled to payments in amounts approximately equal to the interest, dividends or other distributions payable on the loaned securities. The Fund also has the right to terminate a loan at any time. The Fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, it is the Fund's policy to attempt to terminate loans in time to vote those proxies that the Fund determines are material to its interests. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan). The Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash in the form of U.S. dollars, foreign currency, or securities issued or fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government which will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities. If the collateral consists of cash, the Fund will reinvest the cash and pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" from any return earned on the investment. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, the Fund may experience delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. Loans are made only to borrowers that are deemed by the Manager to present acceptable credit risk on a fully collateralized basis. In a loan transaction, the Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities acquired with cash collateral. The Fund seeks to minimize this risk by limiting the investment of cash collateral to registered money market funds, including money market funds advised by the Manager that invest in U.S. Government and agency securities.
For all funds that engage in securities lending, the Manager receives compensation for administrative and oversight functions with respect to securities lending, including oversight of the securities lending agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company. The amount of such compensation depends on the income generated by the loan of the securities. The Fund continues to receive payments equal to any dividends or interest, as applicable, paid on the securities loaned and simultaneously earns either interest on the investment of the cash collateral and/or fee income if the loan is otherwise collateralized.
As of the date of this SAI, the Fund intends to engage in securities lending activities.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF THE TRUST
The Board of Trustees
The Trust is governed by its Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for and oversees the overall management and operations of the Trust and the Fund, which includes the general oversight and review of the Fund's investment activities, in accordance with federal law and the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as the stated policies of the Fund. The Board oversees the Trust's officers and service providers, including American Beacon Advisors, Inc. ("American Beacon"), which is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the Fund based on policies and agreements reviewed and approved by the Board. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Board regularly interacts with and receives reports from senior personnel of service providers, including American Beacon's investment personnel and the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO"). The Board also is assisted by the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm (which reports directly to the Trust's Audit and Compliance Committee), independent counsel and other experts as appropriate, all of whom are selected by the Board.
Risk Oversight
Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the Trust and the Fund, the Board oversees the management of risks relating to the administration and operation of the Trust and the Fund. American Beacon, as part of its responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the Fund, is responsible for day-to-day risk management for the Fund. The Board, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, also separately considers potential risks that may impact the Fund. The Board performs this risk management oversight directly and, as to certain matters, through its committees (described below) and through the Board members who are not "interested persons" of the Trust as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act ("Independent Trustees"). The following provides an overview of the principal, but not all, aspects of the Board's oversight of risk management for the Trust and the Fund.
In general, the Fund's risks include, among others, investment risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, securities selection risk and valuation risk. The Board has adopted, and periodically reviews, policies and procedures designed to address these and other risks to the Trust and the Fund. In addition, under the general oversight of the Board, American Beacon, the Fund's investment adviser, and other service providers to the Fund have themselves adopted a variety of policies, procedures and controls designed to address particular risks to the Fund. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Further, American Beacon as manager of the Fund oversees and regularly monitors the investments, operations and compliance of the Fund's investment advisers.
The Board also oversees risk management for the Trust and the Fund through review of regular reports, presentations and other information from officers of the Trust and other persons. Senior officers of the Trust, and senior officers of American Beacon, and the Fund's CCO regularly report to the Board on a range of matters, including those relating to risk management. The Board and the Investment Committee also regularly receive reports
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from American Beacon with respect to the investments, securities trading and securities lending activities of the Fund. In addition to regular reports from American Beacon, the Board also receives reports regarding other service providers to the Trust, either directly or through American Beacon or the Fund's CCO, on a periodic or regular basis. At least annually, the Board receives a report from the Fund's CCO regarding the effectiveness of the Fund's compliance program. Also, typically on an annual basis, the Board receives reports, presentations and other information from American Beacon in connection with the Board's consideration of the renewal of each of the Trust's agreements with American Beacon and the Trust's distribution plans under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act.
Senior officers of the Trust and American Beacon also report regularly to the Audit and Compliance Committee on Fund valuation matters and on the Trust's internal controls and accounting and financial reporting policies and practices. In addition, the Audit and Compliance Committee receives regular reports from the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm on internal control and financial reporting matters. On at least a quarterly basis, the Audit and Compliance Committee meets with the Fund's CCO to discuss matters relating to the Fund's compliance program.
Board Structure and Related Matters
Independent Trustees constitute at least two-thirds of the Board. Richard A. Massman, an Independent Trustee, serves as Independent Chair of the Board. The Independent Chair's responsibilities include: setting an agenda for each meeting of the Board; presiding at all meetings of the Board and Independent Trustees; and serving as a liaison with other Trustees, the Trust's officers and other management personnel, and counsel to the Fund. The Independent Chair shall perform such other duties as the Board may from time to time determine.
The Trustees discharge their responsibilities collectively as a Board, as well as through Board committees, each of which operates pursuant to a charter approved by the Board that delineates the responsibilities of that committee. The Board has established three standing committees: the Audit and Compliance Committee, the Investment Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. For example, the Investment Committee is responsible for oversight of the process, typically performed annually, by which the Board considers and approves the Fund's investment advisory agreement with American Beacon, while specific matters related to oversight of the Fund's independent auditors have been delegated by the Board to its Audit and Compliance Committee, subject to approval of the Audit and Compliance Committee's recommendations by the Board. The members and responsibilities of each Board committee are summarized below.
The Board periodically evaluates its structure and composition as well as various aspects of its operations. The Board believes that its leadership structure, including its Independent Chair position and its committees, is appropriate for the Trust in light of, among other factors, the asset size and nature of the funds in the Trust, the number of series of the American Beacon Funds Complex overseen by the Board, the arrangements for the conduct of the Fund's operations, the number of Trustees, and the Board's responsibilities. On an annual basis, the Board conducts a self-evaluation that considers, among other matters, whether the Board and its committees are functioning effectively and whether, given the size and composition of the Board and each of its committees, the Trustees are able to oversee effectively the number of Funds in the complex.
The Trust is part of the American Beacon Funds Complex, which is comprised of 35 series within the American Beacon Funds, 1 series within the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, 1 series within the American Beacon Select Funds, 1 series within the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and 1 series within the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund. The same persons who constitute the Board of the Trust also constitute the Board of Trustees of the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and the American Beacon Select Funds and each Trustee oversees the Trusts' combined 39 series.
The Board holds five (5) regularly scheduled meetings each year. The Board may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by telephone, to address matters arising between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees also hold at least one in-person meeting each year during a portion of which management is not present and may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by telephone.
The Trustees of the Trust are identified in the tables below, which provide information as to their principal business occupations and directorships held during the last five years and certain other information. Subject to the Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Policy described below, a Trustee serves until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. The address of each Trustee listed below is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term or until his or her removal, resignation, or retirement.*
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Gilbert G. Alvarado (48) |
Trustee since 2015 |
Trustee since 2017 |
Trustee since 2018 |
Director, Kura MD, Inc. (local telehealth organization) (2015-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation (health conversion private foundation) (2006-Present); Vice President & CFO, Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management (California public benefit corporation) (2012-Present); Director, Innovative North State (2012-2015); Director, Sacramento Regional Technology Alliance (2011-2016); Director, Women's Empowerment (2009-2014); Director, Valley Healthcare Staffing (2017-Present). |
Joseph B. Armes (56) |
Trustee since 2015 |
Trustee since 2017 |
Trustee since 2018 |
Chairman & CEO, CSW Industrials, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSWI) (2015-Present); Chairman of the Board of Capital Southwest Corporation (NASDAQ: CSWC), predecessor to CSW Industrials, Inc. (2014-present); CEO Capital Southwest Corporation (2013-2015); President & CEO JBA Investment Partners (family investment vehicle) (2010-Present); Director and Chair of Audit Committee, RSP Permian (oil and gas producer NYSE: RSPP)(2013-Present). |
Gerard J. Arpey (60) |
Trustee since 2012 |
Trustee since 2017 |
Trustee since 2018 |
Partner, Emerald Creek Group (private equity firm) (2011-Present); Director, S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. (privately held company) (2008-Present). Director, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE: HD)(2015-Present). |
Brenda A. Cline (57) |
Trustee since 2004
|
Trustee since 2017
|
Trustee and Vice Chair since 2018 |
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, Kimbell Art Foundation (1993-Present); Director, Tyler Technologies, Inc. (software) (NYSE:TYL) (2014-Present); Director, Range Resources Corporation (oil and natural gas company) (NYSE: RRC) (2015-Present); Trustee, Cushing Closed-End Funds (2017-Present). |
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Eugene J. Duffy (64) |
Trustee since 2008 |
Trustee since 2017 |
Trustee since 2018 |
Managing Director, Global Investment Management Distribution, Mesirow Financial (2016-Present); Managing Director, Institutional Services, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation (2014-Present); Principal and Executive Vice President, Paradigm Asset Management (1994-2014); Director, Sunrise Bank of Atlanta (2008-2013). |
Claudia A. Holz *** (60) |
Trustee since 2018 |
Trustee since 2018 |
Trustee since 2018 |
Partner, KPMG LLP (1990-2017). |
Douglas A. Lindgren **** (56) |
Trustee since 2018 |
Trustee since 2018 |
Trustee since 2018 |
CEO North America, Carne Global Financial Services (2016-2017); Managing Director, IPS Investment Management and Global Head, Content Management, UBS Wealth Management (2010-2016). |
Richard A. Massman (75) |
Trustee since 2004
|
Trustee and Chair since 2017 |
Trustee and Chair since 2018 |
Consultant and General Counsel Emeritus (2009-Present), Hunt Consolidated, Inc. (holding company engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining, real estate, farming, ranching and venture capital activities. |
Barbara J. McKenna (55) |
Trustee since 2012 |
Trustee since 2017 |
Trustee since 2018 |
Managing Principal, Longfellow Investment Management Company (2005-Present). |
R. Gerald Turner (72) |
Trustee since 2001 |
Trustee since 2017 |
Trustee since 2018 |
President, Southern Methodist University (1995-Present); Director, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP) (1996-Present); Director, Kronus Worldwide Inc. (chemical manufacturing) (2003-Present). |
* The Board has adopted a retirement policy that requires Trustees, other than Mr. Feld, to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.
** Mr. Feld is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act. Mr. Feld's law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP has provided legal services within the past two fiscal years to one or more sub-advisors to certain funds in the American Beacon Funds complex.
*** Ms. Holz began serving as a member of the Board on April 1, 2018.
**** Mr. Lindgren began serving as a member of the Board on January 1, 2018.
In addition to the information set forth in the tables above and other relevant qualifications, experience, attributes or skills applicable to a particular Trustee, the following provides further information about the qualifications and experience of each Trustee.
Gilbert G. Alvarado: Mr. Alvarado has extensive organizational management and financial experience as vice president and chief financial officer in public charities, and a health conversion private foundation, chief financial and information officer of the largest health foundation on the Texas/Mexico border and an accountant with a regional health system, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Joseph B. Armes: Mr. Armes has extensive financial, investment and organizational management experience as chairman of the board of directors, president and chief executive officer of an investment company listed on NASDAQ, president and chief executive officer of a private family investment vehicle, chief operating officer of a private holding company for a family office, president, chief executive officer, chief financial officer and director of a special purpose acquisition company listed on the American Stock Exchange, a director and audit committee chair of an oil and gas exploration and production company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and as an officer of public companies and as a director and officer of private companies, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
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Gerard J. Arpey: Mr. Arpey has extensive organizational management, financial and international experience serving as chairman, chief executive officer, and chief financial officer of one of the largest global airlines, service as a director of public and private companies, service to several charitable organizations, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Brenda A. Cline: Ms. Cline has extensive organizational management, financial and investment experience as chief financial officer, secretary and treasurer to a private foundation, service as a director and member of the audit and nominating and governance committees of various publicly held companies, service as a trustee to a private university, and several charitable boards, including acting as a member of their investment and/or audit committees, extensive experience as an audit senior manager with a large public accounting firm, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Eugene J. Duffy: Mr. Duffy has extensive experience in the investment management business and organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a director of a bank, service as a chairman of a charitable fund and as a trustee to an association, service on the board of a private university and non-profit organization, service as chair to a financial services industry association, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Alan D. Feld: Mr. Feld has extensive experience as a business attorney, organizational management experience as chairman of a law firm, experience as a director of several publicly held companies, service as a trustee of a private university and a board member of a hospital, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Claudia A. Holz: Ms. Holz has extensive financial audit and organizational management experience obtained as an audit partner with a major public accounting firm for over 27 years. Prior to her retirement, she led audits of large public investment company complexes and held several management roles in the firm's New York and national offices.
Douglas A. Lindgren: Mr. Lindgren has extensive senior management experience in the asset management industry, having overseen several organizations and numerous fund structures and having served as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia Business School.
Richard A. Massman: Mr. Massman has extensive experience as a business attorney, organizational management experience as a founding member of a law firm, experience as a senior vice president and general counsel of a large private company, service as the chairman and director of several foundations, including services on their Investment Committees and Finance Committees, chairman of a governmental board, chairman of various professional organizations and multiple years of service as a Trustee and as Independent Chair.
Barbara J. McKenna: Ms. McKenna has extensive experience in the investment management industry, organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a director of an investment manager, member of numerous financial services industry associations, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
R. Gerald Turner: Mr. Turner has extensive organizational management experience as president of a private university, service as a director and member of the audit and governance committees of various publicly held companies, service as a member to several charitable boards, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.
Committees of the Board
The Trust has an Audit and Compliance Committee ("Audit Committee"). The Audit Committee consists of Ms. Cline (Chair), Ms. Holz and Messrs. Duffy, and Alvarado. Mr. Massman, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Audit Committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity. None of the members of the committee are "interested persons" of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act. As set forth in its charter, the primary duties of the Trust's Audit Committee are: (a) to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Trust and the Fund and their internal controls and, as the Committee deems appropriate, to inquire into the internal controls of certain third-party service providers; (b) to oversee the quality and integrity of the Trust's financial statements and the independent audit thereof; (c) to approve, prior to appointment, the engagement of the Trust's independent auditors and, in connection therewith, to review and evaluate the qualifications, independence and performance of the Trust's independent auditors; (d) to oversee the Trust's compliance with all regulatory obligations arising under applicable federal securities laws, rules and regulations and oversee management's implementation and enforcement of the Trust's compliance policies and procedures ("Compliance Program"); and (e) to coordinate the Board's oversight of the Trust's CCO in connection with his or her implementation of the Trust's Compliance Program. The Audit Committee met XX times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
The Trust has a Nominating and Governance Committee ("Nominating Committee") that is comprised of Messrs. Feld (Chair), Turner, and Massman, and Ms. Cline. As set forth in its charter, the Nominating Committee's primary duties are: (a) to make recommendations regarding the nomination of non-interested Trustees to the Board; (b) to make recommendations regarding the appointment of an Independent Trustee as Chair of the Board; (c) to evaluate qualifications of potential "interested" members of the Board and Trust officers; (d) to review shareholder recommendations for nominations to fill vacancies on the Board; (e) to make recommendations to the Board for nomination for membership on all committees of the Board; (f) to consider and evaluate the structure, composition and operation of the Board; (g) to review shareholder recommendations for proposals to be submitted for consideration during a meeting of Fund shareholders; and (h) to consider and make recommendations relating to the compensation of Independent Trustees and of those officers as to whom the Board is charged with approving compensation. Shareholder recommendations for Trustee candidates may be mailed in writing, including a comprehensive resume and any supporting documentation, to the Nominating Committee in care of the Secretary of the Fund. The Nominating and Governance Committee met XX times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
The Trust has an Investment Committee that is comprised of, Ms. McKenna (Chair), Messrs. Armes, Arpey and Lindgren. Mr. Massman, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Investment Committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity. As set forth in its charter, the Investment Committee's primary duties are: (a) to review and evaluate the short- and long-term investment performance of the Manager and each of the designated sub-advisors to a Fund; (b) to evaluate recommendations by the Manager regarding the hiring or removal of designated sub-advisors to a Fund; (c) to review material changes recommended by the Manager to the allocation of Fund assets to a sub-advisor; (d) to review proposed changes recommended by the Manager to the investment objective or principal investment strategies of a Fund; and (e) to review proposed changes recommended by the Manager to the material
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provisions of the advisory agreement with a sub-advisor, including, but not limited to, changes to the provision regarding compensation. The Investment Committee met XX times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.
Trustee Ownership in the Fund
As of the calendar year ended December 31, 2018, none of the Trustees owned equity securities of the Fund. The following table shows the amount of equity securities owned in the American Beacon Funds family by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2018.
|
INTERESTED TRUSTEE |
|
Feld |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (38 Funds as of December 31, 2018) |
XXXX |
|
NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES |
|||||||||
|
Alvarado |
Armes |
Arpey |
Cline |
Duffy |
Holz |
Lindgren |
Massman |
McKenna |
Turner |
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (38 Funds as of December 31, 2018) |
$XXX |
$XXX |
$XXX |
$XXX |
$xxx |
$XXX |
$XXX |
$XXX |
$XXX |
$XXX |
Trustee Compensation
Effective January 1, 2018, as compensation for their service to the American Beacon funds complex, including the Trust (collectively, the "Trusts"), each Trustee is compensated from the Trusts as follows: (1) an annual retainer of $120,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via teleconference) of (a) $10,000 for attendance by Board members for each regularly scheduled Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, and (c) $1,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time.
For his service as Board Chair, Mr. Massman receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although he attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, he receives only a single $2,500 fee each quarter for his attendance at those meetings. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee each receive an additional annual retainer of $25,000 and the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000. Effective January 1, 2018, for her service as Board Vice Chair, Ms. Cline receives an additional annual retainer of $10,000.
1 Upon retirement from the Board, each of these Trustees is eligible for flight benefits afforded to Trustees who served on the Boards as of June 4, 2008 as described below.
The Boards adopted a Trustee Retirement Policy and Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Plan ("Plan"). The Plan provides that a Trustee who has served on the Boards prior to September 12, 2008, and who has reached a mandatory retirement age established by the Board (currently 75) is eligible to elect Trustee Emeritus status ("Eligible Trustees"). The Eligible Trustees are Messrs. Feld, Massman and Turner and Ms. Cline. The mandatory retirement age does not apply to Mr. Feld. Additionally, Eligible Trustees who have served on the Board of one or more Trusts for at least five years may elect to retire from the Board at an earlier age and immediately assume Trustee Emeritus status. The Board has determined that, other than the Plan established for Eligible Trustees, no other retirement benefits will accrue for current or future Trustees.
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A Trustee Emeritus must commit to provide certain ongoing services and advice to the Board members and the Trusts; however, a Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to election by shareholders of the Fund(s). Currently, there are no Trustees with Trustee Emeritus status.
Principal Officers of the Trust
The Officers of the Trust conduct and supervise its daily business. As of the date of this SAI, the Officers of the Trust, their ages, their business address and their principal occupations and directorships during the past five years are as set forth below. The address of each Officer is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. Each Officer serves for a term of one year or until his or her resignation, retirement, or removal. Each Officer has and continues to hold the same position with the American Beacon Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds, the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund.
Name (Age) |
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Select Funds |
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust |
Position and Length of Time Served on the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund and American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund |
Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years |
OFFICERS |
|
|
|
|
Gene L. Needles, Jr. (63) |
President since 2009 |
President since 2017 |
President since 2018 |
President (2009-2018), CEO and Director (2009-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Chairman and CEO, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Director, Resolute Acquisition, Inc. (2015-Present); Director, Resolute Topco, Inc. (2015-Present), President (2015-2018), CEO (2015-Present), and Chairman (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC.; President, CEO and Director, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; (2009-2015); President and CEO, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2009-2015); Manager and President, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Chairman, President and CEO, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director, ARK Investment Management LLC (2016-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC (2017-Present); Member, Investment Advisory Committee, Employees Retirement System of Texas (2017-Present); Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD. (2017-Present); President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-Present); Chairman, President and CEO, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present). |
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Jeffrey K. Ringdahl (43) |
Vice President since 2010 |
Vice President since 2017 |
Vice President since 2018 |
Chief Operating Officer (2010-Present), Vice President (2010-2013), Senior Vice President (2013-Present), Director (2015-Present), and President (2018-Present), American Beacon Advisors, Inc.; Vice President (2012-Present) and Manager (2015-Present), American Private Equity Management, LLC; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2013-2015); Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2013-2015); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Trustee, American Beacon NextShares Trust (2015-Present); Director (2015-Present), Senior Vice Present(2015-2018), and President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director (2015-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018) and President (2018-Present), Resolute Topco, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-Present), and President (2018-Present), Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director (2015-Present), Senior Vice President (2015-2018), and President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Director (2017-Present), Executive Vice President (2017-2018), and President (2018-Present), Resolute Investment Services, Inc.; Director and Executive Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Director, Shapiro Capital Management, LLC (2017-Present); Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, LTD., (2017-Present); Vice President, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-Present); Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present). |
Rosemary K. Behan (59) |
Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer since 2006 |
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since 2017 |
Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since 2018 |
Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2006-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc. (2008-2015); Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.(2008-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present), Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present); Secretary, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-Present); Secretary, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President and Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present). |
Brian E. Brett (58) |
Vice President since 2004 |
Vice President since 2017 |
Vice President since 2018 |
Senior Vice President, Head of Distribution (2012-Present); Vice President, Director of Sales, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-2012); Vice President, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-Present). |
Paul B. Cavazos (49) |
Vice President since 2016 |
Vice President since 2017 |
Vice President since 2018 |
Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. since 2016; Chief Investment Officer, DTE Energy Company (2007-2016). |
Erica B. Duncan (47) |
Vice President since 2011 |
Vice President since 2017 |
Vice President since 2018 |
Vice President, Marketing & Client Services, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present). |
25 |
Terri L. McKinney (54) |
Vice President since 2010 |
Vice President since 2017 |
Vice President since 2018 |
Vice President, Enterprise Services, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2009-Present); Vice President, Enterprise Services Alpha Quant Advisors, Inc. (2016-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present). |
Samuel J. Silver (55) |
Vice President since 2011 |
Vice President since 2017 |
Vice President since 2018 |
Vice President, Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present); Vice President, Fixed Income Investments (2011-2016), American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
Melinda G. Heika (56) |
Treasurer since 2010 |
Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2017 |
Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer since 2018 |
Treasurer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2010-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2010-2015); Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc., (2010-2015); Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. (2014-Present); Treasurer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation, Ltd. (2017-Present); Treasurer, American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation Corporation (2017-Present); Treasurer, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (2017-2017); Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present). |
Sonia L. Bates (61) |
Asst. Treasurer since 2011 |
Asst. Treasurer since 2017 |
Assistant Treasurer since 2018 |
Director, Tax and Financial Reporting, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Asst. Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2015-Present); Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc. (2011-2015); Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent Inc. (2011-2015); Asst. Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Assistant Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present). |
Christina E. Sears (46) |
Chief Compliance Officer since 2004 and Asst. Secretary since 1999 |
Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary since 2017 |
Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary since 2018 |
Chief Compliance Officer, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2004-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C. (2012-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Chief Compliance Officer, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present). |
Shelley D. Abrahams (43) |
Asst. Secretary since 2008 |
Asst. Secretary since 2017 |
Asst. Secretary since 2018 |
Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2008-Present). |
Rebecca L. Harris (51) |
Asst. Secretary since 2011 |
Asst. Secretary since 2017 |
Asst. Secretary since 2018 |
Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2011-Present); Vice President, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present); Vice President, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. (2017-Present); Vice President, Continuous Capital, LLC (2018-Present). |
Diana N. Lai (42) |
Asst. Secretary since 2012 |
Asst. Secretary since 2017 |
Asst. Secretary since 2018 |
Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2012-Present); Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. (2017-Present). |
Teresa A. Oxford (60) |
Asst. Secretary since 2015 |
Asst. Secretary since 2017 |
Asst. Secretary since 2018 |
Assistant Secretary, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (2015-Present); Assistant Secretary, Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC (2016-Present). |
26 |
CODE OF ETHICS
The Manager, the Trust and the sub-advisor each have adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act. Each Code of Ethics significantly restricts the personal trading of all employees with access to non-public portfolio information. For example, each Code of Ethics generally requires pre-clearance of all personal securities trades (with limited exceptions) and prohibits employees from purchasing or selling a security that is being purchased or sold or being considered for purchase (with limited exceptions) or sale by any Fund. In addition, the Manager's and the Trust's Code of Ethics requires employees to report trades in shares of the Trusts. Each Code of Ethics is on public file with, and may be obtained from, the SEC.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
From time to time, the Fund may own a security whose issuer solicits a proxy vote on certain matters. The Board seeks to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of the Fund's shareholders and has delegated proxy voting authority to the Manager. The Manager in turn has delegated proxy voting authority to the sub-advisor with respect to the Fund's assets under the sub-advisor's management. The Trust has adopted a Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the "Policy") that governs proxy voting by the Manager and sub-advisor, including procedures to address potential conflicts of interest between the Fund's shareholders and the Manager, the sub-advisor or their affiliates. The Board has approved the Manager's proxy voting policies and procedures with respect to Fund assets under the Manager's management. Please see Appendix A for a copy of the Policy. The sub-advisor's proxy voting policy and procedures are summarized (or included in their entirety) in Appendix B. The Fund's proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is available as of August 31 of each year upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-967-9009 or by visiting the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The proxy voting record can be found in Form N-PX on the SEC's website.
CONTROL PERSONS AND 5% SHAREHOLDERS
A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of any Class of the Fund's outstanding shares. A control person is a shareholder that owns beneficially or through controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company or acknowledges the existence of control. Shareholders owning voting securities in excess of 25% may determine the outcome of any matter affecting and voted on by shareholders of the Fund. The actions of an entity or person that controls the Fund could have an effect on other shareholders. For instance, a control person may have effective voting control over the Fund or large redemptions by a control person could cause the Fund's other shareholders to pay a higher pro rata portion of the Fund's expenses.
As of the date of this SAI, the Manager is the sole shareholder of the Fund.
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
The Fund's sub-advisor is listed below with information regarding its controlling persons or entities. According to the Investment Company Act, a person or entity with control with respect to an investment advisor has "the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a company, unless such power is solely the result of an official position with such company." Persons and entities affiliated with the sub-advisor may be considered affiliates of the Fund.
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. ("Tocqueville") |
|
|
Controlling Person/Entity |
Basis of Control/Status |
Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business/Business History |
Tocqueville Management Corp |
General Partner |
Management Company organized in 1995 |
The Trust, on behalf of the American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund , and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with Tocqueville pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay Tocqueville an annualized subadvisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily equal to 0.40% on the first $1 billion, 0.35% on the next $1 billion, and 0.325% thereafter of the Fund's average daily net assets.
The Investment Advisory Agreement will automatically terminate if assigned, and may be terminated without penalty at any time by the Manager, by a vote of a majority of the Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the applicable Fund on no less than thirty (30) days' nor more than sixty (60) days' written notice to the sub-advisor, or by the sub-advisor upon sixty (60) days' written notice to the Trust. The Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect for an initial period of two years and thereafter from year to year provided that annually such continuance is specifically approved by a vote of the Trustees, including the affirmative votes of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such approval, or by the vote of shareholders. Because the Fund has not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no subadvisory fees have been paid to Tocqueville.
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MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE, AND DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
The Manager
The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039 is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. ("RIM"). RIM is, in turn, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Acquisition,
Inc., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Holdings,
LLC ("RIH"). RIH is owned primarily by Kelso Investment Associates VIII, L.P. ("Kelso"), KEP VI, LLC and Estancia Capital
Management LLC ("Estancia"), investment funds affiliated with Kelso & Company, L.P. or Estancia Capital Management, LLC, which
are private equity firms. The address of Kelso and its investment funds is 320 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
The address of Estancia and its investment fund is 20865 N 90th Place, Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85255. The address of RIH
is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039.
Listed below are individuals and entities that may be deemed control persons of the Manager.
The Manager is paid a fee as compensation for providing the Fund with management and administrative services. The expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class.
Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the assets of that class. Pursuant to Management Agreement, the Manager provides the Trust with office space, office equipment and personnel necessary to manage and administer the Trust's operations. This includes:
complying with reporting requirements;
corresponding with shareholders;
maintaining internal bookkeeping, accounting and auditing services and records;
supervising the provision of services to the Trust by third parties; and
administering the Fund's interfund lending facility and lines of credit, if applicable.
In addition to its oversight of the sub-advisors, the Manager may invest the portion of the Fund's assets that the sub-advisor(s) determine to be allocated to short-term investments.
The Fund is responsible for expenses not otherwise assumed by the Manager, including the following: audits by independent auditors; transfer agency, custodian, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder recordkeeping services; taxes, if any, and the preparation of the Fund's tax returns; interest; costs of Trustee and shareholder meetings; preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses and reports to existing shareholders; fees for filing reports with regulatory bodies and the maintenance of the Fund's existence; legal fees; fees to federal and state authorities for the registration of shares; fees and expenses of Trustees; insurance and fidelity bond premiums; fees paid to service providers providing reports regarding adherence by sub-advisors to the investment style of the Fund; fees paid for brokerage commission analysis for the purpose of monitoring best execution practices of the sub-advisors; and any extraordinary expenses of a nonrecurring nature.
The Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized fee based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:
First $5 billion |
0.35% |
Next $5 billion |
0.325% |
Next $10 billion |
0.30% |
Over $20 billion |
0.275% |
Because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no fees have been paid to the Manager.
The Investor Class has adopted a Service Plan (the "Plan"). The Plan authorizes the payment to the Manager (or another entity approved by the Board) of up to 0.375% per annum of the average daily net assets of the Investor Class shares. In addition, the Fund may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and Institutional Class shares. The Manager or other approved entities may spend such amounts on any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in or relate to the servicing of Y Class, Institutional Class, and Investor Class shares including, but not limited to, payment of shareholder service fees and transfer agency or sub-transfer agency expenses. The fees, which are included as part of the Fund's "Other Expenses" in the Table of Fees and Expenses in the Prospectus, will be payable monthly in arrears. The fees for each Class will be paid, or reimbursed, on the actual expenses incurred in a particular month by the entity for the services provided pursuant to the respective Class and its Service Plan, if applicable. The primary expenses expected to be incurred are shareholder servicing, record keeping fees and servicing fees paid to financial intermediaries such as plan sponsors and broker-dealers. Because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of the SAI, there were no prior service fees.
The Manager also may receive up to 10% of the net monthly income generated from the securities lending activities of the Fund as compensation for administrative and oversight functions with respect to securities lending of the Fund. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits the Fund to invest cash collateral received from securities lending transactions in shares of one or more private or registered investment companies managed by the
28 |
Manager. Because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, the Manager has not received any fees from securities lending activities of the Fund.
State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") will serve as securities lending agent for the Fund and in that role will administer the Fund's securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending agency agreement entered into between the Fund and State Street ("Securities Lending Agreement").
As securities lending agent, State Street is responsible for the implementation and administration of the Fund's securities lending program. State Street's responsibilities include: (1) lending available securities to approved borrowers; (2) determining whether a loan shall be made and negotiating the terms and conditions of the loan with the borrower, provided that such terms and conditions are consistent with the terms and conditions of the Securities Lending Agreement; (3) receiving and holding, on the Fund's behalf, or transferring to a fund account, upon instruction by the Fund, collateral from borrowers to secure obligations of borrowers with respect to any loan of available securities; (4) marking loaned securities and collateral to their market value each business day; (5) obtaining additional collateral, as needed, to maintain the value of the collateral relative to the market value of the loaned securities at the levels required by the Securities Lending Agreement; (6) returning the collateral to the borrower, at the termination of the loan, upon the return of the loaned securities; (7) investing cash collateral in permitted investments, including the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund; and (8) establishing and maintaining records related to the Fund's securities lending activities.
State Street is compensated for the above-described services from its securities lending revenue split, as provided in the Securities Lending Agreement. Because the Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI, no fees have been paid to State Street.
The Manager has contractually agreed from time to time to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for the Fund. In July of 2003, the Board approved a policy whereby the Manager may seek repayment for such fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Under the policy, the Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years after the Manager's own waiver or reimbursement and (b) does not cause the Fund's Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of recoupment.
The Distributor
Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. ("RID" or "Distributor") is the Fund's distributor and principal underwriter of the Fund's shares.
RID, located at 220 East Las Colinas, Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA"). The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Fund. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Fund on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Fund's shares. The Distributor retains any portion of the commission fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
State Street, located at One Lincoln Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as custodian for the Fund. In addition to its other duties as custodian, pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement and instructions given by the Manager, State Street may receive compensation from the Fund for investing certain excess cash balances in designated futures or forwards. State Street also serves as the Fund's Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to rules adopted under the Investment Company Act, whereby it selects and monitors eligible foreign sub-custodians.
DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc., located at 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, Massachusetts 02169 is the transfer agent and dividend paying agent for the Trust and provides these services to Fund shareholders.
The Fund's independent registered public accounting firm is XXXX, which is located at XXXX.
K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, serves as legal counsel to the Fund.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
The portfolio manager to the Fund (the "Portfolio Manager") has responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the Fund. Information regarding these other accounts has been provided by the Portfolio Manager's firm and is set forth below. The number of accounts and assets is shown as of XXXX XX, 2019.
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Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by Account Type |
Number of Accounts and Assets for Which Advisory Fee is Performance-Based |
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Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Manager |
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts |
Registered Investment Companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other accounts |
Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. ("Tocqueville") |
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James E. Hunt |
None |
2 ($21.7 mil) |
85 ($616.6 mil) |
None |
None |
1 ($73.8 mil) |
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Conflicts of Interest
As noted in the table above, the Portfolio Manager manages accounts other than the Fund. This side-by-side management may present potential conflicts between a Portfolio Manager's management of the Fund's investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other hand. Set forth below is a description by sub-advisor of any foreseeable material conflicts of interest that may arise from the concurrent management of the Fund and other accounts. The information regarding potential conflicts of interest was provided by the sub-advisor.
The Portfolio Manager may manage other accounts in addition to the Fund. A Portfolio Manager's management of these other accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest. The Sub-Advisor has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to identify and minimize the effects of these potential conflicts, however, there can be no guarantee that these policies and procedures will be effective in detecting potential conflicts, or in eliminating the effects of any such conflicts.
Certain components of the Portfolio Managers' compensation structure may also give rise to potential conflicts of interest to the extent that the Portfolio Manager may have an incentive to favor or devote more effort in managing accounts that impact, or impact to a larger degree, his overall compensation. As reflected herein, the Portfolio Manager's base remuneration is based on total advisory fees collected each month, in arrears, for those accounts managed by such Portfolio Manager, including the Fund. As a result, since his base remuneration is directly tied to the percentage of the advisory fee charged to the accounts, including the Fund, the Portfolio Manager may have an incentive to favor accounts where the Sub-Advisor charges a higher advisory fee and those accounts that have a larger asset base to the disadvantage of other accounts that have a lower advisory fee and those accounts with lower total net assets.
In addition, as described herein, the Portfolio Manager is paid a discretionary annual bonus and the level of the discretionary annual bonus is determined, in part, based upon the Sub-Advisor's profitability. Such profits are generally derived from the fees the Sub-Advisor receives for managing all of its investment management accounts. To the extent that accounts other than the Fund have the potential to generate more profits for the Sub-Advisor than the Fund, the Portfolio Manager may have an incentive to favor such other accounts.
Because the Portfolio Manager manages multiple accounts with similar objectives, and thus frequently purchases and sells the same securities for such accounts, certain allocation issues may arise. In particular, if the Portfolio Manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one account, the Fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible accounts. In addition, in the event the Portfolio Manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions. The Sub-Advisor has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to manage the risk that an account could be systematically advantaged or disadvantaged in connection with the allocation of investment opportunities and aggregation of trade orders. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that such policies and procedures will be effective in preventing instances where one account is advantaged or disadvantaged over another.
Compensation
The following is a description provided by the investment sub-advisor regarding the structure of and criteria for determining the compensation of the Portfolio Manager as of September 1, 2018.
The Portfolio Manager receives compensation in connection with his management of the Fund and other accounts identified above, which includes the following components: (1) base remuneration, (2) incentive fee, and (3) a discretionary annual bonus. In addition, Mr. Hunt as a shareholder of Tocqueville Management Corp, the General Partner of the Sub-Advisor, also receive compensation based upon the profitability of the firm.
Base Remuneration. The annual base remuneration can be a fixed or variable amount. Mr. Hunt receives a variable remuneration. The variable amount is calculated using the amount of investment advisory fees collected by the Sub-Advisor each month, in arrears, derived from the value of the portfolio assets of accounts (including the Fund), for which this individuals is a Portfolio Manager. The Portfolio Manager will receive the balance of any respective variable amounts remaining as his compensation, after payment of the fixed amounts to other members of the investment team and certain other expenses.
Incentive Fee. For some accounts managed by the Portfolio Manager a portion of the fees paid to the Sub-Advisor may be linked to performance. For these particular accounts, the Sub-Advisor will receive an incentive fee in addition to the standard advisory fee if the performance of the account raises the value of the account above a predetermined threshold. The Portfolio Manager is then paid a percentage of all these incentive fees and the Sub-Advisor retains the balance. The Fund is not among the accounts included in the incentive fee arrangement and, consequently, the Fund's performance does not impact the Portfolio Manager's receipt of an incentive fee.
Bonus. The Portfolio Manager is eligible to receive a discretionary annual bonus in addition to his base remuneration. The level of the discretionary bonus is determined by the General Partner based upon a number of factors, including the firm's profitability, the expansion of the client account base, the securities market environment for the respective period, the portion of revenue generated by the work and effort of the Portfolio Manager, the involvement of the Portfolio Manager in the investment management functions of the Sub-Advisor, his role in the development of other investment professionals and his work relationship with support staff, and his overall contribution to strategic planning and his input in decisions for the Sub-Advisor's group of investment managers.
Ownership of the Fund
The Portfolio Manager's beneficial ownership of the Fund is defined as the Portfolio Manager having the opportunity to share in any profit from transactions in the Fund, either directly or indirectly, as the result of any contract, understanding, arrangement, relationship or otherwise. Therefore, ownership of Fund shares by members of the Portfolio Manager's immediate family or by a trust of which the Portfolio Manager is a trustee could be considered ownership by the Portfolio Manager. The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI. Accordingly, the Portfolio Manager does not beneficially own any shares of the Fund.
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PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
In selecting brokers or dealers to execute particular transactions, the Manager and the sub-advisor are authorized to consider "brokerage and research services" (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), provision of statistical quotations (including the quotations necessary to determine the Fund's NAV), and other information provided to the Fund, to the Manager and/or to the sub-advisor (or their affiliates), provided, however, that the Manager or the sub-advisor must always seek best execution. Research and brokerage services may include information on portfolio companies, economic analyses, and other investment research services. The Trust does not allow the Manager or sub-advisor to enter arrangements to direct transactions to broker-dealers as compensation for the promotion or sale of Trust shares by those broker-dealers. The Manager and the sub-advisor are also authorized to cause the Fund to pay a commission (as defined in SEC interpretations) to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services for executing a portfolio transaction which is in excess of the amount of the commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction. The Manager or the sub-advisor, as appropriate, must determine in good faith, however, that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided, viewed in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of all the accounts over which the Manager or the sub-advisor exercises investment discretion. The fees of the sub-advisor are not reduced by reason of receipt of such brokerage and research services. However, with disclosure to and pursuant to written guidelines approved by the Board, as applicable, the Manager, or the sub-advisor (or a broker-dealer affiliated with them) may execute portfolio transactions and receive usual and customary brokerage commissions (within the meaning of Rule 17e-1 under the Investment Company Act) for doing so. Brokerage and research services obtained with Fund commissions might be used by the Manager and/or the sub-advisor, as applicable, to benefit their other accounts under management.
The Manager and the sub-advisor will place its own orders to execute securities transactions that are designed to implement the Fund's investment objective and policies. In placing such orders, the sub-advisor will seek best execution. The full range and quality of services offered by the executing broker or dealer will be considered when making these determinations. Pursuant to written guidelines approved by the Board, as appropriate, the sub-advisor of the Fund, or its affiliated broker-dealer, may execute portfolio transactions and receive usual and customary brokerage commissions (within the meaning of Rule 17e-1 of the Investment Company Act) for doing so. The Fund's turnover rate, or the frequency of portfolio transactions, will vary from year to year depending on market conditions and the Fund's cash flows. High portfolio turnover increases the Fund's transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may result in a greater amount of recognized capital gains.
The Investment Advisory Agreements provide, in substance, that in executing portfolio transactions and selecting brokers or dealers, the principal objective of the sub-advisor is to seek best execution. In assessing available execution venues, the sub-advisor shall consider all factors it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the value of any eligible research, the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of the commission, if any, for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. Transactions with respect to the securities of small and emerging growth companies in which the Fund may invest may involve specialized services on the part of the broker or dealer and thereby may entail higher commissions or spreads than would be the case with transactions involving more widely traded securities.
The Fund may establish brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If the sub-advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to the Fund. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Fund. Neither the Manager nor the sub-advisor receives any benefits from the commission recapture program. The sub-advisor's participation in the brokerage commission recapture program is optional. The sub-advisor retains full discretion in selecting brokerage firms for securities transactions and is instructed to use the commission recapture program for a transaction only if it is consistent with the sub-advisor's obligation to seek the best execution available.
The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI. Accordingly, no brokerage commissions were paid by the Fund during the previous three fiscal years and the Fund did not receive any amount as a result of participation in the commission recapture program.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
Although the Fund intends to redeem shares in cash, the Fund reserves the right to pay the redemption price in whole or in part by a distribution of securities or other assets. However, shareholders always will be entitled to redeem shares for cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the applicable Fund's NAV during any 90-day period. Redemption in kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption. In addition, to the extent the Fund redeems its shares in this manner, the shareholder assumes the risk of a subsequent change in the market value of those securities, the cost of liquidating the securities and the possibility of a lack of a liquid market for those securities.
TAX INFORMATION
The tax information in the Prospectus and in this section relates solely to the federal income tax law and assumes that the Fund will qualify each taxable year as a "regulated investment company" ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code (as discussed below). The tax information in this section is only a summary of certain key federal tax considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders and is in addition to the tax information provided in the Prospectus. No attempt has been made to present a complete explanation of the federal income tax treatment of the Fund or the tax implications to its shareholders. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as substitutes for careful tax planning. The tax information is based on the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations in effect, and administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions publicly available, on the date of this SAI. Future legislative, regulatory or administrative changes or court decisions may significantly change the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.
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Taxation of the Fund
The Fund intends to qualify each taxable year for treatment as a RIC under Subchapter M of Chapter 1 of Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code. To so qualify, the Fund (which is treated as a separate corporation for these purposes) must, among other requirements:
Derive at least 90% of its gross income each taxable year from (1) dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or foreign currencies, or other income, including gains from options, futures or forward contracts, derived with respect to its business of investing in securities or those currencies ("Qualifying Other Income") and (2) net income derived from an interest in a "qualified publicly traded partnership" ("QPTP") ("Gross Income Requirement"). A QPTP is a "publicly traded partnership" other than a partnership at least 90% of the gross income of which is Qualifying Other Income;
Diversify its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (1) at least 50% of the value of its total assets is represented by cash and cash items, Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities, with those other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount that does not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and that does not represent more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities (equity securities of QPTPs being considered voting securities for those purposes), and (2) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in (a) the securities (other than Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one issuer, (b) the securities (other than securities of other RICs) of two or more issuers the Fund controls (by owning 20% or more of their voting power) that are determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses, or (c) the securities of one or more QPTPs ("Diversification Requirements"); and
Distribute annually to its shareholders at least the sum of 90% of its investment company taxable income (generally, net investment income, the excess (if any) of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, and net gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions, all determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and 90% of its net exempt interest income ("Distribution Requirement").
By qualifying for treatment as a RIC, the Fund (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on the part of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that it distributes to its shareholders. If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for that treatment — either (1) by failing to satisfy the Distribution Requirement, even if it satisfies the Gross Income and Diversification Requirements ("Other Requirements"), or (2) by failing to satisfy any of the Other Requirements and is unable to, or determines not to, avail itself of Internal Revenue Code provisions that enable a RIC to cure a failure to satisfy any of the Other Requirements as long as the failure "is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect" and the RIC pays a deductible tax calculated in accordance with those provisions and meets certain other requirements — then for federal tax purposes, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders and the dividends it pays would be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income (or possibly, for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each an "individual"), as "qualified dividend income" ((as described in the Prospectus) ("QDI")to the extent of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify for RIC treatment would therefore have a negative impact on the Fund's income and performance. Furthermore, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and interest, and make substantial distributions before requalifying for RIC treatment. It is possible that the Fund will not qualify as a RIC in any given taxable year.
The Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax ("Excise Tax") to the extent it fails to distribute by the end of any calendar year substantially all of its ordinary income for that year and substantially all of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of that year, plus certain other amounts. The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions by the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the Excise Tax.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will make sufficient distributions to eliminate all taxes in all periods.
Taxation of Certain Investments and Strategies
Hedging strategies, such as entering into forward contracts and selling (writing) and purchasing options and futures contracts, involve complex rules that will determine for federal income tax purposes the amount, character and timing of recognition of gains and losses the Fund may realize in connection therewith. In general, the Fund's gains from the disposition of foreign currencies will be treated as qualifying income under the Gross Income Requirement.
Dividends and interest the Fund receives, and gains it realizes, on foreign securities may be subject to income, withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S. possessions (collectively, "foreign taxes") that would reduce the yield and/or total return on its securities. Tax treaties between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate foreign taxes, however, and many foreign countries do not impose taxes on capital gains realized on investments by foreign investors. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance, since the amount of the Fund's assets to be invested in various countries is not known.
Some futures contracts, foreign currency contracts, and "non-equity" options (i.e., certain listed options, such as those on a "broad-based" securities index) - except any "securities futures contract" that is not a "dealer securities futures contract" (both as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and any interest rate swap, currency swap, basis swap, interest rate cap, interest rate floor, commodity swap, equity swap, equity index swap, credit default swap, or similar agreement - in which the Fund invests may be subject to Internal Revenue Code section 1256 (collectively, "Section 1256 contracts"). Any Section 1256 contract the Fund holds at the end of its taxable year must be "marked-to-market" (that is, treated as having been sold at that time for its fair market value) for federal income tax purposes, with the result that unrealized gains or losses will be treated as though they were realized. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss realized on these deemed sales, and 60% of any net realized gain or loss from any actual sales of Section 1256 contracts, will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and the balance will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Section 1256 contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of the Excise Tax. These rules may operate to increase the amount that the Fund must distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement (i.e., with respect to the portion treated as short-term capital gain), which will be taxable to its shareholders as ordinary income when distributed to them, and to increase the net capital gain the Fund recognizes, without in either case increasing the cash available to it.
Under Internal Revenue Code section 988, a gain or loss (1) from the disposition of foreign currencies, (2) except in certain circumstances, from options, futures, and forward contracts on foreign currencies (and on financial instruments involving foreign currencies) and from notional principal
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contracts (e.g., swaps, caps, floors, and collars) involving payments denominated in foreign currencies, (3) on the disposition of each foreign-currency-denominated debt security that is attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the dates of acquisition and disposition of the security, and (4) that is attributable to exchange rate fluctuations between the time the Fund accrues interest, dividends, or other receivables or expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects the receivables or pays the liabilities generally will be treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than affecting the amount of its net capital gain. If the Fund's section 988 losses exceed its other investment company taxable income for a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to distribute any dividends, and any distributions made during that year (including those made before the losses were realized) would be characterized as a non-taxable "return of capital" to shareholders, rather than as a dividend, thereby reducing each shareholder's basis in his or her Fund shares and treating any part of such distribution exceeding that basis as gain from the disposition of those shares.
When a covered call option written (sold) by the Fund expires, the Fund will realize a short-term capital gain equal to the amount of the premium it received for writing the option. When the Fund terminates its obligations under such an option by entering into a closing transaction, it will realize a short-term capital gain (or loss), depending on whether the cost of the closing transaction is less (or more) than the premium it received when it wrote the option. When a covered call option written by the Fund is exercised, it will be treated as having sold the underlying security, producing long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period of the underlying security and whether the sum of the option price received on the exercise plus the premium received when it wrote the option is more or less than the underlying security's basis.
If the Fund has an "appreciated financial position"—generally, any position (including an interest through an option, futures or forward contract or short sale) with respect to any stock, debt instrument (other than "straight debt") or partnership interest the fair market value of which exceeds its adjusted basis—and enters into a "constructive sale" of the position, the Fund will be treated as having made an actual sale thereof, with the result that it will recognize gain at that time. A constructive sale generally consists of a short sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or a futures or forward contract the Fund or a related person enters into with respect to the same or substantially identical property. In addition, if the appreciated financial position is itself a short sale or such a contract, acquisition of the underlying property or substantially identical property will be deemed a constructive sale. The foregoing will not apply, however, to any transaction of the Fund during any taxable year that otherwise would be treated as a constructive sale if the transaction is closed within 30 days after the end of that year and the Fund holds the appreciated financial position unhedged for 60 days after that closing (i.e., at no time during that 60-day period is the Fund's risk of loss regarding that position reduced by reason of certain specified transactions with respect to substantially identical or related property, such as having an option to sell, being contractually obligated to sell, making a short sale or granting an option to buy substantially identical stock or securities).
Certain aspects of the tax treatment of derivative instruments are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations, administrative rules, and/or other legally binding authority that could affect the treatment of income from those instruments and the character, timing of recognition and amount of the Fund's taxable income or net realized gains and distributions. If the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") were to assert successfully that income the Fund derives from those investments does not constitute Qualifying Other Income, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC (with the consequences described above under "Taxation of the Fund") or might be required to reduce its exposure to such investments.
Taxation of the Fund's Shareholders
General - For United States federal income tax purposes, distributions paid out of the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits will, except in the case of distributions of qualified dividend income and capital gain dividends described below, be taxable as ordinary dividend income. Certain income distributions paid by the Fund (whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares) to individual taxpayers are taxed at rates applicable to net long-term capital gains (currently 20%, 15% or 0%, depending on an individual's tax bracket). This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period requirements and other requirements are satisfied by the shareholder and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividend income received by the Fund itself. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund's dividend distributions will qualify as qualified dividend income. Dividends and other distributions the Fund declares in the last quarter of any calendar year that are payable to shareholders of record on a date in that quarter will be deemed to have been paid by the Fund and received by those shareholders on December 31 of that year if the Fund pays the distributions during the following January. Accordingly, those distributions will be reportable by, and taxed to, those shareholders for the taxable year in which that December 31 falls.
Distributions of net capital gain, if any, reported as capital gains dividends are taxable to a shareholder as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholder has held Fund shares. (Net capital gain is the excess (if any) of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss, and investment company taxable income is all taxable income and capital gains, other than those gains and losses included in computing net capital gain, after reduction by deductible expenses.) A distribution of an amount in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated by a shareholder as a return of capital which is applied against and reduces the shareholder's basis in his or her shares. To the extent that the amount of any such distribution exceeds the shareholder's basis in his or her shares, the excess will be treated by the shareholder as gain from a sale or exchange of the shares. Distributions of gains from the sale of investments that the Fund owned for one year or less will be taxable as ordinary income.
Shareholders receiving any distribution from the Fund in the form of additional shares pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan will be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares received, determined as of the reinvestment date. Shareholders who have chosen automatic reinvestment of their distributions will have a federal tax basis in each share received pursuant to such a reinvestment equal to the amount of cash they would have received had they elected to receive the distribution in cash, divided by the number of shares received in the reinvestment.
The Fund may elect to retain its net capital gain or a portion thereof for investment and be taxed at corporate rates on the amount retained. In such case, it may designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders who will be treated as if each received a distribution of his pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will: (i) be required to report his pro rata share of such gain on his
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tax return as long-term capital gain; (ii) receive a refundable tax credit for his pro rata share of tax paid by the Fund on the gain; and (iii) increase the tax basis for his shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.
Selling shareholders will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the shareholder's
adjusted tax basis in the shares sold and the sale proceeds. If the shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will
be a capital gain or loss. The maximum tax rate applicable to net capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate
taxpayers is: (i) the same as the maximum ordinary income tax rate for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held
for one year or less; or (ii) 20% for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for more than one year (as well
as certain capital gain distributions) (15% or 0% for individuals in certain tax brackets).
An investor also should be aware that the benefits of the reduced tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains may be impacted
by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders. Certain net investment income received by an
individual having adjusted gross income in excess of $200,000 (or $250,000 for married individuals filing jointly) will be
subject to a tax of 3.8 percent. Undistributed net investment income of trusts and estates in excess of a specified amount
also will be subject to this tax. Any taxable dividends paid by the Fund, and gain realized on redemption of Fund shares,
will constitute investment income of the type subject to this tax.
Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should
consult their tax advisor to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans.
Dividends and distributions on the Fund's shares are generally subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent
they do not exceed the Fund's realized income and gains, even though such dividends and distributions may economically represent
a return of a particular shareholder's investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at
a time when the Fund's net asset value reflects gains that are either unrealized, or realized but not distributed. Such realized
gains may be required to be distributed even when the Fund's net asset value also reflects unrealized losses.
If Fund shares are redeemed at a loss after being held for six months or less, the loss will be treated as long-term, instead of short-term, capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received on those shares. In addition, any loss a shareholder realizes on a redemption of Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the redemption; in that case, the basis in the acquired shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Investors also should be aware that the price of Fund shares at any time may reflect the amount of a forthcoming dividend or other distribution, so if they purchase Fund shares shortly before the record date for a distribution, they will pay full price for the shares and receive some part of the price back as a taxable distribution, even though it represents a partial return of invested capital.
If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, which is likely in the Fund's case, it will be eligible to file an election for that year with the IRS that would enable its shareholders to benefit from any foreign tax credit or deduction available with respect to any foreign taxes it pays. Pursuant to the election, the Fund would treat those taxes as dividends paid to its shareholders and each shareholder (1) would be required to include in gross income, and treat as paid by the shareholder, the shareholder's proportionate share of those taxes, (2) would be required to treat that share of those taxes and of any dividend the Fund paid that represents income from foreign or U.S. possessions sources ("foreign-source income") as the shareholder's own income from those sources, and (3) could either use the foregoing information in calculating the foreign tax credit against the shareholder's federal income tax or, alternatively, deduct the foreign taxes deemed paid by the shareholder in computing taxable income. If the Fund makes this election for a taxable year, it will report to its shareholders shortly after that year their respective shares of the foreign taxes it paid and its foreign-source income for that year.
Individual shareholders of the Fund who, for a taxable year, have no more than $300 ($600 for married persons filing jointly) of creditable foreign taxes included on IRS Forms 1099 and all of whose foreign-source income is "qualified passive income" may elect for that year to be exempt from the extremely complicated foreign tax credit limitation for federal income tax purposes (about which shareholders may wish to consult their tax advisers), in which event they would be able to claim a foreign tax credit without having to file the detailed Form 1116 that otherwise is required. A shareholder will not be entitled to credit or deduct its portion of foreign taxes the Fund paid that is allocable to Fund shares the shareholder has not held for at least 16 days during the 31-day period beginning 15 days before the ex-distribution date for those shares. The minimum holding period will be extended if the shareholder's risk of loss with respect to those shares is reduced by reason of holding an offsetting position. No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions. The deduction of foreign taxes by an individual is subject to limitations that apply generally to itemized deductions for state, local and foreign taxes. A foreign shareholder may not deduct or claim a credit for foreign taxes in determining its federal income tax liability unless the Fund dividends paid to it are effectively connected with the shareholder's conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
Basis Election and Reporting - A Fund shareholder who wants to use an acceptable method for basis determination with respect to Fund shares that the shareholder acquired or acquires after 2011 ("Covered Shares") other than the average basis method (the Fund's default method) must elect to do so in writing (which may be electronic). The basis determination method a Fund shareholder elects may not be changed with respect to a redemption (including a redemption that is part of an exchange) of Covered Shares after the settlement date of the redemption.
In addition to the requirement to report the gross proceeds from redemptions of Fund shares, the Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for Covered Shares that are redeemed and indicate whether they had a short-term (one year or less) or long-term (more than one year) holding period. Fund shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the best IRS-accepted basis determination method for their tax situation and to obtain more information about how the basis reporting law applies to them. Fund shareholders who acquire and hold Fund shares through a financial intermediary should contact their financial intermediary for information related to the basis election and reporting.
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Backup Withholding - The Fund is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury 24% of dividends, capital gain distributions, and redemption proceeds (regardless of the extent to which gain or loss may be realized) otherwise payable to any individual who fails to certify that the taxpayer identification number furnished to the Fund is correct or who furnishes an incorrect number (together with the withholding described in the next sentence, "backup withholding"). Withholding at that rate also is required from the Fund's dividends and capital gain distributions otherwise payable to such a shareholder who (1) is subject to backup withholding for failure to report the receipt of interest or dividend income properly or (2) fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to backup withholding or that it is a corporation or other "exempt recipient." Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather any amounts so withheld may be credited against the shareholder's federal income tax liability or refunded if proper documentation is submitted to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Shareholders - Dividends the Fund pays to a shareholder who is a non-resident alien individual or foreign entity (each a "non-U.S. shareholder") -- other than (1) dividends paid to a non-U.S. shareholder whose ownership of the Fund's shares is "effectively connected" with a trade or business within the United States the shareholder conducts and (2) capital gain distributions paid to a nonresident alien individual who is physically present in the United States for no more than 182 days during the taxable year -- generally are subject to 30% federal withholding tax (unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under an applicable treaty). However, two categories of dividends the Fund might pay, "short-term capital gain dividends" and "interest-related dividends," to non-U.S. shareholders (with certain exceptions) and reported by it in writing to its shareholders are exempt from that tax. "Short-term capital gain dividends" are dividends that are attributable to net short-term gain, computed with certain adjustments. "Interest-related dividends" are dividends that are attributable to "qualified net interest income" (i.e., "qualified interest income," which generally consists of certain original issue discount, interest on obligations "in registered form," and interest on deposits, less allocable deductions) from sources within the United States. The Fund's capital gain distributions will also not be subject to such withholding tax. Non-U.S. shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers concerning the applicability of that withholding tax.
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA") - Under FATCA, "foreign financial institutions" ("FFIs") and "non-financial foreign entities" ("NFFEs") that are Fund shareholders may be subject to a generally nonrefundable 30% withholding tax on (1) income dividends the Fund pays and (2) certain capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions of shares the Fund pays after December 31, 2018. As discussed more fully below, the FATCA withholding tax generally can be avoided (a) by an FFI, if it reports certain information regarding direct and indirect ownership of financial accounts U.S. persons hold with the FFI, and (b) by an NFFE that certifies its status as such and, in certain circumstances, information regarding substantial U.S. owners.
The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements ("IGAs") with certain countries. An entity in one of those countries may be required to comply with the terms of the IGA instead of U.S. Treasury regulations. An FFI resident in a country that has entered into a Model I IGA with the United States must report to that country's government (pursuant to the terms of the applicable IGA and applicable law), which will, in turn, report to the IRS. An FFI resident in a Model II IGA country generally must comply with U.S. regulatory requirements, with certain exceptions, including the treatment of recalcitrant accountholders. An FFI resident in one of those countries that complies with whichever of the foregoing applies will be exempt from FATCA withholding.
An FFI can avoid FATCA withholding by becoming a "participating FFI," which requires the FFI to enter into a tax compliance agreement with the IRS under the Internal Revenue Code. Under such an agreement, a participating FFI agrees to (1) verify and document whether it has U.S. accountholders, (2) report certain information regarding their accounts to the IRS, and (3) meet certain other specified requirements.
An NFFE that is the beneficial owner of a payment from the Fund can avoid FATCA withholding generally by certifying its status as such and, in certain circumstances, either that (1) it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or (2) it does have one or more such owners and reports the name, address, and taxpayer identification number of each such owner. The NFFE will report to the Fund or other applicable withholding agent, which may, in turn, report information to the IRS.
Those foreign shareholders also may fall into certain exempt, excepted, or deemed compliant categories established by U.S. Treasury regulations, IGAs, and other guidance regarding FATCA. An FFI or NFFE that invests in the Fund will need to provide it with documentation properly certifying the entity's status under FATCA to avoid FATCA withholding. The requirements imposed by FATCA are different from, and in addition to, the tax certification rules to avoid backup withholding described above. Foreign investors are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the application of these requirements to their own situation and the impact thereof on their investment in the Fund.
Other Taxes - Statutory rules and regulations regarding state and local taxation of ordinary income dividends, QDI dividends and net capital and foreign currency gain distributions may differ from the federal income taxation rules described above. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on each shareholder's situation.
Investors should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of an investment in the Fund based on their particular circumstances. The Fund does not expect to receive a ruling from any tax authority or an opinion of tax counsel with respect to its treatment of any tax positions. Tax consequences of transactions are not the primary consideration of the Fund in implementing its investment strategy.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust." Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for its obligations. However, the Trust's Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of Trust property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust may maintain appropriate insurance (for example, fidelity bonding) for the protection of the Trust, its shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents to cover possible tort and other liabilities. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss due to shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was unable to meet its obligations. The Trust has not engaged in any other business.
The Trust was originally created to manage money for large institutional investors. The following individuals (and members of that individual's "immediate family"), are eligible to purchase shares of the Institutional Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000: (i) employees of the Manager, or its parent company Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., (ii) employees of a sub-advisor for Funds where it serves as sub-advisor, (iii) members of the Board, (iv) employees of Kelso/Estancia, and (v) members of the Manager's Board of Directors. The term "immediate family" refers to
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one's spouse, children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents, parents-in-law, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters-in-law, a sibling's spouse, a spouse's sibling, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; relatives by virtue of remarriage (step-children, step-parents, etc.) are included. Any shareholders that the Manager transfers to the Institutional Class upon termination of the class of shares in which the shareholders were originally invested is also eligible for purchasing shares of the Institutional Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000.
The Investor Class was created to give individuals and other smaller investors an opportunity to invest in the American Beacon Funds. The Institutional and Y Classes were created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Fund has adopted the financial statements of the Tocqueville International Value Fund (the "Acquired Tocqueville Fund").
Those financial statements were audited by another registered public accounting firm and are incorporated by reference to
the Acquired Tocqueville Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders dated October 31, 2018.
XXXX, an independent registered public accounting firm, has been appointed to serve as an independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust to audit and report on the Fund's annual financial statements. The audited financial statements include the schedule of investments, statement of assets and liabilities, statement of operations, statements of changes in net assets, financial highlights, notes and report of independent registered public accounting firm. The audited financial statements will be incorporated by reference to the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders for the period ended October 31, 2019.
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APPENDIX A
AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC.
SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion in order to secure the best long-term interests of the advisory clients of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. ("AmBeacon"). AmBeacon's proxy voting policies and procedures are designed to implement AmBeacon's duty to vote proxies in clients' best interests. Given that AmBeacon manages portfolios that invest solely in fixed-income securities, the only securities for which we expect to receive proxies are money market mutual funds. As such, the proxy voting policies and procedures set forth voting guidelines for the proxy issues and proposals common to money market funds.
For routine proposals that will not change the structure, bylaws or operations of the money market fund, AmBeacon's policy is to support management; however, each proposal will be considered individually focusing on the financial interests of the client portfolio. Non-routine proposals, such as board elections, advisory contract and distribution plan approvals, investment objective changes, and mergers, will generally be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with AmBeacon first and foremost considering the effect of the proposal on the portfolio.
Items to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and proposals not contemplated in the policies set forth above will be assessed by AmBeacon. In these situations, AmBeacon will use its judgment to vote in the best interest of the client portfolio. For all proposals, especially controversial or case-by-case evaluations, AmBeacon will be responsible for individually identifying significant issues that could impact the investment performance of the portfolio.
AmBeacon manages portfolios for the American Beacon Funds, the American Beacon Select Funds, the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (collectively, the "Funds"). AmBeacon may invest a Fund in shares of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund solicits a proxy for which another Fund is entitled to vote, AmBeacon's interests as manager of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the other Fund. In these cases, AmBeacon will vote the Fund's shares in accordance with the Select Funds' Board of Trustees' recommendations in the proxy statement.
AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON SELECT FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS TRUST
AMERICAN BEACON SOUND POINT ENHANCED INCOME FUND
AMERICAN BEACON APOLLO TOTAL RETURN FUND
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Last Amended February 28, 2018
Preface
Proxy voting is an important component of investment management and must be performed in a dutiful and purposeful fashion to secure the best long-term interests of shareholders of the American Beacon Funds ("Beacon Funds"), the American Beacon Select Funds ("Select Funds"), the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust ("Institutional Funds"), the American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, and the American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund (collectively, the "Funds"). Therefore, this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures (the "Policy") have been adopted by the Funds.
The Funds are managed by American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the "Manager"). The Manager may allocate discrete portions of the Funds among sub-advisors, and the Manager may directly manage all or a portion of the assets of certain Funds. The Funds' respective Boards of Trustees have delegated proxy voting authority to the Manager. The Manager has in turn delegated proxy voting authority to each sub-advisor with respect to the sub-advisor's respective portion of the Fund(s) under management, but the Manager has retained the authority to override a proposed proxy voting decision by a sub-advisor. For the securities held in their respective portion of each Fund, the Manager and the sub-advisors make voting decisions pursuant to their own proxy voting policies and procedures, which have been adopted by the applicable Fund and approved by the applicable Fund's Board of Trustees.
Conflicts of Interest
The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of Fund shareholders. For certain proxy proposals, the interests of the Manager, the sub-advisors and/or their affiliates may differ from Fund shareholders' interests. To avoid the appearance of impropriety and to fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to shareholders in these circumstances, the Manager and the sub-advisors are required to establish procedures that are reasonably designed to address material conflicts between their interests and those of the Funds.
When a sub-advisor deems that it is conflicted with respect to a voting matter, its policy may call for it to seek voting instructions from the client. The Manager is authorized by the Boards of Trustees to consider any such matters and provide voting instructions to the sub-advisor, unless the Manager has determined that its interests are conflicted with Fund shareholders with respect to the voting matter. In those instances, the Manager will instruct the sub-advisor to vote in accordance with the recommendation of a third-party proxy voting advisory service.
Each Fund can invest in the shares of the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund. If the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund issues a proxy for which another Fund is entitled to vote, the Manager's interests regarding the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund might appear to conflict with the interests of the shareholders of the other Fund. In these cases, the Manager will vote in accordance with the Select Funds' Board of Trustees' recommendations in the proxy statement.
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If the methods for addressing conflicts of interest, as described above, are deemed by the Manager to be unreasonable due to cost, timing or other factors, then the Manager may decline to vote in those instances.
Securities on Loan
With respect to the Funds that engage in securities lending, the Manager shall engage a proxy voting service to notify the Manager before the record date about the occurrence of future shareholder meetings, as feasible. The Manager will determine whether or not to recall shares of the applicable security that are on loan with the intent of the Manager or the sub-advisor, as applicable, voting such shares. The Manager's determination shall be based on factors which may include the nature of the meeting (i.e., annual or special), the percentage of the proxy issuer's outstanding securities on loan, any other information regarding the proxy proposals of which the Manager may be aware, and the loss of securities lending income to a Fund as a result of recalling the shares on loan.
Recordkeeping
The Manager and the sub-advisors shall maintain records of all votes cast on behalf of the Funds. Such documentation will include the firm's proxy voting policies and procedures, company reports provided by proxy voting advisory services, additional information gathered by the Manager or sub-advisor that was material to reaching a voting decision, and communications to the Manager regarding any identified conflicts. The Manager and the sub-advisors shall maintain voting records in a manner to facilitate the Funds' production of the Form N-PX filing on an annual basis.
Disclosure
The Manager will coordinate the compilation of the Funds' proxy voting record for each year ended June 30 and file the required information with the SEC via Form N-PX by August 31. The Manager will include a summary of the Policy and the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Manager and the sub-advisors, as applicable, in each Fund's Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). In each Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders, the Manager will disclose that a description of the Policy and the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Manager and the sub-advisors, as applicable, is a) available upon request, without charge, by toll-free telephone request, b) on the Funds' website (if applicable), and c) on the SEC's website in the SAI. The SAI and shareholder reports will also disclose that the Funds' proxy voting record is available by toll-free telephone request (or on the Funds' website) and on the SEC's website by way of the Form N-PX. Within three business days of receiving a request, the Manager will send a copy of the policy description or voting record by first-class mail.
Manager Oversight
The Manager shall review a sub-advisor's proxy voting policies and procedures for compliance with this Policy and applicable laws and regulations prior to initial delegation of proxy voting authority and on at least an annual basis thereafter.
Board Reporting
On at least an annual basis, the Manager will present a summary of the voting records of the Funds to the Boards of Trustees for their review. The Manager will notify the Boards of Trustees of any material changes to its proxy voting policies and procedures.
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APPENDIX B
TOCQUEVILLE ASSET MANAGEMENT
PROXY VOTING POLICY GUIDELINES
Proxy Voting Policy Guidelines
Overview
It is impossible to establish policies so comprehensive as to address every issue presented for a proxy vote by either corporate management or shareholder proponents. Accordingly Tocqueville has adopted "guidelines" that generally pertain to 95% of all proxy proposals presented. By definition, these guidelines do not dictate a particular result but rather provide the policy foundation for determining an appropriate course of action for voting proxies.
These guidelines are designed to be applicable to the proxy voting process for U.S. domestic corporations as well as to the proxy voting process for Canadian issuers. In light of the complexity, timing, variety and language barriers of voting proxies in multiple foreign jurisdictions, Tocqueville has determined that it is the best interest of its clients to adopt the Global Proxy Voting Policies of Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") as the voting policies for Tocqueville.
Due to the precatory nature of most shareholder proposals, latitude may be given to supporting resolutions that "request" the board of directors' consideration of a particular corporate action or policy, whereas a stricter standard may be imposed if the shareholder proposal is a by-law amendment that, if approved, mandates implementation by the board.
When an issue is presented for the first time ever, Tocqueville may abstain until the there is an opportunity to analyze the
subject matter for the adoption of a formal guideline.'
In special matters, such as a "hostile" takeover, contested election of directors, proposed merger or acquisition, equity
research analysts of Tocqueville and proxy voting advisory research services will provide additional insight on the both the
financial and corporate governance aspects of the situation. As always, the ultimate vote cast will be based on what Tocqueville
determines to be in the best financial interest of its clients toward the maximization of shareholder value.
Guidelines on Management Proposals
Appointment of Auditors Generally *Supports the choice of auditors recommended by the independent audit committee of the board of directors, but prefers that there be a rotation of the firm auditing the company every ten (10) years. Such support may be withheld if (a) An auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; (b) There is reason to believe that opinion rendered by the independent auditor is neither accurate nor indicative of the company's financial position; (c) Poor accounting practices are identified that rise to a serious level of concern, such as: fraud; misapplication of GAAP; and material weaknesses identified in Section 404 disclosures; or (d) Fees for non-audit services ("Other" fees) are excessive as determined by ISS.
Classified/Staggered Boards *Supports the annual election of all directors. *Does not support the establishment of staggered terms or "classified" boards. However support will not be withheld for the election of directors simply because the board is currently classified.
Confidential Ballot *Supports confidential voting by shareholders, and the use of independent tabulators and inspectors of election. *Supports proposals seeking to maintain the confidentiality of votes cast by proxy on uncontested matters, including a running tally of votes for and against.*Does not support any attempt to either circumvent or curtail the confidentiality of the voting process, or use information obtained during the voting process to influence the outcome of the voting. *Supports proposals requesting the adoption of a uniform method of vote tabulation to insure that the support for management and shareholder proposals be calculated in the same manner (e.g. If abstentions are excluded when calculating director support, abstentions should be excluded when calculating support for shareholder proposals)
Consent Proceedings/Special Meetings
*Does not support the elimination or restriction of the shareholder right to solicit written consents for the removal and
election of directors without a shareholder meeting. *Does not support restricting the ability or right of shareholders to
call a special meeting of the company.
Contested Election of Directors
*Case-by-case analysis will be undertaken to review the a) long term financial performance of the company, b) management's
track record, c) qualifications of both slates of candidates, d) basis for the proxy contest, e) likelihood of proposed objectives
being met and f) ultimate best economic interest of all shareholders.
Cumulative Voting *Supports allowing shareholders to cast cumulative votes by multiplying the number of shares owned by the number of director candidates and casting the total vote for any individual or slate of candidates. Cumulative voting may result in a minority bloc of stock being represented on the board and may also provide the most effective means for getting a difference in viewpoint on the board.
Director Liability & Indemnification *Supports a limitation on director liability and increased indemnification provided there is an exception to such indemnity in the event of fraud or a violation of fiduciary duty by any director. In particular, Does not support any proposal that would affect a director's liability for (a) breach of the duty of loyalty, (b) acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or knowing violations of law, (c) unlawful purchase or redemption of stock, (d) payment of unlawful dividends, or (e) receipt of improper personal benefits. *Supports indemnification of legal expenses of directors and officers who acted in good faith and for a purpose they reasonably believe to be in the corporation's best interest. *Does not support increasing the indemnification of directors or officers for damages caused by violations of the duty of care.
Director Nomination by Shareholders The proposition that shareholders have an effective and equitable means of participating in the election of directors is one that we support provided that it is achieved with uniform application. The difficulty with addressing this topic via shareholder proposals
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is one of definition. Accepting that substantial long-term shareholders should have the means to nominate directors for inclusion in the company proxy statement, what is a reasonable amount and duration of such a holding? Until the SEC and/or state legislatures establish the nomination and election processes for directors and a uniform process is applicable to all corporations, we are not enthralled with the piecemeal approach to resolving this important governance issue. However, *Supports proposals seeking to authorize holders of 3% or more of outstanding shares for at least three years to nominate up to 25% of board seats available whose names would appear in the company proxy statement, for election to the Board. *Supports an additional limitation as to the number of shareholders that may aggregate holdings in order to meeting the ownership percentage threshold (i.e. no more than 20).
Dual Class Stock *Does not support the creation or extension of dual class or unequal voting rights stock which reduces the voting power of existing shareholders and concentrates significant power in management.
Election of Directors * Support for the election of directors will be based primarily on the long-term economic performance of the company, its corporate governance principles and practices and the maintenance of accountability & independence of the board of directors. A failure of the directors to exercise appropriate oversight of management or to advance the best financial interests of shareholders could result in the withholding of election support. Where less than 75% of the board is independent directors (as defined below): * Does not support the election of non-independent nominees or the members of the Nominating Committee. * Does not support the election of the Audit Committee Chair (or Audit Committee members if classified board and Audit Chair is not a current nominee) who fails to submit the appointment of auditors to shareholders for ratification. * Does not support the election of the Audit Committee Chair if the Audit Committee has selected auditors for which ratification is being withheld under the guideline for "Appointment of Auditors" noted above. In recognition of the substantial equity stake held by certain directors or shareholders, on a case-by-case basis, director nominees who are or represent such shareholders may be supported under our board and committee independence policies provided the company has adopted independence and governance criteria identified by ISS.*As to individual directors, the failure of a director (except new nominees) to attend 75% of the meeting of the board and committees of which the director is a member, without particular justification (i.e., illness) will result in the withholding of support . If the proxy disclosure is unclear and insufficient to determine whether a director attended at least 75 percent of the aggregate of his/her board and committee meetings during his/her period of service, support will be withheld from the director(s) in question.* Does not support election of directors, other than first time candidates, who have failed to personally invest their own funds in an equity position in the company. * Does not support the election of directors if the board has failed or refused to implement as corporate policy the resolve of a shareholder resolution which received the favorable vote of the majority of the votes cast during the preceding annual meeting. * Does not support the election of members of Governance Committee (or equivalent) if the company's charter or articles of incorporation impose an outright prohibition on the submission of binding shareholder proposals, or share ownership requirements or time holding requirements to file such by-law amendments are in excess of SEC Rule 14a-8. Vote against on an ongoing basis. We believe the shareholders' ability to amend the bylaws is a fundamental right of ownership which should not be infringed upon.* Does not support the election of persons nominated for director who seek to serve on four or more public company boards of directors. * Does not support the election of a Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of a company who serve on the board of more than one public company besides their own. Further, support will be withheld for the election of directors who have a demonstrated history of disregard for shareholder interests. This will be most prevalent with (a) members of the Compensation Committee adopting executive compensation programs either too excessive or without regard for the financial performance of the company, (b) members of the Audit Committee if the company has corporate governance deficiencies or wrongdoings, (c) members of the Compensation Committee where the backdating of options was approved, or (d) the entire Board where it has failed to adopt corrective measures to re-price the backdated options or to recoup option gains on the backdated grants. *Support will be withheld for the election of the entire board of directors, if: The board adopts or renews a poison pill without shareholder approval, does not commit to putting it to shareholder vote within 12 months of adoption (or in the case of an newly public company, does not commit to put the pill to a shareholder vote within 12 months following the IPO), reneges on a commitment to put the pill to a vote; or makes a material adverse modification to an existing pill, including, but not limited to, extension, renewal, or lowering the trigger, without shareholder approval. *Support will be withheld for the election of the entire board if: A company completes its initial public offering (IPO) with a multi-class capital structure (with unequal voting rights), a classified board, supermajority vote requirements or other governance provisions deemed contrary to shareholder interest and fails to either reverse such provisions or put each provision to a shareholder vote within three years after the completion of the IPO.* Does not support the election of directors nominated by slate ballot, which requires a vote being cast for all nominees collectively. This policy will not apply to contested director elections. * Does not support the adoption of bylaw provisions that would allow for the appointment of an alternate director, who has not been elected to the board by shareholders, to attend board or committee meetings in place of the duly elected director.
Certain principles of corporate governance can impact performance and therefore may be considered in determining whether to support the election of directors:
Seventy-five percent (75%) of directors should be non-management independents with no direct relationship with the company. Independence shall be evidence by (1) not being employed by the company or an affiliate in an executive capacity within the past three years, (2) not being or having been employed with a company or firm that is a paid advisor or consultant to the company, (3) having no personal services contract with the company, and (4) not being an immediate family member related to any current director or senior executive of the company or not being related to several employees of the company.
The audit committee, nominating committee and compensation committee of the board should be comprised entirely of non-management independent directors.
Directors should not take specific action considered particularly detrimental to shareholder interests; should not adopt excessive forms of compensation or severance agreements to protect economic interests of particular executives without approval of shareholders; and, should not adopt or implement excessive defensive measures that entrench management rather that protect shareholder value.
The plethora of compensation packages, products or arrangements that constitute poor or offensive compensation practices has expanded, virtually unchecked or challenged. Shareholders have reason to be outraged at excessive rewards having no relationship or relevance to performance or merit.
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We are in agreement with ISS that such practices should prompt the withholding of support for the Compensation Committee, and most likely the entire Board when we have identified:
Employment contracts having egregious multi-year guarantees of bonuses or grants
"Perks" excessively dominating compensation
There is a significant misalignment between CEO pay and company performance (pay for performance)Performance metric or criteria being changed during the performance period
Outrageous pension payouts
Excessive severance or new hire compensation packages
Options backdating
Change-in-control payouts without loss of job or significant reduction of job responsibilities
The company fails to include a Say on Pay ballot item when required under SEC provisions, or under the company's declared frequency of say on pay; or
The company fails to include a Frequency of Say on Pay ballot item when required under SEC provisions
Employee Stock Purchase Plans *Supports employee stock purchase plans provided that the plan is available to all employees, the purchase price is not less than 85% of the market price, employees are investing their own funds and the number of shares allocated for the plan does not excessively dilute the ownership interest of current shareholders.
Executive & Director Compensation Proposals to adopt or extend executive compensation plans are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but any compensation plan must have the overriding purpose of motivating corporate personnel through performance incentives and must not be unduly generous. However, * Does not support a compensation plan that excessively consumes corporate resources or is dilutive to earnings and asset values. Additional negative factors of a compensation plan include: a) excessive dilution; b) options at below market prices; c) restricted stock giveaways awarding longevity rather than performance; d) stand-alone stock appreciation rights; e) loans or other forms of financial assistance to award holders; f) abusive change of control payments; g) excessive severance agreements; and h) blank-check authority to the administering committee to set or forgive terms as it desires.
Guided by analyses of performance metrics, peer group adoptions, a balance of fixed vs. performance driven compensation, excessive practices, board responsiveness to investor input and the ultimate board rationale for the Executive Compensation Plan proposed, such executive pay and practices proposals, as well certain aspects of outside director compensation, will be addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS. However *Does not support management say on pay (MSOP) proposals, the election of compensation committee members (or, in rare cases where the full board is deemed responsible, all directors including the CEO), and/or an equity-based incentive plan proposal if:
There is a misalignment between CEO pay and company performance (pay for performance);
The company maintains problematic pay practices;
The board exhibits poor communication and responsiveness to shareholders.
Director Compensation Equity ownership by directors is encouraged and a compensation structure should include shares of stock as a portion of the annual fee, however, * Does not support stock options for outside directors. * Does not support the creation of retirement benefits for outside directors. * Does not support granting bonuses or options to outside directors in the event of a "change of control", but * Supports the acceleration of awards already granted to avoid a sacrifice of benefits in such an event.
Stock Option Plans * Does not support either the adoption or extension of stock option plans or plan amendments that result in excessive dilution. * Does not support omnibus stock option plans with multiple types of awards in one plan because shareholders should have the opportunity to vote on the separate components of each plan. * Does not support the granting of stock appreciation rights since they defeat the purpose of giving employees a long-term equity stake in the company. * Does not support stock depreciation rights that pay the employee cash when the market price of an option previously granted declines. * Does not support plans allowing for the repricing of options that have gone "underwater" (unless resulting from a market wide event over the short term rather than company specific poor performance). * Does not support option exercise pricing at below the market price of the stock on the date of grant. * Does not support the reloading of options so that the stock available under the plan automatically increases as the exercise of options increases. * Does not support the extension of the option exercise period more than three years beyond retirement because it gives retired executives unlimited upside profit potential from movement in the stock price that is unrelated to any effort of the executive to improve performance.
Executive Loans Consistent with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 prohibition against personal loans to corporate officers or directors, * Does not support company loans to executives/employees for use in paying for stock or stock options with a promissory note or to borrow money from the company. * Does not support a loan at rates substantially below market rates. * Does not support the forgiveness of loans upon termination or retirement. Any existing loans and action taken with regard to them must be fully disclosed to shareholders and have been made only pursuant to plans previously approved by the board of directors.
Incentive Compensation Plans * Does not support incentive compensation plans that are not specifically related to corporate and individual performance such as restricted stock or cash equivalents as a reward for staying with the company a certain number of years, but are not tied to performance goals.
Fair Price Amendments *Supports proposals that prohibit a two-tier pricing system by requiring anyone seeking to acquire a company to pay every shareholder a fair price. * Does not support such amendments if they are coupled or linked with a supermajority vote requirement or other anti-takeover defensive device.
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Golden Parachute Compensation Proposals seeking shareholder approval of "golden parachute" compensation present complex and significant issues often requiring extensive analysis. While recognizing the need and equity of a severance package program, such programs should not be exorbitant or excessive. Guided by the terms of the programs and the ultimate board rationale for the package proposed, such proposals will be addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS. Circumstances where the golden parachute vote is incorporated into a company's separate advisory vote on compensation (management "say on pay") will be viewed as a "linked or bundled proposal" resulting in a vote of * Does not support .
Linked Proposals * Does not support proposals which link or bundle two or more elements or issues, that are not separately beneficial to shareholders, together in one proposal: such as when a proposal includes one or more elements that could have an adverse impact on shareholder value/rights or that violates a policy developed under these Guidelines, Such proposals can be used as either a means to disguise what is being sought or a form of coercion (i.e. a fair price amendment linked to a supermajority amendment or a corporate governance reform linked to the payment of a dividend).
Mergers & Acquisitions * Case-by-case analysis and evaluation will be conducted by equity analyst staff to determine whether the planned merger or acquisition is in the ultimate best financial interest of shareholders and our clients.
Private Placement Financing * Does not support proposals seeking blanket shareholder approval of the unrestricted issuance or the issuance of more than 10% of equity shares for private placement financing. Without having explanation and information on a specific placement, shareholders should not relinquish such broad discretion for equity financing to the board.
Poison Pills * Does not support the creation or extension of poison pills, involving the issuance of preferred stock purchase rights unilaterally declared as a dividend without shareholder approval, that can result in insulating incumbent management against competitive bids for the company. * Does not support any form of management entrenchment device and practice, thus poison pills presented for shareholder approval will not be supported.
Pre-emptive Rights * Does not support proposals seeking to eliminate the pre-emptive right of shareholders to maintain their proportional ownership position by having the first opportunity to purchase additional shares made available through a new public offering. Such rights not only reduce the negative impact of dilution otherwise caused by newly issued shares, but also preserve the voting interests of the shareholders.
Proxy Process *Does not support the elimination or restriction of shareholders' access to the proxy process. Federal and state law authorizes the filing of shareholder resolutions that are limited in scope by the procedures of SEC Rule 14a-8, providing a means by which shareholders may pursue the accountability of directors and the future policy direction of the company.
Reincorporation * Supports proposals for reincorporation to another jurisdiction when a sound financial or business reason is demonstrated. * Does not support such proposals when posed as part of an anti-takeover defense or solely to limit directors' liability.
Say on Pay * Supports shareholders having an annual opportunity to review, evaluate and have a "say" on executive pay practices. U.S. Domestic Issuers listed in different countries with multiple compensation proposals on the ballot pertaining to the same pay program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis using the following guiding principle: (1) align voting recommendations so as to not have inconsistent recommendations on the same pay program, and (2) use the policy perspective of the country in which the company is listed. However, if there is a compensation proposal on a ballot under which there is no applicable U.S. policy, the policy of the country requiring it to be on ballot will apply. This is a limited carve out; for U.S.-listed companies, most markets' say-on-pay proposals will be viewed from a U.S. say-on-pay policy perspective.
Size of the Board * Supports the board of directors' discretion, with shareholder approval, in setting the size of the board.
Stakeholder Proposals * Does not support proposals seeking to redefine the "business judgment rule" and provide a wide range of director discretionary considerations as to the impact of corporate actions on its employees, customers, creditors and communicates. Allowing consideration of stakeholders can undermine the pre-eminence of shareholder rights and may have a negative impact on the company.
Stock Authorization Providing the board of directors with flexibility in changing financial conditions is desirable, but an increase of authorized stock as an anti-takeover defensive mechanism is not. * Supports an increase of authorized common stock when management demonstrates a specific need or intent to meet immediate business needs (i.e. stock split, recapitalization or funding of employee stock purchase plan). An increase of greater than 100% of the current authorization will be evaluated on the basis of the company's need for additional shares. * Does not support the authorization of or an increase in blank-check preferred stock unless management provides an explanation of the specific financial purpose and benefit of the issuance, and details all voting rights associated with the preferred stock. For companies treated as U.S. domestic issuers by the SEC, with a sole listing in the U.S., but which are required by the laws of the country of incorporation to seek approval for all share issuances. of general share issuance authorities (i.e. those without a specified purpose), * Supports the issuance of up to a maximum of twenty percent (20%) of currently issued capital, provided the duration of the authority is clearly disclosed and reasonable (i.e. up to three years). Share issuance mandates at dual-listed companies which are required to comply with listing rules in the country of incorporation will be evaluated and voted on pursuant to the ISS policy for that market.
Supermajority Amendments *Does not support proposals that would establish a supermajority vote threshold (higher than 2/3) for shareholder approval of any action of the board of directors, including but not limited to the adoption or amendment of the company charter or bylaws, or the merger with or acquisition of/by another corporate entity.
TARP Compensation Plans *Proposals seeking shareholder advisory votes on TARP Fund Compensation Plans present complex and significant issues requiring extensive analysis. As long as the shareholder vote continues to be non-binding; guided by analyses of performance metrics, peer group adoptions, a balance of fixed vs. performance driven compensation, excessive practices, board responsiveness to investor input and the ultimate board rationale for the Plan proposed, such proposals will be addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS.
Guidelines on Shareholder Proposals
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Auditor Independence * Supports proposals seeking to restrict the public accounting firm retained to perform auditing services for a company from also engaging in management consulting service for the company. * Supports company initiatives that also seek shareholder ratification of the appointment of the separate management consulting firm.
Board Diversity * Does not support proposals that encourage diversified representation on the board merely for the sake of diversification. * Supports proposals that seek to expand the search for qualified director candidates without regard to race, creed or color. * Does not support proposals that dictate the inclusion or exclusion of particular classes or groups as directors. * Does not support proposals that suggest, recommend or require specific personal, professional or educational qualifications for director nominees. In our view, establishing the criteria for qualified independent directors is both the duty and prerogative of the (presumably) independent nominating committee of the board.
Bonus Recapture * Supports the recapture of executive bonuses proven to be unearned as a result of significant restatement financial results or other "corrections" that dramatically alter the performance target achievements used to determine and calculate such bonuses. In the event of a significant restatement of financial results or an extraordinary write-off subsequent to the awarding of performance incentives, such awards must be recalculated to ascertain that the performance criterion was, in fact, achieved. In our view, any management personnel who receive compensation based on what is subsequently determined to be erroneous information, whether the result of intentional misconduct or simple error, should return those sums as they were not, in fact, earned based on meeting established performance criteria.
Business Continuity * Supports proposals seeking the adoption of a documented CEO succession planning policy. It is imperative that all companies have succession plans in place. The SEC expects that investment advisers provide for such succession plans in their business continuity programs, and it is logical for us support such proposals barring significant foundation to do otherwise.
Business Operations * Does not support shareholder proposals that seek to dictate the course, content or direction of business operations. * Does not support proposals asking suppliers, genetic research and food retail companies and restaurants to voluntarily label genetically engineered (GE) ingredients in their products and/or eliminate GE ingredients.
Charitable/Political Contributions * Does not support proposals seeking to direct how and to whom the company should make charitable, philanthropic and political contributions. * Does not support proposals seeking to bar the company from making any political contributions. Legislation and rule promulgation significantly impact on the ability to do business. Barring all political contributions could put the company at a competitive disadvantage. * Supports reasonable requests for disclosure of such contributions (except the publishing in newspapers and public media) as an element of the board's accountability to shareholders, provided it does not entail excessive costs. * Does not support proposals asking for a list of company executives, directors, consultants, legal counsels, lobbyists, or investment bankers that have prior government service and whether such service had a bearing on the business of the company. Such a list would be burdensome to prepare without providing any meaningful information to shareholders
Climate Change * Supports proposals seeking increased disclosure regarding the risks of liability and cost to a company's business operations, financial security and reputation that may result from climate changes caused by green-house gas emissions and "global warming". Insurers having begun to factor directors' actions to address the potential risks associated with climate change in the determination to provide directors-and-officers liability coverage, it is equally important that there be increased disclosure to shareowners of how the board plans to address and mitigate these risks.
Director Compensation Approvals *Does not support proposals seeking to establish the annual approval by shareholders of compensation for non-employee directors. If dissatisfied with the levels of compensation being paid our displeasure is expressed by withholding support for the election of the board or the Compensation Committee members in particular. * Supports proposals requesting submission of "golden coffins" to a shareholder vote or to eliminate the practice altogether. Shareholders deserve the opportunity to review and approve or reject corporate policies that could oblige the company to make payments or awards including, but not limited to unearned salary or bonuses, accelerated vesting of unvested equity grants, or other "perks" in lieu of compensation following the death of senior executives. A benefit program or equity plan proposal to which the broad-based employee population is eligible are generally not considered such a "golden coffin".
Director Governance & Policy * Supports proposals promoting good corporate governance by seeking a majority of non-management, independent directors, and the formation of totally independent audit, nominating and compensation committees. *Supports the elimination of retirement plans for non-management independent directors. * Supports proposals seeking the separation of the offices of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in order that the structure and style of leadership does not compromise the Chairman's duty to oversee management or give the CEO undue power to determine corporate policy. As an alternative to requiring the separation of these offices, *Supports the appointment of an independent lead director. In the event of such an appointment, *Does not support the separation of the principal offices. *Does not support the establishment of artificial qualifications for directors such as mandatory retirement age, term limits and minimum stock ownership. The board's internal self-evaluation of director performance should determine whether a director continues to be qualified for the board. * Does not support proposals requesting the creation of a new standing board committee on social issues unless ISS determines that existing oversight mechanisms (including current committee structure) are grossly insufficient, the level of current board disclosure regarding the issue for which oversight is sought is inadequate, or the company has a record either poor performance or no performance in addressing the underlying social issue.
Director Nomination Processes The proposition that shareholders have an effective and equitable means of participating in the election of directors is one that we support provided that it is achieved with uniform application. The difficulty with addressing this topic via shareholder proposals is one of definition. Accepting that substantial long-term shareholders should have the means to nominate directors for inclusion in the company proxy statement, what is a reasonable amount and duration of such a holding? Until the SEC and/or state legislatures establish the nomination and election processes for directors and a uniform process is applicable to all corporations, we are not enthralled with the piecemeal approach to resolving this important governance issue. However, * Does not support proposals seeking to have multiple nominees for each director position being elected. * Supports proposals seeking to authorize holders of 3% or more of outstanding shares for at least three years to nominate up to 25% of board seats available whose names would appear in the company proxy statement, for election to the Board.
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Disclosure Issues * Supports proposals seeking disclosure to shareholders on business activities provided there is no excessive cost to the company, the request is reasonable, the information would be of benefit to all shareholders and is not otherwise readily available. * Does not support disclosure when the information being sought is proprietary, confidential, duplicative, excessive or irrelevant to the operation of the company. * Does not support proposals seeking disclosure that exceeds SEC requirements about executive compensation, director nominees or corporate employees' prior professional service. *Proposals requesting a company report on its energy efficiency policies are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the company's: current disclosure related to energy efficiency policies, initiatives, and performance measures; level of participation in voluntary energy efficiency programs and initiatives; compliance with applicable legislation and/or regulations regarding energy efficiency; and energy efficiency policies and initiatives relative to industry peers. * Supports proposals requesting a report on company policies, initiatives/procedures, oversight mechanisms related to toxic materials, including certain product line toxicities, and/or product safety in its supply chain, unless ISS determines that: the company already discloses similar information through existing reports or policies such as a Supplier Code of Conduct and/or a sustainability report; the company has formally committed to the implementation of a toxic materials and/or product safety and supply chain reporting and monitoring program based on industry norms or similar standards within a specified time frame; and The company has not been recently involved in relevant significant controversies or violations. *Proposals requesting the company to review and report on the financial and reputation risks associated with operations in "high risk" markets, such as a terrorism-sponsoring state or otherwise, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into account guidance and evaluation by ISS. *Guided by the analysis of ISS, proposals requesting reports outlining the potential community impact of company operations in specific regions considering will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the impact of regulatory non-compliance, litigation, remediation, or reputational loss that may be associated with failure to manage the company's operations in question, including the management of relevant community and stakeholder relations; and, the degree to which company policies and procedures are consistent with industry norms. * Does not support proposals requesting the company disclose its diversity policies, initiatives, comprehensive diversity data, and EEO-1 data.
Drug Patent Extension The business decision to request an extension of the patent on a prescription drug is not, per se, an unethical endeavor. While the FTC has ultimate authority to regulate the competition between generic and patent protected drugs, and to insure that any request for patent extension is pursued within the parameters of the pertinent statute (Hatch-Waxman law), it is not an unreasonable request that the board of directors adopt ethical standards for its process of seeking a patent extension and to report to shareholders on such standards. * Supports proposals resolving such a reasonable request.
Election of Directors * Support proposals seeking to have the electoral threshold for directors raised to a majority of shareholders entitled to vote provided the proposal is reasonably crafted, whether binding bylaws and precatory (nonbinding), and further provided that it does not conflict with State law of incorporation. Consideration is given to voting against such a proposal if the company has adopted formal corporate governance principles that present an effective equivalent to the majority voting proposal (including director resignation policies) or if the proposal does not exempt contested elections from the majority standard. Consideration is also given to the company's history of accountability to shareholders in its governance structure & past actions. * Does not support proposals seeking the adoption of company policy that would forbid any director having more than 25 percent of the vote cast for his/her election to the board withheld by shareholders from serving on any key board committee. Having established as policy that directors should receive a 50 percent vote in support of their election to the board, there is little to be gained in establishing additional vote thresholds for being members of key board committees.
Energy & Environmental Issues * Supports proposals promoting the preservation of the global environment by seeking the adoption of the CERES Principles that encourage the company to operate in a manner that protects the environment as well as the safety and health of its employees. If a corporation's environmental record is proven so poor as to have (or the potential for) a negative economic impact on shareholder value, support may be given to a proposal seeking specific action directed at significantly improving the company's poor environmental record. * Supports proposals requesting that companies to adopt policies to reduce the danger of potential catastrophic chemical releases at chemical and/or manufacturing plants. Proposals requesting that companies report on such policies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS.
Equal Employment/Anti-Discrimination * Supports proposals seeking prohibitions against discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, sexual orientation, labor organization affiliation or activities, or non-job related criteria.
Executive Compensation *Does not support proposals seeking to establish arbitrary limits or caps on executive compensation.*Supports proposals seeking to link compensation to financial performance objectives and/or shareholder value. *Does not support "common sense executive compensation" proposals seeking to establish arbitrary limitations or caps on executive compensation or to dictate the considerations weighed by compensation committees in determining the appropriate levels of competitive compensation programs.*Supports the use of "indexed stock options" having an exercise price indexed or linked to a market or industry peer group stock performance index. *Does not support proposals linking executive compensation to corporate social responsibility performance measures. *Supports proposals seeking annual advisory shareholder votes on executive pay practices. Such "say on pay" proposals are patterned after similar practices in the UK, Sweden and Australia where shareholders exercise a non-binding vote on executive compensation. The expansion of compensation discussion and the Summary Compensation Table now mandated by the SEC should provide shareholders a better understanding of the amounts & types of executive pay as well as the factors considered by the Compensation Committee in establishing such programs. *Supports proposals requesting boards to adopt "pay-for-superior performance" compensation plans for senior executives if the proposal seeks plans that set forth the financial performance criteria (financial or stock price based) to be benchmarked against a reasonable peer group performance and further request that the company exceed the mean performance of the disclosed peer group on the selected criteria. Any long-term equity compensation component of the plan should also specify the performance criteria to be benchmarked against others. The receipt of such equity based compensation must require company performance that exceeds the mean performance of the peer group on the selected criteria. *Supports proposals calling for companies to adopt a policy of not providing tax gross-up payments to executives, except in situations where gross-ups are pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company, such as a relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy. *Proposals seeking to expand executive compensation restrictions beyond those contained in the TARP program for companies seeking to participate in the U.S. Treasury Department's bailout program may be viewed as a symbolic call on companies receiving this relief to adhere to higher compensation standards, a number of which were proposed in earlier drafts of the TARP legislation. The need or desire for
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compensation restrictions beyond those mandated by statute cannot and should not be applied or adopted in a uniform manner. Accordingly, such proposals will be addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from ISS. *Guided by the analysis of ISS, proposals seeking the adoption of a policy requiring any future senior executive severance agreements that provide for payments made upon change in control be "double triggered" and not allowing for accelerated vesting of unvested equity awards will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Change-in-control payouts without loss of job or substantial diminution of job duties (single-triggered) are generally considered poor pay practices and could even result in withheld votes from compensation committee members. The second component of these proposals, the elimination of accelerated vesting, requires consideration of the company's current treatment of equity in change-of-control situations and current employment agreements, including potential poor pay practices such as gross-ups embedded in those agreements.
Expensing Stock Options * Does not support proposals seeking to have a company expense future stock options as this would result in the understatement of the true cost of the dilution and would obscure the company's profitability.
Incorporation Jurisdiction Acknowledging the good governance practices and protections afforded shareholders in the United States, and also noting the financial impact of cost and taxation considerations of incorporating "off shore", *Does not support proposals seeking to dictate the jurisdiction of incorporation. The determination of where to incorporate is a fundamental business decision balancing the combined economic and governance interests of the shareholders that is best left to the Board of Directors.
International Human Rights * Does not support proposals seeking specific action to promote human rights outside the United States. * Abstain on proposals seeking disclosure about international business activities. * Supports the adoption and implementation of the Global Sullivan Principles in light of their previous significant success in advancing human rights within U.S. corporate operations in South Africa. * Supports that adoption and implementation of the MacBride Principles of Fair Employment in Northern Ireland in light of advancements made within U.S. corporations there to eliminate religious discrimination in employment and hiring. * Supports the adoption and implementation of the China Business Principles as being a logical extension of the Sullivan Principles and the McBride Principles that have been effective in improving both the opportunity and condition of employment for workers.
Majority Voting Standard * Does not support reducing the vote threshold for approval of all issues from two-thirds of the shares eligible to vote to a simple majority of the votes cast. While opposed to "super-majority" thresholds of 75%, we are equally comfortable with shareholder approval by the 2/3 of the shares entitled to vote. Lowering the standard to a simple majority of votes cast could result in a near-controlling shareholder or an otherwise minority group of shareholders exercising undue influence or dictating the course of the company which, in our view, is neither in the best interest of all shareholders nor necessarily representative of their wishes.
Military Issues * Abstain on proposals pertaining to military issues/operations or the production of products used by or created for the military.
Poison Pill * Supports proposals seeking to have the creation of future and the extension of current poison pills be subjected to shareholder approval. The redemption of poison pill should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, therefore * Does not support proposals that bundle the redemption of an existing pill with the shareholder approval of poison pill adoption.
Prearranged Trading Plans * Supports proposals calling for certain principles regarding the use of prearranged trading plans (10b5-1 plans) for executives. These principles include: adoption, amendment, or termination of a 10b5-1 Plan must be disclosed within two business days in a Form 8-K; amendment or early termination of a 10b5-1 Plan is allowed only under extraordinary circumstances, as determined by the board; ninety days must elapse between adoption or amendment of a 10b5-1 Plan and initial trading under the plan; reports on Form 4 must identify transactions made pursuant to a 10b5-1 Plan; and, an executive may not trade in company stock outside the 10b5-1 Plan. In addition, trades under a 10b5-1 Plan must be handled by a broker who does not handle other securities transactions for the executive.
Proxy Process * Does not support proposals seeking to expand the means or criteria for shareholders to gain access to or inclusion in issuer proxy materials unless such modification of process is done pursuant to SEC Rule uniformly applicable to all corporations. * Supports proposals seeking to establish an engagement process between the board of directors and proponents of shareholder proposals that have been supported by a majority of the votes cast.
Radioactive Waste Recognizing that all policies and procedures regarding radioactive waste must comply with regulations promulgated by the NRC, * Supports proposals seeking a renewal or new review of company policy in order to implement processes to reduce vulnerability to catastrophic nuclear accidents as being reasonable and as not imposing undue burden or costs on the company.
Severance Agreement Approval * Supports shareholder approval of severance packages that will provide for benefits greater than 2.5 times compensation (salary & bonus).
Share Retention * Supports proposals seeking the board of directors to adopt a policy requiring that directors and/or executives retain a percentage of shares acquired through equity compensation programs during their employment. However, *Does not support proposals that seek to establish a minimum percentage of shares to be retained. While the percentage should be relatively high, the board of directors should determine what is appropriate for the particular equity compensation programs of the company. * Does not support proposals prohibiting executives from selling shares of company stock during periods in which the company has announced that it may or will be repurchasing shares of its stock. However, *Supports such a proposal when there is a pattern of abuse by executives exercising options or selling shares during periods of share buybacks. * Does not support proposals that seek to require the retention by executives of a significant percent of equity awards obtained through compensation plans for a designated period of years after retirement. Ideally the companies have rigorous stock ownership guidelines and a holding period requirement that encourages significant long-term ownership and meaningful retention as long as executives are employed with the firm. With retirement, such guidelines and requirements should only be applicable to shares recently granted upon retirement. In our view, imposing additional or further restrictions on previously vested shares is inappropriate.
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Succession Planning * Supports proposals requesting the board to adopt and disclose the nature of the company succession plan for management. It is imperative that all companies have succession plans in place. It is equally imperative the proprietary and private details of such a plan remain confidential. There can be a balance between keeping shareholders informed of the process and maintaining competitively sensitive information. Unless the proposal is unreasonable in its request for information and material to be disclosed, support should be given to the adoption of a succession program policy and disclosure.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERPs) * Supports proposals requesting shareholder approval of extraordinary benefits contained in SERP agreements unless the benefits in the executive pension plan are not excessive when compared to those offered in employee-wide plans. * Supports proposals seeking to limit SERP benefits by limiting the "qualified compensation" used to establish such benefits to the executive's annual salary, exclusive of any incentive or bonus pay.
Tobacco * Does not support proposals advocating the disinvestment of tobacco operations or to otherwise effect the production of tobacco related products. * Supports proposals that seek either a uniform international warning system on the health risks of tobacco use or increased corporate public education activities regarding the health risks of tobacco use. *Review on a case-by-case basis proposals pertaining to issues such as youth smoking, cigarette smuggling and internet sale of cigarettes.
Workers' Rights * Supports proposals directed at the fair treatment of workers and their labor organizations seeking labor/management cooperation and enhance labor/management relations. * Supports the adoption of workplace codes of conduct and rights of employment protecting against child or compulsory labor, discrimination and freedom of association, such as those included in the ILO Conventions, which are in conformance or even may exceed the local law of a foreign jurisdiction. The fundamental rights of employment protection and workplace safety should be uniformly available to all workers engaged in the production of products and services sold by U.S. corporations regardless of the geographic location of the factory or plant.
Revision History
Policy Adopted
06/01/03
Policy Expansion
04/16/04
Policy Revisions
05/17/04, 06/04/04, 08/19/04, 04/07/05, 05/17/05, 03/29/06, 02/05/07, 02/23/07, 03/21/07, 04/09/07, 03/28/08, 04/20/09,
05/05/10, 01/20/11, 04/20/11, 10/11/12, 12/13/12, 04/03/13, 04/21/14, 02/03/16, 12/15/16, 02/17/17, 02/12/18
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APPENDIX C
Below are summaries of the ratings definitions used by some of the rating organizations. Those ratings represent the opinion of the rating organizations as to the credit quality of the issues that they rate. The summaries are based upon publicly available information provided by the rating organizations.
Ratings of Long-Term Obligations and Preferred Stocks — The Fund utilizes ratings provided by rating organizations in order to determine eligibility of long-term obligations. The ratings described in this section may also be used for evaluating the credit quality for preferred stocks.
Credit ratings typically evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of bonds. The rating organizations may fail to update a credit rating on a timely basis to reflect changes in economic or financial conditions that may affect the market value of the security. For these reasons, credit ratings may not be an accurate indicator of the market value of a bond.
The four highest Moody's ratings for long-term obligations (or issuers thereof) are Aaa, Aa, A and Baa. Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Moody's ratings of Ba, B, Caa, Ca and C are considered below investment grade. Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. Moody's also appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a "(hyb)" indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities firms.
The four highest Standard & Poor's ratings for long-term obligations are AAA, AA, A and BBB. An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Standard & Poor's ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are considered below investment grade and are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The CC rating is used when a default has not yet occurred, but Standard & Poor's expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default. An obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to obligations that are rated higher. An obligation rated D is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer. A rating of NR indicates that no rating has been requested, or that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
The four highest ratings for long-term obligations by Fitch Ratings are AAA, AA, A and BBB. Obligations rated AAA are deemed to be of the highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events. Obligations rated AA are deemed to be of very high credit quality. AA ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events. Obligations rated A are deemed to be of high credit quality. An A rating denotes expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. Obligations rated BBB are deemed to be of good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse business and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.
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Item 28. |
Exhibits
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(a)
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(1)
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Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, dated March 4, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 225, filed June 30, 2015 (“PEA No. 225”)
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(2)
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Certificates of Designation for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Fund, American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund, American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund, and American Beacon Ionic Absolute Return Fund are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 208, filed December 19, 2014 (“PEA No. 208”)
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(3)
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Certificate of Designation for American Grosvenor Long/Short Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 231, filed October 1, 2015 (“PEA No. 231”)
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(4)
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Certificates of Designation for American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 239, filed December 23, 2015 (“PEA No. 239”)
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(5)
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Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 253, filed April 1, 2016 (“PEA No. 253”)
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(6)
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Certificate of Designation for American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 258, filed May 19, 2016 (“PEA No. 258”)
|
||
(7)
|
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 262, filed August 16, 2016 (“PEA No. 262”)
|
||
(8)
|
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 266, filed November 9, 2016 (“PEA No. 266”)
|
||
(9)
|
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Alpha Quant Core Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Dividend Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Quality Fund, and American Beacon Alpha Quant Value Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 283, filed March 17, 2017 (“PEA No. 283”)
|
||
(10)
|
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 286, filed March 30, 2017 (“PEA No. 286”)
|
(11)
|
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 291, filed May 26, 2017 (“PEA No. 291”)
|
||
(12)
|
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund and American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 297, filed September 11, 2017 (“PEA No. 297”)
|
||
(13)
|
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Continuous Capital Emerging Markets Value Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 317, filed July 31, 2018 (“PEA No. 317”)
|
||
(14)
|
Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317
|
||
(15)
|
Form of Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund - (filed herewith)
|
||
(b)
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated February 18, 2014, amended as of November 7, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 310, filed February 28, 2018 (“PEA No. 310”)
|
||
(c)
|
Rights of holders of the securities being registered are contained in Articles III, VIII, X, XI and XII of the Registrant’s Declaration of Trust and Articles III, V, VI and XI of the Registrant’s Bylaws
|
||
(d)
|
(1)(A)
|
Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 4, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
|
|
(1)(B)
|
Amendment to Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated June 23, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 269, filed December 23, 2016 (“PEA No. 269”)
|
||
(1)(C)
|
Eighth Amendment to Management Agreement by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated December 27, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 313, filed on April 25, 2018 (“PEA No. 313”)
|
||
(1)(D)
|
Management Agreement between American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
|
||
(1)(E)
|
Management Agreement between American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation, Corp. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 306, filed December 22, 2017 (“PEA No. 306”)
|
||
(1)(F)
|
Management Agreement between American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
|
(2)(A)(i)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(A)(ii)
|
Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated June 8, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
|
||
(2)(B)(i)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(B)(ii)
|
Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund, dated May 11, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(B)(iii)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, with respect to the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Balanced Fund, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(C)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(D)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Foundry Partners, LLC, dated June 20, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 262
|
||
(2)(E)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(F)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Lazard Asset Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(G)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Pzena Investment Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(H)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
(2)(I)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Zebra Capital Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(J)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(K)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Massachusetts Financial Services Company, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(L)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(M)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(N)(i)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 228, filed August 28, 2015
|
||
(2)(N)(ii)
|
First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated January 28, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 245, filed February 4, 2016
|
||
(2)(O)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement
among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(P)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Acadian Asset Management LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(Q)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(R)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors Inc., and Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated June 28, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317
|
||
(2)(S)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
(2)(T)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Bahl & Gaynor, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(U)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and
Crescent Capital Group LP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(V)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(W)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(X)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Ionic Capital Management LLC, dated June 22, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 225
|
||
(2)(Y)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Sound Point Capital Management, L.P., dated December 9, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 237, filed December 9, 2015 (“PEA No. 237”)
|
||
(2)(Z)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and WEDGE Capital Management, L.L.P., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 231
|
||
(2)(AA)
|
Lead Investment Advisory Agreement between American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., dated September 21, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
|
||
(2)(BB)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Basswood Capital Management, LLC, dated September 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
|
||
(2)(CC)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Impala Asset Management, dated September 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
|
||
(2)(DD)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Incline Global Management, LLC, dated September 29, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
|
||
(2)(EE)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Tremblant Capital Group, dated September 28, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
|
(2)(FF)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Payden & Rygel, dated August 13, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 234, filed October 27, 2015
|
||
(2)(GG)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., dated March 29, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
|
||
(2)(HH)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and GLG LLC, dated May 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 258
|
||
(2)(II)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Numeric Investors LLC, dated October 27, 2016, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 264, filed October 28, 2016 (“PEA No. 264”)
|
||
(2)(JJ)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and ARK Investment Management LLC, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 275, filed January 25, 2017 (“PEA No. 275”)
|
||
(2)(KK)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 283
|
||
(2)(LL)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP, dated April 3, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 286
|
||
(2)(MM)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, dated September 5, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 297
|
||
(2)(NN)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Advisors, Inc., Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P., and Electron Capital Partners, LLC, dated August 24, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 300, filed October 23, 2017 (“PEA No. 300”)
|
||
(2)(OO)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Delaware Transformational Innovation, Corp., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and ARK Investment Management LLC, dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
|
||
(2)(PP)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and ARK Investment Management LLC, dated September 13, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
|
(2)(QQ)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and BNY Asset Management North America Corporation, dated February 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(2)(RR)
|
Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, dated June 14, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317
|
||
(2)(SS)
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Continuous Capital, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317
|
||
(2)(TT)
|
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P. - (filed herewith)
|
||
(e)
|
(1)
|
Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated March 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 312, filed March 28, 2018 (“PEA No. 312”)
|
|
(2)
|
Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated March 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 312
|
||
(3)
|
Second Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated June 15, 2018 - (filed herewith)
|
||
(f)
|
Bonus, profit sharing or pension plans – (none)
|
||
(g)
|
(1)
|
Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 1, 1997, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24, filed February 26, 1998 (“PEA No. 24”)
|
|
(2)
|
Amended and Restated Schedule D to the Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
||
(h)
|
(1)(A)
|
Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated January 1, 1998, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 24
|
|
(1)(B)
|
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement regarding anti-money laundering procedures, dated September 24, 2002, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 42, filed February 28, 2003 (“PEA No. 42”)
|
||
(1)(C)
|
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement to replace fee schedule, dated March 26, 2004, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 64, filed March 1, 2007
|
(1)(D)
|
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated January 24, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 278, filed February 28, 2017 (“PEA No. 278”)
|
||
(1)(E)
|
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated September 11, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 298, filed September 15, 2017
|
||
(1)(F)
|
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated October 16, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 303
|
||
(1)(G)
|
Amendment to and Assignment of Transfer Agency and Service Agreement from State Street Bank and Trust Company to Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. dated September 5, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
||
(1)(H)
|
Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 30, 2018 - (filed herewith)
|
||
(2)(A)
|
Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 16, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
|
||
(2)(B)
|
Joinder and First Amendment to Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated June 21, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
|
||
(2)(C)
|
Second Amendment to Securities Lending Agency Agreement between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated September 18, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
|
||
(3)
|
Administration Agreement between American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
|
||
(4)(A)
|
Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated March 1, 2005, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 97
|
||
(4)(B)
|
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 7, 2010, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 97
|
||
(4)(C)
|
Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Master Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 3, 2012, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 129, filed February 2, 2012
|
(4)(D)
|
Seventh Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated August 28, 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 166, filed September 20, 2013
|
||
(4)(E)
|
Eighth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated July 7, 2014, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 203, filed August 20, 2014
|
||
(4)(F)
|
Ninth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 11, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
|
||
(4)(G)
|
Tenth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated March 22, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 291
|
||
(5)
|
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Investor Class, dated March 6, 2009, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 77, filed August 3, 2009 (“PEA No. 77”)
|
||
(6)
|
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds Advisor Class (formerly known as the AAdvantage Funds Service Class), dated May 1, 2003, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.45, filed May 1, 2003 (“PEA No. 45”)
|
||
(7)(A)
|
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds A Class, dated February 16, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No.84, filed March 16, 2010
|
||
(7)(B)
|
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds A Class, dated August 22, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 318, filed August 29, 2018 (“PEA No. 318”)
|
||
(8)(A)
|
Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds C Class, dated May 25, 2010, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 90, filed June 15, 2010 (“PEA No. 90”)
|
||
(8)(B)
|
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement for the American Beacon Funds C Class, dated August 22, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 318
|
||
(9)
|
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between American Beacon Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated January 31, 2008, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 70, filed February 29, 2008
|
||
(10)(A)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, American Beacon Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund and American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund, dated February 28, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
(10)(B)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund, American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund, American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund and American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund, dated November 8, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
|
||
(10)(C)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, dated November 8, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 306
|
||
(10)(D)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund, dated December 22, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 307, filed December 29, 2017 (“PEA No. 307”)
|
||
(10)(E)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Alpha Quant Core Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Dividend Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Quality Fund, and American Beacon Alpha Quant Value Fund, dated February 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 283
|
||
(10)(F)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund, dated February 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 286
|
||
(10)(G)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund and American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund, dated August 23, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 297
|
||
(10)(H)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for Ultra Class Shares of American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund, dated August 23, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
|
||
(10)(I)
|
Agreement to Reimburse Certain Tax Expenses for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, dated December 28, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 307
|
||
(10)(J)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for R6 Class Shares of American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund, dated February 28, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
||
(10)(K)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for R6 Class Shares of American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund, dated April 25, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
||
(10)(L)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund, American Beacon Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund, American Beacon GLG Total Return Fund, American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund, American Beacon Grosvenor Long/Short Fund, American Beacon Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund and American Beacon SGA Global Growth Fund, dated May 18, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 315, filed May 30, 2018 (“PEA No. 315”)
|
(10)(M)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Alpha Quant Core Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Dividend Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Quality Fund, American Beacon Alpha Quant Value Fund, American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund, American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund and American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund, dated August 22, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 318
|
||
(10)(N)
|
Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Flexible Bond Fund, dated August 22, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 318
|
||
(10)(O)
|
Form of Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund, (filed herewith)
|
||
(i)
|
Opinion and consent of counsel – (to be filed by amendment)
|
||
(j)
|
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - (filed herewith)
|
||
(k)
|
Financial statements omitted from prospectus – (none)
|
||
(l)
|
Letter of investment intent, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, filed December 18, 1997
|
||
(m)
|
(1)
|
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Advisor Class (formerly known as the Service Class), is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 45
|
|
(2)(A)
|
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 88, filed May 17, 2010
|
||
(2)(B)
|
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, dated August 22, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 318
|
||
(3)(A)
|
Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 90
|
||
(3)(B)
|
Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class, dated August 22, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 318
|
||
(n)
|
Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3, dated November 4, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
|
||
(p)
|
(1)
|
Code of Ethics of American Beacon Advisors, Inc., American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund, American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund, and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated July 2, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317
|
(2)
|
Code of Ethics of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., dated December 31, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(3)
|
Code of Ethics of Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated January 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(4)
|
Code of Ethics of Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 25, 2005, and revised December 29, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(5)
|
Code of Ethics of Foundry Partners, LLC, dated July 10, 2013, and amended December 20, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 278
|
||
(6)
|
Code of Ethics of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated August 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(7)
|
Code of Ethics and Personal Investment Policy of Lazard Asset Management LLC, dated September 1, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(8)
|
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics of Pzena Investment Management, LLC, revised December 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(9)
|
Code of Ethics and Policy Statement on Insider Trading of Franklin Templeton, parent company of Templeton Investments Counsel, LLC, dated May 2013, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 171, filed November 19, 2013
|
||
(10)
|
Code of Conduct and Personal Securities Trading Policy of The Bank of New York Mellon, parent company of BNY Mellon Asset Management North America Corporation, dated June 22, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 278
|
||
(11)
|
Code of Ethics of Zebra Capital Management, LLC, dated August 22, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 269
|
||
(12)
|
Code of Ethics of Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated June 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 305, filed December 20, 2017 (“PEA No. 305”)
|
||
(13)
|
Code of Ethics of Massachusetts Financial Services Co., dated October 31, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 278
|
||
(14)
|
Code of Ethics of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO), dated May 2009, as revised July 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 305
|
||
(15)
|
Code of Ethics for Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated August 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 288, filed April 25, 2017 (“PEA No. 288”)
|
(16)
|
Code of Ethics for Bridgeway Capital Management, Inc., dated November 9, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
||
(17)
|
Code of Ethics for The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated March 3, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 305
|
||
(18)
|
Code of Ethics for Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP, dated December 6, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 291
|
||
(19)
|
Code of Ethics for Acadian Asset Management LLC, dated January 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 291
|
||
(20)
|
Code of Ethics for Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated October 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
|
||
(21)
|
Code of Ethics for AHL Partners LLP, GLG LLC and Numeric Investors LLC, as amended December 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
||
(22)
|
Code of Ethics for Bahl & Gaynor, Inc., is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
||
(23)
|
Code of Ethics for Crescent Capital Group LP, dated April 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
|
||
(24)
|
Code of Ethics for Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, dated December 15, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(25)
|
Code of Ethics for Ionic Capital Management LLC, dated September 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 288
|
||
(26)
|
Code of Ethics for Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P. (GCM Grosvenor), dated March 15, 2018 is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
|
||
(27)
|
Code of Ethics for Basswood Capital Management, LLC, dated February 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
|
||
(28)
|
Code of Ethics for Impala Asset Management, dated November 21, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
|
||
(29)
|
Code of Ethics for Incline Global Management, LLC, dated April 2012, as amended October 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
|
||
(30)
|
Code of Ethics for Tremblant Capital Group, dated April 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
|
||
(31)
|
Code of Ethics for Sound Point Capital Management, L.P., as amended February 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 305
|
(32)
|
Code of Ethics for Payden & Rygel, dated August 2014, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 239
|
||
(33)
|
Code of Ethics for Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., dated December 2015, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 253
|
||
(34)
|
Code of Ethics for ARK Investment Management LLC, as amended February 16, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300
|
||
(35)
|
Code of Ethics for Alpha Quant Advisors, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 283
|
||
(36)
|
Code of Ethics for
TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 318
|
||
(37)
|
Code of Ethics for WEDGE Capital Management L.L.P., dated February 21, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
|
||
(38)
|
Code of Ethics for
Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, dated August 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 297
|
||
(39)
|
Code of Ethics for Electron Capital Partners, LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 315.
|
||
(40)
|
Code of Ethics for Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, dated May 1, 2016, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317
|
||
(41)
|
Code of Ethics for Magnetar Asset Managers, LLC dated January 2018 – (to be filed by amendment)
|
||
(42)
|
Code of Ethics for Continuous Capital, LLC, dated April 30, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 317
|
||
(43)
|
Code of Ethics for Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P., dated January 15, 2017 - (filed herewith)
|
Other Exhibits
|
(i)
Powers of Attorney for Trustees of American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, dated February 27, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 310
(ii)
Power of Attorney for Claudia A. Holz, dated April 6, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 313
|
Item 29. |
Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant
|
Item 30. |
Indemnification
|
(a) |
Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:
|
(i) |
every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the Trust (hereinafter referred to as “Covered Person”) shall be indemnified by the appropriate portfolios to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof;
|
(ii) |
the words “claim,” “action,” “suit,” or “proceeding” shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal or other, including appeals), actual or threatened while in office or thereafter, and the words “liability” and “expenses” shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
|
(i) |
who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
|
(ii) |
in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office (A) by the court or other body approving the settlement; (B) by at least a majority of those Trustees who are neither interested persons of the Trust nor are parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial‑type inquiry); or (C) by written opinion of independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial‑type inquiry); provided, however, that any Shareholder may, by appropriate legal proceedings, challenge any such determination by the Trustees, or by independent counsel.
|
A. |
The Underlying Adviser shall have no liability to the Manager, Lead Adviser, the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Trust, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
B. |
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
C. |
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Manager’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager by the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
D. |
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.
|
E. |
No party will be liable to another party for consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this Agreement.
|
A. |
The Underlying Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Trust, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement
|
B. |
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement
|
C. |
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Manager’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager by the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement
|
D. |
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.
|
A. |
The Lead Adviser shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, any affiliated person of the Manager within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager or Trust, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (collectively, “Claims”), to which the Manager or Trust or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Lead Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement provided, however, that the Lead Adviser’s obligation under this Section 11A shall be reduced to the extent that such Claim is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any material breach by the Manager of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the Manager, its affiliated person or controlling person in the performance of any of its or their duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Manager that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager or the Trust by the Lead Adviser. The indemnification in this Section 11A shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
B. |
The Manager shall indemnify and hold harmless the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses) (collectively, “Claims”), to which the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its duties under this Agreement in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement provided, however, that the Manager’s obligation under this Section 11B shall be reduced to the extent that such Claim is caused by or is otherwise directly related to (i) any material breach by the Lead Adviser of its representations or warranties made herein, (ii) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser, its affiliated person or controlling person in the performance of any of its or their duties or obligations hereunder, or (iii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the registration statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the Lead Adviser that was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser by the Manager. The indemnification in this Section 11B shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
C. |
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.
|
D. |
No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.
|
A. |
The Underlying Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Trust, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
B. |
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
C. |
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Manager’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager by the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
D. |
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.
|
E. |
No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.
|
A. |
The Underlying Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Trust, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein (and not superseded by revisions provided to Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Trust prior to the publication of the relevant document or communication). The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
B. |
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
C. |
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Manager’s, willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Funds or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was not made in reliance upon information furnished to the Manager by the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Lead Adviser or the Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
D. |
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any Claim for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.
|
E. |
No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.
|
A. |
The Underlying Adviser, and its officers, members, partners and employees, shall have no liability to the Manager, the Lead Adviser, the Fund, Fund shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, except that the Underlying Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Fund, the Manager, the Lead Adviser, any affiliated person of the Manager or the Lead Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, or any controlling person within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of the Fund, the Manager or the Lead Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Fund, the Manager, the Lead Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of (i) the Underlying Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Underlying Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Underlying Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Underlying Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus and/or proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Allocated Portion or the Underlying Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact that was known, or should have been known, to the Underlying Adviser which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished to the Lead Adviser, the Manager or the Fund by the Underlying Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Underlying Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
B. |
The Lead Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, or any controlling person within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), incurred by the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person arising out of (i) the Lead Adviser’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Lead Adviser’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Lead Adviser or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, and/or proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Fund or the Lead Adviser or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by the Lead Adviser or any director, officer, agent or employee of Lead Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
C. |
The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Underlying Adviser, any affiliated person of the Underlying Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, or any controlling person, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, of the Underlying Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), incurred by the Underlying Adviser or such affiliated person or controlling person arising out of (i) the Manager’s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Manager’s obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Manager or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, and/or proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature, or other materials pertaining to the Fund or the Manager or the omission to state therein a material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished by Manager or any director, officer, agent or employee of the Manager for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
|
D. |
A party seeking indemnification hereunder (the “Indemnified Party”) will (i) provide prompt notice to the other of any claim for indemnification (“Claim”) for which it intends to seek indemnification, (ii) grant control of the defense and/or settlement of the Claim to the other party, and (iii) cooperate with the other party in the defense thereof. The Indemnified Party will have the right at its own expense to participate in the defense of any Claim, but will not have the right to control the defense, consent to judgment or agree to the settlement of any Claim without the written consent of the other party. The party providing the indemnification will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter any settlement which (i) does not include, as an unconditional term, the release by the claimant of all liabilities for Claims against the Indemnified Party or (ii) which otherwise adversely affects the rights of the Indemnified Party.
|
E. |
No party will be liable to another party for consequential damages under any provision of this Agreement.
|
I. |
Business and Other Connections of Investment Manager
|
Name; Current Position with American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Sonia L. Bates; Asst. Treasurer, Dir. Tax & Financial Reporting
|
Asst. Treasurer, American Beacon Funds Complex; Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Asst. Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Asst. Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.
|
Rosemary K. Behan; Secretary
|
Secretary, American Beacon Funds Complex; Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Secretary, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Secretary, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Secretary, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Secretary, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.; Secretary, Continuous Capital, LLC
|
Christopher L. Collins; Director
|
Manager; APEM, L.L.C.; Director; ABA, Inc.; President and Director; Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; President and Director; Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; President and Director; Resolute Topco, Inc.; Vice President and Director; Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC.
|
Stephen C. Dutton; Director
|
Manager; APEM, L.L.C.; Vice President & Treasurer and Director; Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., Vice President & Treasurer and Director; Resolute Acquisition, Inc., Vice President & Treasurer and Director; Resolute Topco, Inc., Vice President and Director; Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC.
|
Melinda G. Heika; Treasurer
|
Treasurer, American Beacon Funds Complex; Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Treasurer, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Treasurer, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; Director and Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Treasurer, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Treasurer, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.; Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Continuous Capital, LLC
|
Takashi B. Moriuchi; Director
|
Manager; APEM, L.L.C.; Director; Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., Director; Resolute Acquisition, Inc., Director; Resolute Topco, Inc., Director; Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC.
|
Gene L. Needles, Jr.; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
|
President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Director, President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Manager, American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.; President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director, Resolute Topco, Inc., President & CEO, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, ARK Investment Management LLC; Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC; Director and President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.; Chairman and CEO, Continuous Capital, LLC
|
Jeffrey K. Ringdahl; Chief Operating Officer
|
Senior Vice President, American Beacon Funds Complex; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Lighthouse Holdings Parent, Inc.; Vice President, American Private Equity Management; Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.; Director, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.; Director, Resolute Acquisition, Inc.; Director, Resolute Topco, Inc., Chief Operating Officer, Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC; Director, Shapiro Capital Management LLC; Director and Vice President, American Beacon Cayman Transformational Innovation Company, Ltd.; Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Continuous Capital, LLC
|
Name; Current Position with Acadian
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
John Chisholm; Executive Vice President, co-CEO, co-CIO
|
Director, Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd, Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd, Acadian Asset Management (Japan), Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd
|
Ross Dowd; Executive Vice President, co-CIO
|
Director, Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd; Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd.; Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Acadian Asset Management (Japan)
|
Mark Minichiello; Executive Vice President, COO, Treasurer, Secretary
|
Director, Acadian Asset Management (UK) Ltd; Acadian Asset Management (Australia) Ltd, Acadian Asset Management (Japan), Acadian Asset Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd
|
Jennifer Souza, Member of Board of Managers
|
Senior Vice President, Director of Affiliate Management – BSIG Inc. (a holding company); Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor); Investment Counselors of Maryland, LLC (an investment adviser)
|
Christopher Hadley; Member of Board of Managers
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer – BrightSphere Investment Group, plc (“BSIG”- a public company traded on the NYSE); Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer – BSIG Inc. (a holding company); Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor)
|
Aidan Riordan; Member of Board of Managers
|
Executive Vice President, Head of Affiliate Management - BrightSphere Investment Group, plc (“BSIG”- a public company traded on the NYSE); Director, Executive Vice President, Head of Affiliate Management - BSIG Inc. (a holding company); Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment advisor); Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (an investment advisor); The Campbell Group, Inc. (a holding company for Campbell Global LLC); Copper Rock Capital Partners LLC (an investment advisor); Landmark Partners LLC (an investment adviser); BSIG International Ltd. (an investment adviser); Thompson, Siegel & Walmsley LLC (an investment adviser)
|
Stephen Belgard; Member of Board of Managers
|
Chief Executive Officer – BrightSphere Investment Group, plc (“BSIG” – a public company traded on the NYSE); BSIG, Inc. (a holding company) Acadian Asset Management LLC (an investment adviser); Landmark Partners LLC (an investment adviser); BSIG International Ltd. (an investment advisor)
|
Name; Current Position with Barrow
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
James P. Barrow; President, Founding Director
|
None
|
J. Ray Nixon; Executive Director, Member Board of Managers
|
None
|
Cory L. Martin, Executive Director, Member Board of Managers
|
None
|
Patricia B. Andrews; Chief Compliance and Risk Officer, Managing Director
|
None
|
J. Scott McDonald; Managing Director
|
None
|
Mark C. Luchsinger; Managing Director
|
None
|
Aidan J. Riordan; Member Board of Managers
|
OMAM, Inc., Executive Vice President and Head of Affiliate Management and Global Distribution
|
Name; Current Position with BNY Mellon AMNA
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Des MacIntyre – President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman
|
None
|
Adam B. Joffe; Chief Business Officer
|
None
|
Linda T. Lillard – Chief Operating Officer
|
None
|
John P. Shea – Chief Financial Officer
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with Brandywine
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
David F. Hoffman; Senior Managing Director
|
None
|
Mark P. Glassman; Chief Administrative Officer
|
None
|
Patrick S. Kaser; Managing Director
|
None
|
Paul R. Lesutis; Senior Managing Director
|
None
|
Henry F. Otto; Senior Managing Director
|
None
|
Stephen S. Smith; Senior Managing Director
|
None
|
Adam B. Spector; Managing Director
|
None
|
Steven M. Tonkovich; Senior Managing Director
|
None
|
Christopher D. Marzullo; General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer
|
None
|
John D. Kenney; Elected Manager
|
None
|
Patricia Lattin; Elected Manager
|
None
|
Jeffrey Masom; Elected Manager
|
None
|
Ursula Schliessler; Elected Manager
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with Bridgeway
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
John N. R.
Montgomery; Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Investment Officer
|
Vice President and Director, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
|
Linda G. Giuffre; Chief Compliance Officer
|
Chief Compliance Officer and Treasurer, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
|
Tammira Y. Philippe; Director, President
|
President and Director, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
|
Von D. Celestine; Treasurer, Vice President/Secretary
|
None
|
Richard P. Cancelmo; Vice President
|
Vice President, Bridgeway Funds, Inc.
|
Franklin J. Montgomery; Director
|
None
|
Ann M. Montgomery; Director
|
Sage Education Group, LLC - Owner
|
Tom C. Tinsley, Director
|
Contegix - Board of Directors; Trax Technologies - Board of Directors; 55 IP -Board Member; Strattam Capital - Advisory Board Member; Life Flight of Maine, Board Member; Island Institute, Board Member; Teach for America - DC region, , Board Member; General Atlantic, Advisory Director; Intermedia - Mountain View California, Board Member
|
David Gallias, Treasurer
|
Head of US Finance
Man Americas
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Treasurer
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Treasurer
Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.
6836 Morrison Blvd., Suite 430
Charlotte, NC 28211
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and FINOP
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Treasurer
Numeric Investors LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
Treasurer
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Blvd., Suite 1102
Stamford, CT 06901
|
Name; Current Position with Global Evolution
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Soren Rump; Director
|
None
|
Morten Bugge; Director
|
None
|
Kasper Jorgensen, Head of Legal and Compliance
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with Hillcrest
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Brian Bruce; Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer
|
None
|
Deborah Ann Trask; Chief Operating Officer
|
None
|
Douglas E. Stark; Managing Director
|
None
|
Brandon L. Troegle; Managing Director
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with Hotchkis
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
George H. Davis; Chief Executive Officer and Executive Committee Member
|
Trustee of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and Director of Hotchkis & Wiley Ltd.
|
James E. Menvielle; Chief Financial Officer
|
Vice President and Treasurer of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds
|
Anna Marie S. Lopez; Chief Operating Officer
|
President of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds and Director of Hotchkis & Wiley Ltd.
|
Tina H. Kodama; Chief Compliance Officer
|
Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer of the Hotchkis & Wiley Funds
|
Scott McBride; President and Executive Committee Member
|
None
|
C. Nigel Hurst
-
Brown; Executive Committee Member
|
Chief Executive and Director of Hotchkis and Wiley Ltd., Non-executive director of Borders and Southern Petroleum PLC and Deputy Chairman of Central Asia Metals PLC
|
Douglas H. Martin; Executive Committee Member
|
Senior Managing Director of Stephens Inc. and Board of Director of Conns, Inc.
|
Name; Current Position with Ionic
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Bart E. Baum; Principal, Portfolio Manager and Chief Investment Officer
|
None
|
Lawrence J. Baum, Chief Risk Officer
|
None
|
Adam S. Radosti; Principal and Portfolio Manager
|
None
|
Daniel L. Stone; Principal, Portfolio Manager
|
None
|
John C. Richardson; Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel
|
None
|
Arthur G. Vaccarino; Chief Technology Officer
|
None
|
Douglas J. Mallach; Chief Administrative Officer
|
None
|
Steven G. Vecchio; Chief Compliance Officer and Associate General Counsel
|
None
|
Matthew G. Begley; Chief Financial Officer
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with Lazard
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Ashish Bhutani; Director, CEO
|
Vice Chairman, Lazard Ltd.
|
Gerard B. Mazzari; COO
|
Chief Financial Officer, Lazard Asset Management Securities, LLC
|
Nathan A. Paul; Chief Business Officer
|
None
|
Mark R. Anderson; General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer
|
Chief Compliance Officer of the Lazard Mutual Funds and Lazard Asset Management Securities, LLC
|
Kenneth M. Jacobs; Director
|
None
|
Alexander F. Stern; Director
|
None
|
Andrew Lacey; Deputy Chairman
|
None
|
John Reinsberg; Deputy Chairman
|
None
|
Robert P. DeConcini; Chairman
|
None
|
Andreas Huebner; Senior Managing Director
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with MFS
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
During the Past Two Fiscal Years
|
Robert J. Manning; Director, Executive Chairman of MFS and Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
Trustee of various funds within the MFS Funds complex+; Co-Chief Executive Officer of MFS (2015-2016)
|
Heidi Hardin; Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary
|
Harris Associates (investment management), General Counsel (from September 2015 to January 2017)
|
Michael W. Roberge; Director, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer
|
None+
|
Amrit Kanwal; Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
None+
|
David A. Antonelli; Vice Chairman
|
None+
|
Robin A. Stelmach; Vice Chairman
|
Trustee of various funds within the MFS Funds complex
+; Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President (until January 2017)
|
Carol W. Geremia; President
|
None+
|
Martin Wolin; Chief Compliance Officer
|
Chief Compliance Officer of the MFS Funds and of MFS
|
Kevin D. Strain; Director
|
None
|
Stephen C. Peacher; Director
|
President of Sun Life Investment Management and Chief Investment Officer of Sun Life Financial, Inc.
|
MFS International Singapore PTE. LTD.
|
501 Orchard Road,
#13-01/03/04 Wheelock Place
Singapore 238880
|
MFS Investment Management Company (LUX.) S.a.r.l.
|
35, Boulevard du Prince Henri
L-1724 Luxembourg
|
MFS Investment Management K.K.
|
16 F Daido Seimei Kasumigaseki Building, 1-4-2 Kasumigaseki 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 100-0013
|
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc.
|
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02199 U.S.A.
|
3060097 Nova Scotia Company
|
1959 Upper Water Street
Suite 1100, Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Canada B3J3N2
|
MFS Investment Management Canada Limited
|
77 King Street West, 35
th
Floor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5K 1B7
|
MFS Bermuda Holdings LTD.
|
Canon's Court
22 Victoria Street
Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda
|
MFS Heritage Trust Company
|
111 Huntington Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02199 U.S.A.
|
Name; Current Position with Numeric
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Christopher Ancona, Chief Compliance Officer
|
Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel (through December 2016)
Chesapeake Partners Management Co., Inc., and CP Management, LLC
2800 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 300
Baltimore, MD 21209
|
Gregory Bond, Director of Research
|
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6
th
Floor
Boston, MA 02210
|
Eric Burl, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)
|
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6
th
Floor
Boston, MA 02210
|
Global Co-Head of Sales and Executive Committee Member
Man Group plc
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
|
|
Director & President
Man Global Private Markets (USA) Inc.
128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1950
Charlotte, NC 28202
|
Richard Hanna, Chief Financial Officer
|
Vice President (June 2016 – Present); Treasurer (November 2015 – June 2016)
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
|
Vice President
GLG LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor New York, NY 10018
|
|
Vice President
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102
Stamford, CT 06901
|
|
Michael Kasper, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)
|
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6
th
Floor
Boston, MA 02210
|
Solomon Kuckelman, Secretary
|
Secretary (June 2015 – Present)
GLG LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
|
Secretary & Legal Officer
Man Investments Inc.
452 Fifth Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10018
|
|
Secretary
FRM Investment Management (USA) LLC
452 Fifth Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10018
|
|
Secretary (June 2015 – Present)
Silvermine Capital Management LLC
281 Tresser Boulevard, Suite 1102
Stamford, CT 06901
|
|
Shanta Puchtler, Chief Executive Officer & President
|
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6
th
Floor
Boston, MA 02210
|
Executive Committee Member
Man Group plc
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
|
Sandy Rattray, Director (Numeric Holdings LLC)
|
Member of Board of Managers
Numeric Holdings LLC
470 Atlantic Avenue, 6
th
Floor
Boston, MA 02210
|
Designated Member
AHL Partners LLP
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
|
|
Executive Committee Member
Man Group plc
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London EC4R 3AD
United Kingdom
|
|
Daniel Taylor, co-Chief Investment Officer
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with P&R
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Joan Payden; President and Chief Executive Officer
|
None
|
Brian Matthews; Managing Principal and Chief Financial Officer
|
None
|
James Sarni; Managing Principal
|
None
|
Mary Beth Syal; Managing Principal
|
None
|
Scott Weiner; Managing Principal
|
None
|
Edward Garlock; Managing Principal
|
None
|
Asha Joshi; Managing Principal
|
None
|
Robin Creswell; Managing Principal
|
None
|
Gregory Morrison; Managing Principal
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with SIMG
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Joseph W. Simpson; President and Chief Executive Officer, Manager
|
Executive Vice President, Stephens Inc.
|
Ryan E. Crane; Chief Investment Officer, Manager, Member Class B
|
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
|
Michael W. Nolte; Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, Manager
|
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
|
David C. Prince; Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel
|
Senior Vice President, Stephens Inc.
|
Name; Current Position with SGA
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
George P. Fraise; Co-Founder
|
Director – Workspace Education Inc.; Managing Member – GFC Holdings LLC
|
Gordon Marchand; Co-Founder
|
Board Director- Chase Investment Counsel; Board Director- Zounds Hearing Inc.
|
Robert L. Rohn; Co-Founder
|
Board Director – The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk – 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT
|
Name; Current Position with Templeton
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Antonio T. Docal; Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager
|
None
|
Thomas J. Fisher, Jr., Executive Vice President
|
None
|
Peter A. Nori; Executive Vice President and Portfolio Manager
|
None
|
Craig S. Tyle; Chief Legal Officer
|
None
|
Mark L. Constant; Treasurer
|
None
|
Michael J. D’Agrosa; Chief Compliance Officer
|
None
|
Gregory E. McGowan; Executive Vice President
|
None
|
Madison S. Gulley; Executive Vice President
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with London Company
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections During the Past Two Fiscal Years
|
Stephen, M. Goddard; Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer
|
None
|
Jonathan Moody; Principal and Portfolio Manager
|
None
|
Andrew Wetzel; Chief Compliance Officer
|
None
|
Melissa Carlucci; Chief Operating Officer
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with WEDGE
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections During the Past Two Fiscal Years
|
Bradley Fisher; General Partner
|
None
|
Bradley Horstmann; Chief Compliance Officer and General Partner
|
None
|
Martin Robinson; General Partner
|
None
|
John Norman; General Partner
|
None
|
Andrei Bolshakov; General Partner
|
None
|
Darrin Witt; General Partner
|
None
|
Brian Pratt; General Partner
|
None
|
Donald Cleven; General Partner
|
None
|
Caldwell Calame; General Partner
|
None
|
Leah Long; General Partner
|
None
|
Andrew Rosenberg; General Partner
|
None
|
Richard Wells; General Partner
|
None
|
Name; Current Position with Zebra
|
Other Substantial Business and Connections
|
Roger G. Ibbotson, Chairman and Chief Investment Officer
|
Professor in the Practice Emeritus of Finance at Yale School of Management
|
John J. Holmgren, Jr., President and Chief Operating Officer
|
None
|
Kevin J. Lake, Chief Compliance Officer
|
Attorney-at-Law
1440 Broadway, 23
rd
Floor
New York, NY 10018
|
Item 32. |
Principal Underwriter
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1. |
American Beacon Funds
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2. |
American Beacon Select Funds
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3. |
American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust
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4. |
American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund
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5. |
American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund
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Item 33.
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Location of Accounts and Records
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Item 34.
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Management Services
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Item 35.
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Undertakings
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AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
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By:
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/s/ Gene L. Needles, Jr.
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Gene L. Needles, Jr.
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President
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*By
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/s/ Rosemary K. Behan
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Rosemary K. Behan
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Attorney-In-Fact
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Type:
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Description:
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Form of Certificate of Designation for American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund
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Form of Investment Advisory Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P.
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Second Amendment to the Distribution Agreement among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated June 15, 2018
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Amendment to Transfer Agency and Service Agreement, dated July 30, 2018
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Form of Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund.
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99.(j) |
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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Code of Ethics for Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P., dated January 15, 2017
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1. |
The initial classes of Shares of the Tocqueville Fund are designated as Institutional Class Shares, Investor Class Shares, and Y Class Shares. Each class of Shares has the same rights and obligations, except as provided in the Trust Instrument, the Tocqueville Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (“Registration Statement”), or by resolution adopted by the Board. The Tocqueville Fund’s Shares shall be offered for sale and redeemed on the terms set forth in the Trust’s Registration Statement.
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2. |
There are no changes to the Classes of Shares of the AHL Fund and they will continue to be designated as Institutional Class Shares, Investor Class Shares, Y Class Shares, A Class Shares, and C Class Shares. Each class of Shares has the same rights and obligations, except as provided in the Trust Instrument, the AHL Fund’s Registration Statement on Form N-1A (“Registration Statement”), or by resolution adopted by the Board. The AHL Fund’s Shares shall be offered for sale and redeemed on the terms set forth in the Trust’s Registration Statement.
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3. |
All rights and preferences of the Shares of the Tocqueville Fund and the AHL Fund are as set forth in the Trust Instrument dated March 4, 2015 and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Trust dated February 18, 2014.
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Gilbert G. Alvarado
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Joseph B. Armes
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Gerard J. Arpey
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Brenda A. Cline
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Eugene J. Duffy
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Alan D. Feld
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Claudia A. Holz
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Douglas A. Lindgren
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Richard A. Massman
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Barbara J. McKenna
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R. Gerald Turner
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(i) |
continue to be a duly formed legal entity, validly existing under the laws of its jurisdiction of formation, fully authorized to enter into this Agreement and carry out its duties and obligations hereunder;
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(ii) |
be registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Advisers Act, and be registered or licensed as an investment adviser under the laws of all jurisdictions in which its activities require it to be so registered or licensed, except where the failure to be so licensed would not have an adverse effect on the Adviser, Manager or Trust. The Adviser shall maintain such registration or license in effect and in good standing at all times during the term of this Agreement;
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(iii) |
maintain any necessary registrations, licenses, or exemptions, to the extent required, with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and/or National Futures Association;
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(iv) |
at all times provide its best judgment and effort to the Manager and the Trust in carrying out its obligations hereunder;
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(v) |
use the same care and skill in providing such services as it uses in providing services to other accounts for which it has investment management responsibilities;
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(vi) |
(i) cooperate with and provide reasonable assistance to the Manager, the Trust’s administrator, custodian, transfer agent and pricing agents and all other agents and representatives of the Funds, the Trust and the Manager; (ii) keep all such persons fully informed as to such matters as they may reasonably deem necessary to the performance of their obligations to the Funds, the Trust and the Manager; (iii) provide timely responses to reasonable requests made by such persons; and (iv) maintain any appropriate interfaces with each so as to promote the efficient exchange of information. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Adviser shall comply with all statutory and regulatory requirements relating to derivatives transactions entered into by the Adviser for or on behalf of the Trust or any of its Funds, including without limitation, compliance with all recordkeeping and reporting requirements pursuant to Parts 43, 45 and 46 of the regulations of the CFTC and comparable rules of the SEC (collectively, the “Derivatives Recordkeeping and Reporting Rules”);
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(vii) |
maintain a written Code of Ethics complying with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 under the
Investment Company Act
and provide the Manager with a current copy of the Code of Ethics. The Adviser shall periodically certify to the Manager that the Adviser has complied with the requirements of Rule 17j-1 and that there have been no violations of the Code of Ethics or, if a violation has occurred, that appropriate action has been taken in response to such violation. Upon written request of the Manager, the Adviser shall permit representatives of the Manager to examine the reports (or summaries of the reports) required to be made under the Code of Ethics and other records evidencing enforcement of the Code of Ethics;
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(viii) |
assist the Trust and the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) in complying with Rule 38a-1 under the
Investment Company Act
. Specifically, the Adviser represents that it shall maintain a compliance program in accordance with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-7 under the Advisers Act, as amended, and shall provide the CCO with reasonable access to information regarding the Adviser’s compliance program, which access shall include on-site visits with the Adviser as may be reasonably requested from time to time. In connection with the periodic review and annual report required to be prepared by the CCO pursuant to Rule 38a-1, the Adviser agrees to provide certifications as may be reasonably requested by the CCO related to the design and implementation of the Adviser’s compliance program;
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(ix) |
comply with the Trusts’ policy on selective disclosure of portfolio holdings of the Funds as described in the Trusts’ current registration statement, and upon request from the Manager, provide a certification to the Manager with respect to compliance with the Funds’ selective disclosure policy;
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(x) |
treat confidentially and as proprietary all records and other information relating to the Funds, and not use records and information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing by the Manager or when so requested by the Manager or required by law or regulation;
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(xi) |
promptly notify the Manager of any impending change of a portfolio manager, material portfolio management strategy or any other material matter that may require disclosure to the Board and/or shareholders of the Funds;
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(xii) |
provide the Manager with a current and complete copy of the Adviser’s Form ADV, and any supplements or amendments thereto;
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(xiii) |
provide the Manager with a current list of persons the Adviser wishes to have authorized to give instructions to the Trust’s custodian regarding assets of the Funds;
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(xiv) |
be responsible for the filing of Schedule 13D/13G and Form 13F, and any non-U.S. securities filing equivalents of these filings, on behalf of the Trust reflecting holdings over which the Adviser and its affiliates have investment and/or voting discretion;
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(xv) |
provide reasonable assistance to the Manager, the Trust or its agent in processing class action paperwork, for any security held within the Funds managed by the Adviser;
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(xvi) |
not permit any employee of the Adviser to have any material connection with the handling of the Funds if such employee has been permanently or temporarily enjoined by reason of any misconduct, by order, judgment, or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction or regulatory authority, from acting as an investment adviser or from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice in connection with any such activity or in connection with the purchase or sale of any security;
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(xvii) |
regular report to the Manager on the investment program for the Funds and the issuers and securities represented in the Funds, and furnish the Manager, with respect to the Funds, such periodic and special reports as the Manager may reasonably request, including, but not limited to, reports concerning transactions and performance of each Fund, reports regarding compliance with the Trust’s procedures pursuant to Rules 17e-1, 17a-7, 10f-3 and 12d3-1 under the
Investment Company Act
, Section 28(e) of the Exchange Act, compliance with investment guidelines and restrictions, trade errors, liquidity determinations, and compliance with the Adviser’s Code of Ethics, and such other procedures or requirements that the Manager may reasonably request from time to time;
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(xviii) |
timely review of the Trust’s prospectus and statement of additional information applicable to the Funds, and any amendments or supplements thereto, which relate to the Adviser or the Funds and confirm that, with respect to the disclosure respecting or relating to the Adviser, including any performance information the Adviser provides that is included in or serves as the basis for information included in the prospectus or statement of additional information, such prospectus or statement of additional information contains no untrue statement of any material fact and does not omit any statement of material fact which was required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading. The Adviser further agrees to notify the Manager immediately of any material fact known to the Adviser respecting or relating to the Adviser that is not contained in the prospectus or statement of additional information for the Trust, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or of any statement respecting or relating to the Adviser contained therein that becomes untrue in any material respect. With respect to the disclosure respecting each Fund, the Adviser represents and agrees that the description in the Trust’s prospectus and statement of additional information regarding investment objectives and strategies is consistent with the manner in which the Adviser intends to manage the Funds, and the description of risks is consistent with risks known to the Adviser that arise in connection with the manner in which the Adviser intends to manage the Funds. The Adviser further agrees to notify the Manager immediately in the event that the Adviser becomes aware that the prospectus or statement of additional information for a Fund is inconsistent in any material respect with the manner in which the Adviser is managing the Fund, and in the event that the principal risks description is inconsistent in any material respect with the risks known to the Adviser that arise in connection with the manner in which the Adviser is managing the Fund. In addition, the Adviser agrees to comply with the Manager’s reasonable request for information regarding the personnel of the Adviser who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Trust’s assets as may be required to be disclosed in the prospectus or statement of additional information;
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(xix) |
Upon request, provide certifications to the principal executive and financial officers of the Trust (the “certifying officers”) that support the certifications required to be made by the certifying officers in connection with the preparation and/or filing of the Trust’s Form N-CSRs, shareholder reports, financial statements, and other disclosure documents or regulatory filings, in such form and content as the Trust shall reasonably request or in accordance with procedures adopted by the Trust; and
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(xx) |
provide the Manager with such other compliance reports and certifications relating to its duties under this Agreement and the federal securities laws as may be reasonably necessary.
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A. |
If to the Manager:
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B. |
If to the Adviser:
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Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P.
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American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
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By:
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By:
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Name:
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Robert W. Kleinschmidt
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Jeffrey K. Ringdahl
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Title:
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President
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President
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American Beacon Funds
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By:
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Gene L. Needles, Jr.
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President
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Tocqueville Asset Management, L.P.
Advisors, Inc
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American Beacon.
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By:
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By:
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Name:
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Robert W. Kleinschmidt
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Jeffrey K. Ringdahl
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Title:
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President
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President
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By:
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Gene L. Needles, Jr.
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President
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AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
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AMERICAN BEACON SELECT FUNDS
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By:
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/s/ Jeffrey K. Ringdahl
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Jeffrey K. Ringdahl
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President & COO
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RESOLUTE INVESTMENT
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DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
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By:
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/s/ Gen L. Needles, Jr.
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Gene L. Needles, Jr.
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President
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Funds
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Classes
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American Beacon Funds
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Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Alpha Quant Core Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y
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Alpha Quant Dividend Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y
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Alpha Quant Quality Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y
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Alpha Quant Value Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y
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ARK Transformational Innovation Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y
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Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Balanced Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Advisor, A, C, Y
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Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y, R6
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Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Flexible Bond Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y
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GLG Total Return Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y, Ultra
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Frontier Markets Income Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Grosvenor Long/Short Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y, Ultra
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International Equity Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Advisor, A, C, Y, R6
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Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Large Cap Value Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Advisor, A, C, Y, R6
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Mid-Cap Value Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Advisor, A, C, Y, R6
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Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y, Ultra
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SGA Global Growth Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Small Cap Value Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Advisor, A, C, Y, R6
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SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y
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Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y
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Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y, SP
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Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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The London Company Income Equity Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund
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Institutional, Investor, Y, Ultra
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Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund
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Institutional, Investor, A, C, Y
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American Beacon Select Funds
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U.S. Gov’t. Money Market Select Fund
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Select
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1. |
Schedule A.
Any current Schedule A to the Agreements is hereby added to, replaced and/or superseded with the Schedule A attached hereto dated July 30, 2018; and
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2. |
All defined terms and definitions in the Agreements shall be the same in this Amendment (the “July 30, 2018 Amendment”) except as specifically revised by this Amendment; and
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3. |
Except as specifically set forth in this July 30, 2018 Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
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AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON SELECT FUNDS
AMERICAN BEACON INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS TRUST
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DST Asset Manager Solutions, Inc.
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By:
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/s/ Terri McKinney |
By:
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/s/ Robert Trower | |
Name:
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Terri McKinney |
Name:
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Robert Trower | |
Title:
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Vice President |
Title:
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Vice President | |
As an Authorized Officer on behalf of each of the Funds indicated on Schedule A
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A CLASS
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Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund - A Class
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AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund - A Class
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Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund - A Class
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Balanced Fund - A Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund - A Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund - A Class
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Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund - A Class
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Flexible Bond Fund - A Class
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GLG Total Return Fund - A Class
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Frontier Markets Income Fund - A Class
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Grosvenor Long/Short Fund - A Class
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International Equity Fund - A Class
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Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund - A Class
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Large Cap Value Fund - A Class
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Mid-Cap Value Fund - A Class
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SGA Global Growth Fund - A Class
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SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund - A Class
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Small Cap Value Fund - A Class
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Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund - A Class
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Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund - A Class
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Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund - A Class
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The London Company Income Equity Fund - A Class
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Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund - A Class
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ADVISOR CLASS
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Balanced Fund - Advisor Class
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International Equity Fund - Advisor Class
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Large Cap Value Fund - Advisor Class
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Mid-Cap Value Fund - Advisor Class
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Small Cap Value Fund - Advisor Class
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C CLASS
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Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund - C Class
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AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund - C Class
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Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund - C Class
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Balanced Fund - C Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund - C Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund - C Class
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Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund - C Class
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Flexible Bond Fund - C Class
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GLG Total Return Fund - C Class
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C CLASS (cont)
Frontier Markets Income Fund - C Class
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Grosvenor Long/Short Fund - C Class
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International Equity Fund - C Class
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Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund - C Class
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Large Cap Value Fund - C Class
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Mid-Cap Value Fund - C Class
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SGA Global Growth Fund - C Class
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SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund - C Class
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Small Cap Value Fund - C Class
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Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund - C Class
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Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund - C Class
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Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund - C Class
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The London Company Income Equity Fund - C Class
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Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund - C Class
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INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
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Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund - Inst. Class
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AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund - Inst. Class
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Alpha Quant Core Fund - Inst. Class
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Alpha Quant Dividend Fund - Inst. Class
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Alpha Quant Quality Fund - Inst. Class
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Alpha Quant Value Fund - Inst. Class
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ARK Transformational Innovation Fund - Inst. Class
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Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund - Inst. Class
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Balanced Fund - Inst. Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund - Inst. Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund - Inst. Class
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Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund - Inst. Class
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Flexible Bond Fund - Inst. Class
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Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund - Inst. Class
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GLG Total Return Fund - Inst. Class
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Frontier Markets Income Fund - Inst. Class
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Grosvenor Long/Short Fund - Inst. Class
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International Equity Fund - Inst. Class
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Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund - Inst. Class
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Large Cap Value Fund - Inst. Class
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Mid-Cap Value Fund - Inst. Class
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Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund - Inst. Class
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SGA Global Growth Fund - Inst. Class
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Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund - Inst. Class
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Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund - Inst. Class
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SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund - Inst. Class
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INSTITUTIONAL CLASS (cont.)
Small Cap Value Fund - Inst. Class
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Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund - Inst. Class
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Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund - Inst. Class
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Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund - Inst. Class
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The London Company Income Equity Fund - Inst. Class
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TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund - Inst. Class
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Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund - Inst. Class
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INVESTOR CLASS
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Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund - Investor Class
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AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund - Investor Class
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Alpha Quant Core Fund - Investor Class
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Alpha Quant Dividend Fund - Investor Class
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Alpha Quant Quality Fund - Investor Class
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Alpha Quant Value Fund - Investor Class
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ARK Transformational Innovation Fund - Investor Class
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Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund - Investor Class
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Balanced Fund - Investor Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund - Investor Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund - Investor Class
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Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund - Investor Class
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Flexible Bond Fund - Investor Class
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Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund - Investor Class
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GLG Total Return Fund - Investor Class
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Frontier Markets Income Fund - Investor Class
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Grosvenor Long/Short Fund - Investor Class
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International Equity Fund - Investor Class
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Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund - Investor Class
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Large Cap Value Fund - Investor Class
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Mid-Cap Value Fund - Investor Class
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Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund - Investor Class
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SGA Global Growth Fund - Investor Class
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Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund - Investor Class
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Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund - Investor Class
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SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund - Investor Class
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Small Cap Value Fund - Investor Class
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Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund - Investor Class
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Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund - Investor Class
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Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund - Investor Class
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The London Company Income Equity Fund - Investor Class
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TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund - Investor Class
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Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund - Investor Class
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R6 CLASS
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Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund - R6 Class
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International Equity Fund - R6 Class
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Large Cap Value Fund - R6 Class
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Small Cap Value Fund - R6 Class
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Mid-Cap Value Fund - R6 Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund- R6 Class
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SP CLASS
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Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund - SP Class
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ULTRA CLASS
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GLG Total Return Fund - Ultra Class
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Grosvenor Long/Short Fund - Ultra Class
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Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund - Ultra Class
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TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund - Ultra Class
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Y CLASS
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Acadian Emerging Markets Managed Volatility Fund - Y Class
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AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund - Y Class
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Alpha Quant Core Fund - Y Class
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Alpha Quant Dividend Fund - Y Class
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Alpha Quant Quality Fund - Y Class
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Alpha Quant Value Fund - Y Class
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ARK Transformational Innovation Fund - Y Class
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Bahl & Gaynor Small Cap Growth Fund - Y Class
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Balanced Fund - Y Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund - Y Class
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Bridgeway Large Cap Value Fund - Y Class
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Crescent Short Duration High Income Fund - Y Class
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Flexible Bond Fund - Y Class
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Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund - Y Class
|
GLG Total Return Fund - Y Class
|
Frontier Markets Income Fund - Y Class
|
Grosvenor Long/Short Fund - Y Class
|
International Equity Fund - Y Class
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Ionic Strategic Arbitrage Fund - Y Class
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Large Cap Value Fund - Y Class
|
Mid-Cap Value Fund - Y Class
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Numeric Integrated Alpha Fund - Y Class
|
SGA Global Growth Fund - Y Class
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Y CLASS (cont.)
Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund - Y Class
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Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund - Y Class
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SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund - Y Class
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Small Cap Value Fund - Y Class
|
Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund - Y Class
|
Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund - Y Class
|
Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund - Y Class
|
The London Company Income Equity Fund - Y Class
|
TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund - Y Class
|
Zebra Small Cap Equity Fund - Y Class
|
Respectfully,
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American Beacon Advisors, Inc.
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By:
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Name:
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Jeffrey K. Ringdahl
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Title:
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President
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Agreed and Accepted
on behalf of the Trust
|
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By:
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Name:
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Melinda G. Heika
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Title:
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Treasurer
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Fund
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Class
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Annual
Expense %
Limit (Cap)
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Expiration
|
Tocqueville International Value
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Instl
|
0.89
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2/28/2021
|
Tocqueville International Value
|
Y
|
0.99
|
2/28/2021
|
Tocqueville International Value
|
Investor
|
1.25
|
2/28/2021
|
I. |
DEFINITIONS
|
A. |
An “Access Person” means any Covered Person who (i) has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients’ purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding portfolio holdings of any Reportable Fund; or (ii) is involved in making securities recommendations to clients (which in accordance with SEC interpretation includes selecting securities on behalf of clients); or (iii) is involved in researching or analyzing securities or who has access to such recommendations or research that are nonpublic. Access Persons include Advisory Persons and Portfolio Managers of the Adviser.
For purposes of this Code, all officers, directors and employees of TMC as well as temporary interns and certain third-party consultants to Tocqueville, while on office premises, are deemed Access Persons.
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B. |
An “Advisory Person” means any natural person in a control relationship to the Adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to any client account with regard to the purchase or sale of securities by the client account. “Advisory Person” also refers to any employee of the Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser):
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C. |
“Automatic Investment Plan” means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation, including a dividend reinvestment plan.
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D. |
A “Portfolio Manager” means any person or persons with the direct responsibility and authority to make investment decisions affecting client accounts.
|
E. |
“Covered Person” means any partner, officer, director or employee of Tocqueville and any other person who provides advice on behalf of Tocqueville and is subject to Tocqueville’s supervision and control (i.e., any supervised person of Tocqueville).
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F. |
“Beneficial Ownership” includes ownership by any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise, has or shares a direct or indirect financial interest, other than the receipt of an advisory fee. Beneficial Ownership of an account or security by an Access Person includes ownership of an account or security by:
|
· |
the Access Person’s spouse (other than a legally separated or divorced spouse of the person) and minor children;
|
· |
any immediate family member who lives in the Access Person’s household, including stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and adoptive relationships;
|
· |
any persons to whom the Access Person provides primary financial support, and either (i) whose financial affairs the Access Person controls, or (ii) for whom the Access Person provides discretionary advisory services; and
|
· |
any partnership, corporation or other entity of which the Access Person has a 25% or greater interest or exercises effective control.
1
|
G. |
“Client Accounts” includes all private accounts and investment companies who have entered into investment management, administrative and advisory agreements or sub- advisory agreements with Tocqueville.
|
H. |
“Control” means the power to exercise a controlling influence. Any person who owns beneficially, either directly or through one or more controlled companies, more than 25% of the voting securities of a company shall be presumed to control such company.
|
I. |
The “Chief Compliance Officer” or “CCO” is the person designated by the Adviser to monitor overall compliance with this Code and to provide preclearance of any personal security transaction as required by this Code. This definition includes any person who has been designated by the CCO to review items submitted pursuant to the Code. “Compliance” includes other persons responsible for the administration of this Code.
|
J. |
“Initial public offering” means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
|
K. |
“U.S. Government entity” includes all state and local governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and all government pension plans and other collective government funds.
|
L. |
“Private placements” means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) or Rule 504, Rule 505 or Rule 506.
|
M. |
“Purchase or sale of a security” includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security or the purchase or sale of a future or index on a security or option thereon.
|
N. |
“Reportable Fund” means (i) any registered investment company with which Tocqueville has entered into an investment management, administrative, advisory agreement or sub- advisory agreement; or (ii) any registered investment company whose investment adviser or principal underwriter controls Tocqueville, is controlled by Tocqueville or is under common control with Tocqueville.
|
O. |
“Security” means anything that is considered a “security” under the 1940 Act or the Advisers Act, except:
|
· |
direct obligations of the U.S. Government;
|
· |
bankers’ acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt obligations, including repurchase agreements;
|
· |
shares of open-end investment companies that are registered under the 1940 Act (mutual funds)
other than shares of Reportable Funds and exchange-traded funds (UIT and open-end ETFs)
;
|
· |
shares of mutual funds offered through 529 plans.
|
· |
shares issued by exchange-traded funds.
|
· |
futures and options contracts on securities, on indexes and on currencies.
|
· |
investments in all kinds of limited partnerships.
|
· |
investments in foreign unit trusts and foreign mutual funds.
|
· |
investments in private investment funds, private placements and hedge funds.
|
P. |
A security is “being considered for purchase or sale” when a decision to purchase or sell the security has been made and communicated and, with respect to the person making the decision, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation or selection.
|
II. |
EXCEPTIONS
|
III. |
RESTRICTIONS ON AND PRECLEARANCE OF PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
A. |
Transactions in Securities on the Restricted List
|
1. |
From time to time, Access Persons may obtain material, non-public information or establish special or “insider” relationships with one or more issuers of securities (i.e., such Access Person may become an officer or director of an issuer, a member of a creditor committee that engages in material negotiations with an issuer, etc.) or the Adviser may enter into non-disclosure/confidentiality agreements with issuers of securities in which clients may invest. As a result of these and other circumstances, the Adviser maintains a Restricted List containing the names of issuers whose securities are not eligible for purchase or sale by Access Persons and/or Client Accounts. The Restricted List may also include issuers that have entered into an investment banking relationship with TSLP, the Adviser’s affiliated broker-dealer. The Compliance Officer is responsible for maintaining and updating the Restricted List and will advise the Trading Desk and all Portfolio Managers in writing when any issuer is added to or deleted from the Restricted List.
|
2. |
Absent the CCO’s approval, Access Persons are prohibited from trading, either personally or on behalf of Client Accounts, in any security of an issuer appearing on the Restricted List. In furtherance of this prohibition, the Head of Trading will place a “hold” in the Adviser’s portfolio order management system on any security included on the Restricted List.
|
B. |
Preclearance
|
1. |
Except as provided in sub-Section III.B.2 below, an Access Person may not, directly or indirectly, acquire or dispose of any security in which such person has (or by reason of such transaction acquires) beneficial ownership
unless
:
|
a) |
(i) such transaction has been reviewed and pre-cleared by the Compliance Officer or a designee using the Personal Trading Request module of Financial Tracking Technologies (“FTT”); (ii) if such transaction involves an option transaction, the transaction has been approved by the Adviser’s Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Operating Officer; and (iii) notification of the pre-clearance has been provided to the Trading Desk
prior to the execution of the trade
(emphasis added);
|
b) |
the pre-cleared transaction is completed within 48 hours of the approval of the pre-clearance, unless written approval has been granted by the CCO for an extended period of time; and
|
c) |
the Compliance Officer has not rescinded such pre-clearance prior to execution of the transaction.
|
2. |
Exceptions from Preclearance
|
a) |
purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control;
|
b) |
purchases or sales that are non-volitional on the part of the Access Person, including mergers, option assignments, recapitalizations or similar transactions;
|
c) |
purchases that are part of an Automatic Investment Plan;
|
d) |
purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer
pro rata
to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired;
|
e) |
purchases or sales of investment grade debt instruments valued at less than $500,000; and,
|
f) |
transactions in shares of registered investment companies, including Reportable Funds and exchange-traded funds.
|
C. |
Failure to Disclose Personal Interests in a Security
|
1. |
Within 10 days of commencement of employment with Tocqueville, an Access Person must disclose to the CCO, on the appropriate form, all holdings of securities (see Section V.A.).
|
2. |
An Access Person shall not cause or attempt to cause Client Accounts to acquire or dispose of any security in which the Access Person has any Beneficial Ownership (including any option, warrant or other right or interest relating to such security) unless the Access Person shall first disclose to the Compliance Officer all facts reasonably necessary to assure that any conflicts of interest relating to such security are resolved in a manner that is not disadvantageous to Client Accounts.
|
D. |
Depriving Client Accounts of Investment Opportunities
|
E. |
“Scalping” or “Front-Running”
|
· |
for personal gain, an Access Person uses knowledge of a future purchase of a security for a Client Account and buys the security or acquires direct or indirect ownership of the security before the Client Account buys the security; or
|
· |
for personal gain, an Access Person uses knowledge of a future sale of a security by a Client Account and sells the security for any account with respect to which the Access Person is the direct or indirect owner before the Client Account sells the security (e.g., the Access Person sells short a security based on knowledge of a future sale of the security by a Client Account).
|
F. |
Blackout Periods
|
G. |
Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”)
|
H. |
Private Investments or Placements
|
I. |
Margin Accounts
|
J. |
Day Trading Prohibition
|
IV. |
RESTRICTIONS ON OTHER ACTIVITIES
|
A. |
Outside Business Activity.
|
B. |
Political Contributions
|
V. |
COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
|
A. |
Disclosure of Personal Holdings
|
1. |
Initial Holdings Reports
. No later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person, the Access Person must submit to the CCO an initial holdings report using the Initial Holdings module of FTT containing the following information (which must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted) regarding the person’s securities holdings:
|
2. |
Annual Holdings Reports
. By February 14
th
each year, each Access Person must submit to the CCO an annual holdings report containing the following information (which must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report is submitted) using the Annual Holdings Report module of FTT:
|
3. |
Account Statements
. In addition to providing the Initial and Annual Holdings Reports described in Sections V.A.1 and V.A.2., an Access Person may submit to the Compliance Officer duplicate brokerage/custodian account statement(s) listing each security in which the Access Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership. Account statements submitted to the Compliance Officer must contain the information and otherwise meet the requirements of Initial and Annual Holdings Reports set forth in Sections V.A.1 and V.A.2, and the Access Person submitting the account statements must certify that the information in the account statements is accurate. For both reports, the information in the report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days before the report or statement is submitted to the CCO
.
|
4. |
Duplicate Statements.
If the Access Person has a brokerage account with TSLP or an “away” brokerage account where Compliance is receiving duplicate trading confirmations and account statements, the Access Person shall note “Duplicates Provided” on the holdings reports where appropriate.
NOTE: Compliance never receives such duplicates for investments in hedge funds or
private
placements.
|
B. |
Exceptions to Disclosure of Personal Holdings
|
C. |
Brokerage Accounts
|
D. |
Transaction Reporting
|
E. |
Review
|
F. |
Certification of Compliance
|
VI. |
SANCTIONS
|
VII. |
MISCELLANEOUS
|
A. |
Access Persons
|
B. |
Records
|
1. |
the Code that is, or at any time within the past five years has been, in effect shall be preserved in an easily accessible place;
|
2. |
any exception or violation of this Code and of any action taken as a result of such exception or violation shall be preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years following the end of the fiscal year in which the exception or violation occurs, the first two years in an appropriate office of Tocqueville;
|
3. |
written acknowledgements of the receipt of the Compliance Manual, including the Code and any amendments thereto, for each Access Person who is currently, or within the past five years was an Access Person;
|
4. |
report made pursuant to this Code and brokerage confirmations and statements submitted on behalf of Access Persons shall be preserved for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal year in which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in an appropriate office of Tocqueville;
|
5. |
a list of all persons who are required, or within the past five years have been required, to make reports under the Code or who are responsible for reviewing such reports pursuant to this Code shall be maintained in an easily accessible place;
|
6. |
personal trading requests and pre-clearance authorizations including any decision and supporting reasons for pre-clearing the acquisition of securities by an Access Person; and
|
7. |
a list of persons delegated responsibility for reviewing reports and a copy of reports provided pursuant to Section VII.E.
|
C. |
Confidentiality
|
D. |
ADV Disclosure
|
E. |
Code Approval and Reporting
|
F. |
Internal Reporting of Possible Misconduct
|
G. |
Waiver
|
(1) |
The disclosure is in response to a regulatory request and the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) of the mutual fund has authorized such disclosure;
|
(2) |
The disclosure is to a fund rating or statistical agency or person performing similar functions where there is a legitimate business purpose for such disclosure and such entity has signed a confidentiality or similar agreement, where available, with the mutual fund or its agents and the CCO of the mutual fund has authorized such disclosure (procedures to monitor the use of non-public information by these entities may include the use of (a) annual certifications reaffirming that the entity has utilized such information in accordance with the terms of the agreement between the entity and the mutual fund or its agents or (b) the conditioning of the receipt of such information upon the entity agreeing to maintain the confidentiality of the information, along with other representations, where such representations accompany the transmittal of the information);
|
(3) |
The disclosure is made to parties involved in the investment process, administration or custody of the mutual fund, including its board of trustees;
|
(4) |
The disclosure is in connection with (a) a quarterly, semi-annual or annual report that is available to the public or (b) other periodic disclosure that is publicly available; or
|
(5) |
The disclosure is made pursuant to prior written approval of the CCO of the mutual fund.
|