# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000809593
**File Stem:** 0001133228-26-002288
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 2356256
**Document Hash:** 8c23f26b848f8b6e9da678346f28e3a9
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001133228-26-002288.hdr.sgml**: 20260226

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001133228-26-002288

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 485BPOS

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 43

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260226

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260226

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260301

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000809593

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1031

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1940 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-04984
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26686080

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 220 EAST LAS COLINAS BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 1200
- **CITY:** IRVING
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 75039
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 8173916100

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 220 EAST LAS COLINAS BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 1200
- **CITY:** IRVING
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 75039

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN AADVANTAGE FUNDS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN EAGLE FUNDS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19890813
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000809593

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1031

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 485BPOS
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 033-11387
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26686079

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 220 EAST LAS COLINAS BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 1200
- **CITY:** IRVING
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 75039
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 8173916100

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 220 EAST LAS COLINAS BOULEVARD
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 1200
- **CITY:** IRVING
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 75039

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN AADVANTAGE FUNDS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** AMERICAN EAGLE FUNDS
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19890813

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### American Beacon Balanced Fund (Series ID: S000000718)

| Class ID   | Class Name     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000002089 | R5 Class       | AADBX           |
| C000002090 | Investor Class | AABPX           |
| C000004802 | Advisor Class  | ABLSX           |
| C000085576 | Y Class        | ACBYX           |
| C000089421 | A Class        | ABFAX           |
| C000092338 | C Class        | ABCCX           |

### American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund (Series ID: S000001091)

| Class ID   | Class Name     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000002969 | R5 Class       | AADEX           |
| C000002970 | Investor Class | AAGPX           |
| C000004803 | Advisor Class  | AVASX           |
| C000079122 | Y Class        | ABLYX           |
| C000089422 | A Class        | ALVAX           |
| C000092339 | C Class        | ALVCX           |
| C000185590 | R6 Class       | AALRX           |

### American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund (Series ID: S000001818)

| Class ID   | Class Name     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000004768 | R5 Class       | AVFIX           |
| C000004769 | Investor Class | AVPAX           |
| C000004770 | Advisor Class  | AASSX           |
| C000079123 | Y Class        | ABSYX           |
| C000089424 | A Class        | ABSAX           |
| C000092341 | C Class        | ASVCX           |
| C000180103 | R6 Class       | AASRX           |

### American Beacon International Equity Fund (Series ID: S000001825)

| Class ID   | Class Name     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000004784 | R5 Class       | AAIEX           |
| C000004785 | Investor Class | AAIPX           |
| C000004786 | Advisor Class  | AAISX           |
| C000079124 | Y Class        | ABEYX           |
| C000089428 | A Class        | AIEAX           |
| C000092345 | C Class        | AILCX           |
| C000185593 | R6 Class       | AAERX           |

### American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund (Series ID: S000053364)

| Class ID   | Class Name     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000167879 | R5 Class       | GHQIX           |
| C000167880 | Investor Class | GHQPX           |
| C000167881 | Y Class        | GHQYX           |
| C000211731 | R6 Class       | GHQRX           |

### American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund (Series ID: S000063601)

| Class ID   | Class Name     | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000206039 | R5 Class       | TOVIX           |
| C000206040 | Investor Class | TIVFX           |
| C000206041 | Y Class        | TOVYX           |

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? 2025-11-04ABFYE_10_31_PRO

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2026

1933 Act File No. 033-11387

1940 Act File No. 811-04984

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

Washington, D.C. 20549

**FORM N-1A**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 | ☒ |
| Pre-Effective Amendment No. | ☐ |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. 443 | ☒ |
| and/or |  |
| REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 | ☒ |
| Amendment No. 443 | ☒ |
| (Check appropriate box or boxes.) |  |

---

**AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (817) 391-6100

Gregory J. Stumm, President

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard

Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

With copies to:

Kathy K. Ingber, Esq.

K&L Gates LLP

1601 K Street, NW

Washington, D.C. 20006-1600

**It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)**

☐ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)

☒ on March 1, 2026 pursuant to paragraph (b)

☐ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

☐ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)

☐ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)

☐ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

**If appropriate, check the following box:**

☐ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.

---

| |
|:---|
| ![image](sa2716img001.jpg) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; American Beacon  |

---

**PROSPECTUS**

March 1, 2026

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** |
|  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **R6** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; American Beacon Balanced Fund  | ABFAX | ABCCX | ACBYX |  | ABLSX | AADBX | AABPX |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund  |  |  | GHQYX | GHQRX |  | GHQIX | GHQPX |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; American Beacon International Equity Fund  | AIEAX | AILCX | ABEYX | AAERX | AAISX | AAIEX | AAIPX |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund  | ALVAX | ALVCX | ABLYX | AALRX | AVASX | AADEX | AAGPX |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund  | ABSAX | ASVCX | ABSYX | AASRX | AASSX | AVFIX | AVPAX |

---

*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.

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Fund Summaries](#ref_chapter_2_2728)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [American Beacon Balanced Fund](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_1_104008_2728)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_1_104008_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_4_257305_2728)  | [9](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_4_257305_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [American Beacon International Equity Fund](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_7_104020_2728)  | [15](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_7_104020_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_10_104010_2728)  | [23](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_10_104010_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_13_104018_2728)  | [29](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_13_104018_2728)  |
| [Additional Information About the Funds](#ref_chapter_3_2728)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About Investment Policies and Strategies](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_1_21636_2728)  | [35](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_1_21636_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About the Management of the Funds](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_2_564172_2728)  | [35](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_2_564172_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About Investments](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_3_21637_2728)  | [36](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_3_21637_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About Risks](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_4_21638_2728)  | [40](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_4_21638_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About Performance Indices](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_5_21639_2728)  | [55](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_5_21639_2728)  |
| [Fund Management](#ref_chapter_4_2728)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [The Manager](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_1_21641_2728)  | [57](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_1_21641_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [The Sub-Advisors](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_2_21642_2728)  | [58](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_2_21642_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Valuation of Shares](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_3_21643_2728)  | [62](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_3_21643_2728)  |
| [About Your Investment](#ref_chapter_5_2728)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Choosing Your Share Class](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_1_21645_2728)  | [63](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_1_21645_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Purchase and Redemption of Shares](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_2_24707_2728)  | [66](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_2_24707_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [General Policies](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_3_21646_2728)  | [69](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_3_21646_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Frequent Trading and Market Timing](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_4_21647_2728)  | [70](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_4_21647_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Distributions and Taxes](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_5_21648_2728)  | [71](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_5_21648_2728)  |
| [Additional Information](#ref_chapter_6_2728)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Distribution and Service Plans](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_1_21650_2728)  | [72](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_1_21650_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Portfolio Holdings](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_2_21651_2728)  | [73](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_2_21651_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Delivery of Documents](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_3_21652_2728)  | [73](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_3_21652_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Financial Highlights](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_4_21653_2728)  | [73](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_4_21653_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; *Back Cover*  |  |
| [Appendix](#ref_chapter_8_2728)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Appendix A: Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information](#ref_chapter_8-sect1_1_258303_2728)  | [A-1](#ref_chapter_8-sect1_1_258303_2728)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Appendix B: Glossary](#ref_chapter_8-sect1_2_383468_2728)  | [B-1](#ref_chapter_8-sect1_2_383468_2728)  |

---

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| American Beacon<br>Balanced Fund<sup>SM</sup>  | ![image](sa2728img002.jpg) |

---

Investment Objectives

The Fund's investment objectives are income and capital appreciation.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage** **commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.** You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Choosing Your Share Class" on page 63 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares" on page 77 of the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in **Appendix A** to the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information."

**Shareholder Fees** (fees paid directly from your investment)

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.75% |  |  |  |  |  |
| Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) | 0.50%<sup>1</sup> | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  |
|  **Share Class**  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Management Fees | 0.52% | 0.52% | 0.52% | 0.52% | 0.52% | 0.52% |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 1.00% | 0.00% | 0.25% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.41% | 0.42% | 0.42% | 0.58% | 0.35% | 0.63% |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>2</sup>**  | **1.19%** | **1.95%** | **0.95%** | **1.36%** | **0.88%** | **1.16%** |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Currently, the Fund does not assess a front-end sales load on purchases of A Class shares of $1,000,000 or more. However, the Fund assesses a contingent deferred sales charge (''CDSC'') of 0.50% on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase. |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Fund's Financial Highlights table, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses. |

---

**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 and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase, if the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. This Example reflects your costs as though C Class shares were held for the full 10-year period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| A | $689  | $931  | $1192  | $1935  |
| C | $298  | $612  | $1052  | $2275  |
| Y | $97  | $303  | $525  | $1166  |
| Advisor | $138  | $431  | $745  | $1635  |
| R5 | $90  | $281  | $488  | $1084  |
| Investor | $118  | $368  | $638  | $1409  |

---

Assuming no redemption of shares:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| C | $198  | $612  | $1052  | $2275  |

---

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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 31% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, between 50% and 70% of the Fund's total assets are invested in equity securities and between 30% and 50% of the Fund's total assets are invested in debt securities.

The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**1**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

The Fund's equity investments may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, including convertible preferred securities, master limited partnerships ("MLPs"), real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), depositary receipts, which may include American depositary receipts ("ADRs") and global depositary receipts ("GDRs"), and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges (collectively referred to as "stocks"). The Fund's investments in stocks include dividend-paying stocks. The Fund principally invests in large-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies.

The Fund's sub-advisors select stocks that, in their opinion, have most or all of the following characteristics (relative to the S&P 500® Index):

■ above-average earnings growth potential,

■ below-average price to earnings ratio,

■ below-average price to book value ratio, and

■ above-average dividend yields.

Each of the Fund's sub-advisors determines the earnings growth prospects of companies based upon a combination of internal and external research using fundamental analysis and considering changing economic trends. The sub-advisors typically seek to invest in companies that they believe to be undervalued at the time of purchase. The decision to sell a stock is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks.

The Fund's debt securities may include: debentures; obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, including U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (some of which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government); corporate debt securities, such as notes and bonds; mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBSs"); asset-backed securities; and variable and floating rate securities, which pay interest at variable rates, certain of which are based on a lending rate.

The Fund will only buy debt securities that are deemed by the Manager or sub-advisors, as applicable, to be investment grade at the time of the purchase. If an investment held by the Fund is downgraded below investment grade, the Manager or sub-advisors, as applicable, will take action that they believe to be advantageous to the Fund. The Fund has no limitations regarding the duration of the debt securities it can buy.

In determining which debt securities to buy and sell, the Manager and the sub-advisors generally use either a "top-down" or "bottom-up" investment strategy, or a combination of both strategies. The top-down fixed income investment strategy is implemented as follows:

■ Develop an overall investment strategy, including a portfolio duration target, by examining the current trends in the U.S. economy.

■ Set desired portfolio duration structure by comparing the differences between corporate and U.S. Government securities of similar duration to judge their potential for optimal return in accordance with the target duration benchmark.

■ Determine the weightings of each security type by analyzing the difference in yield spreads between corporate and U.S. Government securities.

■ Select specific debt securities within each security type.

■ Review and monitor portfolio composition for changes in credit, risk-return profile and comparisons with benchmarks.

The bottom-up fixed income investment strategy is implemented as follows:

■ Search for eligible securities with a yield to maturity advantage versus a U.S. Government security with a similar duration.

■ Evaluate credit quality of the securities.

■ Perform an analysis of the expected price volatility of the securities to changes in interest rates by examining actual price volatility between U.S. Government and non-U.S. Government securities.

The Fund may invest cash balances in a government money market fund advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager receives a management fee. The Fund may also purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.

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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a "principal risk" of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

**Allocation Risk**

The allocations among strategies, asset classes and market exposures may be less than optimal and may adversely affect the Fund's performance. There can be no assurance, particularly during periods of market disruption and stress, that judgments about allocations will be correct. The Fund's allocations may be invested in strategies, asset classes and market exposures during a period when such strategies, asset classes and market exposures underperform.

**Asset-Backed Securities Risk**

Investments in asset-backed securities are influenced by factors affecting the assets underlying the securities, including the broader market sector and individual markets, such as the auto markets. These securities may be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Investments in asset-backed securities also are subject to risks of fixed-income securities, which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. A decline in the credit quality of the issuers of asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to the Fund. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying assets, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security's value.

**Asset Selection Risk**

Assets selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

**Convertible Securities Risk**

The value of a convertible security, including a convertible preferred security, typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock's price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock's price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are

**2** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in below investment grade debt securities (commonly known as "junk bonds"). Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. In addition, to the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by mid-capitalization companies, it will be subject to the market risks of investing in such companies. The stocks of mid-capitalization companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole and there may also be less trading in mid-capitalization stocks. Convertible securities are sensitive to movement in interest rates.

**Counterparty Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or a 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.

**Credit Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund's securities, could affect the Fund's performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk**

Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund, its service providers and third-party fund distribution platforms, including the ability of shareholders to transact in the Fund's shares, and result in financial losses. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. 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. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity and operational plans and systems of its service providers, its counterparties or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The issuers of the Fund's investments are likely to be dependent on computers for their operations and require ready access to their data and the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of the Fund's investments, leading to significant loss of value.

**Debentures Risk**

Debentures are unsecured debt securities. The holder of a debenture is protected only by the general creditworthiness of the issuer. The Fund may invest in both corporate and government debentures.

**Dividend Risk**

An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and, as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.

**Equity Investments Risk**

Equity securities represent ownership interests in companies and are subject to investment risk, issuer risk and market risk. In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Fund may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

■ Common Stock Risk. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

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

■ Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs") Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs' ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. The Fund's investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for the Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Internal Revenue Code").

■ Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs") Risk. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; regulatory limitations on rents and operating expenses; and other governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. REITs may not be diversified geographically or by property or tenant type. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free "pass-through" of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Internal Revenue Code"), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("Investment Company Act"). REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those incurred by the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund's investment in REITs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the REITs' operating expenses, in addition to paying Fund expenses. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.

■ U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Foreign (non-U.S.) companies that list their stocks on U.S. exchanges may be exempt from certain accounting and corporate governance standards that apply to U.S. companies that list on the same exchange. Performance of these stocks can be impacted by political and financial instability in the home country of a particular foreign company, and delisting of these stocks could impact the Fund's ability to transact in such securities and could significantly impact their liquidity and market price.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**3**

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**Foreign Exposure Risk**

Exposure to non-U.S. issuers carries potential risks not associated with exposure to U.S. issuers. Such risks may include, but are not limited to: (1) political and financial instability, (2) less liquidity, (3) greater volatility, and (4) different government regulation The Fund's exposure to a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country, including tariffs, trade disputes and sanctions. Global economic and financial markets have become increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility, terrorism, war and political instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.

**Futures Contracts Risk**

Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also 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. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract). Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. The Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:

• *Index Futures Contracts Risk.* Futures contracts on indices expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying index.

**Interest Rate Risk**

Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed-income securities, will move in the opposite direction as movements in interest rates. Factors including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation rates, and changes in general economic conditions may cause interest rates to rise, which could cause the value of the Fund's investments to decline. Interest rate increases, including significant or rapid increases, may result in a decline in the value of bonds held by the Fund, make issuers less willing or able to make principal and interest payments on fixed-income investments when due, lead to heightened volatility in the fixed-income markets and adversely affect the liquidity of certain fixed-income investments, any of which may result in substantial losses to the Fund. When interest rates decline, issuers may prepay higher-yielding securities held by the Fund, resulting in the Fund reinvesting in securities with lower yields, which may cause a decline in its income. Interest rate changes may have a more pronounced effect on the market value of fixed-rate instruments than on floating-rate instruments. The value of floating rate and variable securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. The prices of fixed-income securities are also affected by their durations. Fixed-income securities with longer durations generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates than those with shorter durations. Rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund's investments with longer durations and terms to maturity to decline, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund. For example, if a bond has a duration of six years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in a 6% decrease in the value of the bond. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund.

**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 that 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, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Many larger-capitalization companies also may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion.

**Liquidity Risk**

The Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability, be subject to restrictions on sale, be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices or become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse credit events that may affect issuers or guarantors of a security. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund's value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such instruments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund's ability to limit losses. The Fund could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to the Fund. The Fund may be required to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices to satisfy obligations, which may result in losses or may be costly to the Fund. For example, liquidity risk may be magnified in rising interest rate environments in the event of higher than normal redemption rates. Unexpected redemptions may force the Fund to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.

**Market Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund's performance. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Even when certain securities prices have generally increased over time, there have been periods of price decreases during those times, resulting in losses for investors, which are likely to occur again in the future.

Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters, and cybersecurity incidents, have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to general instability in world economies and markets and reduced liquidity in securities, which may negatively affect the value of your investment.

**4** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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Policies established by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and economic and political circumstances within the U.S. and abroad, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, recessions, changes in government leadership, a government's inability to agree on a budget, high public debt, the threat or occurrence of a federal government shutdown and threats or the occurrence of a failure to increase the federal government's debt limit, which could result in a default on the government's obligations, may negatively affect investor and consumer confidence and may negatively impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon public and proprietary data and systems. Data or technology malfunctions and inaccuracies may disrupt markets and lead to negative consequences for market participants like the Fund.

■ Recent Market Events Risk. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, during periods of significant volatility, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/ or markets may be changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time. Some countries, including the U.S. , have adopted more protectionist trade policies, including trade tariffs and other trade barriers, which is a trend that appears to be continuing globally. The economies of all nations, including the U.S. , are subject to the risks of slowing global economic growth, protectionist trade policies, inflationary pressures, limits imposed by international trade and security agreements, political or economic dysfunction, poor consumer sentiment, and reduced demand for goods due to fluctuating commodity prices and currency values, and these risks may create significant market volatility in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. These economic risks could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. The U.S. Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have started to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors could stop or reverse such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the various economic and political factors that influence the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Changes in interest rates could lead to an economic slowdown in the U.S. and abroad , significant market volatility and reduced liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and sanctions cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted. Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, which can occur relatively rapidly, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact issuer and market performance. As a consequence, the Fund's holdings and its overall performance could be negatively impacted . Global climate change may affect property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen . The impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions .

**Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since 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 sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities Risk**

Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are influenced by the factors affecting the mortgages underlying the securities or the housing market. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities also are subject to market risks for fixed-income securities, which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. A decline in the credit quality of the issuers of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to the Fund. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security's value.

■ Collateralized Mortgage Obligation ("CMOs") Risk . CMOs may offer a higher yield than U.S. government securities, but they may also be subject to greater price fluctuation and credit risk. In addition, CMOs typically will be issued in a variety of classes or series, which have different maturities and are retired in sequence. In the event of a default by an issuer of a CMO, there is no assurance that the collateral securing such CMO will be sufficient to pay principal and interest. It is possible that there will be limited opportunities for trading CMOs in the OTC market, the depth and liquidity of which will vary from time to time.

■ Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ("CMBS") Risk. CMBS reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of borrowers to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. CMBS may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgages, particularly during periods of economic downturn. CMBS are subject to a greater degree of prepayment and extension risk than many other forms of fixed-income securities, and CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of CMBS.

**Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk**

The Manager may allocate the Fund's assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund's assets. To a significant extent, the Fund's performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund's assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors' investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.

**Other Investment Companies Risk**

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. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

■ Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**5**

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**Preferred Stock Risk**

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. In certain situations, an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer's financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities.

**Prepayment and Extension Risk**

Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a bond or other fixed-income security or investment might, in the case of prepayment risk, be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity and, in the case of extension risk, that the investment might not be prepaid as expected. Due to a decline in interest rates or excess cash flow into the issuer, a debt security may be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment. The Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in another investment at a lower rate, may not benefit from an increase in value that may result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security, any of which could result in a reduced yield to the Fund. The rate of prepayments tends to increase as interest rates fall, which could cause the average maturity of the portfolio to shorten. Conversely, extension risk is the risk that a decrease in prepayments may, as a result of higher interest rates or other factors, result in the extension of a security's effective maturity, increase the risk of default or delayed payment, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in an investment's price. In addition, as a consequence of a decrease in prepayments, the amount of principal available to the Fund for investment would be reduced. Extensions of obligations could cause the Fund to exhibit additional volatility and hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest. Either case could hurt the Fund's performance.

**Redemption Risk**

The Fund may experience periods of high levels of redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund's performance. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. A rise in interest rates or other market developments may cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs.

**Secured, Partially Secured and Unsecured Obligation Risk**

Debt obligations may be secured, partially secured or unsecured. Interests in secured and partially-secured obligations have the benefit of collateral and, typically, of restrictive covenants limiting the ability of the borrower to further encumber its assets. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured or partially-secured obligation would satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Furthermore, there is a risk that the value of any collateral securing an obligation in which the Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the obligation. In the event the borrower defaults, the Fund's access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Unsecured debt, including senior unsecured and subordinated debt, will not be secured by any collateral and will be effectively subordinated to a borrower's secured indebtedness (to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness). With respect to unsecured obligations, the Fund lacks any collateral on which to foreclose to satisfy its claim in whole or in part. Such instruments generally have greater price volatility than that of fully secured holdings and may be less liquid.

**Securities Lending Risk**

To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund's payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; (ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; (iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and (iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.

**Securities Selection Risk**

Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to its performance index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

**U.S. Government Securities and Government-Sponsored Enterprises Risk**

A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of coupons and the face value at maturity, not its current market price. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Certain securities held by the Fund that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (''Fannie Mae''), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (''Freddie Mac''), Federal Home Loan Bank (''FHLB''), and Federal Farm Credit Bank ("FFCB"), are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support if these organizations do not have the funds to meet future payment obligations. U.S. government securities and securities of government-sponsored enterprises are also subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk. The rising U.S. national debt may lead to adverse impacts on the value of U.S. government securities due to potentially higher costs for the U.S. government to obtain new financing. It is possible that the U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

**Value Stocks Risk**

Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. 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.

**Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk**

The coupons on variable and floating-rate securities are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate security has a coupon that is adjusted at pre-designated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the coupon is based. The coupon on a floating rate security is generally based on an interest rate, such as a money-market index, Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), or a Treasury bill rate. Variable and floating rate securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. As short-term interest rates decline, the coupons on variable and floating-rate securities typically decrease. Alternatively, during periods of rising short-term interest rates, the coupons on variable and floating-rate securities typically increase. Changes in the coupons of variable and floating-rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of variable and floating-rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates

**6** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline. Certain types of variable and floating rate instruments may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.

Fund Performance

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund's performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund's performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns compare to two broad-based securities market indices, as well as an additional market index and a composite index with characteristics that are similar to those of the Fund, for the periods indicated.

The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund's Investor Class shares for all periods. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase, if the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. In the table below, the performance for C Class shares reflects the performance as though C Class shares were held for the full 10-year period.

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.

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|:---|:---|
| **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  | **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  |
| ![image](sa2728img003.jpg)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Highest Quarterly Return:**<br>**15.36%** 4th Quarter 2020<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025<br> **Lowest Quarterly Return:**<br>**-19.59%** 1st Quarter 2020<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025 |

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**Average annual total returns** for periods ended December 31, 2025

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Investor Class** | **08/01/1994**  |  |  |  |
| Returns Before Taxes |  | 11.25% | 8.04% | 8.21% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions |  | 8.17% | 5.45% | 5.71% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares |  | 8.13% | 5.76% | 5.95% |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Share Class** (Before Taxes) |  |  |  |  |
| A | 05/17/2010  | 4.91% | 6.75% | 7.55% |
| C | 09/01/2010  | 9.47% | 7.21% | 7.38% |
| Y | 03/01/2010  | 11.54% | 8.28% | 8.47% |
| Advisor | 05/31/2005  | 11.07% | 7.87% | 8.02% |
| R5 | 07/17/1987  | 11.60% | 8.37% | 8.54% |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |  |  |  |
| Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 7.30% | -0.36% | 2.01% |
| S&P 500® Index TR | 17.88% | 14.42% | 14.82% |
| Russell 1000® Value Index | 15.91% | 11.33% | 10.53% |
| Balanced Composite Index (40% Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index/60% Russell 1000® Value Index) | 12.48% | 6.69% | 7.32% |

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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 of the Fund; 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-Advisors**

The Fund's assets are currently allocated among the Manager and the following investment sub-advisors:

■ Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

■ Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**7**

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Portfolio Managers

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **Paul B. Cavazos**<br>Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer<br>Since 2016<br> **Kirk L. Brown** **\***<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2016<br> **Robyn A. Serrano**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2026 | **Samuel Silver**<br>Vice President, Chief Fixed Income Officer<br>Since 2014<br> **Erin Higginbotham**<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2011<br> **Patrick Sporl**<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2026 |
| **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Mark Giambrone**<br>Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director<br>Since 2015<br> **J. Scott McDonald**<br>Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director<br>Co-Head of Fixed Income<br>Since 1998<br> **Justin Martin**<br>Portfolio Manager/Director<br>Since 2021 | **Deborah A. Petruzzelli**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since 2003<br> **Matthew Routh**<br>Portfolio Manager/Director<br>Since 2021 |
| **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **George Davis**<br>Principal, Portfolio Manager, and Executive Chairman<br>Since 1989<br> **Scott McBride**<br>Portfolio Manager and Chief Executive Officer<br>Since 2004 | **Doug Campbell**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2024<br> **Patricia McKenna** **\*\***<br>Principal and Portfolio Manager<br>Since 1995 |

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\* Mr. Brown is expected to retire effective August 31, 2026. Therefore, effective August 31, 2026, all references to Mr. Brown in this Prospectus are deleted.

\*\* Ms. McKenna is expected to retire effective August 1, 2026. Therefore, effective August 1, 2026, all references to Ms. McKenna in this Prospectus are deleted.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open, at the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see "About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares." Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Internet** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** |
| **Phone** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** |
| **Mail** | **American Beacon Funds**<br> **P.O. Box 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64121-9643** | **Overnight Delivery:**<br> **American Beacon Funds**<br> **801 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64105-1307** |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| C | $1000 | $50 | $250 |
| A, Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Advisor | $2500 | $50 |  |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |

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Tax Information

Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive as a result of your investment in 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 individual retirement account ("IRA") or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).

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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

**8** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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|:---|:---|
| American Beacon<br>Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund<sup>SM</sup>  | ![image](sa2728img002.jpg) |

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Investment Objective

The Fund's investment objective is high current income consistent with preservation of capital.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage** **commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below**. More information is available from your financial professional and in "Choosing Your Share Class" on page 63 of the Prospectus.

**Shareholder Fees** (fees paid directly from your investment)

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **Y** | **R6** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |  |  |  |  |
| Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) |  |  |  |  |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  |
|  **Share Class**  | **Y** | **R6** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Management Fees | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.24% | 0.12% | 0.15% | 0.53% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **0.79%** | **0.67%** | **0.70%** | **1.08%** |
| Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement<sup>1</sup>  | (0.28%) | (0.26%) | (0.25%) | (0.25%) |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement** | **0.51%** | **0.41%** | **0.45%** | **0.83%** |

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|:---|:---|
| 1 | American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the "Manager") has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund's Y Class, R6 Class, R5 Class, and Investor Class shares through February 28, 2027 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 0.51% for the Y Class, 0.41% for the R6 Class, 0.45% for the R5 Class, and 0.83% 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 ("Board"). The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager's waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the 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 the recoupment. |

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**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 and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, except that the Example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for each share class through February 28, 2027. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| Y | $52  | $224  | $411  | $952  |
| R6 | $42  | $188  | $347  | $810  |
| R5 | $46  | $199  | $365  | $847  |
| Investor | $85  | $319  | $571  | $1295  |

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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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 33% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investment grade bonds. For purposes of the 80% policy, investment grade bonds include other investment grade debt securities. The Fund considers investment grade debt securities to be debt securities that are rated A-/A3 or better by S&P Global Ratings ("S&P"), Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Fitch Ratings Inc. ("Fitch").

The types of investment grade debt securities that the Fund invests in primarily include obligations of the U.S. Government (such as U.S. Treasuries), its agencies and instrumentalities, including U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises (some of which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government), corporate bonds, debentures, and mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities, including mortgage pass-through securities. These types of obligations may have fixed-rate or floating-rate coupons (or variable rate coupons), which pay interest at variable rates based on a lending rate, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), and are commonly referred to as fixed income securities or bonds. If an investment held by the Fund is downgraded below investment grade, the sub-advisor may sell the security or request the Manager's permission to continue to hold the security.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**9**

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In selecting investment grade debt securities within the corporate sector, the sub-advisor first focuses on the largest U.S. issuers and companies rated A-/A3 or better by at least two rating agencies. The sub-advisor then utilizes screens to identify issuers that carry high levels of unquantifiable risk that could have a financial impact on the issuers, which includes risks associated with environmental, social, and/or governance ("ESG") considerations. This includes, but is not limited to, risks associated with foreign companies, Yankee bonds, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and defense contractors. Issuers identified as having a higher risk profile during this stage are either excluded from further consideration or subject to further evaluation to determine their inclusion in the investable universe. The sub-advisor then utilizes research and/or rankings provided by one or more third parties to analyze and scale the remaining issuers based on the sustainability of their operations and their consideration of ESG principles as an integrated part of the sub-advisor's evaluation and investment process. These investment considerations are not solely determinative in any investment decision. Thereafter, if the sub-advisor deems securities to be comparable from an investment perspective, the sub-advisor generally expects to select for the Fund's portfolio the securities with the highest ranking consistent with the sub-advisor's proprietary scale methodology.

Under normal circumstances, the Fund seeks to maintain a weighted-average duration that is 10% above or below the Fund's benchmark, with a maximum duration range of above or below 25% for extreme market conditions. The Fund uses the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index ("Benchmark"). As of December 31, 2025, the Benchmark's duration was 6.0 years, which means that the Fund's duration would have been expected to range from approximately 5.4 years to approximately 6.6 years at that time under normal circumstances, and in extreme market conditions, to range from approximately 4.5 years to approximately 7.5 years at that time. The Benchmark's duration is expected to change over time and could be higher or lower at a future date, and the Fund's duration may change accordingly. Duration is an indicator of a bond's price sensitivity to a change in interest rates. For example, a duration of eight years means that a security's price would be expected to decrease by approximately 8% with a 1% increase in interest rates. The Fund may invest in securities of any maturity, but typically invests in securities with maximum maturities of up to 30 years.

The sub-advisor follows a fixed income investment strategy that focuses on high current income, given its outlook for interest rates, and the preservation of capital. In selecting securities for the Fund, the sub-advisor employs a top-down approach, which includes a broad fundamental analysis of the current fixed income markets, including duration, the yield curve, and the performance of market sectors. Through this analysis, the sub-advisor creates defined parameters for the selection of investments for the Fund's portfolio and implements a proprietary investment process comprised of qualitative and quantitative components.

The Fund may have a focused portfolio of fewer companies than other diversified funds. The Fund may invest cash balances in a government money market fund advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager receives a management fee.

Principal Risks

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective and you could lose part or all of your investment in the Fund. 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a "principal risk" of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

**Callable Securities Risk**

The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, the Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, and the proceeds received by the Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates and may not benefit from any increase in value that might otherwise result from declining interest rates.

**Counterparty Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker, 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.

**Credit Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund's securities, could affect the Fund's performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk**

Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund, its service providers and third-party fund distribution platforms, including the ability of shareholders to transact in the Fund's shares, and result in financial losses. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. 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. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity and operational plans and systems of its service providers, its counterparties or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The issuers of the Fund's investments are likely to be dependent on computers for their operations and require ready access to their data and the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of the Fund's investments, leading to significant loss of value.

**Debentures Risk**

Debentures are unsecured debt securities. The holder of a debenture is protected only by the general creditworthiness of the issuer. The Fund may invest in both corporate and government debentures.

**Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk**

The use of environmental, social, and/or governance ("ESG") considerations by the sub-advisor may cause the Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in the Fund. The Fund may choose not to, or may not be able to, take advantage of certain investment opportunities due to these considerations, which may adversely affect investment performance. The Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations or incorporate different ESG considerations. Although the sub-advisor has established its own process to oversee ESG integration in accordance with the Fund's strategies, successful integration of ESG factors will depend on the sub-advisor's skill in researching, identifying, and applying these factors, as well as on the availability of relevant data. The sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing this analysis

**10** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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and considering ESG risks. The regulatory landscape with respect to ESG investing in the United States is evolving and any future rules or regulations may require the Fund to change its investment process with respect to the integration of ESG factors.

**Focused Holdings Risk**

Because the Fund may have a focused portfolio of fewer companies than other diversified funds, the increase or decrease of the value of a single investment may have a greater impact on the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") and total return when compared to other diversified funds.

**Interest Rate Risk**

Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed-income securities, will move in the opposite direction as movements in interest rates. Factors including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation rates, and changes in general economic conditions may cause interest rates to rise, which could cause the value of the Fund's investments to decline. Interest rate increases, including significant or rapid increases, may result in a decline in the value of bonds held by the Fund, make issuers less willing or able to make principal and interest payments on fixed-income investments when due, lead to heightened volatility in the fixed-income markets and adversely affect the liquidity of certain fixed-income investments, any of which may result in substantial losses to the Fund. When interest rates decline, issuers may prepay higher-yielding securities held by the Fund, resulting in the Fund reinvesting in securities with lower yields, which may cause a decline in its income. The prices of fixed-income securities are also affected by their durations. Fixed-income securities with longer durations generally have greater sensitivity to changes in interest rates than those with shorter durations. Rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund's investments with longer durations and terms to maturity to decline, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund. For example, if a bond has a duration of eight years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in an 8% decrease in the value of the bond. Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of fixed income securities and instruments held by the Fund.

**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 that 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.

**Liquidity Risk**

The Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by the Fund may have limited marketability, be subject to restrictions on sale, be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices or become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse credit events that may affect issuers or guarantors of a security. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect the Fund's value or prevent the Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. Market prices for such instruments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect the Fund's ability to limit losses. The Fund could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to the Fund. The Fund may be required to dispose of investments at unfavorable times or prices to satisfy obligations, which may result in losses or may be costly to the Fund. For example, liquidity risk may be magnified in rising interest rate environments in the event of higher than normal redemption rates. Unexpected redemptions may force the Fund to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.

**Market Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund's performance. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Even when certain securities prices have generally increased over time, there have been periods of price decreases during those times, resulting in losses for investors, which are likely to occur again in the future.

Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters, and cybersecurity incidents, have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to general instability in world economies and markets and reduced liquidity in securities, which may negatively affect the value of your investment.

Policies established by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and economic and political circumstances within the U.S. and abroad, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, recessions, changes in government leadership, a government's inability to agree on a budget, high public debt, the threat or occurrence of a federal government shutdown and threats or the occurrence of a failure to increase the federal government's debt limit, which could result in a default on the government's obligations, may negatively affect investor and consumer confidence and may negatively impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon public and proprietary data and systems. Data or technology malfunctions and inaccuracies may disrupt markets and lead to negative consequences for market participants like the Fund.

■ Recent Market Events Risk. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, during periods of significant volatility, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/ or markets may be changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time. Some countries, including the U.S. , have adopted more protectionist trade policies, including trade tariffs and other trade barriers, which is a trend that appears to be continuing globally. The economies of all nations, including the U.S. , are subject to the risks of slowing global economic growth, protectionist trade policies, inflationary pressures, limits imposed by international trade and security agreements, political or economic dysfunction, poor consumer sentiment, and reduced demand for goods due to fluctuating commodity prices and currency values, and these risks may create significant market volatility in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. These economic risks could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. The U.S. Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have started to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors could stop or reverse such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the various economic and political factors that influence the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Changes in interest rates could lead to an economic slowdown in the U.S. and abroad , significant market volatility and reduced liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and sanctions cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**11**

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and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted. <br>Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, which can occur relatively rapidly, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact issuer and market performance. As a consequence, the Fund's holdings and its overall performance could be negatively impacted.<br>Global climate change may affect property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.<br>

**Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities Risk**

Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are influenced by the factors affecting the mortgages underlying the securities or the housing market. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities also are subject to market risks for fixed-income securities, which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. A decline in the credit quality of the issuers of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to the Fund. These securities are also subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security's value.

■ Mortgage Pass-Through Securities Risk. Mortgage pass-through securities provide for the "pass through" of the monthly payments made by individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees by the security issuer and guarantor, as applicable, to the holder of the security. Mortgage pass-through securities are sensitive to interest rate changes, and small movements in interest rates, both increases and decreases, may quickly and significantly affect the value of certain mortgage pass-through securities. Mortgage pass-through securities involve interest rate risk, credit risk, prepayment risk and extension risk.

**Other Investment Companies Risk**

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. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

■ Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk.

**Prepayment and Extension Risk**

Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a bond or other fixed-income security or investment might, in the case of prepayment risk, be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity and, in the case of extension risk, that the investment might not be prepaid as expected. Due to a decline in interest rates or excess cash flow into the issuer, a debt security may be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment. The Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds in another investment at a lower rate, may not benefit from an increase in value that may result from declining interest rates, and may lose any premium it paid to acquire the security, any of which could result in a reduced yield to the Fund. The rate of prepayments tends to increase as interest rates fall, which could cause the average maturity of the portfolio to shorten. Conversely, extension risk is the risk that a decrease in prepayments may, as a result of higher interest rates or other factors, result in the extension of a security's effective maturity, increase the risk of default or delayed payment, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in an investment's price. In addition, as a consequence of a decrease in prepayments, the amount of principal available to the Fund for investment would be reduced. Extensions of obligations could cause the Fund to exhibit additional volatility and hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest. Either case could hurt the Fund's performance.

**Redemption Risk**

The Fund may experience periods of high levels of redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund's performance. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. A rise in interest rates or other market developments may cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs.

**Secured, Partially Secured and Unsecured Obligation Risk**

Debt obligations may be secured, partially secured or unsecured. Interests in secured and partially-secured obligations have the benefit of collateral and, typically, of restrictive covenants limiting the ability of the borrower to further encumber its assets. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured or partially-secured obligation would satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Furthermore, there is a risk that the value of any collateral securing an obligation in which the Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the obligation. In the event the borrower defaults, the Fund's access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. Unsecured debt, including senior unsecured and subordinated debt, will not be secured by any collateral and will be effectively subordinated to a borrower's secured indebtedness (to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness). With respect to unsecured obligations, the Fund lacks any collateral on which to foreclose to satisfy its claim in whole or in part. Such instruments generally have greater price volatility than that of fully secured holdings and may be less liquid.

**Securities Selection Risk**

Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to its performance index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

**U.S. Government Securities and Government-Sponsored Enterprises Risk**

A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of coupons and the face value at maturity, not its current market price. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Certain securities held by the Fund that are issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (''Fannie Mae''), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (''Freddie Mac''), Federal Home Loan Bank (''FHLB''), and Federal Farm Credit Bank ("FFCB"), are not guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support if these organizations do not have the funds to meet future payment obligations. U.S. government securities and securities of government-sponsored enterprises are also subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk. The rising U.S. national debt may lead to adverse impacts on the value of U.S. government

**12** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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securities due to potentially higher costs for the U.S. government to obtain new financing. It is possible that the U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises will not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

**Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk**

The coupons on variable and floating-rate securities are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. A variable rate security has a coupon that is adjusted at pre-designated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the coupon is based. The coupon on a floating rate security is generally based on an interest rate, such as a money-market index, Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), or a Treasury bill rate. Variable and floating rate securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. As short-term interest rates decline, the coupons on variable and floating-rate securities typically decrease. Alternatively, during periods of rising short-term interest rates, the coupons on variable and floating-rate securities typically increase. Changes in the coupons of variable and floating-rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of variable and floating-rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate securities will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline. Certain types of variable and floating rate instruments may be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.

Fund Performance

The bar chart and table below provide an indication of risk by showing changes in the Fund's performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund's performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns compare to a broad-based securities market index for the periods indicated.

The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund's Investor Class shares for all periods. In the table below, for the period prior to February 28, 2019, the performance of the R6 Class shares reflects the returns of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, as reflected in the table in the "Fees and Expenses of the Fund" section of this Fund Summary, the expenses of the R5 Class shares differ from those of the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. To the extent that the R5 Class shares may have had lower expenses than the R6 Class shares prior to February 28, 2019, the performance of the R5 Class shares would likely have been higher than the performance the R6 Class shares would have realized during the same period. The performance of the R6 Class shares shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R6 Class shares and R5 Class shares.

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.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  | **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  |
| ![image](sa2728img004.jpg)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Highest Quarterly Return:**<br>**8.18%** 4th Quarter 2023<br>01/01/2017 through 12/31/2025<br> **Lowest Quarterly Return:**<br>**-5.80%** 3rd Quarter 2022<br>01/01/2017 through 12/31/2025 |

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**Average annual total returns** for periods ended December 31, 2025

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **Since** **Inception** **(04/04/2016)** |
| **Investor Class** | **04/04/2016**  |  |  |  |
| Returns Before Taxes |  | 7.35% | -0.25% | 0.89% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions |  | 5.84% | -1.35% | -0.02% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares |  | 4.33% | -0.66% | 0.30% |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **Since** **Inception** **(04/04/2016)** |
| **Share Class** (Before Taxes) |  |  |  |  |
| Y | 04/04/2016  | 7.71% | -0.02% | 1.15% |
| R6 | 02/28/2019  | 9.41% | 0.37% | 1.41% |
| R5 | 04/04/2016  | 7.76% | 0.08% | 1.25% |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **Since** **Inception** **(04/04/2016)** |
| **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |  |  |  |
| Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index | 7.30% | -0.36% | 1.74% |

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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

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**13**

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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 of the Fund; 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 Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.

Portfolio Managers

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** | **Gilbert Andrew Garcia, CFA**<br>Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer<br>Since Fund Inception (2016)<br> **Karen H. Tass, CFA (MBA)**<br>Partner, Co-Deputy CIO<br>Since 2024 | **Jeffrey D. Detwiler, CFA (MS)**<br>Partner, Co-Deputy CIO<br>Since 2024<br> **Benjamin D. Monkiewicz**<br>Partner, Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2025 |

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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open, at the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see "About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares." Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Internet** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** |
| **Phone** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** |
| **Mail** | **American Beacon Funds**<br> **P.O. Box 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64121-9643** | **Overnight Delivery:**<br> **American Beacon Funds**<br> **801 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64105-1307** |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |
| R6 |  | $50 |  |

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Tax Information

Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive as a result of your investment in 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 individual retirement account ("IRA") or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).

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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

**14** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| American Beacon<br>International Equity Fund<sup>SM</sup>  | ![image](sa2728img002.jpg) |

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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, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage** **commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.** You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Choosing Your Share Class" on page 63 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares" on page 77 of the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in **Appendix A** to the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information."

**Shareholder Fees** (fees paid directly from your investment)

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **R6** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) | 0.50%<sup>1</sup> | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  |
|  **Share Class**  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **R6** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Management Fees | 0.62% | 0.62% | 0.62% | 0.62% | 0.62% | 0.62% | 0.62% |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 1.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.25% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses<sup>2</sup>  | 0.35% | 0.39% | 0.24% | 0.17% | 0.40% | 0.17% | 0.49% |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>3</sup>**  | **1.23%** | **2.02%** | **0.87%** | **0.80%** | **1.28%** | **0.80%** | **1.12%** |
| Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement<sup>4</sup>  | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | (0.10%) | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee** **waiver and/or expense reimbursement** | **1.23%** | **2.02%** | **0.87%** | **0.70%** | **1.28%** | **0.80%** | **1.12%** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Currently, the Fund does not assess a front-end sales load on purchases of A Class shares of $1,000,000 or more. However, the Fund assesses a contingent deferred sales charge (''CDSC'') of 0.50% on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the Fund paid amounts to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the "Manager") that were previously waived and/or reimbursed under a contractual fee waiver/expense reimbursement agreement for the Fund's R6 Class shares in the amount of 0.01%. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 3 | The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Fund's Financial Highlights table, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 4 | The Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund's R6 Class shares, through February 28, 2027, to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 0.69% for the R6 Class shares (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 ("Board"). The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager's waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the 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 the recoupment. |

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**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 and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, except that the Example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for the R6 Class shares through February 28, 2027. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase, if the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. This Example reflects your costs as though C Class shares were held for the full 10-year period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| A | $693  | $943  | $1212  | $1978  |
| C | $305  | $634  | $1088  | $2348  |
| Y | $89  | $278  | $482  | $1073  |
| R6 | $72  | $245  | $434  | $981  |
| Advisor | $130  | $406  | $702  | $1545  |
| R5 | $82  | $255  | $444  | $990  |
| Investor | $114  | $356  | $617  | $1363  |

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**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**15**

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Assuming no redemption of shares:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| C | $205  | $634  | $1088  | $2348  |

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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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 49% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks (collectively, "stocks") of issuers based in at least three different countries located outside the United States.

The Fund considers a company to be based in a country located outside the United States if the company is classified by MSCI Inc. as a non-United States company. For companies that have not been classified by MSCI Inc., the sub-advisors may consider a company to be based outside the United States if:

■ the company's security is primarily listed for trading in a non-United States market;

■ the company is headquartered in a non-United States country; or

■ the company has at least half of its assets or derives at least half of its revenues outside the United States.

The Fund primarily invests in countries represented in the MSCI® EAFE Index. The MSCI EAFE Index is designed to represent the performance of large- and mid-capitalization securities across 21 developed markets countries, including countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excluding the U.S. and Canada. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. Companies included in the MSCI EAFE Index are selected from among the larger capitalization companies in these markets. The Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forward contracts ("NDFs"), and currency swaps as a hedge against foreign currency fluctuations.

The Fund principally invests in large-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies, and to a lesser extent in small-capitalization companies. The Fund's investments in stocks may include depositary receipts, which may include American depositary receipts ("ADRs"), and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk.

The sub-advisors select stocks that, in their opinion, have most or all of the following characteristics (relative to that stock's country, sector or industry):

■ above-average return on equity or earnings growth potential,

■ below-average price to earnings or price to cash flow ratio,

■ below-average price to book value ratio, and

■ above-average dividend yields.

The sub-advisors may consider potential changes in currency exchange rates when choosing stocks. Each of the sub-advisors determines the earnings growth prospects of companies based upon a combination of internal and external research using fundamental analysis and considering changing economic trends. The decision to sell a stock is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks. The Fund may have significant exposure to issuers located in, or with economic ties to, Europe and the United Kingdom. However, as the geographic composition of the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to Europe and/or the United Kingdom may decline, and the Fund's exposure to other geographic areas may increase.

The Fund may invest cash balances in a government money market fund advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager receives a management fee. The Fund also may purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.

Principal Risks

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective 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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a "principal risk" of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

**Convertible Securities Risk**

The value of a convertible security typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks when the underlying stock's price is high relative to the conversion price and is subject to the market risks of debt securities when the underlying stock's price is low relative to the conversion price. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade and are subject to the same risks as an investment in below investment grade debt securities (commonly known as "junk bonds"). Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. Convertible securities are subject to the risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. In addition, to the extent the Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-capitalization companies, it will be subject to the market risks of investing in such companies. The stocks of small- and mid-capitalization companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole and there may also be less trading in small- or mid-capitalization stocks. Convertible securities are sensitive to movement in interest rates.

**Counterparty Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that a party or participant to a transaction, such as a broker or a 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.

**16** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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**Credit Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, or a downgrade or default affecting any of the Fund's securities, could affect the Fund's performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.

**Currency Risk**

The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, may be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, and may be affected by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Foreign currencies may also decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund's investments.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk**

Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund, its service providers and third-party fund distribution platforms, including the ability of shareholders to transact in the Fund's shares, and result in financial losses. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. 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. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity and operational plans and systems of its service providers, its counterparties or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The issuers of the Fund's investments are likely to be dependent on computers for their operations and require ready access to their data and the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of the Fund's investments, leading to significant loss of value.

**Derivatives Risk**

Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those derivatives, including the high degree of leverage often embedded in such instruments, and potential material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. The use of derivatives may also increase any adverse effects resulting from the underperformance of strategies, asset classes and market exposures to which the Fund has allocated its assets. Derivatives may at times be highly illiquid, and the Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Certain derivatives may be difficult to value, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil. Derivatives may also be more volatile than other types of investments. Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty risk and credit risk. As a result, the Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Derivatives transactions requiring the Fund to post collateral may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. The Fund may buy or sell derivatives not traded on an exchange, which may be subject to heightened counterparty, liquidity and valuation risks. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that the Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Ongoing changes to the regulation of derivatives and changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit the Fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation of derivatives may make them more costly, or may otherwise adversely affect their liquidity, value or performance. In addition, the Fund's investments in derivatives are subject to the following risks:

■ Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk. Foreign currency forward contracts, including non-deliverable forwards ("NDFs"), are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of foreign currency at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract and include the risks associated with fluctuations in currency. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. Not all forward contracts, including NDFs, require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose the Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. The use of foreign currency forward contracts may expose the Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the foreign currency forward contract. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed.

■ Futures Contracts Risk. Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks, such as liquidity risk and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also 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. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract). The Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:

• *Foreign Currency Futures Contracts Risk.* Foreign currency futures contracts expose the Fund to risks associated with fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies. Foreign currency futures contracts are similar to foreign currency forward contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and may have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. The Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts for the same purposes as foreign currency forward contracts, subject to Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") regulations.

• *Index Futures Contracts Risk.* Futures contracts on indices expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying index.

■ Swap Agreements Risk. Swap agreements or "swaps" are transactions in which the Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates or the performance of specified securities, indices or other assets based on a specified amount (the "notional" amount). Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leverage risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, the Fund is subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, the occurrence of unexpected price movements or the non-occurrence of expected price movements. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Swaps may be subject to liquidity risk and counterparty risk, and swaps that are traded over-the-counter are not subject to standardized clearing requirements and may involve greater liquidity and counterparty risks. The Fund may invest in the following types of swaps:

• *Currency Swaps Risk.* Currency swaps may also be subject to currency risk.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**17**

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**Dividend Risk**

An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and, as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.

**Equity Investments Risk**

Equity securities represent ownership interests in companies and are subject to investment risk, issuer risk and market risk. In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Fund may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

■ Common Stock Risk. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

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

■ U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Foreign (non-U.S.) companies that list their stocks on U.S. exchanges may be exempt from certain accounting and corporate governance standards that apply to U.S. companies that list on the same exchange. Performance of these stocks can be impacted by political and financial instability in the home country of a particular foreign company, and delisting of these stocks could impact the Fund's ability to transact in such securities and could significantly impact their liquidity and market price.

**Foreign Investing Risk**

Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments. Such risks may 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, recordkeeping and financial reporting standards, (5) greater volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays or failures in transaction payment and settlement in some foreign markets. Additionally, trading in foreign markets generally involves higher transaction costs than trading in U.S. markets. The Fund's investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country, including tariffs, trade disputes and sanctions. Global economic and financial markets have become increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility, terrorism, war and political instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.

**Geographic Concentration Risk**

From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region, which could increase the risk that economic, market, political, business, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on the Fund's performance. Investing in such a manner could cause the Fund's performance to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diverse funds. A decline in the economies or financial markets of one country or region may adversely affect the economies or financial markets of another.

■ European Securities Risk. The Fund's performance may be affected by political, social and economic conditions in Europe, such as growth of economic output (the gross national product of the countries in the region), the rate of inflation, the rate at which capital is reinvested into European economies, the success of governmental actions to reduce budget deficits, the resource self-sufficiency of European countries, the monetary exchange rates between European countries, and conflict between European countries. The European financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns; rising government debt levels and the possible default on government debt; national unemployment in several European countries; public health crises; political unrest; economic sanctions; inflation; energy crises; and war and military conflict, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A default or debt restructuring by any European country could adversely impact holders of that country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country's creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries. Such a default or debt restructuring could affect exposures to European countries. In addition, issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations, and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These events have affected the exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures and other reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or may have unintended consequences. The Fund makes investments in securities of issuers that are domiciled in member states of the European Union (the "EU"). The economies and markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European countries. One or more countries may abandon the Euro and/or withdraw from the EU. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, could be significant and far-reaching. The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU could be an indication that one or more other countries may withdraw from the EU and/or abandon the Euro. These events and actions have affected, and may in the future affect, the value and exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the Euro and non-EU member states. The continuing effects on the economies of European countries of the Russia/Ukraine war and Russia's response to sanctions imposed by the U.S., EU, UK and others, are impossible to predict, but have been and could continue to be significant. For example, exports in Eastern Europe have been disrupted for certain key commodities, pushing commodity prices to record highs. Also, both wholesale energy prices and energy prices charged to consumers in Europe have increased significantly.

■ United Kingdom Securities Risk. The Fund's exposure to issuers located in, or with economic ties to, the United Kingdom, could expose the Fund to risks associated with investments in the United Kingdom to a greater extent than more geographically diverse funds. Investments in United Kingdom issuers may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, and economic risks specific to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has one of the largest economies in Europe, and the United States and other European countries are substantial trading partners of the United Kingdom. As a result, the United Kingdom economy may be impacted by changes to the economic condition of the United States and other European countries. Increasing commodity prices and rising inflation levels caused or exacerbated by the war between Russia and Ukraine recently prompted the United Kingdom government to implement significant policy changes. It is difficult to predict what effects such policies (or the suggestion of such policies) may have and the duration of those effects, which may last for extended periods. These effects may negatively impact broad segments of business and the population and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of the Fund's investments. Additionally, the transitional period following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (commonly referred to as "Brexit") ended on December 31, 2020 and European Union law ceased to have effect in the United Kingdom except to the extent retained by the United Kingdom by

**18** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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unilateral act. The United Kingdom and the European Union then reached a trade agreement that was ratified by all applicable United Kingdom and European Union governmental bodies. The economic effects of Brexit, including certain negative impacts on the ability of the United Kingdom to trade seamlessly with the European Union, are becoming clearer but some political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty in relation to the longer term impacts nevertheless remains to be resolved. Accordingly, there remains a risk that the aftermath of Brexit, including its ongoing effect on the United Kingdom's relationships with other countries, including the United States, and with the European Union, may negatively impact the value of investments held by the Fund. Although a sub-advisor may hedge the Fund's currency exposures back to the U.S. dollar, a depreciation of the British pound sterling and/or the Euro in relation to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect the Fund's investments denominated in British pound sterling or Euros that are not fully hedged regardless of the performance of the underlying issuer.<br>

**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. Hedging instruments may also reduce or eliminate gains that may otherwise have been available had the Fund not used the hedging instruments.

**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 that 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, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Many larger-capitalization companies also 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, which may negatively affect the Fund's performance. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Even when certain securities prices have generally increased over time, there have been periods of price decreases during those times, resulting in losses for investors, which are likely to occur again in the future.

Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters, and cybersecurity incidents, have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to general instability in world economies and markets and reduced liquidity in securities, which may negatively affect the value of your investment.

Policies established by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and economic and political circumstances within the U.S. and abroad, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, recessions, changes in government leadership, a government's inability to agree on a budget, high public debt, the threat or occurrence of a federal government shutdown and threats or the occurrence of a failure to increase the federal government's debt limit, which could result in a default on the government's obligations, may negatively affect investor and consumer confidence and may negatively impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon public and proprietary data and systems. Data or technology malfunctions and inaccuracies may disrupt markets and lead to negative consequences for market participants like the Fund.

■ Recent Market Events Risk. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, during periods of significant volatility, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/ or markets may be changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time. Some countries, including the U.S. , have adopted more protectionist trade policies, including trade tariffs and other trade barriers, which is a trend that appears to be continuing globally. The economies of all nations, including the U.S. , are subject to the risks of slowing global economic growth, protectionist trade policies, inflationary pressures, limits imposed by international trade and security agreements, political or economic dysfunction, poor consumer sentiment, and reduced demand for goods due to fluctuating commodity prices and currency values, and these risks may create significant market volatility in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. These economic risks could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. The U.S. Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have started to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors could stop or reverse such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the various economic and political factors that influence the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Changes in interest rates could lead to an economic slowdown in the U.S. and abroad , significant market volatility and reduced liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and sanctions cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted. Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, which can occur relatively rapidly, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact issuer and market performance. As a consequence, the Fund's holdings and its overall performance could be negatively impacted . Global climate change may affect property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen . The impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions .

**Market Timing Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the nature of the Fund's investments, which requires the Fund, in certain instances, to fair value certain of its investments. Some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in the Fund to take advantage of any price

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**19**

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differentials that may be reflected in the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's shares. 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 ability to execute efficient investment strategies.

**Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since 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 sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk**

The Manager may allocate the Fund's assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund's assets. To a significant extent, the Fund's performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund's assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors' investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.

**Other Investment Companies Risk**

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. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

■ Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that rising interest rates could cause the value of such an investment to decline.

**Securities Lending Risk**

To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund's payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; (ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; (iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and (iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.

**Securities Selection Risk**

Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to its performance index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

**Segregated Assets Risk**

In connection with certain transactions that may give rise to future payment obligations, the Fund may be required to maintain a segregated amount of, or otherwise earmark, cash or liquid securities to cover the obligation. Segregated assets generally cannot be sold while the position they are covering is outstanding, unless they are replaced with other assets of equal value. The need to segregate cash or other liquid securities could limit the Fund's ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.

**Small-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-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 sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Valuation Risk**

Certain of the Fund's assets may be valued 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 may become illiquid, or securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. The valuation of the Fund's 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**

Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. 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 changes in the Fund's performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund's performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns compare to a broad-based securities market index, for the periods indicated.

The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund's Investor Class shares for all periods. In the table below, for the period prior to February 28, 2017, the performance of the R6 Class shares reflects the returns of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, as reflected in the table in the "Fees and Expenses of the Fund" section of this Fund Summary, the expenses of the R5 Class shares of the Fund differ from those of the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. To the extent that the R5 Class shares may have had lower expenses than the R6 Class shares prior to February 28, 2017, the performance of the R5 Class shares would likely have been higher than the performance the R6 Class shares would have realized during the same period. The performance of the R6 Class shares shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R6 Class shares and R5

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Class shares. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase, if the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. In the table below, the performance for C Class shares reflects the performance as though C Class shares were held for the full 10-year period.

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.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  | **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  |
| ![image](sa2728img005.jpg)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Highest Quarterly Return:**<br>**20.71%** 4th Quarter 2022<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025<br> **Lowest Quarterly Return:**<br>**-29.98%** 1st Quarter 2020<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025 |

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**Average annual total returns** for periods ended December 31, 2025

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Investor Class** | **08/01/1994**  |  |  |  |
| Returns Before Taxes |  | 36.52% | 10.50% | 7.42% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions |  | 32.35% | 7.86% | 5.82% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares |  | 23.60% | 7.75% | 5.69% |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Share Class** (Before Taxes) |  |  |  |  |
| A | 05/17/2010  | 28.54% | 9.11% | 6.71% |
| C | 09/01/2010  | 34.32% | 9.56% | 6.54% |
| Y | 08/03/2009  | 36.91% | 10.78% | 7.71% |
| R6 | 02/28/2017  | 37.13% | 10.93% | 7.85% |
| Advisor | 05/01/2003  | 36.27% | 10.34% | 7.28% |
| R5 | 08/07/1991  | 37.04% | 10.86% | 7.78% |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes, as noted) | **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes, as noted) | **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes, as noted) | **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes, as noted) |
| MSCI® EAFE Index (Net)<sup>1</sup>  | 31.22% | 8.92% | 8.18% |

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1 Reflects the reinvestment of dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using a tax rate applicable to non-resident individuals who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.

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 of the Fund; 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-Advisors**

The Fund's assets are currently allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

■ American Century Investment Management, Inc.

■ Causeway Capital Management LLC

■ Lazard Asset Management LLC

Portfolio Managers

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **Paul B. Cavazos**<br>Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer<br>Since 2016<br> **Robyn A. Serrano**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2023 | **Kirk L. Brown** **\***<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 1994<br> **Colin J. Hamer**<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2026 |

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**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**21**

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| **American Century Investment** **Management, Inc.** | **Bert Whitson**<br>Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Analyst<br>Since 2023<br> **Pablo Valcarce**<br>Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Analyst<br>Since 2025 | **Jonathan Veiga**<br>Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Analyst<br>Since 2020 |
| **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Sarah H. Ketterer**<br>Chief Executive Officer<br>Since 2001<br> **Jonathan P. Eng**<br>Director<br>Since 2006<br> **Harry W. Hartford**<br>President<br>Since 2001<br> **Brian Woonyung Cho**<br>Director<br>Since 2021 | **Conor Muldoon**<br>Director<br>Since 2010<br> **Alessandro Valentini**<br>Director<br>Since 2013<br> **Ellen Lee**<br>Director<br>Since 2015<br> **Steven Nguyen**<br>Director<br>Since 2019 |
| **Lazard Asset Management LLC** | **Michael G. Fry**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since 2005<br> **Paul Selvey-Clinton**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since 2022 | **Michael A. Bennett**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since 2003<br> **Michael Powers**<br>Portfolio Manager/Senior Advisor<br>Since 2003<br> **Giles Edwards**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since 2020 |

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\* Mr. Brown is expected to retire effective August 31, 2026. Therefore, effective August 31, 2026, all references to Mr. Brown in this Prospectus are deleted.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open, at the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see "About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares." Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Internet** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** |
| **Phone** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** |
| **Mail** | **American Beacon Funds**<br> **P.O. Box 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64121-9643** | **Overnight Delivery:**<br> **American Beacon Funds**<br> **801 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64105-1307** |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| C | $1000 | $50 | $250 |
| A, Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Advisor | $2500 | $50 |  |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |
| R6 |  | $50 |  |

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Tax Information

Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive as a result of your investment in 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 individual retirement account ("IRA") or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).

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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

**22** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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| American Beacon<br>Large Cap Value Fund<sup>SM</sup>  | ![image](sa2728img002.jpg) |

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Investment Objectives

The Fund's investment objectives are long-term capital appreciation and current income.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage** **commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.** You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Choosing Your Share Class" on page 63 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares" on page 77 of the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in **Appendix A** to the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information."

**Shareholder Fees** (fees paid directly from your investment)

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **R6** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) | 0.50%<sup>1</sup> | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  |
|  **Share Class**  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **R6** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Management Fees | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% | 0.55% |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 1.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.25% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.23% | 0.20% | 0.17% | 0.08% | 0.33% | 0.11% | 0.42% |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>2</sup>**  | **1.04%** | **1.76%** | **0.73%** | **0.64%** | **1.14%** | **0.67%** | **0.98%** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Currently, the Fund does not assess a front-end sales load on purchases of A Class shares of $1,000,000 or more. However, the Fund assesses a contingent deferred sales charge (''CDSC'') of 0.50% on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Fund's Financial Highlights table, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses. |

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**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 and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase, if the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. This Example reflects your costs as though C Class shares were held for the full 10-year period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| A | $675  | $887  | $1116  | $1773  |
| C | $279  | $554  | $954  | $2073  |
| Y | $75  | $233  | $406  | $906  |
| R6 | $65  | $205  | $357  | $798  |
| Advisor | $116  | $362  | $628  | $1386  |
| R5 | $68  | $214  | $373  | $835  |
| Investor | $100  | $312  | $542  | $1201  |

---

Assuming no redemption of shares:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| C | $179  | $554  | $954  | $2073  |

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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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 27% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of large market capitalization U.S. companies that the Fund considers to have value characteristics.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**23**

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The Fund considers large market capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations within the market capitalization range of the companies in the Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Index. The Russell 1000 Index measures the performance of the 1,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. As of December 31, 2025, the Russell 1000 Index consisted of companies with market capitalizations of $1.3 billion and greater. The Fund considers a company to be a U.S. company if:

■ the company is incorporated in the United States;

■ the company's security is primarily listed for trading in a United States market;

■ the company is headquartered in the United States; or

■ the company has at least half of its assets or derives at least half of its revenues in the United States.

The Fund considers a company to have value characteristics if it has one or more of the following characteristics (relative to the S&P 500® Index):

■ below-average price to earnings ratio,

■ below-average price to book value ratio,

■ below-average price to cash flow ratio, or

■ below-average price to sales ratio.

The Fund principally invests in large-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies, and to a lesser extent in small-capitalization companies. The Fund's investments in equity securities may include common stocks, depositary receipts, which may include American depositary receipts ("ADRs") and global depositary receipts ("GDRs"), and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges (collectively referred to as "stocks"). The Fund's investments in stocks include dividend-paying stocks.

The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk.

Each of the Fund's sub-advisors determines the earnings growth prospects of companies based upon a combination of internal and external research using fundamental analysis and considering changing economic trends. The sub-advisors typically seek to invest in companies that they believe are undervalued at the time of purchase. The decision to sell a stock is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks.

The Fund may have significant exposure to the Financials sector. However, as the composition of the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to the Financials sector, may decline, and the Fund's exposure to other market sectors may increase.

The Fund may invest cash balances in a government money market fund advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager receives a management fee. The Fund also may purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs. The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.

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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a "principal risk" of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk**

Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund, its service providers and third-party fund distribution platforms, including the ability of shareholders to transact in the Fund's shares, and result in financial losses. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. 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. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity and operational plans and systems of its service providers, its counterparties or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The issuers of the Fund's investments are likely to be dependent on computers for their operations and require ready access to their data and the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of the Fund's investments, leading to significant loss of value.

**Dividend Risk**

An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and, as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.

**Equity Investments Risk**

Equity securities represent ownership interests in companies and are subject to investment risk, issuer risk and market risk. In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Fund may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

■ Common Stock Risk. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

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

■ U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Foreign (non-U.S.) companies that list their stocks on U.S. exchanges may be exempt from certain accounting and corporate governance standards that apply to U.S. companies that list on the same exchange. Performance of these stocks can be impacted by political and financial instability in the home country of a particular foreign company, and delisting of these stocks could impact the Fund's ability to transact in such securities and could significantly impact their liquidity and market price.

**24** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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**Foreign Exposure Risk**

Exposure to non-U.S. issuers carries potential risks not associated with exposure to U.S. issuers. Such risks may include, but are not limited to: (1) political and financial instability, (2) less liquidity, (3) greater volatility, and (4) different government regulation The Fund's exposure to a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country, including tariffs, trade disputes and sanctions. Global economic and financial markets have become increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility, terrorism, war and political instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.

**Futures Contracts Risk**

Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also 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. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract). Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. The Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:

• *Index Futures Contracts Risk.* Futures contracts on indices expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying index.

**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 that 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, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Many larger-capitalization companies also 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, which may negatively affect the Fund's performance. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Even when certain securities prices have generally increased over time, there have been periods of price decreases during those times, resulting in losses for investors, which are likely to occur again in the future.

Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters, and cybersecurity incidents, have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to general instability in world economies and markets and reduced liquidity in securities, which may negatively affect the value of your investment.

Policies established by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and economic and political circumstances within the U.S. and abroad, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, recessions, changes in government leadership, a government's inability to agree on a budget, high public debt, the threat or occurrence of a federal government shutdown and threats or the occurrence of a failure to increase the federal government's debt limit, which could result in a default on the government's obligations, may negatively affect investor and consumer confidence and may negatively impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon public and proprietary data and systems. Data or technology malfunctions and inaccuracies may disrupt markets and lead to negative consequences for market participants like the Fund.

■ Recent Market Events Risk. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, during periods of significant volatility, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/ or markets may be changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time. Some countries, including the U.S. , have adopted more protectionist trade policies, including trade tariffs and other trade barriers, which is a trend that appears to be continuing globally. The economies of all nations, including the U.S. , are subject to the risks of slowing global economic growth, protectionist trade policies, inflationary pressures, limits imposed by international trade and security agreements, political or economic dysfunction, poor consumer sentiment, and reduced demand for goods due to fluctuating commodity prices and currency values, and these risks may create significant market volatility in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. These economic risks could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. The U.S. Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have started to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors could stop or reverse such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the various economic and political factors that influence the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Changes in interest rates could lead to an economic slowdown in the U.S. and abroad , significant market volatility and reduced liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and sanctions cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted. Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, which can occur relatively rapidly, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact issuer and market performance. As a consequence, the Fund's holdings and its overall performance could be negatively impacted .

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**25**

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Global climate change may affect property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.<br>

**Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since 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 sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk**

The Manager may allocate the Fund's assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund's assets. To a significant extent, the Fund's performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund's assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors' investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.

**Other Investment Companies Risk**

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. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

■ Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that rising interest rates could cause the value of such an investment to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations, or that it may default completely.

**Sector Risk**

When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Issuers in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic or market events, making the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. Additionally, individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

■ Financials Sector Risk. Companies in the Financials sector are subject to extensive governmental regulation and intervention, which may result in financial penalties and limits on the scope of their activities, the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge, the amount of capital they must maintain and, potentially, their size. The impact of recent or future regulation on the Financials sector, including more stringent capital requirements, cannot be predicted. In addition, fiscal, regulatory and monetary policies, economic conditions, interest rate changes, credit rating downgrades, and decreased liquidity in the credit markets may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets, thereby affecting a wide range of companies in the Financials sector. Cybersecurity incidents and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent and have caused significant losses to companies in this sector, which also may negatively impact the Fund.

**Securities Lending Risk**

To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund's payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; (ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; (iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and (iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.

**Securities Selection Risk**

Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to its performance index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

**Small-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-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 sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Value Stocks Risk**

Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. 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 changes in the Fund's performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund's performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns compare to a broad-based securities market index, as well as an additional market index with characteristics that are similar to those of the Fund, for the periods indicated.

**26** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund's Investor Class shares for all periods. In the table below, for the period prior to February 28, 2017, the performance of the R6 Class shares reflects the returns of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, as reflected in the table in the "Fees and Expenses of the Fund" section of this Fund Summary, the expenses of the R5 Class shares of the Fund differ from those of the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. To the extent that the R5 Class shares may have had lower expenses than the R6 Class shares prior to February 28, 2017, the performance of the R5 Class shares would likely have been higher than the performance the R6 Class shares would have realized during the same period. The performance of the R6 Class shares shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R6 Class shares and R5 Class shares. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase, if the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. In the table below, the performance for C Class shares reflects the performance as though C Class shares were held for the full 10-year period.

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.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  | **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  |
| ![image](sa2728img006.jpg)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Highest Quarterly Return:**<br>**20.56%** 4th Quarter 2020<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025<br> **Lowest Quarterly Return:**<br>**-30.18%** 1st Quarter 2020<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025 |

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**Average annual total returns** for periods ended December 31, 2025

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Investor Class** | **08/01/1994**  |  |  |  |
| Returns Before Taxes |  | 14.21% | 12.30% | 10.89% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions |  | 10.72% | 9.37% | 8.20% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares |  | 10.63% | 9.31% | 8.24% |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Share Class** (Before Taxes) |  |  |  |  |
| A | 05/17/2010  | 7.54% | 10.96% | 10.21% |
| C | 09/01/2010  | 12.28% | 11.45% | 10.07% |
| Y | 08/03/2009  | 14.44% | 12.58% | 11.17% |
| R6 | 02/28/2017  | 14.53% | 12.68% | 11.28% |
| Advisor | 05/31/2005  | 13.99% | 12.12% | 10.72% |
| R5 | 07/17/1987  | 14.53% | 12.65% | 11.25% |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |  |  |  |
| S&P 500® Index TR | 17.88% | 14.42% | 14.82% |
| Russell 1000® Value Index | 15.91% | 11.33% | 10.53% |

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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 of the Fund; 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-Advisors**

The Fund's assets are currently allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

■ Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

■ Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

■ Massachusetts Financial Services Company

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**27**

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Portfolio Managers

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **Paul B. Cavazos**<br>Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer<br>Since 2016<br> **Robyn A. Serrano**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2023 | **Kirk L. Brown** **\***<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2016<br> **Colin J. Hamer**<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2026 |
| **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Mark** **Giambrone**<br>Portfolio Manager/Senior Managing Director<br>Since 2015 |  |
| **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **George Davis**<br>Principal, Portfolio Manager, and Executive Chairman<br>Since 1989<br> **Scott McBride**<br>Portfolio Manager and Chief Executive Officer<br>Since 2004 | **Doug Campbell**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2024<br> **Patricia McKenna** **\*\***<br>Principal and Portfolio Manager<br>Since 1995 |
| **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** | **Katherine Cannan**<br>Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2019 | **Nevin Chitkara** **\*\*\***<br>Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2010<br> **Thomas P. Crowley**<br>Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager<br>Since December 2024 |

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\* Mr. Brown is expected to retire effective August 31, 2026. Therefore, effective August 31, 2026, all references to Mr. Brown in this Prospectus are deleted.

\*\* Ms. McKenna is expected to retire effective August 1, 2026. Therefore, effective August 1, 2026, all references to Ms. McKenna in this Prospectus are deleted.

\*\*\* Mr. Chitkara is expected to retire effective May 1, 2026. Therefore, effective May 1, 2026, all references to Mr. Chitkara in this Prospectus are deleted.

Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open, at the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see "About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares." Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Internet** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** |
| **Phone** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** |
| **Mail** | **American Beacon Funds**<br> **P.O. Box 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64121-9643** | **Overnight Delivery:**<br> **American Beacon Funds**<br> **801 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64105-1307** |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| C | $1000 | $50 | $250 |
| A, Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Advisor | $2500 | $50 |  |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |
| R6 |  | $50 |  |

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Tax Information

Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive as a result of your investment in 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 individual retirement account ("IRA") or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).

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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

**28** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| American Beacon<br>Small Cap Value Fund<sup>SM</sup>  | ![image](sa2728img002.jpg) |

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Investment Objectives

The Fund's investment objectives are long-term capital appreciation and current income.

Fees and Expenses of the Fund

This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage** **commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below.** You may qualify for sales discounts if you and your eligible family members invest, or agree to invest in the future, at least $50,000 in all classes of the American Beacon Funds on an aggregated basis. More information about these and other discounts is available from your financial professional and in "Choosing Your Share Class" on page 63 of the Prospectus and "Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares" on page 77 of the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). With respect to purchases of shares through specific intermediaries, you may find additional information regarding sales charge discounts and waivers in **Appendix A** to the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information."

**Shareholder Fees** (fees paid directly from your investment)

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **R6** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | 5.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) | 0.50%<sup>1</sup> | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  |
|  **Share Class**  | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **R6** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Management Fees | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% | 0.70% |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.25% | 1.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.25% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses | 0.28% | 0.30% | 0.18% | 0.08% | 0.35% | 0.11% | 0.45% |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses<sup>2</sup>**  | **1.24%** | **2.01%** | **0.89%** | **0.79%** | **1.31%** | **0.82%** | **1.16%** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Currently, the Fund does not assess a front-end sales load on purchases of A Class shares of $1,000,000 or more. However, the Fund assesses a contingent deferred sales charge (''CDSC'') of 0.50% on certain purchases of $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares that are redeemed in whole or part within 18 months of purchase. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not correlate to the ratio of expenses to average net assets provided in the Fund's Financial Highlights table, which reflects the operating expenses of the Fund and does not include Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses. |

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**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 and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase, if the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. This Example reflects your costs as though C Class shares were held for the full 10-year period. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| A | $694  | $946  | $1217  | $1989  |
| C | $304  | $631  | $1083  | $2338  |
| Y | $91  | $284  | $493  | $1096  |
| R6 | $81  | $252  | $439  | $978  |
| Advisor | $133  | $415  | $718  | $1579  |
| R5 | $84  | $262  | $455  | $1014  |
| Investor | $118  | $368  | $638  | $1409  |

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Assuming no redemption of shares:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| C | $204  | $631  | $1083  | $2338  |

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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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 75% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of small market capitalization U.S. companies that the Fund considers to have value characteristics.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**29**

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The Fund considers small market capitalization companies to be those with market capitalizations within the market capitalization range of the companies in the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index. As of December 31, 2025, the Russell 2000 Index consisted of companies with market capitalizations of $5.61 million to $4.55 billion. The Fund considers a company to be a U.S. company if:

■ the company is incorporated in the United States;

■ the company's security is primarily listed for trading in a United States market;

■ the company is headquartered in the United States; or

■ the company has at least half of its assets or derives at least half of its revenues in the United States.

The Fund considers a company to have value characteristics if it has one or more of the following characteristics (relative to the Russell 2000 Index):

■ below-average price to earnings ratio,

■ below-average price to book value ratio,

■ below-average price to cash flow ratio, or

■ below-average price to sales ratio.

The Fund may also invest in mid-capitalization and micro-capitalization companies. The Fund's investments principally include common stocks and real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). The Fund's investments in stocks also include dividend-paying stocks.

The Manager allocates the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager believes that this strategy may help the Fund outperform other investment styles over the longer term while reducing volatility and downside risk. Except for Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC ("Brandywine Global"), each of the sub-advisors determines the earnings growth prospects of companies based upon a combination of internal and external research using fundamental analysis and considering changing economic trends. The process is research driven and takes into consideration items such as a company's tangible assets, sustainability of its cash flows, capital intensity and financial leverage.

Brandywine Global employs a primarily quantitative strategy that focuses on buying stocks deemed to be less expensive based on price to earnings ratio or price to book value ratio and that have positive price momentum.

For each sub-advisor, the decision to sell a stock is typically based on the belief that the company is no longer considered undervalued or shows deteriorating fundamentals, or that better investment opportunities exist in other stocks. The Fund may have significant exposure to the Financials sector. However, as the sector composition of the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to the Financials sector may be lower at a future date, and the Fund's exposure to other market sectors may be higher.

The Fund may invest cash balances in other investment companies, including a government money market fund advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager also receives a management fee. The Fund may purchase and sell equity index futures contracts to gain market exposure on cash balances or reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs.

The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.

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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a "principal risk" of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk**

Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund, its service providers and third-party fund distribution platforms, including the ability of shareholders to transact in the Fund's shares, and result in financial losses. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. 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. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity and operational plans and systems of its service providers, its counterparties or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The issuers of the Fund's investments are likely to be dependent on computers for their operations and require ready access to their data and the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of the Fund's investments, leading to significant loss of value.

**Dividend Risk**

An issuer of stock held by the Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. Securities that pay dividends may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and, as interest rates rise or fall, the prices of such securities may fall.

**Equity Investments Risk**

Equity securities represent ownership interests in companies and are subject to investment risk, issuer risk and market risk. In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Fund may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

■ Common Stock Risk. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

■ Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs") Risk. Investments in REITs are subject to the risks associated with investing in the real estate industry, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; regulatory limitations on rents and operating expenses; and other governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. REITs also are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are subject to heavy

**30** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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cash flow dependency or self-liquidation. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. REITs may not be diversified geographically or by property or tenant type. Domestic REITs could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free "pass-through" of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Internal Revenue Code"), or to maintain their exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("Investment Company Act"). REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those incurred by the Fund. Accordingly, the Fund's investment in REITs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the REITs' operating expenses, in addition to paying Fund expenses. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities. <br>

**Futures Contracts Risk**

Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose the Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes. There also 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. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes, which will increase the volatility of the Fund and may involve a small investment of cash (the amount of initial and variation margin) relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed (the potential increase or decrease in the price of the futures contract). Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. The Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:

• *Index Futures Contracts Risk.* Futures contracts on indices expose the Fund to volatility in an underlying index.

**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 that 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.

**Market Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund's performance. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Even when certain securities prices have generally increased over time, there have been periods of price decreases during those times, resulting in losses for investors, which are likely to occur again in the future.

Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters, and cybersecurity incidents, have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to general instability in world economies and markets and reduced liquidity in securities, which may negatively affect the value of your investment.

Policies established by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and economic and political circumstances within the U.S. and abroad, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, recessions, changes in government leadership, a government's inability to agree on a budget, high public debt, the threat or occurrence of a federal government shutdown and threats or the occurrence of a failure to increase the federal government's debt limit, which could result in a default on the government's obligations, may negatively affect investor and consumer confidence and may negatively impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon public and proprietary data and systems. Data or technology malfunctions and inaccuracies may disrupt markets and lead to negative consequences for market participants like the Fund.

■ Recent Market Events Risk. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, during periods of significant volatility, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/ or markets may be changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time. Some countries, including the U.S. , have adopted more protectionist trade policies, including trade tariffs and other trade barriers, which is a trend that appears to be continuing globally. The economies of all nations, including the U.S. , are subject to the risks of slowing global economic growth, protectionist trade policies, inflationary pressures, limits imposed by international trade and security agreements, political or economic dysfunction, poor consumer sentiment, and reduced demand for goods due to fluctuating commodity prices and currency values, and these risks may create significant market volatility in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. These economic risks could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. The U.S. Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have started to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors could stop or reverse such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the various economic and political factors that influence the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Changes in interest rates could lead to an economic slowdown in the U.S. and abroad , significant market volatility and reduced liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and sanctions cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted. Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, which can occur relatively rapidly, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact issuer and market performance. As a consequence, the Fund's holdings and its overall performance could be negatively impacted . Global climate change may affect property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate

**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**31**

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change in ways that cannot be foreseen. The impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions.

**Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.

**Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since 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 sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk**

The Manager may allocate the Fund's assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of the Fund's assets. To a significant extent, the Fund's performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating the Fund's assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors' investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of the Fund. In addition, because each sub-advisor makes its trading decisions independently, the sub-advisors may purchase or sell the same security at the same time without aggregating their transactions. This may cause unnecessary brokerage and other expenses.

**Other Investment Companies Risk**

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. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

■ Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that rising interest rates could cause the value of such an investment to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations, or that it may default completely.

**Quantitative Strategy Risk**

The success of the Fund's investment strategy may depend in part on the effectiveness of a sub-advisor's quantitative tools for screening securities. These strategies may incorporate factors that are not predictive of a security's value. The quantitative tools may not react as expected to market events, resulting in losses for the Fund. Additionally, a previously successful strategy may become outdated or inaccurate, which may not be identified by a sub-advisor and therefore may also result in losses. The use of artificial intelligence or other evolving or emerging technologies presents significant risks and may exacerbate the aforementioned risks.

**Redemption Risk**

The Fund may experience periods of high levels of redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund's performance. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs.

**Sector Risk**

When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Issuers in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic or market events, making the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. Additionally, individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

■ Financials Sector Risk. Companies in the Financials sector are subject to extensive governmental regulation and intervention, which may result in financial penalties and limits on the scope of their activities, the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge, the amount of capital they must maintain and, potentially, their size. The impact of recent or future regulation on the Financials sector, including more stringent capital requirements, cannot be predicted. In addition, fiscal, regulatory and monetary policies, economic conditions, interest rate changes, credit rating downgrades, and decreased liquidity in the credit markets may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets, thereby affecting a wide range of companies in the Financials sector. Cybersecurity incidents and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent and have caused significant losses to companies in this sector, which also may negatively impact the Fund.

**Securities Lending Risk**

To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund's payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; (ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; (iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and (iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.

**Securities Selection Risk**

Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to its performance index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

**32** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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**Small-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-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 sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Value Stocks Risk**

Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. 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 changes in the Fund's performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund's performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns compare to a broad-based securities market index, as well as an additional market index with characteristics that are similar to those of the Fund, for the periods indicated.

The chart and the table show the performance of the Fund's Investor Class shares for all periods. In the table below, for the period prior to February 28, 2017, the performance of R6 Class shares reflects the returns of the R5 Class shares of the Fund. The R6 Class would have had similar annual returns to the R5 Class shares of the Fund because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, as reflected in the table in the "Fees and Expenses of the Fund" section of this Fund Summary, the expenses of the R5 Class shares differ from those of the R6 Class shares, which would affect performance. To the extent that the R5 Class shares may have had lower expenses than the R6 Class shares prior to February 28, 2017, the performance of the R5 Class shares would likely have been higher than the performance the R6 Class shares would have realized during the same period. The performance of the R6 Class shares shown in the table has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between the R6 Class shares and R5 Class shares. C Class shares automatically convert to A Class shares 8 years after purchase, if the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. In the table below, the performance for C Class shares reflects the performance as though C Class shares were held for the full 10-year period.

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.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  | **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  |
| ![image](sa2728img007.jpg)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Highest Quarterly Return:**<br>**33.77%** 4th Quarter 2020<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025<br> **Lowest Quarterly Return:**<br>**-38.48%** 1st Quarter 2020<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025 |

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**Average annual total returns** for periods ended December 31, 2025

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Investor Class** | **02/28/1999**  |  |  |  |
| Returns Before Taxes |  | 4.43% | 8.83% | 8.42% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions |  | 2.00% | 6.09% | 6.31% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares |  | 4.43% | 6.53% | 6.37% |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Share Class** (Before Taxes) |  |  |  |  |
| A | 05/17/2010  | -1.61% | 7.47% | 7.69% |
| C | 09/01/2010  | 2.52% | 7.94% | 7.55% |
| Y | 08/03/2009  | 4.72% | 9.12% | 8.69% |
| R6 | 02/28/2017  | 4.83% | 9.24% | 8.80% |
| Advisor | 05/01/2003  | 4.29% | 8.67% | 8.25% |
| R5 | 12/31/1998  | 4.84% | 9.20% | 8.77% |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |  |  |  |
| S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index TR | 17.88% | 14.42% | 14.82% |
| Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Value Index | 12.59% | 8.88% | 9.27% |

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**Prospectus** – Fund Summaries**33**

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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 of the Fund; 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-Advisors**

The Fund's assets are currently allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

■ Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

■ Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC

■ DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.

■ Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

■ Westwood Management Corp.

Portfolio Managers

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **Paul B. Cavazos**<br>Senior Vice President & Chief Investment Officer<br>Since 2016<br> **Robyn A. Serrano**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2021 | **Colin J. Hamer**<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2018 |
| **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **DJ Taylor, CFA, CAIA**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since 2022 | **W. Coleman Hubbard, CFA**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since 2020 |
| **Brandywine Global Investment Management,** **LLC** | **Henry F. Otto**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since Fund Inception (1998)<br> **Michelle K. Bevan,** **CFA**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2022 | **Steven M. Tonkovich**<br>Portfolio Manager/Managing Director<br>Since Fund Inception (1998) |
| **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** | **Gregory** **Ramsby**<br>Portfolio Manager <br>Since 2022 | **Randy** **Renfrow**<br>Portfolio Manager <br>Since 2022 |
| **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **David Green**<br>Principal, Portfolio Manager<br>Since Fund Inception (1998) | **Jim Miles**<br>Principal, Portfolio Manager<br>Since Fund Inception (1998) |
| **Westwood Management Corp.** | **William E. Costello, CFA**<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2025<br> **Frederic G. Rowsey, CFA**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2025 | **Matthew R. Lockridge**<br>Senior Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2025<br> **Jordan Latimer, CFA**<br>Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2025 |

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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open, at the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see "About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares." Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Internet** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** |
| **Phone** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** |
| **Mail** | **American Beacon Funds**<br> **P.O. Box 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64121-9643** | **Overnight Delivery:**<br> **American Beacon Funds**<br> **801 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64105-1307** |

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**34** **Prospectus** – Fund Summaries

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| C | $1000 | $50 | $250 |
| A, Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Advisor | $2500 | $50 |  |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |
| R6 |  | $50 |  |

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Tax Information

Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive as a result of your investment in 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 individual retirement account ("IRA") or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).

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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

Additional Information About the Funds

To help you better understand the Funds, this section provides a detailed discussion of the Funds' investment policies, their principal strategies, their principal risks, and performance index(es). However, this Prospectus does not describe all of a Fund's investment practices. **Capitalized terms that are not otherwise** **defined are defined in Appendix B**. For additional information, please see the Funds' 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 Objectives**

■ The American Beacon Balanced Fund's investment objectives are income and capital appreciation.

■ The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund's investment objective is high current income consistent with preservation of capital.

■ The American Beacon International Equity Fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation.

■ The American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund's investment objectives are long-term capital appreciation and current income.

■ The American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund's investment objectives are long-term capital appreciation and current income.

With the exception of the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, each Fund's investment objective(s) is "fundamental," which means that it may be changed only with the approval of Fund shareholders. The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund's investment objective is "non-fundamental," which means that it may be changed by the Fund's Board without the approval of Fund shareholders.

**80% Investment Policies**

■ The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund has a non-fundamental policy to invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investment grade bonds.

■ The American Beacon International Equity Fund has a non-fundamental policy to invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks of issuers based in at least three different countries located outside the United States.

■ The American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund has a non-fundamental policy to invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of large market capitalization U.S. companies that the Fund considers to have value characteristics.

■ The American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund has a non-fundamental policy to invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of small market capitalization U.S. companies that the Fund considers to have value characteristics.

If a Fund changes its 80% investment policy, a notice will be sent to shareholders at least 60 days in advance of the change and this prospectus will be supplemented.

**Temporary Defensive Policy**

Each Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy by taking temporary defensive or interim positions in response to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. During these times, a Fund may not achieve its investment objective(s).

Additional Information About the Management of the Funds

The Funds have retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as their Manager. The Manager may allocate the assets of each Fund among different sub-advisors. The Manager provides or oversees the provision of all administrative, investment advisory and portfolio management services to the Funds. The Manager:

■ develops overall investment strategies for each Fund,

■ selects and changes sub-advisors,

■ allocates assets among sub-advisors,

■ monitors and evaluates the sub-advisors' investment performance,

■ monitors the sub-advisors' compliance with each Fund's investment objectives, policies and restrictions,

**Prospectus** – Additional Information About the Funds**35**

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■ oversees a Fund's securities lending activities and actions taken by the securities lending agent to the extent applicable,

■ directs the investment of the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisors determine should be allocated to short-term investments, and

■ manages directly a portion of the assets of the American Beacon Balanced Fund.

Each Fund's assets are allocated among one or more sub-advisors by the Manager. The assets of the American Beacon Balanced Fund are allocated by the Manager among the Manager and multiple sub-advisors.

Each sub-advisor has full discretion to purchase and sell securities for its segment of the Funds' assets in accordance with the Funds' objectives, policies, restrictions and more specific strategies provided by the Manager. The Manager oversees the sub-advisors but does not reassess individual security selections made by the sub-advisors for their portfolios.

In the future, the Manager may allocate a Fund's assets to a different sub-advisor, and/or to one or more additional sub-advisors. The Funds operate in a manager of managers structure. The Funds and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC'') that permits the Funds, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to hire and replace sub-advisors, and materially amend agreements with sub-advisors, that are unaffiliated with the Manager without approval of the shareholders. In the future, the Funds and the Manager may rely on an SEC staff no-action letter, dated July 9, 2019, that would permit the Funds to expand their exemptive relief to hire and replace sub-advisors that are affiliated and unaffiliated with the Manager without shareholder approval, subject to approval by the Board and other conditions. The Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The SEC order also exempts the Funds from disclosing the advisory fees paid by the Funds to individual sub-advisors in a multi-manager fund in various documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In the future, the Funds may rely on the SEC staff no-action letter to expand their exemptive relief to individual sub-advisors that are affiliated with the Manager. Under that no-action letter, the fees payable to sub-advisors unaffiliated with or partially-owned by the Manager or its parent company would be aggregated, and fees payable to sub-advisors that are wholly-owned by the Manager or its parent company, if any, would be aggregated with fees payable to the Manager. 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 Funds are required to provide shareholders with certain information regarding any new sub-advisor within 90 days of the hiring of any new sub-advisor. Each Fund's sub-advisors are set forth below.

**American Beacon Balanced Fund**

The Fund's assets are allocated among the Manager and the following investment sub-advisors:

■ Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

■ Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

Currently, approximately one-half of the Fund's assets are allocated to Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, who decides the proportion of assets to invest in equity and fixed income securities in accordance with the Fund's guidelines. The remaining one-half of the Fund's assets are allocated between the Manager, who invests its allocation in fixed income securities and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, who invests its allocation in equity securities.

**American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund**

The Manager allocates the Fund's assets to one sub-advisor, Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.

**American Beacon International Equity Fund**

The Fund's assets are allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

■ American Century Investment Management, Inc.

■ Causeway Capital Management LLC

■ Lazard Asset Management LLC

Currently, the Fund's assets are allocated among the sub-advisors generally on an equal basis.

**American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund**

The Fund's assets are allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

■ Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

■ Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

■ Massachusetts Financial Services Company

Currently, the Fund's assets are allocated among the sub-advisors generally on an equal basis.

**American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund**

The Fund's assets are allocated among the following investment sub-advisors:

■ Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC

■ Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC

■ DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc

■ Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC

■ Westwood Management Corp.

As of the date of this Prospectus, the Fund's assets are allocated among the sub-advisors generally on an equal basis. The Manager intends to allocate new assets among the Fund's sub-advisors generally equally, as permitted by their respective capacity commitments to the Fund and other considerations by the Manager.

Additional Information About Investments

This section provides more detailed information regarding certain of the Funds' principal investment strategies as well as information regarding the Funds' strategy with respect to investment of cash balances.

**Asset-Backed Securities**

Asset-backed securities are securities issued by trusts and special purpose entities that represent direct or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets. These assets include loans, receivables or other assets, such as credit card, automobile or consumer loan receivables, retail installment loans or participations in pools of leases. A Fund, the Manager, and the sub-advisor do not select the loans or other assets that collateralize each

**36** **Prospectus** – Additional Information About the Funds

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pool. Asset-backed securities are "pass through" securities, meaning that the principal and interest payment made by the borrower on the underlying assets are passed through to the asset-backed securities holder. Payments of principal of and interest on asset-backed securities rely entirely on the performance of the underlying assets. Asset-backed securities are generally not insured or guaranteed by the related sponsor or any other entity. Therefore, if the assets or sources of funds available to the issuer are insufficient for the issuer to meet its payment obligations, a Fund will incur losses.

**Cash Management**

To gain market exposure on cash balances held in anticipation of liquidity needs or to reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs, a Fund may utilize the following investments:

■ Futures Contracts. To gain market exposure on cash balances held in anticipation of liquidity needs or to reduce market exposure in anticipation of liquidity needs, a Fund may purchase and sell non-commodity-based index futures contracts on a daily basis that relate to securities in which it may invest directly. An index futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell the cash value of an index, at a specified future date at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of the index at expiration, net of any initial and variation margin that was previously paid. As cash balances are invested in securities, a Fund may invest simultaneously those balances in index futures contracts until the cash balances are delivered to settle the securities transactions. This exposes a Fund to the market risks associated with the purchased securities and the index, so the Fund may have more than 100% of its assets exposed to the markets. This can magnify gains and losses in a Fund. A Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its settlement or margin obligations. The risks associated with the use of index futures contracts also include that there may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the securities held by a Fund and the prices of futures contracts or the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying indices and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract.

■ Government Money Market Funds. A Fund may invest cash balances in government money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act, including a government money market fund advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager also receives a management fee. If a Fund invests in government money market funds, a 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 government money market funds in which a Fund invests, such as advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable government money market funds advised by the Manager, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with a Fund's own operations. Shareholders also would be exposed to the risks associated with government money market funds and the portfolio investments of such government money market funds, including the risk that a government money market fund's yield will be lower than the return that a Fund would have received from other investments that provide liquidity. Investments in government money market funds are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

**Convertible Securities**

Convertible securities, including convertible preferred securities, include corporate bonds, notes, preferred stock or other securities that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. The conversion may occur automatically upon the occurrence of a predetermined event or at the option of either the issuer or the security holder. A convertible security may be called for redemption or conversion by the issuer after a particular date and under certain circumstances (including a specified price) established upon issue. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption or conversion, the Fund could be required to tender it for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock, or sell it to a third party.

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. However, convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than common stocks. 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 convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar quality, generally the yields are higher than the underlying common stock, and convertible securities enable the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying common stock. Because of this higher yield, convertible securities generally sell at prices above their "conversion value," which is the current market value of the stock to be received upon conversion. The difference between this conversion value and the price of convertible securities will vary over time depending on changes in the value of the underlying common stocks and interest rates.

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. 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.

**Currencies**

A Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by using various instruments. A 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, or to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. In order to convert U.S. dollars into the currency needed to buy a foreign security, or to convert foreign currency received from the sale of a foreign security into U.S. dollars, a Fund may enter into spot currency trades. In a spot trade, a Fund agrees to exchange one currency for another at the current exchange rate. Spot trades allow for prompt delivery and settlement at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market. Spot trades may increase or decrease a Fund's exposure to currency risks. The exchange rate for currency derivative contracts in which a foreign currency is an underlying asset may be higher or lower than the spot exchange rate. The instruments in which a Fund may invest that provide exposure to foreign currencies include the following:

■ Currency Swaps

■ Foreign Currencies

■ Foreign Currency-Denominated Securities

■ Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

■ Foreign Currency Futures Contracts

**Derivative Investments**

Derivatives are financial instruments that have a value that depends upon, or is derived from, a reference asset, such as one or more underlying securities, commodities, options, futures, interest rates, credit rating, volatility measures, indices or currencies. A Fund may invest in the following derivative instruments:

**Prospectus** – Additional Information About the Funds**37**

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■ Foreign Currency Forward Contracts . Foreign currency forward contracts are two-party contracts pursuant to which one party agrees to pay the counterparty a fixed price for an agreed-upon amount of foreign currency at an agreed-upon future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties. A foreign currency forward contract may be a non-deliverable forward contract ("NDF"), which is a forward contract where there is no physical settlement of the two currencies at maturity. Rather, on the contract settlement date, a net cash settlement will be made by one party to the other based on the difference between the contracted forward rate and the prevailing spot rate, on an agreed notional amount.

■ Futures Contracts. A futures contract is a contract to purchase or sell a particular asset, or the cash value of an asset, such as a security, commodity, currency or an index of such assets, at a specified future date, at a price agreed upon when the contract is made. Under many such contracts, no delivery of the actual underlying asset is required. Rather, upon the expiration of the contract, settlement is made by exchanging cash in an amount equal to the difference between the contract price and the closing price of the asset (e.g., a security or an index) at expiration, net of initial and variation margin that was previously paid. A Fund also may have to sell assets at inopportune times to satisfy its settlement or collateral obligations. The risks associated with the use of futures contracts also include that there may be an imperfect correlation between the changes in market value of the futures contracts and the assets underlying such contracts, and that there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract. A Fund may, from time to time, use futures contracts to equitize cash and expose its portfolio to changes in index prices. This can magnify gains and losses in a Fund. A Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:

• *Foreign Currency Futures Contracts.* Foreign currency futures contracts are based on the value of foreign currencies. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect a Fund's investment in securities or derivatives that provide exposure to foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. A Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies for investment or hedging purposes by purchasing or selling futures contracts in non-U.S. currencies. Positions in foreign currency futures contracts must be closed out through a registered U.S. exchange or foreign board of trade that provides a secondary market for such contracts. Such secondary markets may not exist or may not be accessible at a particular time, which may prevent ae Fund from closing its foreign currency futures position and expose a Fund to greater losses.

• *Index Futures Contracts.* An index futures contract is based on the value of an underlying index.

■ Swap Agreements . A swap is a transaction in which a Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps) or the performance of specified securities, indices or other assets based on the nominal or face amount of a reference asset. Payments are usually made on a net basis so that, on any given day, the Fund would receive (or pay) only the amount by which its payment under the swap is less than (or exceeds) the amount of the other party's payment. The terms of the swap transaction are either negotiated by a sub-advisor and the swap counterparty or established based on terms generally available on an exchange or contract market. Nearly any type of derivative, including forward contracts, can be structured as a swap. A Fund may invest in the following types of swaps:

• *Currency Swaps*. A Fund may enter into currency swaps to hedge foreign currency exchange risk. A currency swap involves the exchange of payments denominated in one currency for payments denominated in another. Payments are based on a notional principal amount, the value of which is fixed, in exchange rate terms, at the swap's inception.

**Equity Investments**

A Fund's equity investments may include:

■ Common Stock. Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an equity or ownership interest. Holders of common stock generally have voting rights in the issuer and are entitled to receive common stock dividends when, as and if declared by the company's board of directors. Returns on common stock investments consist of any dividends received plus the amount of appreciation or depreciation in the value of the stock. Common stock normally occupies the most subordinated position in an issuer's capital structure. 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.

■ Depositary Receipts. American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") are U.S. dollar-denominated receipts representing interests in the securities of a foreign issuer. ADRs typically are issued by domestic banks and trust companies and represent the deposit with the bank of the securities 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. In addition, a Fund may invest in unsponsored depositary receipts, which are implemented by a depositary bank with no direct involvement of the foreign issuers, and the issuers 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 a Fund to the same benefits and rights as ownership of the underlying securities or of sponsored depositary receipts, which are implemented in collaboration with the foreign issuers. GDRs may be offered in one or more foreign countries and represent the deposit with a foreign bank of securities of a foreign issuer.

■ Master Limited Partnerships. MLPs are limited partnerships (or similar entities) in which the ownership units (e.g., limited partnership interests) are publicly traded and units are freely traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market. The majority of MLPs operate in oil and gas related businesses, including energy processing and distribution. As partnerships, MLPs may be subject to less regulation (and less protection for investors) under state laws than corporations. An MLP is an investment that combines the tax benefits of a limited partnership with the liquidity of publicly traded securities. Many MLPs are pass-through entities that generally are taxed at the security holder level and generally are not subject to federal or state income tax at the partnership level. Annual income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of an MLP pass through directly to its security holders. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of capital. A Fund's investments in MLPs will be limited by tax considerations. Generally, an MLP is operated under the supervision of one or more managing general partners. Limited partners are not involved in the day-to-day management of the MLP.

■ Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs") . Real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), which primarily invest in real estate or real estate-related loans, may issue equity or debt securities. Equity REITs own real estate properties, while mortgage REITs hold construction, development and/or long-term mortgage loans. Hybrid REITs own both. The values of REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property of the trusts, the creditworthiness of the issuer, property taxes, interest rates, tax laws and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to the environment. Both types of REITs are dependent upon management skill and the cash flows generated by their holdings, the real estate market in general and the possibility of failing to qualify for any applicable pass-through tax treatment or failing to maintain any applicable exemptive status afforded under relevant laws.

■ U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges. Non-U.S. companies may list their common stock on U.S. exchanges subject to meeting the relevant exchange's listing requirements and U.S. regulatory requirements applicable to non-U.S. companies that list their shares in the U.S.

**Fixed-Income Instruments**

A Fund's investments in, or exposure to, fixed-income instruments may include:

■ Corporate Debt and Other Fixed-Income Securities. Corporate debt securities are fixed-income securities issued by businesses to finance their operations. Corporate debt securities include bonds, notes, debentures and commercial paper issued by companies to investors with a promise to repay the principal

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amount invested at maturity, with the primary difference being their maturities and secured or unsecured status. The broad category of corporate debt securities includes debt issued by domestic or foreign companies of all kinds, including companies of all market capitalizations. Corporate debt may be rated investment grade or below investment grade and may carry fixed or floating rates of interest. Corporate bonds typically carry a set interest or coupon rate, while commercial paper is commonly issued at a discount to par with no coupon. The perceived ability of the company to meet its principal and interest payment obligations is referred to as its creditworthiness, and it may be supplemented by collateral securing the company's obligations. Debentures are unsecured, medium- to long-term debt securities protected only by the general creditworthiness of the issuer, not by collateral. Because of the wide range of types and maturities of corporate debt securities, as well as the range of creditworthiness of their issuers, corporate debt securities have widely varying potentials for return and risk profiles. For example, commercial paper issued by a large established domestic corporation that is rated investment grade may have a modest return on principal, but carries relatively limited risk. On the other hand, a long-term corporate note issued by a small foreign corporation from a developing market country that has not been rated may have the potential for relatively large returns on principal, but carries a relatively high degree of risk. Typically, the values of fixed-income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy, holders of higher-ranking senior securities may receive amounts otherwise payable to the holders of more junior securities.<br>

■ Government-Sponsored Enterprises and U.S. Government Agencies. A Fund may invest in debt obligations of U.S. government agencies, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae" or "GNMA") and Export-Import Bank of the United States ("ExImBank"), and government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation ("Farmer Mac"), Federal Home Loan Bank system ("FHLBs") and the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation ("FFCB"). Although chartered or sponsored by Acts of Congress, debt obligations issued by such entities, other than Ginnie Mae and ExImBank, are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Debt obligations issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Farmer Mac, FHLBs, and FFCB are supported by the issuers' right to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, the discretionary authority of the U.S. Treasury to lend to the issuers and the U.S. Treasury's authority to purchase the issuer's securities.

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

■ U.S. Government Securities. U.S. Government securities may include U.S. Treasury securities and securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and securities issued by other U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities which have been established or sponsored by the U.S. government and that issue obligations which may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. U.S. Treasury obligations include Treasury Bills, Treasury Notes, and Treasury Bonds. Treasury Bills have initial maturities of one year or less; Treasury Notes have initial maturities of one to ten years; and Treasury Bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than ten years.

**Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities**

Mortgage-backed securities are mortgage-related securities that may be issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or issued by non-government entities. Mortgage-related securities represent ownership in pools of mortgage loans assembled for sale to investors by various government agencies, such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), Export-Import Bank of the United States ("ExImBank"), government-sponsored enterprises, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"), Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation ("Farmer Mac"), Federal Home Loan Bank system ("FHLBs") and the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation ("FFCB",) as well as by non-government issuers such as commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, mortgage bankers and private mortgage insurance companies. Although certain mortgage-related securities are guaranteed by a third party or otherwise similarly secured, the market value of the security, which may fluctuate, is not secured. These securities differ from conventional bonds in that the principal is paid back to the investor as payments are made on the underlying mortgages in the pool. Accordingly, a Fund receives monthly scheduled payments of principal and interest along with any unscheduled principal prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Because these scheduled and unscheduled principal payments must be reinvested at prevailing interest rates, mortgage-backed securities do not provide an effective means of locking in long-term interest rates for a Fund.

The types of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities that a Fund may invest in include:

■ CMBSs. CMBS include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, a mortgage loan or pool of mortgage loans on commercial real estate property, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, hotels, retail space and shopping malls, mixed use properties, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. Interest and principal payments from the underlying loans are passed through to the Fund according to a schedule of payments. Credit quality of the security depends primarily on the quality of the loans themselves and on the structure of the particular deal. CMBS are structured similarly to mortgage-backed securities in that both are backed by mortgage payments. However, CMBS involve loans related to commercial property, whereas mortgage-backed securities are based on loans relating to residential property. Commercial mortgage loans generally lack standardized terms, which may complicate their structure and tend to have shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans. Commercial properties themselves tend to be unique and are more difficult to value than single-family residential properties. In addition, commercial properties, particularly industrial and warehouse properties, are subject to environmental risks and the burdens and costs of compliance with environmental laws and regulations. CMBS may be structured with multiple tranches, with subordinate tranches incurring greater risk of loss in exchange for a greater yield. The degree of subordination is determined by the ratings agencies that rate the individual classes of the structure. The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS often are structured so that a substantial portion of the loan principal, rather than being amortized over the loan term, is instead payable at maturity (as a "balloon payment"). Repayment of a significant portion of loan principal thus often depends upon the future availability of real estate financing (to refinance the loan) and/or upon the value and saleability of the real estate at the relevant time.

■ CMOs and REMICs . CMOs and interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") are debt securities collateralized by mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities. A CMO is a hybrid between a mortgage-backed bond and a mortgage pass-through security. CMOs divide the cash flow generated from the underlying mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities into different groups referred to as "tranches," which are then retired sequentially over time in order of priority. Under the traditional CMO structure, the cash flows generated by the mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities in the collateral pool are used to first pay interest and then pay principal to the CMO bondholders. The bonds issued under such a CMO structure are retired sequentially as opposed to the pro-rata return of principal found in traditional pass-through obligations. Subject to the various provisions of individual CMO issues, the cash flow generated by the underlying collateral (to the extent it exceeds the amount required to pay the stated interest) is used to retire the bonds. Under the CMO structure, the repayment of principal among the different tranches is prioritized in accordance with the terms of the particular CMO issuance. The "fastest pay" tranche of bonds would initially receive all principal payments. When that tranche of bonds is retired, the subsequent tranches specified in the CMO prospectus receive all of the principal payments until they are retired. The sequential retirement of tranches continues until the last tranche is retired. CMOs also issue sequential and parallel pay classes, including planned amortization and target amortization classes, and fixed and floating rate CMO tranches. Parallel pay CMOs are structured to provide payments of principal on each payment date to more than one class, concurrently on a proportionate or disproportionate basis. Sequential pay CMOs generally pay principal to only one class at a time while paying

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interest to several classes.<br>CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and their income streams. The issuers of CMOs are structured as trusts or corporations established for the purpose of issuing such CMOs and often have no assets other than those underlying the securities and any credit support provided.<br>A REMIC is a mortgage securities vehicle that holds residential or commercial mortgages and issues securities representing interests in those mortgages. A REMIC may be formed as a corporation, partnership, or trust. A REMIC itself is generally exempt from federal income tax, but the income from its mortgages is taxable to its investors. For investment purposes, interests in REMIC securities are virtually indistinguishable from CMOs.<br>

**Other Investment Companies**

A Fund, at times, may invest in shares of other investment companies. A Fund may invest in securities of an investment company advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager also receives a management fee. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, a Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear a 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 a Fund's own operations. These other fees and expenses, if applicable, are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for a Fund in this Prospectus. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer's portfolio securities.

■ Government Money Market Funds. A Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as government money market funds under the Investment Company Act to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. A Fund could invest in government money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. If a Fund invests in government money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the government money market funds in which a Fund invests, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable government money market funds advised by the Manager. Although a government 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 government money market fund's investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the government money market fund has purchased may reduce the government money market fund's yield and can cause the price of a government money market security to decrease. In addition, a government money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation.

**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 it 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. Preferred stock may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred stock dividends may be cumulative or noncumulative, fixed, participating, auction rate or other. Preferred stock may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions that allow the issuer to redeem or call the stock.

**Variable and Floating Rate Securities**

Variable and floating rate securities are securities that pay interest at rates that adjust whenever a specified interest rate changes and/or that reset on predetermined dates (such as the last day of a month or a calendar quarter). The terms of such obligations typically provide that interest rates are adjusted based upon an interest or market rate adjustment as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event-based, such as based on a change in the prime rate. Variable rate obligations typically provide for a specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate, while floating rate obligations typically have an interest rate which changes whenever there is a change in the external interest or market rate. Because of the interest rate adjustment feature, variable and floating rate securities provide a Fund with a certain degree of protection against increases in interest rates, although a Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and floating rate securities than on the market value of comparable fixed-rate obligations. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate securities generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in comparable fixed-rate securities.

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 table identifies the risk factors of each Fund in light of each Fund's respective principal investment strategies. These risk factors are explained following the table. References to "the Fund" and "a Fund" in the risk explanations are intended to refer the Fund(s) identified in the table as having that risk factor. The principal risks of investing in each Fund listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a "principal risk" of investing in a Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Risk** | **American Beacon** **Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon** **Garcia Hamilton** **Quality Bond** **Fund** | **American Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** | **American Beacon** **Large Cap Value** **Fund** | **American Beacon** **Small Cap Value** **Fund** |
| Allocation Risk | X |  |  |  |  |
| Asset-Backed Securities Risk | X |  |  |  |  |
| Asset Selection Risk | X |  |  |  |  |
| Callable Securities Risk |  | X |  |  |  |
| Convertible Securities Risk | X |  | X |  |  |
| Counterparty Risk | X | X | X |  |  |
| Credit Risk | X | X | X |  |  |
| Currency Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| Cybersecurity and Operational Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| Debentures Risk | X | X |  |  |  |
| Derivatives Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Futures Contracts Risk <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Foreign Currency Futures Contracts Risk <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Futures Contracts Risk <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Swap Agreements Risk <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Currency Swaps Risk <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| Dividend Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk |  | X |  |  |  |
| Equity Investments Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Common Stock Risk <br>| X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Depositary Receipts Risk <br>| X |  | X | X |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs") Risk <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs") Risk <br>| X |  |  |  | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk <br>| X |  | X | X |  |
| Focused Holdings Risk |  | X |  |  |  |
| Foreign Exposure Risk | X |  |  | X |  |
| Foreign Investing Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| Futures Contracts Risk | X |  |  | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Futures Contracts Risk <br>| X |  |  | X | X |
| Geographic Concentration Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; European Securities Risk <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; United Kingdom Investment Risk <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| Hedging Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| Interest Rate Risk | X | X |  |  |  |
| Investment Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| Issuer Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| Large-Capitalization Companies Risk | X |  | X | X |  |
| Liquidity Risk | X | X |  |  |  |
| Market Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Recent Market Events Risk <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| Market Timing Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk |  |  |  |  | X |
| Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities Risk | X | X |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Collateralized Mortgage Obligation ("CMOs") Risk <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ("CMBS") Risk <br>| X |  |  |  |  |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Risk** | **American Beacon** **Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon** **Garcia Hamilton** **Quality Bond** **Fund** | **American Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** | **American Beacon** **Large Cap Value** **Fund** | **American Beacon** **Small Cap Value** **Fund** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortgage Pass-Through Securities Risk <br>|  | X |  |  |  |
| Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Other Investment Companies Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Government Money Market Funds Risk <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| Preferred Stock Risk | X |  |  |  |  |
| Prepayment and Extension Risk | X | X |  |  |  |
| Quantitative Strategy Risk |  |  |  |  | X |
| Redemption Risk | X | X |  |  | X |
| Sector Risk |  |  |  | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Financials Sector Risk <br>|  |  |  | X | X |
| Secured, Partially Secured and Unsecured Obligation Risk | X | X |  |  |  |
| Securities Lending Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Securities Selection Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| Segregated Assets Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| Small-Capitalization Companies Risk |  |  | X | X | X |
| U.S. Government Securities and Government Sponsored Enterprises Risk | X | X |  |  |  |
| Valuation Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| Value Stocks Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk | X | X |  |  |  |

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**Allocation Risk**

This is the risk that allocations among strategies, asset classes and market exposures may be less than optimal and may adversely affect a Fund's performance. There can be no assurance, particularly during periods of market disruption and stress, that judgments about asset allocation will be correct. Some broad asset categories and sub-classes may perform below expectations, or below the securities markets generally, over short and extended periods. A Fund may be negatively impacted if market correlations change abruptly or unexpectedly. A Fund's allocations may be invested in strategies, asset classes and market exposures during a period when such strategies, asset classes and market exposures underperform.

**Asset-Backed Securities Risk**

Investments in asset-backed securities are influenced by the factors affecting the assets underlying the securities, including the broader market sector and individual markets. Investments in asset-backed securities are subject to market risks for fixed-income securities which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. These securities may be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain asset-backed securities. Asset-backed securities are also subject to the risk of a default on the underlying assets, particularly during periods of market downturn, and an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the underlying assets will adversely affect the security's value.

If interest rates fall, the rate of prepayments tends to increase as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. When obligations are prepaid and when securities are called, a Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield or fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss and/or a decrease in the amount of dividends and yield. Because prepayments increase when interest rates fall, the prices of asset-backed securities may not increase as much as other fixed-income securities when interest rates fall. When interest rates rise, borrowers are less likely to prepay their loans. A decreased rate of prepayments may lengthen the expected maturity and duration of asset-backed securities, which, in turn, can make these securities more sensitive to changes in interest rates. Therefore, the prices of asset-backed securities may decrease more than prices of other fixed-income securities when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates also may increase the risk of default by borrowers. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, a Fund may experience additional volatility and losses.

A Fund's investments in asset-backed securities are subject to risks associated with the nature of the assets and the servicing of those assets. Certain asset-backed securities may not have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to that of mortgage assets, resulting in additional credit risk. If a securitization issuer defaults on its payment obligations due to losses or shortfalls on the assets held by the issuer, a sale or liquidation of the assets may not be sufficient to support payments on the securities, and a Fund may suffer losses as a result. As such, a decline in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of asset-backed securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to a Fund. There may be a limited secondary market for certain asset-backed securities, which may make it difficult for a Fund to sell or realize profits on those securities at favorable times or for favorable prices.

**Asset Selection Risk**

Assets selected for a Fund may not perform to expectations. Judgments about the attractiveness, value and potential performance of a particular asset class or individual security may be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that individual securities will perform as anticipated. Additionally, asset classes tend to go through cycles of outperformance and underperformance in comparison to each other and to the general securities markets. This could result in a Fund's underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

**Callable Securities Risk**

A Fund may invest in fixed-income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, a Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, the proceeds received by a Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates or other less favorable characteristics, and a Fund may not benefit from any increase in value that might

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otherwise result from declining interest rates. Thus, a Fund's income could be reduced as a result of a call and this may reduce the amount of a Fund's distributions. In addition, the market value of a callable security may decrease if it is perceived by the market as likely to be called, which could have a negative impact on a Fund's total return.

**Convertible Securities Risk**

The conversion value of a convertible security, including a convertible preferred security, is the market value that would be received if the convertible were converted to its underlying common stock. The value of a convertible security typically increases or decreases with the price of the underlying common stock. 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. In general, a convertible security is subject to the market risks of stocks, and its price may be as volatile as that of the underlying stock when the underlying stock's price is high relative to the conversion price. A convertible security also is subject to the market risks of debt securities, and is particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, when the underlying stock's price is low relative to the conversion price. The investment value of a convertible is based on its yield and tends to decline as interest rates increase. The general market risks of debt securities that are common to convertible securities include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk and credit risk, and there is a risk that the credit standing of the issuer may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. Because their value can be influenced by many different factors, convertible securities generally have less potential for gain or loss than the underlying common stocks. Securities that are convertible other than at the option of the holder generally do not limit the potential for loss to the same extent as securities that are convertible at the option of the holder. Many convertible securities have credit ratings that are below investment grade (commonly known as "junk bonds") and are subject to the same risks as an investment in lower-rated debt securities. Lower-rated debt securities may fluctuate more widely in price and yield than investment grade debt securities and may fall in price during times when the economy is weak or is expected to become weak. The credit rating of a company's convertible securities is generally lower than that of its non-convertible debt securities. Convertible securities are normally considered "junior" securities — that is, the company usually must pay interest on its non-convertible debt securities before it can make payments on its convertible securities. If the issuer stops paying interest or principal, convertible securities may become worthless and a Fund could lose its entire investment. In addition, to the extent a Fund invests in convertible securities issued by small- or mid-capitalization companies, it will be subject to the risks of investing in such companies. The stocks of small- and mid-capitalization companies may fluctuate more widely in price than the market as a whole and there may also be less trading in small- or mid-capitalization stocks.

**Counterparty Risk**

A 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 a Fund. As a result, a Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty.

A Fund is also subject to the risk that an FCM would default on an obligation set forth in an agreement between a Fund and the FCM. This risk exists at and from the time that a Fund enters into derivatives transactions that are centrally cleared. In such cases, a clearing organization becomes a Fund's counterparty and the principal counterparty risk is that the clearing organization itself will default. In addition, the FCM may hold margin posted in connection with those contracts and that margin may be re-hypothecated (or re-pledged) by the FCM, and lost, or its return delayed, due to a default by the FCM or other customer of the FCM. The FCM may itself file for bankruptcy, which would either delay the return of, or jeopardize altogether, the assets posted by the FCM as margin in response to margin calls relating to cleared positions. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, goes bankrupt, or otherwise experiences a business interruption, a Fund could miss investment opportunities or otherwise hold investments it would prefer to sell, resulting in losses for a Fund.

**Credit Risk**

A Fund is subject to the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail, or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations or default completely. There are varying degrees of credit risk, depending on the financial condition of an issuer, guarantor, or counterparty, as well as the terms of an obligation, which may be reflected in the credit rating of the issuer, guarantor, or counterparty. The strategies utilized by a sub-advisor require accurate and detailed credit analysis of issuers and there can be no assurance that its analysis will be accurate or complete. A Fund may be subject to substantial losses in the event of credit deterioration or bankruptcy of one or more issuers in its portfolio. Financial strength and solvency of an issuer are the primary factors influencing credit risk. In addition, inadequacy of collateral or credit enhancement for a debt instrument may affect its credit risk. Credit risk may change over the life of an instrument and debt obligations which are rated by rating agencies may be subject to downgrade. The credit ratings of debt instruments and investments represent the rating agencies' opinions regarding their credit quality, are not a guarantee of future credit performance of such securities, are not a guarantee of quality and do not protect against a decline in the value of a security. Rating agencies attempt to evaluate the safety of the timely payment of principal and interest (or dividends) and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in market value. The ratings assigned to securities by rating agencies do not purport to fully reflect the true risks of an investment. A decline in the credit rating of an individual security held by a Fund may have an adverse impact on its price and may make it difficult for a Fund to sell it. Rating agencies might not always change their credit rating on an issuer or security in a timely manner to reflect events that could affect the issuer's ability to make timely payments on its obligations. Changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of an issuer, or a downgrade or default affecting any of a Fund's securities, could affect a Fund's performance. Generally, the longer the maturity and the lower the credit quality of a security, the more sensitive it is to credit risk.

**Currency Risk**

A Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, may be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, of the U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, and may be affected by the imposition of currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. As a result, a Fund's exposure to foreign currencies may reduce the returns of a Fund. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect a Fund's investments. In addition, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency derivatives may not always work as intended, and in specific cases, a Fund may be worse off than if it had not used such instrument(s). In the case of hedging positions, the U.S. dollar or other currency may decline in value relative to the foreign currency that is being hedged and thereby affect a Fund's investments. There may not always be suitable hedging instruments available. Even where suitable hedging instruments are available, a Fund may choose to not hedge its currency risks.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk**

Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact a Fund, its service providers, and third-party fund distribution platforms, including the ability of shareholders to transact in a Fund's shares, and result in financial losses. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause a Fund or its service providers, as well as the securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in

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the loss or theft of shareholder data or funds, shareholders or service providers being unable to access electronic systems (also known as "denial of services"), loss or theft of proprietary information or financial data, the inability to process Fund transactions, interference with a 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, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory scrutiny, penalties, fines, reputational damage, additional compliance requirements, and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on a Fund or its shareholders. Market events also may occur at a pace that overloads current information technology and communication systems and processes of the Funds, their service providers or other market participants, such as third-party distribution platforms, which could impact the ability of the Funds to conduct operations or of shareholders to transact the Funds' shares.

The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid or mitigate risks that could lead to problems discussed above. 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, other Fund service providers, or third-party fund distribution platforms to identify all of the operational risks that may affect a Fund or to develop processes and controls to completely eliminate or mitigate their occurrence or effects. Recent geopolitical tensions may increase the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. A Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems of its service providers, its counterparties, third-party fund distribution platforms, or the issuers of securities in which a Fund invests. The issuers of a Fund's investments are likely to be dependent on computers for their operations and require ready access to their data and the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of a Fund's investments, leading to significant loss of value.

**Debentures Risk**

In the event of a default or bankruptcy by the issuer, as unsecured creditors, debenture holders will not have a claim against any specific assets of the issuer and will therefore only be paid from the issuer's assets after the secured creditors have been paid. A Fund is subject to the risk that the value of a debenture will fluctuate with changes in interest rates and the perceived ability of the issuer to make interest or principal payments on time.

A Fund may invest in both corporate and government debentures.

**Derivatives Risk**

Derivatives are financial instruments that have a value which depends upon, or is derived from, a reference asset, such as one or more underlying securities, pools of securities, options, futures, indexes or currencies. A Fund may use derivatives to enhance total return of its portfolio, to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates, to change the effective duration of its portfolio, or to manage certain investment risks or for exposure to a market as a substitute for the purchase or sale of the underlying currencies or securities. A Fund may also hold derivative instruments to obtain economic exposure to an issuer without directly holding its securities. Derivatives may involve significant risk. The use of derivative instruments may expose a Fund to additional risks that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or other instruments underlying those securities. Derivatives 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 a sub-advisor incorrectly forecasts stock market values, or the direction of interest rates or currency exchange rates in utilizing a specific derivatives strategy for a Fund, a Fund could lose money. In addition, leverage embedded in a derivative instrument can expose a Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. Gains or losses in the value of a derivative instrument may be magnified and be much greater than the derivative's original cost (generally the initial margin deposit). There may also be material and prolonged deviations between the theoretical value and realizable value of a derivative. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of a Fund's initial investment, for example, where a Fund may be called upon to deliver a security it does not own . As a result, a Fund could lose more than the amount it invests. The use of derivatives may also increase any adverse effects resulting from the underperformance of strategies, asset classes and market exposures to which a Fund has allocated its assets. Derivatives may at times be illiquid and may be more volatile than other types of investments. A Fund may not be able to close out or sell a derivative position at a particular time or at an anticipated price. Certain derivatives may also be difficult to value, and valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil.

Derivative investments can increase portfolio turnover and transaction costs. Derivatives also are subject to counterparty risk and credit risk. As a result, a Fund may not recover its investment or may only obtain a limited recovery, and any recovery may be delayed. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Derivatives transactions requiring a Fund to post collateral may expose a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. Certain derivatives require a Fund to post margin to secure its future obligation; if a 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. A Fund's use of derivatives also may create financial leverage, which may result in losses that exceed the amount originally invested and accelerate the rate of losses. There may be imperfect correlation between the behavior of a derivative and that of the reference instrument underlying the derivative. An abrupt change in the price of a reference instrument could render a derivative worthless. Derivatives may involve risks different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the reference instrument. A Fund may buy or sell derivatives not traded on organized exchanges or enter into transactions that are not cleared through clearing organizations. These types of transactions may be subject to heightened counterparty, liquidity and valuation risks. Suitable derivatives may not be available in all circumstances, and there can be no assurance that a Fund will use derivatives to reduce exposure to other risks when that might have been beneficial. Because the markets for certain derivative instruments (including markets located in foreign countries) are relatively new and still developing, suitable derivatives transactions may not be available in all circumstances for risk management or other purposes. Upon the expiration of a particular contract, a sub-advisor may wish to retain a Fund's position in the derivative instrument by entering into a similar contract, but may be unable to do so if the counterparty to the original contract is unwilling to enter into the new contract and no other suitable counterparty can be found. Although a Fund may attempt to hedge against certain risks, the hedging instruments may not perform as expected and could produce losses. Hedging instruments may also reduce or eliminate gains that may otherwise have been available had a Fund not used the hedging instruments. A Fund may not hedge certain risks in particular situations, even if suitable instruments are available.

A Fund's ability to use derivatives may also be limited by certain regulatory and tax considerations. For example, the CFTC and the designated contract markets have established position limits for certain futures contracts, which may restrict the ability of a Fund, or the Manager or sub-advisor entering trades on a Fund's behalf, to make certain trading decisions. Rule 18f-4 places limits on the use of derivatives by registered investment companies, such as a Fund. A fund that relies on Rule 18f-4 is required to comply with limits on the amount of leverage-related risk that the fund may obtain, and may also be required to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program and designate a derivatives risk manager or adopt policies and procedures designed to manage a fund's derivatives risks.

Ongoing changes to the regulation of derivatives markets and changes in the regulation of funds using derivative instruments could limit a Fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies. New regulation may make derivatives more costly, may limit their availability, may disrupt markets, or may otherwise adversely affect their value or performance. Recent rule changes provide for central clearing of derivatives that in the past were traded exclusively over-the-counter and may increase costs and margin requirements, but are expected to reduce certain counterparty risks. A Fund may be subject to the risks associated with investments in derivatives, including but not limited to the following:

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■ Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Risk. Foreign currency forward contracts, including NDFs, are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of foreign currency at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. The use of foreign currency forward contracts may expose a Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities or currencies underlying the foreign currency forward contract. Foreign currency forward transactions, including NDFs, and forward currency contracts include risks associated with fluctuations in currency, and other risks inherent in trading derivatives. There are no limitations on daily price movements of forward contracts. Not all forward contracts, including NDFs, require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a Fund to greater losses in the event of a default by a counterparty. There may at times be an imperfect correlation between the price of a forward contract and the underlying currency, which may increase the volatility of a Fund. A 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, a Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect a Fund's rights as a creditor. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed.

■ Futures Contracts Risk. Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of such derivative instruments may expose a Fund to additional risks, such as liquidity risk and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the instruments underlying those derivatives. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. 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 index. 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 may increase the volatility of a 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 a Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If a Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous. A Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:

• *Foreign Currency Futures Contracts Risk*. Foreign currency futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to pay a fixed price for an agreed amount of foreign currency at an agreed date or to buy or sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Foreign currency futures contracts are similar to foreign currency forward contracts, except that they are traded on exchanges (and may have margin requirements) and are standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Foreign currency futures contracts are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). A Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts for the same purposes as foreign currency forward contracts, subject to CFTC regulations. A Fund may also enter into put and call options and write covered call and cash-secured put options on foreign currency futures. Foreign currency futures positions entered into on exchanges may require a Fund to make variation margin payments. The use of foreign currency futures contracts may expose a Fund to additional risks, such as liquidity risk and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the currencies underlying the foreign currency futures contract. Foreign currency futures transactions and currency futures contracts include risks associated with fluctuations in currency, and other risks inherent in trading derivatives. CFTC regulations require foreign currency futures contracts to be closed out on a U.S. exchange or a foreign board of trade. Although a Fund intends to purchase or sell foreign currency futures contracts only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will be available to a Fund for the appropriate type of contract at any particular time. Options on foreign currency futures primarily trade in the over-the-counter market, though some options are also listed on exchanges. While a Fund similarly intends to buy or sell options when it believes there is a liquid secondary market available for such options, there can be no guarantee that such a liquid secondary market will develop or continue. Consequently, a Fund may experience losses if it is unable to timely exit its position due to an illiquid secondary market. Regulatory changes could materially and adversely affect the ability of a Fund to enter into foreign currency futures contracts or could increase the transaction costs of such positions. Such changes can come from a variety of sources, including CFTC regulations, rules from the exchange or board of trade, membership requirements from the derivatives clearing organization, or from foreign regulatory authorities.

• *Index Futures Contracts Risk.* Futures contracts on indices expose a Fund to volatility in the underlying index.

■ Swap Agreements Risk. Swap agreements or "swaps" are transactions in which a Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps) or the performance of specified securities, indices or other assets based on a specified amount (the "notional" amount). Swaps can involve greater risks than a direct investment in an underlying asset, because swaps typically include a certain amount of embedded leverage and as such are subject to leveraging risk. If swaps are used as a hedging strategy, a Fund is subject to the risk that the hedging strategy may not eliminate the risk that it is intended to offset, due to, among other reasons, a lack of correlation between the swaps and the portfolio of assets that the swaps are designed to hedge or replace. Swaps also may be difficult to value. Swaps may be subject to liquidity risk and counterparty risk. The value of swaps may be affected by changes in overall market movements and changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. Some swaps are now executed through an organized exchange or regulated facility and cleared through a regulated clearing organization. A highly liquid secondary market may not exist for certain swaps, and there can be no assurance that one will develop. The use of an organized exchange or market for swap transactions may result in certain trading and valuation efficiencies for swaps, however, this may not always be the case. The absence of an organized exchange or market for swaps transactions may result in difficulties in trading and valuation, especially in the event of market disruptions. Swaps that are traded over-the-counter also are not subject to standardized clearing requirements and the direct oversight of self-regulatory organizations. Swaps may involve greater liquidity and counterparty risks, including settlement risk, as well as collateral risk (i.e., the risk that the swap will not be properly secured with sufficient collateral), legal risk (i.e., the risk that a swap will not be legally enforceable on all of its terms) and operational risk (i.e., the risk of processing and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology errors or malfunctions). A Fund may invest in the following types of swaps, which may be subject to the risks discussed above, as well as the additional risks as described below:

• *Currency Swaps Risk.* Currency swaps may also be subject to currency, counterparty and liquidity (i.e., the inability to enter into a closing transaction) risks.

**Dividend Risk**

A Fund's investments in dividend-paying stocks could cause a Fund to underperform funds that invest without consideration of a company's track record of paying dividends. An issuer of stock held by a Fund may choose not to declare a dividend or the dividend rate might not remain at current levels or increase over time. Dividend paying stocks might not experience the same level of earnings growth or capital appreciation as non-dividend paying stocks. In addition, stocks of companies with a history of paying dividends may not participate in a broad market advance to the same degree as most other stocks, and a sharp rise in interest rates or an economic downturn could cause a company to unexpectedly reduce or eliminate its dividend. Securities that pay dividends may be

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sensitive to changes in interest rates, and as interest rates rise, the prices of such securities may fall. At times, a Fund may not be able to identify dividend-paying stocks that are attractive investments. The income received by a Fund will also fluctuate due to the amount of dividends that companies elect to pay.

**Environmental, Social, and/or Governance Investing Risk**

The use of environmental, social and/or governance ("ESG") considerations by a sub-advisor may cause a Fund to make different investments than funds that have a similar investment style but do not incorporate such considerations in their strategy. As with the use of any investment considerations involved in investment decisions, there is no guarantee that the use of any ESG investment considerations will result in the selection of issuers that will outperform other issuers or help reduce risk in a Fund. The use of ESG investment considerations may also affect a Fund's exposure to certain investments, sectors or industries, which may impact a Fund's relative investment performance depending on the performance of those issuers, sectors or industries. Depending on how ESG considerations are incorporated, a Fund may choose not to or may not be able to take advantage of certain investment opportunities due to these considerations, which may adversely affect investment performance. A Fund may underperform funds that do not incorporate these considerations or incorporate different ESG considerations. Although a sub-advisor has established its own ESG integration process in accordance with a Fund's investment strategies, successful integration of ESG factors will depend on a sub-advisor's skill in researching, identifying, and applying these factors, as well as on the availability of relevant data. A sub-advisor may use ESG research and/or ratings information provided by one or more third parties in performing an ESG analysis and considering ESG risks. Because there are few generally accepted standards to use in such considerations, the information may not be readily available, complete or accurate, and may differ from the information and considerations used for other funds, which could negatively impact a Fund's performance or create additional risk in the portfolio. The regulatory landscape with respect to ESG investing in the United States is evolving and any future rules or regulations may require a Fund to change its investment process with respect to the integration of ESG factors.

**Equity Investments Risk**

Equity securities represent ownership interests in companies and are subject to investment risk, issuer risk and market risk. In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. A Fund may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital. A Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose a Fund to the following additional risks:

■ Common Stock Risk. 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. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. In the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, there is substantial risk that there will be nothing left to pay common stockholders after payments, if any, to bondholders and preferred stockholders have been made.

■ Depositary Receipts Risk. A Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies through ADRs . 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, less liquidity, more volatility, less government regulation and supervision and delays in transaction settlement. There may be an imperfect correlation between the market value of depositary receipts and the underlying foreign securities. In addition, because the underlying securities of depositary receipts trade on foreign exchanges at times when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, the value of the securities underlying the depositary receipts may change materially at times when the U.S. markets are not open for trading, regardless of whether there is an active U.S. market for shares of a Fund. Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored depositary receipts are organized independently, without the cooperation of the issuer of the underlying securities. As a result, there may be less information available about the underlying issuer than there is about an issuer of sponsored depositary receipts and the prices may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. Any distributions paid to the holders of depositary receipts are usually subject to a fee charged by the depositary. Holders of depositary receipts may have limited voting rights, and investment restrictions in certain countries may adversely impact the value of depositary receipts because such restrictions may limit the ability to convert the equity shares into depositary receipts and vice versa. Such restrictions may cause the equity shares of the underlying issuer to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of the depositary receipts.

■ Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs") Risk. Investing in MLPs involves certain risks related to investing in the underlying assets of the MLPs and risks associated with pooled investment vehicles. Investments held by MLPs may be relatively illiquid, limiting the MLPs' ability to change their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. MLPs may have limited financial resources, their securities may trade infrequently and in limited volume, they may be difficult to value, and they may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger or more broadly based companies. Holders of units in MLPs have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership and may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. A Fund invests as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amounts a Fund has contributed but it would not be shielded to the same extent that a shareholder of a corporation would be. In certain instances, creditors of an MLP would have the right to seek a return of capital that had been distributed to a limited partner. The right of an MLP's creditors would continue even after a Fund had sold its investment in the partnership. MLPs typically invest in real estate, oil and gas equipment leasing assets, but they also finance entertainment, research and development, and other projects. A Fund's investments in MLPs will be limited to no more than 25% of its assets in order for a Fund to meet the requirements necessary to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Distributions from an MLP may consist in part of a return of the amount originally invested, which would not be taxable to the extent the distributions do not exceed the investor's adjusted basis on its MLP interest. These reductions in a Fund's adjusted tax basis in the MLP securities will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss) recognized by a Fund on a subsequent sale of the securities. MLPs holding credit-related investments are subject to interest rate risk and the risk of default on payment obligations by debt issuers. MLPs that concentrate in a particular industry or a particular geographic region are subject to risks associated with such industry or region.

■ Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs") Risk. REITs or other real estate-related securities are subject to the risks associated with direct ownership of real estate, including, among other risks: adverse developments affecting the real estate industry; declines in real property values; changes in interest rates; risks related to general and local economic conditions; defaults by mortgagors or other borrowers and tenants; lack of availability of mortgage funds or financing; increases in property taxes and other operating expenses; overbuilding in their sector of the real estate market; fluctuations in rental income; extended vacancies of properties, especially during economic downturns; casualty or condemnation losses; changes in tax and regulatory requirements; losses due to environmental liabilities; and governmental actions, such as changes to tax laws, zoning regulations or environmental regulations. All REITs are dependent on management skills, are subject to heavy cash flow dependency or self-liquidation and generally are not diversified. Regardless of where a REIT is organized or traded, its performance may be affected significantly by events in the region where its properties are located. Equity REITs are affected

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by the changes in the value of the properties owned by the trust. Mortgage REITs are affected by the quality of the credit extended. Equity, mortgage and hybrid REITs may not be diversified with regard to the types of tenants, may not be diversified with regard to the geographic locations of the properties, and are subject to cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. Any domestic REIT could be adversely affected by failure to qualify for tax-free "pass-through" of distributed net income and net realized gains under the Internal Revenue Code, or to maintain its exemption from registration under the Investment Company Act. REITs typically incur fees that are separate from those incurred by a Fund. Accordingly, a Fund's investment in REITs will result in the layering of expenses such that shareholders will indirectly bear a proportionate share of the REITs' operating expenses, in addition to indirectly paying Fund expenses. The value of REIT common stock may decline when interest rates rise. REITs tend to be small- to mid-capitalization securities and, as such, are subject to the risks of investing in small- to mid-capitalization securities.<br>

■ U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Foreign (non-U.S.) companies that list their stocks on U.S. exchanges may be exempt from certain accounting and corporate governance standards that apply to U.S. companies that list on the same exchange. Foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges transact and settle in U.S. dollars, but performance of these stocks can be impacted by political and financial instability in the home country of a particular foreign company. To the extent a Fund invests in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges, delisting of these stocks could impact a Fund's ability to transact in such securities and could significantly impact their liquidity and market price. In addition, a Fund would have to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities which would also increase a Fund's costs.

**Focused Holdings Risk**

Because a Fund may have a focused portfolio of fewer companies, the increase or decrease of the value of a single stock may have a greater impact on a Fund's NAV and total return when compared to other funds. Although a focused portfolio has the potential to generate attractive returns over time, it also may increase a Fund's volatility.

**Foreign Exposure Risk**

Exposure to non-U.S. issuers carries potential risks not associated with exposure to U.S. issuers. Such risks may include, but are not limited to: (1) political and financial instability, (2) less liquidity, (3) greater volatility, and (4) different government regulation of issuers. To the extent a Fund exposes a significant portion of its assets to securities of non-U.S. issuers domiciled in a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. A Fund's exposure to a non-U.S. issuer may subject a Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country, including tariffs, trade disputes or the imposition of economic and other sanctions by the U.S. or another country against a particular country, as well as competition from subsidized foreign competitors with lower production costs. There may be restrictions on the flow of international capital, including the possible seizure or nationalization of the assets of non-U.S. issuers to which the Fund is exposed. Global economic and financial markets have become increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility, terrorism, war and political instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.

**Foreign Investing Risk**

Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments. Such risks may 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, recordkeeping and financial reporting standards, (5) greater volatility; (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. Additionally, trading in foreign markets generally involves higher transaction costs than trading in U.S. markets. There may be very limited oversight of certain foreign banks or securities depositories that hold foreign securities and currency, and the laws of certain countries may limit the ability to recover such assets if a foreign bank, depository, or their agents goes bankrupt. In certain countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with respect to investments in the U.S. and investors may encounter difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. Additionally, in certain markets, a Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. To the extent a Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in securities of a single country or region, it is more likely to be affected by events or conditions of that country or region. A Fund's investment in a foreign issuer may subject a Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country, including tariffs, trade disputes or the imposition of economic and other sanctions by the U.S. or another country against a particular country, as well as competition from subsidized foreign competitors with lower production costs.

There may be restrictions on the flow of international capital, including the possible seizure or nationalization of the securities issued by non-U.S. issuers held by a Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain of the countries may require advance government notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. A Fund also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Global economic and financial markets have become increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility, terrorism, war and political instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including ADRs, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies.

Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. In the event that a Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities, a Fund's ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and a Fund could incur significant losses.

**Futures Contracts Risk**

Futures contracts are derivative instruments pursuant to a contract where the parties agree to a fixed price for an agreed amount of securities or other underlying assets at an agreed date. The use of futures contracts may expose a Fund to additional risks, such as credit risk, liquidity risk, and counterparty risk, that it would not be subject to if it invested directly in the securities underlying those futures contracts. There can be no assurance that any strategy used will succeed. 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 index. Futures contracts may experience potentially dramatic price changes and imperfect correlations between the price of the contract and the underlying security, index or currency, which may increase the volatility of a Fund. An abrupt change in the price of an underlying security could render the underlying derivative instrument worthless. 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 a Fund has previously bought or sold and this may result in the inability to close a futures contract when desired. Futures contracts are subject to the risk that an exchange may impose price fluctuation limits, which may make it difficult or impossible for a Fund to close out a position when desired. When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily variation margin calls that could be substantial. If a Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are

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disadvantageous. Use of derivatives is a highly specialized activity that can involve investment techniques and risks different from, and in some respects greater than, those associated with investing in more traditional investments. Derivatives can be highly complex and highly volatile and may perform in unanticipated ways. The Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:

• *Index Futures Contracts Risk.* Futures contracts on indices expose a Fund to volatility in the underlying index.

**Geographic Concentration Risk**

From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, a Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region, which could increase the risk that economic, political, business, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on a Fund's performance. Investing in such a manner could cause a Fund's performance to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diverse funds. The economies and financial markets of certain countries or regions can be highly interdependent. Therefore, a decline in the economies or financial markets of one country or region may adversely affect the economies or financial markets of another.

■ European Securities Risk. A Fund's performance may be affected by political, social and economic conditions in Europe, such as growth of economic output (the gross national product of the countries in the region), the rate of inflation, the rate at which capital is reinvested into European economies, the success of governmental actions to reduce budget deficits, the resource self-sufficiency of European countries, interest rates in European countries, monetary exchange rates between European countries, and conflict between European countries. Most developed countries in Western Europe are members of the European Union ("EU") and many are also members of the Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU" or "Eurozone"). European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the EMU imposes on its members and with which candidates for EMU membership are required to comply. While certain EU countries continue to use their own currency, Eurozone countries use the Euro as their currency. Changes in imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the Euro and the currencies of other EU countries which are not in the Eurozone, the threat of default or actual default by one or more EU member states on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in one or more EU member states may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other EU member states and their trading partners, including non-EU European countries. A breakup of the Eurozone, particularly a disorderly breakup, would pose special challenges for the financial markets and could lead to exchange controls and/or market closures. The economies and markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European countries. The European financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns; rising government debt levels and the possible default on government debt; national unemployment in several European countries; public health crises; political unrest; economic sanctions; inflation; energy crises; the future of the Euro as a common currency; and war and military conflict, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These events have affected the exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures, interest rate rises and other reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or may have unintended consequences. Many European nations are susceptible to economic risks associated with high levels of debt. Non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts, and other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations. A default or debt restructuring by any European country could adversely impact holders of that country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country's creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries. Such a default or debt restructuring could affect exposures to other European countries and their companies as well. In addition, issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations, and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. Furthermore, certain European countries have had to accept assistance from supranational agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Stability Mechanism or others. There can be no assurance that any creditors or supranational agencies will continue to intervene or provide further assistance, and markets may react adversely to any expected reduction in the financial support provided by these creditors. The United Kingdom has withdrawn from the EU, and one or more other countries may withdraw from the EU and/or abandon the Euro. These events and actions have affected, and may in the future affect, the value and exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the Euro and non-EU member states. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far reaching. The national politics of European countries have been unpredictable and subject to influence by disruptive political groups and ideologies. European governments may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Russia's war with Ukraine has negatively impacted European economic activity. The effects on the economies of European countries of the Russia/Ukraine war and Russia's response to sanctions imposed by the U.S., the EU, UK and others are impossible to predict but have been and could continue to be significant and have a severe adverse impact on the region, including significant impacts on the regional, European, and global economies and the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. For example, exports in Eastern Europe have been disrupted for certain key commodities, pushing certain commodity prices to record highs. Also, both wholesale energy prices and energy prices charged to consumers in Europe have increased significantly.

■ United Kingdom Securities Risk. Exposure to issuers located in, or with economic ties to, the United Kingdom, could expose a Fund to risks associated with investments in the United Kingdom to a greater extent than more geographically diverse funds, including regulatory, political, currency, security, and economic risks specific to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has one of the largest economies in Europe, and the United States and other European countries are substantial trading partners of the United Kingdom. As a result, the United Kingdom economy may be impacted by changes to the economic condition of the United States and other European countries. Increasing commodity prices and rising inflation levels caused or exacerbated by the war between Russia and Ukraine recently prompted the United Kingdom government to implement significant policy changes. It is difficult to predict what effects such policies (or the suggestion of such policies) may have and the duration of those effects, which may last for extended periods. These effects may negatively impact broad segments of business and the population and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of a Fund's investments. In September 2022, the unexpected announcement by the United Kingdom government to propose spending pledges and tax cuts as part of the mini-budget, caused government bond prices to fall sharply, sparking a liquidity and valuation crisis among certain pension funds, and a fear that interest rates might rise at a faster rate than had been anticipated. The Bank of England subsequently launched an emergency intervention to stabilize the United Kingdom's economy. The uncertainty also resulted in the British pound sterling falling to a historic low against the dollar, though there was some recovery shortly thereafter. The United Kingdom's government subsequently reversed proposing some of the spending pledges and tax cuts; however, there continues to be considerable uncertainty surrounding these plans, which may continue to have a destabilizing effect on the United Kingdom economy. Additionally, the transitional period following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (commonly referred to as "Brexit") ended on December 31, 2020 and European Union law ceased to have effect in the United Kingdom except to the extent retained by the United Kingdom by unilateral act. The United Kingdom and the European Union then reached a trade agreement that was ratified by all applicable United Kingdom and

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European Union governmental bodies. The economic effects of Brexit, including certain negative impacts on the ability of the United Kingdom to trade seamlessly with the European Union, are becoming clearer but some political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty in relation to the longer term impacts nevertheless remains to be resolved. Accordingly, there remains a risk that the aftermath of Brexit, including its ongoing effect on the United Kingdom's relationships with other countries, including the United States and the European Union, may negatively impact the value of investments held by the Fund. Although a sub-advisor may hedge Fund currency exposures back to the U.S. dollar, a depreciation of the British pound sterling and/or the Euro in relation to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect Fund investments denominated in British pound sterling or Euros that are not fully hedged regardless of the performance of the underlying issuer.<br>

**Hedging Risk**

A Fund may 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 a Fund enters into hedging transactions, the hedges will not be static but rather will need to be continually adjusted based on a 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 a Fund's hedging strategies will depend on a sub-advisor's ability to implement such strategies efficiently and cost-effectively, as well as on the accuracy of a sub-advisor's judgments concerning the hedging positions to be acquired by a Fund. A counterparty to a hedging transaction may be unable to honor its financial obligation to a Fund. In addition, a sub-advisor may be unable to close the transaction at the time it would like or at the price it believes the security is currently worth. A Fund may not, in general, attempt to hedge all market or other risks inherent in a Fund's investments, and may hedge certain risks only partially, if at all. Certain risks, either in respect of particular investments or in respect of a 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. If a 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. The use of hedges may fail to mitigate risks, reduce a Fund's return, or create a loss. In addition, hedges, even when successful in mitigating risk, may not prevent a Fund from experiencing losses on its investments. Hedging instruments may also reduce or eliminate gains that may otherwise have been available had a Fund not used the hedging instruments. When hedging is combined with leverage, a Fund risks losses that are increased by the degree of leverage used.

**Interest Rate Risk**

Investments in fixed-income securities or derivatives that are influenced by interest rates are subject to interest rate risk. Generally, the value of investments with interest rate risk, such as fixed-income securities or derivatives, will move in the opposite direction as movements in interest rates. For example, the value of a Fund's fixed-income investments or derivatives typically will fall when interest rates rise. Factors including central bank monetary policy, rising inflation rates, and changes in general economic conditions may cause interest rates to rise, which could cause the value of a Fund's investments to decline. Additionally, the value of income-oriented equity securities that pay dividends may decline when interest rates rise, as rising interest rates can reduce companies' profitability and their ability to pay dividends. Rising interest rates can reduce companies' profitability and their ability to pay dividends. Interest rate increases, including significant or rapid increases, may result in a decline in the value of bonds held by a Fund, make issuers less willing or able to make principal and interest payments on fixed-income investments when due, lead to heightened volatility in the fixed-income markets and adversely affect the liquidity of certain fixed-income investments, any of which may result in substantial losses to a Fund. When interest rates decline, issuers may prepay higher-yielding securities held by a Fund, resulting in a Fund reinvesting in securities with lower yields, which may cause a decline in its income. Interest rate changes may have a more pronounced effect on the market value of fixed-rate instruments than on floating-rate instruments. The value of floating rate and variable securities may decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest rates. The prices of fixed-income securities or derivatives are also affected by their durations. Fixed-income securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than fixed-income securities with shorter durations. Rising interest rates may cause the value of a Fund's investments in investments with longer durations and terms to maturity to decline, which may adversely affect the value of a Fund. For example, if a bond has a duration of eight years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in an 8% decrease in the value of the bond. Alternatively, if a bond has a duration of six years, a 1% increase in interest rates could be expected to result in a 6% decrease in the value of the bond. Yields of fixed-income securities will fluctuate over time. In addition, decreases in fixed-income dealer market-making capacity may lead to lower trading volume, heightened volatility, wider bid-ask spreads, and less transparent pricing in certain fixed-income markets. Changing interest rates may have unpredictable effects on markets, may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from Fund performance to the extent a Fund is exposed to such interest rates. In a low interest rate environment, some investors may seek to reallocate assets to other income-producing assets. This may cause the price of such higher yielding instruments to rise and may limit a Fund's ability to locate fixed income instruments containing the desired risk/return profile.

A Fund may not be able to hedge against changes in interest rates or may choose not to do so for cost or other reasons. In addition, any hedges may not work as intended.

**Investment Risk**

An investment in a Fund is not a deposit with a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. A Fund should not be relied upon as a complete investment program. The share price of a Fund fluctuates, which means that when you sell your shares of a Fund, they could be worth less than what you paid for them. Therefore, you may lose money by investing in a Fund.

**Issuer** **Risk**

The value of, and/or the return generated by, a security may decline for a number of reasons that 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. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.

**Large-Capitalization Companies Risk**

The securities of large market capitalization companies may underperform other segments of the market, in some cases for extended periods of time, because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Large market capitalization companies generally are expected to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. However, large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion, and may instead focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share.

**Liquidity Risk**

A Fund is susceptible to the risk that certain investments held by a Fund may have limited marketability, be subject to restrictions on sale, be difficult or impossible to purchase or sell at favorable times or prices or become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse credit events that may affect issuers or guarantors of a security. Market prices for such instruments may be volatile. During periods of substantial market volatility, an investment or even

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an entire market segment may become illiquid, sometimes abruptly, which can adversely affect a Fund's ability to limit losses. When there is little or no active trading market for specific types of securities, it can become more difficult to purchase or sell the securities at or near their perceived value. As a result, a Fund may have to lower the price on certain securities that it is trying to sell, sell other securities instead or forgo an investment opportunity, any of which could have a negative effect on Fund management or performance. An inability to sell a portfolio position can adversely affect a Fund's NAV or prevent a Fund from being able to take advantage of other investment opportunities. A Fund could lose money if it is unable to dispose of an investment at a time that is most beneficial to a Fund. Unexpected redemptions or redemptions by a few large investors in a Fund may force a Fund to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs and may have a significant adverse effect on a Fund's NAV per share and remaining Fund shareholders. This could negatively affect a Fund's ability to buy or sell debt securities and increase the related volatility and trading costs. A Fund may lose money if it is forced to sell certain investments at unfavorable prices to meet redemption requests or other cash needs. For example, liquidity risk may be magnified in rising interest rate environments in the event of higher than normal redemption rates. Judgment plays a greater role in pricing illiquid investments than in investments with more active markets.

**Market Risk**

A Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect a Fund's performance. Even when securities markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by a Fund will increase in value along with the broader market. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed-income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed-income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. 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. 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. Reduced liquidity in fixed-income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last 10-15 years, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future, particularly if markets enter a period of uncertainty or economic weakness. Periods of unusually high volatility in the financial markets and restrictive credit conditions, sometimes limited to a particular sector or geographic region, continue to recur. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions or general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse geopolitical, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest, currency or inflation rates, lack of liquidity in the markets, public perceptions concerning these developments or adverse market sentiment generally. The value of a security may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as tariffs, labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole.

Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters, and cybersecurity incidents, have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to general instability in world economies and markets and reduced liquidity in securities, which may negatively affect the value of your investment. Such market disruptions have caused, and may continue to cause, broad changes in market value, negative public perceptions concerning these developments, a reduction in the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit, difficulties for some borrowers in obtaining financing on attractive terms, if at all, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Adverse market events may also lead to increased shareholder redemptions, which could cause a Fund to sell investments at an inopportune time to meet redemption requests by shareholders and may increase a Fund's portfolio turnover, which could increase the costs that a Fund incurs and lower a Fund's performance.

Policies established by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and economic and political circumstances within the U.S. and abroad, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, recessions, changes in government leadership, a government's inability to agree on a budget, high public debt, the threat or occurrence of a federal government shutdown and threats or the occurrence of a failure to increase the federal government's debt limit, which could result in a default on the government's obligations, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations. The imposition by the U.S. of tariffs on goods imported from foreign countries and reciprocal tariffs levied on U.S. goods by those countries also may lead to volatility and instability in domestic and foreign markets.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in the Fund being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately price its investments.

■ Recent Market Events Risk. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, during periods of significant volatility, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in a Fund may be increased. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/ or markets may be changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time. Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies, including trade tariffs and other trade barriers, which is a trend that appears to be continuing globally. The economies of all nations, including the U.S., are subject to the risks of slowing global economic growth, protectionist trade policies, inflationary pressures, limits imposed by international trade and security agreements, political or economic dysfunction, poor consumer sentiment, and reduced demand for goods due to fluctuating commodity prices and currency values, and these risks may create significant market volatility in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. These economic risks could have a negative impact on a Fund's investments. The U.S. has imposed or threatened to impose tariffs and other trade barriers on imports of certain categories of goods from Canada, Mexico, and European countries. The U.S. also has imposed or threatened to impose tariffs and other trade barriers on imports of certain categories of goods from China, has restricted sales of certain categories of goods to China, and has established barriers to investments in China. These countries have imposed or threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. If relations between the U.S. and these and other foreign countries do not improve or continue to deteriorate, markets and individual securities may be severely affected both regionally and globally, and the value of a Fund's investments may go down. The U.S. Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have started to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors could stop or reverse such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the various economic and political factors that influence the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Changes in interest rates could lead to an economic slowdown in the U.S. and abroad, significant market volatility and reduced liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, increase market

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volatility, cause credit spreads to widen, reduce bank balance sheets and cause unexpected changes in interest rates. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various sectors or markets or decrease confidence in the markets. Also, regulators have expressed concern that changes in interest rates may cause investors to sell fixed income securities faster than the market can absorb them, contributing to price volatility. Historical patterns of correlation among asset classes may break down in unanticipated ways during times of high volatility, disrupting investment programs and potentially causing losses.<br>Tensions, war or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and sanctions cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of a Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted whether or not a Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected.<br>Regulators in the U.S. have adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to a Fund. The full effect of such regulations is not currently known, and certain regulatory changes could limit a Fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for a Fund to operate, and adversely impact performance. Additionally, it is possible such regulations could be further revised or rescinded, which creates material uncertainty regarding their impact to a Fund.<br>Further, advancements in technology may also adversely impact market movements and liquidity. For example, the advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence may impact the economy and the performance of a Fund. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, which can occur relatively rapidly, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact issuer and market performance. As a consequence, a Fund's holdings and its overall performance could be negatively impacted.<br>High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation's debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy. China's economy, which has been sustained through debt-financed spending on housing and infrastructure, appears to be experiencing a significant slowdown and growing at a lower rate than prior years. While the Chinese government appears to be taking measures to address these issues, due to the size of China's economy, the resolution of these issues could impact a number of other countries.<br>Certain illnesses spread rapidly and have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the global economy. The impact of epidemics and/or pandemics that may arise in the future could negatively affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time and could last for an extended period of time. <br>Global climate change potentially may affect property and security values. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. A rise in sea levels, an increase in powerful storms and/or a climate-driven increase in sea levels or flooding could cause coastal properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change. Losses related to climate change could adversely affect, among others, corporate issuers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues and tourist dollars generated by affected properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities.<br>

**Market** **Timing Risk**

A Fund is subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the nature of its investments, which requires a Fund in certain instances to fair value certain of its investments. Some investors may engage in frequent short-term trading in a Fund to take advantage of any price differentials that may be reflected in the NAV of a Fund's shares. Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in a Fund, including (i) the dilution of a Fund's NAV, (ii) an increase in a Fund's expenses, and (iii) interference with the ability to execute efficient investment strategies. While the Manager monitors trading in a Fund, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.

**Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. In addition, some companies may experience significant losses. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices also tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Micro-capitalization companies face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund's portfolio.

**Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investments in mid-capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, 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 may face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a 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 overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Mortgage-Backed and Mortgage-Related Securities Risk**

Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are influenced by the factors affecting the assets underlying the securities or the housing market in general. Investments in mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities are subject to market risks for fixed-income securities which include, but are not limited to, credit risk, interest rate risk, prepayment and extension risk, callable securities risk, valuation risk, liquidity risk, and restricted securities risk. These securities tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than other types of debt securities. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities. If interest rates fall, the rate of prepayments tends to increase as borrowers are motivated to pay off debt and refinance at new lower rates. When mortgages and other obligations are prepaid and when securities are called, a Fund may have to reinvest in securities with a lower yield or fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss and/or a decrease in the amount of dividends and yield. Because prepayments increase when interest rates fall, the prices of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities do not increase as much as other fixed-income securities when interest rates fall. When interest rates rise, borrowers are less likely to prepay their mortgage. A decreased rate of prepayments lengthens the expected maturity of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities. Therefore, the prices of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities may decrease more than prices of other fixed-income securities when interest rates rise. Rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of these securities, making them more

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sensitive to changes in interest rates. Rising interest rates also may increase the risk of default by borrowers. As a result, in a period of rising interest rates, a Fund may experience additional volatility and losses. A decline in the credit quality of and defaults by the issuers of mortgage-backed and mortgage-related securities or instability in the markets for such securities may affect the value and liquidity of such securities, which could result in losses to a Fund.

■ Collateralized Mortgage Obligation ("CMOs") Risk. Investments in CMOs are subject to the same risks as direct investments in the underlying mortgage-backed securities. In addition, CMOs may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities. CMOs may offer a higher yield than U.S. government securities, but they may also be subject to greater price fluctuation and credit risk, and may be highly sensitive to changes in interest rates. In addition, CMOs typically will be issued in a variety of classes or series, which have different maturities and are retired in sequence. While CMO collateral is generally issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or the Federal National Mortgage Association, the CMO itself may be issued by a private party, such as a brokerage firm, that is not covered by any government guarantees. Privately issued CMOs are not U.S. government securities nor are they supported in any way by any U.S. government agency or instrumentality. In the event of a default by an issuer of a CMO, there is no assurance that the collateral securing such CMO will be sufficient to pay principal and interest, and a Fund could experience delays in liquidating its position. It is possible that there will be limited opportunities for trading CMOs in the over-the-counter market, the depth and liquidity of which will vary from time to time.

■ Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ("CMBS") Risk. CMBS are subject to the risks generally associated with mortgage-backed securities and reflect the risks of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of borrowers to make loan payments, increases in interest rates, real estate tax rates and other operating expenses, changes in government rules, regulations and fiscal policies, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. CMBS may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgages, particularly during periods of economic downturn. CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities. Furthermore, CMBS issued by non-government entities may offer higher yields than those issued by government entities, but also may be less liquid and subject to greater volatility than government issues. CMBS are subject to a greater degree of prepayment and extension risk than many other forms of fixed-income securities and, therefore, CMBS may react differently to changes in interest rates than other bonds and the prices of CMBS may reflect adverse economic and market conditions. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of CMBS. CMBS held by the Fund may be subordinated to one or more other classes of securities of the same series for purposes of, among other things, establishing payment priorities and offsetting losses and other shortfalls with respect to the related underlying mortgage loans. There can be no assurance that the subordination will be sufficient on any date to offset all losses or expenses incurred by the underlying trust.

■ Mortgage Pass-Through Securities Risk. Mortgage pass-through securities are sensitive to interest rate changes, and small movements in interest rates, both increases and decreases, may quickly and significantly affect the value of certain mortgage pass-through securities. Mortgage-backed securities tend to increase in value less than other debt securities when interest rates decline, but are subject to similar or greater risk of decline in market value during periods of rising interest rates. Certain of the mortgage pass-through securities in which a Fund may invest in are issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. There can be no assurance that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies or instrumentalities where it was not obligated to do so, which can cause a Fund to lose money or underperform. The risks of investing in mortgage pass-through securities include, among others, interest rate risk, credit risk, prepayment risk and extension risk, as well as risks associated with the nature of the underlying mortgage assets and the servicing of those assets. These securities are subject to the risk of default on the underlying mortgages, and such risk is heightened during periods of economic downturn. Transactions in mortgage pass-through securities often occur through to-be-announced ("TBA") transactions. If a TBA counterparty defaults or goes bankrupt a Fund may experience adverse market action, expenses, or delays in connection with the purchase or sale of the pools of mortgage pass-through securities specified in a TBA transaction which can cause a Fund to lose money or underperform.

**Multiple Sub-Advisor Risk**

The Manager may allocate a Fund's assets among multiple sub-advisors, each of which is responsible for investing its allocated portion of a Fund's assets. To a significant extent, a Fund's performance will depend on the success of the Manager in selecting and overseeing the sub-advisors and allocating a Fund's assets to sub-advisors. The sub-advisors' investment styles may not work together as planned, which could adversely affect the performance of a Fund. Because each sub-advisor manages its allocated portion of a Fund independently from another sub-advisor, the same security may be held in different portions of a Fund, or may be acquired for one portion of a Fund at a time when a sub-advisor to another portion deems it appropriate to dispose of the security from that other portion, resulting in higher expenses without accomplishing any net result in a Fund's holdings. Similarly, under certain market conditions, one sub-advisor may believe that temporary, defensive investments in short-term instruments or cash are appropriate when another sub-advisor believes continued exposure to the equity or debt markets is appropriate for its allocated portion of a Fund. Because each sub-advisor directs the trading for its own portion of a Fund, and does not aggregate its transactions with those of the other sub-advisors, a Fund may incur higher brokerage costs than would be the case if a single sub-advisor were managing the entire Fund. In addition, while the Manager seeks to allocate a Fund's assets among a Fund's sub-advisors in a manner that it believes is consistent with achieving a Fund's investment objective(s), the Manager may be subject to potential conflicts of interest in allocating a Fund's assets among sub-advisors, due to factors that could impact the Manager's revenues and profits.

**Other Investment Companies Risk**

To the extent that a Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, a Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to a Fund's direct fees and expenses. If a Fund invests in other investment companies, a Fund may receive distributions of taxable gains from portfolio transactions by that investment company and may recognize taxable gains from transactions in shares of that investment company, which could be taxable to a Fund's shareholders when distributed to them. A Fund must rely on the investment company in which it invests to achieve its investment objectives. If the investment company fails to achieve its investment objectives, the value of a Fund's investment may decline, adversely affecting a Fund's performance. To the extent a Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, a 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. A Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

■ Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that rising interest rates could cause the Fund's investment to lose value. A decline in short-term interest rates or a low interest rate environment would lower a government money market fund's yield and the return on the Fund's investment. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations, or that it may default completely. There is the risk that the issuers or guarantors of securities owned by a government money market fund, including securities issued by U.S. Government agencies, which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, will default on the payment of principal or interest or the obligation to repurchase securities from the government money market fund. This could cause the government money market fund's NAV to decline below $1.00 per share, which would cause the Fund's investment to lose value.

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**Preferred Stock Risk**

Preferred stocks, which are a form of hybrid security (i.e., a security with both debt and equity characteristics), may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. 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. 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. In certain situations, an issuer may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. The market prices of preferred stocks are generally more sensitive to actual or perceived changes in the issuer's financial condition or prospects than are the prices of debt securities. 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.

**Prepayment and Extension Risk**

Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a bond or other fixed-income security or investment might, in the case of prepayment risk, be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity and, in the case of extension risk, that the investment might not be prepaid as expected. When interest rates fall, borrowers will generally repay the loans that underlie certain debt securities, especially mortgage-related and other types of asset-backed securities, more quickly than expected, causing the issuer of the security to repay the principal or otherwise call, convert or redeem the security prior to the security 's expected maturity date. If this occurs, no additional interest will be paid on the investment, and the Fund may need to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rate, reducing its income. Securities subject to prepayment risk generally offer less potential for gains when prevailing interest rates fall. If the Fund buys those securities at a premium, accelerated prepayments on those securities could cause the Fund to lose a portion of its principal investment. Any of these may result in a reduced yield to a Fund. The impact of prepayments on the price of a security may be difficult to predict and may increase the security's price volatility. The rate of prepayments tends to increase as interest rates fall, which could cause the average maturity of the portfolio to shorten. Prepayments could also create capital gains tax liability in some instances. Variable and floating rate securities may be less sensitive to prepayment risk.

Conversely, extension risk is the risk that, as a result of higher interest rates or other factors, borrowers decrease prepayments. This may result in the extension of a security's effective maturity, increase the risk of default or delayed payment, heighten interest rate risk and increase the potential for a decline in an investment's price. A rise in interest rates or lack of refinancing opportunities can cause the fund's average maturity to lengthen unexpectedly. This would increase the fund's sensitivity to rising rates and its potential for price declines. In addition, as a consequence of a decrease in prepayments, the amount of principal available to the Fund for investment would be reduced. If the Fund's investments are locked in at a lower interest rate for a longer period of time, the Fund may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads. Extensions of obligations could cause a Fund to exhibit additional volatility and hold securities paying lower-than-market rates of interest. Either case could hurt a Fund's performance.

**Quantitative Strategy Risk**

The success of a Fund's investment strategy may depend in part on the effectiveness of a sub-advisor's quantitative tools for screening securities. Securities selected using quantitative analysis can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities selected using only fundamental analysis, which could adversely affect their value. As a result, a portfolio of securities selected using quantitative analysis may underperform the market as a whole or a portfolio of securities selected using a different investment approach, such as fundamental analysis. A sub-advisor's quantitative tools may use factors that may not be predictive of a security's value, and any changes over time in the factors that affect a security's value may not be reflected in the quantitative model. The quantitative tools may not react as expected to market events, resulting in losses for a Fund. Data for some companies, particularly for non-U.S. companies, may be less available and/or less current than data for other companies. There may also be errors, omissions, imperfections or malfunctions in the computer code for the quantitative model or in the model itself, or issues relating to the computer systems used to screen securities. A sub-advisor's investment selection can be adversely affected if it relies on insufficient, erroneous or outdated data or flawed models or computer systems. Additionally, a previously successful strategy may become outdated or inaccurate, which may not be identified by a sub-advisor and therefore may also result in losses. No assurance can be given that a model will be successful under all or any market conditions. The use of artificial intelligence or other evolving or emerging technologies presents significant risks and may exacerbate the aforementioned risks.

**Redemption Risk**

A Fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause a Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or a depressed value. Heavy redemptions, whether by a few large investors or many smaller investors, could hurt a Fund's performance. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in a Fund, have short investment horizons, or have unpredictable cash flow needs. The risk of loss is also greater if redemption requests are frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities a Fund wishes to sell are illiquid. The ability or willingness of dealers and other institutional investors to buy or hold fixed-income securities or otherwise to "make a market" in debt securities may also be reduced. These factors, along with an inability to find a ready buyer, or legal restrictions on a security's resale, may result in decreased liquidity and increased volatility in the fixed-income markets, and heightened redemption risk. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. During periods of heavy redemptions, a Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility, or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains or losses, which could cause a Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains.

**Sector Risk**

Sector risk is the risk associated with a Fund holding a significant amount of investments in issuers conducting business in a related group of industries within the same economic sector, which may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events. To the extent a Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks to a Fund associated with that sector increase and a Fund may perform poorly during a downturn in one or more of the industries within that sector. In addition, when a 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 a Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. A Fund's performance could also be adversely affected if the sectors do not perform as expected. The lack of exposure to one or more industries within a sector may adversely affect performance. As a Fund's portfolio changes over time, a Fund's exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

■ Financials Sector Risk. Companies in the Financials sector are subject to extensive governmental regulation and intervention, which may result in financial penalties and limits on the amounts and types of loans and other financial commitments they can make, the interest rates and fees they can charge, the scope of their activities, the prices they can charge and the amount of capital they must maintain, and, potentially, their size. Governmental regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences for companies in the Financials sector, including effects not intended by such regulation. The impact of recent or future regulation, including more stringent capital requirements, cannot be predicted. Profitability is largely dependent on the availability and cost of capital funds and can fluctuate significantly. In addition, fiscal, regulatory and monetary policies, economic conditions, interest rate

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changes, loan losses, credit rating downgrades, and decreased liquidity in the credit markets may cause an adverse impact in a broad range of markets, including U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets, thereby affecting a wide range of financial institutions and markets.<br>Securities of financial services companies may experience a dramatic decline in value when such companies experience substantial declines in the valuations of their assets, take action to raise capital (such as the issuance of debt or equity securities), or cease operations. Companies in the Financials sector are exposed directly to the credit risk of their borrowers and counterparties, who may be leveraged to an unknown degree, including through swaps and other derivatives products. In addition, financial services companies may have concentrated portfolios, such as a high level of loans to one or more industries or sectors, which makes them vulnerable to economic conditions that affect such industries or sectors. Credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of borrowers and financial losses associated with investment activities can negatively impact the sector. Cybersecurity incidents and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have reportedly caused losses to companies in this sector, which may negatively impact a Fund.<br>

**Secured, Partially Secured and Unsecured Obligation Risk**

Debt obligations may be secured, partially secured or unsecured. Debt obligations that are secured with specific collateral of the borrower provide the holder with a claim on that collateral in the event that the borrower does not pay scheduled interest or principal that is senior to that held by any unsecured creditors, subordinated debt holders and stockholders of the borrower. Obligations that are fully secured offer a Fund more protection than a partially secured or unsecured obligation in the event of such non-payment of scheduled interest or principal.

Interests in secured obligations have the benefit of collateral and, typically, of restrictive covenants limiting the ability of the borrower to further encumber its assets. However, there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured obligation would satisfy the borrower's obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Furthermore, there is a risk that the value of any collateral securing an obligation in which a Fund has an interest may decline and that the collateral may not be sufficient to cover the amount owed on the obligation. In most loan agreements there is no formal requirement to pledge additional collateral. In the event the borrower defaults, a Fund's access to the collateral may be limited or delayed by bankruptcy or other insolvency laws. In addition, the collateral securing the obligation may not be recognized for a variety of reasons, including the failure to make required filings by lenders, trustees or other responsible parties and, as a result, a Fund may not have priority over other creditors as anticipated. Further, in the event of a default, second lien secured loans will generally be paid only if the value of the collateral exceeds the amount of the borrower's obligations to the first lien secured lenders, and the remaining collateral may not be sufficient to cover the full amount owed on the loan in which a Fund has an interest.

If an obligation in which a Fund invests, such as a secured loan, is foreclosed, a Fund could become owner, in whole or in part, of any collateral, which could include, among other assets, real estate or other real or personal property, and as a creditor would likely bear its pro rata costs and liabilities associated with owning and holding or disposing of the collateral. The collateral may be difficult to sell, and a Fund would bear the risk that the collateral may decline in value while a Fund is holding it.

Some obligations in which a Fund may invest are only partially-secured or are unsecured. Unsecured debt, including senior unsecured and subordinated debt, will not be secured by any collateral, and will be effectively subordinated to a borrower's secured indebtedness (to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness). With respect to unsecured obligations, a Fund lacks any collateral on which to foreclose to satisfy its claim in whole or in part. Such instruments generally have greater price volatility than that of fully secured holdings and may be less liquid.

**Securities Lending Risk**

A Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions in order to obtain additional income. Borrowers of a Fund's securities provide collateral either in the form of cash, which a Fund reinvests in securities or in the form of non-cash collateral consisting of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities. A Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated government money market fund. A Fund may lose money on its investment of cash collateral or may fail to earn sufficient income on its investment to cover its payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan. A Fund could also lose money due to a decline in the value of non-cash collateral. In addition, delays may occur in the recovery of securities from borrowers, which could interfere with a Fund's ability to vote proxies or to settle transactions or could result in increased costs. Moreover, if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, a Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral. There also is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligation to return loaned securities at a time when the value of a Fund's collateral is inadequate. Although a Fund's securities lending agent may indemnify a Fund against that risk, it is also possible that the securities lending agent will be unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations. In any case in which the loaned securities are not returned to a Fund before an ex-dividend date, whether or not due to a default by the borrower, the payment in lieu of the dividend that a 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 for a Fund may decline substantially in value or may not perform to expectations. Judgments about the attractiveness, value and anticipated price movements of a security or asset class may be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that securities will perform as anticipated. It may not be possible to predict, or to hedge against, a widening in the yield spread of the securities selected for a Fund. This could result in a 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, a 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 generally 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 a Fund's assets may, in some circumstances, limit a Fund's ability to take advantage of investment opportunities or meet redemption requests. In addition, the need to segregate cash or other liquid securities could limit a Fund's ability to pursue other opportunities as they arise.

**Small-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investments in small-capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, 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 of small-capitalization companies can be more volatile and these companies may face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a 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 overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**U.S. Government Securities and Government-Sponsored Enterprises Risk**

A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed only as to the stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price. The market prices for such securities are not guaranteed and will fluctuate with changes in interest rates and the credit

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rating of the U.S. government. Additionally, circumstances could arise that would prevent the payment of interest or principal. This could result in losses to a Fund. Investments in securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHLB, FFCB and GNMA, are debt obligations issued by agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government. These obligations vary in the level of support they receive from the U.S. government. They may be: (i) supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, such as those of GNMA; (ii) supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as those of the FHLB or the FFCB; (iii) supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency obligations, such as those of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac; or (iv) supported only by the credit of the issuer, such as those of the Federal Farm Credit Bureau. The U.S. government may choose not to provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities if it is not legally obligated to do so, in which case, if the issuer defaulted, to the extent a Fund holds securities of such issuer, it might not be able to recover its investment from the U.S. government. U.S. government securities and securities of government-sponsored enterprises are also subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk. The rising U.S. national debt may lead to adverse impacts on the value of U.S. government securities due to potentially higher costs for the U.S. government to obtain new financing. The maximum potential liabilities of the issuers of some securities issued by the U.S. government or government-sponsored enterprises that are held by a Fund may greatly exceed their current resources, including any legal right to support from the U.S. Treasury, and it is possible that these issuers may not have the funds to meet their payment obligations in the future.

**Valuation Risk**

This is the risk that a security may be valued at a price different from the price at which it can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that may be illiquid or may become illiquid and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. The valuation of a Fund's 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. If market conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require the valuation of these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment's most recent closing price and from the prices used by others for the same investment. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when a Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the securities had not been fair valued or a different valuation methodology had been used. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed-income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a Fund determines its NAV.

**Value Stocks Risk**

Investments in value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. This may result in the value stocks' prices remaining undervalued for extended periods of time and they may not ever realize their intrinsic or full value. While a Fund's investments in value stocks seek to limit potential downside price risk over time, value stock prices still may decline substantially. In addition, a Fund may produce more modest gains 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. A Fund's performance also may be affected adversely if value stocks become unpopular with, or lose favor among, investors. A 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.

**Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk**

The coupons on variable and floating rate securities in which a Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. Variable and floating rate securities are subject to interest rate risk. Although the impact of interest rate changes on variable and floating rate investments is intended to be mitigated by the periodic interest rate reset of those securities, variable and floating rate securities may fluctuate in value in response to interest rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and the interest reset date for the obligation, or for other reasons. As short-term interest rates decline, the coupons on variable and floating rate securities typically decrease. Alternatively, during periods of rising short-term interest rates, the coupons on variable and floating rate securities typically increase. Changes in the coupons of variable and floating rate securities may lag behind changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in the coupon rates. The value of variable and floating rate securities may decline if their coupons do not rise as much, or as quickly, as interest rates in general. In addition, because of the interest rate adjustment feature, variable and floating rate securities provide a Fund with a certain degree of protection against increases in interest rates, but a Fund will participate in any declines in interest rates as well. Thus, investing in variable and floating rate instruments generally allows less opportunity for capital appreciation and depreciation than investing in instruments with a fixed interest rate. Variable and floating rate securities are less effective than fixed rate securities at locking in a particular yield and may be subject to credit risk. Certain types of floating rate instruments may also be subject to greater liquidity risk than other debt securities.

Additional Information About Performance Indices

The performance of each Fund is compared to a broad-based securities market index and for certain Funds, to one or more additional market indices. Set forth below is additional information regarding the indices to which each Fund's performance is compared.

**American Beacon Balanced Fund**

The Fund's performance is compared to the S&P 500<sup>®</sup> Index TR and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index. To reflect the Fund's allocation of its assets between investment grade fixed income securities and equity securities, the Fund's performance is also compared to the Balanced Composite Index, which combines the returns of the Russell 1000® Value Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index in a 60%/40% proportion.

■ The S&P 500 <sup>®</sup> Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general.

■ The Russell 1000 <sup>®</sup> Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 1000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000® Index is an unmanaged index comprised of approximately 1,000 larger-capitalization stocks.

■ The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, US dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. The index includes components for Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, fixed-rate agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities (agency and non-agency).

**American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund**

The Fund's performance is compared to the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index.

■ The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based benchmark that measures the investment grade, US dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. The index includes components for Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, fixed-rate agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and commercial mortgage-backed securities (agency and non-agency).

**American Beacon International Equity Fund**

The Fund's performance is compared to the MSCI® EAFE Index (Net).

**Prospectus** – Additional Information About the Funds**55**

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■ The MSCI <sup>®</sup> EAFE Index (Net) is designed to represent the performance of large- and mid-capitalization securities across 21 developed markets countries, including countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excluding the U.S. and Canada. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

The MSCI® EAFE Index (Net) returns reflect invested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or other taxes.

**American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund**

The Fund's performance is compared to the S&P 500® Index TR and the Russell 1000® Value Index.

■ The S&P 500 <sup>®</sup> Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general.

■ The Russell 1000 <sup>®</sup> Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 1000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 1000® Index is an unmanaged index comprised of approximately 1,000 larger-capitalization stocks.

**American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund**

The Fund's performance is compared to the S&P 500® Index TR and the Russell 2000® Value Index.

■ The S&P 500 <sup>®</sup> Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general.

■ The Russell 2000 <sup>®</sup> Value Index is an unmanaged index of those stocks in the Russell 2000 <sup>®</sup> Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values. The Russell 2000 <sup>®</sup> Index is an unmanaged index comprised of approximately 2,000 smaller-capitalization stocks.

**<u>Notices Regarding Index Data</u>**

"Bloomberg<sup>®</sup>" and the Bloomberg indices listed herein (the "Indices") are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, including Bloomberg Index Services Limited ("BISL"), the administrator of the index (collectively, "Bloomberg"), and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by the distributor hereof (the "Licensee").

The financial products named herein (the "Products") are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Bloomberg. Bloomberg does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of or counterparties to the Products or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities or commodities generally or in the Product particularly. The only relationship of Bloomberg to Licensee is the licensing of certain trademarks, trade names and service marks and of the Indices, which are determined, composed and calculated by BISL without regard to Licensee or the Products. Bloomberg has no obligation to take the needs of Licensee or the owners of the Products into consideration in determining, composing or calculating the Indices. Bloomberg is not responsible for and has not participated in the determination of the timing, price, or quantities of the Products to be issued. Bloomberg shall not have any obligation or liability, including, without limitation, to customers of the Products, in connection with the administration, marketing or trading of the Products.

BLOOMBERG DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO AND SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. BLOOMBERG DOES NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS OF THE PRODUCT OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. BLOOMBERG DOES NOT MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE INDICES OR ANY DATA RELATED THERETO. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, BLOOMBERG, ITS LICENSORS, AND ITS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AGENTS, SUPPLIERS, AND VENDORS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY WHATSOEVER FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGES—WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHERWISE—ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE PRODUCT OR INDICES OR ANY DATA OR VALUES RELATING THERETO—WHETHER ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF.

Certain information contained herein (the "Information") is sourced from/copyright of MSCI Inc., MSCI ESG Research LLC, or their affiliates ("MSCI"), or information providers (together the "MSCI Parties") and may have been used to calculate scores, signals, or other indicators. The Information is for internal use only and may not be reproduced or disseminated in whole or part without prior written permission. The Information may not be used for, nor does it constitute, an offer to buy or sell, or a promotion or recommendation of, any security, financial instrument or product, trading strategy, or index, nor should it be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance. Some funds may be based on or linked to MSCI indexes, and MSCI may be compensated based on the fund's assets under management or other measures. MSCI has established an information barrier between index research and certain Information. None of the Information in and of itself can be used to determine which securities to buy or sell or when to buy or sell them. The Information is provided "as is" and the user assumes the entire risk of any use it may make or permit to be made of the Information. No MSCI Party warrants or guarantees the originality, accuracy and/or completeness of the Information and each expressly disclaims all express or implied warranties. No MSCI Party shall have any liability for any errors or omissions in connection with any Information herein, or any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

The S&P 500 Index ("Index") and associated data are a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, its affiliates and/or their licensors. and has been licensed for use by the Fund. S&P<sup>®</sup> is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("SPFS") and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ("Dow Jones"). Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, SPFS, Dow Jones, their affiliates nor their licensors ("S&P DJI") make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the ability of the Index to accurately represent the asset class or market sector that it purports to represent and S&P DJI shall have no liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Index or the date included therein.

American Beacon Funds is not promoted, sponsored or endorsed by, nor in any way affiliated with the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the "LSE Group"). FTSE Russell is a trading name of certain of the LSE Group companies. LSE Group is not responsible for and has not reviewed the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund nor any associated literature or publications and LSE Group makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to their accuracy, or completeness, or otherwise. All rights in the Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Value Index, the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Index, and the Russell 2000<sup>®</sup> Value Index (the "Indexes") vest in the relevant LSE Group company which owns the Indexes. Russell 1000® and Russell 2000® are trademarks of the relevant LSE Group company and are used by any other LSE Group company under license. The Indexes are calculated by or on behalf of FTSE International Limited or its affiliate, agent or partner. The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of (a) the use of, reliance on or any error in the Indexes or (b) investment in or operation of the Fund. The LSE Group makes no claim, prediction, warranty or representation either as to the results to be obtained from a Fund or the suitability of the Indexes for the purpose to which it is being put by the Manager.

**56** **Prospectus** – Additional Information About the Funds

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Fund Management

The Manager

**AMERICAN BEACON ADVISORS, INC. (the "Manager")** serves as the Manager and administrator of the Funds. The Manager, located at 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc. ("Topco"), which is owned primarily by various institutional investment funds that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. No owner of Topco owns 25% or more of the outstanding equity or voting interests of Topco.

The Manager was organized in 1986 to provide investment management, advisory, and administrative services. The Manager is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. The Manager is not registered as a CPO with respect to the Funds in reliance on the delayed compliance date provided by No-Action Letter 12-38 of the Division of Swaps Dealer and Intermediary Oversight ("Division") of the CFTC. Pursuant to this letter, the Manager is not required to register as a CPO, or rely on an exemption from registration, until six months from the date the Division issues revised guidance on the application of the calculation of the de minimis thresholds in the context of the CPO exclusion in CFTC Regulation 4.5. In addition, on behalf of the Funds, the Manager has filed a notice claiming the CFTC Regulation 4.5 exclusion from CPO registration under the Commodity Exchange Act. The Manager is also exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Funds.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, each Fund identified below paid aggregate management fees to the Manager and investment advisory fees to its sub-advisor(s) as a percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets, net of any waivers and recoupments of the management and sub-advisory fees, as follows:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Aggregate Management and Investment Advisory Fees** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | 0.52% |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | 0.33% |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | 0.60% |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | 0.55% |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | 0.70% |

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As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by a Fund, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly investment income (the income earned in the form of interest, dividends and realized capital gains from the investment of cash collateral, plus any negative rebate fees paid by borrowers, less the rebate amount paid to borrowers as well as related expenses) and, with respect to collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of loan fees and demand premiums paid by borrowers. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits a 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, each Fund, except for the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, intends to engage in securities lending activities.

A discussion of the Board's consideration and approval of the Management Agreement between each Fund and the Manager and the Investment Advisory Agreements among the Trust, on behalf of each Fund, the applicable sub-advisor, except for Westwood Management Corp. ("Westwood"), and the Manager is available in Item 11 of the Funds' Form N-CSR as filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025. A discussion of the Board's consideration and approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement among the Trust, on behalf of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, Westwood, and the Manager is available in Item 11 of the Funds' Form N-CSR as filed with the SEC for the period ended April 30, 2025.

The Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the following Funds and share classes to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed a percentage of that class's average daily net assets (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) through February 28, 2027 as follows:

**Contractual Expense Limitations**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **A Class** | **C Class** | **Y Class** | **R6 Class** | **Advisor** **Class** | **R5 Class** | **Investor** **Class** |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | n/a | n/a | 0.51% | 0.41% | n/a | 0.45% | 0.83% |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | n/a | n/a | n/a | 0.69% | n/a | n/a | n/a |

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The contractual expense reimbursement and fee waiver by the Manager can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of a Fund's Board. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of a Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of a Fund. 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 from the date of the Manager's waiver/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 American Beacon team members, except for Samuel Silver and Erin Higginbotham, discussed below are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management oversight of the sub-advisors, including reviewing the sub-advisors' performance, allocating Fund assets among the sub-advisors and the Manager, as applicable, and investing the portion of Fund assets that the sub-advisors determine should be allocated to short-term investments. Mr. Silver and Ms. Higginbotham are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fixed income portion of the American Beacon Balanced Fund allocated to the Manager.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Funds** | **Team Members** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | Kirk L. Brown<sup>\*</sup>, Paul B. Cavazos, Erin Higginbotham, Samuel Silver, Robyn A. Serrano, Patrick Sporl |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund and American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | Kirk L. Brown<sup>\*</sup>, Paul B. Cavazos, Colin J. Hamer, Robyn A. Serrano |

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**Prospectus** – Fund Management**57**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Funds** | **Team Members** |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | Paul B. Cavazos, Colin J. Hamer, Robyn A. Serrano |

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\* Mr. Brown is expected to retire effective August 31, 2026. Therefore, effective August 31, 2026, all references to Mr. Brown in this Prospectus are deleted.

***Kirk L. Brown*** is Senior Portfolio Manager and has served on the portfolio management team since February 1994. Mr. Brown is a CFA<sup>®</sup> charterholder.

***Paul B. Cavazos*** is Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer and became a member of the portfolio management team upon joining the Manager in 2016. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Cavazos was Chief Investment Officer and Assistant Treasurer of DTE Energy from 2007 to 2016.

***Colin J. Hamer,*** Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on the portfolio management team since 2018. Mr. Hamer has served on the asset management team since January 2015, is a CFA® charterholder, and has earned the CAIA designation. Prior to joining the Manager, Mr. Hamer worked at Fidelity Investments in various investment-related roles from 2008 to 2014. Mr. Hamer earned a BBA from Texas Christian University.

***Erin Higginbotham*** has served as Senior Portfolio Manager to the American Beacon Balanced Fund since February 2011. She has responsibility for credit and relative value analysis of corporate bonds. Ms. Higginbotham managed cash and money market portfolios at American Beacon Advisors and has been a Portfolio Manager since April 2003 and became a Senior Portfolio Manager in April 2005. Ms. Higginbotham is a CFA<sup>®</sup> charterholder.

***Robyn A. Serrano,*** Portfolio Manager, joined the Manager in 2013. Ms. Serrano has served on the portfolio management team since 2021 and has served on the asset management team since 2018. Prior to joining the Manager, Ms. Serrano worked at Fidelity Investments in various capacities from June 2010 to December 2013. Ms. Serrano has a BS in International Business from Bryant University. Ms. Serrano is a CFA® charterholder, Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) professional, and she holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 66 licenses.

***Samuel Silver*** ***,*** Chief Fixed Income Officer, oversees the team responsible for the portfolio management of a portion of the fixed income assets of the American Beacon Balanced Fund. Mr. Silver has been with the Manager since September 1999 and has served as Vice President, Fixed Income Investments since October 2011. Prior to October 2011, Mr. Silver was a Senior Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income Investments.

**Patrick Sporl,** Senior Portfolio Manager, has served on the Manager's portfolio management team since 2016. He was previously a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Fixed Income group at the Manager from 1996 to 2016. Mr. Sporl is an inactive Certified Public Accountant, a CFA charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Dallas/Fort Worth.

Mr. Cavazos is responsible for recommending sub-advisors to the Funds' Board of Trustees. Messrs. Brown, Hamer, and Sporl and Ms. Serrano oversee the sub-advisors, review the sub-advisors' performance and allocate the Funds' assets among the sub-advisors, as applicable.

The Funds' SAI provides additional information about the members of the portfolio management team, including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the Funds they manage and their compensation.

The Sub-Advisors

Set forth below is a brief description of the sub-advisors and the portfolio managers who have joint and primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Funds. The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the Funds they manage and their compensation.

**AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. ("American Century")**, 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, is a registered investment advisor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Century Companies, Inc. ("ACC"). ACC is a privately controlled company and the parent to a related group of subsidiaries involved in the management and distribution of investment products, collectively referred to as American Century Investments. Nearly all of the firm's revenue is derived from investment management related activities, with minor ancillary revenues derived from rental income on office space that American Century Investments owns. As of December 31, 2025, American Century had approximately $305.97 billion in assets under management.

American Century serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon International Equity Fund. The following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of a portion of the Fund's portfolio.

**Jonathan Veiga**, Portfolio Manager, Senior Investment Analyst, is a member of the team of investment professionals managing a portion of the Fund's portfolio. He joined American Century in 2017. Previously, he was a research analyst at Lombardia Capital Partners from 2008 to 2017. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. He is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Los Angeles.

**Bert Whitson**, Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Analyst, has been a portfolio manager to the Fund since 2023. He joined American Century Investments in 2017. Prior to joining American Century, he was a senior research analyst at Lombardia Capital Partners and has worked in the investment industry since 2001. He has a bachelor's degree in finance and economics from California State University, Long Beach, and an MBA from Columbia Business School. He is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Los Angeles.

**Pablo Valcarce**, CFA, Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Analyst, co-manages the Non-U.S. Intrinsic Value and Non-U.S. Intrinsic Value (EAFE Plus) strategies and provides analytical support for all strategies managed by the team. He joined American Century in 2019 from Mission 2020, a non-profit organization where he was a Financial Sector Strategy Associate focused on limiting the effects of climate change. Prior to that, Mr. Valcarce was an Equity Analyst at Glen Point Capital in London and Research Associate at Capital Group where he covered Europe, Middle East and Asia. He previously served as an Analyst with Nomura International. He has worked in the investment industry since 2012. Mr. Valcarce earned degrees in Law and Business Management from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid in Spain. He is a CFA® charterholder.

**BARROW, HANLEY, MEWHINNEY & STRAUSS, LLC (''Barrow Hanley'')**, 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201, is an SEC-registered investment adviser that began conducting business in 1979. Perpetual Limited, an Australian financial services company, holds a 75% interest in Barrow Hanley. As of December 31, 2025, Barrow Hanley had assets under management of approximately $59 billion. Barrow Hanley serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. Barrow Hanley manages client assets on a team basis for their equity and fixed income strategies. The members of the team for each American Beacon Fund are listed below.

***Mark Giambrone*** joined Barrow Hanley in 1999. Prior to joining Barrow Hanley, Mr. Giambrone served as a portfolio consultant at HOLT Value Associates. During his career, he has also served as a senior auditor/tax specialist for KPMG Peat Marwick and Ernst & Young Kenneth Leventhal. Mr. Giambrone graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University with a BS in Business and received an MBA from the University of Chicago.

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***W. Coleman Hubbard, CFA*** ***,*** joined Barrow Hanley in 2012 as an equity analyst, working with the Small Cap Value team. He was promoted to the portfolio management team in January of 2020. Mr. Hubbard began his investment career as an analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. He graduated from Davidson College, where he earned a BA in Economics. Mr. Hubbard is a CFA charterholder.

***J*** ***ustin Martin, CFA*** ***,*** joined Barrow Hanley in 2004 and has served as a credit analyst in fixed income since 2009. Prior to his work as a credit analyst, Mr. Martin's work at the firm included market and index research and portfolio analysis. Mr. Martin earned a BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University. He is a CFA charterholder.

***J. Scott McDonald, CFA*** ***,*** joined Barrow Hanley in 1995. He was appointed Co-Head of Fixed Income, along with Mark Luchsinger, in 2017. Mr. McDonald also serves as the lead portfolio manager for our Long Duration strategies, specializing in corporate and government bonds. He is a CFA charterholder. During his investment career, Mr. McDonald previously served as senior vice president and portfolio manager at Life Partners Group, Inc. Prior to that, he was a credit supervisor and lending officer for Chase Bank of Texas. Mr. McDonald received an MBA from the University of Texas and a BBA from Southern Methodist University.

***Deborah A. Petruzzelli*** joined Barrow Hanley in 2003. She serves as our structured securities portfolio manager for mortgage-backed, asset-backed, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. She is also an analyst for structured securities. During her investment career, Ms. Petruzzelli has served as managing director/senior portfolio manager for Victory Capital Management, Inc., where she was responsible for the management of ABS, CMBS, and whole-loan sectors for all client portfolios. She also had an active role in that firm's development of a core strategy, leveraging the firm's convertible equity management strengths. Prior to joining Victory, Ms. Petruzzelli worked for McDonald & Company Securities, Inc., as senior vice president for ABS syndication and traded ABS, CMO, and MBS. She earned a BSBA in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University.

***Matthew Routh, CFA*** ***,*** joined Barrow Hanley in 2013 and has served as a credit analyst since 2016. Prior to his work as a credit analyst, Mr. Routh's work at the firm included portfolio analysis. Mr. Routh began his investment career in 2008 at Callan Associates, where he worked in fixed income research. He is a CFA charterholder. Mr. Routh earned a BA in Economics from the University of Texas and an MA in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

***DJ Taylor, CFA, CAIA*** ***,*** joined Barrow Hanley in 2016 as an equity analyst, focusing on small cap stocks. Prior to joining Barrow Hanley, he served as a senior analyst at Value Management Group. Mr. Taylor earned a BA in Mathematics and Economics from Williams College, where he was an NCAA All-American and school record-holder for the Ephs swimming and diving team. He is a member of the CAIA Association and is a CFA charterholder.

All of Barrow Hanley's equity portfolio managers and analysts work as a team for the purposes of generating and researching investment ideas. Portfolio managers have broad research responsibilities, although they focus their efforts on particular sectors. Analysts have specific sector/industry assignments for more specialized, in-depth research.

Barrow Hanley manages its fixed income portion of the American Beacon Balanced Fund using a team approach, with investment strategy decisions resulting from a consensus of its fixed income professionals including senior portfolio managers and dedicated research analysts. All portfolio managers are generalists, but each also has specific responsibilities for strategic focus on particular aspects of the marketplace and the portfolio structure strategy. Fixed income research responsibilities are divided among the team members, each specializing in areas in which they have particular expertise and interest. Individual bond selection decisions are also consistently made across all portfolios having similar investment objectives.

**BRANDYWINE GLOBAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC ("Brandywine Global'')**, 1735 Market Street, Suite 1800, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, is a professional investment advisory firm founded in 1986. Brandywine Global is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. As of December 31, 2025, Brandywine Global had assets under management totaling approximately $64.1 billion.

Brandywine Global serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.

***Michelle K. Bevan*** is a portfolio manager and securities analyst on the Diversified Value Equity team. She contributes to the quantitative and fundamental analysis of securities for the Diversified Value Equity portfolios. She is the lead portfolio manager for the Diversified Mid Cap Value strategies. Michelle joined the firm in 1995. She is a CFA® charterholder and earned an M.B.A. in Finance and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Delaware, graduating cum laude.

***Henry F. Otto*** is the founder and co-lead portfolio manager of the Diversified Value Equity strategies. Prior to joining Brandywine Global in 1988, he was with Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc., where he managed and traded small cap portfolios and developed computer systems to structure portfolios and analyze performance (1984-1987), and the Chicago Board of Trade as a financial economist developing financial-based futures and options (1982-1984). Mr. Otto is a member of the firm's Executive Board.

***Steve M. Tonkovich*** is co-lead portfolio manager of the Diversified Value Equity strategies. He plays an integral role in the team's continual refinement of the Diversified Value Equity investment process and the firm's ongoing research into value investing. Prior to joining the firm in 1989, he was with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania as a research analyst in the Finance Department (1987-1989) and the Moore School of Electrical Engineering of the University of Pennsylvania as a research assistant (1986-1987). He is a member of the firm's Executive Board.

**CAUSEWAY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC ("Causeway")**, 11111 Santa Monica Blvd., 15th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90025, is an international and global equity investment management firm. Causeway began operations in June 2001. As of December 31, 2025, Causeway had approximately $70.9 billion in assets under management. Causeway serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon International Equity Fund.

Causeway's portion of the American Beacon International Equity Fund is managed by a team of portfolio managers comprised of Sarah H. Ketterer, Harry W. Hartford, Jonathan P. Eng, Conor Muldoon, Alessandro Valentini, Ellen Lee, Steven Nguyen, and Brian Woonyung Cho.

***Sarah H. Ketterer*** is the Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Ketterer co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Prior to that, she was with the Hotchkis and Wiley division of Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, L.P. (''MLIM'') since 1996, where she was a Managing Director and co-head of the International and Global Value Equity Team in Los Angeles. Ms. Ketterer has co-managed the Fund since August 2001.

***Harry W. Hartford*** is the President. Mr. Hartford co-founded Causeway in June 2001. Prior to that, he was with the Hotchkis and Wiley division of MLIM since 1996, where he was a Managing Director and co-head of the International and Global Value Equity Team in Los Angeles. Mr. Hartford has co-managed the Fund since August 2001.

***Jonathan P. Eng*** is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for research in the global consumer discretionary, industrials and energy sectors. Mr. Eng joined the firm as a Research Associate in July 2001 and became a Portfolio Manager and Director in 2002. From 1997 to July 2001, Mr. Eng was with the Hotchkis and Wiley division of MLIM in Los Angeles and London, where he was an equity research associate for the International and Global Value Equity Team. Mr. Eng has co-managed the Fund since January 2006.

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***Conor Muldoon*** is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for research in the global financials, materials, and real estate sectors. Mr. Muldoon joined the firm in August 2003 as a Research Associate and became a Portfolio Manager in 2010. From 1995 to June 2003, Mr. Muldoon was an investment consultant for Fidelity Investments where he served as liaison between institutional clients and investment managers within Fidelity. Mr. Muldoon has co-managed the Fund since 2010.

***Alessandro Valentini*** is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for research in the global healthcare, financials, and real estate sectors. Mr. Valentini joined the firm in July 2006 as a Research Associate and became a Portfolio Manager in 2013. During the summer of 2005, Mr. Valentini worked as a research analyst at Thornburg Investment Management, where he conducted fundamental research for the International Value Fund and the Value Fund, focusing on the European telecommunication and Canadian oil sectors. From 2000 to 2004, Mr. Valentini worked as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs in the European Equities Research-Sales division in New York. Mr. Valentini has co-managed the Fund since 2013.

***Ellen Lee*** is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for research in the global consumer and utilities sectors. Ms. Lee joined the firm in August 2007 as a Research Associate and became a Portfolio Manager in January 2015. During the summer of 2006, Ms. Lee interned at Tiger Asia, a long short equity hedge fund focused on China, Japan, and Korea. From 2001-2004, Ms. Lee was an associate in the Mergers and Acquisitions division of Credit Suisse First Boston in Seoul, where she advised Korean corporates and multinational corporations. From 1999-2000, she was an analyst in the Mergers and Acquisitions division of Credit Suisse First Boston in Hong Kong. Ms. Lee has co-managed the Fund since 2015.

***Steven Nguyen*** is a Director of Causeway and is responsible for investment research in the utilities and renewables, healthcare, and business services sectors. He joined the firm in April 2012. From 2006 to 2012, Mr. Nguyen was a Senior Credit Analyst at Bradford & Marzec covering high yield and investment grade companies in the telecommunication services, cable, media, gaming, insurance, and REIT industries. From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Nguyen was a Credit Analyst/Portfolio Manager in the corporate bond department of Allegiance Capital. Mr. Nguyen earned a BA in Business Economics from Brown University and an MBA, with honors, from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He is a CFA<sup>®</sup> charterholder. Mr. Nguyen has co-managed the Fund since 2019.

***Brian Woonyung Cho*** is a Director of Causeway. Mr. Cho joined Causeway in September 2013. His responsibilities include coverage of companies in the technology and communication services sectors. From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Cho was a vice president at BofA-ML Equity Research, covering the IT hardware and supply chain sector. From 2007 to 2011, he worked as an associate at Goldman Sachs Equity Research covering the same sector. From 2006 to 2007, he worked as an analyst at Morgan Stanley Equity Research covering the internet and interactive software sector. Prior to that, he worked as an analyst at PA Consulting Group in the financial services practice. Mr. Cho earned a BSc in management science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Cho has co-managed the Fund since 2021.

**DEPRINCE, RACE & ZOLLO, INC. ("DRZ")**, 250 Park Avenue South, Suite 250, Winter Park, Florida 32789, is a professional investment advisory firm that was founded in 1995. As of December 31, 2025, DRZ had approximately $5.9 billion in assets under management. DRZ serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund.

***Gregory Ramsby*** joined DRZ in 1996. He is a Managing Partner of the firm and sits on the firm's Management Committee. Mr. Ramsby serves as the Co-Portfolio Manager of the U.S. Small-Cap Value and U.S. Micro-Cap Value disciplines and oversees the portfolio management, research and trading functions of the firm's U.S. Small-Cap Value and U.S. Micro-Cap Value disciplines. Prior to joining DRZ, Mr. Ramsby was employed at First Union Capital Management as an equity analyst and Associate Portfolio Manager. Prior to that, he was an equity analyst at NationsBank Investment Management. Mr. Ramsby received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Oglethorpe University and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

***Randy Renfrow*** joined DRZ in 2008, and he is a Partner of the firm. Mr. Renfrow serves as the Co-Portfolio Manager for the firm's U.S. Small-Cap Value, U.S. Micro-Cap Value and U.S. SMID-Cap Value disciplines. Prior to joining DRZ, Mr. Renfrow was employed by Veredus Asset Management where he served as an equity analyst. Prior to that, he was employed by INVESCO, where he also served as an equity analyst. Mr. Renfrow holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. He received his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from Murray State University and Masters of Science in Financial Management from Boston University.

**GARCIA HAMILTON & ASSOCIATES, L.P. ("Garcia Hamilton")**, 1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1600, Houston, Texas 77010, is an investment management company with assets under management of $24.9 billion as of December 31, 2025. Garcia Hamilton was founded in 1988 and offers high quality fixed income strategies for institutional investors. Its diversified client base includes public funds, jointly-trusteed plans, endowments and corporations.

Garcia Hamilton serves as sub-advisor to the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund. Investment decisions for the Fund are based on decisions made by Garcia Hamilton's Investment Management Team. Collectively, the following individuals are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio.

***Gilbert Andrew Garcia***, CFA, is a Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer and began working at Garcia Hamilton in 2002. His responsibilities include portfolio management and investment research.

**Karen H. Tass**, CFA, is a Partner and Co-Deputy Chief Investment Officer and began working at Garcia Hamilton in 2010. Her responsibilities include portfolio management and investment research.

***Jeffrey D. Detwiler***, CFA, is a Partner and Co-Deputy Chief Investment Officer and began working at Garcia Hamilton in 2007. His responsibilities include portfolio management and investment research.

***Benjamin D. Monkiewicz*** is a Partner and Portfolio Manager and began working at Garcia Hamilton in 2010. His responsibilities include portfolio management and investment research.

**HOTCHKIS AND WILEY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC ("Hotchkis")**, 601 South Figueroa Street, 39th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90017-5704, is a limited liability company, the primary members of which are HWCap Holdings, a limited liability company with members who are current and former employees of Hotchkis, and Stephens-H&W, LLC, a limited liability company whose primary member is SF Holding Corp., which is a diversified holding company. Hotchkis' predecessor entity was organized as an investment advisor in 1980. As of December 31, 2025, Hotchkis had approximately $36.9 billion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management.

Hotchkis serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund and the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. Hotchkis supervises and arranges the purchase and sale of securities held in its respective portions of the Funds' portfolios.

In addition to the Funds, Hotchkis manages institutional separate accounts and is the advisor and sub-advisor to other mutual funds. The investment process employed is the same for similar accounts, including the Funds and is team-based utilizing primarily in-house, fundamental research. The investment research staff is organized by industry and sector and supports all of the accounts managed in each of Hotchkis' investment strategies. Portfolio managers for each strategy ensure that the best thinking of the investment team is reflected in the ''target portfolios.'' Investment ideas for each Fund are generated by Hotchkis' investment team.

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Although portions of the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund are managed by Hotchkis' investment team, Hotchkis has identified the portfolio managers with the most significant responsibility for Hotchkis' portion of each Fund's assets. This list does not include all members of the investment team.

**Hotchkis Portfolio Managers for the American Beacon Balanced and American Beacon Large Cap Value Funds**

George Davis, Doug Campbell, Scott McBride, and Patricia McKenna participate in the investment research review and decision making process for the Funds. Mr. McBride, Mr. Campbell and Mr. Davis coordinate the day-to-day management of the Funds. Ms. McKenna is expected to retire as a portfolio manager effective August 1, 2026. Therefore, effective August 1, 2026, all references to Ms. McKenna in this Prospectus are deleted.

***George Davis***, Principal, Portfolio Manager and Executive Chairman, joined Hotchkis' investment team in 1988. Mr. Davis has been a Portfolio Manager since 1989 was Chief Executive Officer of Hotchkis from 2001 until October 2021, when Mr. Davis transitioned to Executive Chairman. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. Davis plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process. He coordinates the day-to-day management of large cap fundamental value, large cap diversified value, mid cap value and value opportunities portfolios, represents these strategies to current and prospective clients, as well as provides expertise and insight into the capital goods and financials sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Davis was an assistant to the senior partner of RCM Capital Management. He began his career in equity research with internships at Cramer, Rosenthal & McGlynn and Fidelity Management & Research. Mr. Davis received his BA in Economics and History and MBA from Stanford University.

***Doug Campbell***, Portfolio Manager, joined Hotchkis' investment team in 2017 and has been a Portfolio Manager since 2023. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. Campbell plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process as well as coordinates the day-to-day management of large cap fundamental value and large cap diversified value portfolios. He also provides expertise in capital goods, technology and energy sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Campbell was an equity research analyst at Dodge & Cox. After a short period as an entrepreneur, Mr. Campbell continued his equity research career with internships at Causeway Capital Management and Capital Group. Mr. Campbell received his BS in Mathematics and Economics from Stanford University and MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

***Scott McBride***, Portfolio Manager and Chief Executive Officer, joined Hotchkis' investment team in 2001. He has been a Portfolio Manager since 2017 and was named President of Hotchkis in January 2016. In October 2021, he became Chief Executive Officer. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. McBride plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process as well as coordinates the day-to-day management of large cap fundamental value, large cap diversified value and global value portfolios. He also provides expertise and insight into the consumer, financials, healthcare and technology sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. McBride was an associate consultant with Deloitte Consulting and worked as an investment marketing analyst with Fidelity Investments. Mr. McBride, a CFA® charterholder, received his BA in Economics from Georgetown University and MBA from Columbia University.

***Patricia McKenna***, Principal and Portfolio Manager; joined Hotchkis' investment team in 1995 and has been a Principal since 2001. In her role as portfolio manager, Ms. McKenna plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process and represents the large cap fundamental value and large cap diversified value strategies to current and prospective clients. She also provides expertise and insight into the consumer and healthcare sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. McKenna was an equity analyst at Trust Company of the West. Before entering the field of investment management, she worked for five years in corporate finance at Bankers Trust and then at Fieldstone Private Capital Group. Ms. McKenna began her career as a forensic accountant in 1983. Ms. McKenna, a CFA® charterholder, received her BA in Economics with distinction from Stanford University and MBA from Harvard Business School.

**Hotchkis Portfolio Managers for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund**

David Green and Jim Miles participate in the investment research review and decision-making process for the Fund and coordinate the day-to-day management of the Fund.

***David Green***, Principal and Portfolio Manager, joined Hotchkis' investment team in 1997. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. Green plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process. He coordinates the day-to-day management of small cap value, value opportunities and international value portfolios, represents these strategies to current and prospective clients, as well as provides expertise and insight into Special Situations. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Green worked as a senior equity analyst with Goldman Sachs Asset Management on the Broad Market Value team. Before joining Goldman Sachs, he worked as an equity analyst with Prudential Investment Corporation where he began his investment career in 1990. Mr. Green's investment experience is focused primarily on analysis of publicly traded equities. Mr. Green, a CFA® charterholder, received his BA in Economics with honors from the University of California, Berkeley and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

***Jim Miles***, Principal and Portfolio Manager, joined Hotchkis' investment team in 1995. Hotchkis' investment team has managed Hotchkis' portion of the Fund since its inception in 1998. In his role as portfolio manager, Mr. Miles plays an integral part in the investment research review and decision-making process. He coordinates the day-to-day management of small cap value portfolios, represents all strategies to current and prospective clients, as well as provides expertise and insight into the consumer and technology sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Miles was a vice president in corporate finance at BT Securities Corporation, an affiliate of Bankers Trust. He specialized in lending to and arranging debt for highly leveraged companies. Mr. Miles received his BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Engineering from Stanford University and MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles.

**LAZARD ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC ("Lazard")**, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 56th floor, New York, New York 10112, an investment advisor, is a subsidiary of Lazard Frères & Co. LLC, a New York Limited Liability Company. Lazard and its affiliates provided investment management services to client discretionary accounts. As of December 31, 2025 Lazard's firmwide assets under management are $205.3 billion. Please note that as of December 31, 2025, assets under management includes Lazard Asset Management and its global affiliates - of Lazard Freres Gestion ("LFG"), Lazard Freres Banque SA ("LFB") and the Edgewater Funds ("Edgewater").

***Michael A. Bennett*** is a Managing Director of Lazard and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams. He joined Lazard in 1992 and has worked in the investment field since 1986. Mr. Bennett has co-managed Lazard's portion of the Fund since May 2003.

***Michael G. Fry*** is a Managing Director of Lazard and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams. From 1995 to 2005, Mr. Fry held several positions at UBS Global Asset Management, including Lead Portfolio Manager and Head of Global Equity Portfolio Management, Global Head of Equity Research and Head of Australian Equities. He joined Lazard in 2005 and has worked in the investment field since 1981. He has co-managed Lazard's portion of the Fund since November 2005.

***Michael S. Powers*** is a Senior Advisor of Lazard and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams. He began working in the investment field in 1990 when he joined Lazard and has co-managed Lazard's portion of the Fund since May 2003.

***Giles Edwards*** is a Managing Director and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on various international equity teams as of January 2020. Prior to joining the investment teams, he was a Research Analyst with a background in media, automotive, and services. Prior to joining Lazard in 2008, Mr. Edwards was a Management Accountant at BSkyB, completing his CIMA qualifications. He has a BA (Hons) in Politics and Economics from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

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***Paul Selvey-Clinton*** is a Managing Director of Lazard and a Portfolio Manager/Analyst on the European Equity team. Prior to joining Lazard in 2014, Mr. Selvey-Clinton worked in a predominantly European focused fund at SAC Global Investors. Before this he was an Equity Analyst and Partner at Occitan Capital. Mr. Selvey-Clinton began working in the investment field in 2006 as an Equity Analyst at Brevan Howard Asset Management. Mr. Selvey-Clinton has a BA (Hons) in Geography from Keble College, Oxford University.

**MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY ("MFS")**, 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02199, is a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., which in turn is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial Inc., a diversified financial services company. MFS and its predecessor organizations have a history of money management dating from 1924. As of December 31, 2025, net assets under management of the MFS organization were approximately $651 billion, including assets of a corporate client of the Manager and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. MFS serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and Nevin Chitkara, Katherine Cannan, and Thomas P. Crowley co-manage MFS' Large Cap Value Equity strategy of the Fund. Mr. Chitkara is expected to retire effective May 1, 2026. Therefore, effective May 1, 2026, all references to Mr. Chitkara in this Prospectus are deleted.

***Katherine Cannan*** is an Investment Officer of MFS and has been employed in the investment area of MFS since 2013.

***Nevin Chitkara*** is an Investment Officer of MFS and has been employed in the investment area of MFS since 1997.

**Thomas P. Crowley**, is an Investment Officer of MFS and has been employed in the investment area of MFS since 2007.

**WESTWOOD MANAGEMENT CORP. ("Westwood")** Westwood Management Corp., a New York corporation formed in 1983, serves as a sub-advisor to the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. Westwood's principal place of business is located at 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200, Dallas, Texas 75201. Westwood is a wholly owned subsidiary of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc., an institutional asset management company. As of December 31, 2025, Westwood had approximately $13.1 billion in assets under management.

**William E. Costello, CFA**<sup>®</sup> joined Westwood in 2010 and has served as Senior Vice President, Director of Equity Portfolios since 2018. Mr. Costello serves as Senior Portfolio Manager on the SmallCap Value portfolio team. He is also responsible for investment research within the Energy and Utilities sectors and is a member of the Energy/Utilities research group. Mr. Costello began his career with Investors Bank and Trust in 1992 and subsequently joined Delphi Management and The Boston Company. Mr. Costello earned an MBA from Boston University and a BA in Economics from Marietta College. He is a member of the CFA Institute, the Boston Security Analysts Society and the National Association of Petroleum Investment Analysts.

**Matthew R. Lockridge** joined Westwood in 2010 and has served as Senior Vice President and the Head of the U.S. Value division since 2022. He is a Senior Portfolio Manager on the LargeCap Value and SmallCap Value portfolio teams and is responsible for investment research in the Consumer Staples and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Additionally, Mr. Lockridge is a member of the Executive Committee and the Consumer/Health Care research group at Westwood. Mr. Lockridge began his career at Arthur Andersen, LLP, within their Chicago consulting practice. He served as a senior consultant with Deloitte Consulting, LLP, where he assisted clients with various corporate finance and accounting issues. Mr. Lockridge then served as a managing director and partner at Dearborn Partners, LLC, where he was a member of the Investment Committee and oversaw investments in the Consumer and Industrials sectors. Mr. Lockridge earned his MBA with a concentration in finance and accounting from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and his BBA in finance from Southern Methodist University.

**Frederic Rowsey, CFA**<sup>®</sup> joined Westwood in 2010, and has served as Vice President and Research Analyst since 2018. Mr. Rowsey serves as a Portfolio Manager on the SmallCap Value portfolio team and is responsible for investment research in the Consumer Discretionary sector. He is also a member of the Consumer/Health Care research group. Previously, he served as a Research Associate, assisting with research in the Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Health Care and Energy sectors. Mr. Rowsey graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Economics and a secondary degree in Psychology. Mr. Rowsey is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Dallas-Fort Worth.

**Jordan Latimer, CFA**<sup>®</sup> has served as a Portfolio Manager on the SmallCap Value portfolio team since November 2024. He rejoined Westwood in 2023 as Vice President, Research Analyst where he covers the technology and internet sectors. Before rejoining Westwood, Mr. Latimer served as Impact Officer at LCM Group, a family office focused on both public and private investments. Prior to LCM Group, Mr. Latimer was a member of the investment team at Ballast Asset Management, providing investment analysis and portfolio management to a fundamental, value-oriented small-mid cap equity strategy. Mr. Latimer began his career at Westwood in 2011 as a Research Associate; in 2015, he was promoted to Research Analyst, where he was responsible for coverage, research, and idea generation in the Technology, Industrials, and Consumer Discretionary sectors. Mr. Latimer graduated magna cum laude from Mays Business School at Texas A&M University and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Science in Finance. Mr. Latimer earned his CFA charter in April of 2015.

Valuation of Shares

The price of each Fund's shares is based on its NAV. Each Fund's NAV per share is computed by adding total assets, subtracting all of a Fund's liabilities, and dividing the result by the total number of shares outstanding.

The NAV per share of each class of a Fund's shares is determined based on a pro rata allocation of a Fund's investment income, expenses and total capital gains and losses. A Fund's NAV per share is determined each business day as of the regular close of trading on the 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, a Fund's NAV per share typically would still be determined as of the regular close of trading on the NYSE. The Funds do not price their shares on days that the NYSE is closed. Foreign exchanges may permit trading in foreign securities on days when a Fund is not open for business, which may result in the value of a Fund's portfolio investments being affected at a time when you are unable to buy or sell shares.

Equity securities and certain derivative instruments that are traded on an exchange are valued based on market value. Certain derivative instruments (other than short-term securities) usually are valued on the basis of prices provided by a pricing service. The price of debt securities generally is determined using pricing services or quotes obtained from broker/dealers who may consider a number of inputs and factors, such as comparable characteristics, yield curve, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, underlying collateral and estimated cash flow. Investments in other mutual funds are valued at the closing NAV per share of the mutual funds on the day of valuation. Equity securities, including shares of closed-end funds and 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 a Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time will normally be used.

Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including related oversight and reporting requirements. The rule also defines when market quotations are "readily available" for purposes of the Investment Company Act, the threshold for determining whether a Fund must fair value a security.

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Among other things, Rule 2a-5 permits a Fund's board to designate the Fund's primary investment adviser as "valuation designee" to perform the Fund's fair value determinations subject to board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the registered investment company's board receives the information it needs to oversee the investment adviser's fair value determinations. The Board has designated the Manager as valuation designee under Rule 2a-5 to perform fair value functions in accordance with the requirements of Rule 2a-5.

Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to the Manager's procedures. For example, fair value pricing will be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, as determined by the Manager, such as for fixed-income securities and 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 a Fund occurs after the close of a related exchange but before the determination of a Fund's NAV per share, fair value pricing may be used on the affected security or securities. Securities of small-capitalization companies are also more likely to require a fair value determination using these procedures because they are more thinly traded and less liquid than the securities of larger capitalization companies. In addition, a Fund may invest in illiquid securities requiring these procedures.

Securities for the American Beacon International Equity Fund are often fair valued as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which this Fund invests. Securities for the other Funds in this Prospectus also may be fair valued as a result of significant events occurring after the close of the foreign markets in which the Fund invests.

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 Funds' fair valuation procedures. You may view a 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

Each Fund offers various classes of shares. Each share class of a Fund represents an investment in the same portfolio of securities for that Fund, but each class has its own expense structure and combination of purchase restrictions, sales charges, 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 qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges;

■ 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 professional to help you decide which share class is best for you.

*A Class Charges and Waivers*

The table below shows the amount of sales charges you will pay on purchases of A Class shares of the Funds both as a percentage of offering price and as a percentage of the amount you invest. The sales charge differs depending upon the amount you invest and may be reduced or eliminated for larger purchases as indicated below. If you invest more, the sales charge will be lower.

Any applicable sales charge will be deducted directly from your investment. Because of rounding of the calculation in determining the sales charges, you may pay more or less than what is shown in the table below. Shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or other distributions are not subject to a front-end sales charge. You may qualify for a reduced sales charge, or the sales charge may be waived as described below in ''A Class Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers.''

**A Class Shares**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Amount of Sale/Account Value** | **As a % of Offering Price** | **As a % of Investment** | **Dealer Commission as a % of** **Offering Price** |
| Less than $50,000 | 5.75% | 6.10% | 5.00% |
| $50,000 but less than $100,000 | 4.75% | 4.99% | 4.00% |
| $100,000 but less than $250,000 | 3.75% | 3.90% | 3.00% |
| $250,000 but less than $500,000 | 2.75% | 2.83% | 2.05% |
| $500,000 but less than $1,000,000 | 2.00% | 2.04% | 1.50% |
| $1,000,000 and above | 0.00% | 0.00%<sup>†</sup>  | <sup>‡</sup>  |

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† No initial sales charge applies on purchases of $1,000,000 or more. A CDSC of 0.50% of the offering price will be charged on purchases of $1,000,000 or more that are redeemed in whole or in part within eighteen (18) months of purchase

‡ See "Dealer Concessions on A Class Purchases Without a Front-End Sales Charge."

The Distributor retains any portion of the commissions that are not paid to financial intermediaries to solely pay distribution-related expenses. This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds' website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call 1-800-658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.

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*A Class Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers*

A shareholder may qualify for a waiver or reduction in sales charges under certain circumstances. To receive a waiver or reduction in your A Class sales charge, you must advise the Funds' transfer agent, your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary of your eligibility at the time of purchase. If you, or your financial intermediary, do not let the Funds' transfer agent know that you are eligible for a reduction, you may not receive a sales charge discount to which you are otherwise entitled. This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds' website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call 1-800-658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.

**Waiver of Sales Charges**

There is no front-end sales charge if you invest $1,000,000 or more in A Class shares of the Funds.

Sales charges also may be waived for certain shareholders or transactions, such as:

■ The Manager or its affiliates;

■ Present and former directors, trustees, officers, employees of the Manager, the Manager's parent company, and the American Beacon Funds (and their ''immediate family'' as defined in the SAI), and retirement plans established by them for their employees;

■ Registered representatives or employees of intermediaries that have selling agreements with the Funds;

■ Shares acquired through merger or acquisition;

■ Insurance company separate accounts;

■ Employer-sponsored retirement plans;

■ Dividend reinvestment programs;

■ Purchases through certain fee-based programs under which investors pay advisory fees that may be offered through selected registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, and other financial intermediaries;

■ Shareholders that purchase a Fund through a financial intermediary that offers our A Class shares uniformly on a ''no load'' (or reduced load) basis to you and all similarly situated customers of the intermediary in accordance with the intermediary's prescribed fee schedule for purchases of fund shares;

■ Mutual fund shares exchanged from an existing position in the same fund as part of a share class conversion instituted by an intermediary; and

■ Reinvestment of proceeds within 90 days of a redemption from A Class account (see Redemption Policies for more information).

The availability of A Class shares sales charge waivers may depend upon the policies, procedures, and trading platform of your financial intermediary.

**Reduced Sales Charges**

Under a "Rights of Accumulation Program," a "Letter of Intent" or through "Concurrent Purchases" you may be eligible to buy A Class shares of the Funds at the reduced sales charge rates that would apply to a larger purchase. Each Fund reserves the right to modify or to cease offering these programs at any time.

This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds' website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call 1-800-658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.

**Dealer Concessions on A Class Purchases Without a Front-End Sales Charge**

Brokers who initiate and are responsible for purchases of $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of a Fund may receive a dealer concession from the Funds' Distributor of 0.50% of the offering price. If a client or broker is unable to provide account verification on purchases of $1,000,000 or more, the dealer concession will be forfeited by the broker and front-end sales loads will apply. Dealer concessions will not be paid on shares purchased by exchange or shares that were previously subject to a front-end sales charge or dealer concession. Dealer concessions will be paid only on eligible purchases where the applicability of the CDSC can be monitored. Purchases eligible for sales charge waivers as described under ''A Class Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers'' are not eligible for dealer concessions on purchases of $1,000,000 or more.

**Rights of Accumulation Program**

Under the Rights of Accumulation Program, you may qualify for a reduced sales charge for A Class shares by aggregating all of your investments held in certain accounts (''Qualified Accounts''). The following Qualified Accounts holding any share class of the American Beacon Funds may be grouped together to qualify for the reduced sales charge under the Rights of Accumulation Program or Letter of Intent:

■ Accounts owned by you, your spouse or your minor children under the age of 21, including trust or other fiduciary accounts in which you, your spouse or your minor children are the beneficiary;

■ UTMAs/UGMAs;

■ IRAs, including traditional, Roth, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs; and

■ Coverdell Education Savings Accounts or qualified 529 plans.

A fiduciary can apply a right of accumulation to all shares purchased for a trust, estate or other fiduciary account that has multiple accounts.

You must notify your financial intermediary, or the Funds' transfer agent, in the case of shares held directly with a Fund, at the time of purchase that a purchase qualifies for a reduced sales charge under the Rights of Accumulation Program. In addition, you must provide either a list of account numbers or copies of account statements verifying your qualification. You may combine the historical cost or current market value, as of the day prior to your additional American Beacon Funds' purchase (whichever is higher) of your existing American Beacon Funds mutual fund with the amount of your current purchase in order to take advantage of the reduced sales charge. Historical cost is the price you actually paid for the shares you own, plus your reinvested dividends and other distributions. If you are using historical cost to qualify for a reduced sales charge, you should retain any records to substantiate your historical costs since the Fund, its transfer agent or your financial intermediary may not maintain this information.

If your shares are held through financial intermediaries and/or in a retirement account (such as a 401(k) or employee benefit plan), you may combine the current market value of your existing American Beacon Funds mutual fund investment with the amount of your current purchase in order to take advantage of the reduced sales charge. You or your financial intermediary must notify the Funds' transfer agent at the time of purchase that a purchase qualifies for a reduced sales charge and provide copies of account statements dated within three months of your current purchase verifying your qualification.

Upon receipt of the above referenced supporting documentation, the financial intermediary or the Funds' transfer agent will calculate the combined value of all of your Qualified Accounts to determine if the current purchase is eligible for a reduced sales charge. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of a dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with purchases for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.

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**Letter of Intent**

If you plan to invest at least $50,000 (excluding any reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) during the next 13 months in any class of a Fund, you may qualify for a reduced sales charge for purchases of A Class shares by completing the Letter of Intent section of your account application.

A Letter of Intent indicates your intent to purchase at least $50,000 in any class of the American Beacon Funds over the next 13 months in exchange for a reduced A Class sales charge indicated on the above tables. The minimum initial investment under a Letter of Intent is $2,500. You are not obligated to purchase additional shares if you complete a Letter of Intent. However, if you do not buy enough shares to qualify for the projected level of sales charge by the end of the 13-month period (or when you sell your shares, if earlier), your sales charge will be recalculated to reflect your actual purchase level. During the term of the Letter of Intent, shares representing 5% of your intended purchase will be held in escrow. If you do not purchase enough shares during the 13-month period to qualify for the projected reduced sales charge, the additional sales charge will be deducted from your account. If you have purchased shares of any American Beacon mutual fund within 90 days prior to signing a Letter of Intent, they may be included as part of your intended purchase, however, previous purchase transactions will not be recalculated with the proposed new breakpoint. You must provide either a list of account numbers or copies of account statements verifying your purchases within the past 90 days.

**Concurrent Purchases**

You may combine simultaneous purchases in shares of any of the American Beacon Funds to qualify for a reduced charge.

*CDSC — A Class Shares*

Unless a waiver applies, investors who purchase $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of a Fund (and, thus, pay no initial sales charge) will be subject to a 0.50% CDSC if those shares are redeemed within 18 months after they are purchased. The CDSC does not apply if you are otherwise eligible to purchase A Class shares without an initial sales charge or are eligible for one of the waivers described herein or in the SAI.

*CDSC — C Class Shares*

If you redeem C Class shares within 12 months of purchase, you may be charged a CDSC of 1%. The CDSC generally will be deducted from your redemption proceeds. In some circumstances, you may be eligible for one of the waivers described herein or in the SAI. You must advise the transfer agent of your eligibility for a waiver when you place your redemption request.

*How CDSCs will be Calculated*

The amount of the CDSC will be based on the market value of the redeemed shares at the time of the redemption or the original purchase price, whichever is lower. Because of the rounding of the calculation in determining the CDSC, you may pay more or less than the indicated rate. Your CDSC holding period is based upon the date of your purchase. The CDSCs will be deducted from the proceeds of your redemption, not from amounts remaining in your account. A CDSC is not imposed on any increase in NAV per share over the initial purchase price or shares you received through the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions.

To keep your CDSC as low as possible, each time you place a request to sell shares, the Funds will redeem your shares in the following order:

■ shares acquired by the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions;

■ other shares that are not subject to the CDSC;

■ shares held the longest during the holding period.

*Waiver of CDSCs — A and C Class Shares*

A shareholder may qualify for a CDSC waiver under certain circumstances. To have your CDSC waived, you must advise the Funds' transfer agent, your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary of your eligibility at the time of redemption. If you or your financial intermediary do not let the Funds' transfer agent know that you are eligible for a waiver, you may not receive a waiver to which might otherwise be otherwise entitled.

The CDSC may be waived if:

■ The redemption is due to a shareholder's death or post-purchase disability;

■ The redemption is from a systematic withdrawal plan and represents no more than 10% of your annual account value;

■ The redemption is a benefit payment made from a qualified retirement plan, unless the redemption is due to the termination of the plan or the transfer of the plan to another financial institution;

■ The redemption is for a "required minimum distribution" from a traditional IRA as determined by the Internal Revenue Service;

■ The redemption is due to involuntary redemptions by a Fund as a result of your account not meeting the minimum balance requirements, the termination and liquidation of a Fund, or other actions;

■ The redemption is from accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has entered into a written agreement with the Distributor (or Manager) allowing this waiver;

■ The redemption is to return excess contributions made to a retirement plan; or

■ The redemption is to return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.

The SAI contains further details about the CDSC and the conditions for waiving the CDSC.

Information regarding CDSC waivers for A and C Class shares is available, free of charge, on the Funds' website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call 1-800-658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.

*Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions Available Through Certain Financial Intermediaries*

The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from a Fund or through a financial intermediary. Different intermediaries may impose different sales charges (including potential reductions in or waivers of sales charges). Such intermediary-specific sales charge variations are described in **Appendix A** to this Prospectus, entitled "Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information." **Appendix A** is incorporated herein by reference (is legally a part of this Prospectus).

In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify the Funds or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders may have to purchase Fund shares through another intermediary to receive these waivers or discounts. This information is available, free of charge, on the Funds' website. Please visit www.americanbeaconfunds.com. You may also call 1-800-658-5811 or consult with your financial professional.

**Prospectus** – About Your Investment**65**

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*Conversion of C Class Shares to A Class Shares*

C Class shares convert automatically into A Class shares eight (8) years after the initial date of purchase or, if you acquired your C Class shares through an exchange or conversion from another share class, eight (8) years after the date you acquired your C Class shares, provided the conversion is available through your financial intermediary. When C Class shares that you acquired through a purchase or exchange convert to A Class shares, any other C Class shares that you purchased with reinvested dividends and distributions also will convert into A Class shares on a pro rata basis. A different holding period may also apply depending on your intermediary. Certain financial intermediaries may not make this conversion available to their clients. Please see "**Appendix** **A—Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information**" in this Prospectus, or contact your financial intermediary for additional information.

Purchase and Redemption of Shares

*Eligibility*

The A Class, C Class, Y Class, Advisor Class, R5 Class, and Investor Class shares offered in this Prospectus are available to eligible investors who meet the minimum initial investment. R6 Class shares are available only to participating 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, health savings plans, health savings accounts and funded welfare benefit plans (e.g., Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) plans). R6 Class shares generally are available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of a Fund; however, a Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to waive this requirement. Generally, R6 Class shares are not available to retail non-retirement accounts, Traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans. American Beacon Funds do not accept accounts registered to foreign individuals or entities, including foreign correspondent accounts. The Funds do not conduct operations and are not offered for purchase outside of the United States.

Subject to your eligibility, as described below, you may invest in a Fund directly or through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, plan sponsors, third party administrators, and retirement plans. As described below, the Manager may allow certain individuals to invest directly in a Fund in its sole discretion.

If you are eligible and invest directly with a 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 Funds are not responsible for determining the suitability of the Funds or a share class for any investor.

Because in most cases it is more advantageous for investors using an intermediary to purchase A Class shares than C Class shares for amounts of $1,000,000 or more, a Fund will decline a request to purchase C Class shares for $1,000,000 or more.

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 a Fund. If you establish an account through a financial intermediary, the investment minimums described in this section may not apply. Investors investing in a Fund through a financial intermediary should consult with their financial intermediary to ensure they obtain any proper ''breakpoint'' discount and 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.

*Minimum Investment Amount by Share Class*

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| C | $1000 | $50 | $250 |
| A, Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Advisor | $2500 | $50 |  |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |
| R6 |  | $50 |  |

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The Manager may allow a reasonable period of time after opening an account for a Y Class or R5 Class investor to meet the initial investment requirement. In addition, for investors such as trust companies and financial professionals who make investments for a group of clients, the minimum initial investment can be met through aggregated purchase orders for more than one client.

R6 Class shares can only be purchased through a participating retirement plan. R6 Class shares are available only to participating 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans, non-qualified deferred compensation plans, health savings plans, health savings accounts and funded welfare benefit plans (e.g., Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) plans). R6 Class shares generally are available only to retirement plans where plan level or omnibus accounts are held on the books of a Fund; however, a Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to waive this requirement. Generally, R6 Class shares are not available to retail non-retirement accounts, Traditional and Roth IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, SEPs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE IRAs and individual 403(b) plans.

*Opening an Account*

You may open an account through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a 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.

Direct mutual fund accounts are not available to new shareholders. Existing direct mutual fund account shareholders may continue to buy or sell shares through their existing direct mutual fund accounts, but will not be able to open new direct mutual fund accounts. The Manager may allow the following individuals or entities to open new direct mutual fund accounts in its sole discretion: (i) corporate accounts, (ii) employees of the Manager, or its direct parent company, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., and its affiliates and subsidiaries, (iii) employees of a sub-advisor to a fund in the American Beacon Funds Complex, (iv) members of the Board, and (v) members of the Manager's Board of Directors.

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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 Funds 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 Funds are required by law to reject your new account application if the required identifying information is not provided.

A Fund reserves the right to liquidate a shareholder's account at the current day's NAV per share and remit proceeds via check if a Fund or a financial institution is unable to verify the shareholder's identity within three days of account opening.

*Purchase Policies*

Shares of the Funds 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 a Fund in good order prior to the Fund's deadline, the purchase price will be the NAV per share next determined on that day, plus any applicable sales charges. A purchase order is considered to be received in good order when it complies with all of a Fund's applicable policies. 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 a Fund is open for business, plus any applicable sales charges. Shares of a Fund will only be issued against full payment, as described more fully in this Prospectus and SAI.

The Funds have 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 Funds and to designate other intermediaries to receive purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Funds. A 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 a Fund's next determined NAV per share 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 Funds in proper form and in a timely manner. The Funds are 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 a Fund are available for offer and sale in their jurisdiction. Each Fund reserves the right to refuse purchases if, in the judgment of the Funds, the transaction would adversely affect the Funds and their shareholders. Each Fund has the right to reject any purchase order or cease offering any or all classes of shares at any time. Each Fund reserves the right to require payment by wire. 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 Funds 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 canceled and you could be liable for any losses or fees the Funds 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 Funds' policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.

*Redemption Policies*

If you purchased shares of a Fund through your financial intermediary, please contact your broker-dealer or other financial intermediary to sell shares of a Fund. A sale or redemption of your shares is generally taxable to you. See "Distributions and Taxes - Taxes."

The redemption price will be the NAV per share next determined after a redemption request is received in good order, minus any applicable CDSC. 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).

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 Funds are 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, ACH, or pre-authorized automatic investment may be delayed until the funds have cleared, which may take up to ten days.

You may, within 90 days of redemption, reinvest all or part of the proceeds of your redemption of A or C Class shares of a Fund, without incurring any applicable additional sales charge, in the same class of another American Beacon Fund, by sending a written request and a check to your financial intermediary or directly to the Funds. Reinvestment must be into the same account from which you redeemed the shares or received the distribution. Proceeds from a redemption and all dividend payments and other distributions will be reinvested in the same share class from which the original redemption or distribution was made. Reinvestment will be at the NAV per share next calculated after the Funds receive your request. You must notify the Funds and your financial intermediary at the time of investment if you decide to exercise this privilege.

The Funds reserve 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 a Fund's investments or determination of its NAV per share is not reasonably practicable; or (iv) by order of the SEC for protection of the Funds' shareholders.

Although the Funds intend to redeem shares by paying out available cash, cash generated by selling portfolio holdings (including cash equivalent portfolio holdings), or funds borrowed through the interfund credit facility, or from a bank line of credit, in stressed market conditions and other appropriate circumstances, the Funds reserve 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 Funds. To the extent that a 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 Funds' policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.

*Exchange Policies*

If you purchased shares of the Funds 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 the intermediary's policies to effect an exchange.

Shares of any class of a 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. There is no front-end sales charge on exchanges between A Class shares of a Fund for A Class shares of

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another fund. Shares otherwise subject to a CDSC will not be charged a CDSC in an exchange to shares of another fund that has a CDSC. However, shares exchanged between funds that impose a CDSC will be charged a CDSC if redeemed within 12 months or 18 months, as applicable, of the purchase of the initial shares.

Before exchanging shares, shareholders should consider how the exchange may affect any CDSC that might be imposed on the subsequent redemption of remaining shares.

If shares of a Fund were purchased by check, a shareholder must have owned those shares for at least ten days prior to exchanging out of a 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. Each Fund reserves the right to charge a fee and to modify or terminate the exchange privilege at any time. Each Fund reserves the right to refuse exchange requests if, in the judgment of a Fund, the transaction would adversely affect a Fund and its shareholders. Please refer to the section titled "Frequent Trading and Market Timing" for information on the Funds' policies regarding frequent purchases, redemptions, and exchanges.

Shares of any class of a Fund may be converted to shares of another class of the same Fund under certain limited circumstances. For federal income tax purposes, the conversion of shares of one share class of a Fund to shares of a different share class of the same Fund will not result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. However, an exchange of shares of one 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 a 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 a 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 a Fund and may charge you a fee for this service. A Fund will not accept a purchase order of $1,000,000 or more for C Class shares if the purchase is known to be on behalf of a single investor (not including dealer "street name" or omnibus accounts). 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 number(s)

• Dollar amount or number of shares<br>

Transactions for direct shareholders are conducted through:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Internet** | www.americanbeaconfunds.com | www.americanbeaconfunds.com |
| **Phone** | To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1<br> Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class Only) | To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1<br> Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class Only) |
| **Mail** | American Beacon Funds<br> PO Box 219643<br> Kansas City, MO 64121-9643 | Overnight Delivery:<br> American Beacon Funds<br> 801 Pennsylvania Ave<br> Suite 219643<br> Kansas City, MO 64105-1307 |

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*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.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| C | $1000 | $50 | $250 |
| A, Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Advisor | $2500 | $50 |  |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |
| R6 |  | $50 |  |

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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 a Fund and your account from fraud, a 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.

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Each Fund only accepts 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 Funds 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 Funds. To the extent that the Funds pay any such compensation, it is designed to compensate the financial intermediary for providing services that would otherwise be provided by the Manager, the Funds or their 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 a 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 Funds, 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 Funds 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 Funds, or a certain class of shares of the Funds, over other potential investments. Similarly, the compensation may cause financial intermediaries to elevate the prominence of the Funds 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 Funds, or any other fees, expenses, or commissions your financial intermediary may charge you in addition to those disclosed in this Prospectus.

The Funds will not make any of the payments described in this section with respect to their R6 Class shares.

*Additional Payments with Respect to Y Class Shares*

Y Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of firms that have agreements with a Fund's distributor to offer such shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor transacting in Y Class shares in these programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of a Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.

General Policies

If a shareholder's account balance falls below the following minimum levels, the shareholder may be asked to increase the balance.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Account Balance** |
| A | $2500 |
| C | $1000 |
| Y | $25000 |
| R6 | $0 |
| Advisor | $2500 |
| R5 | $75000 |
| Investor | $2500 |

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If the account balance remains below the applicable minimum account balance after 45 days, each Fund reserves the right, upon 30 days' advance written notice, to close the account and send the proceeds to the shareholder. Each Fund reserves the authority to modify minimum account balances in its discretion.

A traditional IRA or Roth IRA invested directly will be charged an annual maintenance fee of $15.00 by the Custodian.

An ACH privilege allows electronic transfer from a checking or savings account into a direct account with the Funds. The ACH privilege may not be used for initial purchases but may be used for subsequent purchases and redemptions. Purchases of Fund shares by ACH are subject to a limit of $2,000 per Fund per day. The Funds reserve the right to waive such limit in their sole discretion.

ACH privileges must be requested on the account application, or may be established on an existing account by submitting a request in writing to the Funds. Validated signatures from all shareholders of record for the account are required on the written request. See details below regarding signature validations. Such privileges apply unless and until the Funds receive written instructions from all shareholders of record canceling such privileges. Changes of bank account information must also be made in writing with validated signatures. The Funds reserve the right to amend, suspend or discontinue the ACH privilege at any time without prior notice. The ACH privilege does not apply to shares held in broker "street name" accounts or in other omnibus accounts.

When a signature validation is called for, a Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp may be required. A Medallion signature guarantee is intended to provide signature validation for transactions considered financial in nature, and an SVP stamp is intended to provide signature validation for transactions non-financial in nature. A Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association or other financial institution which is participating in a Medallion program or SVP recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The Funds may reject a Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp. Shareholders should call 1-800-658-5811 for additional details regarding a Fund's signature guarantee requirements.

The following policies apply to instructions you may provide to the Funds by telephone:

■ The Funds, their 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 Funds employ 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.

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The Funds reserve the right to:

■ liquidate a shareholder's account at the current day's NAV per share and remit proceeds via check if the Funds or a financial institution is 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 a 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 a Fund if funds are not received by the applicable wire deadline.

A shareholder will not be required to pay a CDSC when the registration for A Class or C Class shares is transferred to the name of another person or entity. The transfer may occur by absolute assignment, gift or bequest, as long as it does not involve, directly or indirectly, a public sale of the shares. When A Class or C Class shares are transferred, any applicable CDSC will continue to apply to the transferred shares and will be calculated as if the transferee had acquired the shares in the same manner and at the same time as the transferring shareholder.

*Escheatment*

Please be advised that certain state escheatment laws may require a Fund to turn over your mutual fund account to the state listed in your account registration as abandoned property unless you contact the Funds. 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 Funds' secure web application.** 

■ Access your account through the Funds' secure web application.

■ Cashing checks that are received and are made payable to the owner of the account.

The Funds, 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. Unless you hold your shares directly with a 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 FundsP.O. Box 219643Kansas City, MO 64121-96431-800-658-5811 www.americanbeaconfunds.com

Frequent Trading and Market Timing

Frequent trading by Fund shareholders poses risks to other shareholders in that Fund, including: (i) the dilution of a Fund's NAV per share, (ii) an increase in a 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 a Fund's NAV per share is known as market timing.

The Funds' Board has adopted policies and procedures intended to discourage frequent trading and market timing.

The American Beacon International Equity Fund is particularly at risk for market timing activity. Please see "Market Timing Risk" under the description of this Fund.

Shareholders may transact one ''round trip'' in a 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 a Fund followed by a redemption or exchange out of a Fund or (ii) a redemption or exchange out of a Fund followed by a purchase or exchange into a Fund. If the Manager detects that a shareholder has exceeded one round trip in a Fund in any rolling 90-day period, the Manager, without prior notice to the shareholder, may prohibit the shareholder from making further purchases of that Fund. In general, each 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 a Fund from any individual investor, institutional investor, or group whose trading activity could disrupt the management of a Fund or dilute the value of a 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 Funds' policies to discourage frequent trading and market timing by investors. However, certain intermediaries that offer Fund shares have informed the Funds that they are currently unable to enforce the Funds' policies on an automated basis. In those instances, the Manager will monitor trading

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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 Funds' policies. A Fund may defer to an intermediary's policies. For more information, please contact the financial intermediary through which you invest in the Funds.

The Manager monitors trading activity in the Funds 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 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 Funds have entered into agreements with the intermediaries that service the Funds' investors, pursuant to which the intermediaries agree to provide information on investor transactions to the Funds and to act on the Funds' instructions to restrict transactions by investors who the Manager has identified as having violated the Funds' policies and procedures to deter frequent trading and market timing.

Wrap programs offered by certain intermediaries may be designated ''Qualified Wrap Programs'' by a Fund based on specific criteria established by the Funds 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 a 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 a 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 Funds' frequent trading and market timing policies.

Each 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 Funds' 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

Each 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"), distributions of realized net capital gains ("capital gains distributions") and net gains from foreign currency transactions (sometimes referred to below collectively as "other distributions") (and dividends, capital gains distributions, 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 under "Taxes").

The Funds do not have a fixed dividend rate nor do they guarantee that they will pay any distributions in any particular period. Distributions paid by a 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. Distributions are paid as follows:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Dividends Paid** | **Other Distributions Paid** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | Quarterly | Annually |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | Monthly | Annually |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | Annually | Annually |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | Annually | Annually |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | Annually | Annually |

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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 a Fund will be reinvested in additional shares of the distributing class of that Fund. There are four payment options available:

■ Reinvest All Distributions. You can elect to reinvest all distributions by a Fund in additional shares of the distributing class of that Fund.

■ Reinvest Only Some Distributions. You can elect to reinvest some types of distributions by a Fund in additional shares of the distributing class of that Fund while receiving the other types of distributions by that 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 a 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 they are received or reinvested.

If you invest directly with a Fund, any election to receive distributions payable by check will only apply to distributions totaling $10.00 or more. Any distribution by a Fund totaling less than $10.00 will be reinvested in shares of the distributing class of that 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, a Fund reserves the right to reinvest the amount of your check, and to reinvest all subsequent distributions, in shares of the distributing class of that 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 a Fund through a financial intermediary should discuss their options for receiving distributions with the intermediary.

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*Taxes*

Fund distributions are taxable to shareholders other than tax-qualified retirement plans and accounts and other tax-exempt investors. However, the portion of a 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 Internal Revenue Code. The following table outlines the typical status of transactions in taxable accounts:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Type of Transaction** | **Federal Tax Status** |
| Dividends from net investment income<sup>\*</sup> | Ordinary income<sup>\*\*</sup> |
| Distributions of the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss<sup>\*</sup> | Ordinary income |
| Distributions of net gains from certain foreign currency transactions<sup>\*</sup> | Ordinary income |
| Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss ("net capital gain")<sup>\*</sup> | Long-term capital gains |
| Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for more than one year | Long-term capital gains or losses |
| Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for one year or less | Net gains are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income; net losses are subject to special rules |

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\* Whether reinvested or taken 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 a Fund recognizes, they are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an ''individual'') (20% for individuals with taxable income exceeding certain thresholds, which are indexed for inflation annually), regardless of how long the shareholder held his or her Fund shares.

A portion of the dividends a Fund pays to individuals may be QDI and thus eligible for the preferential rates mentioned above that apply to net capital gain. QDI is the aggregate of dividends a Fund receives on shares of most domestic corporations (excluding most distributions from REITs) and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions. To be eligible for those rates, a shareholder must meet similar restrictions with respect to his or her Fund shares.

A portion of the dividends a Fund pays may also be eligible for the DRD allowed to corporations, subject to similar holding period and other restrictions, but the eligible portion may not exceed the aggregate dividends a Fund receives from domestic corporations only.

The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund does not expect a substantial part of its dividends to qualify as QDI or be eligible for the DRD.

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 will qualify for the 15% and 20% tax rates mentioned above.

A shareholder who wants to use an acceptable basis determination method with respect to Fund shares other than the average basis method (the Fund's default method), 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% tax on the lesser of (1) the individual's ''net investment income,'' which generally includes distributions a Fund pays and net gains realized on a 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.

Each year, each Fund's shareholders will receive tax information regarding Fund distributions and dispositions of Fund shares to assist them in preparing their income tax returns.

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 a Fund.

Additional Information

The Funds' Board oversees generally the operations of the Funds. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including among others, the Funds' manager, sub-advisor(s), custodian, transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Funds. 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 Funds 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 Funds 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 Funds' reports to shareholders is intended to provide investment advice and should not be construed as investment advice.

Distribution and Service Plans

The Funds have adopted separate Distribution Plans for their A Class, C Class, and Advisor Class shares in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act, which allows the A Class, C Class and Advisor Class shares to pay distribution and other fees for the sale of Fund shares and for other services provided to shareholders. Each Plan also authorizes the use of any fees received by the Manager in accordance with the Management Agreement, and any fees received by the sub-advisors pursuant to their Investment Advisory Agreements with the Manager, to be used for the sale and distribution of Fund shares. The Plans provide that the A Class and Advisor Class shares of the Funds will pay up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to the A Class, and Advisor Class, respectively, and the C Class shares of the Funds will pay up to 1.00% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to the C Class to the Manager (or another entity approved by the Board). Because these fees are paid out of a Fund's A Class, C Class, and Advisor Class assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges. The Funds

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have also adopted a distribution plan under Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act that applies to all share classes of the Funds (the "Fund-Level Distribution Plan"). Currently, the Board has not authorized payments under the Fund-Level Distribution Plan.

The Funds have also adopted a shareholder services plan for their A Class, C Class, Investor Class, and Advisor Class shares for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries. The shareholder services plan authorizes annual payment of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the A Class shares, up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the C Class shares, up to 0.375% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Investor Class shares, and up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Advisor Class shares. In addition, the Funds may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and R5 Class shares of the Funds.

R6 Class shares will not reimburse the Manager for any non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries.

Portfolio Holdings

A complete list of each Fund's holdings is made available on the Funds' website on a monthly basis approximately twenty days after the end of each month and remains available for six months thereafter. A list of each Fund's ten largest holdings is made available on the Funds' website on a quarterly basis. The ten largest holdings of the Funds are generally posted to the website approximately fifteen days after the end of each calendar quarter and remain available until the next quarter. To access the holdings information, go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com. A Fund's ten largest holdings may also be accessed by selecting a particular Fund's fact sheet.

A description of the Funds' policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of portfolio holdings is available in the Funds' SAI, which you may access on the Funds' website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com or call 1-800-658-5811 to request a free copy.

Delivery of Documents

The summary prospectuses, Annual Shareholder Reports and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports ("Shareholder Reports") are available online at www.americanbeaconfunds.com/reports. If you are interested in electronic delivery of the Funds' summary prospectuses or Shareholder Reports, please go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and click on ''Quick Links'' and then ''Register for E-Delivery.''

To reduce expenses, your financial institution may mail only one copy of the summary prospectus and Shareholder Reports 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 each Fund's financial performance for the past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in each Fund's tables represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions).

The information in the financial highlights for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022, October 31, 2023, October 31, 2024 and October 31, 2025 has been derived from the Funds' financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Funds' financial statements, is included in the Funds' annual Form N-CSR, which you may obtain upon request. The information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 was audited by the Funds' prior independent registered public accounting firm.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** |
| | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $12.79 | $10.59 | $11.69 | $14.31 | $12.39 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.23<sup>A</sup>  | 0.36 | 0.23 | 0.25 | 0.11 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.71 | 2.16 | 0.05 | (1.50) | 3.71 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.94 | 2.52 | 0.28 | (1.25) | 3.82 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.28) | (0.26) | (0.22) | (0.19) | (0.25) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.11) | (0.06) | (1.16) | (1.18) | (1.65) |
| Total distributions | (1.39) | (0.32) | (1.38) | (1.37) | (1.90) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $12.34 | $12.79 | $10.59 | $11.69 | $14.31 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.17% | 24.03% | 2.44% | (9.49)% | 33.39% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $19791954 | $20055093 | $12917238 | $13482666 | $13922687 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.18% | 1.17% | 1.09% | 1.04% | 1.02% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.18% | 1.17% | 1.09% | 1.04% | 1.02% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.90% | 1.91% | 1.80% | 1.22% | 1.04% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.90% | 1.91% | 1.80% | 1.22% | 1.04% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 31% | 38% | 48% | 30% | 37% |

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|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** |
| | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $13.04 | $10.78 | $11.87 | $14.49 | $12.53 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income<sup>A</sup>  | 0.14 | 0.14 | 0.12 | 0.06 | 0.04 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.73 | 2.33 | 0.08 | (1.41) | 3.72 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.87 | 2.47 | 0.20 | (1.35) | 3.76 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.18) | (0.15) | (0.13) | (0.09) | (0.15) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.11) | (0.06) | (1.16) | (1.18) | (1.65) |
| Total distributions | (1.29) | (0.21) | (1.29) | (1.27) | (1.80) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $12.62 | $13.04 | $10.78 | $11.87 | $14.49 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 7.36% | 23.03% | 1.68% | (10.11)% | 32.32% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $3904235 | $5408913 | $11669906 | $16173837 | $23737711 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.94% | 1.94% | 1.83% | 1.78% | 1.75% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.94% | 1.94% | 1.83% | 1.78% | 1.75% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.16% | 1.17% | 1.04% | 0.47% | 0.32% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.16% | 1.17% | 1.04% | 0.47% | 0.32% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 31% | 38% | 48% | 30% | 37% |

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|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** |
| | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $16.00 | $13.17 | $14.20 | $17.07 | $14.46 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.33<sup>A</sup>  | 0.33 | 0.29 | 0.21 | 0.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.91 | 2.85 | 0.08 | (1.68) | 4.35 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 1.24 | 3.18 | 0.37 | (1.47) | 4.55 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.30) | (0.29) | (0.24) | (0.22) | (0.29) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.11) | (0.06) | (1.16) | (1.18) | (1.65) |
| Total distributions | (1.41) | (0.35) | (1.40) | (1.40) | (1.94) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $15.83 | $16.00 | $13.17 | $14.20 | $17.07 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.47% | 24.33% | 2.68% | (9.25)% | 33.66% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $31705136 | $30023632 | $24304867 | $30273662 | $40858765 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.94% | 0.93% | 0.84% | 0.80% | 0.77% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.94% | 0.93% | 0.84% | 0.80% | 0.77% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.14% | 2.16% | 2.01% | 1.46% | 1.31% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.14% | 2.16% | 2.01% | 1.46% | 1.31% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 31% | 38% | 48% | 30% | 37% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**76** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** |
| | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $14.29 | $11.80 | $12.86 | $15.59 | $13.35 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.24<sup>A</sup>  | 0.23 | 0.15 | 0.15<sup>A</sup>  | 0.15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.80 | 2.55 | 0.15 | (1.54) | 3.97 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 1.04 | 2.78 | 0.30 | (1.39) | 4.12 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.22) | (0.23) | (0.20) | (0.16) | (0.23) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.11) | (0.06) | (1.16) | (1.18) | (1.65) |
| Total distributions | (1.33) | (0.29) | (1.36) | (1.34) | (1.88) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $14.00 | $14.29 | $11.80 | $12.86 | $15.59 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.02% | 23.74% | 2.35% | (9.62)% | 33.17% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $456682 | $1160350 | $960288 | $1124266 | $2120450 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.35% | 1.35% | 1.24% | 1.19% | 1.16% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.35% | 1.35% | 1.24% | 1.19% | 1.16% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.80% | 1.73% | 1.66% | 1.05% | 0.91% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.80% | 1.73% | 1.66% | 1.05% | 0.91% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 31% | 38% | 48% | 30% | 37% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**77**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** |
| | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $15.83 | $13.04 | $14.07 | $16.93 | $14.35 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.34<sup>A</sup>  | 0.28 | 0.24 | 0.11 | 0.19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.90 | 2.87 | 0.15 | (1.56) | 4.34 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 1.24 | 3.15 | 0.39 | (1.45) | 4.53 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.31) | (0.30) | (0.26) | (0.23) | (0.30) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.11) | (0.06) | (1.16) | (1.18) | (1.65) |
| Total distributions | (1.42) | (0.36) | (1.42) | (1.41) | (1.95) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $15.65 | $15.83 | $13.04 | $14.07 | $16.93 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.57% | 24.37% | 2.80% | (9.20)% | 33.80% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $11120466 | $11658021 | $10827923 | $12977305 | $22687613 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.87% | 0.84% | 0.78% | 0.72% | 0.70% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.87% | 0.84% | 0.78% | 0.72% | 0.70% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.21% | 2.25% | 2.10% | 1.51% | 1.37% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.21% | 2.25% | 2.10% | 1.51% | 1.37% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 31% | 38% | 48% | 30% | 37% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**78** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon Balanced Fund** |
| | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $12.85 | $10.64 | $11.74 | $14.35 | $12.43 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.23<sup>A</sup>  | 0.23<sup>A</sup>  | 0.11 | 0.15<sup>A</sup>  | 0.22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.72 | 2.30 | 0.17 | (1.39) | 3.61 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.95 | 2.53 | 0.28 | (1.24) | 3.83 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.28) | (0.26) | (0.22) | (0.19) | (0.26) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.11) | (0.06) | (1.16) | (1.18) | (1.65) |
| Total distributions | (1.39) | (0.32) | (1.38) | (1.37) | (1.91) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $12.41 | $12.85 | $10.64 | $11.74 | $14.35 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.22% | 24.01% | 2.46% | (9.40)% | 33.32% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $41761998 | $45826006 | $46044377 | $54447528 | $85251213 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.04% | 1.03% | 0.99% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.04% | 1.03% | 0.99% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.93% | 1.93% | 1.84% | 1.22% | 1.07% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.93% | 1.93% | 1.84% | 1.22% | 1.07% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 31% | 38% | 48% | 30% | 37% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**79**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** |
| | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $8.56 | $7.99 | $8.36 | $9.86 | $10.27 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.33<sup>A</sup>  | 0.15 | 0.37 | 0.22 | (0.00)<sup>A,</sup><sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.23 | 0.74 | (0.46) | (1.51) | (0.08) |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.56 | 0.89 | (0.09) | (1.29) | (0.08) |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.33) | (0.32) | (0.28) | (0.21) | (0.14) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | – | – | – | – | (0.19) |
| Total distributions | (0.33) | (0.32) | (0.28) | (0.21) | (0.33) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $8.79 | $8.56 | $7.99 | $8.36 | $9.86 |
| Total return<sup>C</sup>  | 6.67% | 11.22% | (1.27)% | (13.24)% | (0.81)% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $278711638 | $20651157 | $48666569 | $29473503 | $21340613 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.79% | 0.77% | 0.75% | 0.73% | 0.74% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.52%<sup>D</sup>  | 0.51% | 0.51% | 0.51% | 0.52%<sup>E</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 3.53% | 3.38% | 3.23% | 1.10% | (0.38)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 3.80% | 3.64% | 3.47% | 1.32% | (0.16)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 33% | 34% | 72% | 158% | 71% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
| C | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |
| D | Includes non-operating expenses. The expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments ratio excluding non-operating expenses is 0.51%, for the period ended October 31, 2025. |
| E | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 28, 2021 |

---

**80** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** |
| | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $8.57 | $7.99 | $8.36 | $9.85 | $10.26 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss)  | 0.34<sup>A</sup>  | 0.34 | 0.32 | 0.17 | (0.01)<sup>A</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.35 | 0.57 | (0.40) | (1.44) | (0.06) |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.69 | 0.91 | (0.08) | (1.27) | (0.07) |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.34) | (0.33) | (0.29) | (0.22) | (0.15) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | – | – | – | – | (0.19) |
| Total distributions | (0.34) | (0.33) | (0.29) | (0.22) | (0.34) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $8.92 | $8.57 | $7.99 | $8.36 | $9.85 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.22% | 11.46% | (1.17)% | (13.11)% | (0.70)% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $1267897 | $231744478 | $200499044 | $191990607 | $166304291 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.67% | 0.67% | 0.65% | 0.63% | 0.64% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.41% | 0.41% | 0.41% | 0.41% | 0.41% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 3.72% | 3.50% | 3.31% | 1.14% | (0.28)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 3.98% | 3.76% | 3.55% | 1.36% | (0.05)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 33% | 34% | 72% | 158% | 71% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**81**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** |
| | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $8.59 | $8.01 | $8.37 | $9.85 | $10.27 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss)  | 0.34<sup>A</sup>  | 0.32<sup>A</sup>  | 0.30<sup>A</sup>  | 0.06 | (0.01)<sup>A</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.21 | 0.59 | (0.37) | (1.33) | (0.08) |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.55 | 0.91 | (0.07) | (1.27) | (0.09) |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.33) | (0.33) | (0.29) | (0.21) | (0.14) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | – | – | – | – | (0.19) |
| Total distributions | (0.33) | (0.33) | (0.29) | (0.21) | (0.33) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $8.81 | $8.59 | $8.01 | $8.37 | $9.85 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 6.60% | 11.40% | (1.08)% | (13.04)% | (0.84)% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $48661261 | $9390194 | $15104966 | $134519084 | $192774622 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.70% | 0.68% | 0.69% | 0.66% | 0.67% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.46%<sup>C</sup>  | 0.45% | 0.45% | 0.45% | 0.45% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 3.63% | 3.49% | 3.20% | 1.06% | (0.32)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 3.87% | 3.72% | 3.44% | 1.27% | (0.10)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 33% | 34% | 72% | 158% | 71% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |
| C | Includes non-operating expenses. The expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments ratio excluding non-operating expenses is 0.45%, for the period ended October 31, 2025. |

---

**82** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** | **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** |
| | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $8.59 | $7.99 | $8.36 | $9.85 | $10.26 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss)  | 0.30<sup>A</sup>  | 0.81 | 0.21 | 0.09 | (0.04)<sup>A</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.23 | 0.09 | (0.33) | (1.40) | (0.07) |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.53 | 0.90 | (0.12) | (1.31) | (0.11) |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.30) | (0.30) | (0.25) | (0.18) | (0.11) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | – | – | – | – | (0.19) |
| Total distributions | (0.30) | (0.30) | (0.25) | (0.18) | (0.30) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $8.82 | $8.59 | $7.99 | $8.36 | $9.85 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 6.32% | 11.29% | (1.59)% | (13.47)% | (1.11)% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $4066348 | $3064413 | $740628 | $853503 | $991788 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.17% | 1.13% | 1.29% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% | 0.83% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 3.28% | 3.08% | 2.78% | 0.63% | (0.91)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 3.53% | 3.36% | 3.12% | 0.93% | (0.45)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 33% | 34% | 72% | 158% | 71% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**83**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** |
| | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $19.09 | $16.50 | $14.13 | $20.06 | $14.55 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.37<sup>A</sup>  | 0.40 | 0.34 | 0.33 | 0.36<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 3.16 | 3.11 | 2.40 | (4.36) | 5.38 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 3.53 | 3.51 | 2.74 | (4.03) | 5.74 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.74) | (0.55) | (0.37) | (0.56) | (0.23) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.83) | (0.37) | – | (1.34) | – |
| Total distributions | (3.57) | (0.92) | (0.37) | (1.90) | (0.23) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.05 | $19.09 | $16.50 | $14.13 | $20.06 |
| Total return<sup>C</sup>  | 24.12% | 21.63% | 19.55% | (22.00)% | 39.65% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $11452777 | $9890341 | $8977482 | $7205251 | $10017801 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.22% | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.14% | 1.13% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.22% | 1.18% | 1.19% | 1.14% | 1.13% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.11% | 2.22% | 2.15% | 1.80% | 1.83%<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.11% | 2.22% | 2.15% | 1.80% | 1.83%<sup>B</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 49% | 43% | 46% | 38% | 41% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0643. |
| C | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**84** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

------

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** |
| | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $18.27 | $15.80 | $13.53 | $19.27 | $13.99 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.22<sup>A</sup>  | 0.13 | 0.10 | 0.16 | 0.19<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 3.01 | 3.08 | 2.41 | (4.14) | 5.19 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 3.23 | 3.21 | 2.51 | (3.98) | 5.38 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.59) | (0.37) | (0.24) | (0.42) | (0.10) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.83) | (0.37) | – | (1.34) | – |
| Total distributions | (3.42) | (0.74) | (0.24) | (1.76) | (0.10) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $18.08 | $18.27 | $15.80 | $13.53 | $19.27 |
| Total return<sup>C</sup>  | 23.13% | 20.59% | 18.66% | (22.55)% | 38.56% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $2574483 | $2618564 | $2608270 | $2842235 | $4317179 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.01% | 1.98% | 1.96% | 1.89% | 1.86% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.01% | 1.98% | 1.96% | 1.89% | 1.86% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.33% | 1.37% | 1.41% | 1.08% | 1.14%<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.33% | 1.37% | 1.41% | 1.08% | 1.14%<sup>B</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 49% | 43% | 46% | 38% | 41% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0667. |
| C | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**85**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** |
| | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $20.43 | $17.59 | $15.03 | $21.18 | $15.36 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.44<sup>A</sup>  | 1.18 | 1.22 | 1.53 | 1.83<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 3.47 | 2.62 | 1.76 | (5.74) | 4.27 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 3.91 | 3.80 | 2.98 | (4.21) | 6.10 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.81) | (0.59) | (0.42) | (0.60) | (0.28) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.83) | (0.37) | – | (1.34) | – |
| Total distributions | (3.64) | (0.96) | (0.42) | (1.94) | (0.28) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $20.70 | $20.43 | $17.59 | $15.03 | $21.18 |
| Total return<sup>C</sup>  | 24.56% | 22.01% | 20.01% | (21.71)% | 39.99% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $67757607 | $85292074 | $87634823 | $95663172 | $233692916 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.86% | 0.84% | 0.86% | 0.81% | 0.79% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.86% | 0.84% | 0.86% | 0.81% | 0.79% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.36% | 2.51% | 2.43% | 2.03% | 2.01%<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.36% | 2.51% | 2.43% | 2.03% | 2.01%<sup>B</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 49% | 43% | 46% | 38% | 41% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0243. |
| C | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**86** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

------

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** |
| | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $19.43 | $16.77 | $14.35 | $20.35 | $14.76 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.47<sup>A</sup>  | 0.12 | 0.40 | 0.41 | 0.45<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 3.22 | 3.53 | 2.46 | (4.41) | 5.44 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 3.69 | 3.65 | 2.86 | (4.00) | 5.89 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.83) | (0.62) | (0.44) | (0.66) | (0.30) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.83) | (0.37) | – | (1.34) | – |
| Total distributions | (3.66) | (0.99) | (0.44) | (2.00) | (0.30) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.46 | $19.43 | $16.77 | $14.35 | $20.35 |
| Total return<sup>C</sup>  | 24.78% | 22.17% | 20.15% | (21.62)% | 40.20% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $159542161 | $133123232 | $290693353 | $296382124 | $397732934 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.79% | 0.77% | 0.77% | 0.71% | 0.71% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.70%<sup>D</sup>  | 0.69% | 0.69% | 0.69% | 0.70%<sup>D</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.55% | 2.86% | 2.54% | 2.22% | 2.30%<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.64% | 2.94% | 2.62% | 2.24% | 2.31%<sup>B</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 49% | 43% | 46% | 38% | 41% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0738. |
| C | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |
| D | Includes non-operating expenses. The expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments ratio excluding non-operating expenses is 0.69% for the period ended October 31, 2025. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**87**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** |
| | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $19.83 | $17.09 | $14.62 | $20.68 | $14.94 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.39<sup>A</sup>  | 0.42 | 0.43 | 0.29 | 0.41<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 3.32 | 3.20 | 2.39 | (4.46) | 5.48 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 3.71 | 3.62 | 2.82 | (4.17) | 5.89 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.74) | (0.51) | (0.35) | (0.55) | (0.15) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.83) | (0.37) | – | (1.34) | – |
| Total distributions | (3.57) | (0.88) | (0.35) | (1.89) | (0.15) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.97 | $19.83 | $17.09 | $14.62 | $20.68 |
| Total return<sup>C</sup>  | 24.06% | 21.50% | 19.45% | (22.01)% | 39.53% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $8983283 | $14029585 | $12257174 | $13706977 | $18745607 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.27% | 1.25% | 1.27% | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.27% | 1.25% | 1.27% | 1.20% | 1.20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.16% | 2.11% | 2.08% | 1.67% | 1.79%<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.16% | 2.11% | 2.08% | 1.67% | 1.79%<sup>B</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 49% | 43% | 46% | 38% | 41% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0709. |
| C | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**88** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** |
| | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $19.36 | $16.72 | $14.31 | $20.31 | $14.73 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.44<sup>A</sup>  | 0.61 | 0.56 | 0.39 | 0.45<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 3.23 | 3.01 | 2.28 | (4.40) | 5.43 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 3.67 | 3.62 | 2.84 | (4.01) | 5.88 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.83) | (0.61) | (0.43) | (0.65) | (0.30) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.83) | (0.37) | – | (1.34) | – |
| Total distributions | (3.66) | (0.98) | (0.43) | (1.99) | (0.30) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.37 | $19.36 | $16.72 | $14.31 | $20.31 |
| Total return<sup>C</sup>  | 24.70% | 22.05% | 20.09% | (21.69)% | 40.18% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $297965872 | $301082293 | $413488011 | $891001265 | $1329626349 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.79% | 0.77% | 0.79% | 0.72% | 0.73% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.79% | 0.77% | 0.79% | 0.72% | 0.73% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.51% | 2.57% | 2.30% | 2.17% | 2.31%<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.51% | 2.57% | 2.30% | 2.17% | 2.31%<sup>B</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 49% | 43% | 46% | 38% | 41% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0746. |
| C | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**89**

------

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | **American Beacon International Equity Fund** |
| | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $19.19 | $16.54 | $14.16 | $20.11 | $14.57 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.40<sup>A</sup>  | 0.62 | 0.72 | 0.35 | 0.38<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 3.18 | 2.91 | 2.04 | (4.37) | 5.38 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 3.58 | 3.53 | 2.76 | (4.02) | 5.76 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.76) | (0.51) | (0.38) | (0.59) | (0.22) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.83) | (0.37) | – | (1.34) | – |
| Total distributions | (3.59) | (0.88) | (0.38) | (1.93) | (0.22) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $19.18 | $19.19 | $16.54 | $14.16 | $20.11 |
| Total return<sup>C</sup>  | 24.28% | 21.71% | 19.64% | (21.93)% | 39.72% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $50105978 | $52061716 | $63864486 | $81694109 | $126691864 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.11% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.07% | 1.06% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.11% | 1.10% | 1.12% | 1.07% | 1.06% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.26% | 2.18% | 2.61% | 1.84% | 1.98%<sup>B</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.26% | 2.18% | 2.61% | 1.84% | 1.98%<sup>B</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 49% | 43% | 46% | 38% | 41% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.0785. |
| C | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**90** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

------

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** |
| | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $25.43 | $20.47 | $22.86 | $27.37 | $20.96 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.31<sup>A</sup>  | 1.80 | 0.30<sup>A</sup>  | 1.05 | 0.24<sup>A</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 1.58 | 4.43 | 0.08 | (2.51) | 9.68 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 1.89 | 6.23 | 0.38 | (1.46) | 9.92 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.45) | (0.37) | (0.38) | (0.27) | (0.40) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.82) | (0.90) | (2.39) | (2.78) | (3.11) |
| Total distributions | (3.27) | (1.27) | (2.77) | (3.05) | (3.51) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $24.05 | $25.43 | $20.47 | $22.86 | $27.37 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.73% | 31.53% | 1.79% | (5.96)% | 52.15% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $79235555 | $88343465 | $11986577 | $16953764 | $12661833 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.03% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 0.89% | 0.96% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.03% | 1.00% | 1.00% | 0.89% | 0.96% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.33% | 1.33% | 1.42% | 1.24% | 0.98% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.33% | 1.33% | 1.42% | 1.24% | 0.98% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 27% | 26% | 25% | 25% | 23% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**91**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** |
| | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $25.15 | $20.21 | $22.52 | $27.07 | $20.74 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.14<sup>A</sup>  | 0.17<sup>A</sup>  | 0.15<sup>A</sup>  | 0.07 | 0.16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 1.58 | 5.82 | 0.09 | (1.71) | 9.49 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 1.72 | 5.99 | 0.24 | (1.64) | 9.65 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.12) | (0.15) | (0.16) | (0.13) | (0.21) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.82) | (0.90) | (2.39) | (2.78) | (3.11) |
| Total distributions | (2.94) | (1.05) | (2.55) | (2.91) | (3.32) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $23.93 | $25.15 | $20.21 | $22.52 | $27.07 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 7.94% | 30.51% | 1.11% | (6.74)% | 51.05% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $1753855 | $2335004 | $3842593 | $5508217 | $6898120 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.75% | 1.72% | 1.70% | 1.69% | 1.68% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.75% | 1.72% | 1.70% | 1.69% | 1.68% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.61% | 0.74% | 0.71% | 0.40% | 0.22% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.61% | 0.74% | 0.71% | 0.40% | 0.22% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 27% | 26% | 25% | 25% | 23% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**92** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** |
| | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $29.58 | $23.63 | $25.92 | $30.68 | $23.16 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.45<sup>A</sup>  | 0.45 | 0.45 | 0.37 | 0.38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 1.90 | 6.84 | 0.06 | (1.98) | 10.73 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 2.35 | 7.29 | 0.51 | (1.61) | 11.11 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.48) | (0.44) | (0.41) | (0.37) | (0.48) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.82) | (0.90) | (2.39) | (2.78) | (3.11) |
| Total distributions | (3.30) | (1.34) | (2.80) | (3.15) | (3.59) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $28.63 | $29.58 | $23.63 | $25.92 | $30.68 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 9.09% | 31.84% | 2.09% | (5.81)% | 52.47% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $191482040 | $196267664 | $181490071 | $188140776 | $258183363 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.72% | 0.72% | 0.71% | 0.70% | 0.69% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.72% | 0.72% | 0.71% | 0.70% | 0.69% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.62% | 1.71% | 1.70% | 1.38% | 1.21% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.62% | 1.71% | 1.70% | 1.38% | 1.21% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 27% | 26% | 25% | 25% | 23% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**93**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** |
| | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $29.97 | $23.92 | $26.21 | $30.99 | $23.36 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.48<sup>A</sup>  | 0.53 | 0.48 | 0.45 | 0.36 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 1.92 | 6.89 | 0.05 | (2.05) | 10.88 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 2.40 | 7.42 | 0.53 | (1.60) | 11.24 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.51) | (0.47) | (0.43) | (0.40) | (0.50) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.82) | (0.90) | (2.39) | (2.78) | (3.11) |
| Total distributions | (3.33) | (1.37) | (2.82) | (3.18) | (3.61) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $29.04 | $29.97 | $23.92 | $26.21 | $30.99 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 9.16% | 32.02% | 2.19% | (5.72)% | 52.65% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $1468739244 | $1490847806 | $1143016407 | $1094080159 | $1242662760 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.63% | 0.61% | 0.61% | 0.60% | 0.60% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.63% | 0.61% | 0.61% | 0.60% | 0.60% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.71% | 1.79% | 1.80% | 1.49% | 1.31% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.71% | 1.79% | 1.80% | 1.49% | 1.31% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 27% | 26% | 25% | 25% | 23% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**94** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** |
| | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $25.40 | $20.46 | $22.80 | $27.36 | $20.97 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.28<sup>A</sup>  | 0.18 | 0.26 | 0.14 | 0.26 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 1.60 | 6.01 | 0.10 | (1.65) | 9.62 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 1.88 | 6.19 | 0.36 | (1.51) | 9.88 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.38) | (0.35) | (0.31) | (0.27) | (0.38) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.82) | (0.90) | (2.39) | (2.78) | (3.11) |
| Total distributions | (3.20) | (1.25) | (2.70) | (3.05) | (3.49) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $24.08 | $25.40 | $20.46 | $22.80 | $27.36 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.66% | 31.28% | 1.69% | (6.17)% | 51.89% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $45055353 | $45504706 | $41289229 | $47185316 | $63521926 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.13% | 1.11% | 1.11% | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.13% | 1.11% | 1.11% | 1.10% | 1.10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.21% | 1.30% | 1.31% | 0.98% | 0.81% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.21% | 1.30% | 1.31% | 0.98% | 0.81% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 27% | 26% | 25% | 25% | 23% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**95**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** |
| | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $29.97 | $23.92 | $26.21 | $30.99 | $23.36 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.47<sup>A</sup>  | 0.62 | 0.51 | 0.50 | 0.59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 1.93 | 6.79 | 0.02 | (2.11) | 10.64 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 2.40 | 7.41 | 0.53 | (1.61) | 11.23 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.50) | (0.46) | (0.43) | (0.39) | (0.49) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.82) | (0.90) | (2.39) | (2.78) | (3.11) |
| Total distributions | (3.32) | (1.36) | (2.82) | (3.17) | (3.60) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $29.05 | $29.97 | $23.92 | $26.21 | $30.99 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 9.16% | 31.97% | 2.16% | (5.75)% | 52.60% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $1071464459 | $1147150395 | $1040466568 | $1218988715 | $1682465233 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.66% | 0.65% | 0.64% | 0.63% | 0.63% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.66% | 0.65% | 0.64% | 0.63% | 0.63% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.68% | 1.77% | 1.78% | 1.45% | 1.30% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.68% | 1.77% | 1.78% | 1.45% | 1.30% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 27% | 26% | 25% | 25% | 23% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**96** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** |
| | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $26.08 | $20.97 | $23.30 | $27.88 | $21.32 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.33<sup>A</sup>  | 0.16 | 0.27 | 0.25 | 0.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 1.64 | 6.23 | 0.14 | (1.76) | 9.88 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 1.97 | 6.39 | 0.41 | (1.51) | 10.08 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.42) | (0.38) | (0.35) | (0.29) | (0.41) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (2.82) | (0.90) | (2.39) | (2.78) | (3.11) |
| Total distributions | (3.24) | (1.28) | (2.74) | (3.07) | (3.52) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $24.81 | $26.08 | $20.97 | $23.30 | $27.88 |
| Total return<sup>B</sup>  | 8.82% | 31.54% | 1.88% | (6.04)% | 52.04% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $500053475 | $513291440 | $525063555 | $649409067 | $821099597 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.97% | 0.94% | 0.94% | 0.95% | 0.98% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.97% | 0.94% | 0.94% | 0.95% | 0.98% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.37% | 1.49% | 1.48% | 1.13% | 0.93% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.37% | 1.49% | 1.48% | 1.13% | 0.93% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 27% | 26% | 25% | 25% | 23% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| B | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**97**

------

[Back to **Table of Contents**](#TOC_2728)

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** |
| | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $24.27 | $19.98 | $24.87 | $29.12 | $18.47 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.18<sup>C</sup>  | 0.23 | 0.21 | 0.10 | 0.06 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.01 | 5.19 | (1.26) | (1.07) | 10.72 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.19 | 5.42 | (1.05) | (0.97) | 10.78 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.30) | (0.28) | (0.27) | (0.12) | (0.13) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.74) | (0.85) | (3.57) | (3.16) | – |
| Total distributions | (2.04) | (1.13) | (3.84) | (3.28) | (0.13) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $22.42 | $24.27 | $19.98 | $24.87 | $29.12 |
| Total return<sup>D</sup>  | 0.81% | 27.50% | (4.50)% | (3.88)% | 58.57% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $46267326 | $51343675 | $37440788 | $48515547 | $63024594 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.23% | 1.21% | 1.21% | 1.21% | 1.24% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.23% | 1.21% | 1.21% | 1.21% | 1.24% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.79% | 0.82% | 0.81% | 0.42% | 0.21% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.79% | 0.82% | 0.81% | 0.42% | 0.21% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 75% | 52% | 52% | 72% | 48% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On March 7, 2025, Newton Investment Management North America, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 28, 2025, Westwood Management Corp. began managing assets of the Fund. |
| B | On February 8. 2022, Foundry Partners, LLC and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, were terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 10, 2022, DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**98** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** |
| | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $22.33 | $18.44 | $23.27 | $27.51 | $17.47 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss)  | 0.00<sup>C,</sup><sup>E</sup>  | 0.02<sup>C</sup>  | 0.02 | (0.14) | (0.22) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.01 | 4.82 | (1.14) | (0.94) | 10.26 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.01 | 4.84 | (1.12) | (1.08) | 10.04 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.11) | (0.10) | (0.14) | – | – |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.74) | (0.85) | (3.57) | (3.16) | – |
| Total distributions | (1.85) | (0.95) | (3.71) | (3.16) | – |
| Net asset value, end of period | $20.49 | $22.33 | $18.44 | $23.27 | $27.51 |
| Total return<sup>D</sup>  | (0.02)% | 26.56% | (5.23)% | (4.54)% | 57.47% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $3416106 | $5955619 | $6883174 | $8859738 | $11261210 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.00% | 1.95% | 1.93% | 1.93% | 1.95% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 2.00% | 1.95% | 1.93% | 1.93% | 1.95% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.02% | 0.12% | 0.09% | (0.29)% | (0.50)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income (loss), net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.02% | 0.12% | 0.09% | (0.29)% | (0.50)% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 75% | 52% | 52% | 72% | 48% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On March 7, 2025, Newton Investment Management North America, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 28, 2025, Westwood Management Corp. began managing assets of the Fund. |
| B | On February 8. 2022, Foundry Partners, LLC and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, were terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 10, 2022, DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |
| E | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**99**

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** |
| | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $26.04 | $21.36 | $26.36 | $30.68 | $19.44 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.27<sup>C</sup>  | 0.29 | 0.30 | 0.22 | 0.16 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.01 | 5.60 | (1.34) | (1.16) | 11.28 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.28 | 5.89 | (1.04) | (0.94) | 11.44 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.38) | (0.36) | (0.39) | (0.22) | (0.20) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.74) | (0.85) | (3.57) | (3.16) | – |
| Total distributions | (2.12) | (1.21) | (3.96) | (3.38) | (0.20) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $24.20 | $26.04 | $21.36 | $26.36 | $30.68 |
| Total return<sup>D</sup>  | 1.13% | 27.97% | (4.19)% | (3.55)% | 59.15% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $352051679 | $421344447 | $355150002 | $427638978 | $255837301 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.88% | 0.86% | 0.86% | 0.86% | 0.89% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.88% | 0.86% | 0.86% | 0.86% | 0.89% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.12% | 1.18% | 1.15% | 0.79% | 0.56% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.12% | 1.18% | 1.15% | 0.79% | 0.56% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 75% | 52% | 52% | 72% | 48% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On March 7, 2025, Newton Investment Management North America, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 28, 2025, Westwood Management Corp. began managing assets of the Fund. |
| B | On February 8. 2022, Foundry Partners, LLC and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, were terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 10, 2022, DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**100** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** |
| | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** | **R6 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $26.64 | $21.83 | $26.85 | $31.19 | $19.75 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.30<sup>C</sup>  | 0.32 | 0.36 | 0.25 | 0.19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.01 | 5.72 | (1.40) | (1.18) | 11.48 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.31 | 6.04 | (1.04) | (0.93) | 11.67 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.41) | (0.38) | (0.41) | (0.25) | (0.23) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.74) | (0.85) | (3.57) | (3.16) | – |
| Total distributions | (2.15) | (1.23) | (3.98) | (3.41) | (0.23) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $24.80 | $26.64 | $21.83 | $26.85 | $31.19 |
| Total return<sup>D</sup>  | 1.21% | 28.10% | (4.09)% | (3.45)% | 59.38% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $1529471682 | $1936104086 | $1583343034 | $1509127442 | $1830192124 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.78% | 0.76% | 0.76% | 0.77% | 0.79% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.78% | 0.76% | 0.76% | 0.77% | 0.79% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.23% | 1.28% | 1.25% | 0.86% | 0.66% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.23% | 1.28% | 1.25% | 0.86% | 0.66% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 75% | 52% | 52% | 72% | 48% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On March 7, 2025, Newton Investment Management North America, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 28, 2025, Westwood Management Corp. began managing assets of the Fund. |
| B | On February 8. 2022, Foundry Partners, LLC and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, were terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 10, 2022, DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**101**

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** |
| | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $24.57 | $20.21 | $25.13 | $29.34 | $18.60 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.16<sup>C</sup>  | 0.17 | 0.18 | 0.06 | 0.17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.01 | 5.29 | (1.25) | (1.07) | 10.69 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.17 | 5.46 | (1.07) | (1.01) | 10.86 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.26) | (0.25) | (0.28) | (0.04) | (0.12) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.74) | (0.85) | (3.57) | (3.16) | – |
| Total distributions | (2.00) | (1.10) | (3.85) | (3.20) | (0.12) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $22.74 | $24.57 | $20.21 | $25.13 | $29.34 |
| Total return<sup>D</sup>  | 0.69% | 27.40% | (4.57)% | (3.96)% | 58.56% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $18793774 | $21248218 | $25580739 | $32662818 | $32801309 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.30% | 1.29% | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.29% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.30% | 1.29% | 1.28% | 1.28% | 1.29% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.71% | 0.77% | 0.75% | 0.36% | 0.20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.71% | 0.77% | 0.75% | 0.36% | 0.20% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 75% | 52% | 52% | 72% | 48% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On March 7, 2025, Newton Investment Management North America, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 28, 2025, Westwood Management Corp. began managing assets of the Fund. |
| B | On February 8. 2022, Foundry Partners, LLC and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, were terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 10, 2022, DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**102** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** |
| | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $26.65 | $21.84 | $26.85 | $31.19 | $19.76 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.30<sup>C</sup>  | 0.35 | 0.31 | 0.31 | 0.25 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.00<sup>E</sup>  | 5.69 | (1.35) | (1.25) | 11.40 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.30 | 6.04 | (1.04) | (0.94) | 11.65 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.40) | (0.38) | (0.40) | (0.24) | (0.22) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.74) | (0.85) | (3.57) | (3.16) | – |
| Total distributions | (2.14) | (1.23) | (3.97) | (3.40) | (0.22) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $24.81 | $26.65 | $21.84 | $26.85 | $31.19 |
| Total return<sup>D</sup>  | 1.17% | 28.05% | (4.09)% | (3.49)% | 59.26% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $1525747025 | $1914739045 | $1851818875 | $2233390067 | $3380005813 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.81% | 0.79% | 0.79% | 0.79% | 0.81% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.81% | 0.79% | 0.79% | 0.79% | 0.81% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.23% | 0.84% | 0.65% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.23% | 0.84% | 0.65% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 75% | 52% | 52% | 72% | 48% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On March 7, 2025, Newton Investment Management North America, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 28, 2025, Westwood Management Corp. began managing assets of the Fund. |
| B | On February 8. 2022, Foundry Partners, LLC and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, were terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 10, 2022, DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |
| E | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |

---

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**103**

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** |
| | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $25.03 | $20.57 | $25.51 | $29.78 | $18.88 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.20<sup>C</sup>  | 0.30 | 0.18 | 0.19 | 0.20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 0.01 | 5.30 | (1.24) | (1.17) | 10.85 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 0.21 | 5.60 | (1.06) | (0.98) | 11.05 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.31) | (0.29) | (0.31) | (0.13) | (0.15) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.74) | (0.85) | (3.57) | (3.16) | – |
| Total distributions | (2.05) | (1.14) | (3.88) | (3.29) | (0.15) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $23.19 | $25.03 | $20.57 | $25.51 | $29.78 |
| Total return<sup>D</sup>  | 0.85% | 27.60% | (4.41)% | (3.81)% | 58.74% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $197336088 | $251989854 | $252350988 | $284880016 | $367726622 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.15% | 1.14% | 1.13% | 1.12% | 1.15% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.15% | 1.14% | 1.13% | 1.12% | 1.15% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.87% | 0.90% | 0.89% | 0.50% | 0.32% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.87% | 0.90% | 0.89% | 0.50% | 0.32% |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 75% | 52% | 52% | 72% | 48% |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On March 7, 2025, Newton Investment Management North America, LLC was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 28, 2025, Westwood Management Corp. began managing assets of the Fund. |
| B | On February 8. 2022, Foundry Partners, LLC and Hillcrest Asset Management, LLC, were terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On March 10, 2022, DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |

---

**104** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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Additional Information

Additional information about the Funds 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 Funds' website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

**Annual Shareholder Report/Semi-Annual Shareholder Report and Form N-CSR**

The Funds' Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports and Form N-CSR include additional information about each Fund's investments. The Annual Shareholder Report also includes a discussion by the Manager of market conditions and investment strategies that materially affected a Fund's performance during the reporting period. The Form N-CSR includes each Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements, as well as the report of the Funds' independent registered public accounting firm in the annual financial statements.

**SAI**

The SAI contains more details about the Funds and their 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 SEC.

**Appendix A to the Prospectus – Intermediary Sales Charge Discounts, Waivers and Other Information**

**Appendix A** contains more information about specific sales charge discounts and waivers available for shareholders who purchase Fund shares through a specific financial intermediary. **Appendix A** is incorporated herein by reference (is legally a part of this Prospectus).

To obtain more information about the Funds, such as the Funds' financial statements, or to request a copy of the documents listed above:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **By Telephone:** | Call<br>**1-800-658-5811** |
| **By Mail:** | American Beacon Funds<br>P.O. Box 219643<br>Kansas City, MO 64121-9643 |
| **By E-mail:** | americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com |
| **On the Internet:** | Visit our website at [www.americanbeaconfunds.com](DUMMY_2728_0_3)<br>Visit the SEC website at [www.sec.gov](DUMMY_2728_2_1)  |

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The SAI and other information about the Funds 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 Funds 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.

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| American Beacon is a registered service mark of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. The American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Balanced Fund, 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 are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. | ![image](sa2728img002.jpg) |

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SEC File Number 811-04984

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Appendix A

**INTERMEDIARY SALES CHARGE DISCOUNTS, WAIVERS AND OTHER INFORMATION**

The availability of certain sales charge waivers and discounts will depend on whether you purchase your shares directly from a Fund or through a financial intermediary. Specific intermediaries may have different policies and procedures regarding the availability of front-end sales load waivers or CDSC waivers, which are discussed below. In all instances, it is the purchaser's responsibility to notify a Fund or the purchaser's financial intermediary at the time of purchase of any relationship or other facts qualifying the purchaser for sales charge waivers or discounts. For waivers and discounts not available through a particular intermediary, shareholders will have to purchase Fund shares directly from a Fund or through another intermediary to receive any applicable waivers or discounts. Please see the section entitled "Choosing Your Share Class" for more information on sales charges and waivers available for different classes.

The information in this Appendix is part of, and incorporated into, the Funds' prospectus.

Appendix A: Ameriprise Financial

**Front-end sales charge reductions on Class A shares purchased through Ameriprise Financial**

Shareholders purchasing Class A shares of the fund through an Ameriprise Financial platform or account are eligible only for the following sales charge reductions, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI. Such shareholders can reduce their initial sales charge on the purchase of Class A shares as follows:

■ Transaction size breakpoints, as described in this prospectus or the SAI.

■ Rights of accumulation (ROA), as described in this prospectus or the SAI.

■ Letter of intent, as described in this prospectus or the SAI.

**Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares purchased through Ameriprise Financial**

Shareholders purchasing Class A shares of the fund through an Ameriprise Financial platform or account are eligible only for the following sales charge waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI. Such shareholders may purchase Class A shares at NAV without payment of a sales charge as follows:

■ shares purchased by employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer- sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.

■ shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the same fund family).

■ shares exchanged from Class C shares of the same fund in the month of or following the seven-year anniversary of the purchase date. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to such shares following a shorter holding period, that waiver will apply to exchanges following such shorter period. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to exchanges of Class C shares for load waived shares, that waiver will also apply to such exchanges.

■ shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Ameriprise Financial or its affiliates and their immediate family members.

■ shares purchased by or through qualified accounts (including IRAs, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b) TSCAs subject to ERISA and defined benefit plans) that are held by a covered family member, defined as an Ameriprise Financial advisor and/or the advisor's spouse, advisor's lineal ascendant (mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother, great grandfather), advisor's lineal descendant (son, step-son, daughter, step-daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great grandson, great granddaughter) or any spouse of a covered family member who is a lineal descendant.

■ shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e. Rights of Reinstatement).

**CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares purchased through Ameriprise Financial**

Fund shares purchased through an Ameriprise Financial platform or account are eligible only for the following CDSC waivers, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI:

■ redemptions due to death or disability of the shareholder

■ shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in this prospectus or the SAI

■ redemptions made in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account

■ shares purchased through a Right of Reinstatement (as defined above)

■ redemptions made as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code

Appendix A: Robert W. Baird & Co. ("Baird")

Effective January 1, 2026, shareholders purchasing fund shares through a Baird platform or account will only be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and CDSC waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the SAI

**Front-End Sales Charge Waivers on Investors A-shares Available at Baird**

■ Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund • Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Baird or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Baird

■ Shares purchased within 90 days following a redemption from an American Beacon Fund , provided (1) the redemption and purchase occur within the purchaser's Baird household and (2) the redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge (known as rights of reinstatement)

■ A shareholder in the Fund's Investor C Shares will have their share converted at net asset value to Investor A shares of the same fund if the shares are no longer subject to CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Baird

■ Employer-sponsored retirement plans or charitable accounts in a transactional brokerage account at Baird, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs

**CDSC Waivers on Investor A and C shares Available at Baird**

■ Shares sold due to death or disability of the shareholder

**Prospectus** – Appendix**A-1**

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■ Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund's Prospectus

■ Shares bought due to returns of excess contributions from an IRA Account

■ Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable Internal Revenue Service regulations as described in the Fund's prospectus

■ Shares sold to pay Baird fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Baird

■ Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

**Front-End Sales Charge Discounts Available at Baird: Breakpoints and/or Rights of Accumulations**

■ Breakpoints as described in this prospectus

■ Rights of accumulations which entitles shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of American Beacon assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at Baird. Eligible American Beacon assets not held at Baird may be included in the rights of accumulations calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets

■ Letters of Intent (LOI) allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases of American Beacon through Baird, over a 13-month period of time

Appendix A: Edward Jones

Appendix A: Edward Jones Policies Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones

The following information has been provided by Edward Jones:

The following information supersedes prior information with respect to transactions and positions held in fund shares through an Edward Jones system. Clients of Edward Jones (also referred to as "shareholders") purchasing fund shares on the Edward Jones commission and fee-based platforms are eligible only for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as "breakpoints") and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in the mutual fund prospectus or statement of additional information ("SAI") or through another broker-dealer. In all instances, it is the shareholder's responsibility to inform Edward Jones at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings of the Funds, or other facts qualifying the purchaser for discounts or waivers. Edward Jones can ask for documentation of such circumstance. Shareholders should contact Edward Jones if they have questions regarding their eligibility for these discounts and waivers.

**Breakpoints** 

■ Breakpoint pricing, otherwise known as volume pricing, at dollar thresholds as described in the prospectus.

**Rights of Accumulation ("ROA")**

■ The applicable sales charge on a purchase of Class A shares is determined by taking into account all share classes (except certain money market funds and any assets held in group retirement plans) of the American Beacon Fund complex held by the shareholder or in an account grouped by Edward Jones with other accounts for the purpose of providing certain pricing considerations ("pricing groups"). If grouping assets as a shareholder, this includes all share classes held on the Edward Jones platform and/or held on another platform. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the ROA calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Money market funds are included only if such shares were sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase or acquired in exchange for shares purchased with a sales charge.

■ The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.

■ ROA is determined by calculating the higher of cost minus redemptions or market value (current shares x NAV).

**Letter of Intent ("LOI")**

■ Through a LOI, shareholders can receive the sales charge and breakpoint discounts for purchases shareholders intend to make over a 13-month period from the date Edward Jones receives the LOI. The LOI is determined by calculating the higher of cost or market value of qualifying holdings at LOI initiation in combination with the value that the shareholder intends to buy over a 13-month period to calculate the front-end sales charge and any breakpoint discounts. Each purchase the shareholder makes during that 13-month period will receive the sales charge and breakpoint discount that applies to the total amount. The inclusion of eligible fund family assets in the LOI calculation is dependent on the shareholder notifying Edward Jones of such assets at the time of calculation. Purchases made before the LOI is received by Edward Jones are not adjusted under the LOI and will not reduce the sales charge previously paid. Sales charges will be adjusted if LOI is not met.

■ If the employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan has elected to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping, LOIs will also be at the plan-level and may only be established by the employer.

**Sales Charge Waivers** 

Sales charges are waived for the following shareholders and in the following situations:

■ Associates of Edward Jones and its affiliates and other accounts in the same pricing group (as determined by Edward Jones under its policies and procedures) as the associate. This waiver will continue for the remainder of the associate's life if the associate retires from Edward Jones in good-standing and remains in good standing pursuant to Edward Jones' policies and procedures.

■ Shares purchased in an Edward Jones fee-based program.

■ Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment.

■ Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of the same fund family so long as the following conditions are met: the proceeds are from the sale of shares within 60 days of the purchase, the sale and purchase are made from a share class that charges a front load and one of the following ("Right of Reinstatement"):

• The redemption and repurchase occur in the same account.

• The redemption proceeds are used to process an: IRA contribution, excess contributions, conversion, recharacterizing of contributions, or distribution, and the repurchase is done in an account within the same Edward Jones grouping for ROA.

The Right of Reinstatement excludes systematic or automatic transactions including, but not limited to, purchases made through payroll deductions, liquidations to cover account fees, and reinvestments from non-mutual fund products.

■ Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the discretion of Edward Jones. Edward Jones is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in the prospectus.

**A-2** **Prospectus** – Appendix

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■ Exchanges from Class C shares to Class A shares of the same fund, generally, in the 84th month following the anniversary of the purchase date or earlier at the discretion of Edward Jones.

**Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") Waivers**

If the shareholder purchases shares that are subject to a CDSC and those shares are redeemed before the CDSC is expired, the shareholder is responsible to pay the CDSC except in the following conditions:

■ The death or disability of the shareholder.

■ Systematic withdrawals with up to 10% per year of the account value.

■ Return of excess contributions from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).

■ Shares redeemed as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts if the redemption is taken in or after the year the shareholder reaches qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.

■ Shares redeemed to pay Edward Jones fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Edward Jones.

■ Shares exchanged in an Edward Jones fee-based program.

■ Shares acquired through NAV reinstatement.

■ Shares redeemed at the discretion of Edward Jones for Minimums Balances, as described below.

<u>**<u>Other Important Information Regarding Transactions Through Edward Jones</u>**</u>

**Minimum Purchase Amounts** 

■ Initial purchase minimum: $250

■ Subsequent purchase minimum: none Minimum Balances

■ Edward Jones has the right to redeem at its discretion fund holdings with a balance of $250 or less.

The following are examples of accounts that are not included in this policy:

• A fee-based account held on an Edward Jones platform

• A 529 account held on an Edward Jones platform

• An account with an active systematic investment plan or LOI

**Exchanging Share Classes** 

■ At any time it deems necessary, Edward Jones has the authority to exchange at NAV a shareholder's holdings in a fund to Class A shares of the same fund.

Appendix A: Janney Montgomery Scott

Effective May 1, 2020, if you purchase fund shares through a Janney Montgomery Scott LLC ("Janney") brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), or back-end sales charge, waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund's Prospectus or SAI.

**Front-end sales charge\* waivers on Class A shares available at Janney**

■ Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

■ Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Janney or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Janney.

■ Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within ninety (90) days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (i.e., right of reinstatement).

■ Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.

■ Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

■ Class C shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Janney's policies and procedures.

**CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at Janney**

■ Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.

■ Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's Prospectus.

■ Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.

■ Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and other retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the fund's Prospectus.

■ Shares sold to pay Janney fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Janney.

■ Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

■ Shares exchanged into the same share class of a different fund.

**Front-end sales charge\* discounts available at Janney: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent**

■ Breakpoints as described in the fund's Prospectus.

■ Rights of accumulation ("ROA"), which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts, will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at Janney. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

■ Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Janney Montgomery Scott may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\*Also referred to as an "initial sales charge."

**Prospectus** – Appendix**A-3**

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Appendix A: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

If you purchase or hold fund shares through an applicable J.P. Morgan Securities LLC brokerage account, you will be eligible for the following sales charge waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), or back-end sales charge, waivers), share class conversion policy and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this fund's prospectus or Statement of Additional Information ("SAI").

**Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC**

■ Shares exchanged from Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a CDSC and are exchanged into Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC's share class exchange policy.

■ Qualified employer-sponsored defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, other employee benefit plans and trusts used to fund those plans. For purposes of this provision, such plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SAR-SEPs or 501(c)(3) accounts.

■ Shares of funds purchased through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC Self-Directed Investing accounts.

■ Shares purchased through rights of reinstatement.

■ Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family).

■ Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC or its affiliates and their spouse or financial dependent as defined by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.

**Class C to Class A share conversion**

■ A shareholder in the fund's Class C shares will have their shares converted by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the same fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is consistent with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC's policies and procedures.

**CDSC waivers on Class A and C shares available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC**

■ Shares sold upon the death or disability of the shareholder.

■ Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's prospectus.

■ Shares purchased in connection with a return of excess contributions from an IRA account.

■ Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.

■ Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

**Front-end load discounts available at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC: breakpoints, rights of accumulation & letters of intent**

■ Breakpoints as described in the prospectus.

■ Rights of Accumulation ("ROA") which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts as described in the fund's prospectus will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. Eligible fund family assets not held at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (including 529 program holdings, where applicable) may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies their financial advisor about such assets.

■ Letters of Intent ("LOI") which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, over a 13-month period of time (if applicable).

Appendix A: Merrill Lynch

Purchases or sales of front-end (for example, Class A) or level-load (for example, Class C) mutual fund shares through a Merrill platform or account will be eligible only for the following sales load waivers (front-end, contingent deferred, or back-end waivers) and discounts, which differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's prospectus. Purchasers will have to buy mutual fund shares directly from the mutual fund company or through another intermediary to be eligible for waivers or discounts not listed below.

It is the client's responsibility to notify Merrill at the time of purchase or sale of any relationship or other facts that qualify the transaction for a waiver or discount. A Merrill representative may ask for reasonable documentation of such facts and Merrill may condition the granting of a waiver or discount on the timely receipt of such documentation.

Additional information on waivers, discounts, and share class exchanges is available in the Merrill Sales Load Waiver and Discounts Supplement (the "Merrill SLWD Supplement") and in the Mutual Fund Investing at Merrill pamphlet at ml.com/funds. Clients are encouraged to review these documents and speak with their financial advisor to determine whether a transaction is eligible for a waiver or discount.

**Front-end Load Waivers Available at Merrill**

■ Shares of mutual funds available for purchase by employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation, and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans provided the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans

■ Shares purchased through a Merrill investment advisory program

■ Brokerage class shares exchanged from advisory class shares due to the holdings moving from a Merrill investment advisory program to a Merrill brokerage account

■ Shares purchased through the Merrill Edge Self-Directed platform

■ Shares purchased through the systematic reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same mutual fund in the same account

■ Shares exchanged from level-load shares to front-end load shares of the same mutual fund in accordance with the description in the Merrill SLWD Supplement

■ Shares purchased by eligible employees of Merrill or its affiliates and their family members who purchase shares in accounts within the employee's Merrill Household (as defined in the Merrill SLWD Supplement)

■ Shares purchased by eligible persons associated with the fund as defined in this prospectus (e.g. the fund's officers or trustees)

■ Shares purchased from the proceeds of a mutual fund redemption in front-end load shares provided (1) the repurchase is in a mutual fund within the same fund family; (2) the repurchase occurs within 90 calendar days from the redemption trade date, and (3) the redemption and purchase occur in the same

**A-4** **Prospectus** – Appendix

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account (known as Rights of Reinstatement). Automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are automatically sold to pay Merrill's account maintenance fees are not eligible for Rights of Reinstatement

**Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC") Waivers on Front-end, Back-end, and Level Load Shares Available at Merrill**

■ Shares sold due to the client's death or disability (as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 22(e)(3))

■ Shares sold pursuant to a systematic withdrawal program subject to Merrill's maximum systematic withdrawal limits as described in the Merrill SLWD Supplement

■ Shares sold due to return of excess contributions from an IRA account

■ Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the investor reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulation

■ Front-end or level-load shares held in commission-based, non-taxable retirement brokerage accounts (e.g. traditional, Roth, rollover, SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans) that are transferred to fee-based accounts or platforms and exchanged for a lower cost share class of the same mutual fund

**Front-end Load Discounts Available at Merrill: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent**

■ Breakpoint discounts, as described in this prospectus, where the sales load is at or below the maximum sales load that Merrill permits to be assessed to a front-end load purchase, as described in the Merrill SLWD Supplement

■ Rights of Accumulation (ROA), as described in the Merrill SLWD Supplement, which entitle clients to breakpoint discounts based on the aggregated holdings of mutual fund family assets held in accounts in their Merrill Household

■ On or about May 1, 2026, assets not held at Merrill will no longer be included in the ROA calculation. For more detail on the timing and calculation, please refer to the Merrill SLWD Supplement.

■ Letters of Intent (LOI), which allow for breakpoint discounts on eligible new purchases based on anticipated future eligible purchases within a fund family at Merrill, in accounts within your Merrill Household, as further described in the Merrill SLWD Supplement

■ On or about May 1, 2026, Merrill will no longer accept new LOIs. For more detail on the timing, please refer to the Merrill SLWD Supplement.

Appendix A: Morgan Stanley

Effective July 1, 2018, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Morgan Stanley Wealth Management transactional brokerage account will be eligible only for the following front-end sales charge waivers with respect to Class A shares, which may differ from and may be more limited than those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's Prospectus or SAI.

**Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management**

■ Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans

■ Morgan Stanley employee and employee-related accounts according to Morgan Stanley's account linking rules

■ Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund

■ Shares purchased through a Morgan Stanley self-directed brokerage account

■ Class C (i.e., level-load) shares that are no longer subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and are converted to Class A shares of the same fund pursuant to Morgan Stanley Wealth Management's share class conversion program

■ Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (i) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (ii) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (iii) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales charge.

Appendix A: Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. ("OPCO")

Effective February 26, 2020, shareholders purchasing Fund shares through an OPCO platform or account are eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's prospectus or SAI.

**Front-end Sales Load Waivers on Class A Shares available at OPCO**

■ Employer-sponsored retirement, deferred compensation and employee benefit plans (including health savings accounts) and trusts used to fund those plans, provided that the shares are not held in a commission-based brokerage account and shares are held for the benefit of the plan

■ Shares purchased by or through a 529 Plan

■ Shares purchased through an OPCO affiliated investment advisory program

■ Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same fund (but not any other fund within the fund family)

■ Shares purchased form the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same amount, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Restatement).

■ A shareholder in the Fund's Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of OPCO

■ Employees and registered representatives of OPCO or its affiliates and their family members

■ Directors or Trustees of the Fund, and employees of the Fund's investment adviser or any of its affiliates, as described in this prospectus

**CDSC Waivers on A, B and C Shares available at OPCO**

■ Death or disability of the shareholder

■ Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the Fund's prospectus

■ Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account

■ Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching age 70½ as described in the prospectus

■ Shares sold to pay OPCO fees but only if the transaction is initiated by OPCO

**Prospectus** – Appendix**A-5**

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■ Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement

**Front-end load Discounts Available at OPCO: Breakpoints, Rights of Accumulation & Letters of Intent**

■ Breakpoints as described in this prospectus.

■ Rights of Accumulation (ROA) which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at OPCO. Eligible fund family assets not held at OPCO may be included in the ROA calculation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

Appendix A: Raymond James

Shareholders purchasing Fund shares through a Raymond James platform or account, or through an introducing broker-dealer or independent registered investment adviser for which Raymond James provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible only for the following load waivers (front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this Fund's prospectus or SAI.

***Front-end Sales Charge Waivers on Class A Shares available at Raymond James***

■ Shares purchased in an investment advisory program.

■ Shares purchased within the same fund family through a systematic reinvestment of capital gains and dividend distributions.

■ Employees and registered representatives of Raymond James or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Raymond James.

■ Shares purchased from the proceeds of redemptions within the same fund family, provided (1) the repurchase occurs within 90 days following the redemption, (2) the redemption and purchase occur in the same account, and (3) redeemed shares were subject to a front-end or deferred sales load (known as Rights of Reinstatement).

■ A shareholder in the Fund's Class C shares will have their shares converted at net asset value to Class A shares (or the appropriate share class) of the Fund if the shares are no longer subject to a CDSC and the conversion is in line with the policies and procedures of Raymond James.

***CDSC Waivers on Classes A and C shares available at Raymond James***

■ Death or disability of the shareholder.

■ Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan as described in the fund's prospectus.

■ Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

■ Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations as described in the fund's prospectus.

■ Shares sold to pay Raymond James fees but only if the transaction is initiated by Raymond James.

■ Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

***Front-end load discounts available at Raymond James: breakpoints, rights of accumulation, and/or letters of intent***

■ Breakpoints as described in this Prospectus.

■ Rights of accumulation which entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts will be automatically calculated based on the aggregated holding of fund family assets held by accounts within the purchaser's household at Raymond James. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of rights of accumulation only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

■ Letters of intent which allow for breakpoint discounts based on anticipated purchases within a fund family, over a 13-month time period. Eligible fund family assets not held at Raymond James may be included in the calculation of letters of intent only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets.

Appendix A: Stifel

Effective August 27, 2025, shareholders purchasing or holding American Beacon Fund Complex shares, including existing fund shareholders, through a Stifel or affiliated platform that provides trade execution, clearance, and/or custody services, will be eligible for the following sales charge load waivers (including front-end sales charge waivers and contingent deferred, or back-end, (CDSC) sales charge waivers) and discounts, which may differ from those disclosed elsewhere in this prospectus or the Fund's SAI.

**CLASS A SHARES**

As described elsewhere in this prospectus, Stifel may receive compensation out of the front-end sales charge if you purchase Class A shares through Stifel.

**Rights of accumulation**

Rights of accumulation (ROA) that entitle shareholders to breakpoint discounts on front-end sales charges will be calculated by Stifel based on the aggregated holding of eligible assets in the American Beacon Funds Complex held by accounts within the purchaser's household at Stifel. Ineligible assets include class A Money Market Funds not assessed a sales charge. Fund Family assets not held at Stifel may be included in the calculation of ROA only if the shareholder notifies his or her financial advisor about such assets. The employer maintaining a SEP IRA plan and/or SIMPLE IRA plan may elect to establish or change ROA for the IRA accounts associated with the plan to a plan-level grouping as opposed to including all share classes at a shareholder or pricing group level.

**Front-end sales charge waivers on Class A shares available at Stifel**

• Class C shares that have been held for more than seven (7) years may be converted to Class A shares or other front-end share class(es) of the same fund pursuant to Stifel's policies and procedures. To the extent that this prospectus elsewhere provides for a waiver with respect to the exchange or conversion of such shares following a shorter holding period, those provisions shall continue to apply.

• Shares purchased by employees and registered representatives of Stifel or its affiliates and their family members as designated by Stifel.

• Shares purchased in a Stifel fee-based advisory program, often referred to as a "wrap" program.

• Shares purchased through reinvestment of capital gains distributions and dividend reinvestment when purchasing shares of the same or other fund within the American Beacon Funds Complex.

• Shares purchased from the proceeds of redeemed shares of American Beacon Funds Complex so long as the proceeds are from the sale of shares from an account with the same owner/beneficiary within 90 days of the purchase. For the absence of doubt, automated transactions (i.e. systematic purchases, including salary deferral transactions and withdrawals) and purchases made after shares are sold to cover Stifel Nicolaus' account maintenance fees are not eligible for rights of reinstatement.

• Shares from rollovers into Stifel from retirement plans to IRAs.

• Shares exchanged into Class A shares from another share class so long as the exchange is into the same fund and was initiated at the direction of Stifel.

**A-6** **Prospectus** – Appendix

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Stifel is responsible for any remaining CDSC due to the fund company, if applicable. Any future purchases are subject to the applicable sales charge as disclosed in this prospectus.

• Purchases of Class 529-A shares through a rollover from another 529 plan.

• Purchases of Class 529-A shares made for reinvestment of refunded amounts.

• Employer-sponsored retirement plans (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans). For purposes of this provision, employer sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, Simple IRAs or SAR-SEPs.

**Contingent Deferred Sales Charges Waivers on Class A and C Shares**

• Death or disability of the shareholder or, in the case of 529 plans, the account beneficiary.

• Shares sold as part of a systematic withdrawal plan not to exceed 12% annually.

• Return of excess contributions from an IRA Account.

• Shares sold as part of a required minimum distribution for IRA and retirement accounts due to the shareholder reaching the qualified age based on applicable IRS regulations.

• Shares acquired through a right of reinstatement.

• Shares sold to pay Stifel fees or costs in such cases where the transaction is initiated by Stifel.

• Shares exchanged or sold in a Stifel fee-based program.

**Share Class Conversions in Advisory Accounts**

• Stifel continually looks to provide our clients with the lowest cost share class available based on account type. Stifel reserves the right to convert shares to the lowest cost share class available at Stifel upon transfer of shares into an advisory program.

Appendix A: Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (collectively, "Wells Fargo Advisors")

Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC operates a First Clearing business, but these rules are not intended to include First Clearing firms.

Effective April 1, 2026, Clients of Wells Fargo Advisors purchasing fund shares through Wells Fargo Advisors are eligible for the following sales charge discounts (also referred to as "breakpoints") and waivers, which can differ from discounts and waivers described elsewhere in the prospectus or statement of additional information ("SAI"). In all instances, it is the investor's responsibility to inform Wells Fargo Advisors at the time of purchase of any relationship, holdings, or other facts qualifying the investor for discounts or waivers. Wells Fargo Advisors can ask for documentation supporting the qualification.

Wells Fargo Advisors Class A share front-end sales charge waivers information.

Wells Fargo Advisors clients purchasing or converting to Class A shares of the fund in a Wells Fargo Advisors brokerage account are entitled to a waiver of the front-end load in the following circumstances:

■ Wells Fargo Advisors employee and employee-related accounts according to Wells Fargo Advisor's employee account linking rules. Legacy accounts and positions receiving affiliate discounts prior to the effective date will continue to receive discounts. Going forward employees of affiliate businesses will not be offered NAV.

■ Shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions when purchasing shares of the same fund. WellsTrade, the firm's online self-directed brokerage account, generally offers no-load share classes but there could be instances where a Class A share is offered without a front-end sales charge.

Wells Fargo Advisors Class 529-A share front-end sales charge waivers information.

Wells Fargo Advisors clients purchasing or converting to Class 529-A shares of the fund through Wells Fargo Advisors transactional brokerage accounts are entitled to a waiver of the front-end load in the following circumstances:

■ Shares purchased through a rollover from another 529 plan.

■ Recontribution(s) of distributed funds are only allowed during the NAV reinstatement period as dictated by the sponsor's specifications outlined by the plan.

Wells Fargo Advisors is not able to apply the NAV Reinstatement privilege for 529 Plan account purchases placed directly at the fund company. Investors wishing to utilize this privilege outside of Wells Fargo systems will need to do so directly with the Plan or a financial intermediary that supports this feature.

Unless specifically described above, other front-end load waivers are not available on mutual fund purchases through Wells Fargo Advisors.

Wells Fargo Advisors Contingent Deferred Sales Charge information.

■ Contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) imposed on fund redemptions will not be rebated based on future purchases.

Wells Fargo Advisors Class A front-end load discounts

Wells Fargo Advisors Clients purchasing Class A shares of the fund through Wells Fargo Advisors brokerage accounts will follow the following aggregation rules for breakpoint discounts:

■ Effective April 1, 2026, SEP or SIMPLE IRAs will not be aggregated as a group plan. They will aggregate with the client's personal accounts based on Social Security Number. Previously established SEP and SIMPLE IRAs may still be aggregated as a group plan.

■ Effective April 1, 2026, Employer-sponsored retirement plan (e.g., 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer-sponsored 403(b) plans, profit sharing and money purchase pension plans and defined benefit plans) accounts will aggregate with other plan accounts under the same Tax ID and will not be aggregated with other retirement plan accounts under a different Tax ID or personal accounts. For purposes of this provision, employer-sponsored retirement plans do not include SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SAR-SEPs or Keogh plans.

■ Gift of shares will not be considered when determining breakpoint discounts

Effective June 30, 2020, C Class shares will convert automatically into A Class shares on the 25th day of the month (or, if the 25th is not a business day, the next business day thereafter) following the eighth anniversary of the month on which the purchase order was accepted, provided that the Fund or the financial intermediary through which a shareholder purchased C Class shares has records verifying that the C Class shares have been held for at least eight years. The first conversion of C Class to A Class shares under this new policy would take place on July 25, 2020 for all C Class shares that were held for more than eight years as of June 30, 2020.

**Prospectus** – Appendix**A-7**

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Appendix B

**GLOSSARY**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ACH** | Automated Clearing House |
| **ADRs** | American Depositary Receipts |
| **American Beacon or Manager** | American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
| **Beacon Funds** | American Beacon Funds |
| **Board** | Board of Trustees |
| **CAIA** | Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst |
| **Capital Gains Distributions** | Distributions of realized net capital gains |
| **CDSC** | Contingent Deferred Sales Charge |
| **CFTC** | Commodity Futures Trading Commission |
| **CMO** | Collateralized Mortgage Obligation |
| **Denial of Services** | A cybersecurity incident that results in customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems |
| **Dividends** | Distributions of most or all of a Fund's net investment income |
| **DRD** | Dividends-received deduction |
| **Equity REIT** | Income producing real estate that are owned and often operated by a REIT |
| **ESG** | Environmental, Social, and/or Governance |
| **ETF** | Exchange-Traded Fund |
| **EU** | European Union |
| **Fannie Mae** | Federal National Mortgage Association |
| **FFCB** | Federal Farm Credit Banks |
| **FHLB** | Federal Home Loan Bank |
| **FINRA** | Financial Industry Regulatory Authority |
| **Forwards** | Forward Currency Contracts |
| **Freddie Mac** | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation |
| **GDR** | Global Depositary Receipts |
| **Ginnie Mae or GNMA** | Government National Mortgage Association |
| **Holdings Policy** | Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings |
| **Hybrid REIT** | The combination of equity REITs and mortgage REITs |
| **Internal Revenue Code** | Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
| **Investment Company Act** | Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
| **IPOs** | Initial Public Offerings |
| **IRA** | Individual Retirement Account |
| **IRS** | Internal Revenue Service |
| **Junk Bonds** | High yield, non-investment grade bonds |
| **LOI** | Letter of Intent |
| **LSEG** | London Stock Exchange Group |
| **Management Agreement** | The Fund's Management Agreement with the Manager |
| **MLPs** | Master limited partnerships |
| **Moody's** | Moody's Investors Service, Inc. |
| **Mortgage REIT** | Mortgage secured by loans on income producing real estate |
| **NAV** | Fund's net asset value |
| **NDF** | Non-deliverable forward contract |
| **NYSE** | New York Stock Exchange |
| **Other Distributions** | Distributions of net gains from foreign currency transactions |
| **OTC** | Over-the-Counter |
| **Proxy Policy** | Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures |
| **QDI** | Qualified Dividend Income |

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**Prospectus** – Appendix**B-1**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **REIT** | Real Estate Investment Trust |
| **S&P Global** | S&P Global Ratings |
| **SAI** | Statement of Additional Information |
| **SEC** | Securities and Exchange Commission |
| **SOFR** | Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
| **State Street** | State Street Bank and Trust Company |
| **Subsidiary** | A wholly owned subsidiary that is organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands |
| **SVP** | Signature Validation Program |
| **Trust** | American Beacon Funds |
| **UGMA** | Uniform Gifts to Minors Act |
| **UK** | United Kingdom |

---

**B-2** **Prospectus** – Appendix

------

![image](sa2730img001.jpg)<br>

**Statement of Additional Information**

March 1, 2026

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Ticker** | **Ticker** | **Ticker** | **Ticker** | **Ticker** | **Ticker** | **Ticker** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **A** | **C** | **Y** | **R6** | **Advisor** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| **American Beacon Balanced Fund** | ABFAX | ABCCX | ACBYX |  | ABLSX | AADBX | AABPX |
| **American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund** |  |  | GHQYX | GHQRX |  | GHQIX | GHQPX |
| **American Beacon International Equity Fund** | AIEAX | AILCX | ABEYX | AAERX | AAISX | AAIEX | AAIPX |
| **American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund** | ALVAX | ALVCX | ABLYX | AALRX | AVASX | AADEX | AAGPX |
| **American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund** | ABSAX | ASVCX | ABSYX | AASRX | AASSX | AVFIX | AVPAX |

---

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2026 (the "Prospectus") for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, 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 (each individually a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds"), each a separate series of American Beacon Funds, a Massachusetts business trust. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-658-5811. You also may obtain copies of the Prospectus without charge by visiting the Funds' website at www.americanbeaconfunds.com. This SAI is incorporated by reference into the Funds' 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. **Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined in this SAI or the Prospectus are defined in Appendix** **D.**

[The financial statements and accompanying notes appearing in Item 7 of the Funds' Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000119312526005743/d77694dncsr.htm) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. Copies of the Funds' Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports, and financial statements and accompanying notes, may be obtained, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-658-5811 or visiting [www.americanbeaconfunds.com](DUMMY_2730_2_7).

------

**Table of Contents**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [**Organization and History of the Funds**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_1_23446_2730)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_1_23446_2730)  |
| [**Additional Information About Investment Strategies and Risks**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_2_23448_2730)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_2_23448_2730)  |
| [**Other Investment Strategies and Risks**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_3_23450_2730)  | [35](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_3_23450_2730)  |
| [**Investment Restrictions**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_4_23452_2730)  | [36](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_4_23452_2730)  |
| [**Temporary or Defensive Investments**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_5_23454_2730)  | [37](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_5_23454_2730)  |
| [**Portfolio Turnover**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_6_23456_2730)  | [37](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_6_23456_2730)  |
| [**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_7_23458_2730)  | [37](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_7_23458_2730)  |
| [**Lending of Portfolio Securities**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_8_23460_2730)  | [40](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_8_23460_2730)  |
| [**Trustees and Officers of the Trust**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_9_23462_2730)  | [40](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_9_23462_2730)  |
| [**Code of Ethics**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_10_23464_2730)  | [49](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_10_23464_2730)  |
| [**Proxy Voting Policies**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_11_23466_2730)  | [49](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_11_23466_2730)  |
| [**Control Persons and 5% Shareholders**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_12_23468_2730)  | [49](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_12_23468_2730)  |
| [**Investment Advisory Agreements**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_13_23470_2730)  | [57](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_13_23470_2730)  |
| [**Management, Administrative, Securities Lending, and Distribution Services**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_14_23472_2730)  | [57](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_14_23472_2730)  |
| [**Other Service Providers**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_15_23474_2730)  | [63](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_15_23474_2730)  |
| [**Portfolio Managers**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_16_23476_2730)  | [63](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_16_23476_2730)  |
| [**Portfolio Securities Transactions**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_17_109471_2730)  | [75](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_17_109471_2730)  |
| [**Additional Purchase and Sale Information for A Class Shares**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_18_23480_2730)  | [77](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_18_23480_2730)  |
| [**Additional Information Regarding Contingent Deferred Sales Charges**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_19_23482_2730)  | [78](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_19_23482_2730)  |
| [**Redemptions in Kind**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_20_23484_2730)  | [79](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_20_23484_2730)  |
| [**Tax Information**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_21_23486_2730)  | [79](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_21_23486_2730)  |
| [**Description of the Trust**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_22_23488_2730)  | [85](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_22_23488_2730)  |
| [**Financial Statements**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_23_23490_2730)  | [85](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_23_23490_2730)  |
| [**Appendix A: Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures for the Trust**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_24_23492_2730)  | [A-1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_24_23492_2730)  |
| [**Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policies for the Fund Sub-Advisors**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_25_23494_2730)  | [B-1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_25_23494_2730)  |
| [**Appendix C: Ratings Definitions**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_26_109473_2730)  | [C-1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_26_109473_2730)  |
| [**Appendix D: Glossary**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_27_383526_2730)  | [D-1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_27_383526_2730)  |

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**ORGANIZATION AND HISTORY OF THE FUNDS**

Each Fund is a separate series of American Beacon Funds (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on January 16, 1987. Each Fund constitutes a separate investment portfolio with distinct investment objectives and a distinct purpose and strategy. Each Fund is diversified as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"). Each Fund is comprised of multiple classes of shares designed to meet the needs of different groups of investors. This SAI relates to the A Class, C Class, Y Class, R6 Class, Advisor Class, R5 Class, and Investor Class shares of the Funds, as applicable. Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class shares were known as the Institutional Class shares.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS**

The investment objectives, principal investment strategies, and principal risks of each Fund are described in the Prospectus. This section contains additional information about the Funds' investment policies and risks and types of investments a Fund may purchase. The composition of a Fund's portfolio and the strategies that a Fund may use in selecting investments may vary over time. A 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. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in a Fund. In the following table, Funds with an "X" in a particular strategy/risk are more likely to use or be subject to that strategy/risk than those without an "X"; however, any of the Funds could be subject to the strategies/risks below.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Strategy/Risk** | **American** **Beacon** **Balanced** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon** **Garcia** **Hamilton** **Quality Bond** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** | **American** **Beacon Large** **Cap Value** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon Small** **Cap Value** **Fund**  |
| Asset-Backed Securities | X |  |  |  |  |
| Borrowing Risks | X | X | X | X | X |
| Callable Securities | X | X |  |  |  |
| Cash Equivalents and Other Short-Term Investments | X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bank Deposit Notes <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bankers' Acceptances <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bearer Deposit Notes <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CDs <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Commercial Paper <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eurodollar and Yankee CD Obligations <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Government Money Market Funds <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Government Obligations <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Repurchase Agreements <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Short-term Corporate Debt Securities <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Time Deposits <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| Collateralized Bond Obligations, Collateralized Debt Obligations, and Collateralized Loan Obligations | X |  |  |  |  |
| Contingent Convertible Securities ("CoCos") | X |  |  |  |  |
| Convertible Securities | X |  | X | X |  |
| Corporate Actions | X | X | X | X | X |
| Cover and Asset Segregation | X | X | X | X | X |
| Currencies Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| Cybersecurity and Operational Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| Debentures | X | X |  |  |  |
| Derivatives | X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Forward Contracts <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Forward Foreign Currency Contracts <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Futures Contracts <br>| X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Foreign Currency Futures Contracts <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Index Futures Contracts <br>| X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rights <br>| X |  | X | X |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Swap Agreements <br>|  |  | X |  |  |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Strategy/Risk** | **American** **Beacon** **Balanced** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon** **Garcia** **Hamilton** **Quality Bond** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** | **American** **Beacon Large** **Cap Value** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon Small** **Cap Value** **Fund**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Currency Swaps* <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Warrants <br>| X |  |  | X | X |
| Equity Investments | X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Common Stock <br>| X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Depositary Receipts <br>| X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *ADRs* <br>| X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *EDRs* <br>| X |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *GDRs* <br>| X |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *NVDRs* <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Income Deposit Securities <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Income Trusts <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Initial Public Offerings <br>| X |  | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Master Limited Partnerships <br>| X |  | X |  | X |
| ESG Considerations | X | X | X | X | X |
| Expense Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| Fixed Income Investments | X | X |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Corporate Debt and Other Fixed Income Securities <br>| X | X |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Master Demand Notes <br>|  | X |  |  |  |
| Foreign Investing | X |  | X | X |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emerging Market Securities <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; European Securities <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Japanese Securities <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Middle East Securities <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pacific Basin Securities <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| Growth Companies | X |  | X | X | X |
| Illiquid and Restricted Securities | X | X | X | X | X |
| Inflation Index-Linked Securities | X | X |  |  |  |
| Interfund Lending | X | X | X | X | X |
| Investment Grade Securities | X | X |  |  |  |
| Issuer Risk | X | X | X | X | X |
| Large-Capitalization Companies Risk | X | X | X | X |  |
| Loan Interests, Participations and Assignments | X |  |  |  |  |
| Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Model and Data Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Mortgage-Backed Securities | X | X |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Collateralized Mortgage Obligations ("CMOs") <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ("CMBSs") <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortgage Dollar Rolls <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortgage Pass-Through Securities <br>| X | X |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities ("SMBSs") <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| Municipal Securities | X | X |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Commercial Paper <br>| X |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; General Obligation Bonds <br>| X | X |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Revenue Obligations <br>| X |  |  |  |  |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Strategy/Risk** | **American** **Beacon** **Balanced** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon** **Garcia** **Hamilton** **Quality Bond** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** | **American** **Beacon Large** **Cap Value** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon Small** **Cap Value** **Fund**  |
| Other Investment Company Securities and Exchange-Traded Products | X | X | X | X | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BDCs <br>|  |  | X |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ETFs <br>|  |  | X |  | X |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Money Market Funds <br>| X | X | X | X | X |
| Pay-in-Kind Securities | X |  | X |  |  |
| Preferred Stock | X |  | X | X |  |
| Quantitative Strategy Risk |  |  | X |  |  |
| Real Estate Related Investments | X |  | X | X | X |
| Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities and Other Zero-Coupon Securities | X | X |  |  |  |
| Small-Capitalization Companies Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt | X |  |  |  |  |
| Supranational Risk | X |  |  |  |  |
| Trust Preferred Securities | X |  | X |  |  |
| U.S. Government Agency Securities | X | X | X | X | X |
| U.S. Treasury Obligations | X | X | X | X | X |
| Valuation Risk |  | X | X |  |  |
| Value Companies Risk | X |  | X | X | X |
| Variable or Floating Rate Obligations | X | X |  |  |  |
| When-Issued and Forward Commitment Transactions | X |  |  |  |  |

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**Asset-Backed Securities** — Asset-backed securities are securities issued by trusts and special purpose entities that represent direct or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, pools of assets. These assets include automobile, credit-card and other categories of receivables, equipment leases, home equity loans and student loans, which pass through the payments on the underlying obligations to the security holders (less servicing fees paid to the originator or fees for any credit enhancement). Typically, loans or accounts-receivable paper are transferred from the originator to a specially created trust, which repackages the trust's interests as securities with a minimum denomination and a specific term. The securities are then privately placed or publicly offered. A Fund's investments in asset-backed securities will be subject to its rating and quality requirements. Asset-backed securities may be backed by a single asset; however, asset-backed securities that represent an interest in a pool of assets provide greater credit diversification. The value of an asset-backed security can be affected by, among other things, changes in the market's perception of the asset backing the security, the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans and the financial institution providing any credit enhancement. In addition, payments of principal and interest passed through to holders of asset-backed securities are frequently supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit, surety bond, or limited guarantee by another entity, or by having a priority to certain of the borrower's other assets. The degree of credit enhancement varies, and generally applies to only a portion of the asset-backed security's par value. Value is also affected if any credit enhancement has been exhausted. Asset-backed securities may include securities backed by pools of loans made to "subprime" borrowers with blemished credit histories. The underwriting standards for subprime loans may be lower and more flexible than the standards generally used by lenders for borrowers with non-blemished credit histories with respect to the borrower's credit standing and repayment history. Certain collateral may be difficult to locate in the event of a default, and recoveries of depreciated or damaged collateral may not fully recover payments due on such collateral. In addition, certain types of collateral, such as credit receivables, are unsecured, and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. In addition, if a Fund purchases asset-backed securities that are "subordinated" to other interests in the same pool of assets, a Fund may only receive payments after the pool's obligations to other investors have been satisfied.

The value of asset-backed securities, like that of traditional fixed-income securities, typically increases when interest rates fall and decreases when interest rates rise. However, asset-backed securities differ from traditional fixed-income securities because of their potential for prepayment. The price paid by a Fund for its asset-backed securities, the yield the Funds expect to receive from such securities and the average life of the securities are based on a number of factors, including the anticipated rate of prepayment of the underlying assets. In a period of declining interest rates, borrowers may prepay the underlying assets more quickly than anticipated, thereby reducing the yield to maturity and the average life of the asset-backed securities. Moreover, when a Fund reinvests the proceeds of a prepayment in these circumstances, it will likely receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on the security that was prepaid. To the extent that a Fund purchases asset-backed securities at a premium, prepayments may result in a loss to the extent of the premium paid. If a Fund buys such securities at a discount, both scheduled payments and unscheduled prepayments will increase current and total returns and unscheduled prepayments will also accelerate the recognition of income which, when distributed to shareholders, will be taxable as ordinary income. In a period of rising interest rates, prepayments of the underlying assets may occur at a slower than expected rate, creating extension risk. This particular risk may effectively change a security that was considered short- or intermediate-term at the time of purchase into a longer-term security. Since the value of longer-term securities generally fluctuates more widely in response to changes in interest rates than does the

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value of shorter-term securities, extension risk could increase the volatility of a Fund. When interest rates decline, the value of an asset-backed security with prepayment features may not increase as much as that of other fixed-income securities, and, as noted above, changes in market rates of interest may accelerate or retard prepayments and thus affect maturities.

**Borrowing Risk** — A 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. A Fund may borrow for temporary purposes. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in a Fund's NAV and in its total return. Interest expense and other fees associated with borrowing may impact a Fund's expenses and reduce its returns. (See "Cover and Asset Segregation" disclosure below.)

**Callable Securities** — A Fund may invest in fixed-income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, a Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, and the proceeds received by a Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates. Thus, a Fund's income could be reduced as a result of a call. In addition, the market value of a callable security may decrease if it is perceived by the market as likely to be called, which could have a negative impact on a Fund's total return.

**Cash Equivalents and Other Short-Term Investments** — Cash equivalents and other short-term investments in which a Fund may invest include the investments set forth below. Certain of these investments are issued by and provide exposure to banks. The activities of U.S. banks and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of domestic and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

■ **Bank Deposit Notes.** Bank deposit notes are obligations of a bank that provide an alternative to certificates of deposit. Similar to certificates of deposit, deposit notes represent bank level investment and, therefore, are senior to all holding company corporate debt. Bank deposit notes rank junior to domestic deposit liabilities of the bank and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations of the bank. Typically, bank deposit notes are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other insurer.

■ **Bankers'** **Acceptances.** 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. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less. Bankers' acceptances rank junior to domestic deposit liabilities of the bank and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations of the bank.

■ **Bearer** **Deposit Notes.** Bearer deposit notes, or bearer bonds, are bonds or debt securities that entitle the holder of the document to ownership or title in the deposit. Such notes are typically unregistered, and whoever physically holds the bond is presumed to be the owner of the instrument. Recovery of the value of a bearer bond in the event of its loss or destruction usually is impossible. Interest is typically paid upon presentment of an interest coupon for payment.

■ **CDs.** CDs are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in an eligible bank (including its domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries and agencies) for a definite period of time and earning a specified rate of return. 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.

■ **Commercial Paper.** Commercial paper is a short-term debt security issued by a corporation, bank, municipality, or other issuer, usually for purposes such as financing current operations. A Fund may invest in commercial paper that cannot be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. While some restricted commercial paper normally is deemed illiquid, in certain cases it may be deemed liquid.

■ **Eurodollar and Yankee CD Obligations** **.** Eurodollar obligations are U.S. dollar obligations issued outside the United States by domestic or foreign entities, while Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar obligations issued inside the United States by foreign entities. There is generally less publicly available information about foreign issuers and there may be less governmental regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies. Foreign issuers may use different accounting and financial standards, and the addition of foreign governmental restrictions may affect adversely the payment of principal and interest on foreign investments. In addition, not all foreign branches of United States banks are supervised or examined by regulatory authorities as are United States banks, and such branches may not be subject to reserve requirements. Eurodollar (and, to a limited extent, Yankee dollar) obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital, in the form of dollars, from flowing across its borders. Other risks include adverse political and economic developments; the extent and quality of government regulation of financial markets and institutions; the imposition of foreign withholding taxes; and the expropriation or nationalization of foreign issuers.

■ **Government Money Market Funds.** A Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act, including money market funds that are advised by the Manager. Money market funds invest in highly-liquid, short-term instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, and debt securities with high credit ratings and short-term maturities, such as U.S. Treasuries. A "government money market fund" is required to invest at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, U.S. government securities, and/or repurchase agreements that are fully collateralized by government securities or cash. Government securities include any security issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities. By investing in a money market fund, a Fund becomes a shareholder of that money market fund. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly bear their proportionate share of the expenses of the money market funds in which a Fund invests in addition to any fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with a Fund's own operations. These expenses may include, for example, advisory and administrative fees, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager. These other fees and expenses are reflected in the Fees and Expenses Table for a Fund in its

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Prospectus, if applicable. 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 a Fund would have derived from other investments that would provide liquidity. 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 fund has purchased can cause the price of a money market security to decrease and may reduce the money market fund's yield. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation. Factors that could adversely affect the value of a money market fund's shares include, among other things, a sharp rise in interest rates, an illiquid market for the securities held by the money market fund, a high volume of redemption activity in a money market fund's shares, and a credit event or credit rating downgrade affecting one or more of the issuers of securities held by the money market fund. There can be no assurance that a money market fund will maintain a $1.00 per share net asset value ("NAV") at all times.<br>

■ **Government Obligations.** Government obligations may include U.S. Treasury securities, Treasury inflation-protected securities, and other debt instruments backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, or debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored entities.

■ **Repurchase Agreements** **.** Repurchase agreements are agreements pursuant to which a Fund purchases securities from a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System (or a foreign bank or U.S. branch or agency of a foreign bank), or from a securities dealer, that agrees to repurchase the securities from a Fund at a higher price on a designated future date. Repurchase agreements generally are for a short period of time, usually less than a week. Costs, delays, or losses could result if the selling party to a repurchase agreement becomes bankrupt or otherwise defaults.

■ **Short-term** **Corporate Debt Securities.** Short-term corporate debt securities are securities and bonds issued by corporations with shorter terms to maturity. Corporate securities generally bear a higher risk than U.S. government bonds.

■ **Time Deposits.** Time deposits, also referred to as "fixed time deposits," are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate. Time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such deposits.

**Collateralized Bond Obligations, Collateralized Debt Obligations, and Collateralized Loan Obligations** — A Fund may invest in each of CBOs, CLOs, other CDOs and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and CLOs may be considered types of CDOs, and CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are types of asset-backed securities. CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs ordinarily are issued by a trust or other special purpose entity ("SPE"), which is a company founded solely for the purpose of securitizing payment claims arising out of this diversified asset pool. On this basis, marketable securities are issued by the SPE which, due to the diversification of the underlying risk, are intended to represent a lower level of risk than the original assets. The redemption of the securities issued by the SPE typically takes place at maturity out of the cash flow generated by the collected claims. A CBO is often backed by a diversified pool of high risk, below-investment grade fixed income securities. The collateral can be from many different types of fixed income securities such as high yield debt, residential privately issued mortgage-related securities, commercial privately issued mortgage- related securities, trust preferred securities and emerging markets debt. CDOs are trusts backed by other types of assets representing obligations of various parties. Although certain CDOs may benefit from credit enhancement in the form of a senior-subordinate structure, overcollateralization or bond insurance, such enhancement may not always be present, and may fail to protect against the risk of loss upon default of the collateral. Certain CDO issuers may use derivatives contracts to create "synthetic" exposure to assets rather than holding such assets directly, which entails the risks of derivative instruments described elsewhere in this SAI.

A CLO is typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. CBOs, CDOs and CLOs are subject to the risks described elsewhere in this SAI in "Loan Interests, Participations and Assignments", and "Illiquid and Restricted Securities." CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses.

For CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs, the cash flows from the trust are split into two or more portions, called tranches, that offer various maturity, risk and yield characteristics. Losses caused by defaults on underlying assets are borne first by the holders of subordinate tranches. Tranches are typically categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/ equity, according to their degree of risk. Senior tranches are paid from the cash flows from the underlying assets before the junior tranches. If there are defaults or the CBO's, CLO's or other CDO's collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches take precedence over those of mezzanine tranches, and scheduled payments to mezzanine tranches take precedence over those of subordinated/equity tranches. The riskiest portion is the "equity" tranche, which bears the bulk of defaults from the bonds or loans in the trust and serves to protect the other, more senior tranches from default in all but the most severe circumstances. A Fund may be in a first loss or subordinated position with respect to realized losses on the assets of the CLOs in which it invests. In addition, at the time of issuance, CLO equity securities are typically under-collateralized in that the liabilities of a CLO at inception exceed its total assets. Since they are partially protected from defaults, senior tranches from a CBO trust, CLO trust or trust of another CDO typically have higher ratings and lower yields than their underlying securities, and can be rated investment grade. Despite the protection from the equity tranche, CBO, CLO or other CDO mezzanine, junior or even more senior tranches can experience substantial losses due to actual defaults, downgrades of the underlying collateral by rating agencies, forced liquidation of the collateral pool due to a failure of coverage tests, increased sensitivity to defaults due to collateral default and disappearance of protecting tranches, market anticipation of defaults, as well as aversion to CBO, CLO or other CDO securities as a class. In the event that a CLO fails certain tests, holders of CLO senior debt may be entitled to additional payments that would, in turn, reduce the payments the subordinated tranches would otherwise be entitled to receive. Interest on certain tranches of a CDO may be paid in kind or deferred and capitalized (paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather than cash), which involves continued exposure to default risk with respect to such payments.

The risks of an investment in a CBO, CLO or other CDO depend largely on the type of the collateral securities and the class, or tranche, of the instrument in which a Fund invests. A Fund may have the right to receive payments only from the CBO, CLO or other CDO, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold the assets to be securitized. The underlying loans purchased by CLOs generally are performing at the time of purchase but may become non-performing, distressed or defaulted. Normally, CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs are privately offered and sold, and thus, are not registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs may be characterized as illiquid securities; however, an active dealer market may exist for CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs allowing them to qualify as Rule 144A transactions.

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Please refer to "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" below for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints related to such securities. In addition to the normal risks associated with fixed income securities and asset-backed securities discussed elsewhere in this SAI and a Fund's Prospectus; (e.g., prepayment and extension risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, market risk, and interest rate risk), CBOs, CLOs and other CDOs carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (iii) the risk that a Fund may invest in CBOs, CLOs or other CDOs, or tranches thereof, that are subordinate to other tranches thereof; (iv) the complex structure of the security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results; (v) the investment return achieved could be significantly different from the return predicted by financial models; (vi) the lack of a readily available secondary market for CDOs; (vii) risk of forced "fire sale" liquidation due to technical defaults such as coverage test failures; and (viii) the CBO, CLO or CDO manager may perform poorly. If the issuer of a CBO, CLO or other CDO uses shorter term financing to purchase longer term securities, the issuer may be forced to sell its securities at below market prices if it experiences difficulty in obtaining short-term financing, which may adversely affect the value of the CBO, CLO or other CDO owned by a Fund. If the issuer of a CLO uses shorter term financing to purchase longer term securities, the issuer may be forced to sell its securities at below market prices if it experiences difficulty in obtaining short term financing, which may adversely affect the value of the CLO owned by a Fund. In addition, interest rate risk may be exacerbated if the interest rate payable on a structured financing changes based on multiples of changes in interest rates or inversely to changes in interest rates.

**Contingent Convertible Securities** **("CoCos")** — CoCos are a form of hybrid debt security primarily issued by financial institutions. A common type of CoCo is an Additional Tier 1 (or "AT1") capital security. They are subordinated instruments that are designed to behave like bonds or preferred equity in times of economic health for the issuer, yet absorb losses when a pre-determined "trigger event" affecting the issuer occurs. If an issuer experiences an event that causes its capital to fall below a predetermined "trigger" level, CoCos are either converted into equity securities of the issuer or undergo a full or partial write-down of their principal. Trigger events vary by individual security and are defined by the documents governing the contingent convertible security. The triggering events and conditions are specific to the issuing institution and its regulatory requirements and may be linked to regulatory capital thresholds or regulatory actions calling into question the issuing banking institution's continued viability as a going concern. Triggering events might include, for instance, an issuer failing to maintain a minimum capital level, a regulator's determination that the issuer should convert the security to maintain continued viability, or the issuer receiving high levels of public support. The value of CoCos is unpredictable and will be influenced by many factors including, without limitation: (i) the creditworthiness of the issuer and/or fluctuations in such issuer 's applicable capital ratios; (ii) supply and demand for the CoCos; (iii) general market conditions and available liquidity; and (iv) economic, financial and political events that affect the issuer, its particular market or the financial markets in general.

CoCos have no stated maturity date, have discretionary interest payments and are usually subordinated debt instruments. Because CoCos are typically subordinated debt instruments, in the event the issuer liquidates, dissolves, or winds up before a triggering event, a Fund's claims will generally be junior to the claims of all holders of unsubordinated obligations of the issuer and may also become junior to other obligations and securities of the issuer. If the CoCo converts to an equity security, a Fund's investment would be even further subordinated due to the conversion from being the holder of a debt instrument to being the holder of an equity instrument. An investment by a Fund in CoCos is subject to the risk that coupon (i.e., interest) payments may be cancelled by the issuer or a regulatory authority in order to help the issuer absorb losses. If the issuer converts the CoCo to an equity security, it is not required to pay a dividend, and a Fund would lose interest payments and potentially all income. Alternatively, if the issuer writes down the principal due on the CoCos, a Fund could lose some or all of its investment. Under some circumstances, the liquidation value of certain types of contingent convertible securities may be adjusted downward to below the original par value. The write-down of the par value would occur automatically and would not entitle the holders to seek bankruptcy of the company. Some CoCos have a set stock conversion rate that would cause an automatic write-down of capital if the price of the stock is below the conversion price on the conversion date. CoCos may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. CoCos are often rated below investment grade and are subject to the risks of high-yield securities. Because CoCos are issued primarily by financial institutions, CoCos may present substantially increased risks at times of financial turmoil, which could affect financial institutions more than companies in other sectors and industries. CoCos carry the general risks applicable to other fixed income investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk.

**Convertible Securities** — Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, debentures, 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. Convertible securities generally have features of, and risks associated with, both equity and fixed-income instruments. As such, the value of most convertible securities will vary with changes in the price of, and will be subject to the risks associated with, the underlying common stock. Additionally, convertible securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal or interest when due and the value of the convertible security may change based on the issuer's credit rating.

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. Before conversion, such securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison to the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth if converted to the underlying common stock. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in 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. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on the assets of the issuer senior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer.

If the convertible security's "conversion value," which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained upon the conversion of the convertible security, is substantially below the "investment value," which is the value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield), the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. If the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the value of the security will be principally influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding an income-producing security.

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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. A convertible security may have a mandatory conversion feature or a call feature that subjects it to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the security's governing instrument. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption a Fund will be required to convert it into the underlying common stock, sell it to a third party or permit the issuer to redeem the security. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on a Fund's ability to achieve its investment objectives. Because of the conversion feature, certain convertible securities may be considered equity equivalents.

**Corporate Actions** — From time to time, a Fund may voluntarily participate in corporate actions (for example, acquisitions, mergers, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as a Fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to Fund shareholders ("Corporate Actions"). In connection with its holdings of foreign and emerging markets securities and depositary receipts, a Fund may not have the same rights afforded to stockholders of a typical domestic company in the event of a Corporate Action. Notwithstanding any percentage investment limitation listed under the "Investment Restrictions" section or any percentage investment limitation of the Investment Company Act or rules thereunder, if a Fund has the opportunity to acquire a permitted security or instrument through a Corporate Action, and by doing so, a Fund would exceed a percentage investment limitation following the acquisition, it will not constitute a violation if, prior to the receipt of the securities or instruments and after announcement of the Corporate Action, a Fund sells an offsetting amount of assets that are subject to the investment limitation in question at least equal to the value of the securities or instruments to be acquired.

**Cover and Asset Segregation** — A Fund may borrow money, make investments or employ trading practices that obligate a Fund, on a fixed or contingent basis, to deliver an asset or make a cash payment to another party in the future. A Fund will comply with rules and guidance from the SEC with respect to coverage of certain investments and trading practices. A Fund's approach to asset coverage may vary depending on terms within its agreement with a counterparty. With respect to certain investments under the agreement, a Fund calculates the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis" (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments). Under such circumstances, a Fund's current obligations will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid by a Fund based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement. Earmarking or otherwise segregating a large percentage of a Fund's assets could impede the management of the Fund's portfolio or a Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations, because a Fund may be unable to promptly dispose of those assets.

**Currencies Risk** — A 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 (including emerging market currencies), or by purchasing or selling foreign currency forward contracts, 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 a Fund's investments in foreign (non-U.S.) currencies, securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. For example, if the U.S. dollar appreciates against foreign currencies, the value of Fund holdings generally would depreciate and vice versa.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk** — With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Funds, their service providers, third-party fund distribution platforms, and the issuers of a Fund's investments may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cybersecurity incidents, including cyber-attacks. In general, cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally (e.g., through "hacking," computer viruses or other malicious software coding), the theft and holding for ransom of proprietary or confidential information or data (referred to as "ransomware" attacks), denial of service attacks on websites, "phishing" attempts and other social engineering techniques aimed at personnel or systems, and the unauthorized release of confidential information. Cyber-attacks affecting the Funds, the Manager, a sub-advisor, the Custodian (as defined below), the transfer agent, intermediaries and other third-party service providers may adversely impact the Funds. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, result in the loss or theft of shareholder data or funds, impact a Fund's ability to calculate NAV per share, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, impede trading, subject the Funds to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. A cyber-attack may also result in shareholders or service providers being unable to access electronic systems (also known as "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 Funds may also incur additional costs for cybersecurity risk management purposes or corrective measures, and such costs may be ongoing because threats of cyber-attacks are constantly evolving as cyber-attackers become more sophisticated and their techniques become more complex. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of the Funds' investments, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause a Fund to lose value. Adverse consequences also could result from cybersecurity incidents affecting counterparties with which a Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchanges and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, other financial institutions and other parties. Furthermore, as a result of cyber-attacks, disruptions or failures, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities or the entire market, which may result in a Fund being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or unable to accurately price its investments. A Fund's service providers also may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from non-cybersecurity related factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology errors or malfunctions, changes in personnel, and errors caused by Fund service providers or counterparties. In addition, other events or circumstances — whether foreseeable, unforeseeable, or beyond the Funds' control, such as acts of war, other conflicts, terrorism, natural disaster, widespread disease, pandemic or other public health crises may result in, among other things, quarantines and travel restrictions, workforce displacement and loss or reduction in Personnel and other resources. In the above circumstances, the Funds and the Service Providers' operations may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily halted. The Funds' securities market counterparties or vendors may face the same or similar systems failure, cybersecurity breaches and other business disruptions risks. Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on a Fund and its shareholders. For example, if a cybersecurity 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 service

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providers could be unable to access electronic systems to perform critical duties for a Fund, such as trading, NAV calculation, shareholder accounting or fulfillment of Fund share purchases and redemptions. There are inherent limitations in risk management systems that seek to reduce the risks associated with cybersecurity incidents, including the possibility that risks may not have been adequately identified or prepared for, or that different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. Furthermore, a Fund does not control the cybersecurity systems and plans of the issuers of a Fund's investments, third party service providers, trading counterparties or any other service providers whose operations may affect a Fund or its shareholders. The use of cloud-based service providers could heighten or change these risks. In addition, remote and hybrid work arrangements by a Fund, the Manager or their service providers could increase all of the above risks, create additional data and information accessibility concerns, and make a Fund, the Manager or their service providers susceptible to operational disruptions, any of which could adversely impact their operations.

**Debentures** — Debentures are unsecured, medium- to long-term debt securities protected only by the general creditworthiness of the corporate or government issuer, not by collateral, and documented by indentures. Governments often issue debentures because they generally cannot guarantee debt with assets due to the fact that government assets are public property. Debenture holders are unsecured creditors. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the issuer, debenture holders will not have a claim against any specific assets of the issuer and will therefore only be paid from the issuer's assets after the secured creditors have been paid. The value of a debenture can fluctuate with changes in interest rates and the perceived ability of the issuer to make interest or principal payments on time.

**Derivatives** — Generally a derivative is a financial instrument the value of which is based on, or "derived" from, a traditional security, asset, currency, or market index (collectively referred to as "reference assets"). A Fund may use derivatives for hedging and efficient portfolio management purposes. Derivative instruments may allow for better management of exposure to certain asset classes, as well as more efficient access to asset classes. There are many different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. Some forms of derivatives, such as exchange-traded futures, options on securities, commodities, or indices, and certain forward contracts are traded on regulated exchanges. These types of derivatives are standardized contracts that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and published daily. Non-standardized derivatives, on the other hand, tend to be more specialized or complex, and may be harder to value. Certain derivative securities are described more accurately as index/structured securities. Index/structured securities are derivative securities whose value or performance is linked to other equity securities (such as depositary receipts), currencies, interest rates, indices or other financial indicators.

Derivatives may involve significant risk. Many derivative instruments often require little or no payment and therefore often create inherent economic leverage. Some derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of a Fund's initial investment. Not all derivative transactions require a counterparty to post collateral, which may expose a 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. A 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 risks.

The regulation of the U.S. and non-U.S. derivatives markets has undergone substantial change in recent years and such change may continue. In particular, Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (the "Derivatives Rule") replaced the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 ("Release 10666") with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. The SEC rescinded Release 10666 and withdrew no-action letters and similar guidance addressing a Fund's use of derivatives and began requiring a Fund to satisfy the requirements of the Derivatives Rule. As a result, a Fund is no longer required to engage in "segregation" or "coverage" techniques with respect to derivatives transactions and will instead comply with the applicable requirements of the Derivatives Rule.

The Derivatives Rule mandates that a Fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value-at-risk limitations ("VaR"); (ii) a written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new Board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. In the event that a Fund's derivative exposure is 10% or less of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions, it can elect to be classified as a limited derivatives user ("Limited Derivatives User") under the Derivatives Rule, in which case a Fund is not subject to the full requirements of the Derivatives Rule. Limited Derivatives Users are excepted from VaR testing, implementing a derivatives risk management program, and certain Board oversight and reporting requirements mandated by the Derivatives Rule. However, a Limited Derivatives User is still required to implement written compliance policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage its derivatives risks. The Derivatives Rule also provides special treatment for reverse repurchase agreements, similar financing transactions and unfunded commitment agreements. Specifically, a Fund may elect whether to treat reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as "derivatives transactions" subject to the requirements of the Derivatives Rule or as senior securities equivalent to bank borrowings for purposes of Section 18 of the 1940 Act. In addition, a Fund may invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security, provided that: (i) a Fund intends to physically settle the transaction; and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date.

The enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act and similar global regulations 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 these regulations, the SEC, CFTC and foreign regulators have promulgated a broad range of regulations and guidance on the use of derivatives, including use by registered investment companies. These include regulations with respect to security-based swaps (e.g., derivatives based on a single security or narrow-based securities index) that are regulated by the SEC in the U.S., and other swaps that are regulated by the CFTC and the markets in which these instruments trade. In addition, regulations adopted by the banking regulators require certain banks to include in a range of financial contracts, including many derivatives contracts, terms delaying or restricting default, termination and other rights in the event that the bank and/or its affiliates become subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. The regulations could limit a Fund's ability to exercise a range of cross-default rights if its counterparty, or an affiliate of the counterparty, is subject to bankruptcy or similar proceeding. Such regulations could further negatively impact a Fund's use of derivatives. Under CFTC Regulation 4.5, a Fund is excluded from registration as a CPO if its investments in commodity interests (such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, non-deliverable forwards and swaps), other than those used for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), are 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 are "in-the-money" at the time of purchase) do not exceed 5% of a Fund's NAV. Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of the positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may not exceed

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100% of a Fund's NAV, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such positions. Further, to qualify for the exclusion in Regulation 4.5, a Fund must satisfy a marketing test, which requires, among other things, that a Fund not hold itself out as a vehicle for trading commodity interests. A Fund's ability to use these instruments also may be limited by federal income tax considerations. See the section entitled "Tax Information."

The Manager is not registered as a CPO with respect to the Funds in reliance on the delayed compliance date provided by CFTC No-Action Letter 12-38. Pursuant to this letter and the conditions set forth therein, the Manager is not required to register as a CPO, or rely on an exemption from registration, until the CFTC issues revised guidance on the application of the calculation of the de minimis thresholds in the context of the CPO exemption in CFTC Regulation 4.5. The Manager, on behalf of the Funds, has filed a notice claiming the CFTC Regulation 4.5 exclusion from CPO registration with respect to the Funds. The Manager is also exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Funds.

Further information about the specific types of derivative instruments in which a Fund may invest, including the risks involved in their use, are contained under the description of each of these instruments in this SAI. A Fund may invest in various types of derivatives, including among others:

■ **Forward Contracts**  *.*** A Fund may enter into forward contracts. Forward contracts are a type of derivative instrument that obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of, a commodity, security or obligation underlying the 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 asset against receipt of the specified price. Generally, forward contracts are traded through financial institutions acting as market-makers, on certain securities exchanges, or over-the-counter, and the protections afforded to investors may vary depending on the trading environment. This is distinguishable from futures contracts, which are traded on U.S. and foreign commodities exchanges. Forward contracts are often negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated, as there is no limit on daily price movements and speculative position limits are not applicable. The principals who deal in certain forward contract markets are not required to continue to make markets in the underlying reference assets in which they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity, sometimes of significant duration. There have been periods during which certain participants in forward contract markets have refused to quote prices for certain underlying references or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at which they were prepared to buy and that at which they were prepared to sell. The liquidity of the markets for forward contracts depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the market for forwards could be reduced. At or prior to maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in forward contract prices. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to a Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase a Fund's risk exposure to underlying reference assets and their attendant risks. A 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, a Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the forward contract, but such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could affect a Fund's rights as a creditor.

■ **Forward Foreign Currency Contracts.** A Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts ("forward currency contracts"), which are a type of derivative instrument, 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 these 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, a Fund may purchase a forward currency contract to lock in the U.S. dollar price of a security denominated in a foreign currency that it intends to acquire. Forward currency contract transactions also may serve as short hedges. For example, a 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.<br>

A 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 respective portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. In addition, a Fund may use forward currency contracts when a sub-advisor wishes to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of a security when a 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.<br>

A 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 a Fund from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies.<br>

A 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 a 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.<br>

In addition, a Fund may use forward currency contracts to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. For example, if a 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 a Fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.<br>

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A Fund also may enter into forward currency contracts for non-hedging purposes if a foreign currency is anticipated to appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated in that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not held in a Fund's investment portfolio.

The cost to a 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 a 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.<br>

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 a 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, a Fund might be unable to close out a forward currency contract at any time prior to maturity. In either event, a Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position, and would continue to be required to maintain a position in the securities or currencies that are the subject of the hedge or to maintain cash or securities.<br>

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, a 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.<br>

A 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, a 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 a Fund's rights as a creditor.<br>

At the maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the security and either extend the maturity of the forward contract (by "rolling" that contract forward) or may initiate a new forward contract. If a Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, a Fund will incur a gain or a loss (as described below) to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the foreign currency.<br>

Should forward prices decline during the period between a Fund's entering into a forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, a Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, a Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.<br>

Forward currency contracts in which a Fund may engage include foreign exchange forwards. The consummation of a foreign exchange forward requires the actual exchange of the principal amounts of the two currencies in the contract (i.e., settlement on a physical basis). Because foreign exchange forwards are physically settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A foreign exchange forward generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades; foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and the prices at which they are selling various currencies. When a Fund enters into a foreign exchange forward, 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.<br>

A Fund may be required to obtain the currency that it must deliver under the foreign exchange forward through the sale of portfolio securities denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of a Fund into such currency. When a Fund engages in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes, it will not enter into foreign exchange forwards to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if their consummation would obligate a Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency materially in excess of the value of its portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency.<br>

■ **Futures Contracts.** A Fund may enter into futures contracts. Futures contracts are a type of derivative instrument that obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of, a commodity, security or other obligation underlying the 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. The purchase of futures can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures can serve as a short hedge. No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract, a Fund is required to deposit "initial margin" consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt securities in an amount set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and varying based on the volatility of the underlying asset. Margin must also be deposited when writing a call or put option on a futures contract, in accordance with applicable exchange rules. Unlike margin in securities transactions, initial margin on futures contracts does not represent a borrowing, but rather is in the nature of a performance bond or good-faith deposit that is returned to a Fund at the termination of the transaction if all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Under certain circumstances, such as periods of high volatility, a Fund may be required by a futures exchange to increase the level of its initial margin payment, and initial margin requirements might be increased generally in the future by regulatory action. Subsequent "variation margin" payments (sometimes referred to as "maintenance margin" payments) are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as "marking-to-market." Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather represents a daily settlement of a Fund's obligations to or from a futures broker. When a Fund purchases or

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sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily, or even intraday, variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If a Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily or intraday variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous.<br>Purchasers and sellers of futures contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Positions in futures contracts may be closed only on a futures exchange or board of trade that trades that contract. A Fund intends to enter into futures contracts only on exchanges or boards of trade where there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that such a market will exist for a particular contract at a particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close a futures contract.<br>Although many futures contracts by their terms call for the actual delivery or acquisition of the underlying asset, in most cases the contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the contract without having to make or take 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, a Fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases or sells futures contracts. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, a Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, a Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sell price is more than the original purchase price, a Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, a Fund realizes a capital loss. The Funds have no current intent to accept physical delivery in connection with the settlement of futures contracts.<br>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 a 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. A Fund would continue to be subject to market risk with respect to the position. In addition, a 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.<br>The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets, due to differences in the nature of those markets, are subject to distortions. 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.<br>Futures contracts also entail other risks. Although the use of such contracts may benefit a Fund, if investment judgment about the general direction of, for example, an index is incorrect, a Fund's overall performance would be worse than if it had not entered into any such contract. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures, including technical influences in futures trading, and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends. A Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:<br>

■ *Foreign Currency Futures Contracts.* Foreign currency futures contracts are based on the value of foreign currencies. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and affect a Fund's investment in securities or derivatives that provide exposure to foreign (non-U.S.) currencies.

■ *Index Futures Contracts.* An index futures contract, such as an equity index futures contract or a bond index futures contract, is based on the value of an underlying index. Futures contracts on indices expose a Fund to volatility in an underlying index.

■ **Rights** **.** Rights are options to purchase an issuer's securities at a stated price during a stated term, usually at a price below the initial offering price of the securities and before the securities are offered to the general public. Rights are similar to warrants but typically have a shorter duration. Rights are usually freely transferable, but may not be as liquid as exchange-traded options. In addition, the terms of a right may limit a Fund's ability to exercise the right at such time, or in such quantities, as a Fund would otherwise wish. Rights usually have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. A right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. As a result, rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments.

■ **Swap Agreements.** A swap is a transaction in which a Fund and a counterparty agree to pay or receive payments at specified dates based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (e.g., interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps) or the performance of specified securities or indices based on a specified amount (the "notional" amount). Nearly any type of derivative, including forward contracts, can be structured as a swap. See "Derivatives" for a further discussion of derivatives risks. Swap agreements can be structured to provide exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. For example, in an interest rate swap, fixed-rate payments may be exchanged for floating rate payments; in a currency swap, U.S. dollar-denominated payments may be exchanged for payments denominated in a foreign currency; and in a total return swap, payments tied to the investment return on a particular asset, group of assets or index may be exchanged for payments that are effectively equivalent to interest payments or for payments tied to the return on another asset, group of assets, or index. Swaps may have a leverage component, and adverse changes in the value or level of the underlying asset, reference rate or index can result in gains or losses that are substantially greater than the amount invested in the swap itself. Some swaps currently are, and more in the future will be, centrally cleared. Swaps that are centrally-cleared are exposed to the creditworthiness of the clearing organizations (and, consequently, that of their members - generally, banks and broker-dealers) involved in the transaction. For example, an investor could lose margin payments it has deposited with the clearing organization as well as the net amount of gains not yet paid by the clearing organization if it breaches its agreement with the investor or becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy. In the event of bankruptcy of the clearing organization, the investor may be able to recover only a portion of the net amount of gains on its transactions and of the margin owed to it, potentially resulting in losses to the investor. Swaps that are not centrally cleared involve the risk that a loss may be sustained as a result of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty or the failure of the counterparty

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to make required payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the agreement. If a counterparty's creditworthiness declines, the value of the swap might decline, potentially resulting in losses to a Fund. Changing conditions in a particular market area, whether or not directly related to the referenced assets that underlie the swap agreement, may have an adverse impact on the creditworthiness of a counterparty. To mitigate this risk, a Fund will only enter into swap agreements with counterparties considered by a sub-advisor to present minimum risk of default, and a Fund normally obtains collateral to secure its exposure. Swaps involve the risk that, if the swap declines in value, additional margin would be required to maintain the margin level. The seller may require a Fund to deposit additional sums to cover this, and this may be at short notice. If additional margin is not provided in time, the seller may liquidate the positions at a loss, which may cause a Fund to owe money to the seller. The centrally cleared and OTC swap agreements into which a Fund enters normally provide for the obligations of a Fund and its counterparty in the event of a default or other early termination to be determined on a net basis. Similarly, periodic payments on a swap transaction that are due by each party on the same day normally are netted. The use of swap agreements requires special skills, knowledge and investment techniques that differ from those required for normal portfolio management. Swaps may be considered illiquid investments, and a Fund may be unable to sell a swap agreement to a third party at a favorable price; see "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" for a description of liquidity risk. A Fund may invest in the following types of swaps:<br>

■  ***Currency Swaps.*** A currency swap involves the exchange of payments denominated in one currency for payments denominated in another. Payments are based on a notional principal amount, the value of which is fixed in exchange rate terms at the swap's inception. Currency swap agreements may be entered into on a net basis or may involve the delivery of the entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the entire principal value of another designated currency. In such cases, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk that the counterparty will default on its contractual delivery obligations. Currency swaps are also subject to currency risk.

■ **Warrants.** Warrants are options to purchase an issuer's securities at a stated price during a stated term, usually at a price below the initial offering price of the securities and before the securities are offered to the general public. 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. As a result, warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. 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. Warrants may also be linked to the performance of oil and/or the GDP of specific emerging markets. Warrants are usually freely transferable, but may not be as liquid as exchange-traded options, and the market for warrants may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price.

**Equity Investments —** A Fund may invest in the following equity securities:

■ **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 stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

■ **Depositary Receipts.** A Fund may invest in depositary receipts, which represent ownership interests in securities of foreign companies (an "underlying issuer") that have been deposited with a bank or trust and that trade on an exchange or OTC. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, and they are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate. 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 a 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 issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts 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 a 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. A Fund may invest in the following type of depositary receipts:

■  ***ADRs.*** ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution, traded in U.S. securities markets.

■  ***EDRs.*** EDRs, which are sometimes called Continental Depositary Receipts, are issued in Europe in bearer form and are traded in European securities markets.

■  ***GDRs.*** GDRs are in bearer form and traded in both the U.S. and European securities markets.

■  ***NVDRs.*** NVDRs represent financial interests in an issuer but the holder is not entitled to any voting rights.

■ **Income Deposit Securities** **.** A Fund may purchase IDSs. Each IDS represents two separate securities, shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by the same company, that are combined into one unit that trades like a stock on an exchange. Holders of IDSs receive dividends on the common shares and interest at a fixed rate on the subordinated notes to produce a blended yield. An IDS is typically listed on a stock exchange, but

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the underlying securities typically are not listed on the exchange until a period of time after the listing of the IDS or upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change of control of the issuer of the IDS). When the underlying securities are listed, the holders of IDSs generally have the right to separate the components of the IDSs and trade them separately.<br>

There may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting common stock and subordinated debt securities, including the issuer's actual or perceived ability to pay interest and principal on the notes and pay dividends on the stock.<br>

The federal income tax treatment of IDSs is not entirely clear and there is no authority that directly addresses the tax treatment of securities with terms substantially similar to IDSs. Among other things, although it is expected that the subordinated notes portion of an IDS will be treated as debt, if it is characterized as equity rather than debt, then interest paid on the notes could be treated as dividends (to the extent paid out of the issuer's earnings and profits).<br>

■ **Income Trusts.** A Fund may invest in shares of income trusts, including Canadian royalty trusts. An income trust is an investment trust which holds income-producing assets and generally distributes the income generated by such assets on to its security holders. Income trusts also may include royalty trusts, a particular type of income trust whose securities are listed on a stock exchange and which controls an underlying company whose business relates to, without limitation, the acquisition, exploitation, production and sale of oil and natural gas. The main attraction of an income trust is its ability to generate constant cash flows. Income trusts have the potential to deliver higher yields than bonds. During periods of low interest rates, income trusts may achieve higher yields compared with cash investments. During periods of increasing rates, the opposite may be true. Income trusts may experience losses during periods of both low and high interest rates.

Income trusts generally are structured to avoid income taxes at the entity level. In a traditional corporate tax structure, net income is taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to its shareholders. Under current law, an income trust, if properly structured, should not be subject to federal income tax. This flow-through structure means that the distributions to income trust investors are generally higher than dividends from an equivalent corporate entity.<br>

Despite the potential for attractive regular payments, income trusts are equity investments, not fixed-income securities, and they share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership, including operating risk based on the income trusts' underlying assets and their respective businesses. Such risks may include lack of, or limited, operating histories. In addition, an income trust may lack diversification and potential growth may be sacrificed because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the business. Because income trusts may pay out more than their net income, the unitholder equity (capital) may decline over time. Income trusts often grow through acquisition of additional assets, funded through the issuance of additional equity or, where the trust is able, additional debt. Income trusts do not guarantee minimum distributions or even return of capital; therefore, if the business of a trust starts to lose money, the trust can reduce or even eliminate distributions. The tax structure of income trusts described above, which would allow income to flow through to investors and be taxed only at the investor level, could be challenged under existing law, or the tax laws could change. Royalty trusts and income trusts frequently are found in Canada, and an investment in a Canadian trust will be subject to certain additional risks of investing in foreign securities.<br>

■ **Initial Public Offerings.** A Fund can invest in 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 a 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 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. IPOs may adversely impact a Fund's performance. However, the impact of IPOs on a Fund's performance will likely decrease as a Fund's asset size increases.

■ **Master Limited Partnerships.** A Fund may invest in publicly traded partnerships such as MLPs. MLPs issue units that are registered with the SEC and are freely tradable on a securities exchange or in the OTC market. An MLP may have one or more general partners, who conduct the business, and one or more limited partners, who contribute capital. The general partner or partners are jointly and severally responsible for the liabilities of the MLP. An MLP also may be an entity similar to a limited partnership, such as an LLC, which has one or more managers or managing members and non-managing members (who are like limited partners). A Fund will invest in an MLP as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amount that a Fund has invested therein. However, as a limited partner, a Fund would not be shielded to the same extent that a stockholder of a corporation would be. In certain instances, creditors of an MLP would have the right to seek a return of capital that had been distributed to a limited partner. This right of an MLP's creditors would continue even after a Fund had sold its investment in the partnership. Holders of MLP units have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership than owners of common stock. MLPs typically invest in real estate and oil and gas equipment leasing assets, but they also finance entertainment, research and development, and other projects.

**ESG Considerations** — Environmental, social, and/or governance ("ESG") considerations, either quantitative or qualitative, may be utilized as a component of a Fund's investment process to implement its investment strategies. Since ESG considerations are not the only component that may be evaluated by a sub-advisor, the issuers in which a Fund invests may not be considered ESG issuers or have good ESG ratings. To the extent that a Fund utilizes such considerations as a component of a Fund's investment process, a Fund's performance may be affected depending on whether such considerations are in or out of favor and relative to similar funds that do not include such considerations in the investment process. There is no guarantee that the utilization of ESG considerations will be additive to a Fund's performance. ESG considerations may vary across types of investments and issuers, and not every such consideration may be identified, evaluated, or evaluated in the same manner. ESG norms also differ by country and region, and an issuer's ESG practices or a sub-advisor's assessment process of such considerations may change over time. There are significant differences in interpretations of what it means for a company to have good ESG characteristics, and a Fund may underperform other funds that use different considerations and/or a different methodology in evaluating such considerations. Information used by a Fund to evaluate such considerations,

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;including the use of third-party research, if any, may not be readily available, complete or accurate, and may vary across third-party research providers and issuers, which could negatively impact a Fund's ability to accurately assess an issuer. As investors can differ in their views regarding the meaning of ESG considerations, a Fund may invest in companies that do not reflect the beliefs and values of any particular investor. The regulatory landscape with respect to ESG investing in the United States is still developing, and future rules and regulations may require a Fund to modify or alter its investment process with respect to the use of such considerations.

**Expense Risk** — Fund expenses are subject to a variety of factors, including fluctuations in a Fund's net assets. Accordingly, actual expenses may be greater or less than those indicated. For example, to the extent that a Fund's net assets decrease due to market declines or redemptions, a Fund's expenses will increase as a percentage of Fund net assets. During periods of high market volatility, these increases in a Fund's expense ratio could be significant.

**Fixed-Income Investments** — A Fund may hold debt instruments, including government and corporate debt instruments, and other fixed-income securities. To the extent that a Fund invests in derivatives tied to fixed-income securities, a Fund may be more substantially exposed to these risks than a portfolio that does not invest in such derivatives. Typically, the values of fixed-income securities change inversely with prevailing interest rates. Therefore, a fundamental risk of fixed-income securities is interest rate risk, which is the risk that their value will generally decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause a Fund's 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. However, calculations of maturity and duration may be based on estimates and may not reliably predict a security's price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In addition, different interest rate measures (such as short- and long-term interest rates and U.S. and non-U.S. interest rates), or interest rates on different types of securities or securities of different issuers, may not necessarily change in the same amount or in the same direction. Investments in fixed-income securities with very low or negative interest rates may diminish a Fund's yield and performance. Conversely, if rising interest rates cause a Fund to lose value, a Fund could face increased shareholder redemptions, which may lead to increased portfolio turnover and transaction costs. An increase in shareholder redemptions could also force a Fund to liquidate investments at disadvantageous times or prices, therefore adversely affecting a Fund as well as the value of your investment. For fixed-income securities with variable or floating rates, the interest rates reset when the specified index or reference rate changes. 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 or unwilling 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 is similar to call risk, which is the risk that the issuer of a debt security may repay the security early. This may result in a Fund not enjoying the increase in the security's market price that usually accompanies a decline in rates, and also having to reinvest its proceeds in lower yielding securities. Fixed-income securities may also be subject to valuation risk and liquidity risk. Valuation risk is the risk that one or more of the fixed-income securities in which a Fund invests are priced differently than the value realized upon such security's sale. In times of market instability, valuation may be more difficult. Liquidity risk is the risk that fixed-income securities may be difficult or impossible to sell at the time that a Fund would like or at the price a sub-advisor believes the security is currently worth. To the extent a Fund invests in fixed-income securities in a particular industry or economic sector, its share values may fluctuate in response to events affecting that industry or sector. 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.

Fixed-income securities are also subject to market risk. The market for certain fixed-income securities may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. Recent and potential future changes in government monetary policy may also affect the level of interest rates. A Fund may be subject to heightened interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve ends a quantitative easing program and/or raises interest rates. The end of quantitative easing and/or rising interest rates may expose fixed-income markets to increased volatility and may reduce the liquidity of certain investments. These developments could cause a Fund's NAV to fluctuate or make it more difficult for a Fund to accurately value its securities. The amount of assets deemed illiquid remaining within a Fund may also increase, making it more difficult to meet shareholder redemptions and further adversely affecting the value of a Fund.

In addition, specific types of fixed-income securities in which a Fund may invest are subject to the risks described elsewhere in this SAI.

■ **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 generally will decline as prevailing interest rates rise, which may cause a 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. They 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.

■ **Master Demand Note** **s.** Master demand notes are direct arrangements, between a lender and a corporate borrower, that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts of money at varying rates of interest. They permit daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The lender has the right to increase or decrease the amount it lends under the note at any time, up to the full amount provided by the note agreement. The borrower may prepay up to the full amount of the note without penalty. These notes may or may not be backed by bank letters of credit. These notes are direct lending arrangements between the lender and borrower, and there is no secondary market for them. The principal plus accrued interest is redeemable at any time, however. This right to redeem the notes depends on the ability of the borrower to make the specified

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payment on demand. The sub-advisors will consider the earning power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of an issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes make demand simultaneously. Investments in master demand notes may be subject to limited liquidity.<br>

**Foreign Investing** — A Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar-denominated equity, debt and derivative instruments of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks. 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 investments 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 may include: the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the impact of economic, political, social, diplomatic or other conditions or events (including, for example, military confrontations and actions, war, other conflicts, terrorism, and disease/virus outbreaks and epidemics); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less or less reliable information about the securities and business operations of foreign 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 purchases, tracking and custody; the difficulty of predicting international trade patterns and the possibility of exchange controls or limitations on the removal of funds or assets; and possibly more limited legal remedies and access to the courts available to enforce a Fund's rights as an investor. The prices of such securities may be more volatile than those of domestic securities. Non-U.S. equity securities may trade at price/earnings multiples higher than comparable U.S. securities, and such levels may not be sustainable. The economies of many of the countries in which a Fund may invest are not as developed as the U.S. economy, and individual foreign economies can 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. Certain such economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Individual foreign companies also may differ favorably or unfavorably from U.S. companies in the same industry.

Foreign stock markets are generally not as developed or efficient as, and may be more volatile than, those in the United States. While growing in volume, they usually have substantially less trading volume than U.S. markets. As a result, foreign securities may trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater or lower price volatility. A Fund may be exposed to risks in the process of clearing and settling trades and the holding of securities by foreign banks, agents and depositories. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. 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. Investments in emerging markets may be subject to greater custody risks than investments in more developed markets. 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. Trading practices, including those involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may involve increased risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, and may involve substantial delays. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of a Fund is not invested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of a Fund to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause a Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result in losses to a Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the securities or, if a Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. In addition, certain foreign markets may institute share blocking, which is a practice under which an issuer's securities are blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders takes place. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. Share blocking may prevent a Fund from buying or selling securities during this period, because during the time shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. It may be difficult or impossible to lift blocking restrictions, with the particular requirements varying widely by country. As a consequence of these restrictions, a sub-advisor, on behalf of a Fund, may elect not to vote proxies in markets that require share blocking. 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 payments, often affect interest rates in other countries.

Economic sanctions and other similar governmental actions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate a Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities, and thus may prevent a Fund from making investments or make a Fund's investments in such securities less liquid or more difficult to value. In addition, as a result of economic sanctions, a Fund may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to a Fund. The risks posed by sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent a Fund invests significantly in the affected country or region or in issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets.

Investing in foreign currency denominated investments involves not only the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described above, but also the additional risks of adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and 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. Some governments may impose a tax on purchases by foreign investors of certain securities that trade in their country. Countries may amend or revise their existing tax laws, regulations and/or procedures in the future, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in or uncertainties regarding the laws, regulations or procedures of a country could reduce the after-tax profits of a Fund, directly or indirectly, including by reducing the after-tax profits of companies located in such countries in which a Fund invests, or result in unexpected tax liabilities for a Fund. Commissions on foreign securities exchanges are often at fixed rates and are generally higher than those negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, as are transaction costs, although a sub-advisor endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.

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A 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 a Fund to invest directly in an issuer's common stock. 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.

A Fund may be subject to the risk that its share price may be exposed to arbitrage attempts by investors seeking to capitalize on differences in the values of foreign securities trading on foreign exchanges that may close before the time a Fund's net asset value is determined. If such arbitrage attempts are successful, a Fund's net asset value might be diluted.

The use of fair value pricing in certain circumstances may help deter such arbitrage activities. The effect of such fair value pricing is that foreign securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary foreign securities market in which they are traded, but rather may be fair valued. As such, fair value pricing is based on subjective judgment, and it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale of a foreign security. It is also possible that use of fair value pricing will limit an investment adviser's ability to implement a Fund's investment strategy (e.g., reducing the volatility of a Fund's share price) or achieve its investment objectives. The Funds' market timing and frequent trading policies and procedures also are intended to help deter arbitrage activities.

■ **Emerging Market Securities.** A Fund may invest in emerging market securities. A 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. 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 a 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. These risks are discussed below. *Economies:* The economies of 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, reliable access to capital, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, balance of payments and trade difficulties. Some economies are less well developed and less diverse (for example, Latin America, Eastern Europe and certain Asian countries), and may be heavily dependent upon international trade, as well as the economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. Such economies accordingly have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist or retaliatory measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Similarly, many of these countries have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of national and external debt, severe recession, and extreme poverty and unemployment. 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. Emerging market economies may develop unevenly or may never fully develop. 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. *Governments:* Emerging markets may have uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability. While government involvement in the private sector varies in degree among emerging market countries, such involvement may in some cases include government ownership of companies in certain sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist measures. 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 addition, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, confiscatory taxation or creation of government monopolies to the possible detriment of a Fund's investments. In such event, it is possible that a Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets. Emerging market countries may have national policies that limit a Fund's investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. Repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some emerging market countries. In addition, if a Fund invests in a market where restrictions are considered acceptable, a country could impose new or additional repatriation restrictions after investment that are unacceptable. This might require, among other things, applying to the appropriate authorities for a waiver of the restrictions or engaging in transactions in other markets designed to offset the risks of decline in that country. Further, some attractive securities may not be available, or may require a premium for purchase, due to foreign shareholders already holding the maximum amount legally permissible. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with emerging capital markets may impose differential capital gain taxes on foreign investors. An 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. There may be 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.

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*Capital Markets:* The capital markets in emerging market countries may be underdeveloped. They may have 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. 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 a Fund's acquisition or disposal of securities. 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. Investing in certain countries with emerging capital markets 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. There may also be custodial restrictions or other non-U.S. or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to investments in emerging market countries.<br>Practices in relation to settlement of securities transactions in emerging markets involve higher risks than those in developed markets, in part because a Fund may use brokers and counterparties that are less well capitalized, and custody and registration of assets in some countries may be unreliable. Supervisory authorities also may be unable to apply standards comparable to those in developed markets. Thus, there may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to a Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. In particular, market practice may require that payment be made before receipt of the security being purchased or that delivery of a security be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (the "counterparty") through whom the transaction is effected might cause a Fund to suffer a loss. There can be no certainty that a Fund will be successful in eliminating counterparty risk, particularly as counterparties operating in emerging market countries frequently lack the substance or financial resources of those in developed countries. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise with respect to securities held by or to be transferred to a Fund.<br>Regulatory authorities in some emerging markets currently do not provide the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board with the ability to inspect public accounting firms as required by U.S. law, including sufficient access to inspect audit work papers and practices, or otherwise do not cooperate with U.S. regulators, which potentially could expose investors to significant risks.<br>*Legal Systems:* Investments in emerging market countries may be affected by the lack, or relatively early development, of legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property. 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. Many emerging market countries have little experience with the corporate form of business organization and may not have well-developed corporation and business laws or concepts of fiduciary duty in the business context. The organizational structures of certain issuers in emerging markets may limit investor rights and recourse.<br>A Fund may encounter substantial difficulties in obtaining and enforcing judgments against individuals and companies located in certain emerging market countries, either individually or in combination with other shareholders. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce legislation or remedies against governments, their agencies and sponsored entities. Additionally, in certain emerging market countries, fraud, corruption and attempts at market manipulation may be more prevalent than in developed market countries. Shareholder claims that are common in the U.S. and are generally viewed as determining misconduct, including class action securities law and fraud claims, generally are difficult or impossible to pursue as a matter of law or practicality in many emerging markets.<br>The laws in certain countries with emerging capital markets 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 a Fund.<br>Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The extent and duration of the military action, resulting sanctions and resulting future market disruptions, including declines in its stock markets and the value of the ruble against the U.S. dollar, are impossible to predict, but could be significant. Any such disruptions caused by Russian military action or other actions (including cyberattacks and espionage) or resulting actual and threatened responses to such activity, including purchasing and financing restrictions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Russian government, Russian companies or Russian individuals, including politicians, may impact Russia's economy and Russian issuers of securities in which a Fund invests. Actual and threatened responses to such activity, including purchasing restrictions, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Russian government or Russian companies, may impact Russia's economy and Russian issuers of securities in which a Fund invests. Actual and threatened responses to such military action may also impact the markets for certain Russian commodities, such as oil and natural gas, as well as other sectors of the Russian economy, and may likely have collateral impacts on such sectors globally, and may negatively affect global supply chains, inflation and global growth. These and any related events could significantly impact a Fund's performance and the value of an investment in a Fund, even if a Fund does not have direct exposure to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the invasion.<br>Governments in the United States and many other countries (collectively, the "Sanctioning Bodies") have imposed economic sanctions, which can consist of prohibiting certain securities trades, certain private transactions in the energy sector, asset freezes and prohibition of all business, against certain Russian individuals, including politicians, and Russian corporate and banking entities. The Sanctioning Bodies, or others, could also institute broader sanctions on Russia, including banning Russia from global payments systems that facilitate cross-border payments. These sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities and/or funds invested in prohibited assets, impairing the ability of a Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities and/or assets. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities.<br>

■ **European Securities**. A Fund's performance may be affected by political, social and economic conditions in Europe, such as the growth of the economic output (the gross national product of the countries in the region), the rate of inflation, the rate at which capital is reinvested into European economies, the success of governmental actions to reduce budget deficits, the resource self-sufficiency of European countries, interest rates in European countries, monetary exchange rates between European countries, and conflict between European countries.

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The Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") of the European Union ("EU") is comprised of EU members that have adopted the euro currency. By adopting the euro as its currency, a member state relinquishes control of its own monetary policies and is subject to fiscal and monetary controls. The EMU requires Eurozone countries to comply with restrictions on interest rates, deficits, debt levels, and inflation rates, fiscal and monetary controls, and other factors. Although the EMU has adopted a common currency and central bank, there is no fiscal union; therefore, money does not automatically flow from countries with surpluses to those with deficits. These restrictions and characteristics may limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions and significantly impact every European country and their economic partners, including those countries that are not members of the EMU. In addition, those EU member states that are not currently in the Eurozone (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden), excluding Denmark, are required to seek to comply with convergence criteria to permit entry to the Eurozone. The economies and markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European countries. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or other regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro or other European currency, the threat of default or actual default by one or more EU member countries, or other European countries, on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in one or more European countries may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other European countries and major trading partners outside Europe.<br>The European financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns; rising government debt levels and national unemployment; the possible default of government debt in several European countries; public health crises; political unrest; economic sanctions; inflation; energy crises; the future of the euro as a common currency; and war and military conflict, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures and other reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or may have unintended consequences. In order to prevent further economic deterioration, certain countries, without prior warning, can institute "capital controls." Countries may use these controls to restrict volatile movements of capital entering and exiting their country. Such controls may negatively affect a Fund's investments. In addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro and/or withdraw from the EU. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, could be significant and far-reaching. Many European nations are susceptible to economic risks associated with high levels of debt. Non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts, and other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations. A default or debt restructuring by any European country could adversely impact holders of that country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country's creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries. Such a default or debt restructuring could affect exposures to other European countries and their financial companies as well. Further defaults on, or restructurings of, the debt of governments or other entities could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, issuers may face difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions may require government or central bank support, or need to raise capital, and/or be impaired in their ability to extend credit. Furthermore, certain European countries have had to accept assistance from supranational agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Stability Mechanism or others. The European Central Bank has also intervened to purchase Eurozone debt in an attempt to stabilize markets and reduce borrowing costs. There can be no assurance that any creditors or supranational agencies will continue to intervene or provide further assistance, and markets may react adversely to any expected reduction in the financial support provided by these creditors. Certain European countries have also developed increasingly strained relationships with the U.S., and if these relationships were to worsen, they could adversely affect European issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade.<br>In addition, the national politics of European countries have been unpredictable and subject to influence by disruptive political groups, ideologies, and polarizing political events such as the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Secessionist movements, as well as government or other responses to such movements, may create instability and uncertainty in a country or region. European governments may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe and in the Middle East also could impact financial markets, as could military conflicts. For example, Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and retaliatory action, may disrupt supply chains and cause difficulties for impacted businesses, including those that wish to ship goods through that route. The impact of these kinds of events could be significant and far-reaching and materially impact the value and liquidity of a Fund's investments. Russia's war with Ukraine has negatively impacted European economic activity. The Russia/Ukraine war and Russia's response to sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other countries are impossible to predict, but have severely impacted the performance of the economies of European and other countries, including through adverse effects to global financial and energy markets, global supply chains and global growth, and consequential inflation. Investments in companies with contractual relationships with Russian counterparties, or with significant operations and/or assets in Russia could be adversely impacted by the new legal, political, and regulatory environment, whether by increased costs or the termination of business plans or operations due to sanctions. Various companies operating in Russia, or with Russian counterparties, have faced difficulties enforcing Russian debts or contractual reliefs due to the Russian court's hostility towards European companies in response to sanctions.<br>Certain countries have applied to become new member countries of the EU, and these candidate countries' accessions may become more controversial to the existing EU members. Some member states may repudiate certain candidate countries joining the EU due to concerns about the possible economic, immigration and cultural implications. Certain other countries have applied to join or, in the case of Finland and Sweden, have recently joined, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ("NATO"). Russia is understood to oppose certain expansions, or potential expansions, of NATO and the EU, and its reaction to such developments could negatively impact European economic activity. The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020 and entered into a transition period, which ended on December 31, 2020. The longer-term economic, legal, and political framework between the United Kingdom and the EU is still developing and may lead to ongoing political and economic uncertainty in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the global market. Investments in companies with significant operations and/or assets in the United Kingdom could be adversely impacted by the new legal, political, and regulatory environment, whether by increased costs or impediments to the <br>

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implementation of business plans. The uncertainty resulting from any further exits from the EU, or the possibility of such exits, would also be likely to cause market disruption in the EU and more broadly across the global economy, as well as introduce further legal, political, and regulatory uncertainty in Europe.<br>

■ **Japanese Securities**. A Fund's investments in the securities of Japanese issuers mean that the Fund is susceptible to changes in Japanese economic and political conditions, the reliability of financial information available concerning these issuers, and the legal, tax and regulatory environment surrounding these issuers. The Japanese economy is heavily dependent upon international trade and may be adversely affected by global competition, trade tariffs, embargos, boycotts and other government interventions and protectionist measures, excessive regulation, changes in international trade agreements, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain issues, the economic conditions of its trading partners, the performance of the global economy, and regional and global conflicts. The domestic Japanese economy faces several concerns, including large government deficits, workforce shortages, and inflation. Japan also has an aging workforce and has experienced a significant population decline in recent years. Japan's labor market appears to be undergoing fundamental structural changes, as a labor market traditionally accustomed to lifetime employment adjusts to meet the need for increased labor mobility, which may adversely affect Japan's economic competitiveness. Japan's financial system faces several concerns, including extensive cross-ownership by major corporations, a changing corporate governance structure, and large government deficits, each of which may cause a slowdown of the Japanese economy. In addition, the Japanese economic growth rate could be impacted by Bank of Japan monetary policies, rising interest rates, tax increases, budget deficits, consumer confidence and volatility in the Japanese yen. The Japanese government tax and fiscal policies may also have negative impacts on the Japanese economy. Currency fluctuations, which have been significant at times, can have a considerable impact on exports and the overall Japanese economy. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely during recent periods and may be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. In addition, the yen has had a history of unpredictable and volatile movements against the U.S. dollar. Japanese intervention in the currency markets could cause the value of the yen to fluctuate sharply and unpredictably and could cause losses to investors. A weak yen is disadvantageous to U.S. shareholders investing in yen-denominated securities. A strong yen, however, could be an impediment to strong continued exports and economic recovery because it makes Japanese goods sold in other countries more expensive and reduces the value of foreign earnings repatriated to Japan. Japan is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanic eruptions, which may have a significant impact on the business operations of Japanese companies in the affected regions and Japan's economy. Japan has one of the world's highest population densities, with a significant percentage of its total population concentrated in the metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. A natural disaster centered in or very near to one of these cities could have a particularly devastating effect on Japan's financial markets. Japan also faces risks associated with climate change and transitioning to a lower-carbon economy. Relations with its neighbors, particularly China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, have at times been strained due to territorial disputes, historical animosities and defense concerns. Political tensions between Japan and its trading partners could adversely affect the economy, especially the export sector, and destabilize the region as a whole. In addition, Japan's high volume of exports has cause trade tensions with Japan's trading partners, particularly the United States. Japan's export industry, its most important economic sector, depends heavily on imported raw materials and fuels, including iron ore, copper, oil and many forest products. A significant portion of Japan's trade is conducted with emerging market countries, almost all of which are located in East and Southeast Asia, and it can be affected by conditions in these other countries and currency fluctuations. Because of the concentration of Japanese exports in highly visible products such as automobiles and technology, and the large trade surpluses ensuing therefrom, Japan has historically depended on oil for most of its energy requirements. Almost all of its oil is imported, the majority from the Middle East. In the past, oil prices have had a major impact on the domestic economy, but more recently Japan has worked to reduce its dependence on oil by encouraging energy conservation and use of alternative fuels. In addition, a restructuring of industry, with emphasis shifting from basic industries to processing and assembly type industries, has contributed to the reduction of oil consumption. However, there is no guarantee that this trend will continue, and Japan remains sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices, and a substantial rise in world oil or commodity prices could have a negative effect on its economy.

■ **Middle East Securities**. Many Middle Eastern countries have little or no democratic tradition and are prone to political turbulence, and the political and legal systems in such countries may have an adverse impact on a Fund. Certain economies in the Middle East are highly reliant on income from the exports of primary commodities, such as oil, or trade with countries involved in the sale of oil, and their economies are therefore vulnerable to changes in the market for oil, as well as foreign currency values. As global demand for oil fluctuates, many Middle Eastern economies may be significantly impacted. Additionally, the economies of many Middle Eastern countries are largely dependent on, and linked together by, certain commodities (such as gold, silver, copper, diamonds, and oil). As a result, Middle Eastern economies are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices, and fluctuations in demand for these commodities could significantly impact economies in these regions. A downturn in one country's economy could have a disproportionately large effect on others in the region. Many Middle Eastern governments have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, a Middle Eastern country's government may own or control many companies, including some of the largest companies in the country. Accordingly, governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in Middle Eastern countries, and a country's government may act in a detrimental or hostile manner toward private enterprise or foreign investment. This could affect private sector companies and a Fund, as well as the value of securities in a Fund's portfolio. Certain Middle Eastern markets are in the earliest stages of development and may be considered "developing markets." Financial markets in the Middle East generally are less liquid and more volatile than other markets, including markets in developed and other emerging economies. As a result, there may be a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Brokers in Middle Eastern countries typically are fewer in number and less well-capitalized than brokers in the United States. Since a Fund may need to effect securities transactions through these brokers, a Fund is subject to the risk that these brokers will not be able to fulfill their obligations to a Fund (i.e., counterparty risk). Changes in investment policies or shifts in the prevailing political climate could result in the introduction of changes to government regulations with respect to price controls, export and import controls, income and other taxes, foreign ownership restrictions, foreign exchange and currency controls and labor and welfare benefit

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policies. Unexpected changes in these policies or regulations could lead to increased investment, operating or compliance expenses. In addition, governments could determine to implement interventions such as expropriation or nationalization of assets, increased protectionism and the introduction of tariffs or subsidies. Any of the above risk is magnified to the extent that a Fund effects securities transactions through a single broker or a small number of brokers. In addition, securities may have limited marketability and be subject to erratic price movements.<br>The legal systems in certain Middle Eastern countries also may have an adverse impact on a Fund. For example, the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation generally is limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment. However, the concept of limited liability is less clear in certain Middle Eastern countries. A Fund therefore may be liable in certain Middle Eastern countries for the acts of a corporation in which it invests for an amount greater than its actual investment in that corporation. Similarly, the rights of investors in Middle Eastern issuers may be more limited than those of shareholders of a U.S. corporation. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce a legal judgment in a Middle Eastern country. Some Middle Eastern countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as a Fund. For example, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investment by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer. Certain Middle Eastern countries may also limit the investment by foreign persons to a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals of the relevant Middle Eastern country.<br>The manner in which foreign investors may invest in issuers in certain Middle Eastern countries, as well as limitations on those investments, may have an adverse impact on the operations of a Fund. For example, in certain of these countries, a Fund may be required to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares that were purchased re-registered in the name of the Fund. Re-registration in some instances may not be possible on a timely basis. This may result in a delay during which a Fund may be denied certain of its rights as an investor, including rights as to dividends or to be made aware of certain corporate actions. There also may be instances where a Fund places a purchase order but is subsequently informed, at the time of re-registration, that the permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has been filled and, consequently, the Fund may not be able to invest in the relevant company.<br>Substantial limitations may exist in certain Middle Eastern countries with respect to a Fund's ability to repatriate investment income or capital gains. A Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investment. Certain Middle Eastern countries may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, consequently, have been and may continue to be negatively 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 countries also have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. In addition, certain issuers located in Middle Eastern countries in which a Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United Nations, and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. A Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks. Such sanctions and/or embargoes may also negatively impact the value or liquidity of a Fund's investments.<br>Certain Middle Eastern countries have strained relations with other Middle Eastern countries due to territorial and sovereignty disputes, historical animosities, international alliances, religious tensions or defense concerns, which may periodically become violent and may adversely affect the economies of these countries. In October 2023, armed conflict broke out between Israel and the militant group Hamas after Hamas infiltrated Israel's southern border from the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and Israeli Defense Forces invaded the Gaza Strip. The war has resulted in significant loss of life and increased volatility in the Middle East, and there is a risk that the war could worsen or spread within the region or beyond. Current hostilities as well as the threat of future escalation may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries, including increased volatility in the share price of companies based in or with operations in the region, local securities trading suspensions, local securities market closures (including for extended periods), a lack of transparency concerning Israeli issuers or other local market information, and increased restrictions on foreign investment or repatriation of capital. While it is not possible to predict the extent and duration of any such conflict, the resulting market disruptions could be significant, including in certain industries or sectors, such as the oil and natural gas markets, and may negatively affect global supply chains, inflation and global growth. These and any related events could significantly impact a Fund's performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, even if the Fund does not have direct exposure to Israeli issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the war. Events in Israel, Gaza and the greater Middle East region are rapidly evolving. The extent, duration and impact of this war or related conflicts, and related sanctions and retaliatory actions, are impossible to predict, but could be significant and have adverse effects on the regional economies, the global economy, and the markets for certain securities and commodities.<br>Certain Middle Eastern countries experience significant unemployment as well as widespread underemployment. Many Middle Eastern countries periodically have experienced political, economic and social unrest as protestors have called for widespread reform. Some of these protests have resulted in a governmental regime change, internal conflict or civil war. In some instances where pro-democracy movements successfully toppled regimes, the stability of successor regimes has at times proven weak, as evidenced, for example, in Egypt. In other instances, these changes have devolved into armed conflict involving local factions, regional allies or international forces, and even protracted civil wars. If further regime change were to occur, internal conflicts were to intensify, or a civil war were to continue in any of these countries, such instability could adversely affect the economies of these Middle Eastern countries in which a Fund invests and could decrease the value of a Fund's investments.<br>Middle Eastern economies may be subject to acts of terrorism, political strife, religious, ethnic or socioeconomic unrest, conflict and violence and sudden outbreaks of hostilities with neighboring countries. There has been an increase in recruitment efforts and an aggressive push for territorial control by terrorist groups in the region, which has led to an outbreak of warfare and hostilities. Such hostilities may continue into the future or may escalate at any time due to ethnic, racial, political, religious or ideological tensions between groups in the region or foreign intervention or lack of intervention, among other factors. These developments could adversely affect a Fund.<br>

■ **Pacific Basin Securities**. The Pacific Basin region includes countries in various stages of economic development. Many Pacific Basin 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

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in companies whose revenues are substantially in currencies that are devalued) will likely decrease the value of a Fund's investments. Some developing Pacific Basin countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as a Fund. For example, 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 nationals of the relevant country. There can be no assurance that a 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 a 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. Any of the above could adversely affect the value of a Fund's investments.<br>

**Growth Companies** — Growth companies are those that are expected to have the potential for above-average or rapid growth. Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met or earnings decrease, the prices of these securities may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. A Fund's investments in growth companies may be more sensitive to company earnings and more volatile than the market in general primarily because their stock prices are based heavily on future expectations. If an assessment of the prospects for a company's growth is incorrect, then the price of the company's stock may fall or not approach the value placed on it. Growth company securities may lack the dividend yield that can cushion prices in market downturns. Growth companies may have limited operating histories and greater business risks, and their potential for profitability may be dependent on regulatory approval of their products or regulatory developments affecting certain sectors, which could have an adverse impact upon growth companies' future growth and profitability. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. A 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.

**Illiquid and Restricted Securities** — Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days.

Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Such securities include those 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 pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Section 4(a)(2) securities"). Such securities are restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally, are sold to institutional investors, such as a Fund, that agree they are purchasing the securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public. 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. 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. 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. Rule 144A under the Securities Act 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 a Fund qualify under Rule 144A and an institutional market develops for those securities, a Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that institutional buyers are uninterested in purchasing restricted securities, a Fund's investment in such securities could have the effect of reducing a Fund's liquidity. A determination could be made that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid.

Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities, and a 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. 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. In addition, a Fund may get only limited information about an issuer of such a security, so it may be less able to predict a loss. A 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. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing a Fund's NAV.

**Inflation Index-Linked Securities** — Inflation index-linked securities, also known as "inflation-protected securities," are fixed-income instruments structured such that their interest payments and principal amounts are adjusted to keep up with inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers use a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Other issuers pay out the index-based accruals as part of its coupon.

The U.S. Treasury is obligated to repay at least the greater of the original principal value or accrued principal value at maturity for inflation index-linked securities issued directly by the U.S. Government, which are referred to as "U.S. Treasury Inflation Protected Securities," or "TIPS," and are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. However, inflation-indexed securities of other issuers may or may not have the same principal guarantee and may repay an amount less than the original principal value at maturity. If inflation is lower than expected during the period a Fund holds the security, a Fund may earn less on it than on a conventional bond.

Inflation index-linked securities are expected to react primarily to changes in the "real" interest rate (i.e., the nominal, or stated, rate less the rate of inflation), while a typical bond reacts to changes in the nominal interest rate. Accordingly, inflation index-linked securities have characteristics of fixed-rate U.S. Treasury securities having a shorter duration. Changes in market interest rates from causes other than inflation will likely affect the market prices of inflation index-linked securities in the same manner as conventional bonds. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation

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index-linked debt security will be considered ordinary income, even though a Fund will not receive the principal until maturity. Thus, a Fund could be required, at times, to liquidate other investments in order to satisfy its distribution requirements.

There can be no assurance that the inflation index used will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. A Fund's investments in inflation index-linked securities may lose value in the event that the actual rate of inflation is different than the rate of the inflation index. The daily adjustment of the principal value of U.S. TIPS is currently tied to the non-seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers ("CPI-U"), which is calculated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. There can be no assurance that such index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. Therefore, the inflation adjustment made to TIPS may not be accurate. In addition, inflation index-linked securities are subject to risks related to the discontinuation, substitution or fundamental alteration of CPI-U or other relevant pricing indices. Such alteration, which could be effected by legislation or Executive Order, could be materially adverse to the interests of an investor in the securities or substituted with an alternative index. In periods of deflation when the inflation rate is declining, the principal value of an inflation index-linked security will be adjusted downward. This will result in a decrease in the interest payments thereon, but holders at maturity receive no less than par value. However, if a Fund purchases inflation index-linked securities in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, a Fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation.

Any increase in principal value of inflation index-linked securities caused by an increase in the index may be treated as original issue discount and taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though a Fund will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, a Fund could be required at times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its collateral requirements, to meet distribution requirements as a RIC and to eliminate any fund-level income tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code.

**Interfund Lending** — Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the Funds may participate in a credit facility whereby each Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other funds under the Manager's management 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 departments, 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 a Fund has 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. 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 a Fund's need to borrow from banks, a Fund remains free to establish and utilize lines of credit or other borrowing arrangements with banks.

**Investment Grade Securities** — Investment grade securities that a Fund may purchase, either as part of its principal investment strategy or to implement its temporary defensive policy, include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, as well as securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two rating organizations rating that security (such as S&P Global, Fitch, or Moody's) or rated in one of the four highest rating categories by one rating organization if it is the only organization rating that security. A Fund, at the discretion of the Manager or a sub-advisor, may retain a security that has been downgraded below the initial investment criteria. Please see "**Appendix C**: Ratings Definitions" for an explanation of rating categories.

**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, in some cases, for extended periods of time. Such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Large market capitalization companies generally are expected to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. However, large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion, and may instead focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share.

**Loan Interests, Participations and Assignments** — Loan interests are a form of direct debt instrument in which a Fund may invest by taking an assignment of all or a portion of an interest in a loan previously held by another institution or by acquiring a participation in an interest in a loan that continues to be held by another institution. A Fund may invest in secured and unsecured loans. Loans are subject to the same risks as Fixed-Income Investments discussed above and carry additional risks described in this section. Loan interests are different from traditional debt securities in that debt securities generally are part of a large issue of securities to the public, whereas loan interests may not be a security and may represent a specific commercial loan to a borrower.

Loan Interests. A Fund's ability to receive payments in connection with loans depends on the financial condition of the borrower. The sub-advisor may not rely solely on another lending institution's credit analysis of the borrower, but may perform its own investment analysis of the borrower. The sub-advisor's analysis may include consideration of the borrower's financial strength, managerial experience, debt coverage, additional borrowing requirements or debt maturity schedules, changing financial conditions, and responsiveness to changes in business conditions and interest rates. In addition, loan interests may not be rated by independent rating agencies and therefore, investments in a particular loan participation may depend almost exclusively on the credit analysis of the borrower performed by the sub-advisor. Loan interests of borrowers whose creditworthiness is poor involves substantially greater risks and may be highly speculative.

Loans are typically administered by a bank, insurance company, finance company or other financial institution (the "agent") for a lending syndicate of financial institutions. In a typical loan, the agent administers the terms of the loan agreement and is responsible for the collection of principal and interest and fee payments from the borrower and the apportionment of these payments to all lenders that are parties to the loan agreement. In addition, an institution (which may be the agent) may hold collateral on behalf of the lenders. Typically, under loan agreements, the agent is given broad authority in monitoring the borrower's performance and is obligated to use the same care it would use in the management of its own property.

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In asserting rights against a borrower, a Fund normally will be dependent on the willingness of the lead bank to assert these rights, or upon a vote of all the lenders to authorize the action. If an agent becomes insolvent, or has a receiver, conservator, or similar official appointed for it by the appropriate regulatory authority, or becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy proceeding, the agent's appointment may be terminated and a successor agent would be appointed. If an appropriate regulator or court determines that assets held by the agent for the benefit of purchasers of loans are subject to the claims of the agent's general or secured creditors, a Fund might incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment on a loan or suffer a loss of principal and/or interest. A Fund may be subject to similar risks when it buys a participation interest or an assignment from an intermediary.

Loans may be issued in connection with highly leveraged transactions, such as restructurings, leveraged buyouts, leveraged recapitalizations and acquisition financing. In such highly leveraged transactions, the borrower assumes large amounts of debt in order to have the financial resources to attempt to achieve its business objectives. Accordingly, loans that are part of highly leveraged transactions involve a significant risk that the borrower may default or go into bankruptcy or become insolvent. Borrowers that are in bankruptcy or restructuring may never pay off their debts or may pay only a small fraction of the amount owed. In connection with the restructuring of a loan or other direct debt instrument outside of bankruptcy court in a negotiated work-out or in the context of bankruptcy proceedings, equity securities or junior debt securities may be received in exchange for all or a portion of an interest in the loan.

A borrower must comply with various restrictive covenants in a loan agreement such as restrictions on dividend payments and limits on total debt. The loan agreement may also contain a covenant requiring the borrower to prepay the loan with any free cash flow. A breach of a covenant is normally an event of default, which provides the agent or the lenders the right to call the outstanding loan.

Loans that are fully secured offer a Fund more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. However, there is no assurance that the collateral from a secured loan in which a Fund invests can be promptly liquidated, or that its liquidation value will be equal to the value of the debt. In most loan agreements, there is no formal requirement to pledge additional collateral if the value of the initial collateral declines. As a result, a loan may not always be fully collateralized and can decline significantly in value. If a borrower becomes insolvent, access to collateral may be limited by bankruptcy and other laws. If a secured loan is foreclosed, a Fund will likely be required to bear the costs and liabilities associated with owning and disposing of the collateral. There is also a possibility that a Fund will become the owner of its pro rata share of the collateral, which may carry additional risks and liabilities. Some loans are unsecured. If the borrower defaults on an unsecured loan, a Fund will be a general creditor and will not have rights to any specific assets of the borrower.

Participation Interests. The participation by a Fund in a lender's portion of a loan typically will result in a Fund having a contractual relationship only with such lender, not with the business entity borrowing the funds. As a result, a Fund may have the right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the lender selling the participation and only upon receipt by such lender of payments from the borrower. As a result, a Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.

Assignments. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the loan agreement with the same rights and obligations as the assigning lender. Assignments may, however, be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender. In addition, a Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral.

Resale Restrictions. Loans may be subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Loans normally are not registered with the SEC or any state securities commission and are not currently listed on any securities exchange or automatic quotation system, and there may not be an active trading market for some loans. As a result, the amount of public information available about a specific loan historically has been less extensive than if the loan were registered or exchange-traded. They may also not be considered "securities," and purchasers, such as a Fund, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the strong anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws. In the absence of definitive regulatory guidance, a Fund relies on the sub-advisor's research in an attempt to avoid situations where fraud and misrepresentation could adversely affect a Fund. In addition, a Fund may be unable to sell such investments at an opportune time or may have to resell them at less than fair market value. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have an adverse impact on a Fund's ability to dispose of particular assignments or participations when necessary to meet redemptions of a Fund's shares, to meet a Fund's liquidity needs or when necessary in response to a specific economic event, such as deterioration in the creditworthiness of the borrower. In addition, transactions in loan investments may take a significant amount of time to settle (i.e., more than seven days and up to several weeks or longer). Accordingly, the proceeds from the sale of a loan investment may not be available to make additional investments or to meet redemption obligations until potentially a substantial period after the sale of the loan. The extended trade settlement periods could force a Fund to liquidate other securities to meet redemptions and may present a risk that a Fund may incur losses in order to timely honor redemptions. To the extent that any such investments are determined to be illiquid, they will be subject to a Fund's restrictions on investments in illiquid securities.

In certain circumstances, the Manager, the sub-advisor or their affiliates (including on behalf of clients other than a Fund) or a Fund may be in possession of material non-public information about a borrower as a result of its ownership of a loan and/or corporate debt security of a borrower. Because U.S. laws and regulations generally prohibit trading in securities of issuers while in possession of material, non-public information, a Fund could be unable (potentially for a substantial period of time) to trade securities or other instruments issued by the borrower when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so and, as such, could incur a loss. In circumstances when the sub-advisor or the Fund determines to avoid or to not receive non-public information about a borrower for loan investments being considered for acquisition by the Fund or held by the Fund, the Fund may be disadvantaged relative to other investors that do receive such information, and the Fund may not be able to take advantage of other investment opportunities that it may otherwise have.

Prepayment Risk. The borrower in a loan arrangement may, either at its own election or pursuant to the terms of the loan documentation, prepay amounts of the loan from time to time. Due to prepayment, the actual maturity of loans is typically shorter than their stated final maturity calculated solely on the basis of the stated life and payment schedule. The degree to which borrowers prepay loans, whether as a contractual requirement or at their election, may be affected by general business conditions, market interest rates, the borrower's financial condition and competitive conditions among lenders. Such prepayments may require a Fund to replace an investment with a lower yielding security which may have an adverse effect on a Fund's share price. Prepayments cannot be predicted with accuracy. Floating rate loans can be less sensitive to prepayment risk, but a Fund's NAV may still fluctuate in response to interest rate changes because variable interest rates may reset only periodically and may not rise or decline as much as interest rates in general.

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Lender Liability. A number of judicial decisions in the United States have upheld the right of borrowers to sue lenders or bondholders on the basis of various evolving legal theories (commonly referred to as "lender liability"). Generally, lender liability is founded upon the premise that an institutional lender or bondholder has violated a duty (whether implied or contractual) of good faith, commercial reasonableness and fair dealing owed to the borrower or issuer or has assumed a degree of control over the borrower or issuer resulting in the creation of a fiduciary duty owed to the borrower or issuer or its other creditors or stockholders. Because of the nature of its investments, a Fund may be subject to allegations of lender liability. In addition, under common law principles that in some cases form the basis for lender liability claims, if a lender or bondholder: (i) intentionally takes an action that results in the undercapitalization of a borrower to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower, (ii) engages in other inequitable conduct to the detriment of such other creditors, (iii) engages in fraud with respect to, or makes misrepresentations to, such other creditors or (iv) uses its influence as a stockholder to dominate or control a borrower to the detriment of other creditors of such borrower, a court may elect to subordinate the claim of the offending lender or bondholder to the claims of the disadvantaged creditor or creditors, a remedy called "equitable subordination." A Fund does not intend to engage in conduct that would form the basis for a successful cause of action based upon the equitable subordination doctrine; however, because of the nature of the debt obligations, a Fund may be subject to claims from creditors of an obligor that debt obligations of such obligor which are held by a Fund should be equitably subordinated. Because affiliates of, or persons related to, the Manager and/or the sub-advisor may hold equity or other interests in obligors of a Fund, a Fund could be exposed to claims for equitable subordination or lender liability or both based on such equity or other holdings.

**Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk** — Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. In addition, some companies may experience significant losses. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices also tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Micro-capitalization companies face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of a Fund's portfolio.

**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.

**Model and Data Risk** — The sub-advisor relies on proprietary mathematical quantitative models (each, a "Model") and data developed both by the sub-advisor and those supplied by third parties (collectively, "Data"). In combination, Models and Data are used to screen for potential investments and construct investment decisions. Models and Data are known to have errors, omissions, imperfections and malfunctions (collectively, "System Events").

The sub-advisor seeks to reduce the incidence and impact of System Events, to the extent feasible, through safeguards in the overall portfolio management process. Despite such safeguards, System Events will result in, among other things, the failure to properly gather and organize available data, which may have materially adverse effects on a Fund. System Events in third-party provided Data are generally entirely outside of the control of the sub-advisor. The research and modeling processes engaged in by the sub-advisor on behalf of a Fund are extremely complex and involve the use of financial, economic, econometric and statistical theories, research and modeling; the results of this investment approach must then be translated into computer code. Although the sub-advisor seeks to hire individuals skilled in each of these functions and to provide appropriate levels of oversight and employ other mitigating measures and processes, the complexity of the individual tasks, the difficulty of integrating such tasks, and the limited ability to perform "real world" testing of the end product, even with simulations and similar methodologies, raise the chances that Model code may contain one or more coding errors, thus potentially resulting in a System Event and further, one or more of such coding errors could adversely affect a Fund's investment performance.

Models rely heavily on appropriate Data inputs. However, it is impossible and impracticable to factor all relevant, available Data into forecasts, investment decisions and other parameters of the Models. The sub-advisor will use its discretion to determine what Data to gather with respect to each investment strategy and what subset of that Data the Models take into account to produce forecasts which may have an impact on ultimate investment decisions. In addition, due to the automated nature of Data gathering, the volume and depth of Data available, the complexity and often manual nature of Data cleaning, and the fact that the substantial majority of Data comes from third-party sources, it is inevitable that not all desired and/or relevant Data will be available to, or processed by, the sub-advisor at all times. Irrespective of the merit, value and/or strength of a particular Model, it will not perform as designed if incorrect Data is fed into it which may lead to a System Event potentially subjecting a Fund to a loss. Further, even if Data is input correctly, "model prices" anticipated by the Data through the Models may differ substantially from market prices. Where incorrect or incomplete Data is available, the sub-advisor may, and often will, continue to generate forecasts and make investment decisions based on the Data available to it. Additionally, the sub-advisor may determine that certain available Data, while potentially useful in generating forecasts and/or making investment decisions, is not cost effective to gather due to, among other factors, the technology costs or third-party vendor costs and, in such cases, the sub-advisor will not utilize such Data. The sub-advisor has full discretion to select the Data it utilizes. The sub-advisor may elect to use or may refrain from using any specific Data or type of Data in generating forecasts or making trading decisions with respect to the Models. The Data utilized in generating forecasts or making trading decisions underlying the Models may not be (i) the most accurate data available or (ii) free of errors. The Data set used in connection with the Models is limited. The foregoing risks associated with gathering, cleaning, culling and analysis of large amounts of Data are an inherent part of investing with a quantitative, process-driven, systematic adviser such as the sub-advisor.

When Models and Data prove to be incorrect, misleading or incomplete, any decisions made in reliance thereon expose a Fund to potential losses and such losses may be compounded over time. For example, by relying on Models and Data, the sub-advisor may be induced to buy certain investments at prices that are too high, to sell certain other investments at prices that are too low, or to miss favorable opportunities altogether. In addition, Models may incorrectly forecast future behavior, leading to potential losses. Furthermore, in unforeseen or certain low-probability scenarios (often involving a market event or disruption of some kind), Models may produce unexpected results which may or may not be System Events. Errors in Models and Data are often extremely difficult to detect, and, in the case of Models, the difficulty of detecting System Events may be exacerbated by the lack of design

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documents or specifications. Regardless of how difficult their detection appears in retrospect, some System Events may go undetected for long periods of time and some may never be detected. When a System Event is detected, a review and analysis of the circumstances that may have caused a reported System Event will be completed. Following this review, the sub-advisor in its sole discretion may choose not to address or fix such System Event, and the third party software will lead to System Events known to the sub-advisor that it chooses, in its sole discretion, not to address or fix. The degradation or impact caused by these System Events can compound over time. When a System Event is detected, the sub-advisor generally will not, as part of the review of circumstances leading to the System Event, perform a materiality analysis on the potential impact of a System Event. The sub-advisor believes that the testing and monitoring performed on Models and the controls adopted to ensure processes are undertaken with care will enable the sub-advisor to identify and address those System Events that a prudent person managing a quantitative, systematic and computerized investment program would identify and address by correcting the underlying issue(s) giving rise to the System Events, but there is no guarantee of the success of such processes. Investors should assume that System Events and their ensuing risks and impact are an inherent part of investing with a process-driven, systematic investment manager such as the sub-advisor. Accordingly, the sub-advisor does not expect to disclose discovered System Events to the Fund or to shareholders.

**Mortgage-Backed Securities** — Mortgage-backed securities may be more volatile or less liquid than more traditional debt securities. Mortgage-backed securities include both collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage pass-through certificates.

■ **Collateralized Mortgage Obligations** **("CMOs").** A CMO is a debt obligation of a legal entity that is collateralized by mortgages or mortgage-related assets. These securities may be issued by U.S. Government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or by trusts formed by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing. CMOs divide the cash flow generated from the underlying mortgages or mortgage pass-through securities into different groups referred to as "tranches," which are typically retired sequentially over time in order of priority. Interest and prepaid principal is paid, in most cases, on a monthly basis. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans or private mortgage bonds, but they are more typically collateralized by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA; FHLMC and FNMA (each a government-sponsored enterprise and may be owned entirely by private shareholders); and their income streams. The issuers of CMOs are structured as trusts or corporations established for the purpose of issuing such CMOs and often have no assets other than those underlying the securities and any credit support provided. Although payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral securing privately issued CMOs may be guaranteed by the U.S. Government or government-sponsored enterprises, these CMOs represent obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, any government-sponsored enterprise, or any other person or entity. Prepayments could cause early retirement of CMOs. Payment of interest or principal on certain tranches of CMOs may be subject to contingencies, and certain tranches may bear some or all of the risk of default on the underlying mortgages. CMO tranches are generally retired in sequence as the underlying mortgage loans in the mortgage pool are repaid. If enough mortgages are repaid ahead of schedule, the CMO tranches with the earliest maturities generally will be retired prior to their stated maturity date. Thus, the early retirement of particular tranches of a CMO would have a similar effect as the prepayment of mortgages underlying other MBS. Conversely, slower than anticipated prepayments can extend the effective maturities of CMOs, subjecting them to a greater risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates than traditional debt securities, and therefore, potentially increasing the volatility of a Fund's investments in CMOs. An increase or decrease in prepayment rates (resulting from a decrease or increase in mortgage interest rates) will affect the yield, average life, and price of CMOs. Under certain CMO structures, certain tranches have priority over others with respect to the receipt of repayments on the mortgages. Therefore, depending on the type of CMOs in which a Fund invests, the investment may be subject to a greater or lesser risk of prepayment than other types of mortgage-related securities. The prices of certain CMOs, depending on their structure and the rate of prepayments, can be volatile. Some CMOs may also not be as liquid as other securities.

■ **Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities** **("CMBSs").** CMBS include securities that reflect an interest in, and are secured by, mortgage loans on commercial real estate property. CMBS are generally multi-class or pass-through securities backed by a mortgage loan or a pool of mortgage loans secured by commercial property, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, multifamily properties and cooperative apartments. The commercial mortgage loans that underlie CMBS are generally not amortizing or not fully amortizing. That is, at their maturity date, repayment of the remaining principal balance or "balloon" is due and is repaid through the attainment of an additional loan or sale of the property. Many of the risks of investing in CMBS reflect the risk of investing in the real estate securing the underlying mortgage loans. These risks reflect the effects of local and other economic conditions on real estate markets, the ability of borrowers to make loan payments, and the ability of a property to attract and retain tenants. CMBS may be less liquid and exhibit greater price volatility than other types of mortgage- or asset-backed securities.

■ **Mortgage Dollar Rolls.** A Fund may enter into mortgage dollar rolls in which a Fund sells mortgage-backed securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase fungible securities (e.g., same type, coupon, and maturity) on a specified future date at a pre-determined price. During the roll period, a Fund would lose the right to receive principal (including prepayments of principal) and interest paid on the securities sold. However, a Fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") or fee income plus the return earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward purchase. If such benefits do not exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the Fund would incur a loss. A Fund only enters into covered dollar rolls, which means that a Fund will earmark cash or liquid securities to secure its obligation for the forward commitment to buy mortgage-backed securities plus any accrued interest, marked-to-market daily. Mortgage dollar roll transactions may be considered a borrowing under certain circumstances. Since a Fund may reinvest the cash proceeds from the sale, the transactions may involve leverage. Each mortgage dollar roll transaction is accounted for as a sale or purchase of a portfolio security and a subsequent purchase or sale of a substantially similar security in the forward market. Mortgage dollar roll transactions may result in higher transaction costs, increase interest rate risk

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or result in an increased portfolio turnover rate. Mortgage dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities subject to a Fund's forward purchase commitment may decline below, or the market value of the securities subject to a Fund's forward sale commitment may increase above, the exercise price of the forward commitment. Additionally, because dollar roll transactions do not require the purchase and sale of identical securities, the characteristics of the security delivered to a Fund may be less favorable than the security delivered to the dealer. The successful use of dollar rolls may depend upon a sub-advisor's ability to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments, depending on the underlying security. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed. In addition, in the event the buyer of the securities under a mortgage dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, a Fund's use of the proceeds of the sale portion of the transaction may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to purchase the similar securities in the forward transaction.<br>

■ **Mortgage Pass-Through Securities.** Mortgage pass-through securities are securities representing interests in "pools" of mortgages in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are generally made monthly, in effect "passing through" monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on the residential mortgage loans that underlie the securities (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities). There are generally three types of mortgage pass-through securities: (1) those issued by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, such as GNMA, FNMA, and FHLMC; (2) those issued by private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities; and (3) those issued by private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by whole mortgage loans or pass-through securities without a government guarantee but that usually have some form of private credit enhancement. The rate of pre-payments on underlying mortgages will affect the price and volatility of a mortgage-related security, and may have the effect of shortening or extending the effective duration of the security relative to what was anticipated at the time of purchase. To the extent that unanticipated rates of pre-payment on underlying mortgages increase the effective duration of a mortgage-related security, the volatility of such security can be expected to increase. Government and Government-Related Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage pass-through securities (but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, as in the case of securities guaranteed by GNMA, or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, as in the case of securities guaranteed by FNMA or FHLMC, which are supported only by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations. There are a number of important differences among the agencies of the U.S. government and government-sponsored enterprises that issue mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue. Such agencies and securities include:

■  ***GNMA Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates ("Ginnie Maes")*** — GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ginnie Maes represent an undivided interest in a pool of mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration or the Farmers Home Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. Ginnie Maes entitle the holder to receive all payments (including prepayments) of principal and interest owed by the individual mortgagors, net of fees paid to GNMA and to the issuer that assembles the mortgage pool and passes through the monthly mortgage payments to the certificate holders (typically, a mortgage banking firm), regardless of whether the individual mortgagor actually makes the payment. Because payments are made to certificate holders regardless of whether payments are actually received on the underlying mortgages, Ginnie Maes are of the "modified pass-through" mortgage certificate type. GNMA guarantees the timely payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Maes. GNMA's guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, and GNMA has unlimited authority to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under the guarantee. The market for Ginnie Maes is highly liquid because of the government guarantee, the size of the market, and the active participation in the secondary market of security dealers and a variety of investors.

■  ***FHLMC Mortgage Participation Certificates ("Freddie Macs")*** — FHLMC is a government-sponsored enterprise owned by stockholders; it is similar to Fannie Mae. FHLMC issues participation certificates that represent interests in mortgages from its national portfolio. Freddie Macs are not guaranteed by the United States and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the United States. Freddie Macs represent interests in groups of specified first lien residential conventional mortgages underwritten and owned by FHLMC. Freddie Macs entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by FHLMC. FHLMC guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. In cases where FHLMC has not guaranteed timely payment of principal, FHLMC may remit the amount due because of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable.

■  ***FNMA Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates ("Fannie Maes")*** — FNMA is a government-sponsored enterprise owned by stockholders; it is similar to Freddie Mac. It is subject to general regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Authority ("FHFA"). Fannie Maes entitle the holder to timely payment of interest, which is guaranteed by FNMA. FNMA guarantees either ultimate collection or timely payment of all principal payments on the underlying mortgage loans. In cases where FNMA has not guaranteed timely payment of principal, FNMA may remit the amount due because of its guarantee of ultimate payment of principal at any time after default on an underlying mortgage, but in no event later than one year after it becomes payable. Fannie Maes represent an undivided interest in a pool of conventional mortgage loans secured by first mortgages or deeds of trust, on one family or two to four family, residential properties. FNMA is obligated to distribute scheduled monthly installments of principal and interest on the mortgages in the pool, whether or not received, plus full principal of any foreclosed or otherwise liquidated mortgages.

The U.S. Treasury has historically had the authority to purchase obligations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. However, in 2008, due to capitalization concerns, Congress provided the Treasury with additional authority to lend Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac emergency funds and to purchase their stock. In September 2008, the Treasury and the FHFA announced that FNMA and FHLMC had been placed in conservatorship. Since that time, FNMA and FHLMC have received significant capital support through Treasury preferred stock purchases, as well as Treasury and Federal Reserve purchases of their mortgage - backed securities. The FHFA and the U.S. Treasury (through its agreement to purchase FNMA and FHLMC preferred stock) have imposed strict limits on the size of their mortgage portfolios. While the mortgage-backed securities purchase programs ended in 2010, the Treasury continued its support for the entities' capital as necessary to prevent a negative net worth. When a credit rating agency downgraded long-term U.S. Government debt in August 2011, the agency also downgraded FNMA and FHLMC's bond ratings, from AAA to AA+, based on their direct reliance <br>

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on the U.S. Government (although that rating did not directly relate to their mortgage-backed securities). In August 2012, the Treasury amended its preferred stock purchase agreements to provide that FNMA's and FHLMC's portfolios will be wound down at an annual rate of 15 percent (up from the previously agreed annual rate of 10 percent), requiring them to reach the $250 billion target by December 31, 2018. FNMA and FHLMC were below the $250 billion cap for year-end 2018.<br>On December 21, 2017, a letter agreement between the Treasury and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac changed the terms of the senior preferred stock certificates issued to the Treasury to permit the GSEs each to retain a $3 billion capital reserve, quarterly. Under the 2017 letter, each GSE paid a dividend to Treasury equal to the amount that its net worth exceeded $3 billion at the end of each quarter. On September 30, 2019, the Treasury and the FHFA, acting as conservator to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced amendments to the respective senior preferred stock certificates that will permit the GSEs to retain earnings beyond the $3 billion capital reserves previously allowed through the 2017 letter agreements. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now permitted to maintain capital reserves of $25 billion and $20 billion, respectively. In late 2020, the FHFA issued a new capital rule requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to hold $283 billion in unadjusted total capital as of June 30, 2020, based on their assets at the time. In January 2021, the FHFA and the U.S. Treasury agreed to amend the preferred stock purchase agreements for the shares in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that the federal government continues to hold. The amendments permit Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to retain all earnings until they have reached the requirements set by the 2020 capital rule.<br>The problems faced by FNMA and FHLMC, resulting from their being placed into federal conservatorship and receiving significant U.S. Government support, sparked serious debate among federal policymakers regarding the continued role of the U.S. Government in providing liquidity for mortgage loans. In December 2011, Congress enacted the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 which, among other provisions, requires that FNMA and FHLMC increase their single-family guaranty fees by at least 10 basis points and remit this increase to the Treasury with respect to all loans acquired by FNMA or FHLMC on or after April 1, 2012 and before January 1, 2022. There have been discussions among policymakers, however, as to whether FNMA and FHLMC should be nationalized, privatized, restructured or eliminated altogether. FNMA and FHLMC also are the subject of several continuing legal actions and investigations over certain accounting, disclosure or corporate governance matters, which (along with any resulting financial restatements) may continue to have an adverse effect on the guaranteeing entities.<br>Under the direction of the FHFA, FNMA and FHLMC jointly developed a common securitization platform for the issuance of a uniform mortgage-backed security ("UMBS") (the "Single Security Initiative") that aligns the characteristics of FNMA and FHLMC certificates. In June 2019, under the Single Security Initiative, FNMA and FHLMC started issuing UMBS in place of their prior offerings of TBA-eligible securities. The Single Security Initiative seeks to support the overall liquidity of the TBA market by aligning the characteristics of FNMA and FHLMC certificates. The effects that the Single Security Initiative may have on the market for TBA and other mortgage-backed securities are uncertain.<br>

■ **Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities ("SMBSs").** SMBS are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS are created when a U.S. government agency or a financial institution separates the interest and principal components of a MBS and sells them as individual securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive the entire principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). A Fund may invest in both the IO class and the PO class. The prices of stripped MBS may be particularly affected by changes in interest rates and the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets. As interest rates fall, prepayment rates tend to increase, which tends to reduce prices of IOs and increase prices of POs. Rising interest rates can have the opposite effect. The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including pre-payments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments in excess of that considered in pricing the securities may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated pre-payments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup some or all of its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories. In addition, there are certain types of IOs that represent the interest portion of a particular class as opposed to the interest portion of the entire pool. The sensitivity of this type of IO to interest rate fluctuations may be increased because of the

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characteristics of the principal portion to which they relate. The secondary market for stripped MBS may be more volatile and less liquid than that for other MBS, potentially limiting a Fund's ability to buy or sell those securities at any particular time.

**Municipal Securities** — A Fund may invest in municipal securities the interest on which is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes ("tax-exempt"), as well as municipal securities the interest on which is taxable. Municipal bonds are issued for a wide variety of reasons, including to construct public facilities, to obtain funds for operating expenses, to refund outstanding municipal obligations, and to loan funds to various public institutions and facilities. Municipal securities are subject to credit risk where a municipal issuer of a security might not make interest or principal payments on a security as they become due. An issuer's actual or perceived credit quality can be affected by, among other things, the financial condition of the issuer, the issuer's future borrowing plans and sources of revenue, the economic feasibility of a project or general borrowing purpose, and political or economic developments in the region where the instrument is issued. Local and national market forces, such as declines in real estate prices or general business activity, shifting demographics or political gridlock may result in decreasing tax bases, growing entitlement budgets, and increasing construction and/or maintenance costs and could reduce the ability of certain issuers of municipal securities to repay their obligations.

Municipal securities also are subject to interest rate risk. As with other fixed income securities, an increase in interest rates generally will reduce the value of a Fund's investments in municipal obligations, whereas a decline in interest rates generally will increase that value.

Some municipal securities, including those in the high yield market, may include transfer restrictions (e.g., may only be transferred to qualified institutional buyers and purchasers meeting other qualification requirements set by the issuer). As such, it may be difficult to sell municipal securities at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or a Fund may be able to sell them only at prices that are less than what a Fund regards as their fair market value.

To the extent that municipalities face severe financial hardship, certain state and local governments may have difficulty paying principal or interest when due on their outstanding debt and may experience credit ratings downgrades on their debt. In addition, municipal securities backed by revenues from a project or specified assets may be adversely impacted by a municipality's failure to collect the revenue. The possibility of their defaulting on obligations, and/or declaring bankruptcy where allowable, creates risks to the value of municipal securities held by a Fund. Difficulties in the municipal securities markets could result in increased illiquidity, volatility and credit risk, and a decrease in the number of municipal securities investment opportunities.

A Fund may purchase municipal securities that are fully or partially backed by entities providing credit support such as letters of credit, guarantees, or insurance. The credit quality of the entities that provide such credit support will affect the market values of those securities. The insurance feature of a municipal security guarantees the full and timely payment of interest and principal through the life of an insured obligation. The insurance feature does not, however, guarantee the market value of the insured obligation or the net asset value of a Fund's shares represented by such an insured obligation. A sub-advisor generally looks to the credit quality of the issuer of a municipal security to determine whether the security meets a Fund's quality restrictions, even if the security is covered by insurance. However, a downgrade in the claims-paying ability of an insurer of a municipal security could have an adverse effect on the market value of the security. Certain significant providers of insurance for municipal securities can incur and, in the past have incurred, significant losses as a result of exposure to certain categories of investments, such as sub-prime mortgages and other lower credit quality investments that have experienced defaults or otherwise suffered extreme credit deterioration. Such losses can adversely impact the capital adequacy of these insurers and may call into question the insurers' ability to fulfill their obligations under such insurance if they are called to do so, which could negatively affect a Fund. There are a limited number of providers of insurance for municipal securities and a Fund may have multiple investments covered by one insurer. Accordingly, this may make the value of those investments dependent on the claims-paying ability of that one insurer and could result in share price volatility for a Fund's shares.

In addition, the amount of publicly available information for municipal issuers is generally less than for corporate issuers. Unlike other types of investments, municipal obligations have traditionally not been subject to the registration requirements of the federal securities laws, although there have been proposals to provide for such registration. This lack of SEC regulation has adversely affected the quantity and quality of information available to the bond markets about issuers and their financial condition. The SEC has responded to the need for such information with Rule 15c2-12 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Rule"). The Rule requires that underwriters must reasonably determine that an issuer of municipal securities undertakes in a written agreement for the benefit of the holders of such securities to file with a nationally recognized municipal securities information repository certain information regarding the financial condition of the issuer and material events relating to such securities.

Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") occasionally challenges the tax-exempt status of the interest on particular municipal securities. If the IRS determined that interest earned on a municipal security a Fund held was taxable and the issuer thereof failed to overcome that determination, that interest would be taxable to a Fund, possibly retroactive to the time a Fund purchased the security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The municipal securities in which a Fund may invest may include:

■ **Commercial** **Paper.** Commercial paper, the interest on which is exempt from federal income tax, is issued by municipalities to help finance short-term capital or operating needs in anticipation of future tax or other revenue.

■ **General** **Obligation Bonds.** General obligation bonds are secured by the pledge of the issuer's full faith, credit, and usually, taxing power and are payable from and backed only by the issuer's general unrestricted revenues and not from any particular fund or source. The characteristics and method of enforcement of general obligation bonds vary according to the law applicable to the particular issuer, and payment may be dependent upon appropriation by the issuer's legislative body. The taxing power may be an unlimited ad valorem tax or a limited tax, usually on real estate and personal property. Most states do not tax real estate, but leave that power to local units of government.

■ **Revenue Obligations**. Revenue obligations, such as industrial development bonds, are backed by the revenue cash flow of a project or facility. The interest on such obligations is payable only from the revenues derived from a particular project, facility, specific excise tax or other revenue source. Revenue obligations are not a debt or liability of the local or state government and do not obligate that government to levy or pledge any form of taxation or to make any appropriation for payment.

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**Other Investment Company Securities and Exchange-Traded Products** — Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, a Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly will bear a 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 a Fund's own operations. Any such fees and expenses are reflected in the Fees and Expenses Table for a Fund in its Prospectus. To the extent a Fund invests in investment company securities advised by the Manager, shareholders could pay fees charged by the Manager to such investment company. A 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 a Fund's total assets with respect to any one investment company and (iii) 10% of a Fund's total assets in all investment companies in the aggregate. In addition, a Fund is generally limited to selling 3% of its total voting stock to an investment company. However, a Fund may exceed these limits in reliance on a statutory exemption, the terms and conditions of an exemptive order from the SEC, or Rule 12d1-4 under the Investment Company Act. In each case, such investments are subject to various conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired fund shares, required evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures. When a Fund is an acquired fund relying on one of the aforementioned exemptions, it will be limited in its ability to invest in other investment companies (i.e., a three-tier fund structure).

A Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies and exchange-traded products, which, in addition to the general risks of investments in other investment companies described above, include the following risks:

■ **BDCs**  *.*** BDCs are a specialized form of closed-end fund that invest generally in small developing companies and financially troubled businesses. The Investment Company Act imposes certain restraints upon the operation of a BDC. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. As a result, BDCs generally invest in private companies and thinly traded securities of public companies, including debt instruments. Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies and there is a risk that investors may not be able to make fully informed investment decisions. Many debt investments in which a BDC may invest will not be rated by a credit rating agency and will be below investment grade quality. Risks faced by BDCs include competition for limited BDC investment opportunities; the liquidity of a BDC's private investments; uncertainty as to the value of a BDC's private investments; risks associated with access to capital and leverage; and reliance on the management of a BDC. A Fund's investments in BDCs are similar and include portfolio company risk, leverage risk, market and valuation risk, price volatility risk and liquidity risk. Historically, shares of BDCs have frequently traded at a discount to their net asset value, which discounts have, on occasion, been substantial and lasted for sustained periods of time.

■ **ETFs.** A 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, a 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, a 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 objectives , strategies, and policies. The price of an ETF can fluctuate within a wide range, and a Fund could lose money investing in an ETF if the prices of the securities owned by the ETF decline in value. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds: (1) the market price of the ETF's shares may trade at a discount or premium to their NAV per share; (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 de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers" (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

■ **Money Market Funds.** A 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. A Fund would invest in money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. 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 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. If the liquidity of a money market fund's portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent a Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund, or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts redeemed from the money market fund.

**Pay-in-Kind Securities** — Pay-in-kind securities are debt securities that may pay interest through the issuance of additional securities or in cash. Because these securities may not pay current cash income, their price can be volatile when interest rates fluctuate. Federal income tax law requires a holder of pay-in-kind securities to include in gross income each taxable year the portion of the non-cash income on those securities (i.e., the additional securities issued as interest thereon) accrued during that year.

In order to continue to qualify for treatment as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code and avoid federal excise tax, a Fund may be required to distribute a portion of such non-cash income and may be required to dispose of other portfolio securities in order to generate cash to meet these distribution requirements, including during periods of adverse market prices for those portfolio securities. See the section entitled "Tax Information."

**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. Because preferred stock is subordinate to bonds in the issuer's capital structure, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stockholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer, and may suffer a loss of value as a result. Preferred stocks are subject to the risks associated

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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 the deferral of dividend payments, the non-cumulative payment of dividends (in which omitted or deferred dividends are not subsequently paid), subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights. The market prices of preferred stock are generally more sensitive to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.

**Quantitative Strategy Risk** — The success of a Fund's investment strategy may depend in part on the effectiveness of a sub-advisor's quantitative tools for screening securities. Securities selected using quantitative analysis can react differently to issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities selected using only fundamental analysis, which could adversely affect their value. As a result, a portfolio of securities selected using quantitative analysis may underperform the market as a whole or a portfolio of securities selected using a different investment approach, such as fundamental analysis. A sub-advisor's quantitative tools may use factors that may not be predictive of a security's value, and any changes over time in the factors that affect a security's value may not be reflected in the quantitative model. The quantitative tools may not react as expected to market events, resulting in losses for a Fund. Data for some companies, particularly for non-U.S. companies, may be less available and/or less current than data for other companies. There may also be errors omissions, imperfections or malfunctions in the computer code for the quantitative model or in the model itself, or issues relating to the computer systems used to screen securities. A sub-advisor's security selection can be adversely affected if it relies on insufficient, erroneous or outdated data or flawed models or computer systems. Additionally, a previously successful strategy may become outdated or inaccurate, which may not be identified by a sub-advisor and therefore may also result in losses. No assurance can be given that a model will be successful under all or any market conditions. The use of artificial intelligence or other evolving or emerging technologies presents significant risks and may exacerbate the aforementioned risks.

**Real Estate Related Investments** — A Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate-linked derivatives, REITs, and securities of corporate issuers in real estate-related industries. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have an effect on the value of a Fund's investments. Investing in securities issued by real estate and real estate-related companies may subject a Fund to risks associated with the direct ownership of real estate, including the cyclical nature of real estate values, risks related to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, demographic trends and variations in rental income, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, environmental risks, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, changes in the appeal of properties to tenants and extended vacancies of properties, increases in interest rates, the financial condition of tenants, buyers and sellers, the quality of maintenance, insurance, and management services, and other real estate capital market influences. 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 a Fund's investment in real estate securities. Real estate securities are dependent upon specialized management skills at the operating company level. Such securities also have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of properties. Real estate securities are subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. An economic downturn could have an adverse effect on the real estate markets and real estate companies. In addition, if a real estate company's properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including debt service, ground lease payments, tenant improvements, third party leasing commissions and other capital expenditures, the income and ability of the real estate company to make payments of any interest and principal on its debt securities will be adversely affected. In addition, real property may be subject to the quality of credit extended and defaults by borrowers and tenants. The financial results of major local employers also may have an impact on the cash flow and value of certain properties. In addition, certain real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, the ability of real estate companies to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions is limited. A real estate company may also have joint venture investments in certain of its properties and, consequently, its ability to control decisions relating to such properties may be limited.

**Separately Traded Registered Interest and Principal Securities and Other Zero-Coupon Securities** — Separately traded registered interest and principal securities or "STRIPS" and other zero-coupon securities are securities that do not make regular interest payments prior to their maturity date or another specified date in the future. Instead, they are sold at a discount from their face value and accrue interest over the life of the bond. While interest payments are not made on such securities, holders of such securities are deemed to have received income ("phantom income") annually, notwithstanding that cash may not be received currently. The effect of owning instruments that do not make current interest payments is that a fixed yield is earned not only on the original investment but also, in effect, on all discount accretion during the life of the securities. Because they do not pay coupon income, the prices of STRIPS and zero-coupon securities can be very volatile when interest rates change, their values may fluctuate more than the value of similar securities that pay interest periodically, and they may be less liquid than similar securities that pay interest periodically. STRIPS are zero-coupon bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury.

A Fund accrues income with respect to these securities for federal income tax and accounting purposes prior to the receipt of cash payments. Further, to maintain its qualification for pass-through treatment under the federal tax laws, a Fund is required to distribute income to its shareholders and, consequently, may have to dispose of other, more liquid portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate the cash to satisfy these distributions. The required distributions may result in an increase in a Fund's exposure to zero coupon securities.

**Small-Capitalization Companies Risk** — Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since smaller companies may have limited operating 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 overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Government and Supranational Debt** — 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.

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Investments in debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments and their political subdivisions or agencies involve special risks not present in corporate debt obligations. 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 a 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 when the issuer is a foreign government or its political subdivisions or agencies. 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, insufficient foreign currency 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, the failure to implement economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies 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' ability to repay their obligations 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. The receipt of assistance from other governments or multinational agencies is not assured. Assistance may be dependent on a country's implementation of austerity measures and reforms, which may be politically difficult to implement. These measures may limit or be perceived to limit economic growth and recovery. In the past, 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 occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in one or more of the countries issuing sovereign debt could adversely affect a 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-advisors 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 a Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.

Brady Bonds. 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. U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds are not, however, considered to be U.S. Government securities. 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 securities 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. Brady Bonds involve various risk factors including residual risk and the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds. There can be no assurance that Brady Bonds in which a Fund may invest will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or to requests for new credit, which may cause a Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.

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 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."

**Supranational Risk** — Supranational organizations are entities designated or supported by a government or governmental group to promote economic development. Supranational organizations have no taxing authority and are dependent on their members for initial and ongoing 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 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."

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**Trust Preferred Securities** — A Fund may invest in trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities have the characteristics of both subordinated debt and preferred stock. Generally, trust preferred securities are issued by a trust that is wholly owned by a financial institution or other corporate entity, typically a bank holding company. The financial institution creates the trust and owns the trust's common securities. The trust uses the sale proceeds of its common securities to purchase subordinated debt issued by the financial institution. The financial institution uses the proceeds from the subordinated debt sale to increase its capital while the trust receives periodic interest payments from the financial institution for holding the subordinated debt. The trust uses the funds received to make dividend payments to the holders of the trust preferred securities. The primary advantage of this structure is that the trust preferred securities are treated by the financial institution as debt securities for tax purposes and as equity for the calculation of capital requirements.

Trust preferred securities typically bear a market rate coupon comparable to interest rates available on debt of a similarly rated issuer. Typical characteristics include long-term maturities, early redemption by the issuer, periodic fixed or variable interest payments, and maturities at face value. Holders of trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the financial institution. The market value of trust preferred securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt securities. Trust preferred securities may be thinly traded and a Fund may not be able to dispose of them at a favorable price. Trust preferred securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and subject to restrictions on resale. There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of trust preferred securities and the ability of holders, such as a Fund, to sell their holdings. Please refer to "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" above for further discussion of regulatory considerations and constraints related to such securities. As the trust typically has no business operations other than to issue the trust preferred securities, the condition of the financial institution could have an impact on a Fund. If the financial institution defaults on interest payments to the trust, the trust will not be able to make dividend payments to holders of its securities, such as a Fund.

**U.S. Government Agency Securities** — U.S. Government agency securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Some obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities, such as those of the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") or the Federal Farm Credit Bank ("FFCB"), by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association (''Fannie Mae''), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (''Freddie Mac''), by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, such as those of the Federal Farm Credit Bureau, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. The market prices of U.S. government agency securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government. 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, obligations of GNMA, FHLB, FFCB, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Farm Credit Bureau, other U.S. Government agency obligations and repurchase agreements secured thereby. U.S. Government agency securities are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk.

**U.S. Treasury Obligations** — U.S. Treasury obligations may differ in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics, and 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"), which are traded independently, and Treasury inflation-protected securities, whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. The prices of these securities (like all debt securities) change between issuance and maturity in response to fluctuating market interest rates and credit ratings. U.S. Treasury obligations are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. The total amount of debt the Treasury is authorized to incur is subject to a statutory limit. Once the Treasury reaches the debt limit, Congress must raise, extend or otherwise modify the limit to enable the Treasury to incur additional debt to pay the obligations of the U.S. government, including principal and interest payments on certain U.S. Treasury obligations (such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds). Failure to, or potential failure to, increase the statutory debt limit could: increase the risk that the U.S. government defaults on payments on certain U.S. Treasury obligations; cause the credit rating of the U.S. government to be downgraded or increase volatility in both stock and bond markets; result in higher debt servicing payments by the U.S. government; reduce prices of Treasury securities; and/or increase the costs of certain kinds of debt. Treasury inflation-indexed securities are U.S. Government securities whose principal value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation (by reference to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers ("CPI-U"), which is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics a part of the Department of Labor). The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. There can be no assurance that the CPI-U or any non-U.S. inflation index will accurately measure the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. The three-month lag in calculating the CPI-U for purposes of adjusting the principal value of U.S. TIPS may give rise to risks under certain circumstances. The interest rate on TIPS is fixed at issuance, but over the life of the security this interest may be paid on an increasing or decreasing principal value that has been adjusted for inflation (but not below par value). Although repayment of the original principal upon maturity is guaranteed, the market value of TIPS is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. The values of TIPS generally fluctuate in response to changes in real interest rates, which are in turn tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. If inflation were to rise at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in the value of TIPS. In contrast, if nominal interest rates were to increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in the value of TIPS. If inflation is lower than expected during the period a Fund holds TIPS, a Fund may earn less on the TIPS than on a conventional bond. Because the coupon rate on TIPS is lower than fixed-rate Treasury Department securities, the CPI-U would have to rise at least to the amount of the difference between the coupon rate of the fixed-rate Treasury Department issues and the coupon rate of the TIPS, assuming all other factors are equal, in order for such securities to match the performance of the fixed-rate Treasury Department securities. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation, (for example, due to changes in the currency exchange rates), investors in TIPS may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bonds' inflation measure. In periods of deflation when the inflation rate is declining, the principal value of an inflation-indexed security will be adjusted downward. This will result in a decrease in the interest payments thereon, but holders at maturity receive no less than par value. However, if a Fund purchases inflation-indexed securities in the secondary market whose principal values have been adjusted upward due to inflation since issuance, a Fund may experience a loss if there is a subsequent period of deflation. Any increase in principal value of TIPS caused by an increase in the CPI is taxable in the year the increase occurs, even though the holder will not receive cash representing the increase at that time. As a result, a Fund could be required at

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times to liquidate other investments, including when it is not advantageous to do so, in order to satisfy its distribution requirements as a "regulated investment company." See "Tax Information." If a Fund invests in TIPS, it will be required to treat as original issue discount ("OID") any increase in the principal amount of the securities that occurs during the course of its taxable year. If a Fund purchases such securities that are issued in stripped form either as stripped bonds or coupons, it will be treated as if it had purchased a newly issued debt instrument having OID. Because a Fund is required to distribute substantially all of its net investment income (including accrued OID), its investment in either zero coupon bonds or TIPS may require it to distribute to shareholders an amount greater than the total cash income it actually receives. Accordingly, in order to make the required distributions, a Fund may be required to borrow or liquidate securities.

**Valuation Risk** — This is the risk that certain securities may be valued at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as certain credit-linked notes and other 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. The valuation of a Fund's 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. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require the valuation of these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment's most recent closing price and from the prices used by others for the same investment. No assurance can be given that such prices accurately reflect the price a Fund would receive upon sale of a security. An investment's valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. Investors who purchase or redeem Fund shares on days when a Fund is holding fair-valued securities may receive fewer or more shares, or lower or higher redemption proceeds, than they would have received if the securities had not been fair valued or a different valuation methodology had been used. The value of foreign securities, certain fixed-income securities and currencies, as applicable, may be materially affected by events after the close of the markets on which they are traded, but before a Fund determines its NAV.

**Value Companies Risk** — Value companies are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may go down. While a Fund's investments in value stocks may limit its downside risk over time, a 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. A Fund's investments in value stocks may underperform growth or non-value stocks that have a broader investment style.

**Variable or Floating Rate Obligations** — Variable and floating rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the obligations. A variable rate obligation has a coupon rate which is adjusted at predesignated periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the coupon is based. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event based, such as based on a change in the prime rate. 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.

A Fund may invest in 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 rate, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), or a U.S. Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets periodically, typically every one or three months. While, because of the interest rate reset feature, floaters provide a Fund with a certain degree of protection against rises in interest rates, a 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. Certain floaters may carry a demand feature that permits the holder to tender them back to the issuer of the underlying instrument, or to a third party, at par value prior to maturity. When the demand feature of certain floaters represents an obligation of a foreign entity, the demand feature will be subject to certain risks discussed under "Foreign Investing."

**When-Issued and Forward Commitment Transactions** — These transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell securities with payment and delivery to take place at a future date, typically one to two months after the date of the transaction. The payment obligations and interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the transaction. These transactions enable a Fund to "lock-in" what the Manager or a sub-advisor, as applicable, believes to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices, a Fund might sell securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, a Fund might purchase a security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and sell a similar security to settle such purchase, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. Forward commitment transactions are executed for existing obligations, whereas in a when-issued transaction, the obligations have not yet been issued.

The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value are reflected in the computation of a Fund's NAV starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities. Because a Fund has not yet paid for the securities, this produces an effect similar to leverage. A Fund does not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until the securities are paid for and delivered on the settlement date. When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement are included in its assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities are not reflected in a Fund's NAV as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect.

When entering into a when-issued or forward commitment transaction, a Fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so, a Fund may be disadvantaged. If the other party fails to complete the trade, a Fund may lose the opportunity to obtain a favorable price. For purchases on a when-issued basis, the price of the security is fixed at the date of purchase, but delivery of and payment for the securities is not set until after the securities are issued. The value of when-issued securities is subject to market fluctuation during the interim period and no income accrues to a Fund until settlement takes place. 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

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involves the risk that the other party will be unable to settle the transaction. When-issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions may cause a Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so in order to satisfy its purchase or sale obligations.

Pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act, when-issued, delayed-delivery and forward commitment transactions will be deemed not to involve a senior security, provided that: a Fund intends to physically settle the transaction; and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date. If such transactions are deemed senior securities, a Fund will maintain with its Custodian segregated (or earmarked) liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the when-issued or forward commitment transaction. Earmarking or otherwise segregating a large percentage of a Fund's assets could impede a sub-advisor's ability to manage a Fund's portfolio.

**OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS**

In addition to the investment strategies and risks described in the Prospectus, the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund may:

Invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities that are investment grade at the time of purchase, including obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt securities, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, master-demand notes, Yankee and Eurodollar bank certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper and other notes, inflation-indexed securities, and other debt securities. Investment grade securities include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, as well as securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by at least two rating organizations rating that security, such as S&P Global, Fitch, Inc. ("Fitch") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), or rated in one of the four highest rating categories by one rating organization if it is the only rating organization rating that security. Obligations rated in the fourth highest rating category are limited to 25% of each of these Funds' debt allocations. These Funds, at the discretion of the Manager, or the applicable sub-advisor, may retain a debt security that has been downgraded below the initial investment criteria.

The American Beacon International Equity Fund may invest up to 20% of its total assets in non-U.S. debt securities that are rated at the time of purchase in one of the three highest rating categories by any rating organizations or, if unrated, are deemed to be of comparable quality by the applicable sub-advisor and traded publicly on a world market.

Each Fund may (except where otherwise indicated):

<sup>1</sup> 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.

<sup>2</sup> 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.

<sup>3</sup> 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 a Fund exceeds 33¹/<sub>3</sub>% of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received). For purposes of complying with a Fund's investment policies and restrictions, collateral received in connection with securities loans is deemed an asset of a Fund to the extent required by law.

<sup>4</sup> Enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is an agreement under which securities are acquired by a 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 a Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities. However, the Manager or the sub-advisors, as applicable, attempt to minimize this risk by entering into repurchase agreements only with financial institutions that are deemed to be of good financial standing.

<sup>5</sup> 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. A 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 that any Section 4(a)(2) securities held by such Fund in excess of this level are liquid.

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**INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS**

**Fundamental Policies**. Each 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, a 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 a Fund. For this purpose, "all of a Fund's investable assets" means that the only investment securities that will be held by a Fund will be a Fund's interest in the investment company.

The Funds have no current intention to convert to a master-feeder structure, as permitted by the foregoing policy.

**Fundamental Investment Restrictions**. The following discusses the investment policies of each Fund.

The following restrictions have been adopted by each Fund and may be changed with respect to any such Fund only by the majority vote of that Fund's outstanding voting securities. "Majority of the outstanding voting securities" under the Investment Company Act and as used herein means, with respect to each 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.

No Fund may (unless otherwise indicated):

<sup>1</sup> Each Fund, except American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided, however, that a 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 Prospectus.American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Purchase or sell real estate or real estate limited partnership interests, provided, however, that the Fund may dispose of real estate acquired as a result of the ownership of securities or other instruments and 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 Prospectus.

<sup>2</sup> Invest in physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent a 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).

<sup>3</sup> Engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of securities, a Fund may be deemed an underwriter under federal securities law.

<sup>4</sup> Each Fund, except American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: 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 a Fund's investment objective, policies and limitations, or (iv) by engaging in repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities.American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: 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 a Fund's investment objective, policies and limitations, or (iv) by engaging in repurchase agreements.

<sup>5</sup> 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.

<sup>6</sup> 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.

<sup>7</sup> 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 a Fund's total assets.

<sup>8</sup> Each Fund, except American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of companies primarily engaged in any one industry provided that: (i) this limitation does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities; and (ii) municipalities and their agencies and authorities are not deemed to be industries. For purposes of this restriction, the Fund will regard only tax-exempt securities issued by municipalities and their agencies not to be an industry.

American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: 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 by or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities; and (ii) tax exempt securities issued by municipalities and their agencies and authorities.<br>

The above percentage limits (except the limitation on 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. For purposes of each Fund's policy relating to making loans set forth in (4) above, securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by a Fund exceeds 33¹/<sub>3</sub>% of its total assets (including the market value of collateral received).

For purposes of each 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 Funds' shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of Fund assets. The Investment Company Act prohibits the Funds from issuing any class of senior securities or selling any senior securities of which it is the issuer, except that the Funds are 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 each 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, each Fund is required to reduce the amount of its borrowings within three days (not including Sundays and

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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.

For purposes of each 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 a Fund's total assets will be invested in securities issued by any one foreign government or supranational organization. A 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, a Fund will invest in the securities of such a company only if it can do so under its industry concentration policy.

**Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions**. The following non-fundamental investment restrictions apply to each Fund (except where noted otherwise) and may be changed with respect to each Fund by a vote of a majority of the Board. Each Fund may not (except where noted otherwise):

<sup>1</sup> 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

<sup>2</sup> Each Fund, except American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Purchase securities on margin or effect short sales, except that a Fund may obtain such short term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases or sales of securities.

American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund: Purchase securities on margin, except that (1) the Fund may obtain such short term credits as necessary for the clearance of transactions, and (2) the Fund may make margin payments in connection with foreign currency, futures contracts, options, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars, securities purchased or sold on a forward-commitment or delayed-delivery basis or other financial instruments.<br>

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 with respect to each Fund, the other investment policies described in this SAI are not fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees.

**TEMPORARY OR DEFENSIVE INVESTMENTS**

In times of unstable or adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, where the Manager or a sub-advisor believes it is appropriate and in a Fund's best interest, a 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 a 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 a Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. High portfolio turnover can increase a Fund's transaction costs and generate additional capital gains or losses.

Portfolio turnover may vary significantly from year to year due to a variety of factors, including fluctuating volume of shareholder purchase and redemption orders, market conditions, investment strategy changes, and/or changes in a sub-advisor's investment outlook.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

Each Fund publicly discloses portfolio holdings information as follows:

<sup>1</sup> a complete list of holdings for each Fund on an annual and semi-annual basis within seventy days of the end of each fiscal semi-annual period in publicly available filings of Form N-CSR with the SEC (available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov) and on the Funds' website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com);

<sup>2</sup> a complete list of holdings for each Fund as of the end of each fiscal quarter in publicly available filings of Form N-PORT with the SEC within sixty days of the end of the fiscal quarter (available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov);

<sup>3</sup> a complete list of holdings for each Fund as of the end of each month on the Funds' website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) approximately twenty days after the end of the month; and

<sup>4</sup> the ten largest holdings for each Fund as of the end of each calendar quarter on the Funds' website (www.americanbeaconfunds.com) and in sales materials approximately fifteen days after the end of the calendar quarter.

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Public disclosure of a Fund's holdings on the website and in sales materials may be delayed when an investment manager informs a 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 a Fund's best interest. Disclosure of a Fund's ten largest holdings may exclude U.S. Treasury securities and cash equivalent assets, although such holdings will be included in each 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 Funds, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and others - may request portfolio holdings information that has not yet been publicly disclosed by the Funds. The Funds' 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 the Holdings Policy. The purpose of the Holdings Policy is to define those interested parties who are 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 a 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 Funds or to assist the Manager and a sub-advisor in managing the Funds ("service providers"). The service providers have a duty to keep the Funds' nonpublic information confidential either through written contractual arrangements with the Funds (or another Fund service provider) or by the nature of their role with respect to the Funds (or the service provider). The Funds have 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 Funds have 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 Funds have ongoing arrangements to provide nonpublic holdings information to the following service providers, whose affiliates may also have access to such information:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **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, sub-administrator, Fund administration service provider, and foreign sub-custodian | Complete list on intraday basis with no lag |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | Funds' independent registered public accounting firm | Complete list on annual basis with no lag |
| Abel Noser Solutions LLC | Trade execution analysis for a sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| ACA Performance Services | GIPS verification firm for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a monthly basis with lag |
| Advent/Tamale | Research management system for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with lag |
| Archer IMS | Portfolio Accounting and Trade Settlement for a sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with lag |
| Ashland Partners | Performance verification for a sub-advisor | Complete list on periodic basis with lag |
| BBH Infomediary | SWIFT messaging service provider for a sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| BizAnalytica, LLC | Consulting Service | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| Bloomberg, L.P. | Performance and portfolio analytics reporting | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| BondEdge | Financial analytic database | Partial list on a daily basis with lag |
| Broadridge/ProxyEdge | Proxy voting research provider for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with lag |
| Brown Brothers Harriman | Corporate Action Management for a sub-advisor | Complete List on a daily basis with no lag |
| Charles River Systems | Trade order management for certain sub-advisors | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| Chicago Clearing | Class Actions | Complete list on a quarterly basis with no lag |
| Confluence Technologies Inc. | Regulatory monitoring and reporting requirements for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |
| Commcise | Transaction cost analysis, trade execution analysis for a sub-advisor | Partial list on daily basis with no lag |
| DTCC | Trade settlement services for a sub-advisor | Partial list on daily basis with no lag |
| Eagle Investment Systems Corp. | Portfolio accounting system for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |
| Eze Castle | Trade order management for certain sub-advisors | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |
| FactSet Research Systems, Inc. | Performance and portfolio analytics reporting for the Manager and the sub-advisors | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| FIS | Portfolio Accounting for a sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Service Provider** | **Service** | **Holdings Access** |
| Fiserv | Portfolio Accounting | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| FX Transparency | Trade Execution Assessment | Complete list on weekly basis with no lag |
| Glass Lewis & Co | Proxy voting services for a sub-advisor | Partial list on a periodic basis with lag |
| Gresham's Control (f/k/a) Electra Reconciliation | Reconciliation System for certain sub-advisors | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| IEX Data Analytics LLC (IEX Astral) | Analytical and reporting tool for a sub-advisor | Partial list on daily basis with no lag |
| Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") | Proxy voting research provider to sub-advisors, and share recall services provider to the Manager | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| Investment Technology Group, Inc. | Fair valuation of portfolio securities for Funds with significant foreign securities holdings; transaction cost analysis for sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag and more frequently when the Manager seeks advice with respect to certain holdings |
| KPMG International | Service provider to State Street | Complete list on annual basis with lag |
| Kurtosys | Service Provider to the Manager | Partial list on a periodic basis with lag |
| LexisNexis | OFAC compliance service for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a weekly basis with lag |
| Linedata | Trade Order Management for a sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| MSCI Barra, Inc. | Analytics platform to support portfolio risk management for a sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| Northern Trust | Back Office Operation for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |
| Omgeo LLC | Automated trade matching service for sub-advisors | Partial list on a daily basis with no lag |
| Portfolio BI | Compliance management system for Sub-Advisor | Complete list on daily basis with lag |
| Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC | Provides certain administrative services related to the equitization of cash balances for certain Funds | Partial list on a daily basis with no lag |
| Portia | Portfolio Accounting for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |
| Russell | Ratings Agency | Complete list on a daily basis with lag |
| SS&C Advent | Portfolio Accounting for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with lag |
| SS&C Eze | Trading and Order Management for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |
| SS&C Vision FI | Client and investor reporting system for a sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |
| Street Account | Investment research for a sub-advisor | Partial list on a periodic basis with lag |
| Trading Technologies International, Inc. | Trade execution analysis for a sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| Varden Technologies, Inc. | Client and investor reporting system | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |
| Virtu ITG LLC | Transaction cost analysis Trade execution analysis for a sub-advisor | Partial list on a daily basis with lag |

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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 in the ordinary course of business. These third parties include broker-dealers, prospective sub-advisors, borrowers of the Funds' portfolio securities, pricing services, legal counsel, and issuers (or their agents). Broker-dealers utilized by the Funds 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 Funds. If the Funds participate in securities lending activities, potential borrowers of the Funds' securities receive information pertaining to the Funds' securities available for loan. Such information is provided on a current basis with no lag. The Funds utilize 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. The Manager or a sub-advisor 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 Funds 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 Funds do not have written contractual arrangements with these third parties regarding the confidentiality of the holdings information. However, the Funds would not continue to utilize a third party that the Manager determined to have misused nonpublic holdings information.

The Funds have ongoing arrangements to provide periodic holdings information to certain organizations that publish ratings and/or rankings for the Funds or that redistribute the Funds' holdings to financial intermediaries to facilitate their analysis of the Funds. The Funds have 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 Funds 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 Funds' website.

No compensation or other consideration may be paid to the Funds, the Funds' service providers, or any other party in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings information.

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Under the Holdings Policy, disclosure of nonpublic portfolio holdings information to parties other than those discussed above must meet all of the following conditions:

<sup>1</sup> Recipients of portfolio holdings information must agree in writing to keep the information confidential until it has been posted to the Funds' website and not to trade based on the information;

<sup>2</sup> Holdings may only be disclosed as of a month-end date;

<sup>3</sup> No compensation may be paid to the Funds, the Manager or any other party in connection with the disclosure of information about portfolio securities; and

<sup>4</sup> 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 Funds, the stated reason for the request, any historical pattern of requests from that same individual or entity, the style and strategy of a Fund for which holdings have been requested (e.g., passive versus active management), whether a 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 Funds that arise as a result of a request for portfolio holdings information shall be decided by the Manager in the best interests of shareholders.

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 Funds' SAI.

The Manager and the sub-advisors to the Funds may manage substantially similar portfolios for clients other than the Funds. Those other clients may receive and publicly disclose their portfolio holdings information prior to public disclosure by the Funds. The Holdings Policy is not intended to limit the Manager or the sub-advisors from making such disclosures to their clients.

**LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES**

A 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, a 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. A Fund also has the right to terminate a loan at any time. A Fund does not have the right to vote on securities while they are on loan. However, it is a Fund's policy to attempt to terminate loans in time to vote those proxies that a Fund determines are material to its interests. Loans of portfolio securities may not exceed 33¹/<sub>3</sub>% of the value of a Fund's total assets (including the value of all assets received as collateral for the loan). A Fund will receive collateral consisting of cash in the form of cash or cash equivalents, securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, approved bank letters of credit, or other forms of collateral that are permitted by the SEC for registered investment companies, 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, a Fund will reinvest the cash and may pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral. Under the terms of the securities loan agreement between the Funds and State Street, their securities lending agent, State Street indemnifies the Funds for certain losses resulting from a borrower default. However, should the borrower of the securities fail financially, a Fund may experience delays in recovering the loaned securities or exercising its rights in the collateral. In a loan transaction, a Fund will also bear the risk of any decline in value of securities acquired with cash collateral. A Fund seeks to minimize this risk by normally 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. The amount of such compensation depends on the income generated by the loan of the securities.

As of the date of this SAI, each Fund, except for the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond 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 Funds, which includes the general oversight and review of the Funds' investment activities, in accordance with federal law and the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as the stated policies of the Funds. The Board oversees the Trust's officers and service providers, including American Beacon, which is responsible for the management of the day-to-day operations of the Funds 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 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 Funds, the Board oversees the management of risks relating to the administration and operation of the Trust and the Funds. American Beacon, as part of its responsibilities for the day-to-day operations of the Funds, is responsible for

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day-to-day risk management for the Funds. The Board, in the exercise of its reasonable business judgment, also separately considers potential risks that may impact the Funds. 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 Funds.

In general, a 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 Funds. In addition, under the general oversight of the Board, American Beacon, each Fund's investment adviser, and other service providers to the Funds have themselves adopted a variety of policies, procedures and controls designed to address particular risks to the Funds. Different processes, procedures and controls are employed with respect to different types of risks. Further, American Beacon as manager of the Funds oversees and regularly monitors the investments, operations and compliance of the Funds' investment advisers.

The Board also oversees risk management for the Trust and the Funds through review of regular reports, presentations and other information from officers of the Trust and other persons. Senior officers of the Trust, senior officers of American Beacon, and the Funds' 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 from American Beacon with respect to the investments, securities trading and securities lending activities of the Funds, as applicable. 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 Funds' CCO, on a periodic or regular basis. At least annually, the Board receives a report from the Funds' CCO regarding the effectiveness of the Funds' 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 Funds' CCO to discuss matters relating to the Funds' compliance program.

*Board Structure and Related Matters*

All but one member of the Board are Independent Trustees. Douglas A. Lindgren, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chair of the Board. The 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 Funds. The 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 standing 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 whether to approve each Funds' management agreement with the Manager and, as applicable, its investment advisory agreement(s) with its investment advisor(s), while specific matters related to oversight of the Fund's independent auditors have been delegated by the Board to its Audit and Compliance Committee. 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 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 Funds' 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 27 series within the American Beacon Funds, 1 series within the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, and 4 series within the American Beacon Select Funds. The same persons who constitute the Board of the Trust also constitute the Board of the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and the American Beacon Select Funds and each Trustee oversees the Trusts' combined 32 series.

The Board holds five (5) regularly scheduled meetings each year. The Board may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by videoconference or telephone, to address matters arising between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees also conduct executive sessions without the presence of management personnel, including at least quarterly in a session at which no Trustees who are interested persons or management are present, and may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by videoconference or 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 Retirement Plan 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, and shareholders may contact them directly, individually or collectively as a Board, at such address. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term or until his or her removal, resignation, or retirement.\*

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth<sup>\*</sup>**  | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| **INTERESTED** **TRUSTEE** |  |  |  |
| Eugene J. Duffy<br>(1954)<sup>\*\*</sup>  | Trustee since 2008 | Trustee since 2017 | **Capital Formation and Currency Solutions, Mesirow Financial Administrative** **Corporation:** Managing Director (2016-Present);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Trustee (2018–2021) |
| **NON-INTERESTED** **TRUSTEES** |  |  |  |
| Gilbert G. Alvarado<br>(1969) | Trustee since 2015 | Trustee since 2017 | **The Conrad Prebys Foundation:** Chief Financial Officer (2022-Present);<br> **Sierra Health Foundation** (health conversion private foundation): Executive Vice President & CCO (2022); Senior Vice President & CFO (2012-2022); CFO (2006-2011);<br> **Sierra Health Foundation - Center for Health Program Management** (California public benefit corporation): Senior Vice President & CFO (2012- 2022);<br> **SJVIIF, LLC (impact investment fund):** President (2018-2022);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021). |
| Gerard J. Arpey<br>(1958) | Trustee since 2012 | Trustee since 2017 | **Emerald Creek Group** (private equity firm): Partner (2011-Present);<br> **S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.** (privately held company): Director (2008-present);<br> **The Home Depot, Inc.**: Director (2015-Present);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021). |
| Claudia A. Holz<br>(1957) | Trustee since 2018 | Trustee since 2018 | **Blue Owl Capital, Inc.**: Independent Director (2021-Present);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021) |
| Douglas A. Lindgren<br>(1961) | Chair since 2025<br>Trustee since 2018 | Chair since 2025<br>Trustee since 2018 | **JLL Income Property Trust**: Director (2022-Present);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021). |
| Janet C. Smith<sup>\*\*\*</sup><br>(1965) | Trustee since 2025 | Trustee since 2025 | **Putnam Investments, LLC and Putnam Management:** Head of Fund Administration Services (2011–2024);<br> **Putnam Funds Complex (Approximately 105 Funds):** Vice President, Principal Financial Officer (2016-2024), Principal Accounting Officer and Assistant Treasurer (2008-2024), Putnam Ombudsman (2016-2024). |
| Paul Zemsky<br>(1962) | Trustee since 2025 | Trustee since 2025 | **Focus Consulting Group:** Consulting Partner: (2024-Present);<br> **ML Tech (Crypto Fund-of-Funds)**: Strategic Advisor: (2024-Present); <br> **Voya Investment Management:** Senior Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions (2007–2023); Head of Derivative Strategy and Risk Management, General Account (2005-2006). |

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\* The Board has adopted a retirement policy that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.

\*\* Mr. Duffy is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by virtue of his position with Mesirow Financial, Inc., a broker-dealer.

\*\*\* Prior to July 1, 2024, Ms. Smith served as an officer of certain affiliates of Putnam Investment Management, LLC ("Putnam"), and as Vice President, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Assistant Treasurer of various registered open-end investment companies for which Putnam serves as investment adviser ("Putnam Funds Complex"). On January 1, 2024, Putnam was acquired (the "Putnam Acquisition") by Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin"), following which it is under common control with Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC ("Brandywine"), an investment adviser to certain series of the Trust. In addition, Jane E. Trust has served on the Boards of Trustees of the Putnam Funds Complex since January 2024 and Ms. Smith served as an officer of the Putnam Funds Complex prior to July 1, 2024, during which period Ms. Trust held positions at the following entities, which are under common control with Brandywine. Based on publicly available information, Ms. Trust has served as Senior Vice President, Fund Board Management at Franklin Templeton since 2020; as President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton Fund Advisor, LLC, and officer and/or trustee/director of its associated funds since 2015; as Senior Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co., LLC ("Legg Mason") from 2018 to 2020; as Managing Director of Legg Mason from 2016 to 2018; and as Senior Vice President of Franklin Templeton Fund Advisor, LLC in 2015. In connection with the Putnam Acquisition, Ms. Smith sold her Class B shares of a Putnam affiliate, with a value of approximately $683,000, to a subsidiary of Franklin. In connection with this sale, Ms. Smith may be entitled to certain contingent premium payments depending on the achievement of certain financial metrics, in an amount not to exceed approximately $186,000. Ms. Smith is a participant in a Deferred Executive Compensation Plan relating to her time at Putnam, pursuant to which she will receive approximately $520,000, which will be paid over time by a Franklin affiliate as a result of the Putnam Acquisition.

In addition to the information set forth in the table 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.

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Gilbert G. Alvarado: Mr. Alvarado has extensive organizational management and financial experience as executive vice president and chief financial officer in public charities and private foundations, service as director of private companies and non-profit organizations, service as president of nonprofit institutional investment fund, an adjunct professor for a non-profit school of management at University of San Francisco, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

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.

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.

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, where she led audits of large public investment company complexes and held several management roles in the firm's New York and national offices, and has since had multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Douglas A. Lindgren: Mr. Lindgren has extensive senior management experience in the asset management industry, having overseen several organizations and numerous fund structures, serving as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia Business School, and with multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Janet C. Smith: Ms. Smith has extensive experience in the investment management industry, organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a senior officer of an investment manager, and as an officer of registered investment companies.

Paul Zemsky: Mr. Zemsky has extensive experience in the investment management industry, organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a director and chief investment officer of an investment manager, and as a portfolio manager to registered investment companies.

*Committees of the Board*

The Trust has an Audit and Compliance Committee ("Audit Committee"). The Audit Committee consists of Mses. Holz (Chair) and Smith and Mr. Arpey, each of whom are Independent Trustees. Mr. Lindgren, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Audit Committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity. As set forth in its charter, the primary purposes of the Trust's Audit Committee are: (a) to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Trust and the Funds and their internal controls and, as the Audit 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 (and related fee arrangements) of the Trust's independent auditors to perform annual audit services for the Funds and certain non-audit services for the Funds or certain affiliated parties 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"); (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; and (f) to assist the Board with the aspects of risk oversight of the Trust that are relevant to the Audit Committee, including, but not limited to, valuation, operational, and compliance risks. The Audit Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

The Trust has a Nominating and Governance Committee ("Nominating Committee") that is comprised of Messrs. Arpey (Chair) and Lindgren, each of whom are Independent Trustees. As set forth in its charter, the Nominating Committee's primary purposes are: (a) to make recommendations regarding the nomination of 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 and of the chairs of such committees; (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; (h) to consider and make recommendations relating to the compensation of Independent Trustees; (i) to assist the Board with the aspects of risk oversight of the Trusts that are relevant to the Nominating Committee, including, but not limited to, the stewardship and overall reputation of the Trusts; (j) to coordinate and supervise an annual self-evaluation by the Board of the performance of the Board and its various committees; (k) to assist the Board in monitoring and, as it deems appropriate, implementing practices that are designed to promote diversity and inclusion within the Board's membership and within the workforces of the Trusts' primary service providers and vendors; and (l) to assist the Board in coordinating with legal counsel to the Trusts and their independent Board members with respect to staffing matters, including, when applicable, succession planning with respect to senior attorneys engaged in these representations. 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 Funds, and must otherwise comply with the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust and any procedures set forth therein. The Nominating and Governance Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

The Trust has an Investment Committee that is comprised of Messrs. Alvarado (Chair), Duffy and Zemsky. Mr. Lindgren, 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 purposes are: (a) to review the short- and long-term investment performance of the Manager and each of the designated sub-advisors to the Funds; (b) to review recommendations by the Manager regarding the hiring or removal of designated sub-advisors to the Funds; (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 objectives or principal investment strategies of the Funds; (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; and (f) to assist the Board with the aspects of risk oversight of the Trust that are relevant to the Investment Committee, including, but not limited to counterparty, investment, liquidity and derivatives risks. The Investment Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

*Trustee Ownership in the Funds*

The following tables show the amount of equity securities owned in the Funds and all series of the American Beacon Funds Complex by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2025. Ms. Smith and Mr. Zemsky became Trustees on August 18, 2025.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** |
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Duffy** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $50001 - $100000 |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund |  |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund |  |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund |  |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund |  |
| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (31** **Funds as of December 31, 2025)** | Over $100,000 |

---

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** |
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Alvarado** | **Arpey** | **Holz** | **Lindgren** | **Smith** | **Zemsky** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund |  | Over $100,000 |  |  |  |  |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund |  |  | $10001- $50000 |  |  |  |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $10001- $50000 | Over $100,000 |  |  |  |  |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund |  |  | $10001- $50000 |  |  |  |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund |  |  | $10001- $50000 |  |  |  |
| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (31** **Funds as of December 31, 2025)** | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |  |  |

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*Trustee Compensation*

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 $165,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via electronic means) of (a) $12,000 for in-person attendance, or $5,000 for attendance by electronic means, by Board members for each regularly scheduled or special Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,000 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (d) $2,500 for attendance by Board members for each special Board meeting held by electronic means; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. Prior to January 1, 2026, the annual retainer for each Trustee was $150,000. For this purpose, the Board considers attendance at regular meetings held by videoconference to constitute in-person attendance at a Board meeting. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time.

For his service as Board Chair, Mr. Lindgren receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although he attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, he receives a single $2,500 fee each quarter for his attendance at the Audit Committee and Investment Committee 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.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| The following table shows total compensation (excluding reimbursements) paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025. | The following table shows total compensation (excluding reimbursements) paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025. | The following table shows total compensation (excluding reimbursements) paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025. |
| **Name of Trustee** | **Aggregate Compensation from the Trust** | **Total Compensation from the Trusts** |
| **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** |  |  |
| Eugene J. Duffy | $202314 | $217500 |
| **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** |  |  |
| Gilbert G. Alvarado | $219755 | $236250 |
| Joseph B. Armes<sup>\*</sup>  | $159061 | $171000 |
| Gerard J. Arpey | $213011 | $229000 |
| Brenda A. Cline<sup>\*\*</sup>  | $58601 | $63000 |
| Claudia A. Holz | $225568 | $242500 |
| Douglas A. Lindgren | $245800 | $264250 |
| Barbara J. McKenna<sup>\*\*\*</sup>  | $203244 | $218500 |
| Janet C. Smith<sup>\*\*\*\*</sup>  | $48369 | $52000 |
| Paul Zemsky<sup>\*\*\*\*</sup>  | $48369 | $52000 |

---

\* Mr. Armes received compensation from the Trusts up to his retirement from the Board on June 5, 2025. Mr. Armes was not eligible for the benefits afforded to Eligible Trustees who served on the Board prior to September 12, 2008 as described below.

\*\* Ms. Cline received compensation from the Trusts up to her retirement from the Board on December 31, 2024. Upon her retirement from the Board, Ms. Cline became eligible for the benefits afforded to Eligible Trustees who served on the Boards prior to September 12, 2008 as described below.

\*\*\* Ms. McKenna received compensation from the Trusts up to her retirement from the Board on December 31, 2025. Ms. McKenna was not eligible for the benefits afforded to Eligible Trustees who served on the Board prior to September 12, 2008 as described below.

\*\*\*\* Ms. Smith and Mr. Zemsky became Trustees on August 18, 2025. Accordingly, the table reflects estimated compensation for Ms. Smith and Mr. Zemsky for the period August 18, 2025 – December 31, 2025.

The Boards have adopted a Trustee Retirement Plan. The Trustee Retirement 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 Board has determined that, other than the Trustee Retirement Plan established for Eligible Trustees, no other retirement benefits will accrue for current or future Trustees. None of the current Trustees are Eligible Trustees.

Each Eligible Trustee and his or her spouse (or designated companion) may receive annual flight benefits from the Trusts of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines (a subsidiary of the Manager's former parent company) for a maximum period of 10 years, depending upon length of service prior to September 12, 2008. Eligible Trustees may opt to receive instead an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits. No retirement benefits are accrued for Board service after September 12, 2008.

A Trustee Emeritus must be reasonably available to provide advice, counseling and assistance to the Trustees and American Beacon as needed, as agreed to from time to time by the parties involved; however, a Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to election by shareholders of the Funds. Currently, four individuals who retired from the Board and accrued retirement benefits for periods prior to September 12, 2008, have assumed Trustee Emeritus status. Three individuals and their spouses receive annual flight benefits of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines. One individual receives an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits.

**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, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth** | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| **OFFICERS** |  |  |  |
| Gregory Stumm<br>(1981) | President<br>since June 2024<br> Vice President<br>2022-2024 | President<br>since June 2024<br> Vice President<br>2022-2024 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024) <br> **National Investment Services of America, LLC:** Director (2024-Present) <br> **Resolute Acquisition, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024) <br> **Resolute Topco, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present) <br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024 - Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024) <br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-2025), President (June 2024-2025), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-2025), Senior Vice President, (2022-2024) <br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** President (2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2024-Present), Director (2022-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024) <br> **RSW Investments Holdings LLC:** Director (2024-Present) <br> **Shapiro Capital Management, LLC:** Director (2024-Present) <br> **SSI Investment Management, LLC:** Director (2024-Present) |
| Rosemary K. Behan<br>(1959) | Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer<br>since 2006 | Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2006-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2006-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Legal Officer (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.:** Secretary (2014-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.:** Secretary (2023-Present) <br> **American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd:** Secretary (2018-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.:** Secretary (2023-Present)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Legal Officer (2018-2021)<br> **American Private Equity Management, LLC:** Secretary (2008-2024)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC:** Vice President and Secretary (2018-2022)<br> **Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC:** Secretary (2019-2021)<br> **Resolute Acquisition, Inc.:** Secretary (2015-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** Secretary (2017-Present) <br> **Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC:** Secretary (2015-2025)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2015-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2015-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-2025), Vice President (2017-2025), Secretary and General Counsel (2017-2025)<br> **Resolute Topco, Inc.:** Secretary (2015-Present) |
| Paul B. Cavazos<br>(1969) | Vice President<br>since 2016 | Vice President<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President (2016-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.:** Vice President (2017-2024) |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth** | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| Rebecca L. Harris<br>(1966) | Vice President<br>2022-May 2024, June 2024-Present<br> President<br>May 2024-June 2024<br> Assistant Secretary<br>2010-2022 | Vice President<br>2022-2024, June 2024-Present<br> President<br>May 2024-June 2024<br> Assistant Secretary<br>2017-2022 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Chief Operating Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024), Vice President (2011-2021)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC:** Vice President (2018-2022), Director (2022)<br> **National Investment Services of America, LLC:** Director (2022-Present)<br> **Resolute Acquisition, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (January 2024-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May 2024-June 2024), President May 2024-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May 2024-June 2024)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Chief Operating Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024), Vice President (2017-2021)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024, June 2024-2025), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024), Vice President (2017-2021) <br> **Resolute Topco, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (January 2024-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May 2024-June 2024), President (May 2024-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May 2024-June 2024)<br> **RSW Investments Holdings LLC:** Director (2022-Present)<br> **Shapiro Capital Management LLC:** Director (2022-Present)<br> **SSI Investment Management LLC:** Director (2022-Present) |
| Melinda G. Heika<br>(1961) | Vice President<br>since 2021<br> Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer 2010-2021 and since 2026 | Vice President<br>since 2021<br> Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer 2017-2021 and since 2026 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2018-2021), Vice President (2021)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.:** Director (2014-Present), Vice President (2022-Present) and Treasurer (2014-2022), <br> **American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.:** Director and Vice President (2023-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.:** Director and Vice President (2022-Present), and Treasurer (2018-2022)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.:** Director and Vice President (2023-Present)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2018-2021), Vice President (2021)<br> **American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.:** Treasurer (2012-2024)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC:** Treasurer (2018-2022) <br> **Resolute Acquisition, Inc.:** Treasurer (2015-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC:** Treasurer (2015-2025)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-2025), Treasurer and CFO (2017-2025)<br> **Resolute Topco, Inc.:** Treasurer (2015-Present) |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth** | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| Terri L. McKinney<br>(1963) | Vice President<br>since 2010 | Vice President<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Senior Vice President, (2021-Present) Vice President, (2009-2021)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC**: Vice President (2018-2022)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2017-2021) <br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-2025), Vice President (2018-2025)<br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** Director (2024-Present), Vice President (2024-Present) |
| Samuel J. Silver<br>(1963) | Vice President<br>since 2011 | Vice President<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)  |
| Christina E. Sears<br>(1971) | Chief Compliance Officer<br>since 2004<br>Assistant Secretary<br>since 1999 | Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present), Vice President (2019-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Private Equity Management, LLC:** Chief Compliance Officer (2012-2024)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC.:** Chief Compliance Officer (2018-2019), Vice President (2018-2022)<br> **Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC:** Chief Compliance Officer (2019-2021)<br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** Vice President (2017-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Vice President (2017-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Vice President (2019-2025)<br> **RSW Investments Holdings, LLC:** Chief Compliance Officer (2019-Present)<br> **Shapiro Capital Management LLC**: Chief Compliance Officer (2024-Present) |
| Shelley D. Abrahams<br>(1974) | Assistant Secretary<br>since 2008 | Assistant Secretary<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Assistant Secretary (April 2024-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.:** Assistant Secretary (2022-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.:** Assistant Secretary (2023-Present) <br> **American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd:** Assistant Secretary (2022-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.:** Assistant Secretary (2023-Present) <br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021) <br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Assistant Secretary (April 2024-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Corporate Governance Manager (2023-2025), Assistant Secretary (2024-2025), Senior Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2020-2023), Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2017-2020) |
| Shelley L. Dyson<br>(1969) | Assistant Treasurer<br>since 2021 | Assistant Treasurer<br>since 2021 | **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Assistant Treasurer (2021)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.:** Assistant Treasurer (2022-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.:** Assistant Treasurer (2023-Present) <br> **American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd:** Assistant Treasurer (2022-Present) <br> **American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.:** Assistant Treasurer (2023-Present)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Assistant Treasurer (2021)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Fund Tax Director (2024-2025), Fund Tax Manager (2020-2024), Manager, Tax (2014-2020) |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth** | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| Teresa A. Oxford<br>(1958) | Assistant Secretary<br>since 2015 | Assistant Secretary<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Deputy General Counsel (2024-Present), Assistant Secretary (2015-Present), Associate General Counsel (2015-2024)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC.:** Assistant Secretary (2020-2022) <br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021), (2024-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Deputy General Counsel (2024-Present), Assistant Secretary (2017-Present), Associate General Counsel (2017-2024)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc:** Deputy General Counsel (2024-2025), Assistant Secretary (2018-2025), Associate General Counsel (2018-2024) |

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**CODE OF ETHICS**

The Manager, the Trust, the Distributor, and the sub-advisors 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, a 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 each Fund's shareholders and has delegated proxy voting authority to the Manager. The Manager in turn has delegated proxy voting authority to each sub-advisor with respect to a Fund's assets under the sub-advisor's management. The Trust has adopted a Proxy Policy that governs proxy voting by the Manager and sub-advisors, including procedures to address potential conflicts of interest between a Fund's shareholders and the Manager, the sub-advisors 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 Proxy Policy. The sub-advisors' proxy voting policy and procedures are summarized (or included in their entirety) in **Appendix B**. A Fund's proxy voting record for the most recent year ended June 30 is available as of August 31 of each year without charge on the Funds' website, on the SEC's website at [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_2730_4_5) or upon request by calling 1-800-967-9009. The proxy voting record can be found in Form N-PX on the SEC's website.

The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund does not intend to own a security for which an issuer solicits proxy votes.

**CONTROL PERSONS AND 5% SHAREHOLDERS**

A principal shareholder is any person who owns of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of a 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 a Fund. The actions of an entity or person that controls a Fund could have an effect on other shareholders. For instance, a control person may have effective voting control over a Fund or large redemptions by a control person could cause a Fund's other shareholders to pay a higher pro rata portion of a Fund's expenses.

Set forth below are entities or persons that own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the Funds as of January 31, 2026. The Trustees and officers of the Trusts, as a group, owned 13.36% of the R5 Class shares of the American Beacon Balanced Fund as of that date. The Trustees and officers of the Trusts, as a group, owned less than 1% of all other classes of each Fund's shares outstanding as of that date.

**American Beacon Balanced Fund**

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INV SVCS<sup>\*</sup>  |  | 5.03% | 7.72% | 20.02% |  |  |  |
| 707 2ND AVE S |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO FOR THE\* |  |  |  |  |  |  | 20.54% |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS OPS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

**49** 

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---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| 9601 E PANORAMA CIR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ENGLEWOOD CO 80112-3441 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC\* |  |  |  |  | 27.48% | 7.66% |  |
| SPECIAL CUST A/C |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 211 MAIN ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| LPL FINANCIAL\* |  | 30.98% | 54.59% | 21.44% | 7.22% | 24.17% |  |
| 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC\* |  | 13.22% |  |  |  |  | 8.19% |
| FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC\* | 25.78% | 10.85% |  | 37.96% |  | 17.92% | 29.61% |
| FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PERSHING LLC\* |  | 5.46% |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 PERSHING PLZ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| RAYMOND JAMES\* |  | 5.93% |  | 5.07% | 6.34% |  |  |
| OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUND RECONCILIATION 14G |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 880 CARILLON PKWY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| UBS WM USA\* |  | 5.29% | 5.70% |  |  |  |  |
| OMNI ACCOUNT M/F |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1000 HARBOR BLVD |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC\* |  | 13.43% | 12.69% |  |  |  |  |
| SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 2801 MARKET ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ST LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| G & L FAMILY PARTNERS LTD |  |  |  |  |  | 10.67% |  |
| PARTNERSHIP |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 219643 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| KANSAS CITY, MO 64121-9643 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JOHN HANCOCK TRUST COMPANY LLC\* |  |  |  |  |  | 7.20% |  |
| 200 BERKELEY ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| BOSTON MA 02116-5022 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MATRIX TRUST COMPANY CUST. FBO |  |  |  |  | 29.55% |  |  |

---

**50**

------

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---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| TRUTAG TECHNOLOGIES 401(K) PLAN |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 717 17TH STREET |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SUITE 1300 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| DENVER CO 80202-3304 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MID ATLANTIC TRUST COMPANY FBO |  |  |  |  |  | 5.56% |  |
| FINANCIAL SERVICES HOLDINGS 401(K) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1251 WATERFRONT PL STE 525 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PITTSBURGH PA 15222-4228 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONWIDE TRUST COMPANY FSB |  |  |  |  | 23.35% | 5.93% |  |
| C/O IPO PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 182029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| COLUMBUS OH 43218-2029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| VANTAGEPOINT TRADITIONAL IRA |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.72% |
| C/O MISSIONSQUARE RETIREMENT |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 777 NORTH CAPITOL STREET, NE |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WASHINGTON DC 20002-4239 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

\* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC<sup>\*</sup>  |  | 9.39% |  |  |  |
| SPECIAL CUST A/C |  |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |  |
| 211 MAIN ST |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |  |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC\* |  |  |  |  | 35.93% |
| FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF |  |  |  |  |  |
| OUR CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR |  |  |  |  |  |
| 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |  |  |  |  |  |
| PERSHING LLC\* |  |  |  |  | 60.98% |
| P. O. BOX 2052 |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07303-2052 |  |  |  |  |  |
| CAPINCO |  |  |  | 72.21% |  |
| C/O US BANK NA |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 1787 |  |  |  |  |  |
| MILWAUKEE WI 53201-1787 |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAXON & CO. |  |  |  | 20.48% |  |
| P.O. BOX 94597 |  |  |  |  |  |
| CLEVELAND OH 44101-4597 |  |  |  |  |  |
| UBATCO & CO | 74.18% | 89.75% |  |  |  |
| FBO COLLEGE SAVINGS GROUP |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 82535 |  |  |  |  |  |
| LINCOLN NE 68501-2535 |  |  |  |  |  |
| VOYA INSTITUTIONAL TRUST COMPANY\* |  |  | 99.92% |  |  |

---

**51** 

------

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---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| ONE ORANGE WAY B3N |  |  |  |  |  |
| WINDSOR CT 06095-4773 |  |  |  |  |  |

---

\* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only

**American Beacon International Equity Fund**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INV SVCS<sup>\*</sup>  |  | 6.43% | 13.48% | 17.87% |  |  |  |  |
| 707 2ND AVE S |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO FOR THE\* |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 28.41% |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS OPS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 9601 E PANORAMA CIR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ENGLEWOOD CO 80112-3441 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC\* |  |  | 9.78% | 36.68% | 11.81% |  | 21.60% |  |
| SPECIAL CUST A/C |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 211 MAIN ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| LPL FINANCIAL\* |  |  | 16.69% | 10.01% |  |  |  |  |
| 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &\* |  |  |  |  | 6.10% |  |  |  |
| SMITH FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC\* | 27.10% |  | 6.82% | 14.27% | 14.64% |  | 37.15% | 32.59% |
| FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PERSHING LLC\* |  |  |  | 7.24% |  |  |  |  |
| 1 PERSHING PLZ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| RAYMOND JAMES\* |  |  | 15.26% |  |  |  |  |  |
| OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUND RECONCILIATION 14G |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 880 CARILLON PKWY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST\* |  |  | 26.91% |  |  | 8.37% | 6.03% |  |
| FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| OMNIBUS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 711 HIGH STREET |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

**52**

------

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---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EMPOWER TRUST FBO\* |  | 33.24% |  |  |  | 5.48% |  |  |
| EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CLIENTS 401K |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EMPOWER TRUST FBO |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 18.23% |
| EMPOWER IRA ADVANTAGE |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| C/O FASCORE LLC |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NABANK & CO.\* |  |  |  |  | 26.84% |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 2180 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| TULSA OK 74101-2180 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONWIDE TRUST COMPANY FSB |  |  |  |  |  | 64.35% |  |  |
| C/O IPO PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 182029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| COLUMBUS OH 43218-2029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NORTHERN TRUST AS CUSTODIAN |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.53% |  |
| FBO KIMBELL ART FOUNDATION |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 92956 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CHICAGO IL 60675-2994 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| STATE STREET BANK |  |  |  |  |  | 14.16% |  |  |
| TRUSTEE AND/OR CUSTODIAN |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| FBO ADP ACCESS PRODUCT |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 LINCOLN STREET |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| BOSTON MA 02111-2901 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| VOYA RETIREMENT INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY\* |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.57% |  |
| ATTN MICHAEL KAMINSKI |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 ORANGE WAY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WINDSOR CT 06095-4773 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

\* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only

**American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO FOR THE<sup>\*</sup>  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 26.32% |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS OPS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 9601 E PANORAMA CIR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ENGLEWOOD CO 80112-3441 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC\* |  |  |  | 5.67% | 5.79% |  | 15.03% |  |
| SPECIAL CUST A/C |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 211 MAIN ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| LPL FINANCIAL\* |  |  | 50.88% | 26.98% |  |  |  |  |
| 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

**53** 

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---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &\* |  |  |  |  | 12.18% |  |  |  |
| SMITH FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC\* |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6.09% |
| FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC\* | 44.09% | 88.73% |  | 38.87% | 43.68% |  | 42.56% | 46.24% |
| FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PERSHING LLC\* |  |  | 6.54% |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 PERSHING PLZ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| RAYMOND JAMES\* |  |  | 19.01% |  |  |  |  |  |
| OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUND RECONCILIATION 14G |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 880 CARILLON PKWY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC\* |  |  | 10.97% |  |  |  |  |  |
| SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 2801 MARKET ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ST LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST\* |  |  |  |  |  | 6.91% |  |  |
| FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| OMNIBUS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 711 HIGH STREET |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EMPOWER TRUST FBO\* |  |  |  |  | 9.27% |  |  |  |
| EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CLIENTS 401K |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EMPOWER TRUST FBO\* |  |  |  |  |  | 54.71% |  |  |
| EMPOWER BENEFIT PLANS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JOHN HANCOCK TRUST COMPANY LLC\* |  |  |  |  |  | 7.55% |  |  |
| 200 BERKELEY ST STE 7 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| BOSTON MA 02116-5038 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| KANSAS POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.48% |  |

---

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---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| ATTN SSB&T CUSTODIAN |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 4500 MAIN ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| KANSAS CITY MO 64111-1816 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| LINCOLN RETIREMENT SERVICES COMPANY |  |  |  |  | 6.26% |  |  |  |
| FBO UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL 401K PLAN |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 7876 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO\* |  |  |  |  |  | 15.92% |  |  |
| 1295 STATE ST MTP C105 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SPRINGFIELD MA 01111-0001 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| VOYA RETIREMENT INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY\* |  |  |  |  |  | 5.37% |  |  |
| ATTN MICHAEL KAMINSKI |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 ORANGE WAY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WINDSOR CT 06095-4773 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| VRSCO |  |  |  | 5.28% |  |  |  |  |
| FBO VTC CUST TTEE FBO |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NASSAU HEALTHCARE CORPORATION 457 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 2727-A ALLEN PARKWAY, 4-D1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| HOUSTON TX 77019-2107 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

\* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only

**American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC<sup>\*</sup>  |  |  | 8.34% |  | 7.39% |  | 33.88% | 25.61% |
| SPECIAL CUST A/C |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 211 MAIN ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| LPL FINANCIAL\* |  |  | 27.64% | 70.18% |  |  |  |  |
| 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC\* | 30.09% | 5.74% | 6.31% | 8.20% | 33.53% |  | 30.67% | 47.85% |
| FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| UMB BANK CUSTODIAN\* |  | 5.11% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| SECURITY FINANCIAL RESOURCES |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 SW SECURITY BENEFIT PL |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| TOPEKA KS 66636-1000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC\* |  |  | 5.39% |  |  |  |  |  |
| SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

**55** 

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---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **A CLASS** | **C CLASS** | **Y CLASS** | **R6 CLASS** | **Advisor** **CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| 2801 MARKET ST |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ST LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST\* |  |  | 37.30% |  | 7.16% | 18.34% |  |  |
| FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| OMNIBUS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 711 HIGH STREET |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| EMPOWER TRUST FBO |  | 16.76% |  |  |  | 6.64% |  |  |
| EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CLIENTS 401K |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| LINCOLN RETIREMENT SERVICES COMPANY |  | 7.62% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| FBO BCPS 403B |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 7876 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| FORT WAYNE IN 46801-7876 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONWIDE TRUST COMPANY FSB |  |  |  |  |  | 7.95% |  |  |
| C/O IPO PORTFOLIO ACCOUNTING |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 182029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| COLUMBUS OH 43218-2029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| RELIANCE TRUST COMPANY FBO\* |  |  |  |  | 9.66% |  |  |  |
| T ROWE PRICE RETIREMENT |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PLAN CLIENTS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 78446 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ATLANTA GEORGIA 30357 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| TALCOTT RESOLUTION LIFE INSURANCE |  |  |  |  |  | 16.39% |  |  |
| COMPANY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 5051 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| HARTFORD CT 06102-5051 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| VOYA INSTITUTIONAL TRUST COMPANY\* |  | 10.44% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| ONE ORANGE WAY B3N |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WINDSOR CT 06095-4773 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| VOYA RETIREMENT INSURANCE & ANNUITY COMPANY\* |  |  |  |  |  | 9.70% |  |  |
| ATTN MICHAEL KAMINSKI |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 1 ORANGE WAY |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| WINDSOR CT 06095-4773 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

---

\* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only

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**INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS**

The Funds' sub-advisors are listed below with information regarding their 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." If any sub-advisor for a Fund is not listed below, no owner of such sub-advisor owns more than 25% of the outstanding voting interests and are thus presumed not to be control persons. Persons and entities affiliated with a sub-advisor may be considered affiliates of a Fund for which the sub-advisor manages a portion of the Fund's assets.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** **("American Century")** |  |  |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| American Century Companies, Inc. | Parent Company | Holding Company |
| Stowers Institute for Medical Research | Ownership of Parent Company | Medical Research |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** **("Barrow")** |  |  |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| Perpetual Limited | Parent Company | Financial Services |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC ("Brandywine Global")** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC ("Brandywine Global")** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC ("Brandywine Global")** |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| Legg Mason, Inc. | Direct Owner | Financial Services |
| Franklin Resources, Inc. | Indirect Owner | Financial Services |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Causeway Capital Management LLC ("Causeway")** |  |  |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| Causeway Capital Holdings LLC | Parent Company | Parent Company |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. ("Garcia Hamilton")** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. ("Garcia Hamilton")** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. ("Garcia Hamilton")** |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| New Southwest GP Holdings, Inc. | General Partner, wholly owned by Gilbert Andrew Garcia | Financial Services |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** **("Hotchkis")** |  |  |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| HWCap Holdings, LLC | Majority Owner | Financial Services |
| Stephens-H&W, LLC | Minority Owner | Financial Services |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Lazard Asset Management LLC ("Lazard")** |  |  |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| Lazard Freres & Co. LLC | Parent Company | Financial Services |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** **("MFS")** |  |  |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| Sun Life Financial, Inc | Majority Owner | Financial Services |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Westwood Management Corp. ("Westwood")** |  |  |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. | Parent Company | Financial Services |

---

The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with each sub-advisor pursuant to which a Fund has agreed to pay its sub-advisor an annualized sub-advisory fee that is calculated and accrued daily based on a percentage of the applicable Fund's average daily net assets.

**MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE, SECURITIES LENDING, 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., a wholly-owned subsidiary

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of Resolute Topco, Inc. ("Topco"). Topco is owned primarily by various institutional investment funds that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. No owner of Topco owns more than 25% of the outstanding equity or voting interests of Topco. The address of Topco is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039.

Listed below are individuals and entities that may be deemed control persons of the Manager.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity's Business** |
| Resolute Topco, Inc. | Ultimate Parent Company | Holding Company – Founded in 2015 |

---

The Manager is paid a management fee as compensation for providing each Fund with management and administrative services. The expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares of a Fund based upon the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class. The Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of a Fund's average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:

The Manager is paid a management fee for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund based on the following schedule:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| First $15 billion | 0.35% |
| Next $15 billion | 0.325% |
| Over $30 billion | 0.30% |

---

The Manager also receives a fee of 0.15% of the average daily net assets of the American Beacon Balanced Fund as compensation for the management of a portion of the Fund's assets.

For the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, 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% |

---

Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the assets of that class. Pursuant to the 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 Funds' 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 a Fund's assets that a sub-advisor determines to be allocated to short-term investments.

The Funds are 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 a 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 a 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 a 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 Manager may contractually agree from time to time to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses for a Fund in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for a Fund. The contractual expense reimbursement can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of a Fund's Board of Trustees. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of a Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of a Fund. 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 a Fund for any contractual or voluntary fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager's waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause a 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 following tables show the total management fees paid to the Manager for management and administrative services and the investment advisory fees paid to each sub-advisor based on each Fund's average daily net assets for each Fund's three most recent fiscal years ended October 31. The following tables also show the management fees waived or recouped by the Manager and the sub-advisory fees waived by the sub-advisors, if

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applicable. The fees paid to the Manager were equal to 0.35% of each Fund's average daily net assets. In the tables below, the fees paid to the sub-advisors are expressed both as a dollar amount and percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)** | **Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)** | **Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)** | **Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)** |
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $466356 | $396763 | $378227 |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | $1085007 | $915012 | $982536 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $3905678 | $2839642 | $2019806 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $11152815 | $11942695 | $11783039 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $15897278 | $16274900 | $14207121 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)** | **Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)** | **Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)** | **Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)** |
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $206610 | $188601 | $173315 |
|  | 0.17% | 0.17% | 0.17% |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | $620004 | $522864 | $561449 |
|  | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.20% |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $3133428 | $2093998 | $1541763 |
|  | 0.26% | 0.26% | 0.27% |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $6360972 | $7009483 | $6969700 |
|  | 0.20% | 0.20% | 0.20% |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund<sup>\*</sup>  | $15888739 | $16168165 | $14190100 |
|  | 0.35% | 0.35% | 0.35% |

---

\* Sub-Advisor Fees includes fees paid to Newton Investment Management North America, LLC ("NIMNA"), formerly a sub-advisor of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund ("Small Cap Value Fund"), for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2023, October 31, 2024, and October 31, 2025. On March 7, 2025, NIMNA was terminated as a sub-advisor to the Small Cap Value Fund. On March 28, 2025, Westwood Management Corp. began managing a portion of the assets of the Fund.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped<sup>\*</sup>**  | **Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped<sup>\*</sup>**  | **Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped<sup>\*</sup>**  | **Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped<sup>\*</sup>**  |
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | $(670072) | $(634115) | $(615714) |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $(206621) | $(183983) | $(105132) |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $0 | $0 | $0 |

---

\* The sub-advisors for the Funds have not waived fees during the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31.

Certain sub-advisors of the Funds or other series of the American Beacon Funds Complex contribute to the Manager to support the American Beacon Funds' distribution activities.

**Distribution Fees**

The Manager (or another entity approved by the Board) under a distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act, is paid up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the A Class shares and Advisor Class shares, and up to 1.00% per annum of the average daily net assets of the C Class shares of the Funds for distribution and shareholder servicing related services, including expenses relating to selling efforts of various broker-dealers, shareholder servicing fees and the preparation and distribution of A Class, C Class, and Advisor Class advertising material and sales literature. The Manager will receive Rule 12b-1 fees from the A Class, C Class, and Advisor Class regardless of the amount of the Manager's actual expenses related to distribution and shareholder servicing efforts on behalf of each Class. Thus, the Manager may realize a profit or a loss based upon its actual distribution and shareholder servicing related expenditures for the A Class, C Class, and Advisor Class shares. The Manager anticipates that the Rule 12b-1 plan will benefit shareholders by providing broader access to a Fund through broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries who require compensation for their expenses in order to offer shares of the Funds. The Board has not authorized Y Class, R5 Class, R6 Class, or Investor Class shares of a Fund to pay any fees pursuant to a distribution plan. Distribution fees pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025 were:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **A Class** | **A Class** |
| **Fund** | **Distribution Fee** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $49001 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $26355 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $218000 |

---

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **A Class** | **A Class** |
| **Fund** | **Distribution Fee** |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $122217 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **C Class** | **C Class** |
| **Fund** | **Distribution Fee** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $47075 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $25512 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $19803 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $44237 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** |
| **Fund** | **Distribution Fee** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $2222 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $30787 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $111710 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $48428 |

---

**Service Plan Fees**

The A Class, C Class, Advisor Class, and Investor Class have each adopted a Service Plan (collectively, the "Service Plans"). The Service Plans authorize 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 and up to 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of the A Class shares, C Class shares, and Advisor Class shares. In addition, a Fund may reimburse the Manager for certain non-distribution shareholder services provided by financial intermediaries attributable to Y Class and R5 Class shares, but not R6 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 A Class, C Class, Y Class, R5 Class, Advisor 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 a Fund's "Other Expenses" in the Table of Fees and Expenses in the Prospectus, will be payable monthly in arrears. The primary non-distribution shareholder fees paid to financial intermediaries, such as plan sponsors and broker-dealers, generally include shareholder servicing, record keeping and servicing fees.

Service Plan fees paid by the A Class, C Class, Advisor Class and Investor Class shares of each Fund pursuant to the applicable Service Plan for the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31 are set forth below.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** | **A Class** |
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $11896 | $13537 | $16794 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $11183 | $16413 | $17562 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $18126 | $49962 | $128985 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $80529 | $89969 | $91255 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** | **C Class** |
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $12414 | $8259 | $3943 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $3548 | $3131 | $2868 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $4423 | $3197 | $2254 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $9725 | $8009 | $5778 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** | **Advisor Class** |
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $2257 | $2827 | $2138 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $36056 | $35298 | $30893 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $111682 | $112088 | $111468 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $75523 | $61608 | $48453 |

---

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---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** |
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $149923 | $141461 | $123036 |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | $3311 | $9164 | $14251 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $359278 | $191657 | $172732 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $1991555 | $1727999 | $1667609 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $996291 | $976487 | $809856 |

---

**Securities Lending Fees**

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by a Fund, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly investment income (the income earned in the form of interest, dividends and realized capital gains from the investment of cash collateral, plus any negative rebate fees paid by borrowers, less the rebate amount paid to borrowers as well as related expenses) and, with respect to collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of loan fees and demand premiums paid by borrowers.

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

As of the date of this SAI, each Fund, except for the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, intends to engage in securities lending activities.

Fees received by the Manager from securities lending for the last three fiscal years ended October 31 were approximately as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $426 | $1301 | $910 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $26768 | $10454 | $5101 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $20493 | $36895 | $35687 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $14838 | $109218 | $16679 |

---

State Street serves as securities lending agent for each Fund that engages in securities lending and, in that role, administers each Fund's securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending authorization agreement entered into between each Fund and State Street ("Securities Lending Agreement").

As securities lending agent, State Street is responsible for the implementation and administration of each Fund's securities lending program. State Street's responsibilities include: (1) lending available securities to approved borrowers; (2) continually monitoring the creditworthiness of approved borrowers and potential borrowers; (3) 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; (4) 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; (5) marking loaned securities and collateral to their market value each business day; (6) 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; (7) returning the collateral to the borrower, at the termination of the loan, upon the return of the loaned securities; (8) investing cash collateral in permitted investments, including the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund; and (9) establishing and maintaining records related to the Fund's securities lending activities. Additionally, State Street has indemnified each Fund for borrower default as it relates to the securities lending program administered by State Street.

State Street is compensated for the above-described services from its securities lending revenue split, as provided in the Securities Lending Agreement. The table below shows the income each Fund earned and the fees and compensation it paid to service providers (including fees paid to State Street as securities lending agent and the Manager for administrative and oversight functions) in connection with its securities lending activities during its most recent fiscal year.

The American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund did not earn any income and did not pay any fees or other compensation to service providers (including State Street as securities lending agent and the Manager for administrative and oversight functions) in connection with securities lending activities during its most recent fiscal year.

**61** 

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---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **American** **Beacon** **Balanced** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** | **American** **Beacon Large** **Cap Value** **Fund** | **American** **Beacon Small** **Cap Value** **Fund** |
| **Gross income earned by the fund from securities lending activities** | **$20185** | **$87153** | **$961596** | **$790656** |
| Fees and/or compensation paid by the fund for securities lending activities and related services: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split*  | $910 | $5101 | $35687 | $16679 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split* | $264 | $1229 | $15231 | $15363 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Administrative fees not included in revenue split*  | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Indemnification fee not included in revenue split*  | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Rebate (paid to borrower)*  | $10329 | $39837 | $576396 | $594458 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Other fees not included in revenue split (administrative and oversight functions provided by the Manager)* | $910 | $5101 | $35687 | $16679 |
| **Aggregate fees/compensation paid by the fund for securities lending activities** | **$12413** | **$51268** | **$663001** | **$643179** |
| **Net income from securities lending activities** | **$7772** | **$35885** | **$298595** | **$147477** |

---

The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits each 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.

**The Distributor**

Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. ("RID" or "Distributor") is the Funds' distributor and principal underwriter of the Funds' shares.

RID, located at 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039, is a registered broker-dealer and is a member of FINRA. The Distributor is affiliated with the Manager through common ownership. Under a Distribution Agreement with the Trust, the Distributor acts as the distributor and principal underwriter of the Trust in connection with the continuous offering of shares of the Funds. The Distributor continually distributes shares of the Funds on a best efforts basis. The Distributor has no obligation to sell any specific quantity of the Funds' shares. Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to the extent applicable, the Distributor receives, and may re-allow to broker-dealers, all or a portion of the sales charge paid by the purchasers of A Class and C Class shares. For A Class and C Class shares, the Distributor receives commission revenue consisting of the portion of the A Class and C Class sales charge remaining after the allowances by the Distributor to the broker-dealers. The Distributor retains any portion of the commission fees that are not paid to the broker-dealers for use solely to pay distribution related expenses.

The aggregate sales charges paid to, or retained by, the Distributor from the sale of shares and the CDSC retained by the Distributor on the redemption of shares during each of the Fund's three most recent fiscal years ended October 31 are shown in the table below:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** |  | **Sales Charge Revenue** | **Sales Charge Revenue** | **Deferred Sales Charge Revenue** | **Deferred Sales Charge Revenue** |
|  | **Fiscal** **Year** | **Amount Paid to** **Distributor** | **Amount** **Retained by** **Distributor** | **Amount Paid to** **Distributor** | **Amount** **Retained by** **Distributor** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | 2025 | $25804 | $5373 | $8 | - |
|  | 2024 | $28068 | $5161 | $300 | - |
|  | 2023 | $17553 | $2044 | $947 | - |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | 2025 | - | - | - | - |
|  | 2024 | - | - | - | - |
|  | 2023 | - | - | - | - |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | 2025 | $823 | $185 | $22 | - |
|  | 2024 | $3223 | $461 | - | - |
|  | 2023 | $10400 | $2595 | $18 | - |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | 2025 | $6698 | $1070 | $2 | - |
|  | 2024 | $14582 | $2897 | $622 | - |
|  | 2023 | $5531 | $589 | $66 | - |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | 2025 | $14105 | $2149 | $426 | - |
|  | 2024 | $16805 | $2289 | $127 | - |
|  | 2023 | $11215 | $1294 | $109 | - |

---

**62**

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RID does not receive compensation on redemptions and repurchases, brokerage commissions, or other compensation. However, as shown in a separate chart, RID may receive distribution fees (i.e., Rule 12b-1 fees) from certain share classes of the Funds.

**OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS**

State Street, located at One Congress Street, Suite 1, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2016, serves as custodian ("Custodian") for the Funds. State Street also serves as the Funds' Foreign Custody Manager pursuant to rules adopted under the Investment Company Act, whereby it selects and monitors eligible foreign sub-custodians. The Manager also has entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street. Under the sub-administration agreement, State Street provides the Funds with certain financial reporting and tax services.

Pursuant to an administrative services agreement among the Manager, the Trust, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC ("Parametric"), located at 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, Washington 98104, Parametric provides certain administrative services related to the equitization of cash balances for certain series of the American Beacon Funds Complex.

SS&C GIDS, 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 Funds' independent registered public accounting firm is PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which is located at 101 Seaport Blvd., Suite 500, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, serves as legal counsel to the Funds.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**

The portfolio managers to each Fund (the "Portfolio Managers") have responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the respective Fund. Information regarding these other accounts has been provided by each sub-advisor and is set forth below. The number of accounts and assets are shown as of October 31, 2025.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Kirk L. Brown<sup>\*</sup>  | 1 ($0.6 bil) | 1 ($0.1 bil) | 3 ($14.3 bil) |  |  |  |
| Paul B. Cavazos | 2 ($1.9 bil) | 2 ($0.9 bil) | 3 ($14.3 bil) |  |  |  |
| Colin J. Hamer | 2 ($1.9 bil) | 1 ($0.8 bil) | 2 ($13.5 bil) |  |  |  |
| Erin Higginbotham |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Robyn A. Serrano |  | 2 ($0.9 bil) | 3 ($14.3 bil) |  |  |  |
| Samuel Silver |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Patrick Sporl<sup>\*\*</sup>  | 1 ($1.6 bil) |  | 1 ($12.6 bil) |  |  |  |

---

\* Effective August 31, 2026, Mr. Brown will retire as a Portfolio Manager for the Fund. Therefore, effective August 31, 2026, all references to Mr. Brown in this SAI are deleted.

\*\* Information provided as of December 31, 2025.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** | **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** | **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** | **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** | **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** | **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** | **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** |
| Pablo Valcarce | 1 ($552.8 mil) |  | 1 ($194.3 mil) |  |  |  |
| Jonathan Veiga | 1 ($552.8 mil) |  | 1 ($194.3 mil) |  |  |  |
| Bert Whitson | 1 ($552.8 mil) |  | 1 ($194.3 mil) |  |  |  |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** |
| Mark Giambrone | 7 ($4.3 bil) | 2 ($327.7 mil) | 43 ($8.1 bil) |  |  |  |
| W. Coleman Hubbard |  | 1 ($98.1 mil) | 12 (646 mil) |  |  |  |
| DJ Taylor |  | 1 ($98.1 mil) | 12 (646 mil) |  |  |  |

---

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---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| Deborah A. Petruzzelli | 1 ($79.9 mil) | 1 ($20.5 mil) | 10 (683 mil) |  |  |  |
| J. Scott McDonald | 2 ($86.9 mil) | 1 ($20.5 mil) | 16 (1.4 bil) |  |  |  |
| Matthew Routh | 2 ($86.9 mil) | 1 ($20.5 mil) | 16 (1.4 bil) |  |  |  |
| Justin Martin | 2 ($86.9 mil) | 1 ($20.5 mil) | 16 (1.4 bil) |  |  |  |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** |
| Michelle K. Bevan |  | 3 ($212 mil) | 1 ($200 mil) |  |  |  |
| Henry F. Otto | 8 ($6.3 bil) | 7 ($284 mil) | 30 ($930 mil) |  |  | 2 ($1.6 bil) |
| Steven M. Tonkovich | 8 ($6.3 bil) | 7 ($284 mil) | 30 ($930 mil) |  |  | 2 ($1.6 bil) |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Causeway Capital Management LLC** |
| Sarah H. Ketterer | 13 ($25.4 bil) | 17 ($5.98 bil) | 136 ($28.9 bil) |  |  | 3 ($2.21 bil) |
| Harry W. Hartford | 13 ($25.4 bil) | 17 ($5.98 bil) | 133 ($28.7 bil) |  |  | 3 ($2.21 bil) |
| Jonathan P. Eng | 13 ($25.4 bil) | 17 ($5.99 bil) | 116 ($28.7 bil) |  |  | 3 ($2.21 bil) |
| Conor Muldoon | 13 ($25.4 bil) | 17 ($5.98 bil) | 115 ($28.7 bil) |  |  | 3 ($2.21 bil) |
| Ellen Lee | 13 ($25.4 bil) | 17 ($5.99 bil) | 122 ($28.7 bil) |  |  | 3 ($2.21 bil) |
| Alessandro Valentini | 13 ($25.4 bil) | 17 ($5.98 bil) | 110 ($28.7 bil) |  |  | 3 ($2.21 bil) |
| Steven Nguyen | 13 ($25.4 bil) | 17 ($5.98 bil) | 110 ($28.7 bil) |  |  | 3 ($2.21 bil) |
| Brian Woonyung Cho | 13 ($25.4 bil) | 17 ($5.98 bil) | 111 ($28.7 bil) |  |  | 3 ($2.21 bil) |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** | **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** | **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** | **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** | **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** | **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** | **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** |
| Gregory Ramsby |  | 2 ($212 mil) | 24 ($992 mil) |  |  | 4 ($340 mil) |
| Randy Renfrow |  | 2 ($212 mil) | 34 ($1,848 mil) |  |  | 4 ($340 mil) |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed** <br>**and Assets by Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed** <br>**and Assets by Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed** <br>**and Assets by Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which** <br>**Advisory Fee is Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which** <br>**Advisory Fee is Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which** <br>**Advisory Fee is Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** |
| Gilbert Andrew Garcia |  | 2 ($72.2 mil) | 334 ($24.8 bil) |  |  | 2 ($290.6 mil) |
| Karen H. Tass |  | 2 ($72.2 mil) | 334 ($24.8 bil) |  |  | 2 ($290.6 mil) |
| Jeffrey D. Detwiler |  | 2 ($72.2 mil) | 334 ($24.8 bil) |  |  | 2 ($290.6 mil) |
| Benjamin D. Monkiewicz |  | 2 ($72.2 mil) | 334 ($24.8 bil) |  |  | 2 ($290.6 mil) |

---

**64**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** | **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** |
| George Davis | 22 ($21.0 bil) | 18 ($3.7 bil) | 49 ($6.6 bil) | 2 ($15.9 bil) | 2 ($322.6 mil) | 3 ($679.0 mil) |
| Scott McBride | 22 ($21.0 bil) | 18 ($3.7 bil) | 49 ($6.6 bil) | 2 ($15.9 bil) | 2 ($322.6 mil) | 3 ($679.0 mil) |
| Patricia McKenna<sup>\*</sup>  | 22 ($21.0 bil) | 18 ($3.7 bil) | 49 ($6.6 bil) | 2 ($15.9 bil) | 2 ($322.6 mil) | 3 ($679.0 mil) |
| Doug Campbell | 22 ($21.0 bil) | 18 ($3.7 bil) | 49 ($6.6 bil) | 2 ($15.9 bil) | 2 ($322.6 mil) | 3 ($679.0 mil) |
| David Green | 22 ($21.0 bil) | 18 ($3.7 bil) | 49 ($6.6 bil) | 2 ($15.9 bil) | 2 ($322.6 mil) | 3 ($679.0 mil) |
| Jim Miles | 22 ($21.0 bil) | 18 ($3.7 bil) | 49 ($6.6 bil) | 2 ($15.9 bil) | 2 ($322.6 mil) | 3 ($679.0 mil) |

---

\* Ms. McKenna is expected to retire effective August 1, 2026. Therefore, effective August 1, 2026, all references to Ms. McKenna in this SAI are deleted.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **Lazard Asset Management LLC** | **Lazard Asset Management LLC** | **Lazard Asset Management LLC** | **Lazard Asset Management LLC** | **Lazard Asset Management LLC** | **Lazard Asset Management LLC** | **Lazard Asset Management LLC** |
| Michael A. Bennett | 7 ($3.3 bil) | 7 ($1.3 bil) | 95 ($15.9 bil) |  |  | 2 ($137.6 mil) |
| Giles Edwards | 4 ($1.4 bil) | 6 ($896.2 mil) | 73 ($10.2 bil) |  |  | 2 ($137.6 mil) |
| Michael G. Fry | 4 ($1.4 bil) | 6 ($896.2 mil) | 73 ($10.2 bil) |  |  | 2 ($137.6 mil) |
| Michael S. Powers | 4 ($1.4 bil) | 6 ($896.2 mil) | 73 ($10.2 bil) |  |  | 2 ($137.6 mil) |
| Paul Selvey-Clinton | 4 ($1.4 bil) | 6 ($896.2 mil) | 73 ($10.2 bil) |  |  | 2 ($137.6 mil) |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** | **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** | **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** | **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** | **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** | **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** | **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** |
| Katherine Cannan | 8 ($63.4 bil) | 2 ($7.6 bil) | 16 ($7.4 bil) |  |  |  |
| Nevin Chitkara<sup>1</sup>  | 8 ($63.4 bil) | 2 ($7.6 bil) | 16 ($7.4 bil) |  |  |  |
| Thomas P. Crowley | 8 ($63.4 bil) | 2 ($7.6 bil) | 16 ($7.4 bil) |  |  |  |

---

1 Mr. Chitkara is expected to retire effective May 1, 2026. Therefore, effective May 1, 2026, all references to Mr. Chitkara in this SAI are deleted.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**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** |
| **Westwood Management Corp.** | **Westwood Management Corp.** | **Westwood Management Corp.** | **Westwood Management Corp.** | **Westwood Management Corp.** | **Westwood Management Corp.** | **Westwood Management Corp.** |
| William E. Costello, CFA | 3 ($1.2 bil) | 7 ($946 mil) | 31 ($2.1 bil) |  |  |  |
| Matthew R. Lockridge | 7 ($2.1 bil) | 8 ($550 mil) | 54 ($3.0 bil) |  |  | 1 ($0.15 mil) |
| Frederic G. Rowsey, CFA | 2 ($1.1 bil) | 4 ($166 mil) | 20 ($1.6 bil) |  |  |  |
| Jordan Latimer, CFA | 2 ($1.1 bil) | 4 ($166 mil) | 27 ($1.6 bil) |  |  |  |

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**Conflicts of Interest**

As noted in the table above, the Portfolio Managers manage accounts other than the Funds. This side-by-side management may present potential conflicts between a Portfolio Manager's management of the Funds' investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other hand. Set forth below is a description by the Manager and each sub-advisor of any foreseeable material conflicts of interest that may arise from the concurrent management of a Fund and other accounts. The information regarding potential conflicts of interest of a sub-advisor was provided by the sub-advisors as of October 31, 2025.

<u>**<u>The Manager</u>**</u> The Manager's Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing the Funds and other accounts, including separate accounts and unregistered funds. The Manager typically assigns Funds and accounts with similar investment strategies to the same Portfolio Manager to mitigate the potentially conflicting investment strategies of accounts. Other than potential conflicts between investment strategies, the side-by-side management of both the Funds and other accounts may raise potential conflicts of interest due to the interest held by the Manager or one of its affiliates in an account and certain trading practices used by the Portfolio Managers (e.g., cross trades between a Fund and another account and allocation of aggregated

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trades). The Manager has developed policies and procedures reasonably designed to mitigate those conflicts. In particular, the Manager has adopted policies limiting the ability of Portfolio Managers to cross securities between a Fund and a separate account and policies designed to ensure the fair allocation of securities purchased on an aggregated basis.

Portfolio Managers of the Manager with responsibility for oversight of Fund sub-advisors are also responsible for overseeing sub-advisors selected by the Manager to manage other client accounts. In some cases, the same investment process and overall investment strategy are used for both a Fund and another client account. When a sub-advisor has a limited capacity for managing assets, these Portfolio Managers may have an incentive to allocate the capacity disproportionately among clients. Certain Portfolio Managers oversee fixed income assets managed internally by the Manager as well as equity and fixed income assets managed externally by sub-advisors. Potential conflicts of interest may occur when the Manager's Portfolio Managers allocate Fund assets to internal fixed income Portfolio Managers rather than external Portfolio Managers, since the Manager has the potential to earn more fees under this scenario. These potential conflicts of interest are disclosed to the Board in connection with the process of approving the Manager as an investment advisor to the Funds.

<u>***<u>American Century Investment Management, Inc. ("American Century")</u>***</u> This information was provided by American Century as of October 31, 2025. Certain conflicts of interest may arise in connection with American Century's management of client portfolios with different investment strategies. Potential conflicts can include, for example, one investment strategy buying or selling a security while another has a different, potentially opposite, position in the same security. This may include one investment strategy taking a short position in the security of an issuer that is held long in another investment strategy (or vice versa). Other potential conflicts may arise with respect to the allocation of investment opportunities across client portfolios, which are discussed in more detail below. American Century has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to minimize the effects of these conflicts.

Management of American Century's client portfolios is organized according to investment discipline and investment strategy. Investment disciplines include, for example, Disciplined Equity, Global Growth Equity (both U.S. and Global/Non-U.S.), Global Value Equity, Global Fixed Income, Multi-Asset Strategies, American Century Rules-Based ETF strategies, Avantis Investors strategies, and Private Investments. Within each investment discipline are one or more portfolio teams responsible for managing specific investment strategies, such as U.S. Disciplined Core Value, U.S. Small Cap Value, U.S. Large Cap Growth, Emerging Markets Equity and U.S. Core Fixed Income. In some cases, a portfolio manager or team may be responsible for managing (or assisting in managing) multiple investment strategies within or across investment disciplines. Generally, client portfolios with similar investment strategies are managed by the same portfolio management team using similar investment objectives, approaches and philosophies. Accordingly, portfolio holdings, position sizes, and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across client portfolios with similar investment strategies, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest. In addition, American Century maintains information barriers that restrict portfolio management teams within an investment discipline from having access to information regarding security positions, orders or transactions in client portfolios or investment strategies in other investment disciplines. If a portfolio manager or team manages or assists in managing an investment strategy in another investment discipline, that portfolio manager or team will only have access to information relating to that investment strategy and not other investment strategies within that investment discipline. The information barriers are intended to aid in preventing the misuse of portfolio holdings information or trading activity in other investment disciplines. Portfolio managers or teams that manage (or assist in managing) investment strategies across investment disciplines will not allow their access to portfolio holdings and/or trading information in one investment discipline to in any way impact decisions they make for client portfolios in other investment disciplines.

For each investment strategy, one portfolio is generally designated as the "policy portfolio." Other portfolios with similar investment objectives, guidelines and restrictions, if any, are referred to as "tracking portfolios." When managing policy and tracking portfolios, a portfolio team typically purchases and sells securities across all portfolios that the team manages. American Century's trading systems include various order entry programs that assist in the management of multiple portfolios, such as the ability to purchase or sell the same relative amount of one security across several funds. In some cases a tracking portfolio may have additional restrictions or limitations that cause it to be managed separately from the policy portfolio. Portfolio managers make purchase and sale decisions for such portfolios alongside the policy portfolio to the extent the overlap is appropriate, and separately, if the overlap is not.

American Century may aggregate orders to purchase or sell the same security for multiple portfolios when it believes such aggregation is consistent with its duty to seek best execution on behalf of its clients. Orders of certain client portfolios may, by investment restriction or otherwise, be determined not available for aggregation. American Century has adopted policies and procedures to minimize the risk that a client portfolio could be systematically advantaged or disadvantaged in connection with the aggregation of orders. To the extent equity trades are aggregated, shares purchased or sold are generally allocated to the participating portfolios pro rata based on order size. Because initial public offerings (IPOs) are usually available in limited supply and in amounts too small to permit across-the-board pro rata allocations, American Century has adopted special procedures designed to promote a fair and equitable allocation of IPO securities among clients over time. A centralized trading desk executes all fixed income securities transactions for Avantis ETFs and mutual funds. For all other funds in the American Century complex, portfolio teams are responsible for executing fixed income trades with broker/dealers in a predominantly dealer marketplace. Trade allocation decisions are made by the portfolio manager at the time of trade execution and orders entered on the fixed income order management system. There is an ethical wall between the Avantis trading desk and all other American Century traders. The Advisor's Global Head of Trading monitors all trading activity for best execution and to make sure no set of clients is being systematically disadvantaged.

Finally, investment of American Century's corporate assets in proprietary accounts may raise additional conflicts of interest. To mitigate these potential conflicts of interest, American Century has adopted policies and procedures intended to provide that trading in proprietary accounts is performed in a manner that does not give improper advantage to American Century to the detriment of client portfolios.

<u>***<u>Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC ("Barrow Hanley")</u>***</u> Actual or potential conflicts of interest may arise when a Portfolio Manager has management responsibilities for more than one account including mutual fund, CLO, or Private Fund accounts. When one Client has a relationship or fee arrangement with the adviser that is more valuable or could accelerate the fees due to the adviser than another Client's, the adviser might have an incentive to favor that Client when allocating investment opportunities among multiple Client accounts. Barrow Hanley manages potential conflicts

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between funds, CLOs, and/or types of accounts through trade allocation policies and procedures, internal review processes, and oversight by the CCO, directors, and independent third parties. The Firm's investment management and trading policies are designed to address potential conflicts in situations where two or more funds, CLOs, or accounts participate in investment decisions involving the same securities or issuer.

<u>***<u>Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC ("Brandywine Global")</u>***</u> Brandywine Global does not foresee any potentially material conflicts of interest as a result of concurrent management of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund and other accounts. Brandywine Global follows the same buy and sell discipline for all positions across all portfolios, subject to client-specific restrictions. Portfolios may differ in a strategy slightly due to differences in available cash, contributions and withdrawals.

<u>***<u>Causeway Capital Management LLC ("Causeway")</u>***</u> The Causeway portfolio managers who manage a portion, or "Sleeve," of the American Beacon International Equity Fund (the "Sleeve") also manage their own personal accounts and other accounts, including corporations, pension plans, public retirement plans, sovereign wealth funds, superannuation funds, Taft-Hartley pension plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds and other collective investment vehicles, charities, private trusts and funds, wrap fee programs, and other institutions (collectively, "Other Accounts"). In managing the Other Accounts, the portfolio managers employ investment strategies similar to that used in managing the Sleeve, subject to certain variations in investment restrictions. The portfolio managers purchase and sell securities for the Sleeve that they also recommend to Other Accounts. The portfolio managers at times give advice or take action with respect to certain accounts that differs from the advice given other accounts with similar investment strategies. The Other Accounts pay higher management fee rates than the Sleeve or pay performance-based fees to Causeway. Causeway is the investment adviser and sponsor of a number of mutual funds: Causeway International Value Fund, Causeway Global Value Fund, Causeway Emerging Markets Fund, Causeway International Opportunities Fund, and Causeway International Small Cap Fund (together, the "Causeway Mutual Funds"). Causeway also sponsors and manages certain other commingled vehicles in its international value equity strategy that are offered to institutional investors. Most of the portfolio managers have personal investments in one or more of the Causeway Mutual Funds. Each of Ms. Ketterer and Mr. Hartford hold, through estate planning vehicles, a controlling voting stake in Causeway's parent holding company and Messrs. Eng, Muldoon, Valentini, Nguyen, Cho and Ms. Lee have minority interests in Causeway's parent holding company.

Actual or potential conflicts of interest arise from the Sleeve's portfolio managers' management responsibilities with respect to the Other Accounts and their own personal accounts. These responsibilities may cause portfolio managers to devote unequal time and attention across client accounts and the differing fees, incentives and relationships with the various accounts provide incentives to favor certain accounts. Causeway has written compliance policies and procedures designed to mitigate or manage these conflicts of interest. These include policies and procedures to seek fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities (including IPOs) and trade allocations among all client accounts and policies and procedures concerning the disclosure and use of portfolio transaction information. Causeway also has a Code of Ethics which, among other things, limits personal trading by portfolio managers and other employees of Causeway. There is no guarantee that any such policies or procedures will cover every situation in which a conflict of interest arises.

<u>***<u>DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. ("DRZ")</u>***</u> DRZ manages several accounts in accordance with its small cap value investment strategy. There are varying fee structures across the managed accounts, including performance/incentive fee structures. Performance fee arrangements have the possibility of substantially increasing DRZ's compensation and therefore may create an incentive for the portfolio manager to allocate investments with favorable return characteristics to clients paying higher fees.

As a matter of policy, DRZ's investment professionals are prohibited from considering performance fees, management fees and/or the status of performance hurdles when allocating investment opportunities. In order to mitigate these conflicts, DRZ's investment allocation process is pre-set and is automated via the firm's order management system. Executed orders are allocated on a prorated basis to all eligible accounts. Investment teams do not have access to change the allocation process within the system.

<u>***<u>Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. ("Garcia Hamilton")</u>***</u> Garcia Hamilton's investment teams and individual portfolio managers often manage multiple accounts, including separate accounts and mutual funds, according to the same or a similar investment strategy. Side-by-side management of the funds and other accounts raises the possibility of favorable or preferential treatment of a client or a group of clients.

Garcia Hamilton receives fees based on performance in cases where a client has proposed and the Firm has accepted a performance-based fee arrangement. Entitlement to a performance-based fee arrangement may create an incentive for Garcia Hamilton to take risks in managing assets which may be riskier or more speculative than those which would be recommended under a different fee arrangement.

To eliminate or significantly reduce the potential for conflicts of interest, all accounts invested in a product are managed alike, subject to client restrictions, in determining the timing of as well as the securities to be bought or sold regardless of the fee arrangements. Garcia Hamilton has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such conflicts, including, but not limited to, aggregation of trades, allocation of investment opportunities, and soft dollars. In addition, Garcia Hamilton does not have any broker-dealer affiliates or have economic relationships that create a material conflict of interest. Orders are placed and trades are executed subject to "Best execution", with brokers or dealers that Garcia Hamilton believes are responsible and effect execution of such orders under conditions most favorable to its accounts.

Garcia Hamilton's Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities and interests of its employees will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and (ii) implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own accounts.

To help mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest, Garcia Hamilton's Code of Ethics imposes restrictions on the purchase or sale of securities for an employee's own accounts and the accounts of certain household members and seeks to ensure that employees do not personally benefit from the short-term market effects of Garcia Hamilton's investment decisions in client accounts.

<u>***<u>Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC ("Hotchkis")</u>***</u> The Portfolio is managed by Hotchkis' investment team ("Investment Team"). The Investment Team also manages institutional accounts and other mutual funds in several different investment strategies. The portfolios within an investment strategy are managed using a target portfolio; however, each portfolio may have different restrictions, cash flows, tax and other relevant

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considerations which may preclude a portfolio from participating in certain transactions for that investment strategy. Consequently, the performance of portfolios may vary due to these different considerations. The Investment Team may place transactions for one investment strategy that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of another investment strategy. Hotchkis also provides model portfolio investment recommendations to sponsors without trade execution or additional services. The timing of model delivery recommendations will vary depending on the contractual arrangement with the program Sponsor. As a result, depending on the program arrangement and circumstances surrounding a trade order, Hotchkis' discretionary clients may receive prices that are more favorable than those received by a client of a program Sponsor or vice versa. Hotchkis may be restricted from purchasing more than a limited percentage of the outstanding shares of a company or otherwise restricted from trading in a company's securities due to other regulatory limitations. If a company is a viable investment for more than one investment strategy, Hotchkis has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that all of its clients are treated fairly and equitably. Additionally, potential and actual conflicts of interest may also arise as a result of Hotchkis' other business activities and Hotchkis' possession of material non-public information about an issuer, which may have an adverse impact on one group of clients while benefiting another group. In certain situations, Hotchkis will purchase different classes of securities of the same company (e.g. senior debt, subordinated debt, and or equity) in different investment strategies which can give rise to conflicts where Hotchkis may advocate for the benefit of one class of security which may be adverse to another security that is held by clients of a different strategy. Hotchkis seeks to mitigate the impact of these conflicts on a case by case basis. Hotchkis utilizes soft dollars to obtain brokerage and research services, which may create a conflict of interest in allocating clients' brokerage business. Research services may be used in servicing any or all of Hotchkis' clients (including model portfolio delivery clients) across all of the firm's investment strategies, and may benefit certain client accounts more than others. Certain discretionary client accounts may also pay a less proportionate amount of commissions for research services. If a research product provides both a research and a non-research function, Hotchkis will make a reasonable allocation of the use and pay for the non-research portion with hard dollars. Hotchkis will make decisions involving soft dollars in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Different types of accounts and investment strategies may have different fee structures. Additionally, certain accounts pay Hotchkis performance-based fees, which may vary depending on how well the account performs compared to a benchmark. Because such fee arrangements have the potential to create an incentive for Hotchkis to favor such accounts in making investment decisions and allocations, Hotchkis has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure that all of its clients are treated fairly and equitably, including in respect of allocation decisions, such as initial public offerings. Since accounts are managed to a target portfolio by the Investment Team, adequate time and resources are consistently applied to all accounts in the same investment strategy. Investment personnel of the firm or its affiliates may be permitted to be commercially or professionally involved with an issuer of securities. Any potential conflicts of interest from such involvement would be monitored for compliance with the firm's Code of Ethics.

<u>***<u>Lazard Asset Management LLC ("Lazard")</u>***</u> Although the potential for conflicts of interest exist when an investment adviser and portfolio managers manage other accounts that invest in securities in which the American Beacon International Equity Fund may invest or that may pursue a strategy similar to the Fund's investment strategies implemented by Lazard (collectively, "Similar Accounts"), Lazard has procedures in place that are designed to ensure that all accounts are treated fairly and that the Fund is not disadvantaged, including procedures regarding trade allocations and "conflicting trades" (e.g., long and short positions in the same or similar securities). In addition, the Fund is subject to different regulations than certain of the Similar Accounts, and, consequently, may not be permitted to engage in all the investment techniques or transactions, or to engage in such techniques or transactions to the same degree, as the Similar Accounts. Potential conflicts of interest may arise because of Lazard's management of the Fund and Similar Accounts, including the following:

<sup>1</sup> Similar Accounts may have investment objectives, strategies and risks that differ from those of the Fund. In addition, the Fund is subject to different regulations than certain of the Similar Accounts and, consequently, may not be permitted to invest in the same securities, exercise rights to exchange or convert securities or engage in all the investment techniques or transactions, or to invest, exercise or engage to the same degree, as the Similar Accounts. For these or other reasons, the portfolio managers may purchase different securities for the Fund and the corresponding Similar Accounts, and the performance of securities purchased for the Fund may vary from the performance of securities purchased for Similar Accounts, perhaps materially.

<sup>2</sup> Conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of limited investment opportunities. Lazard may be perceived as causing accounts it manages to participate in an offering to increase Lazard's overall allocation of securities in that offering, or to increase Lazard's ability to participate in future offerings by the same underwriter or issuer. Allocations of bunched trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially filled due to limited availability, and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as Lazard may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to preferred accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. A potential conflict of interest may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by the other account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account.

<sup>3</sup> Portfolio managers may be perceived to have a conflict of interest because of the large number of Similar Accounts, in addition to the Fund, that they are managing on behalf of Lazard. Although Lazard does not track each individual portfolio manager's time dedicated to each account, Lazard periodically reviews each portfolio manager's overall responsibilities to ensure that he or she is able to allocate the necessary time and resources to effectively manage the Fund. As illustrated in the table above, most of the portfolio managers manage a significant number of Similar Accounts in addition to the Fund.

<sup>4</sup> Generally, Lazard and/or its portfolio managers have investments in Similar Accounts. This could be viewed as creating a potential conflict of interest, since certain of the portfolio managers do not invest in the Fund.

<sup>5</sup> The table above notes the portfolio managers who manage Similar Accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on the performance of the account, which could give the portfolio managers and Lazard an incentive to favor such Similar Accounts over the Fund.

<sup>6</sup> Portfolio managers may place transactions on behalf of Similar Accounts that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment decisions made for the Fund, which could have the potential to adversely impact the Fund, depending on market conditions. In addition, if the Fund's investment in an issuer is at a different level of the issuer's capital structure than an investment in the issuer by Similar Accounts, in the event of credit deterioration of the issuer, there may be a conflict of interest between the Fund's and such Similar Accounts' investments in the issuer. If Lazard sells securities

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short, including on behalf of a Similar Account, it may be seen as harmful to the performance of the Fund to the extent it invests "long" in the same or similar securities whose market values fall as a result of short-selling activities.

<sup>7</sup> Investment decisions are made independently from those of the Similar Accounts. If, however, such Similar Accounts desire to invest in, or dispose of, the same securities as the Fund, available investments or opportunities for sales will be allocated equitably to each. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or received by the Fund.

<sup>8</sup> Under Lazard's trade allocation procedures applicable to domestic and foreign initial and secondary public offerings and Rule 144A transactions (collectively herein a "Limited Offering"), Lazard will generally allocate Limited Offering shares among client accounts, including the Fund, pro rata based upon the aggregate asset size (excluding leverage) of the account. Lazard may also allocate Limited Offering shares on a random basis, as selected electronically, or other basis. It is often difficult for the Adviser to obtain a sufficient number of Limited Offering shares to provide a full allocation to each account. Lazard's allocation procedures are designed to allocate Limited Offering securities in a fair and equitable manner.

<u>***<u>Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS")</u>***</u> MFS seeks to identify potential conflicts of interest resulting from a portfolio manager's management of both the Fund and other accounts, and has adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to address such potential conflicts. There is no guarantee that MFS will be successful in identifying or mitigating conflicts of interest.

The management of multiple funds and accounts (including accounts in which MFS, an affiliate, an employee, an officer, or a director has an interest) gives rise to conflicts of interest if the funds and accounts have different objectives and strategies, benchmarks, time horizons, and fees, as a portfolio manager must allocate his or her time and investment ideas across multiple funds and accounts. In certain instances, there are securities which are suitable for the Fund's portfolio as well as for one or more other accounts advised by MFS or its subsidiaries (including accounts in which MFS, an affiliate, an employee, an officer, or a director has an interest) with similar investment objectives. MFS' trade allocation policies could have a detrimental effect on the Fund if the Fund's orders do not get fully executed or are delayed in getting executed due to being aggregated with those of other accounts advised by MFS or its subsidiaries. A portfolio manager may execute transactions for another fund or account that may adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments. Investments selected for funds or accounts other than the Fund may outperform investments selected for the Fund.

When two or more accounts are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed by MFS to be fair and equitable to each over time. Allocations may be based on many factors and may not always be pro rata based on assets managed. The allocation methodology could have a detrimental effect on the price or availability of a security with respect to the Fund.

MFS and/or a portfolio manager may have a financial incentive to allocate favorable or limited opportunity investments or structure the timing of investments to favor accounts other than the Fund; for instance, those that pay a higher advisory fee and/or have a performance adjustment, those that include an investment by the portfolio manager, and/or those in which MFS, its affiliates, its employees, its officers, and/or its directors own or have an interest.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, certain accounts may invest their assets in other accounts advised by MFS or its affiliates, including accounts that are advised by one or more of the same portfolio manager(s), which could result in conflicts of interest relating to asset allocation, timing of purchases and redemptions, and increased profitability for MFS, its affiliates, and/or its personnel, including portfolio managers.

<u>**<u>Westwood Management Corp. ("Westwood")</u>**</u> The portfolio managers' management of other registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts (collectively referred to as "other accounts") may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Funds' investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objective as the Funds. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the identical investment objectives, whereby a portfolio manager could favor one account over another. Another potential conflict could include the portfolio managers' knowledge about the size, timing, and possible market impact of Fund trades, whereby a portfolio manager could use this information to the advantage of other accounts and to the disadvantage of the Funds. However, Westwood has established policies and procedures to ensure that the purchase and sale of securities among all accounts it manages are fairly and equitably allocated. Westwood's trade allocation policy is to aggregate client transactions, including the Fund's, where possible when it is believed that such aggregation may facilitate Westwood's duty of best execution. Client accounts for which orders are aggregated receive the average price of such transaction. Any transaction costs incurred in the transaction are shared pro-rata based on each client's participation in the transaction. Westwood generally allocates securities among client accounts according to each account's pre-determined participation in the transaction. Westwood's policy prohibits any allocation of trades that would favor any proprietary accounts, affiliated accounts, or any particular client(s) or group of clients more over any other account(s).

**Compensation** 

The following is a description provided by the Manager and each investment sub-advisor regarding the structure of and criteria for determining the compensation of each Portfolio Manager as of October 31, 2025.

<u>**<u>The Manager</u>**</u> Compensation of the Manager's Portfolio Managers is comprised of base salary and annual cash bonus. Each Portfolio Manager's base annual salary is fixed. The Manager determines base salary based upon comparison to industry salary data. In addition, all Portfolio Managers participate in the Manager's annual cash bonus plan. The amount of the total bonus pool is based upon the profitability of the Manager. Each Portfolio Manager has a target bonus award expressed as a percentage of base salary, which is determined by the Portfolio Manager's level of responsibility. Additionally, the Portfolio Managers may participate in the Manager's equity incentive plan.

<u>***<u>American Century</u>***</u> The portfolio managers' compensation is structured to align the interests of portfolio managers with those of the shareholders whose assets they manage. It includes the components described below, each of which is determined with reference to a number of factors such as overall performance, market competition, and internal equity.

**Base Salary**

Portfolio managers receive base pay in the form of a fixed annual salary.

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**Bonus**

A significant portion of portfolio manager compensation takes the form of an annual incentive bonus, which is determined by a combination of factors. One factor is investment performance of funds a portfolio manager manages. The mutual funds' investment performance is generally measured by a combination of one-, three- and five-year pre-tax performance relative to various benchmarks and/or internally-customized peer groups. The performance comparison periods may be adjusted based on a fund's inception date or a portfolio manager's tenure on the fund.

Portfolio managers may have responsibility for multiple American Century products. In such cases, the performance of each is assigned a percentage weight appropriate for the portfolio manager's relative levels of responsibility. Portfolio managers also may have responsibility for other types of managed portfolios or ETFs. If the performance of a managed account or ETF is considered for purposes of compensation, it is generally measured via the same criteria as an American Century mutual fund (i.e., relative to the performance of a benchmark and/or peer group).

A second factor in the bonus calculation relates to the performance of a number of American Century products managed according to one of the following investment disciplines: global growth equity, global value equity, disciplined equity, global fixed-income, and multi-asset strategies. The performance of American Century ETFs may also be included for certain investment disciplines. Performance is measured for each product individually as described above and then combined to create an overall composite for the product group. These composites may measure one-year performance (equal weighted) or a combination of one-, three- and five-year performance (equal or asset weighted) depending on the portfolio manager's responsibilities and products managed and the composite for certain portfolio managers may include multiple disciplines. This feature is designed to encourage effective teamwork among portfolio management teams in achieving long-term investment success for similarly styled portfolios.

A portion of portfolio managers' bonuses may be discretionary and may be tied to factors such as profitability or individual performance goals, such as research projects and the development of new products.

**Restricted Stock Plans**

Portfolio managers are eligible for grants of restricted stock of ACC. These grants are discretionary, and eligibility and availability can vary from year to year. The size of an individual's grant is determined by individual and product performance as well as other product-specific considerations such as profitability. Grants can appreciate/depreciate in value based on the performance of the ACC stock during the restriction period (generally three to four years).

**Deferred Compensation Plans**

Portfolio managers are eligible for grants of deferred compensation. These grants are used in very limited situations, primarily for retention purposes. Grants are fixed and can appreciate/depreciate in value based on the performance of the American Century mutual funds in which the portfolio manager chooses to invest them.

<u>***<u>Barrow Hanley</u>***</u> The compensation for our investment professionals is closely tied to their overall contribution to the success of our clients' investment results, as well as the success of Barrow Hanley. In addition to base salary, all portfolio managers and analysts are eligible to participate in a bonus pool. The amount of bonus compensation is based on quantitative and qualitative factors and may be substantially higher than an investment professional's base compensation.

Portfolio managers and analysts are evaluated on the value each adds to the overall investment process and performance. The portfolio managers' investment performance is measured relative to the strategy's benchmark. Contributions in other areas are also considered, such as meetings with clients and consultants, leadership and mentoring, and many other factors.

The final component of compensation of key employees, including portfolio managers and analysts, is their interests in the firm's equity plan. Each quarter, equity owners receive a share of the firm's profits in the form of a distribution payment, which is related to the performance of the entire firm.

<u>***<u>Brandywine Global</u>***</u> All portfolio managers, research analysts and traders earn a base salary and bonus tied to investment performance. The performance bonus is awarded based on performance compared to a proprietary performance universe created for each team on a one-quarter, one-year, three-year and five-year basis. The performance calculation is weighted to place more emphasis on longer-term outperformance, and less emphasis on the short-term. Investment professionals also receive a second quarterly bonus based on the profitability of their product group. Each investment team at Brandywine Global manages its own P&L and retains the bulk of its profits at the end of each quarter. The portion that is not retained is shared with the other investment teams in an effort to smooth income and to promote cross-team fertilization and cooperation. Brandywine Global has found that this form of compensation aligns the interests of investment professionals and clients and leads to accountability and low-turnover among Brandywine Global's staff. In essence, the portfolio management teams own all of the residual profits of the Firm, which Brandywine Global believes leads to responsibility, accountability, and low turnover of people.

The percentage of compensation derived from each of the above components changes over time. In general, the larger the percentage of total compensation that will result from incentive pay will be paid to the more senior and successful group.

Brandywine Global believes that its compensation structure allows its investment team members to focus on generating premium returns and building lasting client relationships in which its interests are properly aligned with its clients' interests.

<u>***<u>Causeway</u>***</u> Causeway provides subadvisory services to a portion or "Sleeve" of the American Beacon International Equity Fund. Ms. Ketterer and Mr. Hartford, the chief executive officer and president of Causeway, respectively, receive annual salary and are entitled, as controlling owners of Causeway's parent holding company, to distributions of Causeway parent holding company's profits based on their ownership interests. They do not receive incentive compensation. Causeway's other portfolio managers receive salary and may receive incentive compensation (including potential cash, awards of growth units, or awards of equity units). Portfolio managers also receive, directly or through estate planning vehicles, distributions of profits based on their minority ownership interests in Causeway's parent holding company.

Causeway's Compensation Committee, weighing a variety of objective and subjective factors, determines salary and incentive compensation and, subject to approval of Causeway's parent holding company Board of Managers, may award equity units. Portfolios are team-managed and salary and

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incentive compensation are not based on the specific performance of any single client account, but take into account the performance of the individual portfolio manager, the relevant team and Causeway's overall performance and financial results. For Fundamental portfolio managers, the performance of stocks selected for client portfolios within a particular industry or sector over a multi-year period relative to appropriate benchmarks will be relevant for portfolio managers assigned to that industry or sector.

Causeway takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors when determining the amount of incentive compensation awarded, including the following factors: individual research contribution, portfolio and team management contribution, group research contribution, client service and recruiting contribution, and other contributions to client satisfaction and firm development. The assessment of these factors takes into account both current and future risks and different factors can be weighted differently.

<u>***<u>DRZ</u>***</u> The compensation structure consists of a base salary and participation in a bonus program. Bonus compensation is determined by the firm's profitability, the investment strategies' relative performance and relative rankings versus our peers, as well as individual contributions to portfolio construction. In addition, the firm's professionals are eligible to own equity in the firm.

<u>***<u>Garcia Hamilton</u>***</u> Garcia Hamilton offers a competitive salary based on an individual's experience and expected contribution to the firm. All Garcia Hamilton portfolio managers are eligible for a general annual bonus that is tied directly to the overall performance of the individual as well as the profitability of the firm. In addition, all Garcia Hamilton portfolio managers are eligible for equity ownership. Investment professionals with equity ownership receive a fixed percentage of authorized distributions of Garcia Hamilton's profits based on their respective ownership stake in the company. The Portfolio Manager's compensation, which is flexible, is not based on the value of the Fund's assets.

<u>***<u>Hotchkis</u>***</u> The Investment Team, including portfolio managers, is compensated in various forms, which may include one or more of the following: (i) a base salary, (ii) bonus, (iii) profit sharing and (iv) equity ownership. Compensation is used to reward, attract and retain high quality investment professionals. The Investment Team is evaluated and accountable at three levels. The first level is individual contribution to the research and decision-making process, including the quality and quantity of work achieved. The second level is teamwork, generally evaluated through contribution within sector teams. The third level pertains to overall portfolio and firm performance. Fixed salaries and discretionary bonuses for investment professionals are determined by the Chief Executive Officer of Hotchkis using tools which may include annual evaluations, compensation surveys, feedback from other employees and advice from members of the firm's Executive and Compensation Committees. The amount of the bonus is determined by the total amount of the firm's bonus pool available for the year, which is generally a function of revenues. No investment professional receives a bonus that is a pre-determined percentage of revenues or net income. Compensation is thus subjective rather than formulaic. The portfolio managers of the Funds own equity in Hotchkis. Hotchkis believes that the employee ownership structure of the firm will be a significant factor in ensuring a motivated and stable employee base going forward. Hotchkis believes that the combination of competitive compensation levels and equity ownership provides Hotchkis with a demonstrable advantage in the retention and motivation of employees. Portfolio managers who own equity in Hotchkis receive their pro rata share of Hotchkis' profits. Investment professionals may also receive contributions under Hotchkis' profit sharing/401(k) plan.

<u>***<u>Lazard</u>***</u> Lazard's portfolio managers are generally responsible for managing multiple types of accounts that may, or may not, invest in securities in which the Fund may invest or pursue a strategy similar to the Fund's strategies. Portfolio managers responsible for managing the Fund may also manage sub-advised registered investment companies, collective investment trusts, unregistered funds and/or other pooled investment vehicles, separate accounts, separately managed account programs (often referred to as "wrap accounts") and model portfolios.

Lazard compensates portfolio managers by a competitive salary and bonus structure, which is determined both quantitatively and qualitatively. Salary and bonus are paid in cash, stock and restricted interests in funds managed by Lazard or its affiliates. Portfolio managers are compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of portfolios managed by the teams of which they are a member rather than for a specific fund or account. Various factors are considered in the determination of a portfolio manager's compensation. All of the portfolios managed by a portfolio manager are comprehensively evaluated to determine his or her positive and consistent performance contribution over time. Further factors include the amount of assets in the portfolios as well as qualitative aspects that reinforce Lazard's investment philosophy.

Total compensation is generally not fixed, but rather is based on the following factors: (i) leadership, teamwork and commitment, (ii) maintenance of current knowledge and opinions on companies owned in the portfolio; (iii) generation and development of new investment ideas, including the quality of security analysis and identification of appreciation catalysts; (iv) ability and willingness to develop and share ideas on a team basis; and (v) the performance results of the portfolios managed by the investment teams of which the portfolio manager is a member.

Variable bonus is based on the portfolio manager's quantitative performance as measured by his or her ability to make investment decisions that contribute to the pre-tax absolute and relative returns of the accounts managed by the teams of which the portfolio manager is a member, by comparison of each account to a predetermined benchmark, generally as set forth in the Prospectus or other governing document, over the current fiscal year and the longer-term performance of such account, as well as performance of the account relative to peers. The portfolio manager's bonus also can be influenced by subjective measurement of the manager's ability to help others make investment decisions. A portion of a portfolio manager's variable bonus is awarded under a deferred compensation arrangement pursuant to which the portfolio manager may allocate certain amounts awarded among certain Lazard Portfolios, in shares that vest in two to three years. Certain portfolio managers' bonus compensation may be tied to a fixed percentage of revenue or assets generated by the accounts managed by such portfolio management teams.

<u>***<u>MFS</u>***</u> MFS' philosophy is to align portfolio manager compensation with the goal to provide shareholders with long-term value through a collaborative investment process. Therefore, MFS uses long-term investment performance as well as contribution to the overall investment process and collaborative culture as key factors in determining portfolio manager compensation. In addition, MFS seeks to maintain total compensation programs that are competitive in the asset management industry in each geographic market where it has employees. MFS uses competitive compensation data to ensure that compensation practices are aligned with its goals of attracting, retaining, and motivating the highest-quality professionals.

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MFS reviews portfolio manager compensation annually. In determining portfolio manager compensation, MFS uses quantitative means and qualitative means to help ensure a durable investment process. As of December 31, 2024, portfolio manager total cash compensation is a combination of base salary and performance bonus:

*Base Salary* – Base salary generally represents a smaller percentage of portfolio manager total cash compensation than performance bonus.

*Performance Bonus* – Generally, the performance bonus represents more than a majority of portfolio manager total cash compensation.

The performance bonus is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, generally with more weight given to the former and less weight given to the latter.

The quantitative portion is primarily based on the pre-tax performance of accounts managed by the portfolio manager over a range of fixed-length time periods, intended to provide the ability to assess performance over time periods consistent with a full market cycle and a strategy's investment horizon. The fixed-length time periods include the portfolio manager's full tenure on each fund/strategy and, when available, ten-, five-, and three-year periods. For portfolio managers who have served for less than three years, shorter-term periods, including the one-year period, will also be considered, as will performance in previous roles, if any, held at the firm. Emphasis is generally placed on longer performance periods when multiple performance periods are available. Performance is evaluated across the full set of strategies and portfolios managed by a given portfolio manager, relative to appropriate peer group universes and/or representative indices ("benchmarks"). As of December 31, 2024, the following benchmarks were used to measure the following portfolio managers' performance for the portion of the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund sub-advised by MFS:

---

| |
|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** |
| Katherine Cannan<br> Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Value Index |
| Nevin Chitkara<sup>1</sup> Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Value Index |
| Thomas P. Crowley<br> Russell 1000<sup>®</sup> Value Index |

---

1 Mr. Chitkara is expected to retire effective May 1, 2026. Therefore, effective May 1, 2026, all references to Mr. Chitkara in this SAI are deleted.

Benchmarks may include versions and components of indices, custom indices, and linked indices that combine performance of different indices for different portions of the time period, where appropriate.

The qualitative portion is based on the results of an annual internal peer review process (where portfolio managers are evaluated by other portfolio managers, analysts, and traders) and management's assessment of overall portfolio manager contributions to the MFS investment process and the client experience (distinct from fund and other account performance).

The performance bonus may be in the form of cash and/or a deferred cash award, at the discretion of management. A deferred cash award is issued for a cash value and becomes payable over a three-year vesting period if the portfolio manager remains in the continuous employ of MFS or its affiliates. During the vesting period, the value of the unfunded deferred cash award will fluctuate as though the portfolio manager had invested the cash value of the award in an MFS fund(s) selected by the portfolio manager. A selected fund may, but is not required to, be a fund that is managed by the portfolio manager.

*MFS Equity Plan* – Portfolio managers also typically benefit from the opportunity to participate in the MFS Equity Plan. Equity interests are awarded by management, on a discretionary basis, taking into account tenure at MFS, contribution to the investment process, and other factors.

Finally, portfolio managers also participate in benefit plans (including a defined contribution plan and health and other insurance plans) and programs available generally to other employees of MFS. The percentage such benefits represent of any portfolio manager's compensation depends upon the length of the individual's tenure at MFS and salary level, as well as other factors.

<u>**<u>Westwood</u>**</u> Westwood compensates the Fund's portfolio managers for their management of the Fund. Each of the Fund's portfolio manager's compensation consists of a base salary, participation in an incentive compensation plan, and a full benefits package. Base salary levels are maintained at levels that Westwood's compensation committee deems to be commensurate with similar companies in the asset management industry based on industry compensation surveys. Incentive compensation is based on a percentage of revenue earned by Westwood or investment strategies managed by the respective portfolio managers. Incentive awards under the plan may be paid in a combination of cash, deferred cash and/or restricted stock of Westwood's parent company, Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. In determining incentive compensation and annual merit-based salary increases, employees on the investment team are evaluated according to a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors. Other benefits such as profit sharing, health insurance, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching, are also provided.

<u>**<u>Ownership of the Funds</u>**</u>

A Portfolio Manager's beneficial ownership of a 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 tables below set forth each Portfolio Manager's beneficial ownership of the Fund(s) under that Portfolio Manager's management as of October 31, 2025 as provided by the Manager and the Funds' sub-advisors. In the following tables, "N/A" indicates that the Portfolio Manager does not have responsibility for that Fund.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** | **American Beacon** **Large Cap Value** **Fund** | **American Beacon** **Small Cap Value** **Fund** |
| **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** |
| Kirk L. Brown<sup>\*</sup>  |  | $500001–<br>$1000000 | $100001-<br>$500000 | N/A |
| Paul B. Cavazos |  | $100001-<br>$500000 | $100001-<br>$500000 | $100001-<br>$500000 |
| Colin J. Hamer\*\* | N/A | $100001 -<br>$500000 | $100001 -<br>$500000 | $50001-<br>$100000 |
| Erin Higginbotham |  | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Robyn A. Serrano\*\* |  | $10001-<br>$50000 | $10001-<br>$50000 | $10001-<br>$50000 |
| Samuel Silver |  | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Patrick Sporl\*\* |  | N/A | N/A | N/A |

---

\* Effective August 31, 2026, Mr. Brown will retire as a Portfolio Manager for the Fund. Therefore, effective August 31, 2026, all references to Mr. Brown in this SAI are deleted.

\*\* Information provided as of December 31, 2025.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** |
| **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** | **American Century Investment Management, Inc.** |
| Pablo Valcarce | None |
| Jonathan Veiga | None |
| Bert Whitson | None |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon** **Large Cap Value** **Fund** | **American Beacon** **Small Cap Value** **Fund** |
| **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** | **Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC** |
| Mark Giambrone |  |  | N/A |
| W. Coleman Hubbard | N/A | N/A |  |
| Justin Martin |  | N/A | N/A |
| J. Scott McDonald |  | N/A | N/A |
| Deborah A. Petruzzelli |  | N/A | N/A |
| Matthew Routh |  | N/A | N/A |
| DJ Taylor | N/A | N/A | $1-$10000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon Small Cap Value** **Fund** |
| **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** | **Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC** |
| Michelle K. Bevan |  |
| Henry F. Otto | Over $1,000,000 |
| Steven M. Tonkovich | $100001 - $500000 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** |
| **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Causeway Capital Management LLC** |
| Sarah H. Ketterer | None |
| Harry W. Hartford | None |
| Jonathan Eng | None |
| Conor Muldoon | None |
| Ellen Lee | None |
| Alessandro Valentini | None |
| Steven Nguyen | None |

---

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** |
| **Causeway Capital Management LLC** | **Causeway Capital Management LLC** |
| Brian Woonyung Cho | None |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **Small Cap Value** **Fund** |
| **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** | **DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc.** |
| Gregory Ramsby | $100001-$500000 |
| Randy Renfrow |  |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **Garcia Hamilton** **Quality Bond** **Fund** |
| **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** | **Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P.** |
| Gilbert Andrew Garcia | Over $1,000,000 |
| Karen H. Tass | $100001 - $500000 |
| Jeffrey D. Detwiler | $100001 - $500000 |
| Benjamin D. Monkiewicz | $100001 - $500000 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **Balanced Fund** | **American Beacon** **Large Cap Value** **Fund** | **American Beacon** **Small Cap Value** **Fund** |
| **Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC** |  |  |  |
| George Davis |  |  | N/A |
| David Green | N/A | N/A |  |
| Scott McBride |  |  | N/A |
| Patricia McKenna<sup>\*</sup>  |  |  | N/A |
| Jim Miles | N/A | N/A |  |
| Doug Campbell |  |  | N/A |

---

\* Ms. McKenna is expected to retire effective August 1, 2026. Therefore, effective August 1, 2026, all references to Ms. McKenna in this SAI are deleted.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **International** **Equity Fund** |
| **Lazard Asset Management LLC** | **Lazard Asset Management LLC** |
| Michael A. Bennett | None |
| Giles Edwards | None |
| Michael G. Fry | None |
| Michael Powers | None |
| Paul Selvey-Clinton | None |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **Large Cap Value** **Fund** |
| **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** | **Massachusetts Financial Services Company** |
| Katherine Cannan |  |
| Nevin Chitkara<sup>1</sup>  |  |
| Thomas P. Crowley |  |

---

1 Mr. Chitkara is expected to retire effective May 1, 2026. Therefore, effective May 1, 2026, all references to Mr. Chitkara in this SAI are deleted.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **Small Cap Value** **Fund** |
| **Westwood Management Corp.** | **Westwood Management Corp.** |
| William E. Costello, CFA | None |
| Matthew R. Lockridge | None |
| Frederic G. Rowsey, CFA | None |
| Jordan Latimer, CFA | None |

---

**PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS**

In selecting brokers or dealers to execute particular transactions, the Manager and the sub-advisors 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 a Fund's NAV), and other information provided to the applicable Fund, to the Manager and/or to the sub-advisors (or their affiliates), provided, however, that the Manager or a 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-advisors 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-advisors are also authorized to cause a 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-advisors, 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 a sub-advisor exercises investment discretion. The fees of the sub-advisors 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-advisors (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-advisors, as applicable, to benefit their other accounts under management.

The Manager and each sub-advisor will place its own orders to execute securities transactions that are designed to implement the applicable Fund's investment objectives and policies. In placing such orders, each 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, a sub-advisor of a 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. A Fund's turnover rate, or the frequency of portfolio transactions, will vary from year to year depending on market conditions and a Fund's cash flows. High portfolio turnover increases a 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 each sub-advisor is to seek best execution. In assessing available execution venues, each 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 a 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.

Each Fund may establish brokerage commission recapture arrangements with certain brokers or dealers. If a sub-advisor chooses to execute a transaction through a participating broker, the broker rebates a portion of the commission back to a Fund. Any collateral benefit received through participation in the commission recapture program is directed exclusively to the Fund. Neither the Manager nor any of the sub-advisors receive any benefits from the commission recapture program. A sub-advisor's participation in the brokerage commission recapture program is optional. Each 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.

**Commission Recapture**

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the following Funds received the amounts shown below as a result of participation in the commission recapture program:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Amount Received** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | - |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | - |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | - |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | - |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $69099 |

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**Brokerage Commissions**

For the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31, the following brokerage commissions were paid by the Funds. Fluctuations in brokerage commissions from year to year were primarily due to increases or decreases in Fund assets resulting in increased trading. Shareholders of the Funds bear only their pro-rata portion of such expenses.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $31814 | $20260 | $16336 |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $928099 | $679567 | $419735 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $757891 | $692618 | $586312 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $4603699 | $4566767 | $4507530 |

---

**Soft Dollars**

The table below reflects the amount of transactions each Fund directed to brokers in part because of research services provided and the amount paid in commissions on such transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Amounts Directed** | **Amounts Paid in Commissions** |
| American Beacon Balanced Fund | $28498096 | $13139 |
| American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund | $0 | $0 |
| American Beacon International Equity Fund | $244896135 | $188352 |
| American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $985687124 | $457329 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $2062591157 | $2076906 |

---

**Affiliated Broker Commissions**

For the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31, the following brokerage commissions were paid to affiliated brokers by the Funds:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Broker** | **Affiliated With** | **2023** **Commissions** | **2024** **Commissions** | **2025** **Commissions** |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | Keybanc Capital Markets (cleared with affiliate Pershing) | Newton Investment Management North America<sup>\*</sup>  | $53206 | $79631 | $15546 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | Leerink Partners LLC (cleared with affiliate Pershing) | Newton Investment Management North America\* | $3408 | $10725 | $2676 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | Piper Jaffray Ltd. (cleared with affiliate Pershing) | Newton Investment Management North America\* | $92901 | $85856 | $22572 |
| American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | Stephens, Inc. (cleared with affiliate Pershing) | Newton Investment Management North America\* | $0 | $5554 | $0 |

---

\* On March 7, 2025, Newton Investment Management North America was terminated as a sub-advisor to the Fund.

The percentage of total commissions of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund paid to affiliated brokers in fiscal year 2023 was 3.26%. The transactions represented 2.91% of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund's total dollar value of portfolio transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023

The percentage of total commissions of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund paid to affiliated brokers in fiscal year 2024 was 3.98%. The transactions represented 4.20% of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund's total dollar value of portfolio transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024.

The percentage of total commissions of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund paid to affiliated brokers in fiscal year 2025 was 0.91%. The transactions represented 0.64% of the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund's total dollar value of portfolio transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

**Securities Issued by Top 10 Brokers**

The following table lists each Fund that as of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025 held securities issued by a broker-dealer (or by its parent) that was one of the top ten brokers or dealers through which a Fund executed transactions or sold shares.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Regular Broker-Dealers** | **American Beacon Fund** | **Aggregate** **Value of** **Securities**<br>**(000's)** |
| Bank of America Corp | American Beacon Balanced Fund | $2051 |
| Citigroup Inc | American Beacon Balanced Fund | $1121 |
| LPL Financial Holdings Inc | American Beacon Balanced Fund | $543 |
| State Street Corp | American Beacon Balanced Fund | $610 |
| Wells Fargo & Co | American Beacon Balanced Fund | $1085 |
| Barclays PLC | American Beacon International Equity Fund | $12544 |
| BNP Paribas | American Beacon International Equity Fund | $4582 |
| Societe Generale | American Beacon International Equity Fund | $9494 |
| Bank of America Corp | American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $51518 |
| Morgan Stanley | American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $25830 |
| State Street Corp | American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund | $21607 |
| Stifel Financial Corp | American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund | $19977 |

---

**ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND SALE INFORMATION FOR A CLASS SHARES**

<u>**<u>Sales Charge Reductions and Waivers</u>**</u>

As described in the Prospectus, there are various ways to reduce your sales charge when purchasing A Class shares. Additional information about A Class sales charge reductions is provided below.

<u>LOI</u>. The LOI may be revised upward at any time during the 13-month period of the LOI ("LOI Period"), and such a revision will be treated as a new LOI, except that the LOI Period during which the purchases must be made will remain unchanged. Purchases made from the date of revision will receive the reduced sales charge, if any, resulting from the revised LOI. The LOI will be considered completed if the shareholder dies within the 13-month LOI Period. Commissions to dealers will not be adjusted or paid on the difference between the LOI amount and the amount invested before the shareholder's death.

All dividends and other distributions on shares held in escrow will be credited to the shareholder's account in shares (or paid in cash, if requested). If the intended investment is not completed within the specified LOI Period, the purchaser may be required to remit to the transfer agent the difference between the sales charge actually paid and the sales charge which would have been paid if the total of such purchases had been made at a single time. Any dealers assigned to the shareholder's account at the time a purchase was made during the LOI Period will receive a corresponding commission adjustment if appropriate. If the difference is not paid by the close of the LOI Period, the appropriate number of shares held in escrow will be redeemed to pay such difference. If the proceeds from this redemption are inadequate, the purchaser may be liable to the Funds for the balance still outstanding.

<u>Rights of Accumulation</u>. Subject to the limitations described in the aggregation policy, you may take into account your accumulated holdings in any class of the American Beacon Funds to determine your sales charge for A Class shares on investments in accounts eligible to be aggregated. If you make a gift of A Class shares, upon your request, you may purchase the shares at the sales charge discount allowed under rights of accumulation of all of your investments in any class of the American Beacon Funds.

<u>Aggregation</u>. Qualifying investments for aggregation include those made by you and your "immediate family" as defined in the Prospectus, if all parties are purchasing shares for their own accounts and/or:

■ individual-type employee benefit plans, such as an IRA, individual 403(b) plan or single-participant Keogh-type plan;

■ business accounts solely controlled by you or your immediate family (for example, you own the entire business);

■ trust accounts established by you or your immediate family (for trusts with only one primary beneficiary, upon the trustor's death the trust account may be aggregated with such beneficiary's own accounts; for trusts with multiple primary beneficiaries, upon the trustor's death the trustees of the trust may instruct the Funds' transfer agent to establish separate trust accounts for each primary beneficiary; each primary beneficiary's separate trust account may then be aggregated with such beneficiary's own accounts);

■ endowments or foundations established and controlled by you or your immediate family; or

■ 529 accounts, which will be aggregated at the account owner level (Class 529-E accounts may only be aggregated with an eligible employer plan).

Individual purchases by a trustee(s) or other fiduciary(ies) may also be aggregated if the investments are:

■ for a single trust estate or fiduciary account, including employee benefit plans other than the individual-type employee benefit plans described above;

■ made for two or more employee benefit plans of a single employer or of affiliated employers as defined in the Investment Company Act, excluding the individual-type employee benefit plans described above;

■ for nonprofit, charitable or educational organizations, or any endowments or foundations established and controlled by such organizations, or any employer-sponsored retirement plans established for the benefit of the employees of such organizations, their endowments, or their foundations; or

■ for individually established participant accounts of a 403(b) plan that is treated similarly to an employer-sponsored plan for sales charge purposes

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(see "Purchases by certain 403(b) plans" under "Sales Charges" above), or made for two or more such 403(b) plans that are treated similarly to employer-sponsored plans for sales charge purposes, in each case of a single employer or affiliated employers as defined in the Investment Company Act. Purchases made for nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of a broker-dealer or another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not be aggregated with those made for other accounts and may not be aggregated with other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described above.<br>

<u>Concurrent Purchases</u>. As described in the Prospectus, you may reduce your A Class sales charge by combining simultaneous purchases in any of the American Beacon Funds.

<u>Other Purchases</u>. Pursuant to a determination of eligibility by the Manager, A Class shares of a Fund may be sold at NAV per share (without the imposition of a front-end sales charge) to:

<sup>1</sup> current or retired trustees, and officers of the American Beacon Funds family, current or retired employees and directors of the Manager and its affiliated companies, certain family members and employees of the above persons, and trusts or plans primarily for such persons;

<sup>2</sup> currently registered representatives and assistants directly employed by such representatives, retired registered representatives with respect to accounts established while active, or full-time employees (collectively, "Eligible Persons") (and their spouses, and children, including children in step and adoptive relationships, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, if the Eligible Persons or the spouses or children of the Eligible Persons are listed in the account registration with the spouse or parent) of broker-dealers who have sales agreements with the Distributor (or who clear transactions through such dealers), plans for the dealers, and plans that include as participants only the Eligible Persons, their spouses and/or children;

<sup>3</sup> companies exchanging securities with the Funds through a merger, acquisition or exchange offer;

<sup>4</sup> insurance company separate accounts;

<sup>5</sup> accounts managed by the Manager, a sub-advisor to the Funds and their affiliated companies;

<sup>6</sup> the Manager or a sub-advisor to the Funds and their affiliated companies;

<sup>7</sup> an individual or entity with a substantial business relationship with, which may include the officers and employees of the Funds' custodian or transfer agent, the Manager or a sub-advisor to the Funds and their affiliated companies, or an individual or entity related or relating to such individual or entity;

<sup>8</sup> full-time employees of banks that have sales agreements with the Distributor, who are solely dedicated to directly supporting the sale of mutual funds;

<sup>9</sup> directors, officers and employees of financial institutions that have a selling group agreement with the Distributor;

<sup>10</sup> banks, broker-dealers and other financial institutions (including registered investment advisors and financial planners) that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor or one of its affiliates, purchasing shares on behalf of clients participating in a fund supermarket or in a wrap program, asset allocation program or other program in which the clients pay an asset-based fee;

<sup>11</sup> clients of authorized dealers purchasing shares in fixed or flat fee brokerage accounts;

<sup>12</sup> Employer-sponsored defined contribution - type plans, including 401(k) plans, 457 plans, employer sponsored 403(b) plans, profit-sharing and money purchase pension plans, defined benefit plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans, and IRA rollovers involving retirement plan assets invested in a Fund in the American Beacon Funds fund family; and

<sup>13</sup> Employee benefit and retirement plans for the Manager and its affiliates.

Shares are offered at NAV per share to these persons and organizations due to anticipated economies in sales effort and expense. Once an account is established under this NAV per share privilege, additional investments can be made at NAV per share for the life of the account.

It is possible that a broker-dealer may not be able to offer one or more of these waiver categories. If this situation occurs, it is possible that the investor would need to invest through another broker-dealer in order to take advantage of these waiver categories. The Funds may terminate or amend the terms of these sales charge waivers at any time.

<u>Moving Between Accounts</u>. Investments in certain account types may be moved to other account types without incurring additional A Class sales charges. These transactions include, for example:

■ redemption proceeds from a non-retirement account (for example, a joint tenant account) used to purchase Fund shares in an IRA or other individual-type retirement account;

■ "required minimum distributions" (as described in Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code) from an IRA or other individual-type retirement account used to purchase Fund shares in a non-retirement account; and

■ death distributions paid to a beneficiary's account that are used by the beneficiary to purchase Fund shares in a different account.

It is possible that a broker-dealer may not be able to offer the ability to move between accounts. If this situation occurs, it is possible that the investor would need to invest through another broker-dealer in order to take advantage of this privilege. Please contact your financial intermediary for additional information.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES**

As discussed in the Prospectus, the redemption of C Class shares may be subject to a CDSC if you redeem your shares within 12 months of purchase. If you purchased $1,000,000 or more of A Class shares of a Fund (and therefore paid no initial sales charges) and subsequently redeem your shares within 18 months of your purchase, you may be charged a CDSC upon redemption. In determining whether the CDSC is payable, it is assumed that shares not subject to the CDSC are the first redeemed followed by other shares held for the longest period of time. The CDSC will not be imposed upon shares representing reinvested dividends or other distributions, or upon amounts representing share appreciation. As described in the Prospectus, there are various circumstances under which the CDSC will be waived. Additional information about CDSC waivers is provided below.

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The CDSC is waived under the following circumstances:

■ Any partial or complete redemption following death or "disability" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) of a shareholder (including one who owns the shares with his or her spouse as a joint tenant with rights of survivorship) from an account in which the deceased or disabled is named. The Manager or a Fund's transfer agent may require documentation prior to waiver of the charge, including death certificates, physicians' certificates, etc.

■ Redemptions from a systematic withdrawal plan. If the systematic withdrawal plan is based on a fixed dollar amount or number of shares, systematic withdrawal redemptions are limited to no more than 10% of your account value or number of shares per year, as of the date the Manager or a Fund's transfer agent receives your request. If the systematic withdrawal plan is based on a fixed percentage of your account value, each redemption is limited to an amount that would not exceed 10% of your annual account value at the time of withdrawal.

■ Redemptions from retirement plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code. The CDSC will be waived for benefit payments made by American Beacon Funds directly to plan participants. Benefit payments include, but are not limited to, payments resulting from death, "disability," "retirement," "separation from service" (each as defined in the Internal Revenue Code), "required minimum distributions" (as described in Section 401(a)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code), in-service distributions, hardships, loans and qualified domestic relations orders. The CDSC waiver will not apply in the event of termination of the plan or transfer of the plan to another financial institution.

■ Redemptions that are required minimum distributions from a traditional IRA as required by the Internal Revenue Service.

■ Involuntary redemptions as a result of your account not meeting the minimum balance requirements, the termination and liquidation of the Fund, or other actions by the Fund.

■ Distributions from accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has entered into a written agreement with the Distributor (or Manager) allowing this waiver.

■ To return excess contributions made to a retirement plan.

■ To return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.

The following example illustrates the operation of the CDSC. Assume that you open an account and purchase 1,000 shares at $10 per share and that six months later the NAV per share is $12 and, during such time, you have acquired 50 additional shares through reinvestment of distributions. If at such time you should redeem 450 shares (proceeds of $5,400), 50 shares will not be subject to the charge because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the remaining 400 shares, the charge is applied only to the original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in NAV per share of $2 per share. Therefore, $4,000 of the $5,400 redemption proceeds will pay the charge. At the rate of 1.00%, the CDSC would be $40 for redemptions of C Class shares. In determining whether an amount is available for redemption without incurring a deferred sales charge, the purchase payments made for all shares in your account are aggregated.

**REDEMPTIONS IN KIND**

Although each Fund intends to redeem shares in cash, each 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 net asset value during any 90-day period. Redemption in kind is not as liquid as a cash redemption. In addition, to the extent a 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 each Fund will continue to 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 Funds and their 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 Funds or the tax implications to their 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 each Fund and its shareholders. Any of these changes or court decisions may have a retroactive effect.

<u>**<u>Taxation of the Funds</u>**</u>

Each Fund intends to continue 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, a 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 (together with Qualifying Other Income (as defined below), "Qualifying Income"), 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" (that is, a partnership the interests in which are "traded on an established securities market" or "readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof") (a "PTP")) that meets certain qualifying income requirements other than a partnership at least 90% of the gross income of which is Qualifying 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 a 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 these purposes), and (2) not more than 25% of the value of its

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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 a 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<br>

■ 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 (if any) 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, a 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 a 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 the regular corporate rate 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, (a) for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each an "individual"), as "qualified dividend income" (as described in the Prospectus) ("QDI"), and/or (b) in the case of corporate shareholders that meet certain holding period and other requirements regarding their Fund shares, as eligible for the dividends-received deduction ("DRD")) to the extent of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Failure to qualify for RIC treatment would therefore have a negative impact on a Fund's income and performance. Furthermore, a 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 a Fund will not qualify as a RIC in any given taxable year.

A 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. Each Fund intends to make sufficient distributions by the end of each calendar year to avoid liability for the Excise Tax.

<u>**<u>Taxation of Certain Investments and Strategies</u>**</u>

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 a Fund may realize in connection therewith. In general, a Fund's (1) gains from the disposition of foreign currencies and (2) gains from such contracts will be treated as Qualifying Income under the Gross Income Requirement.

Dividends and interest a 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 any Fund's foreign tax in advance, since the amount of its assets to be invested in various countries is not known.

Each Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs"). A PFIC is any foreign corporation (with certain exceptions) that, in general, meets either of the following tests for a taxable year: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive; or (2) an average of at least 50% of the value (or adjusted tax basis, if elected) of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, a Fund will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" it receives on the PFIC stock and of any gain on its disposition of that stock (collectively, "PFIC income"), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in a Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders. Fund distributions thereof will not be eligible to be treated as QDI or for the DRD.

If a Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" ("QEF"), then in lieu of incurring the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each taxable year its pro rata share of the QEF's annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain — which the Fund likely would have to distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax — even if the QEF did not distribute those earnings and gain to the Fund. In most instances, however, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof.

Alternatively, each Fund may elect to "mark to market" any stock in a PFIC it owns at the end of its taxable year, in which event it likely would be required to distribute to its shareholders any resulting gains to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax. "Marking-to-market," in this context, means including in gross income each taxable year (and treating as ordinary income) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock over a Fund's adjusted basis therein (including any net mark-to-market gain or loss for each prior taxable year for which an election was in effect) as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, a Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not a capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to that stock the Fund included in income for prior taxable years under the election. A Fund's adjusted basis in each PFIC's stock subject to the election would be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.

Investors should be aware that determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination that is based on various facts and circumstances and thus is subject to change, and the principles and methodology used therein are subject to interpretation. As a result, a Fund may not be able, at the time it acquires a foreign corporation's stock, to ascertain whether the corporation is a PFIC and a foreign corporation may become a PFIC after the Fund acquires stock therein. While each Fund generally will seek to minimize its investment in PFIC stock, and to make appropriate

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elections when they are available, to lessen the adverse tax consequences detailed above, there are no guarantees that it will be able to do so, and each Fund reserves the right to make those investments as a matter of its investment policy.

A Fund may invest in one or more LLCs and limited partnerships ("LPs") that will be classified for federal tax purposes as partnerships (and, except as expressly stated below, this discussion assumes that classification). LLCs and LPs in which a Fund may invest may include a "publicly traded partnership" (that is, a partnership the interests in which are "traded on an established securities market" or "readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof)") (a "PTP"), which may be a QPTP, which satisfies certain qualifying income requirements as describe above, or a non-QPTP, which does not satisfy those income requirements.

If an LLC or LP in which a Fund invests is a QPTP, all its net income (regardless of source) will be Qualifying Income for the Fund under the Gross Income Requirement. A Fund's investment in QPTPs, together with certain other investments, however, may not exceed 25% of the value of its total assets at the end of each quarter of its taxable year in order to satisfy one of the Diversification Requirements.

With respect to non-QPTPs, (1) if an LLC or LP (including a PTP) is treated for federal tax purposes as a corporation, distributions from it to a Fund might be treated as QDI and eligible for the DRD and disposition of the Fund's interest therein would generate gain or loss from the disposition of a security, or (2) if such an LLC or LP is not treated for those purposes as a corporation, the Fund would be treated as having earned its proportionate share of each item of income the LLC or LP earned. In the latter case, the Fund would be able to treat its share of the entity's income as Qualifying Income under the Gross Income Requirement only to the extent that income would be such if realized directly by the Fund in the same manner as realized by the LLC or LP. Certain LLCs and LPs (e.g., private funds) in which a Fund may invest may generate income and gains that are not such Qualifying Income. Each Fund will monitor its investments in LLCs and LPs to assure its compliance with the requirements for continued qualification as a RIC.

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 a Fund invests may be subject to Internal Revenue Code section 1256 (collectively, "Section 1256 contracts"). Any Section 1256 contract a 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 a 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 a 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 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 a 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 a 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 a 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.

Offsetting positions a Fund enters into or holds in any actively traded option, futures or forward contract may constitute a "straddle" for federal income tax purposes. Straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the amount, character and timing of recognition of a Fund's gains and losses with respect to positions of the straddle by requiring, among other things, that (1) losses realized on disposition of one position of a straddle be deferred to the extent of any unrealized gain in an offsetting position until the latter position is disposed of, (2) a Fund's holding period in certain straddle positions not begin until the straddle is terminated (possibly resulting in gain being treated as short-term rather than long-term capital gain), and (3) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions, that otherwise would constitute short-term capital losses, be treated as long-term capital losses. Applicable regulations also provide certain "wash sale" rules, which apply to transactions where a position is sold at a loss and a new offsetting position is acquired within a prescribed period, and "short sale" rules applicable to straddles. Different elections are available, which may mitigate the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to a "mixed straddle" (i.e., a straddle at least one, but not all, positions of which are Section 1256 contracts).

When a covered call option written (sold) by a Fund expires, it will realize a short-term capital gain equal to the amount of the premium it received for writing the option. When a 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 a 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 a 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

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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 a 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 a 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 a Fund's taxable income or net realized gains and distributions. If the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") were to assert successfully that income a Fund derives from those investments does not constitute Qualifying Income, the Fund might cease to qualify as a RIC (with the consequences described above under "Taxation of the Funds") or might be required to reduce its exposure to such investments.

A Fund may acquire zero coupon or other securities issued with original issue discount ("OID") (such as STRIPS). As a holder of those securities, a Fund must include in its gross income the OID that accrues on them during the taxable year, even if it receives no corresponding payment on them during the year. Similarly, a Fund must include in its gross income each taxable year securities it receives as interest on pay-in-kind securities. Because a Fund annually must distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income, including any accrued OID and other non-cash income (such as that interest), to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax, it may be required in a particular taxable year to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total amount of cash it actually receives. Those distributions will be made from a Fund's cash assets or from the proceeds of sales of its portfolio securities, if necessary. A Fund may realize capital gains or losses from those sales, which would increase or decrease its investment company taxable income and/or net capital gain.

<u>**<u>Taxation of a Fund's Shareholders</u>**</u>

**General** - For United States federal income tax purposes, distributions paid out of a 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 a 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 a Fund's dividend distributions will qualify as qualified dividend income.

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 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 its pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will: (i) be required to report its pro rata share of such gain on its 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 its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.

Dividends and other distributions by a Fund are generally treated under the Internal Revenue Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made.

Dividends and other distributions a 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.

If a Fund makes a "return of capital" distribution to its shareholders – i.e., a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits – the excess will (a) reduce each shareholder's tax basis in its shares (thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a shareholder's subsequent taxable disposition of the shares) and (b) if for any shareholder the excess is greater than that basis, be treated as realized capital gain.

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).

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.

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For U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly), a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will apply on all or a portion of their "net investment income," including interest, dividends, and capital gains, which generally includes taxable distributions received from a Fund and taxable gains on the disposition of shares of a Fund. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

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.

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 a Fund as an investment through such plans.

If more than 50% of the value of a Fund's total assets at the close of any taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, 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, a 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 a 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 a 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.

An individual shareholder of a Fund who, for a taxable year, has 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 the shareholder 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 a 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. 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.

**Backup Withholding** - A 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 a 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 each 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 a 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 a 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 non-resident 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 a 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 OID, interest on obligations "in registered form," and interest on deposits, less allocable deductions) from sources within the United States. 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 income dividends a Fund pays. 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. Proposed regulations (having current effect) have been issued to eliminate certain FATCA withholding taxes, including the withholding tax on investment sale proceeds that was scheduled to begin in 2019, and to defer the effective date of other taxes.

The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements ("IGAs") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to alternative approaches to implement FATCA. 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.

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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 a 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 a 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 a 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 a Fund.

**Income from Investments in REITs and MLPs -** A Fund may invest in the equity securities of corporations or other entities that invest in U.S. real property, including REITs. The sale of a U.S. real property interest by a REIT or "United States real property holding corporation" (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) in which a Fund invests may trigger special tax consequences to the Fund's non-U.S. shareholders, who are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding those consequences.

A Fund may invest in REITs that (1) hold residual interests in "real estate mortgage investment conduits" ("REMICs") or (2) engage in mortgage securitization transactions that cause the REITs to be taxable mortgage pools ("TMPs") or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP. A part of the net income allocable to REMIC residual interest holders may be an "excess inclusion." The Internal Revenue Code authorizes the issuance of regulations dealing with the taxation and reporting of excess inclusion income of REITs and RICs that hold residual REMIC interests and of REITs, or qualified REIT subsidiaries, that are TMPs. Although those regulations have not yet been issued, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS issued a notice in 2006 ("Notice") announcing that, pending the issuance of further guidance (which has not yet been issued), the IRS would apply the principles in the following paragraphs to all excess inclusion income, whether from REMIC residual interests or TMPs.

The Notice provides that a REIT must (1) determine whether it or its qualified REIT subsidiary (or a part of either) is a TMP and, if so, calculate the TMP's excess inclusion income under a "reasonable method," (2) allocate its excess inclusion income to its shareholders generally in proportion to dividends paid, (3) inform shareholders that are not "disqualified organizations" (i.e., governmental units and tax-exempt entities that are not subject to tax on their "unrelated business taxable income" ("UBTI")) of the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated thereto, (4) pay tax (at the highest federal income tax rate imposed on corporations, currently 21%) on the excess inclusion income allocable to its shareholders that are disqualified organizations, and (5) apply the withholding tax provisions with respect to the excess inclusion part of dividends paid to foreign persons without regard to any treaty exception or reduction in tax rate. Excess inclusion income allocated to certain tax-exempt entities (including qualified retirement plans, IRAs, and public charities) constitutes UBTI to them.

A RIC with excess inclusion income is subject to rules identical to those in clauses (2) through (5) above (substituting "that are nominees" for "that are not 'disqualified organizations'" in clause (3) and inserting "record" after "its" in clause (4)). The Notice further provides that a RIC is not required to report the amount and character of the excess inclusion income allocated to its shareholders that are not nominees, except that (1) a RIC with excess inclusion income from all sources that exceeds 1% of its gross income must do so and (2) any other RIC must do so by taking into account only excess inclusion income allocated to the RIC from REITs the excess inclusion income of which exceeded 3% of its dividends. A Fund will not invest directly in REMIC residual interests and does not intend to invest in REITs that, to its knowledge, invest in those interests or are TMPs or have a qualified REIT subsidiary that is a TMP.

After calendar year-end, REITs can and often do change the category (e.g., ordinary income dividend, capital gain distribution, or "return of capital") of one or more of the distributions they have made during that year, which would result at that time in a Fund, if it held shares in such a REIT during that year, also having to re-categorize some of the distributions it made to its shareholders. These changes would be reflected in annual Forms 1099 sent to the Fund's shareholders, together with other tax information. Those forms generally will be distributed to shareholders in February of each year, although the Fund may, in one or more years, request from the IRS an extension of time to distribute those forms until mid-March to enable it to receive the latest information it can from the REITs in which it invests and thereby accurately report that information to shareholders on a single form (rather than having to send shareholders an amended form).

The Internal Revenue Code generally allows individuals and certain other non-corporate entities a deduction for 20% of (1) "qualified REIT dividends" and (2) "qualified publicly traded partnership income" (such as income from MLPs). Treasury regulations permit a RIC to pass the character of its qualified REIT dividends through to its shareholders provided certain holding period requirements are met. As a result, a shareholder in the Fund that invests in REITs will be eligible to receive the benefit of the same 20% deduction with respect to the Fund's REIT-based dividends as is available to an investor who directly invests in REITs. There currently is no similar pass-through of the 20% deduction with respect to a RIC's qualified publicly traded partnership income.

**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 Funds' 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, each Fund (or its administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to its shareholders the basis information for Fund shares that are redeemed or exchanged 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

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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.

**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 a Fund based on their particular circumstances. The Funds do 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 a 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 (e.g., 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 R5 Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000: (i) employees of the Manager, or its parent company, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc. ("RIM"), (ii) employees of a sub-advisor for Funds where it serves as sub-advisor, (iii) members of the Board, and (iv) members of the Manager's Board of Directors. The term "immediate family" refers to 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 R5 Class upon termination of the class of shares in which the shareholders were originally invested is also eligible for purchasing shares of the R5 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 Advisor Class was created for individuals and other smaller investors investing in the Funds through third party intermediaries. The R5 and Y Classes were created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans. The A Class and C Class were created for investors investing in the American Beacon Funds through their broker-dealers or other financial intermediaries. The R6 Class was created to provide third party intermediaries an investment option for the large 401(k) plans that does not charge 12b-1 or sub-transfer agency fees.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The Funds' independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, audits and reports on the Funds' 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 are incorporated by reference to Item 7 of the Funds' Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000119312526005743/d77694dncsr.htm)

The information in the financial highlights for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 was audited by the Funds' prior independent registered public accounting firm.

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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, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (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**

<u>**<u>PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES</u>**</u>

**Last Amended August 28, 2023** 

<u>**<u>Preface</u>**</u>

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, the American Beacon Select Funds ("Select Funds"), and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (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.

<u>**<u>Conflicts of Interest</u>**</u>

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.

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.

<u>**<u>Securities on Loan</u>**</u>

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

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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.

<u>**<u>Recordkeeping</u>**</u>

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.

<u>**<u>Disclosure</u>**</u>

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.

<u>**<u>Manager Oversight</u>**</u>

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.

<u>**<u>Board Reporting</u>**</u>

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**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES FOR THE SUB-ADVISORS**

**AMERICAN CENTURY INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC.** 

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the investment manager for a variety of advisory clients, including the American Century family of funds. In such capacity, the Adviser has been delegated the authority to vote proxies with respect to investments held in certain accounts it manages. The following is a statement of the proxy voting policies (the "Policies") that have been adopted by the Adviser. In the exercise of proxy voting authority, which has been delegated to it by particular clients, the Adviser will apply the Policies in accordance with, and subject to, any specific policies that have been adopted by the client and communicated to and accepted by the Adviser in writing.

**I. General Principles**

In providing the service of voting client proxies, the Adviser is guided by general fiduciary principles, must act prudently, solely in the interest of its clients, and must not subordinate client interests to unrelated objectives. Except as otherwise indicated in these Policies, the Adviser will use its best efforts to vote all proxies with respect to investments held in the client accounts it manages. Shares may not be voted if the cost or administrative burden of voting shares of a particular portfolio company in the judgment of the Advisor exceeds the benefit to fund shareholders. The Adviser will attempt to consider all factors of its vote that could affect the value of the investment.

Although in most instances the Adviser will vote proxies consistently across all client accounts, the votes will be based on the best interests of each client. As a result, accounts managed by the Adviser may at times vote differently on the same proposals. Examples of when an account's vote might differ from other accounts managed by the Adviser include, but are not limited to, proxy contests and proposed mergers. In short, the Adviser will vote proxies in the manner that it believes will do the most to maximize shareholder value.

**A. Non-U.S. Proxies**<br>The Adviser will generally evaluate non-U.S. proxies in the context of the Policies but will also, where feasible, take into consideration differing laws, regulations, and practices in the relevant foreign market in determining if and how to vote. There may also be circumstances when practicalities and costs involved with non-U.S. investing make it disadvantageous to vote shares. For instance, the Adviser generally does not vote proxies in circumstances where share blocking restrictions apply, when meeting attendance is required in person, or when current share ownership disclosure is required.<br>

**B. Stewardship and Engagement**<br>As long-term owners and as part of its stewardship efforts, the Adviser undertakes regular contact with portfolio company management to provide the Adviser an opportunity to gain additional information when voting proxies. <br>

**C. Proposals Involving Sustainability Matters**<br>The Adviser will vote with the expectation of maximizing shareholder value and believes that certain sustainability issues can potentially impact a company's long-term financial performance. On a case-by-case basis, the financial materiality and potential risks or economic impact of the sustainability issues underpinning proxy proposals are considered and it is ultimately each team's portfolio managers that are responsible for making the voting decision.<br>

The portfolio management teams for portfolios that have sustainability considerations in their mandates can place emphasis around those considerations when voting proxies with the objective of enhancing outcomes.

**D. Exception Voting**<br>The Adviser reserves the right to vote contrary to the Policies when, in its opinion, the vote will do the most to maximize the investment objective of the account.<br>

**II. Specific Proxy Matters**

**A. Routine Matters** <br>

**1. Election of Directors**<br>

**a) Generally.** (i)The Adviser will generally support the election of directors that results in a board made up of a majority of independent directors. (ii) In general, the Adviser will vote in favor of management's director nominees if they are running unopposed. The Adviser believes that management is in the best position to evaluate the qualifications of directors and the needs and dynamics of a particular board. (iii) When management's nominees are opposed in a proxy contest, the Adviser will evaluate which nominees' publicly announced management policies and goals are most likely to maximize shareholder value, as well as the past performance of the incumbents. (iv)The Adviser maintains the ability to vote against any candidate whom it believes is not qualified or if there are specific concerns about the individual, such as allegations of criminal wrongdoing or breach of fiduciary responsibilities. (v) Additional information the Adviser may consider concerning director nominees include, but is not limited to, whether (1) there is an adequate explanation for repeated absences at board meetings, (2) the nominee receives non-board fee compensation, or (3) there is a family relationship between the nominee and the company's chief executive officer or controlling shareholder, and/or (4) the nominee has sufficient time and commitment to serve effectively in light of the nominee's service on other public company boards.<br>

**b) Committee Service.** The Adviser will withhold votes for non-independent directors who serve on the audit and/or compensation committees of the board. <br>

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**c) Classification of Board** **s.** The Adviser believes classified boards represent a form of anti-takeover device, which is generally not in the interests of minority shareholders. Accordingly, the Adviser will generally support proposals that seek to declassify boards. Additionally, the Adviser will oppose efforts to adopt classified board structures. <br>

**d) Majority Independent Board.** The Adviser will support proposals calling for a majority of independent directors on a board. The Adviser believes that a majority of independent directors can help to facilitate objective decision making and enhance accountability to shareholders. <br>

**e) Majority Vote Standard for Director Elections.** The Adviser will generally vote in favor of proposals calling for directors to be elected by an affirmative majority of the votes cast in a board election, provided that the proposal allows for a plurality voting standard in the case of contested elections. The Adviser may consider voting against such shareholder proposals where a company's board has adopted an alternative measure, such as a director resignation policy, that provides a meaningful alternative to the majority voting standard and appropriately addresses situations where an incumbent director fails to receive the support of the majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election. <br>

**f) Separate CEO and Chair.** The Adviser will generally vote against shareholder proposals requesting an independent chair if the board is majority independent. Conversely, if the board is not majority independent, the Adviser will generally vote in favor of management proposals to separate the roles of CEO and chair of the board of directors. <br>

**g) Withholding Campaigns.** The Adviser will generally support proposals calling for shareholders to withhold votes for directors where such actions will advance the principles set forth in paragraphs 1(a) through 1(f) above. <br>

**h) Director Indemnification.** The Adviser will generally vote in favor of a corporation's proposal to indemnify its officers and directors in accordance with applicable state law. Indemnification arrangements are often necessary to attract and retain qualified directors.<br>

**2. Ratification of Selection of Auditors**<br>The Adviser will generally rely on the judgment of the portfolio company's audit committee in selecting the independent auditors who will provide the best service to the company. The Adviser believes that independence of the auditors is paramount and will vote against auditors whose independence appears to be impaired. The Adviser will generally vote against proposed auditors in circumstances where the auditor has or may have a potential conflict of interest, including where: (a) an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; (b) non-audit fees are excessive compared to audit fees (c) the audit firm's tenure is excessively long; or (d) there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has previously rendered an opinion to the company that is either inaccurate or not indicative of the company's financial position.<br>

**B. Compensation Matters**<br>

**1. Executive and Director Compensation**<br>

**a) Advisory Vote on Compensation.** The Adviser believes there are several effective ways to convey concerns about compensation including voting against the advisory vote on executive compensation (say-on-pay proposals), voting against specific incentive plans or amendments to incentive plans it deems excessive or withholding votes from compensation committee members. The Adviser will consider and vote on a case-by-case basis on say-on-pay proposals and will generally support management proposals unless there are inadequate risk-mitigation features or other specific concerns exist, including if the Adviser concludes that executive compensation is (i) misaligned with shareholder interests, (ii) unreasonable in amount, or (iii) not in the aggregate meaningfully tied to the company's performance. <br>

**b) Frequency of Advisory Votes on Compensation.** The Adviser generally supports the triennial option for the frequency of say-on-pay proposals, but will consider management recommendations for an alternative approach. <br>

**c) Clawback of Incentive Compensation.** The Adviser expects portfolio companies to structure executive compensation plans in a manner that does not encourage excessive risk-taking or insulate management from the consequences of failures of risk management and oversight. The Adviser generally supports properly-structured clawback provisions in executive compensation plans as a way to mitigate the potential for excessive risk taking. In evaluating compensation clawback proposals, the Adviser will consider whether the company has a history of financial restatements, material financial problems, and any other factors deemed relevant. <br>

**d) Directors' Stock Options Plans.** The Adviser believes that stock options are an appropriate form of compensation for directors, and the Adviser will generally vote for director stock option plans that are reasonable and do not result in excessive shareholder dilution. Analysis of such proposals will be made on a case-by-case basis and will take into account total board compensation and the company's total exposure to stock option plan dilution.<br>

**2. Equity Based Compensation Plans**<br>The Adviser believes that equity-based compensation plans are economically significant issues upon which shareholders are entitled to vote. The Adviser recognizes that equity-based compensation plans can be useful in attracting and retaining desirable employees. The cost associated with such plans must be measured if plans are to be used appropriately to maximize shareholder value. The Adviser may conduct an analysis of stock option, stock bonus or similar plans or material amendments thereto, including replenishing a with additional shares. Features that may result in the Adviser voting against the initial adoption of a plan or subsequent amendment to replenish the plan with additional shares include whether the plan:<br>

a) Provides for immediate vesting of all stock options in the event of a change of control of the company without reasonable safeguards against abuse (see "Anti-Takeover Proposals" below);

b) Resets outstanding stock options at a lower strike price, unless accompanied by a corresponding and proportionate reduction in the number of shares designated. The Adviser will generally oppose adoption of stock option plans that explicitly or historically permit repricing of stock options, regardless of the number of shares reserved for issuance, since their effect is impossible to evaluate; <br>

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c) Establishes restriction periods shorter than three years for restricted stock grants;

d) Does not reasonably associate awards to performance of the company (especially as it relates to the selection of appropriate vesting metrics, which ideally should contain both absolute and relative measures); or

e) Is excessively dilutive to the company. Factors that will be considered in the determination include the company's overall market capitalization, the performance of the company relative to its peers, and the maturity of the company and its industry; for example, technology companies often use options broadly throughout its employee base, which may justify somewhat greater dilution.<br>

**3. Non-Stock Incentive Plans**<br>Management may propose a variety of non-stock, cash-based incentive or bonus plans to stimulate employee performance. In general, the cash or other corporate assets required for most incentive plans is not material, and the Adviser will vote in favor of such proposals. Case-by-case determinations will be made of the appropriateness of the amount of shareholder value transferred by proposed plans.<br>

**C. Shareholder Rights**<br>

**1. One Share, One Vote.** The Adviser generally supports proposals to equalize the voting rights of shareholders, including the elimination of special or super voting share classes and the establishment of single-class voting structures.<br>

**2. Right to Call Special Shareholder Meetings.** The corporation statutes of many states allow minority shareholders at a certain threshold level of ownership to call a special meeting of shareholders. This right can be eliminated (or the threshold increased) by amendment to the company's charter documents. The Adviser believes that the right to call a special shareholder meeting is significant for minority shareholders; the elimination of such right will be viewed as an anti- takeover measure and the Adviser will generally vote against proposals attempting to eliminate this right and for proposals attempting to restore it.<br>

**3. Right to Act by Written Consent.** The Adviser will generally vote for proposals to permit shareholders to act by written consent if the company does not currently permit shareholders to call for a special meeting or to act by written consent. The Adviser will generally vote against proposals on written consent if the company permits shareholders the right to call for a special meeting.<br>

**4. Proxy Access.** The Adviser believes that the ability of qualifying shareholders to nominate a certain number of directors on the company's proxy statement may have corporate governance benefits. Accordingly, the Adviser will generally vote in favor of proposals to adopt proxy access rules offering a balanced set of limitations. When considering such proposals, the factors taken into account will include the following: (i) the ownership percentages and holding periods proposed; (ii) the maximum proportion of directors that shareholders may nominate each year; and (iii) any other material restrictions included in the proposal.<br>

**D. Anti-Takeover Proposals**<br>In general, the Adviser will vote against any proposal, whether made by management or shareholders, which the Adviser believes would materially discourage a potential acquisition or takeover. In most cases an acquisition or takeover of a particular company will increase share value. The adoption of anti-takeover measures may prevent or frustrate a bid from being made, may prevent consummation of the acquisition, and may have a negative effect on share price when no acquisition proposal is pending. In particular circumstances, the Adviser may vote in favor of some forms of control protective measures if they are responsive to a particular circumstance, are narrowly focused and have a sunset provision reasonably tied to the circumstances.<br>

The items below discuss specific anti-takeover proposals.

**1. Staggered Board**<br>If a company has a "staggered board," its directors are elected for terms of more than one year and only a segment of the board stands for election in any year. Therefore, a potential acquiror cannot replace the entire board in one year even if it controls a majority of the votes. Although staggered boards may provide some degree of continuity and stability of leadership and direction to the board of directors, the Adviser believes that staggered boards are primarily an anti-takeover device and will vote against establishing them and for eliminating them. However, the Adviser does not necessarily vote against the re-election of directors serving on staggered boards.<br>

**2. Cumulative Voting**<br>Cumulative voting gives minority shareholders a stronger voice in the company and a greater chance for representation especially when a company maintains a staggered or classified board. Accordingly, if a company has a staggered board, the Adviser will: a) vote in favor of any proposal to adopt cumulative voting, and b) vote against any proposal to eliminate cumulative voting that is already in place. <br>

**3.** **Blank Check" Preferred Stock**<br>Blank check preferred stock gives the board of directors the ability to issue preferred stock, without further shareholder approval, with such rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions as may be set by the board. In response to a hostile takeover attempt, the board could issue such stock to a friendly party or "white knight" or could establish conversion rights or other rights in the preferred stock which would dilute the common stock and make an acquisition impossible or less attractive. The argument in favor of blank check preferred stock is that it gives the board flexibility in pursuing financing, acquisitions or other proper corporate purposes without incurring the time or expense of a shareholder vote. Generally, the Adviser will vote against blank check preferred stock. However, the Adviser may vote in favor of blank check preferred stock if the proxy statement discloses that such stock is limited to use for a specific, proper corporate objective such as a financing instrument.<br>

**4. Elimination of Preemptive Rights**<br>When a company grants preemptive rights, existing shareholders are given an opportunity to maintain their proportional ownership when new shares are issued. A proposal to eliminate preemptive rights is a request from management to revoke that right.<br>

While preemptive rights will protect the shareholder from having its equity diluted, it may also decrease a company's ability to raise capital through stock offerings or use stock for acquisitions or other proper corporate purposes. Preemptive rights may therefore result in a lower market value for

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the company's stock. In the long term, shareholders could be adversely affected by preemptive rights. The Adviser generally votes against proposals to grant preemptive rights, and for proposals to eliminate preemptive rights. <br>

**5. Non-targeted Share Repurchase**<br>A non-targeted share repurchase is generally used by company management to prevent the value of stock held by existing shareholders from deteriorating. A non-targeted share repurchase may reflect management's belief in the favorable business prospects of the company. The Adviser finds no disadvantageous effects of a non-targeted share repurchase and will generally vote for the approval of a non-targeted share repurchase subject to analysis of the company's financial condition. <br>

**6. Increase in Authorized Common Stock**<br>The issuance of new common stock can also be viewed as an anti-takeover measure, although its effect on shareholder value would appear to be less significant than the adoption of blank check preferred stock. The Adviser will evaluate the amount of the proposed increase and the purpose or purposes for which the increase is sought. If the increase is not excessive and is sought for proper corporate purposes, the Adviser will generally vote to approve the increase. Proper corporate purposes might include, for example, the creation of additional stock to accommodate a stock split or stock dividend, additional stock required for a proposed acquisition, or additional stock required to be reserved upon exercise of employee stock option plans or employee stock purchase plans. Generally, the Adviser will vote in favor of an increase in authorized common stock of up to 100% outstanding and otherwise reserved for all legitimate corporate purposes; increases in excess of 100% are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will be voted affirmatively if management has provided sound justification for the increase.<br>

**7. "Supermajority" Voting Provisions or Super Voting Share Classes**<br>A "supermajority" voting provision is a provision placed in a company's charter documents which would require approval by the vote of greater than a simple majority (generally ranging from 66% to 90%) of shareholder votes to approve any type of acquisition of the company. <br>

The supermajority provision makes an acquisition more time-consuming and expensive for the acquiror. Accordingly, the Adviser will generally vote against the introduction of supermajority provisions and in favor of their removal.<br>

**8. "Fair Price" Amendments**<br>Fair price amendments are another type of charter amendment that would require an offeror to pay a "fair" and uniform price to all shareholders in an acquisition. In general, fair price amendments are designed to protect shareholders from coercive, two-tier tender offers in which some shareholders may be merged out on disadvantageous terms. Fair price amendments also have an anti-takeover impact, although their adoption is generally believed to have less of a negative effect on stock price than other anti-takeover measures. The Adviser will carefully examine all fair price proposals. In general, the Adviser will vote against fair price proposals unless the Adviser concludes that it is likely that the share price will not be negatively affected, and the proposal will not discourage acquisition proposals.<br>

**9. Poison Pills or Shareholder Rights Plans**<br>Some companies have retained some version of a poison pill plan (also known as a shareholder rights plan). Poison pill plans generally provide for the issuance of additional equity securities or rights to purchase equity securities upon the occurrence of certain events the company board deems hostile, such as the acquisition of a large block of stock.<br>

The basic argument against poison pills is that they depress share value, discourage offers for the company and serve to "entrench" management. The basic argument in favor of poison pills is that they give management more time and leverage to deal with a takeover bid and, as a result, shareholders may receive a better price. The Adviser believes that the potential benefits of a poison pill plan are outweighed by the potential detriments. The Adviser will generally vote against all forms of poison pills.<br>

The Adviser will, however, consider on a case-by-case basis poison pills that are very limited in time and preclusive effect. The Adviser will generally vote in favor of such a poison pill if it is linked to a business strategy that will – in the Adviser's view – likely result in greater value for shareholders, if the term is less than three years, and if shareholder approval is required to reinstate the expired plan or adopt a new plan at the end of this term. <br>

**10. Change in Control Agreements**<br>Change in control (golden parachute) agreements provide substantial compensation to executives who are terminated as a result of a takeover or change in control of their company. The existence of such plans in reasonable amounts probably has only a slight anti-takeover effect. In voting, the Adviser will evaluate the specifics of the plan presented. Features that may result in the Adviser voting against the adoption or extension of such an agreement include the following: (a) single-trigger or modified-single-trigger cash severance; (b) single-trigger acceleration of unvested equity awards; (c) excessive cash severance (greater than 3X base salary and bonus), especially when triggering adverse tax consequences for the recipient, the company, or both; (d) excise tax gross-ups triggered and payable (as opposed to a provision that provides excise tax gross-ups); (e) excessive change in control payments (on an absolute basis or as a percentage of transaction equity value; (f) recent amendments that incorporate any problematic features (such as those above) or recent actions (such as extraordinary equity grants) that may make packages so attractive as to influence merger agreements that may not be in the best interests of shareholders; or (g) the company's assertion that a proposed transaction is conditioned on shareholder approval of the change in control advisory vote.<br>

**11. Reincorporation**<br>Reincorporation in a new state is often proposed as one part of a package of anti-takeover measures. Several states provide some type of legislation that greatly discourages takeovers. The Adviser will examine reincorporation proposals on a case-by-case basis.<br>

Generally, if the Adviser believes that the reincorporation will result in greater protection from takeovers, the reincorporation proposal will be opposed. The Adviser will also generally oppose reincorporation proposals involving jurisdictions that specify that directors can recognize non-shareholder interests over those of shareholders. When reincorporation is proposed for a legitimate business purpose and without the negative effects identified above, the Adviser will generally vote affirmatively.<br>

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**12. Confidential Voting**<br>Companies that have not previously adopted a "confidential voting" policy allow management to view the results of shareholder votes. This gives management the opportunity to contact those shareholders voting against management in an effort to change their votes.<br>

Proponents of secret ballots argue that confidential voting enables shareholders to vote on all issues on the basis of merit without pressure from management to influence their decision. Opponents argue that confidential voting is more expensive and unnecessary; also, holding shares in a nominee name maintains shareholders' confidentiality. The Adviser believes that the only way to insure anonymity of votes is through confidential voting, and that the benefits of confidential voting outweigh the incremental additional cost of administering a confidential voting system. Therefore, the Adviser will generally vote in favor of any proposal to adopt confidential voting. <br>

**13. Opting In or Out of State Takeover Laws**<br>State takeover laws typically are designed to make it more difficult to acquire a corporation organized in that state. The Adviser believes that the decision of whether or not to accept or reject offers of merger or acquisition should be made by the shareholders, without unreasonably restrictive state laws that may impose ownership thresholds or waiting periods on potential acquirors. Therefore, the Adviser will generally vote in favor of opting out of restrictive state takeover laws.<br>

**E. Transaction-Related Proposals** <br>

The Adviser will review transaction related proposals, such as mergers, acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations, on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the impact of the transaction on each client account. In some instances, such as the approval of a proposed merger, a transaction may have a differential impact on client accounts depending on the securities held in each account. For example, whether a merger is in the best interest of a client account may be influenced by whether an account holds, and in what proportion, the stock of both the acquirer and the acquiror. In these circumstances, the Adviser may determine that it is in the best interests of the accounts to vote the accounts' shares differently on proposals related to the same transaction.<br>

**F. Other Matters**<br>

**1. Shareholder-sponsored proposals.** Proposals introduced by shareholders will be evaluated for linkage between the proposal, its economic impact, and its potential to maximize long-term shareholder value. Where the economic impact of a proposal is unclear, the Adviser will generally rely on management's assessment of the proposal if the Adviser believes the assessment is reasonable.<br>

**2. Anti-Greenmail** **Shareholder** **Proposals** **. "**Anti-greenmail" proposals generally limit the right of a corporation, without a shareholder vote, to pay a premium or buy out a 5% or greater shareholder. Management often argues that they should not be restricted from negotiating a deal to buy out a significant shareholder at a premium if they believe it is in the best interest of the company. Institutional shareholders generally believe that all shareholders should be able to vote on such a significant use of corporate assets. The Adviser believes that any repurchase by the company at a premium price of a large block of stock should be subject to a shareholder vote. Accordingly, it will generally vote in favor of anti-greenmail proposals. <br>

**3** **. Director Tenure** **.** Director Tenure proposals ask that age and term restrictions be placed on the board of directors. The Adviser believes that these types of blanket restrictions are not necessarily in the best interests of shareholders and therefore will consider and assess such measures as appropriate.<br>

**4. Director Share Ownership.** The Adviser will generally vote against shareholder proposals that would require directors to hold a minimum number of the company's shares to serve on the board of directors, in the belief that such ownership should be at the discretion of board members.<br>

**III. Securities on Loan**

The Adviser shall use commercially reasonable efforts to monitor for material proxy votes with respect to loaned securities. In the event the Adviser has timely knowledge of a material vote, the Adviser will attempt to recall the loaned securities and submit a proxy in accordance with these proxy guidelines. Efforts to recall loaned securities may not be successful and there can be no guarantee that a valid proxy will be submitted in all cases.

**IV. Use of Proxy Advisory Services**

The Adviser may retain proxy advisory firms to provide services in connection with voting proxies, including, without limitation, to provide information on shareholder meeting dates and proxy materials, translate proxy materials printed in a foreign language, provide research on proxy proposals and voting recommendations in accordance with the Policies, provide systems to assist with casting the proxy votes, and provide reports and assist with preparation of filings concerning the proxies voted.

Prior to the selection of a proxy advisory firm and periodically thereafter, the Adviser will consider whether the proxy advisory firm has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues and the ability to make recommendations based on material accurate information in an impartial manner. Such considerations may include some or all of the following (i) periodic sampling of votes cast through the firm's systems to determine that votes are in accordance with the Adviser's Policies and its clients best interests, (ii) onsite visits to the proxy advisory firm's office and/or discussions with the firm to determine whether the firm continues to have the resources (e.g. staffing, personnel, technology, etc.) capacity and competency to carry out its obligations to the Adviser, (iii) a review of the firm's policies and procedures, with a focus on those relating to identifying and addressing conflicts of interest and monitoring that current and accurate information is used in creating recommendations, (iv) requesting that the firm notify the Adviser if there is a change in the firm's material policies and procedures, particularly with respect to conflicts, or material business practices (e.g., entering or exiting new lines of business), and reviewing any such change, and (v) in case of an error made by the firm, discussing the error with the firm and determining whether appropriate corrective and preventative action is being taken. In the event the Adviser discovers an error in the research or voting recommendations provided by the firm, it will take reasonable steps to investigate the error and seek to determine whether the firm is taking reasonable steps to reduce similar errors in the future.

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While the Adviser takes into account information from many different sources, including independent proxy advisory services, the decision on how to vote proxies will be made in accordance with these Policies.

**V. Monitoring Potential Conflicts of Interest**

The Adviser is responsible for monitoring and resolving possible conflicts between the interests of the Adviser and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting. The Adviser has adopted safeguards to address the potential that our proxy voting could be influenced by interests other than those of our fund shareholders and clients. Since our Policies are predetermined by the Adviser, application of the Policies to vote clients' proxies should in most instances adequately address any possible conflicts of interest. However, for proxy votes inconsistent with the Policies, the Adviser's Proxy Voting Committee reviews all such proxy votes to determine whether the portfolio manager's voting rationale appears reasonable and is consistent with the general principles of the Policies. The Proxy Voting Committee also assesses whether certain business or other significant relationships between the Adviser and a company could have influenced an inconsistent vote on that company's proxy. Issues raising possible conflicts of interest are referred to the Proxy Voting Committee for immediate resolution prior to the time the Adviser casts its vote. With respect to personal conflicts of interest, the Adviser's Code of Ethics requires all employees to avoid placing themselves in a compromising position where their interests may conflict with those of our clients and restricts their ability to engage in certain outside business activities. Portfolio managers and other personnel involved with proxy voting with a personal conflict of interest regarding a particular proxy vote must recuse themselves and not participate in the voting decisions with respect to that proxy.

In addition, to avoid any potential conflict of interest that may arise when the Adviser votes proxies of a fund, portfolio, or other account (Adviser-Voted Portfolio") that owns shares of an American Century fund, the Adviser will "echo vote" such shares, if possible. Echo voting means the Adviser will vote the shares in the same proportion as the vote of all the other holders of the fund's shares. So, for example, if shareholders of a fund cast 80% of their votes in favor of a proposal and 20% against the proposal, any Adviser-Voted Portfolio that owns shares of such fund will cast 80% of its shares in favor of the proposal and 20% against. When this is not possible, shares will be voted in consultation with the Adviser-Voted Portfolio client or an appropriate fiduciary responsible for the client (e.g., a committee of the independent directors of a fund or the trustee of a retirement plan).

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The Policies will be examined from time to time and may be amended by the Adviser. With respect to matters that do not fit in the categories stated above, the Adviser will exercise its best judgment as a fiduciary to vote in the manner that will most enhance shareholder value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Case-by-case determinations will be made by the Adviser. Electronic records will be kept of all votes made.

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**BARROW, HANLEY, MEWHINNEY & STRAUSS, LLC**

**Proxy Voting Policy** **and** **Guidelines**

Barrow Hanley has accepted authority to vote proxies for our clients who have delegated this responsibility to us. It is the Firm's policy to vote our clients' proxies in the best economic interests of our clients, the beneficial owners of the shares. The Firm has adopted this Proxy Voting Policy for handling research, voting, reporting, and disclosing proxy votes, and this set of Proxy Voting Guidelines ("Guidelines") that provide a framework for assessing proxy proposals.

Barrow Hanley votes all clients' proxies the same based on the Firm's policy and Guidelines. If or when additional costs for voting proxies are identified, the Firm will determine whether such costs exceed the expected economic benefit of voting the proxy and may abstain from voting proxies for ERISA Plan clients. However, if/when such voting costs are borne by Barrow Hanley and not by the client, all proxies will be voted for all clients.

Disclosure information about the Firm's Proxy Voting Policy and Guidelines is provided in the Firm's Form ADV Part 2.

To assist in the proxy voting process, at its own expense, Barrow Hanley retains Glass Lewis & Co. ("Glass Lewis") as proxy service provider. Glass Lewis provides:

■ Research on corporate governance, financial statements, business, legal, and accounting risks.

■ Proxy voting recommendations, including environmental, social, and governance voting Guidelines.

■ Portfolio accounting and reconciliation of shareholdings for voting purposes.

■ Proxy voting execution, record keeping, and reporting services.

**Proxy Oversight Committee, Proxy Coordinators, and Proxy Voting Committee** 

■ Barrow Hanley's Proxy Oversight Committee is responsible for implementing and monitoring this Proxy Voting Policy, procedures, disclosures, and recordkeeping.

■ The Proxy Oversight Committee conducts periodic reviews of proxy votes to ensure that the policy is observed, implemented properly, and amended or updated, as appropriate.

■ The Proxy Oversight Committee is comprised of the Responsible Investing Committee Lead (chair), the CCO, the Head of Investment Operations, an At-Large Portfolio Manager, and another rotating member of the investment team.

■ Research Analysts are responsible to review and evaluate proposals and make recommendations to the Proxy Voting Committee to ensure that votes are consistent with the Firm's analysis.

■ Equity Portfolio Managers are members of the Proxy Voting Committee.

■ Equity Portfolio Managers vote proposals based on our Guidelines, internal research recommendations, and the research from Glass Lewis. Proxy votes must be approved by the Proxy Voting Committee before submitting to Glass Lewis.

■ Proxy Coordinators oversee the proxy voting process, assisting Research Analysts and the Proxy Voting Committee as needed.

■ Proxies for the Diversified Small Cap Value accounts are voted in accordance with Glass Lewis' recommendations for the following reasons:

■ Investment selection is based on a quantitative model

■ The holding period is too short to justify the time for analysis necessary to vote.

**Conflicts of Interest**

Potential conflicts may arise when:

■ Clients elect to participate in securities lending arrangements; in such cases, the votes follow the shares. Barrow Hanley is not a party to the client's lending arrangement and typically does not have information about shares on loan. Under these circumstances the proxies for those shares may not be voted.

■ If/when a proxy voting issue is determined to be financially material, the Firm makes a best-efforts attempt to alert clients and their custodial bank to recall shares from loan to be voted. In this context, Barrow Hanley defines a financially material issue to be issues deemed by our investment team to have significant economic impact. The ultimate decision on whether to recall shares is the responsibility of the client.

■ Barrow Hanley invests in equity securities of corporations who are also clients of the Firm. In such cases, the Firm seeks to mitigate potential conflicts by:

■ Making voting decisions for the benefit of the shareholder(s), our clients, o Uniformly voting every proxy based on Barrow Hanley's internal research and consideration of Glass Lewis' recommendations, and

■ Documenting the votes of companies who are also clients of the Firm.

■ If a material conflict of interest exists, members from the Proxy Voting and Proxy Oversight Committees will determine if the affected clients should have an opportunity to vote their proxies themselves, or whether Barrow Hanley will address the specific voting issue through other objective means, such as voting the proxies in a manner consistent with a predetermined Proxy Voting Policy or accepting the voting recommendation of Glass Lewis. Other Policies and Procedures

■ A proxy card or voting instruction form contains a list of voting options, including For, Against, Abstain, and/or Withhold. A vote to Abstain or Withhold is effectively a vote against the proposal. Barrow Hanley assesses each vote, the intended impact of our vote, and the rule(s) that apply to the vote and may select any of these options when casting the vote. Barrow Hanley sends a daily electronic transfer of equity positions to Glass Lewis.

■ Glass Lewis identifies accounts eligible to vote for each security and posts the proposals and research on its secure, proprietary online system.

■ Barrow Hanley sends a proxy report to clients at least annually and/or as requested by client, listing the number of shares voted and disclosing how proxies were voted.

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■ Barrow Hanley retains voting records in accordance with the Firm's Books and Records Policy. Glass Lewis retains the Firm's voting records for seven years.

■ Proxy Coordinators are responsible for retaining the following proxy records:

■ These policies, procedures, and amendments.

■ Proxy statements regarding our clients' securities.

■ A record of each proxy voted.

■ Proxy voting reports that are sent to clients annually.

■ Internal documents related to voting decisions; and

■ Records of clients' requests for proxy voting information and/or correspondence about votes.

**Voting Debt and/or Bank Loan Securities** 

Barrow Hanley's proxy voting responsibilities may include voting on proposals, amendments, consents, or resolutions solicited by or in respect to securities related to bank loan investments.

**Exceptions**

Limited exceptions to this policy may be permitted based on a client's circumstances, such as, foreign regulations that create a conflict with U.S. practices, expenses to facilitate voting when the costs outweigh the benefit of voting the proxies, or other circumstances.

**Proxy Voting Guidelines**

Barrow Hanley's set of Guidelines is a framework for assessing proposals. Each proposal is evaluated based on its facts and circumstances. The Firm reviews and considers ESG issues along with other financially material factors to assess the financially material impact on the long-term value of the shares. Our Guidelines address the following issues:

■ Board of Directors

■ Independent Auditors

■ Compensation Issues

■ Corporate Structure and Shareholder Rights

■ Shareholder Proposals and ESG Issues

■ Voting of Non-U.S./Foreign Shares

Issues that do not conform to these Guidelines are evaluated by the Proxy Voting Committee and voted in the best interest of our clients. Board of Directors Election of Directors Barrow Hanley believes that good corporate governance begins with a board of majority-independent directors and committees, including independent directors who serve on Audit, Compensation, and Nominating committees. Barrow Hanley will generally approve:

■ A slate of nominees comprised of a two-thirds majority of independent directors.

■ Nominees for Audit, Compensation and/or Nominating committees who are independent of management.

■ Nominees who we believe have the required skills and diverse backgrounds to make informed judgments about the subject matter for which the committee is responsible.

■ We attempt to target board diversity of at least 30%.

Barrow Hanley will generally not approve:

■ A slate of nominees that results in a majority non-independent directors.

■ Nominees for Audit, Compensation and/or Nominating committees who are not independent of management.

■ Incumbent board members who failed to attend at least 75% of board and applicable committee meetings.

■ Nominees who have served on boards or as executives of companies with records of poor performance, inadequate risk oversight, excessive compensation, audit, or accounting-related problems and/or other indicators of mismanagement or actions against the interests of shareholders.

■ Nominees whose actions on other committees demonstrate serious failures of governance, which may include acting to significantly reduce shareholder rights, or failure to respond to previous vote requests for directors and shareholder proposals.

■ An independent director who has in the past three years, had a material financial, familial, or other relationship with the company or its executives.

■ Members of a Nominating committee where the board has an average tenure of over ten years and has not appointed a new member to the board in at least five years

■ Members of a Nominating committee where the board lacks diversity.

*Combined Chairman / CEO Role*When the roles of a board's chair and CEO are combined a strong lead independent director is necessary. If a lead director is not appointed, Barrow Hanley supports proposals to separate the roles.

*Contested Elections of Directors*<br>Barrow Hanley evaluates a nominee's qualifications, the incumbent board's performance, and the rationale behind dissident campaigns, and votes based on maximizing shareholder value.<br>

*Classified Boards*<br>Barrow Hanley supports proposals to declassify existing boards, whether proposed by management or shareholders. In most cases we vote against proposals for classified board structures where only part of the board is elected each year.<br>

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If a board does not have a committee responsible for governance oversight and the board has not implemented a proposal that received the requisite support, we vote against the entire board. If a proposal requests the board adopt a declassified structure, we vote against all directors and nominees up for election.<br>

*Board Diversity*<br>Barrow Hanley supports boards with diverse backgrounds and nominees with relevant experience. Nominating and governance committees should consider diversity within the context of the company and industry. Shareholders are best served when boards make an effort to ensure a constituency that is not only reasonably diverse based on age, race, gender, and ethnicity, but also based on geographic knowledge, industry experience, board tenure and culture. Board diversity is one of many factors considered on a case-by-case basis when reviewing board elections.<br>

*Board Tenure*Barrow Hanley believes that independent directors are an important part of good governance. Long term service diminishes a member's independence. Directors serving on a board for 10 years or more are not considered to be independent.

We recognize that in some cases, a director's tenure and experience on the board is beneficial to shareholders. Nominees' tenure on the board is evaluated to determine independence.

*Overboarding*<br>Barrow Hanley reviews a nominee's board commitments on a case-by-case basis and generally votes against nominees who are executives of public company while serving on three or more public boards or a non-executive who sits on four or more public boards.<br>

*Proxy Access*<br>Shareholders' participation in electing directors enhances a board's accountability and responsiveness. Long-term investors can benefit from shareholder rights to nominate directors. Such rights should require a minimum percentage ownership (at least 5%) of outstanding shares held for a minimum period (at least three years) to nominate a maximum percentage of (up to 20%) for the board.<br>

**Approval of Independent Auditors**

Independent auditors are a critical element of good governance. A company's relationship with its independent auditor should be limited to its audit. Auditor's fees should be limited to the audit work. Other, closely related activities that do not appear to impair the auditor's independence may be approved. Barrow Hanley evaluates the circumstances of auditors who have a substantial non-auditing relationship with the company on a case-by-case basis.

**Compensation Issues**

Compensation Plans should align the interests of long-term shareholders with the interests of management, employees, and directors.

*Stock-Based Compensation Plans*<br>Stock-based compensation plans should be administered by an independent committee of the board and approved by shareholders. Barrow Hanley opposes compensation plans that substantially dilute a shareholder's ownership interest, provides participants with excessive awards, and/or have other objectionable features. Compensation proposals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis using the following factors: <br>

■ The company's industry group, market capitalization, and competitors' compensation plans.

■ Requirements for senior executives to hold a minimum amount/percentage of company stock.

■ Requirements for minimum holding periods for stock acquired through equity awards.

■ Performance-vesting awards, indexed options, and/or other grants linked to the company's performance.

■ Requirements that limit the concentration of equity grants to senior executives and provide for a broad-based plan.

■ Requirements for stock-based compensation plans as a substitute for cash compensation to deliver market-competitive total compensation.

*Bonus Plans*Bonus based compensation plans should include the following features:

■ Periodic shareholder approval to properly qualify for deductions under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).

■ Performance measures relating to key value drivers of the company's business.

■ Maximum award amounts expressed in dollar amounts. Bonus plans should not include excessive awards in both absolute and relative terms.

*Executive Compensation Plans (Say on Pay)*<br>Say on Pay type of executive compensation programs can effectively link pay and performance and provide competitive compensation opportunities. Say on Pay type plans should state the amount of compensation at risk and the amount of equity-based compensation linked to the company's performance and include adequate disclosure about the overall compensation structure. Say on Pay type plans should not include significant compensation guarantees and/or compensation that is not sufficiently linked to performance.<br>

Recoupment Provisions (Clawbacks)Executive compensation programs should be clearly tied to performance and include the following:

■ Detailed bonus recoupment policies to prevent executives from retaining performance-based awards that were not truly earned.

■ Clawback triggers in the event of a restatement of financial results or similar revision of performance indicators upon which bonuses were based.

■ Policies allowing board reviews of performance-related bonuses and awards paid to senior executives during the period covered by a restatement that allows the company to recoup such bonuses if performance goals were not actually achieved.

■ Clawback policies that limit discretion and ensure the integrity of such policies.

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*Executive Severance Agreement (Golden Parachutes)*<br>Executive compensation should be designed as an incentive for continued employment and include reasonable severance benefits, and the executive's termination should be limited to three times salary and bonus, referred to as double-trigger plans.<br>

Guaranteed severance benefits that exceed three times salary and bonus should be disclosed and should require shareholder approval.

Barrow Hanley does not support guaranteed severance benefits without a change in control or arrangements that does not require the executive's termination, referred to as single-trigger plans.

*Employee Stock Purchase Plans*<br>Employee stock purchase plans are effective ways to increase employees' ownership in the company's stock. Such plans should not allow for purchases below 85% of current market value and should limit shares reserved under the plan to 5% or less of the outstanding shares of the company.<br>

**Corporate Structure and Shareholder Rights** 

Barrow Hanley supports market-based corporate control functions without undue interference from artificial barriers. Shareholders' rights are a fundamental privilege of equity ownership and should be proportional to economic ownership. Appropriate limits include a shareholder's ability to act by corporate charter, bylaw provisions, or adoption of certain takeover provisions.

*Shareholder Right Plans (Poison Pills)*<br>Poison pill plans can erode shareholder value by limiting a potential acquirer's ability to purchase a controlling interest in the company without the approval of its board of directors, and/or can serve to entrench incumbent management and directors.<br>

Shareholder rights plans should be designed to enables the board to take appropriate to defensive actions, and should require the following:

■ Shareholder approval within a year of its adoption.

■ Timing limited to 3-5 years.

■ Requirement for shareholder approval for renewal.

■ Reviews by a committee of independent directors at least every three years, referred to as TIDE provisions.

■ Permitted bid or qualified offer features requiring shareholder votes under specific conditions referred to as chewable pills.

■ Reasonable ownership triggers of 15-20%.

■ Highly independent, non-classified boards.

Shareholder rights plans should avoid the following:

■ Long-term defensive features of 5 or more years.

■ Automatic renewals without shareholder approval.

■ Ownership triggers of less than 15%.

■ Classified boards.

■ Boards with limited independence.

*Political Contributions and Lobbying*<br>Barrow Hanley evaluates an issuer's policy and procedures governing political spending and lobbying. Proposals demonstrating insufficient or absent policies and disclosure are opposed. An Increase in Authorized Shares Proposals for increases in authorized share amounts should not expose shareholders to excessive dilution and should be limited to increases of up to 20% of the current share authorization.<br>

*Cumulative Voting*Cumulative voting should be proportional to the shareholders' economic investment in the company.

*Supermajority Vote Requirements*<br>Shareholders' rights to approve or reject proposals should be based on a simple majority. Confidential Voting Shareholder voting should be conducted in a confidential manner.<br>

*Dual Classes of Stock*<br>Barrow Hanley opposes dual-class capitalization structures that provide disparate voting rights to shareholders with similar economic interests. Proposals to create separate share classes with different voting rights are opposed. Proposals to dissolve separate share classes are approved.<br>

**Shareholder Proposals and ESG Issues**

Proposals relating to ESG issues are usually initiated by shareholders seeking disclosure about certain business practices or amendments to certain policies. Barrow Hanley's policy and Guidelines are designed to provide a framework for assessing the financial materiality of corporate governance, environmental, and social issues. Barrow Hanley supports proposals that improve transparency on issues that can be clearly tied to sustainable resource development, environmental compliance, and workplace safety.

Barrow Hanley subscribes to third party ESG research and scoring databases, including MSCI, Sustainalytics, and IFRS as a tool for rating the financial materiality of ESG factors to support our internal research. Some investments may have a low corporate ranking based on a third party's profile. Investment in low ranked companies is based on our belief that shareholder engagement is the best way to engage with management and use our influence toward sustainable improvements. Our fundamental analysis identifies areas and issues for engagement with management to improve policies and disclosure.

Barrow Hanley evaluates climate risk and disclosure standards for the companies and industries most exposed to climate change and engages with management and boards to understand the company's risks and opportunities and where necessary, seeks additional disclosure.

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Barrow Hanley considers issues related to human capital to be a company's most significant risks and opportunities. Boards should disclose and communicate plans to instill inclusive, attractive, and high-retention environments in the company. Barrow Hanley supports inclusive working environments and diversity among employees and supports shareholder proposals that contain comprehensive equal opportunity and anti-discrimination provisions, and reporting on gender-based discrepancies in compensation.

**Voting of Non-U.S./Foreign Shares**

Although corporate governance standards, disclosure requirements, and voting mechanisms vary greatly among the markets outside the U.S., proposals are evaluated under these Guidelines and consideration of the local market's standards and best practices.

**Exceptions**

Glass Lewis is configured to vote consistent with Barrow Hanley's Guidelines, however, the Proxy Voting Committee permits reasonable exceptions based on the facts, circumstances, and best economic interests of our clients. Exceptions are documented and retained in the Firm's proxy voting records.

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**BRANDYWINE GLOBAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, LLC**

**PROXY VOTING**

**Responsibility to Vote Proxies**

As an investment adviser, Brandywine Global owes its clients a duty of care and loyalty with respect to services undertaken on their behalf, including proxy voting. Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 requires an investment adviser who exercises voting authority with respect to client securities to adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the investment adviser votes proxies in the best interest of its clients.

**Client Accounts for which Brandywine Global Votes Proxies**

Brandywine Global votes proxies for each client account for which the client has specifically delegated to Brandywine Global the power to vote proxies in the applicable investment management agreement or other written document, or in instances where the client has assigned Brandywine Global investment discretion over their account. Brandywine Global also votes proxies for any employee benefit plan client subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), unless the applicable investment management agreement specifically reserves the responsibility for voting proxies to the plan trustees or other named fiduciary.

At or prior to the inception of each client account, Brandywine Global will determine whether it has proxy voting authority over such account. In instances where the client has retained proxy voting responsibility, Brandywine Global will have no involvement in the proxy voting process for that client.

**General Principles**

In exercising discretion to vote proxies for securities held in client accounts, Brandywine Global is guided by general fiduciary principles. Brandywine Global's goal in voting proxies is to act prudently and solely in the best economic interest of its clients. In furtherance of such goal, Brandywine Global will vote proxies in a manner that Brandywine Global believes will be consistent with efforts to maximize shareholder value and to protect shareholder interests. Brandywine Global does not exercise its proxy voting discretion to further policy, political or other issues that have no connection to enhancing the economic value of a client's investment. As part of its fiduciary duty, Brandywine Global does consider environmental, social, and governance issues that may impact the value of an investment, through introducing opportunity or by creating risk, or both.

**How Brandywine Global Votes Proxies**

Appendix A sets forth general guidelines considered by Brandywine Global in voting common proxy items.

In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a stated position set forth in Appendix A, Brandywine Global generally votes in accordance with the stated position. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is no stated position set forth in Appendix A, Brandywine Global votes on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the General Principles.

The general guidelines set forth in Appendix A are not binding on Brandywine Global, but rather are intended to provide an analytical framework for the review and assessment of common proxy issues. Such guidelines can always be superseded based on an assessment of the proxy issue and determination that a vote that is contrary to such general guidelines is in the best economic interests of client accounts. Different portfolio management teams within Brandywine Global may vote differently on the same issue based on their respective assessments of the proxy issue and determinations as to what is in the best economic interests of client accounts for which they are responsible. Use of an Independent Proxy Service Firm Brandywine Global may contract with an independent proxy service firm to provide Brandywine Global with certain services, including but not limited to, information or recommendations with regard to proxy votes or other administrative support. Brandywine Global is not required to follow any recommendation furnished by such service provider. The use of an independent proxy service firm to provide proxy voting information or recommendations does not relieve Brandywine Global of its responsibility for any proxy votes. With respect to any independent proxy service firm engaged by Brandywine Global to provide Brandywine Global with information or recommendations with regard to proxy votes, Brandywine Global will periodically review and assess such firm's policies, procedures and practices including those with respect to the disclosure and handling of conflicts of interest.

**Conflict of Interest Procedures**

In furtherance of Brandywine Global's goal to vote proxies in the best interests of clients, Brandywine Global follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between the interests of Brandywine Global and its employees and those of its clients before voting proxies on behalf of such clients. Conflicts of interest may arise as a result of the firm's business or as a result of an employee's personal relationships or circumstances.

**A. Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest**<br>

Brandywine Global relies on the procedures set forth below to seek to identify conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting.

<sup>1</sup> Brandywine Global's Compliance Department annually requires each Brandywine Global employee to complete a questionnaire designed to elicit information that may reveal potential conflicts between the employee's interests and those of Brandywine Global clients.

<sup>2</sup> Brandywine Global treats client relationships as creating a material conflict of interest for Brandywine Global in voting proxies with respect to securities issued by such client or its known affiliates.

<sup>3</sup> As a general matter, Brandywine Global takes the position that relationships between a non-Brandywine Global Franklin Resources business unit and an issuer (e.g., investment management relationship between an issuer and a non-Brandywine Global Franklin Resources-owned asset manager) do not present a conflict of interest for Brandywine Global in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because Brandywine Global operates as an independent business unit from other Franklin Resources business units and because of the existence of informational barriers between Brandywine Global and certain other Franklin Resources business units.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**B. Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interes**t<br>

<sup>1</sup> All potential conflicts of interest identified must be brought to the attention of the Investment Committee for resolution.

<sup>2</sup> The Investment Committee determines whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, Brandywine Global's decision-making in voting the proxy. All materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. A written record of all materiality determinations made by the Investment Committee will be maintained.

<sup>3</sup> If it is determined by the Investment Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, Brandywine Global may vote proxies following normal processes notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.

**C. Procedures for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest**<br>

<sup>1</sup> With the exception of those material conflicts identified in A.2. which will be voted in accordance with paragraph C.1.b. below, if it is determined by the Investment Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Investment Committee will determine an appropriate method or combination of methods to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted by Brandywine Global. Such determination will be based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. Such methods may include:a. confirming that the proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of an independent proxy service firm retained by Brandywine Global;b. in the case of a conflict of interest resulting from a particular employee's personal relationships or circumstances, removing such employee from the decision-making process with respect to such proxy vote; orc. such other method as is deemed appropriate given the particular facts and circumstances.

2. A written record of the method used to resolve a material conflict of interest will be maintained.

**Other Considerations**

In certain situations, Brandywine Global may decide not to vote proxies on behalf of a client account for which it has discretionary voting authority because Brandywine Global believes that the expected benefit to the client account of voting shares is outweighed by countervailing considerations (excluding the existence of a potential conflict of interest). Examples of situations in which Brandywine Global may determine not to vote proxies are set forth below.

**A. Share Blocking**<br>

Proxy voting in certain countries requires "share blocking." This means that shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting (e.g. one week) with a designated depositary. During the blocking period, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares have been returned to client accounts by the designated depositary. In deciding whether to vote shares subject to share blocking, Brandywine Global may consider and weigh, based on the particular facts and circumstances, the expected benefit to client accounts of voting in relation to the potential detriment to clients of not being able to sell such shares during the applicable period.<br>

**B. Securities on Loan**<br>

Certain clients of Brandywine Global, such as an institutional client or a registered investment company for which Brandywine Global acts as a sub-adviser, may engage in securities lending with respect to the securities in their accounts. Brandywine Global typically does not direct or oversee such securities lending activities. To the extent feasible and practical under the circumstances, Brandywine Global may request that the client recall shares that are on loan so that such shares can be voted if Brandywine Global believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting such shares outweighs the detriment to the client of recalling such shares (e.g., foregone income). The ability to timely recall shares for proxy voting purposes typically is not entirely within the control of Brandywine Global and requires the cooperation of the client and its other service providers. Under certain circumstances, the recall of shares in time for such shares to be voted may not be possible due to applicable proxy voting record dates and administrative considerations.<br>

**Proxy Voting-Related Disclosures**

**A. Proxy Voting Independence and Intent**<br>

Brandywine Global exercises its proxy voting authority independently of other Franklin Resources-owned asset managers. Brandywine Global and its employees will not consult with or enter into any formal or informal agreements with Brandywine Global's ultimate parent, Franklin Resources, Inc., any other Franklin Resources business unit, or any of their respective officers, directors or employees, regarding the voting of any securities by Brandywine Global on behalf of its clients.<br>

Brandywine Global and its employees may not disclose to any person outside of Brandywine Global, including without limitation another investment management firm (affiliated or unaffiliated) how Brandywine Global intends to vote a proxy without prior approval from Brandywine Global's Chief Compliance Officer. Prior approval is not required in instances where Brandywine Global discloses directly to representatives of an issuer how Brandywine Global intends to vote a proxy so long as the disclosure is made solely to representatives of the issuer and Brandywine Global believes that the disclosure is in the best interests of its clients.<br>

If a Brandywine Global employee receives a request to disclose Brandywine Global's proxy voting intentions to another person outside of Brandywine Global (including an employee of another Franklin Resources business unit) in connection with an upcoming proxy voting matter, the employee should immediately notify Brandywine Global's Chief Compliance Officer.<br>

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If a Brandywine Global portfolio manager wants to take a public stance with regards to a proxy, the portfolio manager must consult with and obtain the approval of Brandywine Global's Chief Compliance Officer before making or issuing a public statement.

**B. Disclosure of Proxy Votes and Policy and Procedures**<br>

Upon Brandywine Global's receipt of any oral or written client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies for that client's account, Brandywine Global will promptly provide the client with such requested information in writing.<br>

Brandywine Global will deliver to each client, for which it has proxy voting authority, no later than the time it accepts such authority, a written summary of this Proxy Voting policy and procedures. This summary must include information on how clients may obtain information about how Brandywine Global has voted proxies for their accounts and must also state that a copy of Brandywine Global's Proxy Voting policy and procedures is available upon request.<br>

Brandywine Global must create and maintain a record of each written client request for proxy voting information. Such record must be created promptly after receipt of the request and must include the date the request was received, the content of the request, and the date of Brandywine Global's response. Brandywine Global must also maintain copies of written client requests and copies of all responses to such requests. <br>

**C. Delegation of Duties**<br>

Brandywine Global may delegate to non-investment personnel the responsibility to vote proxies in accordance with the guidelines set forth in Appendix A. Such delegation of duties will only be made to employees deemed to be reasonably capable of performing this function in a satisfactory manner.<br>

**Proxy Engagement and Certain Non-Proxy Voting Matters**

Brandywine Global may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial to engage in a dialogue or written communication with a company or other shareholders regarding certain matters on a company's proxy statement from time to time, if and to the extent that Brandywine Global determines that doing so is consistent with law and applicable general fiduciary principles. A company or shareholder may also seek to engage with Brandywine Global in advance of the company's formal proxy solicitation to review issues more generally or gauge support for certain proposals.

Absent a specific contrary written agreement with a client or other legal obligation, Brandywine Global does not (1) render any advice to, or take any action on behalf of, clients with respect to any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies and shareholder litigation, to which any securities or other investments held in client accounts, or the issuers thereof, become subject, or (2) initiate or pursue legal proceedings, including without limitation shareholder litigation, on behalf of clients with respect to transactions or securities or other investments held in client accounts, or the issuers thereof. Except as otherwise agreed to in writing with a particular client, the right to take any action with respect to any legal proceeding, including without limitation bankruptcies and shareholder litigation, and the right to initiate or pursue any legal proceedings, including without limitation shareholder litigation, with respect to transactions or securities or other investments held in a client account is expressly reserved to the client.

**Recordkeeping**

In addition to all other records required by this Policy and Procedures, Brandywine Global will maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:

A. a copy of this Policy and Procedures, including any and all amendments that may be adopted;

B. a copy of each proxy statement that Brandywine Global receives regarding client securities;

C. a record of each vote cast by Brandywine Global on behalf of a client;<br>

D. documentation relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest;

F. a copy of each written client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by Brandywine Global to any (written or oral) client request for information on how Brandywine Global voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client; and<br>

G. records showing whether or not Brandywine Global has proxy voting authority for each client account.

All required records will be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than six years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in an appropriate office of Brandywine Global. Brandywine Global also will maintain a copy of any proxy voting policies and procedures that were in effect at any time within the last five years.

To the extent that Brandywine Global is authorized to vote proxies for a United States registered investment company, Brandywine Global will maintain such records as are necessary to allow such fund to comply with its recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure obligations under applicable laws, rules and regulations.

In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, Brandywine Global may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system as well as on third party records of proxy statements if the third party provides an undertaking to provide copies of such proxy statements promptly upon request. Brandywine Global may rely on a third party to make and retain, on Brandywine Global's behalf, records of votes cast by Brandywine Global on behalf of clients if the third party provides an undertaking to provide a copy of such records promptly upon request.

**Appendix A**

<u>**<u>Proxy Voting Guidelines</u>**</u>

**Brandywine Global Diversified Portfolio Management Team**

**Proxy Voting Guidelines**

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Below are proxy voting guidelines that Brandywine Global generally follows when voting proxies for securities held in client accounts. One or more portfolio management teams may decide to deviate from these guidelines with respect to any one or more particular proxy votes, subject in all cases to the duty to act solely in the best interest of client accounts holding the applicable security.

**I. Compensation**<br>

A. We vote for non-employee director stock options, unless we consider the number of shares available for issue excessive.<br>

B. We vote for employee stock purchase programs. <br>

C. We vote for compensation plans that are tied to the company achieving set profitability hurdles.<br>

D. We vote against attempts to re-price options. Also, we vote against the re-election of incumbent Directors in the event of such a re-pricing proposal. <br>

E. We vote against attempts to increase incentive stock options available if they are excessive, either in total or for one individual. F. We vote against stock option plans allowing for stock options with exercise prices less than 100% of the stock's price at the time of the option grant. G. We vote for measures that give shareholders a vote on executive compensation.<br>

**II. Governance**<br>

A. We vote for proposals to separate the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board positions.<br>

B. We vote against "catch-all" authorizations permitting proxy holders to conduct unspecified business that arises during shareholder meetings.<br>

**III. Anti-Takeover**<br>

We vote against anti-takeover measures, including without limitation: <br>

A. Staggered Boards of Directors (for example, where 1/3 of a company's Board is elected each year rather than the entire Board each year).

B. Super-Majority Voting Measures (for example, requiring a greater than 50% vote to approve takeovers or make certain changes). <br>

C. Poison Pills, which are special stock rights that go into effect upon a takeover offer or an outsider acquiring more than a specified percentage of a company's outstanding shares.<br>

**IV. Capital Structure**<br>

We vote against attempts to increase authorized shares by more than twice the number of outstanding shares unless there is a specific purpose for such increase given, such as a pending stock split or a corporate purchase using shares, and we determine that increasing authorized shares for such purpose is appropriate.<br>

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**CAUSEWAY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC**

**SUMMARY OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

<u>**<u>Overview</u>**</u>

As an investment adviser with fiduciary responsibilities to its clients, Causeway Capital Management LLC ("Causeway") votes the proxies of companies owned by investment vehicles managed and sponsored by Causeway, and institutional and private clients who have granted Causeway such voting authority. Causeway has adopted these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures to govern how it performs and documents its fiduciary duty regarding the voting of proxies.

Proxies are voted solely in what Causeway believes is the best interests of the client, a fund's shareholders or, where employee benefit assets are involved, plan participants and beneficiaries (collectively "clients"). Causeway's intent is to vote proxies, wherever possible to do so, in a manner consistent with its fiduciary obligations. Practicalities involved in international investing may make it impossible at times, and at other times disadvantageous, to vote proxies in every instance.

The Chief Operating Officer of Causeway supervises the proxy voting process. Proxy voting staff monitor upcoming proxy votes, review proxy research, identify potential conflicts of interest and escalate such issues to the Chief Operating Officer, receive input from portfolio managers, and ultimately submit proxy votes in accordance with these Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Chief Operating Officer and President have final decision-making authority over case-by-case votes. To assist in fulfilling its responsibility for voting proxies, Causeway currently uses Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS") for proxy research, which assists the decision-making process, and for proxy voting services, which include organizing and tracking pending proxies, communicating voting decisions to custodian banks, and maintaining records. Causeway will conduct periodic due diligence on ISS and its capacity and competency to provide proxy research and the proxy voting services provided to Causeway.

<u>**<u>Proxy Voting Guidelines</u>**</u>

Causeway generally votes on specific matters in accordance with the proxy voting guidelines set forth below. However, Causeway reserves the right to vote proxies on behalf of clients on a case-by-case basis if the facts and circumstances so warrant.

Causeway's proxy voting guidelines are designed to cast votes consistent with certain basic principles: (i) increasing shareholder value; (ii) maintaining or increasing shareholder influence over the board of directors and management; (iii) establishing and enhancing strong and independent boards of directors; (iv) maintaining or increasing the rights of shareholders; and (v) aligning the interests of management and employees with those of shareholders with a view toward the reasonableness of executive compensation and shareholder dilution. Causeway's guidelines also recognize that a company's management is charged with day-to-day operations and, therefore, Causeway generally votes on routine business matters in favor of management's proposals or positions.

Causeway generally votes *for*:

■ distributions of income

■ appointment of auditors

■ director compensation, unless deemed excessive

■ boards of directors – Causeway generally votes for management's slate of director nominees. However, it votes against incumbent nominees with poor attendance records, or who have otherwise acted in a manner Causeway believes is not in the best interests of shareholders. Causeway recognizes that, in certain jurisdictions, local law or regulation may influence Board composition.

■ financial results/director and auditor reports

■ share repurchase plans

■ changing corporate names and other similar matters

Causeway generally votes the following matters on a *case-by-case* basis:

■ amendments to articles of association or other governing documents

■ changes in board or corporate governance structure

■ changes in authorized capital including proposals to issue shares

■ compensation – Causeway believes that it is important that a company's equity-based compensation plans, including stock option or restricted stock plans, are aligned with the interests of shareholders, including Causeway's clients, and focus on observable long-term returns. Causeway evaluates compensation plans on a case-by-case basis, with due consideration of potential consequences of a particular compensation plan. Causeway generally opposes packages that it believes provide excessive awards or create excessive shareholder dilution. Causeway generally opposes proposals to reprice options because the underlying stock has fallen in value.

■ social and environmental issues – Causeway believes that it is generally management's responsibility to address such issues within the context of increasing long-term shareholder value. To the extent that management's position on a social or environmental issue is inconsistent with increasing long-term shareholder value, Causeway may vote against management or abstain. Causeway may also seek to engage in longer-term dialogue with management on these issues, either separately or in connection with proxy votes on the issue.

■ debt issuance requests

■ mergers, acquisitions and other corporate reorganizations or restructurings

■ changes in state or country of incorporation

■ • related party transactions

Causeway generally votes *against*:

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■ anti-takeover mechanisms – Causeway generally opposes anti-takeover mechanisms including poison pills, unequal voting rights plans, staggered boards, provisions requiring supermajority approval of a merger and other matters that are designed to limit the ability of shareholders to approve merger transactions.

<u>Conflicts of Interest</u>

Causeway's interests may, in certain proxy voting situations, be in conflict with the interests of clients. Causeway may have a conflict if a company that is soliciting a proxy is a client of Causeway or is a major business partner or vendor for Causeway. Causeway may also have a conflict if Causeway personnel have significant business or personal relationships with participants in proxy contests, corporate directors or director candidates.

The Chief Operating Officer determines the issuers with which Causeway may have a significant business relationship. For this purpose, a "significant business relationship" is one that: (1) represents 1.5% or more of Causeway's prior calendar year gross revenues; (2) represents $2,000,000 or more in payments from a sponsored vehicle during the prior calendar year; or (3) may not directly involve revenue to Causeway or payments from its sponsored vehicles, but is otherwise determined by the Chief Operating Officer to be significant to Causeway or its affiliates or sponsored vehicles, such as a primary service provider of a fund or vehicle managed and sponsored by Causeway, or a significant relationship with the company that might create an incentive for Causeway to vote in favor of management.

The Chief Operating Officer will identify issuers with which Causeway's employees who are involved in the proxy voting process may have a significant personal or family relationship. For this purpose, a "significant personal or family relationship" is one that would be reasonably likely to influence how Causeway votes proxies.

Proxy voting staff will seek to identify potential conflicts of interest in the first instance and escalate relevant information to the Chief Operating Officer. The Chief Operating Officer will reasonably investigate information relating to conflicts of interest. For purposes of identifying conflicts under this policy, the Chief Operating Officer will rely on publicly available information about Causeway and its affiliates, information about Causeway and its affiliates that is generally known by Causeway's employees, and other information actually known by the Chief Operating Officer. Absent actual knowledge, the Chief Operating Officer is not required to investigate possible conflicts involving Causeway where the information is (i) non-public, (ii) subject to information blocking procedures, or (iii) otherwise not readily available to the Chief Operating Officer.

Proxy voting staff will maintain a list of issuers with which there may be a conflict and will monitor for potential conflicts of interest on an ongoing basis.

Proxy proposals that are "routine," such as uncontested elections of directors or those not subject to a vote withholding campaign, meeting formalities, and approvals of annual reports/financial statements are presumed not to involve material conflicts of interest. For non-routine proposals, the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with Causeway's General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer decides if they involve a material conflict of interest.

If a proposal is determined to involve a material conflict of interest, Causeway may, but is not required to, obtain instructions from the client on how to vote the proxy or obtain the client's consent for Causeway's vote. If Causeway does not seek the client's instructions or consent, Causeway will vote as follows:

■ If a "for" or "against" or "with management" guideline applies to the proposal, Causeway will vote in accordance with that guideline.

■ If a "for" or "against" or "with management" guideline does not apply to the proposal, Causeway will follow the recommendation of an independent third party such as ISS. If Causeway seeks to follow the recommendation of a third party, the Chief Operating Officer will assess the third party's capacity and competency to analyze the issue, as well as the third party's ability to identify and address conflicts of interest it may have with respect to the recommendation.

To monitor potential conflicts of interest regarding the research and recommendations of independent third parties, such as ISS, proxy voting staff will review the third party's disclosures of significant relationships. The Chief Operating Officer will review proxy votes involving issuers where a significant relationship has been identified by the proxy research provider.

<u>Practical Limitations Relating to Proxy Voting</u>

While the proxy voting process is well established in the United States and other developed markets with numerous tools and services available to assist an investment manager, voting proxies of non-US companies located in certain jurisdictions may involve a number of problems that may restrict or prevent Causeway's ability to vote such proxies. These problems include, but are not limited to: (i) proxy statements and ballots being written in a language other than English; (ii) untimely and/or inadequate notice of shareholder meetings relative to deadlines required to submit votes; (iii) restrictions on the ability of holders outside the issuer's jurisdiction of organization to exercise votes; (iv) requirements to vote proxies in person; (v) restrictions on the sale of the securities for a period of time prior to the shareholder meeting; and (vi) requirements to provide local agents with powers of attorney (which Causeway will typically rely on clients to maintain) to facilitate Causeway's voting instructions. As a result, Causeway will only use its best efforts to vote clients' non-US proxies and Causeway may decide not to vote a proxy if it determines that it would be impractical or disadvantageous to do so.

In addition, regarding US and non-US companies, Causeway will not vote proxies if it does not receive adequate information from the client's custodian in sufficient time to cast the vote.

For clients with securities lending programs, Causeway may not be able to vote proxies for securities that a client has loaned to a third party. Causeway recognizes that clients manage their own securities lending programs. Causeway may, but is not obligated to, notify a client that Causeway is being prevented from voting a proxy due to the securities being on loan. There can be no assurance that such notice will be received in time for the client, if it so chooses, to recall the security.

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**DEPRINCE, RACE & ZOLLO, INC.**

**PROXY VOTING POLICY**

**I. Introduction**

DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. ("DRZ") votes proxies for a majority of its clients, and therefore has adopted and implemented this Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures. to comply with Rule 206(4)-6 (the "Rule"). DRZ has elected to retain an independent third party proxy administrator ("Proxy Administrator") to assist in the proxy gathering, voting, and record keeping process. Any questions about this document should be directed to our Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") or Compliance Associate ("CA").

**II. Regulatory Background**

(A) The Need to Implement a Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures

The SEC has determined that the rule applies to all registered investment advisers that exercise proxy voting authority over client securities. The SEC has also indicated that advisers with implicit as well as explicit voting authority must comply with the rule. In particular, the rule applies when the advisory contract is silent but the adviser's voting authority is implied by an overall delegation of discretionary authority.

(B) Voting Client Proxies

The SEC has interpreted the duty of care to require an adviser with voting authority to monitor shareholder meeting dates and to vote client proxies. However, the scope of an adviser's responsibilities with respect to voting proxies would ordinarily be determined by the adviser's contracts with its clients, the disclosures it has made to its clients, and the investment policies and objectives of its clients. The rule does not necessitate an adviser to become a "shareholder activist," but more practically, allows an adviser to determine whether the costs and expected benefits to clients warrant such activism. Additionally, the failure to vote every proxy should not necessarily be construed as a violation of an adviser's fiduciary obligations. The SEC has noted times when refraining from voting a proxy may be in the client's best interest, such as when the analysis noted above yields results that indicate the cost of voting the proxy exceeds the expected benefit to the client. Nevertheless, an adviser must be aware that it may not ignore or be negligent in fulfilling the obligation it has assumed to vote client proxies.

(C) Implementing Policies and Procedures to Resolve Conflicts of Interest

A challenging aspect to Rule 206(4)-6 has been an adviser's identification of material conflicts of interest that may influence the manner in which it votes proxies. Although the SEC has not listed all conflicts of interest that an adviser may encounter when voting clients' proxies, it has provided guidance with respect to ways in which the policies and procedures may mitigate any existing conflicts of interest. An adviser could also suggest that the client engage another party to determine how the proxies should be voted, which would relieve the adviser of the responsibility to vote the proxies.

(D) Disclosure Requirements

■ An investment adviser must disclose to clients how they can obtain information on how client proxies were voted.

■ A concise summation of the proxy voting process, rather than a reiteration of the adviser's proxy voting policy and procedures must also be disclosed and that upon client request, the adviser will provide a copy of the policies and procedures.

(E) Recordkeeping Requirements

Amended Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act requires investments advisers to retain the following documents:

■ Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures;

■ Proxy Statements Received Regarding Client Securities;

■ Records of Votes Cast on Behalf of Clients;

■ Records of Client Requests for Proxy Voting Information; and

■ Any Documents Prepared by the Adviser that were Material to Making a Decision how to Vote, or that were Prepared by the Adviser to Memorialize the Basis for the Decision.

**III. Risks**

In developing this policy and procedures, DRZ considered numerous risks associated with its voting of client proxies. This analysis includes risks such as:

■ DRZ does not maintain a written proxy voting policy as required by Rule 206(4)-6.

■ Proxies are not voted in clients' best interests.

■ Proxies are not identified and voted in a timely manner.

■ Conflicts between DRZ's interests and the client are not identified; therefore, proxies are not voted appropriately.

■ Proxy voting records and client requests to review proxy votes are not maintained. DRZ has established the following guidelines as an attempt to mitigate these risks.

**IV. Policy**

It is DRZ's policy to vote client proxies in the interest of maximizing shareholder value. To that end, DRZ will vote in a way that it believes is consistent with its fiduciary duty and will cause the value of the issue to increase the most or decline the least. Consideration will be given to both the short and long term implications of the proposal to be voted when considering the optimal vote.

Any general or specific proxy voting guidelines provided by an advisory client or its designated agent in writing will supersede this policy. Clients may wish to have their proxies voted by an independent third party or other named fiduciary or agent that is not part of the services provided by DRZ. Clients must notify DRZ of their specific proxy voting instructions, if any. Generally, all such client instructions must be in writing. DRZ's client service staff will generally be the responsible for ensuring that all client mandates are initially communicated to the firm's compliance and operations staff.

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**V. Procedures for Identification and Voting of Proxies**

These proxy voting procedures are designed to enable DRZ to resolve material conflicts of interest with clients before voting their proxies in the interest of shareholder value.

<sup>1</sup> DRZ shall maintain a list of all clients for which it votes proxies. The list will be maintained electronically and will be updated by the Compliance department who will obtain proxy voting information from client agreements. Notice of new accounts to be added to the proxy service must be sent to the Proxy Administrator no later than ten (10) days from the date a new account starts trading. Alternatively, DRZ's Operations Department, as part of the account opening procedure, will inform the Proxy Administrator that DRZ will vote proxies for the new client.

<sup>2</sup> DRZ shall work with the client to ensure that the Proxy Administrator is the designated party to receive proxy voting materials from companies or intermediaries. To that end, new account forms of broker- dealers/custodians will state that the Proxy Administrator should receive this documentation. The designation may also be made by telephoning contacts and/or Client Service Representatives at broker- dealers/custodians. These intermediaries will be informed to direct all proxy materials to DRZ's designated Proxy Administrator.

<sup>3</sup> DRZ shall work with the Proxy Administrator to ensure that the Proxy Administrator is properly instructed on the manner and direction to vote each client's account based upon the type of client and specific voting instructions received from the client, if any. DRZ has established proxy voting policies with the Proxy Administrator in the interest of maximizing shareholder value. However, DRZ has instructed the Proxy Administrator to alert DRZ to certain issues that DRZ believes require an additional level of consideration.

<sup>4</sup> The Proxy Administrator shall receive all proxy voting materials and will be responsible for ensuring that proxies are voted and submitted in a timely manner. DRZ's Compliance Department shall receive and review current proxy information from the Proxy Administrator on a routine basis to ensure that all proxies are being received and voted.

<sup>5</sup> The Proxy Administrator will review the list of clients and compare the record date of the proxies with a security holdings list for the security or company soliciting the proxy vote. For any client who has provided specific voting instructions, the Proxy Administrator shall vote that client's proxy in accordance with the client's written instructions. Proxies received for client's who have elected to have their proxies voted by a third party outside of the proxy voting services DRZ provides, and whose proxies were received by DRZ, shall be forwarded back to the client for voting and submission. Proxies received after the termination date of a client relationship will not be voted. Such proxies should be delivered to the last known address of the former client or to the intermediary who distributed the proxy with a written or oral statement indicating that the advisory relationship has been terminated and that the proxies should be forwarded to the last known address of the former client. The statement should further indicate that future proxies for the named former client should not be delivered to DRZ or to the Proxy Administrator, but directly to the former client.

<sup>6</sup> Proxy issues not covered by DRZ's guidelines will be forwarded to the appropriate DRZ investment team for consideration and submission of a vote.

<sup>7</sup> It is DRZ's policy to abstain from voting proxy ballots over which the issuer has implemented a share blocking policy. Share blocking policies are generally implemented by issuers whose securities are traded in limited markets outside the United States. Under a "share blocking policy" voting any proxies on the ballot would prohibit trading shares of the issuer for a pre-determined period of time. DRZ typically invests in securities that have unrestricted liquidity and therefore DRZ will generally choose to avoid circumstances that would hinder DRZ's ability to manage portfolio positions. DRZ will document exceptions or deviations from this policy.

<sup>8</sup> DRZ shall compare the cost of voting the proxy to the benefit to the client. In the event that the costs of voting appear to outweigh the benefits, DRZ shall document such rationale and maintain the documentation in the permanent file (for example, voting a foreign security may require additional costs that overshadow the benefits) in accordance with DRZ's record retention policy.

<sup>9</sup> The Proxy Administrator and/or the CCO or CA will reasonably try to assess any material conflicts between DRZ's interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting by considering the situations identified in the Conflicts of Interest section of this document.

<sup>10</sup> So long as there is no material conflicts of interest identified, the Proxy Administrator will vote proxies according to the guidelines set forth above. DRZ may also elect to abstain from voting if it deems such abstinence in its clients' best interests. The rationale for the occurrence of voting that deviates from the guidelines will be documented and the documentation will be maintained in the permanent file in accordance with DRZ's record retention policy.

<sup>11</sup> If the Proxy Administrator, the CCO or the CA (interchangeably referred to as the "Compliance Officer") detects a conflict of interest, the following process will be followed:

a. In cases where the Proxy Administrator is the party identifying the conflict, they have been instructed to contact DRZ's CCO or CA as soon as reasonably practicable.

b. The CCO and a member of the DRZ Proxy Voting Committee (the "Committee") will determine the appropriate method of resolution considering the nature of the conflict of interest, the proxy voting deadline, the number of clients involved and other material information related to the matter.

c. The CCO will either (i) with the assistance of the appropriate investment personnel, contact the client(s) directly for discussion of the matter and determine if the client(s) desire to vote the proxy directly or provide its vote to DRZ to vote on their behalf, or (ii) will convene the Committee, as appropriate.<br>

d. If the CCO elects to contact the client(s) directly and the client(s) desire to vote the proxy or provide DRZ with their vote, the CCO and the Proxy Administrator will provide the client(s) with the proxy and related information to enable the client(s) to make an informed decision.<br>

e. Alternatively, if the CCO concludes the matter should go before the Committee, they will immediately convene the Committee. Members of the Committee include the persons listed on Attachment A. A majority of the Committee members shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of the Committee, but in no event shall a quorum consist of less than one-third of the Committee. The CCO will serve as chairperson. The CCO, at inception of the Committee meeting, will appoint a Secretary, whose role it will be to keep careful and detailed minutes.<br>

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f. The CCO will identify for the Committee the issuer and proposal to be considered. The CCO will also identify the conflict of interest that has been detected.

g. The members of the Committee will then consider the proposal by reviewing the proxy voting materials and any additional documentation a member(s) feels necessary in determining the appropriate vote. Members of the Committee may wish to consider the following questions:<br>

■ Whether adoption of the proposal would have a positive or negative impact on the issuer's short term or long-term value.

■ Whether the issuer has already responded in some appropriate manner to the request embodied in a proposal.

■ Whether the proposal itself is well framed and reasonable.

■ Whether implementation of the proposal would achieve the objectives sought in the proposal.

■ Whether the issues presented would best be handled through government or issuer-specific action.

h. Upon the provision of a reasonable amount of time to consider the proposal, each member of the Committee will in turn announce to the Committee their decision on whether DRZ will vote for or against the proposal. Attending members of the Committee are prohibited from abstaining from the Committee vote and are prohibited from recommending that DRZ refrain from voting on the proposal, although "abstain" votes are permitted. The Secretary of the Committee will record each member's vote and the rationale for their decision.<br>

i. After each member of the Committee has announced their vote, the Secretary will tally the votes. The tally will result in one of the following two outcomes:<br>

■ If all members of the Committee have voted in the same direction on the proposal, all of DRZ's proxies for that proposal will be voted in such direction. The CCO will document the unanimous vote and all notes of the meeting, if created, will be maintained in the permanent file in accordance with the DRZ's proxy recordkeeping policy described herein.

■ If a unanimous decision cannot be reached by the Committee, DRZ will, at its expense, engage the services of an outside proxy voting service or consultant who will provide an independent recommendation on the direction in which DRZ should vote on the proposal. The proxy voting service's or consultant's determination will be binding on DRZ.

12. The Proxy Administrator shall be informed of the results and shall collect and submit the proxy votes in a timely manner.

13. All proxy votes will be recorded by the Proxy Administrator. The following information will be maintained:

a. The name of the issuer of the portfolio security;

b. The exchange ticker symbol of the portfolio security;

c. The Council on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures ("CUSIP") number for the portfolio security;

d. The shareholder meeting date;

e. The number of shares DRZ is voting on firm-wide;

f. A brief identification of the matter voted on;<br>

g. Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a security holder;

h. Whether or not DRZ cast its vote on the matter;<br>

i. How DRZ cast its vote (e.g., for or against proposal, or abstain; for or withhold regarding election of directors);<br>

j. Whether DRZ cast its vote with or against management; and<br>

k. Whether any client requested an alternative vote of its proxy.<br>

There may be instances where DRZ votes the same proxy in different directions for different clients if a client requires DRZ to vote a certain way on an issue, while DRZ deems it beneficial to vote in the opposite direction for its other clients.

**VI. Conflicts of Interest**

The following is a non-exhaustive list of potential conflicts. DRZ continually monitors these potential conflicts to determine if they exist:

■ <u>***<u>Conflict</u>***</u> : DRZ retains an institutional client, or is in the process of retaining an institutional client, that is affiliated with an issuer that is held in DRZ's client portfolios. For example, DRZ may be retained to manage XYZ's pension fund. XYZ is a public company and DRZ client accounts hold shares of XYZ. This type of relationship may influence DRZ to vote with management on proxies to gain favor with management. Such favor may influence XYZ's decision to continue its advisory relationship with DRZ.

■ <u>***<u>Conflict</u>***</u> : DRZ retains a client, or is in the process of retaining a client, that is an officer or director of an issuer that is held in DRZ's client portfolios. The similar conflicts of interest exist in this relationship as discussed above.

■ <u>***<u>Conflict</u>***</u> : DRZ's employees maintain a personal and/or business relationship (not an advisory relationship) with issuers or individuals that serve as officers or directors of issuers. For example, the spouse of a DRZ employee may be a high-level executive of an issuer that is held in DRZ's client portfolios. The spouse could attempt to influence DRZ to vote in favor of management.

■ <u>***<u>Conflict</u>***</u> : DRZ or an employee(s) personally owns a significant number of an issuer's securities that are also held in DRZ's client portfolios. For any number of reasons, an employee(s) may seek to vote proxies in a different direction for his/her personal holdings than would otherwise be warranted by the proxy voting policy. The employee(s) could oppose voting the proxies according to the policy and successfully influence the Proxy Administrator to vote proxies in contradiction to the policy.

■ <u>***<u>Conflict</u>***</u> : DRZ or its affiliates has a financial interest in the outcome of a vote, such as when DRZ receives distribution fees (i.e., Rule 12b-1 fees) from mutual funds that are maintained in client accounts and the proxy relates to an increase in 12b-1 fees.

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<u>***<u>Resolution</u>***</u>: Upon the detection of a material conflict of interest, the procedure described above in the Procedures for Identification and Voting of Proxies section will be followed.

DRZ realizes that due to the difficulty of predicting and identifying all material conflicts, DRZ must rely on its employees to notify the CCO of any material conflict that may impair DRZ's ability to vote proxies in an objective manner.

In addition, the CCO will document any attempts by others within DRZ to influence the voting of client proxies in a manner that is inconsistent with the proxy voting policy. The CCO should report the attempt to DRZ's Board of Directors or outside counsel.

**VII. Recordkeeping**

DRZ must maintain the documentation described in the following section for a period of not less than five (5) years from the date of the vote, the first two (2) years at its principal place of business. The CCO will be responsible for the following procedures and for ensuring that the required documentation is retained.

<u>*<u>Client request to review proxy votes:</u>*</u>

■ Any request, whether written (including e-mail) or oral, received by any employee of DRZ, must be promptly reported to the CCO. All written requests must be retained in the permanent file in accordance with DRZ's record retention policy.

■ The CCO will record the identity of the client, the date of the request, and the disposition (e.g., provided a written or oral response to client's request, referred to third party, not a proxy voting client, other dispositions, etc.).

■ DRZ will make every effort to fulfill each individual client request for Proxy Voting information in the client's prescribed format.

■ Furnish the information requested, free of charge, to the client within a reasonable time period (within 10 business days). Maintain a copy of the written record provided in response to client's written or oral request. The written response should be attached and maintained with the client's written request, if applicable, and maintained in the permanent file in accordance with the recordkeeping policy.

■ Clients are permitted to request any and all proxy voting records that have been retained in accordance with DRZ's record retention policy.

<u>*<u>Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures:</u>*</u>

■ This Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and previous versions of DRZ's adopted Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures, if any, in accordance with DRZ's record retention policies.

■ DRZ's annual Form ADV Part 2A containing a concise summary of Proxy Policy and Procedures and offer of the record to clients.

<u>*<u>Proxy statements received regarding client securities:</u>*</u>

■ DRZ's Proxy Administrator receives proxies directly from the clients' custodians. In the event DRZ receives a proxy that is not reflected on the Proxy Administrator's system, DRZ will copy or print a sample of the proxy statement or card and maintain the copy in a central file. DRZ will vote the proxy in accordance with these policies. Documentation of the process will be maintained in accordance with DRZ's proxy recordkeeping policies.

Note: DRZ is permitted to rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC's EDGAR system instead of keeping its own copies.

<u>*<u>Proxy voting records:</u>*</u>

■ DRZ Proxy Voting Record. The proxy ballot, date, issuer, and vote cast, if applicable.

■ Documentation or notes or any communications received from third parties, other industry analysts, third party service providers, company's management discussions, etc., that were material in the basis for the decision.

**VIII. Disclosure**

■ DRZ will ensure that Form ADV, Part 2A is updated as necessary to reflect: (i) all material changes to DRZ's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures; and (ii) regulatory requirements.

**X. Proxy Solicitation**

As a matter of practice, it is DRZ's policy to not reveal or disclose to any client how DRZ may have voted (or intends to vote) on a particular proxy until after such proxies have been counted at a shareholder's meeting. DRZ will never disclose such information to unrelated third parties, except as required by law. The CCO is to be promptly informed of the receipt of any solicitation from any person to vote proxies on behalf of clients. At no time may any employee accept any remuneration in the solicitation of proxies. The CCO shall handle all responses to such solicitations.

**XI. Class Actions**

As a matter of policy DRZ does not instruct, recommend, or assist clients with decisions of whether or not to participate in class actions regarding securities of issuers currently or previously held in the clients' portfolios. DRZ employees are prohibited from making legal elections or determinations on behalf of clients. If requested, DRZ shall assist clients with account information required for their analysis of the class action notice; however, it is each client's responsibility to respond to the class action notice. DRZ's policy with regards to Class Actions shall be included in Form ADV Part 2A which is annually distributed to all clients.

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**GARCIA HAMILTON & ASSOCIATES, L.P.**

**PROXY VOTING POLICY**

**Excerpt from GH&A 2024 Compliance Manual: II-8. Proxy Voting**

**Overview**

Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, imposes a number of requirements on investment advisers that have proxy voting authority with respect to securities held in clients' portfolios. GH&A has written policies and procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of its clients for whom it has voting authority; GH&A must never put its own interests above those of its clients. GH&A defines the best interests of a client to mean the best economic interest of the holders of the same or similar securities of the issuer held in the client's account. These policies and procedures describe how GH&A addresses material conflicts between its interests and those of its clients with respect to proxy voting.

**Policy**

Policy As a matter of policy, GH&A:

■ Will only take responsibility for voting client proxies when the client has specifically assigned voting authority to GH&A for securities held in the account.

■ As GH&A accounts are comprised solely of fixed income and cash equivalent holdings, these accounts are rarely, if ever, associated with proxies.

■ Votes all proxies in the best interests of its clients as shareholders, i.e., to maximize economic value.

■ Evaluates all factors it deems relevant when reviewing a proxy received for an account.

■ Provides all clients, upon request, with copies of this Proxy Policy and related reports, with such frequency as required to fulfill obligations under applicable law or as reasonably requested by clients.

■ Reviews regularly the voting record to ensure that proxies are voted in accordance with this Proxy Policy; and ensures that procedures, documentation, and reports relating to the voting of proxies are promptly and properly prepared and disseminated.

**Procedures**

When a new portfolio which holds or is expected to hold only fixed income securities is opened and assigns proxy voting authority to GH&A, a letter is sent to the custodian instructing them to forward all proxy material pertaining to the portfolio to Garcia Hamilton for execution.

**Responsibility and Oversight** 

GH&A is responsible for the review and approval of the Firm's Proxy Policy for securities held in client portfolios for which GH&A has voting discretion.

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**HOTCHKIS & WILEY**

**PROXY** **POLICY**

**OUR MANDATE**

Our primary responsibility is to act as a fiduciary for our clients when voting proxies. We evaluate and vote each proposed proxy in a manner that encourages sustainable business practices which in turn maximizes long-term shareholder value. There are instances such as unique client guidelines, regulatory requirements, share blocking, securities lending, or other technical limitations where we are unable to vote a particular proxy. In those instances where we do not have voting responsibility, we will generally forward our recommendation to such person our client designates.

**OUR PROCESS**

**Analyst Role**

To the extent we are asked to vote a client's proxy, our investment analysts are given the final authority on how to vote a particular proposal as these analysts' understanding of the company makes them the best person to apply our policy to a particular company's proxy ballot.

**Voting Resources**

To assist our analysts in their voting, we provide them with a report that compares the company's board of directors' recommendation against H&W's proxy policy guideline recommendation and with third-party proxy research (Institutional Shareholder Services "ISS" sustainability and climate benchmarks) and third-party ESG analysis (Morgan Stanley Capital International "MSCI").

**Engagement**

As part of our normal due diligence and monitoring of investments, we engage management, board members, or their representatives on material business issues including environmental, social, and governance ("ESG") matters. Each proxy to be voted is an opportunity to give company management and board members formal feedback on these important matters.

If our policy recommendation is contrary to management's recommendation, our analyst is expected, but not required, to engage management. If the ballot issue is a materially important issue (i.e., the issue impacts the intrinsic value of the company), the analyst is required to engage with the company. Based on the engagement and the analyst's investment judgment, the analyst will submit a vote instruction to the Managing Director of Portfolio Services via email.

**Collaboration**

We are not "activists" and we do not form "groups" as defined by the SEC. However, we do engage with other institutional shareholders on important ESG proxy matters.

**Exceptions To Policy**

Any deviation from the H&W policy recommendation requires a written statement from the analyst that summarizes their decision to deviate from policy. Typical rationales include the issue raised is not material, the proposal is moot (e.g., the company already complies with proposal), the company has a credible plan to improve, policy does not fit unique circumstances of company, analyst's assessment of the issue is in-line with intent of policy, or the proposal usurps management's role in managing the company.

Exceptions to policy are reviewed annually by the ESG Investment Oversight Group.

**Administration**

The Managing Director of Portfolio Services coordinates the solicitation of analysts' votes, the collection of exception rationales, and the implementation of those votes by our third-party proxy advisor, ISS.

**CONFLICTS OF INTEREST**

All conflicts of interest are adjudicated based on what is deemed to be in the best interest of our clients and their beneficiaries. Our Proxy Oversight Committee ("POC") is responsible for reviewing proxies voted by the firm to determine that the vote was consistent with established guidelines in situations where potential conflicts of interests may exist when voting proxies. In general, when a conflict presents itself, we will follow the recommendation of our third-party proxy advisor, ISS.

**OVERSIGHT AND ROLES**

**ESG Investment Oversight Group**

The ESG Investment Oversight Group is responsible for overseeing all ESG investment related issues. This mandate includes oversight of proxy voting policies and procedures as they relate to investment activity including the monitoring of proxy engagements, review of proxy voting exceptions and rationales, assessment of proxy voting issues, determination of ESG proxy goals, and education of investment staff on proxy matters. The group is staffed by members of the investment team and reports to the firm's Chief Executive Officer.

**Proxy Oversight Committee**

The Proxy Oversight Committee is responsible for overseeing proxy administration and conflicts of interest issues. The committee is comprised of the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, the chair of the ESG Investment Oversight Group, and Managing Director of Portfolio Services. This group oversees H&W's proxy voting policies and procedures by providing an administrative framework to facilitate and monitor the exercise of such proxy voting and to fulfill the obligations of reporting and recordkeeping under the federal securities laws. This committee manages our third-party proxy advisory relationship.

**Investment Analyst**

The investment analyst is responsible for analyzing and voting all proxies. The investment analyst has the final authority on individual proxy votes. The ESG Investment Oversight Group has final authority on creating and amending the proxy policy.

**VOTING GUIDELINES**

This section summarizes our stance on important issues that are commonly found on proxy ballots, though each vote is unique and there will be

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occasional exceptions to these guidelines. The purpose of our proxy guidelines is to ensure decision making is consistent with our responsibilities as a fiduciary. These guidelines are divided into seven categories based on issues that frequently appear on proxy ballots.

■ Boards and Directors

■ Environmental and Social Matters

■ Auditors and Related Matters

■ Shareholder Rights

■ Capital and Restructuring

■ Executive and Board Compensation

■ Routine and Miscellaneous Matters

**Boards and Directors**

<u>*<u>Board Independence</u>*</u>

We believe an independent board is crucial to protecting and serving the interests of public shareholders. We will generally withhold from or vote against any insiders when such insider sits on the audit, compensation, or nominating committees; or if independent directors comprise less than 50% of the board. Insiders are non- independent directors who may have inherent conflicts of interest that could prevent them from acting in the best interest of shareholders. Examples of non-independent directors include current and former company executives, persons with personal or professional relationships with the company and or its executives, and shareholders with large ownership positions.

<u>*<u>Board Composition</u>*</u>

We believe directors should attend meetings, be focused on the company, be responsive to shareholders, and be accountable for their decisions.

We will generally withhold from or vote against directors who attend less than 75% of meetings held during their tenure without just cause, sit on more than 5 public company boards (for CEOs only 2 outside boards), support measures that limit shareholder rights, or fail to act on shareholder proposals that passed with a majority of votes.

<u>*<u>Board Diversity</u>*</u>

Boards should consider diversity when nominating new candidates, including gender, race, ethnicity, age, and professional experience. We encourage, but do not require, companies to have at least one female and one diverse (e.g., race, ethnicity) director or have a plan to do so.

<u>*<u>Board Size</u>*</u>

We do not see a standard number of directors that is ideal for all companies. In general, we do not want to see board sizes changed without shareholder approval as changing board size can be abused in the context of a takeover battle.

<u>*<u>Board Tenure</u>*</u>

In general, we will evaluate on a case-by-case basis whether the board is adequately refreshed with new talent and the proposed changes are not designed to reduce board independence.

<u>*<u>Classified Boards</u>*</u>

We oppose classified boards because, among other things, it can make change in control more difficult to achieve and limit shareholder rights by reducing board accountability.

<u>*<u>Cumulative Voting</u>*</u>

Generally, we oppose cumulative voting because we believe that economic interests and voting interests should be aligned in most circumstances.

<u>*<u>Independent Board Chair</u>*</u>

Generally, we favor a separate independent chair that is not filled by an insider. If the CEO is also the board chair, we require 2/3 of the board to be independent, a strong independent director (i.e., has formal input on board agendas and can call/preside over meetings of independent directors), and the CEO cannot serve on the nominating or compensation committees.

<u>*<u>Proxy Contests</u>*</u>

Proxy contests are unusual events that require a case-by-case assessment of the unique facts and circumstances of each contested proxy campaign. Our policy is to defer to the judgement of our analysts on what best serves our clients' interests. Our analysts will evaluate the validity of the dissident's concerns, the likelihood that the dissident plan will improve shareholder value, the qualifications of the dissident's candidates, and management's historical record of creating or destroying shareholder value.

<u>*<u>Risk Oversight</u>*</u>

Generally, companies should have established processes for managing material threats to their businesses, including ESG risks. We encourage transparency and vote to improve transparency to help facilitate appropriate risk oversight.

**Environmental and Social Matters**

We believe the oversight of ESG risks is an important responsibility of the board of directors and is a prerequisite for a well-managed company. Transparent disclosures are necessary to identify and evaluate environmental and social risks and opportunities. A lack of transparency will increase the likelihood that environmental and social risks are not being sufficiently managed/limited/mitigated. In general, we will engage companies with substandard disclosure to encourage them to provide adequate disclosure on E&S risks that typically align with Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") recommendations. In general, we support proposals that encourage disclosure of risks provided they are not overly burdensome or disclose sensitive competitive information balanced against the materiality of the risk. We also consider whether the proposal is more effectively addressed through other means, like legislation or regulation.

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**Environmental Issues**

<u>*<u>Climate Change and Green House Gas Emissions</u>*</u>

Climate change has become an important factor in companies' long-term sustainability. Understanding a company's strategy in managing these risks and opportunities is necessary in evaluating an investment's prospects. We support disclosures related to the risks and/or opportunities a company faces related to climate change, including information on how the company identifies and manages such risks/opportunities.

<u>*<u>Energy Efficiency</u>*</u>

We generally support proposals requesting that a company report on its energy efficiency policies. Exceptions may include a request that is overly burdensome or provides unrealistic deadlines.

<u>*<u>Renewable Energy</u>*</u>

We support requests for reports on renewable energy accomplishments and future plans. Exceptions may include duplicative, irrelevant, or otherwise unreasonable requests.

**Social Issues**

<u>*<u>Equal Opportunity</u>*</u>

We support proposals requesting disclosures of companies' policies and/or future initiatives related to diversity, including current data regarding the diversity of its workforce.

<u>*<u>Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation</u>*</u>

We support proposals to revise diversity policies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

<u>*<u>Human Rights Proposals</u>*</u>

We support proposals requesting disclosure related to labor and/or human rights policies.

<u>*<u>Political Activities</u>*</u>

We support the disclosure of a company's policies and procedures related to political contributions and lobbying activities.

<u>*<u>Sexual Harassment</u>*</u>

We vote on a case-by-case basis regarding proposals seeking reports on company actions related to sexual harassment. We evaluate the company's current policies, oversight, and disclosures. We also consider the company's history and any related litigation or regulatory actions related to sexual harassment, and support proposals we believe will prevent such behavior when systemic issues are suspected.

**Auditors and Related Matters**

Generally, we will support the board's recommendation of auditors provided that the auditors are independent, non-audit fees are less than the sum of all audit and tax related fees, and there are no indications of fraud or misleading audit opinions. Shareholder Rights We do not support proposals that limit shareholder rights. When a company chronically underperforms minimal expectations due to poor execution, poor strategic decisions, or poor capital allocation, there may arise the need for shareholders to effect change at the board level. Proposals that have the effect of entrenching boards or managements, thwarting the will of the majority of shareholders, or advantaging one class of shareholders at the expense of other shareholders will not be supported.

<u>*<u>Amendment to Charter/Articles/Bylaws</u>*</u>

We do not support proposals that give the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws. We believe amendments to charter/articles/bylaws should be approved by a vote of the majority of shareholders.

<u>*<u>One Share, One Vote</u>*</u>

Generally, we do not support proposals to create dual class voting structures that give one set of shareholders super voting rights that are disproportionate from their economic interest in the company. Generally, we will support proposals to eliminate dual class structures.

<u>*<u>Poison Pills</u>*</u>

In general, we do not support anti-takeover measures such as poison pills. Such actions can lead to outcomes that are not in shareholders' bests interests and impede maximum shareholder returns. It can also lead to management entrenchment. We may support poison pills intended to protect NOL assets.

<u>*<u>Proxy Access</u>*</u>

Generally, we support proposals that enable shareholders with an ownership level of 3% for a period of three years or more, or an ownership level of 10% and a holding period of one year or more.

<u>*<u>Right to Act by Written Consent</u>*</u>

We believe that shareholders should have the right to solicit votes by written consent in certain circumstances. These circumstances generally include but are not limited to situations where more than a narrow group of shareholders support the cause to avoid unnecessary resource waste, the proposal does not exclude minority shareholders to the benefit of a large/majority shareholder, and shareholders receive more than 50% support to set up action by written consent.

<u>*<u>Special Meetings</u>*</u>

Generally, we support proposals that enable shareholders to call a special meeting provided shareholders own at least 15% of the outstanding shares.

<u>*<u>Virtual Meetings</u>*</u>

We believe shareholders should have the opportunity to participate in the annual and special meetings, as current communications technology such as video conferencing is broadly available to facilitate such interactions. This improves shareholders' ability to hear directly from management and the board of the directors, and to provide feedback as needed.

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**Capital and Restructuring Events**

such as takeover offers, buyouts, mergers, asset purchases and sales, corporate restructuring, recapitalizations, dilutive equity issuance, or other major corporate events are considered by our analysts on a case-by-case basis. Our policy is to vote for transactions that maximize the long-term risk adjusted return to shareholders considering management's historical record of creating shareholder value, the likelihood of success, and the risk of not supporting the proposal.

<u>*<u>Dual Class Shares</u>*</u>

We do not support dual class shares unless the economic and voting interests are equal.

<u>*<u>Issuance of Common Stock</u>*</u>

In general, we will consider the issuance of additional shares in light of the stated purpose, the magnitude of the increase, the company's historical shareholder value creation, and historical use of shares. We are less likely to support issuance when discounts or re-pricing of options has been an issue in the past.

**Executive and Board Compensation**

We expect the board of directors to design, implement, and monitor pay practices that promote pay-for-performance, alignment of interest with long-term shareholder value creation, retention and attraction of key employees. In general, we will evaluate executive compensation in light of historical value creation, peer group pay practices, and our view on management's stewardship of the company.

We expect the board of directors to maintain an independent and effective compensation committee that has members with the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and ability to access third-party advice.

We expect the board of directors to provide shareholders with clear and understandable compensation disclosures that enable shareholders to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of executive pay packages.

And finally, we expect the board of directors' own compensation to be reasonable and not set at a level that undermines their independence from management.

<u>*<u>Golden Parachutes</u>*</u>

Golden parachutes can serve as encouragement to management to consider transactions that benefit shareholders; however, substantial payouts may present a conflict of interest where management is incentivized to support a suboptimal deal. We view cash severance greater than 3x base salary and bonus to be excessive unless approved by a majority of shareholders in a say-on-pay advisory vote.

<u>*<u>Incentive Options and Repricing</u>*</u>

We generally support long-term incentive programs tied to pay-for-performance. In general, we believe 50% or more of top executive pay should be tied to long-term performance goals and that those goals should be tied to shareholder value creation metrics. We do not support plans that reset when management fails to attain goals or require more than 10% of outstanding shares to be issued. In general, we do not support the exchange or repricing of options.

<u>*<u>Say-on-Pay</u>*</u>

We believe annual say-on-pay votes are an effective mechanism to provide feedback to the board on executive pay and performance. We support non-binding proposals that are worded in a manner such that the actual implementation of the plan is not restricted. In general, we will vote against plans where there is a serious misalignment of CEO pay and performance or the company maintains problematic pay practices. In general, we will withhold votes from members of the compensation committee if there is no say-on-pay on the ballot, the board fails to respond to a previous say-on-pay proposal that received less than 70% support, the company has implemented problematic pay practices such as repricing options or its pay plans are egregious.

**Routine and Miscellaneous Matters**

We generally support routine board proposals such as updating bylaws (provided they are of a housekeeping nature), change of the corporate name or change of the time or location of the annual meeting.

<u>*<u>Adjournment of Meeting</u>*</u>

We do not support proposals that give management the authority to adjourn a special meeting absent compelling reasons to support the proposal.

<u>*<u>Amend Quorum Requirements</u>*</u>

We do not support proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings without support from a majority of the shares outstanding without compelling justification.

<u>*<u>Other Business</u>*</u>

We do not support proposals on matters where we have not been provided sufficient opportunity to review the matters at hand.

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**LAZARD ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC**

**PROXY VOTING POLICY**

**A. Introduction**

Lazard Asset Management LLC and its investment advisory subsidiaries ("Lazard" or the "firm") provide investment management services for client accounts, including proxy voting services. As a fiduciary, Lazard is obligated to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients over the long-term. Lazard has developed a structure that is designed to ensure that proxy voting is conducted in an appropriate manner, consistent with clients' best interests, and within the framework of this Proxy Voting Policy (the "Policy").

Lazard manages assets for a variety of clients worldwide, including institutions, financial intermediaries, sovereign wealth funds, and private clients. To the extent that proxy voting authority is delegated to Lazard, Lazard's general policy is to vote proxies on a given issue in the same manner for all of its clients. This Policy is based on the view that Lazard, in its role as investment adviser, must vote proxies based on what it believes (i) will maximize sustainable shareholder value as a long-term investor; (ii) is in the best interest of its clients; and (iii) the votes that it casts are intended in good faith to accomplish those objectives.

This Policy recognizes that there may be times when meeting agendas or proposals may create the appearance of a material conflict of interest for Lazard. Lazard will look to alleviate the potential conflict by voting according to pre-approved guidelines. In conflict situations where a pre-approved guideline is to vote case-by-case, Lazard will vote according to the recommendation of one of the proxy voting services Lazard retains to provide independent analysis. More information on how Lazard handles material conflicts of interest in proxy voting is provided in Section F of this Policy.

**B. Responsibility to Vote Proxies**

Generally, Lazard is willing to accept delegation from its clients to vote proxies. Lazard does not delegate that authority to any other person or entity, but retains complete authority for voting all proxies on behalf of its clients. Not all clients delegate proxy-voting authority to Lazard, however, and Lazard will not vote proxies, or provide advice to clients on how to vote proxies, in the absence of a specific delegation of authority or an obligation under applicable law. For example, securities that are held in an investment advisory account for which Lazard exercises no investment discretion are not voted by Lazard, nor are shares that a client has authorized their custodian bank to use in a stock loan program which passes voting rights to the party with possession of the shares.

**C. General Administration**

**1. Overview and Governance**<br>

Lazard's proxy voting process is administered by members of its Operations Department ("the Proxy Administration Team"). Oversight of the process is provided by Lazard's Legal & Compliance Department and by a Proxy Committee comprised of senior investment professionals, members of the Legal & Compliance Department, the firm's Co-Heads of Sustainable Investment & Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance ("ESG") and other personnel. The Proxy Committee meets regularly, generally on a quarterly basis, to review this Policy and other matters relating to the firm's proxy voting functions. Meetings may be convened more frequently (for example, to discuss a specific proxy agenda or proposal) as needed. A representative of Lazard's Legal & Compliance Department will participate in all Proxy Committee meetings.<br>

A quorum for the conduct of any meeting will be met if a majority of the Proxy Committee's members are in attendance by phone or in person. Decisions of the Proxy Committee will be made by consensus and minutes of each meeting will be taken and maintained by the Legal & Compliance Department. The Proxy Committee may, upon consultation with Lazard's Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel or his/her designee, take any action that it believes to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Policy. The Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel or his/her designee, is responsible for updating this Policy, interpreting this Policy, and may act on behalf of the Proxy Committee in circumstances where a meeting of the members is not feasible.<br>

**2. Role of Third Parties**<br>

Lazard currently subscribes to advisory and other proxy voting services provided by Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS") and Glass, Lewis & Co. ("Glass Lewis"). These proxy advisory services provide independent analysis and recommendations regarding various companies' proxy proposals. While this research serves to help improve our understanding of the issues surrounding a company's proxy proposals, Lazard's Portfolio Manager/Analysts and Research Analysts (collectively, "Portfolio Management") are responsible for providing the vote recommendation for a given proposal except when the Conflicts of Interest policy applies (see Section F).<br>

ISS provides additional proxy-related administrative services to Lazard. ISS receives on Lazard's behalf all proxy information sent by custodians that hold securities on behalf of Lazard's clients and sponsored funds. ISS posts all relevant information regarding the proxy on its password-protected website for Lazard to review, including meeting dates, all agendas and ISS' analysis. The Proxy Administration Team reviews this information on a daily basis and regularly communicates with representatives of ISS to ensure that all agendas are considered and proxies are voted on a timely basis. ISS also provides Lazard with vote execution, recordkeeping and reporting support services. Members of the Proxy Committee, along with members of the Legal & Compliance Team, conducts periodic due diligence of ISS and Glass Lewis consisting of an annual questionnaire and, as appropriate, on site visits.<br>

The Proxy Committee believes that the Policy is consistent with the firm's Corporate Governance Principals and ESG and Climate Change Policies at https://www.lazardassetmanagement.com/about/esg.

**3. Voting Process**<br>

The Proxy Committee has approved proxy voting guidelines applicable to specific types of common proxy proposals (the "Approved Guidelines"). As discussed more fully below in Section D of this Policy, depending on the proposal, an Approved Guideline may provide that Lazard should vote for or against the proposal, or that the proposal should be considered on a case-by-case basis.<br>

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For each shareholder meeting the Proxy Administration Team provides Portfolio Management with the agenda and proposals, the Approved Guidelines, independent vote recommendations from Glass Lewis and ISS and supporting analyses for each proposal. Unless Portfolio Management disagrees with the Approved Guideline for a specific proposal, or where a potential material conflict of interest exists, the Proxy Administration Team will generally vote the proposal according to the Approved Guideline. In cases where Portfolio Management recommends a vote contrary to the Approved Guideline, a member of the Proxy Administration Team will contact a member of the Legal & Compliance Department advising the Proxy Committee. Such communication, which may be in the form of an e-mail, shall include: the name of the issuer, a description of the proposal, the Approved Guideline, any potential conflict of interest presented and the reason(s) Portfolio Management believes a proxy vote in this manner is in the best interest of clients In such cases, the Proxy Committee and the Legal & Compliance Department will review the proposal and make a determination.<br>

Where the Approved Guideline for a particular type of proxy proposal is to vote on a case-by-case basis, Lazard believes that Portfolio Management is best able to evaluate the potential impact to shareholders resulting from a particular proposal. Similarly, with respect to certain Lazard strategies, as discussed more fully in Sections F and G below, the Proxy Administration Team will consult with Portfolio Management to determine when it would be appropriate to abstain from voting. The Proxy Administration Team seeks Portfolio Management's recommendation on how to vote all such proposals. The Proxy Administration Team may also consult with Lazard's Chief Compliance Officer, General Counsel or his/her designee, and may seek the final approval of the Proxy Committee regarding a recommendation by Portfolio Management.<br>

As a global firm, we recognize that there are differing governance models adopted in various countries and that local laws and practices vary widely. Although the Approved Guidelines are intended to be applied uniformly world-wide, where appropriate, Lazard will consider regional/local law and guidance in applying the Policy.<br>

**D. Specific Proxy Items**<br>

Shareholders receive proxies involving many different proposals. Many proposals are routine in nature, such as a change in a company's name. Others are more complicated, such as items regarding corporate governance and shareholder rights, changes to capital structure, stock option plans and other executive compensation/ issues, election of directors, mergers and other significant transactions and social or political issues. Lazard's Approved Guidelines for certain common agenda items are outlined below. The Proxy Committee will also consider any other proposals presented and determine whether to implement a new Approved Guideline. <br>

Certain strategy-specific considerations may result in Lazard voting proxies other than according to the Approved Guidelines, not voting shares at all, issuing standing instructions to ISS on how to vote certain proxy matters on behalf of Lazard, or taking other action where unique circumstances require special voting efforts or considerations. These considerations are discussed in more detail in Section G, below.<br>

**1. Routine Items**<br>

Lazard generally votes routine items as recommended by the issuer's management and board of directors, based on the view that management is generally in a better position to assess these matters. Lazard considers routine items to be those that do not change the structure, charter, bylaws, or operations of an issuer in any way that is material to long-term shareholder value. Routine items generally include:<br>

■ issues relating to the timing or conduct of annual meetings;

■ provisionary financial budgets and strategy for the current year;

■ proposals that allow votes submitted for the first call of the shareholder meeting to be considered in the event of a second call;

■ proposals to receive or approve of variety of routine reports (Lazard will generally vote FOR the approval of financial statements and director and auditor reports unless there are concerns about the accounts presented or audit procedures used or the company is not responsive to shareholder questions about specific items that should be publicly disclosed); and

■ changes to a company's name.

**2. Amendments to Board Policy/Charter/Regulation:**<br>

Proposals to amend a company's Articles of Association and other bylaws are commonly seen at shareholder meetings. Companies usually disclose what is being amended, or the amended bylaws, or both in their meeting circulars. Amendments are nearly always bundled together as a single voting resolution, and Lazard's general approach is to review these amendments on a case-by-case basis and to oppose article amendments as a whole when they include changes Lazard opposes. Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote FOR bylaw amendments that are driven by regulatory changes and are technical in nature or meant to update company-specific information such as address and/or business scope. Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote AGAINST bylaw amendments if<br>

■ there is no disclosure on the proposed amendments or full text of the amended bylaw; or

■ the amendments include increase in the decision authority of what is considered "excessive" and the company fails to provide a compelling justification.

**3. Corporate Governance and Shareholder Rights**<br>

Many proposals address issues related to corporate governance and shareholder rights. These items often relate to a board of directors and its committees, anti-takeover measures, and the conduct of the company's shareholder meetings.

a. Board of Directors and its Committees

Lazard votes in favor of provisions that it believes will increase the effectiveness of an issuer's board of directors.<br>

**Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote FOR the following:**<br>

■ the establishment of an independent nominating committee, audit committee or compensation committee of a board of directors;

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■ a requirement that a substantial majority (e.g., 2/3) of a company's directors be independent;

■ a proposal that a majority of the entirety of the board's committees be comprised of independent directors;

■ proposals seeking to de-classify a board;

■ the implementation of director stock retention/holding periods;

■ proposals relating to the establishment of directors' mandatory retirement age and age restrictions for directors especially where such proposals seek to facilitate the improvement of the diversity of the board; and

■ changes to the articles of association and other relevant documents which are in the long-term interests of shareholders;

■ the appointment or (re)election of internal statutory auditors/fiscal council members unless (a) the name of the management nominees are not disclosed in a timely manner prior to the meeting, (b) there are serious concerns about statutory reports presented or the audit procedures used, (c) questions exist concerning any of the auditors, (d) the auditors have previously served the company in an executive capacity (or are otherwise considered affiliated) or (e) minority shareholders have presented timely disclosure of minority fiscal council nominee(s) to be elected under separate elections.

**Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote on a CASE by CASE Basis for the following:**<br>

■ proposals to require an independent board chair or the separation of chairman and CEO; and

■ establishment of shareholder advisory committees.

**Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote AGAINST the following:**<br>

■ proposals seeking to classify a board

■ the election of directors where the board does not have independent "key committees" or sufficient board independence;

■ non-independent directors who serve on key committees that are not sufficiently independent;

■ proposals relating to cumulative voting;

■ proposals where the names of the candidates (in the case of an election) or the principles for the establishment of a committee (where a new committee is being created) have not been disclosed in a timely manner;

■ release of restrictions on competitive activities of directors2 if (a) there is a lack of disclosure on the key information including identities of directors in question, current position in the company and outside boards they are serving on or (b) the non-nomination system is employed by the company for the director election; and

■ the discharge of directors, including members of the management board and/or supervisory board and auditors, unless there is reliable information about significant and compelling concerns that the board is not fulfilling its fiduciary duties; and

■ the chair of the board's nominating committee, or all incumbent nominating committee members in the absence of the chair, if there is not at least one female on the board of directors.

**US Listed Corporates**<br>

Given the governance practices unique to the United States market, Lazard has adopted the following principles-based approach to proxy voting that is designed to address:

■ Board effectiveness – supporting board structure, diversity of cognitive thought, independence and avoiding over- boarding.

■ Accountability – in conjunction with the immediately preceding bullet point, emphasizing individual account- ability, for example holding the Chair of the Nomination Committee accountable where weaknesses and conflicts have been identified.

b. Anti-takeover Measures

Certain proposals are intended to deter outside parties from taking control of a company. Such proposals could entrench management and adversely affect shareholder rights and the value of the company's shares.

**Consequently, Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote AGAINST:**<br>

■ proposals to adopt supermajority vote requirements or increase vote requirements;

■ proposals seeking to adopt fair price provisions and on a case-by-case basis regarding proposals seeking to rescind them; and

■ "blank check" preferred stock.

Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote on a CASE by CASE basis regarding other provisions seeking to amend a company's by-laws or charter regarding anti-takeover provisions or shareholder rights plans (also known as "poison pill plans").<br>

Lazard has adopted an Approved Guideline to vote FOR proposals that ask management to submit any new poison pill plan to shareholder vote.<br>

c. Conduct of Shareholder Meetings

Lazard generally opposes any effort by management to restrict or limit shareholder participation in shareholder meetings, and is in favor of efforts to enhance shareholder participation.

**Lazard has therefore adopted Approved Guidelines to vote AGAINST:**<br>

■ proposals to adjourn US meetings;

■ proposals seeking to eliminate or restrict shareholders' right to call a special meeting;

■ efforts to eliminate or restrict right of shareholders to act by written consent; and

■ proposals to adopt supermajority vote requirements, or increase vote requirements.

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**Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote on a CASE by CASE basis** on changes to quorum requirements and **FOR** proposals providing for confidential voting.<br>

**4. Changes to Capital Structure**<br>

Lazard receives many proxies that include proposals relating to a company's capital structure. These proposals vary greatly, as each one is unique to the circumstances of the company involved, as well as the general economic and market conditions existing at the time of the proposal. A board and management may have many legitimate business reasons in seeking to effect changes to the issuer's capital structure, including investing in financial products and raising additional capital for appropriate business reasons, cash flow and market conditions. Lazard generally believes that these decisions are best left to management but will monitor these proposals closely to ensure that they are aligned with the long-term interests of shareholders.<br>

**Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote FOR:**<br>

■ management proposals to increase or decrease authorized common or preferred stock (unless it is believed that doing so is intended to serve as an anti-takeover measure);

■ stock splits and reverse stock splits;

■ investments in financial products unless the company fails to provide meaningful shareholder vote or there are significant concerns with the company's previous similar investments;4

■ requests to reissue any repurchased shares unless there is clear evidence of abuse of authority in the past;

■ management proposals to adopt or amend dividend reinvestment plans; and

■ dividend distribution policies unless (a) the dividend payout ratio has been consistently below 30% without adequate explanation or (b) the payout is excessive given the company's financial position.

**Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote on a CASE by CASE basis for:**<br>

■ matters affecting shareholder rights, such as amending votes-per-share;

■ management proposals to issue a new class of common or preferred shares (unless covered by an Approved Guideline relating to the disapplication of pre-emption rights); • the use of proceeds and the company's past share issuances5;

■ proposals seeking to approve or amend stock ownership limitations or transfer restrictions; and • loan and financing proposals. In assessing requests for loan financing provided by a related party the following factors will be considered: (a) use of proceeds, size or specific amount of loan requested, interest rate and relation of the party providing the loan.

■ Lazard has adopted Approved Guidelines to vote AGAINST:

■ changes in capital structure designed to be used in poison pill plans or which seeks to disregard pre-emption rights in a way that does not follow guidance set by the UK Pre-Emption Group's Statement of Principles;

■ the provision of loans to clients, controlling shareholders and actual controlling persons of the company; and

■ the provision of loans to an entity in which the company's ownership stake is less than 75% and the financing provision is not proportionate to the company's equity stake.

**5. Executive Compensation Issues**

Lazard supports efforts by companies to adopt compensation and incentive programs to attract and retain the highest caliber management possible, and to align the interests of a board, management and employees with those of long-term shareholders. Lazard generally favors programs intended to reward management and employees for positive and sustained, long-term performance but will take into account various considerations such as whether compensation appears to be appropriate for the company after an analysis of the totality of the circumstances (including the company's time in history and evolution).

**Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote FOR:**<br>

■ employee stock purchase plans, deferred compensation plans, stock option plans and stock appreciation rights plans that are in the long-term interests of shareholders;

■ proposals to submit severance agreements to shareholders for approval;

■ annual advisory votes on compensation outcomes where the outcomes are considered to be aligned with the interest of shareholders; and

■ annual compensation policy votes where the policy structures are considered to be aligned with the interest of shareholders.

**Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote on a CASE by CASE basis regarding:**<br>

■ restricted stock plans that do not define performance criteria; and

■ proposals to approve executive loans to exercise options.

**Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote AGAINST:**<br>

■ proposals to re-price underwater options;

■ annual advisory votes on remuneration outcomes where the outcomes are considered not to be in the interests of shareholders; and

■ annual remuneration policy vote where the policy structures are considered not to be in the interests of shareholders.

**US Listed Corporates**<br>Given the governance practices unique to the United States market, Lazard maintains the view that votes regarding Say on Pay should in principle, support fair and transparent remuneration. In addition, we also consider:<br>

■ the level of dissent on previous Say on Pay votes; and

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■ individual accountability, for example holding the Chair of the Compensation Committee accountable where weaknesses have been identified.

**6. Mergers and Other Significant Transactions**

Shareholders are asked to consider a number of different types of significant transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, sales of all or substantially all of a company's assets, reorganizations involving business combinations and liquidations. Each of these transactions is unique. Therefore, Lazard's Approved Guideline is to vote on a CASE by CASE basis for these proposals.

**7. Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance**

Proposals involving environmental, social, and corporate governance issues take many forms and cover a wide array of issues. Some examples may include: proposals to have a company increase its environmental disclosure; adoption of principles to limit or eliminate certain business activities; adoption of certain conservation efforts; adoption of proposals to improve the diversity of the board, the senior management team and the workforce in general; adoption of proposals to improve human capital management or the adoption of certain principles regarding employment practices or discrimination policies. These items are often presented by shareholders and are often opposed by the company's management and its board of directors.

As set out in Lazard's separate ESG Policy, Lazard is committed to an investment approach that incorporates ESG considerations in a comprehensive manner in order to safeguard the long-term interests of our clients and to manage more effectively long-term investment risks and opportunities related to ESG matters. Lazard generally supports the notion that corporations should be expected to act as good citizens. Lazard generally votes on environmental, social and corporate governance proposals in a way that it believes will most increase long-term shareholder value.

**Lazard's Approved Guidelines are structured to evaluate many environmental, social and corporate governance proposals on a** **case-by-case basis.**<br>

However, as a guide, **Lazard will generally vote FOR proposals:**<br>

■ asking for a company to increase its environmental/social disclosures (e.g., to provide a corporate sustainability report);

■ seeking the approval of anti-discrimination policies;

■ which are considered socially responsible agenda items;

■ which improve an investee company's ESG risk management and related disclosures; and

■ deemed to be in the long-term interests of shareholders.

**8. Shareholder Proposals**

Lazard believes in the ability of shareholders to leverage their rights related to the use of shareholder proposals to address deficits in best practices and related disclosures by companies. Many ESG issues are improved through such use of shareholder proposals. For example, some companies are collaborating with shareholders on such proposals by voicing their support and recommending that shareholders vote in-line with such proposals.

Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote FOR shareholder proposals which:<br>

■ seek improved disclosure of an investee company's ESG practices over an appropriate timeframe;

■ seek improved transparency over how the investee company is supporting the transition to a low carbon economy;

■ seek to improve the diversity of the board;

■ seek improved disclosures on the diversity of the board and the wider workforce;

■ seek to establish minimum stock-ownership requirements for directors over an appropriate time frame;

■ seek to eliminate or restrict severance agreements, or

■ are deemed to be in the long-term interests of shareholders including Lazard's clients.

Lazard has Approved Guidelines generally to vote AGAINST shareholder proposals which:<br>

■ seek to infringe excessively on management's decision-making flexibility;

■ seek to establish additional board committees (absent demonstrable need);

■ seek to establish term limits for directors if this is unnecessary;

■ seek to change the size of a board (unless this facilitates improved board diversity);

■ seek to require two candidates for each board seat; or

■ are considered not to be in the long-terms interests of shareholders.

**E. Voting Securities in Different Countries**

Laws and regulations regarding shareholder rights and voting procedures differ dramatically across the world. In certain countries, the requirements or restrictions imposed before proxies may be voted may outweigh any benefit that could be realized by voting the proxies involved. For example, certain countries restrict a shareholder's ability to sell shares for a certain period of time if the shareholder votes proxies at a meeting (a practice known as "share blocking"). In other instances, the costs of voting a proxy (i.e., by being routinely required to send a representative to the meeting) may simply outweigh any benefit to the client if the proxy is voted. Generally, the Proxy Administration Team will consult with Portfolio Management in determining whether to vote these proxies.

There may be other instances where Portfolio Management may wish to refrain from voting proxies (See Section G.1. below).

**F. Conflicts of Interest**

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**1. Overview**

This Policy and related procedures implemented by Lazard are designed to address potential conflicts of interest posed by Lazard's business and organizational structure. Examples of such potential conflicts of interest are:

■ Lazard
 Frères &
 Co. LLC ("LF&Co."), Lazard's parent company and a registered broker- dealer, or a financial advisory
 affiliate, has a relationship with a company the shares of which are held in accounts of Lazard clients, and has provided
 financial advisory or related services to the company with respect to an upcoming significant proxy proposal (i.e., a
 merger or other significant transaction);

■ Lazard serves as an investment adviser for a company the management of which supports a particular proposal;

■ Lazard serves as an investment adviser for the pension plan of an organization that sponsors a proposal; or

■ A Lazard employee who would otherwise be involved in the decision-making process regarding a particular proposal has a material relationship with the issuer or owns shares of the issuer.

**2. General Policy**

All proxies must be voted in the best long-term interest of each Lazard client, without consideration of the interests of Lazard, LF&Co. or any of their employees or affiliates. The Proxy Administration Team is responsible for all proxy voting in accordance with this Policy after consulting with the appropriate member or members of Portfolio Management, the Proxy Committee and/or the Legal & Compliance Department. No other employees of Lazard, LF&Co. or their affiliates may influence or attempt to influence the vote on any proposal. Violations of this Policy could result in disciplinary action, including letter of censure, fine or suspension, or termination of employment. Any such conduct may also violate state and Federal securities and other laws, as well as Lazard's client agreements, which could result in severe civil and criminal penalties being imposed, including the violator being prohibited from ever working for any organization engaged in a securities business. Every officer and employee of Lazard who participates in any way in the decision-making process regarding proxy voting is responsible for considering whether they have a conflicting interest or the appearance of a conflicting interest on any proposal. A conflict could arise, for example, if an officer or employee has a family member who is an officer of the issuer or owns securities of the issuer. If an officer or employee believes such a conflict exists or may appear to exist, he or she should notify the Chief Compliance Officer immediately and, unless determined otherwise, should not continue to participate in the decision-making process.

**3. Monitoring for Conflicts and Voting When a Material Conflict Exists**

The Proxy Administration Team monitors for potential conflicts of interest that could be viewed as influencing the outcome of Lazard's voting decision. Consequently, the steps that Lazard takes to monitor conflicts, and voting proposals when the appearance of a material conflict exists, differ depending on whether the Approved Guideline for the specific item is clearly defined to vote for or against, or is to vote on a case-by-case basis. Any questions regarding application of these conflict procedures, including whether a conflict exists, should be addressed to Lazard's Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel.

a. Where Approved Guideline Is For or Against

Lazard has an Approved Guideline to vote for or against regarding most proxy agenda/proposals. Generally, unless Portfolio Management disagrees with the Approved Guideline for a specific proposal, the Proxy Administration Team votes according to the Approved Guideline. It is therefore necessary to consider whether an apparent conflict of interest exists when Portfolio Management disagrees with the Approved Guideline. The Proxy Administration Team will use its best efforts to determine whether a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest exists. If conflict appears to exist, then the proposal will be voted according to the Approved Guideline. Lazard also reserves its right to Abstain.<br>

In addition, in the event of a conflict that arises in connection with a proposal for Lazard to vote shares held by Lazard clients in a Lazard mutual fund, Lazard will typically vote each proposal for or against proportion to the shares voted by other shareholders.<br>

b. Where Approved Guideline Is Case-by-Case

In situations where the Approved Guideline is to vote case-by-case and a material conflict of interest appears to exist, Lazard's policy is to vote the proxy item according to the majority recommendation of the independent proxy services to which we subscribe. Lazard also reserves the right to Abstain.<br>

**G. Other Matters**

**1. Issues Relating to Management of Specific Lazard Strategies**<br>

Due to the nature of certain strategies managed by Lazard, there may be times when Lazard believes that it may not be in the best interests of its clients to vote in accordance with the Approved Guidelines, or to vote proxies at all. In certain markets, the fact that Lazard is voting proxies may become public information, and, given the nature of those markets, may impact the price of the securities involved. Lazard may simply require more time to fully understand and address a situation prior to determining what would be in the best interests of shareholders. In these cases the Proxy Administration Team will look to Portfolio Management to provide guidance on proxy voting rather than vote in accordance with the Approved Guidelines, and will obtain the Proxy Committee's confirmation accordingly.<br>

Additionally, Lazard may not receive notice of a shareholder meeting in time to vote proxies for or may simply be prevented from voting proxies in connection with a particular meeting. Due to the compressed time frame for notification of shareholder meetings and Lazard's obligation to vote proxies on behalf of its clients, Lazard may issue standing instructions to ISS on how to vote on certain matters.<br>

Different strategies managed by Lazard may hold the same securities. However, due to the differences between the strategies and their related investment objectives, one Portfolio Management team may desire to vote differently than the other, or one team may desire to abstain from voting proxies while the other may desire to vote proxies. In this event, Lazard would generally defer to the recommendation of the Portfolio Management <br>

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teams to determine what action would be in the best interests of its clients. The Chief Compliance Officer or General Counsel, in consultation with members of the Proxy Committee will determine whether it is appropriate to approve a request to split votes among one or more Portfolio Management teams.<br>

**2. Stock Lending**<br>

As noted in Section B above, Lazard does not generally vote proxies for securities that a client has authorized their custodian bank to use in a stock loan program, which passes voting rights to the party with possession of the shares. Under certain circumstances, Lazard may determine to recall loaned stocks in order to vote the proxies associated with those securities. For example, if Lazard determines that the entity in possession of the stock has borrowed the stock solely to be able to obtain control over the issuer of the stock by voting proxies, or if the client should specifically request Lazard to vote the shares on loan, Lazard may determine to recall the stock and vote the proxies itself. However, it is expected that this will be done only in exceptional circumstances. In such event, Portfolio Management will make this determination and the Proxy Administration Team will vote the proxies in accordance with the Approved Guidelines.<br>

**H. Reporting**

Separately managed account clients of Lazard who have authorized Lazard to vote proxies on their behalf will receive information on proxy voting with respect to that account. Additionally, the US mutual funds managed by Lazard will disclose proxy voting information on an annual basis on Form N-PX which is filed with the SEC.

**I. Recordkeeping**

**J. Review of Policy and Approved Guidelines**

The Proxy Committee will review this Policy at least annually to consider whether any changes should be made to it or to any of the Approved Guidelines. The Proxy Committee will make revisions to its Approved Guidelines when it determines it is appropriate or when it sees an opportunity to materially improve outcomes for clients. Questions or concerns regarding the Policy should be raised with Lazard's General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer.

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**MASSACHUSETTS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPANY**

**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

**January 1,** **2026**

At MFS Investment Management, our core purpose is to create value responsibly. In serving the long-term economic interests of our clients, we rely on deep fundamental research, risk awareness, engagement, and effective stewardship to generate long-term risk-adjusted returns for our clients. A core component of this approach is our proxy voting activity. We believe that robust ownership practices can help protect and enhance long-term shareholder value. Such ownership practices include diligently exercising our voting rights as well as engaging with our issuers on a variety of proxy voting topics. We recognize that environmental, social and governance ("ESG") issues may impact the long-term value of an investment, and, therefore, we consider ESG issues in light of our fiduciary obligation to vote proxies in what we believe to be in the best long- term economic interest of our clients.

MFS Investment Management and its subsidiaries that perform discretionary investment activities (collectively, "MFS") have adopted these proxy voting policies and procedures ("MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures") with respect to securities owned by the clients for which MFS serves as investment adviser and has been delegated the power to vote proxies on behalf of such clients. These clients include pooled investment vehicles sponsored by MFS (an "MFS Fund" or collectively, the "MFS Funds").

**Our approach to proxy voting is guided by the overall principle that proxy voting decisions are made in what MFS believes to be the** **best long-term economic interests of our clients for which we have been delegated with the authority to vote on their behalf, and not in** **the interests of any other party, including company management or in MFS' corporate interests, including interests such as the** **distribution of MFS Fund shares and institutional client relationships.** These Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures include voting guidelines that govern how MFS generally will vote on specific matters as well as how we monitor potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS that could arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS' clients.

**Our approach to proxy voting is guided by the following additional principles:**

**1. Consistency in application of the policy across multiple client portfolios:** While MFS generally seeks a single vote position on the same matter when securities of an issuer are held by multiple client portfolios, MFS may vote differently on the matter for different client portfolios under certain circumstances. For example, we may vote differently for a client portfolio if we have received explicit voting instructions to vote differently from such client for its own account. Likewise, MFS may vote differently if the portfolio management team responsible for a particular client account believes that a different voting instruction is in the best long-term economic interest of such account.

**2. Consistency in application of policy across shareholder meetings in most instances:** As a general matter, MFS seeks to vote consistently on similar proxy proposals across all shareholder meetings. However, as many proxy proposals (e.g., mergers, acquisitions, and shareholder proposals) are analyzed on a case-by-case basis in light of the relevant facts and circumstances of the issuer and proposal MFS may vote similar proposals differently at different shareholder meetings. In addition, MFS also reserves the right to override the guidelines with respect to a particular proxy proposal when such an override is, in MFS' best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS' clients.

**3. Consideration of company specific context and informed by engagement:** As noted above MFS will seek to consider a company's specific context in determining its voting decision. Where there are significant, complex or unusual voting items we may seek to engage with a company before making the vote to further inform our decision. Where sufficient progress has not been made on a particular issue of engagement, MFS may determine a vote against management is warranted to reflect our concerns and encourage change in the best long-term economic interests of our clients for which MFS has been delegated with the authority to vote on their behalf.

**4. Clear decisions to best support issuer processes and decision making:** To best support improved issuer decision making we strive to generally provide clear decisions by voting either For or Against each item. We may however vote to Abstain in certain situations if we believe a vote either For or Against may produce a result not in the best long-term economic interests of our clients.

**5. Transparency in approach and implementation:** Our voting data is reported to clients upon request and publicly on a quarterly and annual basis on our website (under Proxy Voting Records & Reports). For more information about reporting on our proxy voting activities, please refer to Section F below.

**A. VOTING** **GUIDELINES**

The following guidelines govern how MFS will generally vote on specific matters presented for shareholder vote. These guidelines are not exhaustive, and MFS may vote on matters not identified below. In such circumstances, MFS will be governed by its general policy to vote in what MFS believes to be in the best long-term economic interest of its clients. MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines with respect to a particular proxy proposal when such an override is, in MFS' best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS' clients.

Additionally, these guidelines are written to apply to the markets and companies where MFS has significant assets invested. There will be markets and companies, such as controlled companies and smaller markets, where local governance practices are taken into consideration and exceptions may need to be applied that are not explicitly stated below. There are also markets and companies where transparency and related data limit the ability to apply these guidelines.

**Board structure & performance**

MFS generally supports the election and/or discharge of directors proposed by the board in uncontested or non-contentious elections, unless concerns have been identified as described below.

**Director Independence**

■ As a general matter, MFS will not support a nominee to a board if, as a result of such nominee being elected to the board, the board would consist

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of less than a simple majority of members who are "independent" (as determined by MFS in its sole discretion). MFS' determination of "independence" may be different than that of the company, the exchange on which the company is listed, or a third party (e.g., proxy advisory firm).

■ As a general matter, MFS will vote against any non-independent nominee if MFS does not believe a key committee of the board (such as audit, nomination and compensation/remuneration committee) is "sufficiently independent." MFS' view of what constitutes "sufficiently independent" and which board committees are "key committees" varies by market.

■ MFS may accept lower levels of independence in certain circumstances, such as companies required to have non-shareholder representatives on the board, controlled companies, and companies in certain markets.

**Independent Chairs**

■ MFS believes boards should include some form of independent leadership responsible for amplifying the views of independent directors and setting meeting agendas, and this is often best positioned as an independent chair of the board or a lead independent director. We review the merits of a change in leadership structure on a case-by-case basis.

**Tenure in leadership roles**

■ MFS may vote against a chair who is designated independent, or a lead independent director whose overall tenure on the board equals or exceeds twenty (20) years, if refreshment is not being considered by the company's board or MFS identifies other concerns that suggest more immediate refreshment is necessary.

**Overboarding**

■ We believe that all directors should have sufficient time and attention to fulfil their duties and play their part in effective oversight, both in normal and exceptional circumstances. As a general guideline, MFS will generally vote against a director's election if we believe that the director's service on boards of outside public companies is "excessive". Our view as to what constitutes "excessive" varies by market and role that the director serves with the public company (i.e., executive or non-executive). In cases of a director nominee who serves as a CEO or executive chair of a public company, MFS will likely only apply a vote against director's election at the meetings of the companies where the director is a non-executive.

■ When analyzing whether a director's service on boards of multiple public companies is excessive, MFS may also consider: (i) whether the company has disclosed the director's plans to step down from one or more public company boards within a reasonable time; or (ii) whether the director serves on the multiple boards of affiliated companies, or on more than one investment company within the same investment company complex (as defined by applicable law). MFS may also vote in favor of a director whose service on outside public company boards we would otherwise deem to be excessive if after engagement we believe the director's ability to dedicate sufficient time and attention is not impaired by the external roles.

■ MFS may also vote against any director if we deem such nominee to have board or committee roles or other outside time commitments that we believe would impair their ability to dedicate sufficient time and attention to their director role.

**Diversity**

■ MFS believes that a well-balanced board with diverse perspectives is a foundation for sound corporate governance. MFS takes a holistic view on the dimensions of diversity that can lead to a diversity of perspectives.

■ Gender diversity is one such dimension and if data is available, MFS will generally vote against the chair of the nominating and governance committee or other most relevant position at any company whose board, in our view, is comprised of an insufficient representation of directors who are women. Our view as to what constitutes insufficient representation varies by market.

■ MFS may consider other dimensions of diversity if we believe that the board will benefit from more diverse perspectives.

■ MFS considers exceptions to our approach if we believe that the company is transitioning towards a well-balanced board with diverse perspectives or has provided clear and compelling reasons for why they have been unable to do so.

**Board size**

■ MFS believes that the size of the board can have an effect on the board's ability to function efficiently and effectively. MFS evaluates board size on a case-by-case basis.

**Other Concerns**

■ MFS will generally not support a nominee if MFS can determine that the nominee attended less than 75% of the board and/or relevant committee meetings in the previous year without a valid reason stated in the proxy materials or other company communications.

■ MFS may not support some or all nominees standing for re-election to a board if MFS determines (i) there are concerns with a director or board regarding performance, governance, or oversight; (ii) the board or relevant committee has not adequately responded to an issue that received a significant vote against management from shareholders; or (iii) the board has implemented a poison pill without shareholder approval since the last annual meeting and such poison pill is not on the subsequent shareholder meeting's agenda ; or (iv) a Japanese company allocates a significant portion of its net assets to cross-shareholdings.

■ MFS may also not support some or all nominees standing for election to a compensation/remuneration committee if (i) MFS votes against consecutive executive compensation votes; (ii) MFS determines that a particularly egregious executive compensation practice has occurred; (iii) MFS believes the committee is inadequately incentivizing or rewarding executives, or is overseeing pay practices that MFS believes are detrimental to the long-term success of the company; or (iii) an advisory pay vote is not presented to shareholders, or the company has not implemented the advisory vote frequency supported by a plurality/majority of shareholders.

■ Unless the concern is commonly accepted market practice, MFS may also not support some or all nominees standing for election to a nominating committee if we determine (in our sole discretion) that the chair of the board is not independent and there is no strong lead independent director role in place, or an executive director is a member of a key board committee.

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■ Where the election of directors is bundled MFS may vote against the whole group if there is concern with an individual director and no other vote related to that director.

**Discharge of Directors**

■ Where individual directors are not presented for election in the year MFS may apply the same vote position described above to votes on the discharge of the director.

**Proxy contests**

■ From time to time, a shareholder may propose a slate of director nominees different than the slate of director nominees proposed by the company (a "proxy contest"). MFS will analyze proxy contests on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the track record and current recommended initiatives of both company management and the dissident shareholder(s). MFS will support the director nominee(s) that we believe is in the best, long-term economic interest of our clients.

**Board Accountability:**

**Majority voting for the election of directors:** MFS generally supports reasonably crafted proposals calling for directors to be elected with an affirmative majority of votes cast and/or the elimination of the plurality standard for electing directors (including binding resolutions requesting that the board amend the company's bylaws), provided the proposal includes a carve-out for a plurality voting standard when there are more director nominees than board seats (e.g., contested elections).<br>

**Declassified boards:** MFS generally supports proposals to declassify a board (i.e., a board in which only a sub-set of board members is elected each year) for all issuers other than for certain closed-end investment companies. MFS generally opposes proposals to classify a board for issuers other than for certain closed-end investment companies. <br>

**The right to call a special meeting or act by written consent:** MFS believes that there should be an appropriate balance between the ability of shareholders to exercise the right to call special meetings or act by written consent with the cost of conducting such special meetings or actions. MFS will generally support management proposals to establish these rights where they do not currently exist. MFS will generally support shareholder proposals to adjust existing rights if we believe that the shareholder proposal appropriately balances shareholder and company interests (generally a threshold of 15% for large and widely held companies and a threshold between 15%-25% for other companies). MFS will support shareholder proposals to establish the right to act by majority written consent if shareholders do not have the right to call a special meeting at the thresholds described above or lower. MFS may also support shareholder proposals to establish these rights if no existing right exists if we believe that to do so appropriately balances the interests of shareholders and the company. In such circumstances, we may support proposals with thresholds lower than the thresholds that we would support if proposed by management or a shareholder requesting an adjustment to an existing right. <br>

**Proxy access:** MFS believes that the ability of qualifying shareholders to nominate a certain number of directors on the company's proxy statement ("proxy access") may have corporate governance benefits. However, such potential benefits must be balanced by its potential misuse by shareholders. MFS generally supports proxy access proposals at U.S. issuers that establish ownership criteria of 3% of the company held continuously for a period of 3 years. In our view, such qualifying shareholders should have the ability to nominate at least 2 directors. <br>

**Shareholder Rights:**

**Anti-takeover measures:** In general, MFS votes against any measure that inhibits capital appreciation in a stock, including proposals that protect management from action by shareholders. These types of proposals take many forms, ranging from "poison pills" and "shark repellents" to super-majority requirements. <br>

While MFS may consider the adoption of a prospective "poison pill" or the continuation of an existing "poison pill" on a case-by-case basis, MFS generally votes against such anti-takeover devices.<br>

MFS will consider any poison pills designed to protect a company's net-operating loss carryforwards on a case-by-case basis, weighing the accounting and tax benefits of such a pill against the risk of deterring future acquisition candidates.

MFS will also consider, on a case-by-case basis, proposals designed to prevent tenders which are disadvantageous to shareholders such as tenders at below market prices and tenders for substantially less than all shares of an issuer.

MFS generally supports proposals that seek to remove governance structures that insulate management from shareholders.

MFS generally votes for proposals to rescind existing "poison pills" and proposals that would require shareholder approval to adopt prospective "poison pills."<br>

**Cumulative voting:** MFS generally opposes proposals that seek to introduce cumulative voting and supports proposals that seek to eliminate cumulative voting. In either case, MFS will consider whether cumulative voting is likely to enhance the interests of MFS' clients as minority shareholders.<br>

**One-share one-vote:** As a general matter, MFS supports proportional alignment of voting rights with economic interest and may not support a proposal that deviates from this approach. For companies listing with multiple share classes or other forms of disproportionate control are in place, we expect these to have sunset provisions of generally no longer than seven years after which the structure becomes single class one-share one-vote.<br>

**Reincorporation and reorganization proposals:** When presented with a proposal to reincorporate a company under the laws of a different state, or to effect some other type of corporate reorganization, MFS considers the underlying purpose and ultimate effect of such a proposal in determining whether or not to support such a measure. MFS generally votes with management in regard to these types of proposals; however, if MFS believes the proposal is not in the best long-term economic interests of its clients, then MFS may vote against management (e.g., the intent or effect would be to create additional inappropriate impediments to possible acquisitions or takeovers).<br>

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**Other business:** MFS generally votes against "other business" proposals as the content of any such matter is not known at the time of our vote.<br>

**Capitalization** **proposals, capital allocation and corporate actions:**

**Issuance of stock:** There are many legitimate reasons for the issuance of stock. Nevertheless, MFS may vote a stock option plan as noted below under "Executive Compensation-Stock Plans."<br>

MFS typically votes against proposals where management is asking for authorization to issue common or preferred stock with no reason stated (a "blank check") because the unexplained authorization could work as a potential anti-takeover device.<br>

MFS may also vote against the authorization or issuance of common or preferred stock if MFS determines that the requested authorization is excessive or not warranted. MFS will consider the duration of the authority and the company's history in using such authorities in making its decision.<br>

**Repurchase programs:** MFS generally supports proposals to institute share repurchase plans in which all shareholders have the opportunity to participate on an equal basis. Such plans may include a company acquiring its own shares on the open market, or a company making a tender offer to its own shareholders.<br>

**Mergers, acquisitions & other special transactions:** MFS considers proposals with respect to mergers, acquisitions, sale of company assets, share and debt issuances and other transactions that have the potential to affect ownership interests on a case-by-case basis. When analyzing such proposals, we use a variety of materials and information, including our own internal research as well as the research of third-party service providers.<br>

**Independent Auditors**

MFS generally supports the election of auditors but may determine to vote against the election of a statutory auditor and/or members of the audit committee in certain markets if MFS reasonably believes that the statutory auditor is not truly independent, sufficiently competent or there are concerns related to the auditor's work or opinion. <br>

**Executive Compensation** **Packages**

■ MFS believes that competitive compensation packages are necessary to attract, motivate and retain executives. We seek compensation plans that we believe are geared towards durable long-term value creation and aligned with shareholder interests and experience.

■ MFS believes that competitive compensation packages are necessary to attract, motivate and retain executives. We seek compensation plans that we believe are geared towards durable long-term value creation and aligned with shareholder interests and experience.

■ MFS will analyze votes on executive compensation on a case-by-case basis. When analyzing compensation practices, MFS generally uses a two-step process. MFS first seeks to identify any compensation practices that are potentially of concern. Where such practices are identified, MFS will then analyze the compensation practices in light of relevant facts and circumstances.

■ MFS will vote against an issuer's executive compensation practices if MFS determines that such practices are not geared towards durable long-term value creation and are misaligned with the best, long-term economic interest of our clients. When analyzing whether an issuer's compensation practices are aligned with the best, long-term economic interest of our clients, MFS uses a variety of materials and information, including our own internal research and engagement with issuers as well as the research of third-party service providers.

■ MFS generally supports proposals to include an advisory shareholder vote on an issuer's executive compensation practices on an annual basis.

■ MFS does not have formal voting guideline in regard to the inclusion of ESG incentives in a company's compensation plan; however, where such incentives are included, we believe (i) the incentives should be tied to issues that are financially material for the issuer in question ; (ii) they should predominantly include quantitative or other externally verifiable outcomes rather than qualitative measures; and (iii) the weighting of incentives should be appropriately balanced with other strategic priorities .

■ We believe non-executive directors may be compensated in cash or stock , but these should not be performance-based.

**Stock Plans** <br>

■ As a general matter , MFS will vote against restricted stock, stock option, non-employee director, omnibus stock plans and any other stock plan that it views as having potential excessive dilution , considering aggregate dilution and burn rate .

■ In addition, MFS may oppose stock option programs and restricted stock plans if they:

■ Allow the board or the compensation committee to re-price underwater options or to automatically replenish shares without shareholder approval.

■ Do not require an investment by the optionee, give "free rides" on the stock price, or permit grants of stock options with an exercise price below fair market value on the date the options are granted.

■ In the cases where a stock plan amendment is seeking qualitative changes and not additional shares,

■ MFS will consider proposals to exchange existing options for newly issued options, restricted stock or cash on a case-by-case basis, taking into account certain factors, including, but not limited to, whether there is a reasonable value-for-value exchange and whether senior executives are excluded from participating in the exchange.

■ From time to time, MFS may evaluate a separate, advisory vote on severance packages or "golden parachutes" to certain executives at the same time as a vote on a proposed merger or acquisition. MFS will generally vote on a severance package on a case-by-case basis, and MFS may vote against the severance package regardless of whether MFS supports the proposed merger or acquisition.

■ MFS supports the use of a broad-based employee stock purchase plans to increase company stock ownership by employees, provided that shares purchased under the plan are acquired for no less than 85% of their market value and do not result in excessive dilution.

**Shareholder Proposals on Executive Compensation** <br>

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■ MFS generally opposes shareholder proposals that seek to set rigid restrictions on executive compensation as MFS believes that compensation committees should retain flexibility to determine the appropriate pay package for executives.

■ MFS may support reasonably crafted shareholder proposals that:

■ Require shareholder approval of any severance package for an executive officer that exceeds a certain multiple of such officer's annual compensation that is not determined in MFS' judgment to be excessive;

■ Require the issuer to adopt a policy to recover the portion of performance-based bonuses and awards paid to senior executives that were not earned based upon a significant negative restatement of earnings, or other significant misconduct or corporate failure, unless the company already has adopted a satisfactory policy on the matter;

■ Expressly prohibit the backdating of stock options; or,

■ Prohibit the acceleration of vesting of equity awards upon a broad definition of a "change-in-control" (e.g., single or modified single-trigger).

**Environmental and Social Proposals**

MFS believes that a company's environmental or social practices may have an impact on the company's long-term economic financial performance, and we analyze such proposals on a case-by-case basis in light of the relevant facts and circumstances of the issuer and proposal.

■ Where management presents climate action/transition plans to shareholder vote, we will evaluate the level of ambition over time, scope, credibility and transparency of the plan in determining our support. Where companies present climate action progress reports to shareholder vote we will evaluate evidence of implementation of and progress against the plan and level of transparency in determining our support.

■ Most vote items related to environmental and social topics are presented by shareholders. As these proposals, even on the same topic, can vary significantly in scope and action requested, these proposals are typically assessed on a case-by-case basis, and we will support them if in light of the relevant facts and circumstances we believe that to do so is in the best long-term interests of our clients.

■ MFS is unlikely to support a proposal if we believe that the proposal is unduly costly, restrictive, unclear, burdensome, has potential unintended consequences, is unlikely to lead to tangible outcomes or we don't believe the issue is material or the action a priority for the business. MFS is also unlikely to support a proposal where the company already provides publicly available information that we believe is sufficient to enable shareholders to evaluate the potential opportunities and risks on the subject of the proposal, if the request of the proposal has already been substantially implemented, or if through engagement we gain assurances that it will be substantially implemented.

■ The laws of various states or countries may regulate how the interests of certain clients subject to those laws (e.g., state pension plans) are voted with respect to environmental, social and governance issues. Thus, it may be necessary to cast ballots differently for certain clients than MFS might normally do for other clients.

**B. GOVERNANCE OF PROXY VOTING ACTIVITIES**

**1. MFS Proxy Voting Committee**<br>

The administration of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is overseen by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee, which includes senior personnel from the MFS Legal and Global Investment and Client Support Departments as well as members of the investment team. The Proxy Voting Committee does not include individuals whose primary duties relate to client relationship management, marketing, or sales. The MFS Proxy Voting Committee: <br>

a. Reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures at least annually and recommends any amendments considered to be necessary or advisable;

b. Determines whether any potential material conflict of interest exists;;

c. Considers special proxy issues as they may arise from time to time; and

d. Determines engagement priorities and strategies with respect to MFS' proxy voting activities

The day-to-day application of the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are conducted by the MFS Stewardship Team led by MFS' Director of Global Stewardship. The Stewardship Team are members of MFS' investment team.

**2. Potential Conflicts of Interest** <br>

These policies and procedures are intended to address any potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that are likely to arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS' clients. If such potential material conflicts of interest do arise, MFS will analyze, document and report on such potential material conflicts of interest (see below) and shall ultimately vote the relevant ballot items in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of its clients.<br>

The MFS Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for monitoring potential material conflicts of interest on the part of MFS or its subsidiaries that could arise in connection with the voting of proxies on behalf of MFS' clients. Due to the client focus of our investment management business, we believe that the potential for actual material conflict of interest issues is small. Nonetheless, we have developed precautions to assure that all votes are cast in the best long-term economic interest of its clients. Other MFS internal policies require all MFS employees to avoid actual and potential conflicts of interests between personal activities and MFS' client activities. If an employee (including investment professionals and members of the Proxy Voting Committee or the Stewardship Team) identifies an actual or potential conflict of interest with respect to any voting decision (including the ownership of securities in their individual portfolio), then that employee must recuse himself/herself from participating in the voting process. Any significant attempt by an employee of MFS or its subsidiaries to unduly influence MFS' voting on a particular proxy matter should also be reported to the MFS Proxy Voting Committee. Furthermore, the Proxy Voting Committee does not include individuals whose job responsibilities primarily include client relationship management, marketing, or sales.<br>

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Additionally, MFS will follow the process set forth below.

a. Compare the name of the issuer of such ballot or the name of the shareholder (if identified in the proxy materials) making such proposal against a list of significant current (i) distributors of MFS Fund shares, and (ii) MFS institutional clients (the "MFS Significant Distributor and Client List");<br>

b. If the name of the issuer does not appear on the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, then no material conflict of interest will be deemed to exist, and the proxy will be voted as otherwise determined by the MFS Proxy Voting Committee;<br>

c. If the name of the issuer appears on the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will be apprised of that fact and each member of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee (with the participation of MFS' Conflicts Officer) will carefully evaluate the proposed vote in order to ensure that the proxy ultimately is voted in what MFS believes to be the best long-term economic interests of MFS' clients, and not in MFS' corporate interests; and<br>

d. For all potential material conflicts of interest identified under clause (c) above, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will document: the name of the issuer, the issuer's relationship to MFS, the analysis of the matters submitted for proxy vote, the votes as to be cast and the reasons why the MFS Proxy Voting Committee determined that the votes were cast in the best long-term economic interests of MFS' clients, and not in MFS' corporate interests. A copy of the foregoing documentation will be provided to MFS' Conflicts Officer.<br>

The members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee are responsible for creating and maintaining the MFS Significant Distributor and Client List, in consultation with MFS' distribution and institutional business units. The MFS Significant Distributor and Client List will be reviewed and updated periodically, as appropriate.<br>

For instances where MFS is evaluating a director nominee who also serves as a director/trustee of the MFS Funds, then the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will adhere to the procedures described in section (c) above regardless of whether the portfolio company appears on our Significant Distributor and Client List. In doing so, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will adhere to such procedures for all matters at the company's shareholder meeting at which the director nominee is standing for election.<br>

If an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by Sun Life Financial, Inc. or any of its affiliates (collectively "Sun Life"), MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client as such client instructs or in the event that a client instruction is unavailable pursuant to the recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Services, Inc.'s ("ISS") benchmark policy, or as required by law. Likewise, if an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by a public company for which an MFS Fund director/trustee serves as an executive officer, MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client as such client instructs or in the event that client instruction is unavailable pursuant to the recommendations of ISS or as required by law.<br>

Except as described in the MFS Fund's Prospectus, from time to time, certain MFS Funds (the "top tier fund") may own shares of other MFS Funds (the "underlying fund"). If an underlying fund submits a matter to a shareholder vote, the top tier fund will generally vote its shares in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the underlying fund. If there are no other shareholders in the underlying fund, the top tier fund will vote in what MFS believes to be in the top tier fund's best long-term economic interest. If an MFS client has the right to vote on a matter submitted to shareholders by a pooled investment vehicle advised by MFS (excluding those vehicles for which MFS' role is primarily portfolio management and is overseen by another investment adviser), MFS will cast a vote on behalf of such MFS client in the same proportion as the other shareholders of the pooled investment vehicle. <br>

**3. Review of Policy**<br>

The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are available on [www.mfs.com](DUMMY_2730_8_1) and may be accessed by both MFS' clients and the companies in which MFS' clients invest. The MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are reviewed by the Proxy Voting Committee annually. From time to time, MFS may receive comments on the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures from its clients. These comments are carefully considered by MFS when it reviews these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures and revises them as appropriate, in MFS' sole judgment.<br>

**C. OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS & USE OF PROXY ADVISORY FIRMS**

**1. Use of Proxy Advisory Firms**<br>

MFS, on behalf of itself and certain of its clients (including the MFS Funds) has entered into an agreement with an independent proxy administration firm pursuant to which the proxy administration firm performs various proxy vote related administrative services such as vote processing and recordkeeping functions. Except as noted below, the proxy administration firm for MFS and its clients, including the MFS Funds, is ISS. The proxy administration firm for MFS Development Funds, LLC is Glass, Lewis & Co., Inc. ("Glass Lewis"; Glass Lewis and ISS are each hereinafter referred to as the "Proxy Administrator").<br>

The Proxy Administrator receives proxy statements and proxy ballots directly or indirectly from various custodians, logs these materials into its database and matches upcoming meetings with MFS Fund and client portfolio holdings, which are inputted into the Proxy Administrator's system by an MFS holdings data-feed. The Proxy Administrator then reconciles a list of all MFS accounts that hold shares of a company's stock and the number of shares held on the record date by these accounts with the Proxy Administrator's list of any upcoming shareholder's meeting of that company. If a proxy ballot has not been received, the Proxy Administrator and/or MFS may contact the client's custodian requesting the reason as to why a ballot has not been received. Through the use of the Proxy Administrator system, ballots and proxy material summaries for all upcoming shareholders' meetings are available on-line to certain MFS employees and members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee.<br>

MFS also receives research reports and vote recommendations from proxy advisory firms. These reports are only one input among many in our voting analysis, which includes other sources of information such as proxy materials, company engagement discussions, other third-party research and data. MFS has due diligence procedures in place to help ensure that the research we receive from our proxy advisory firms is materially accurate and that we address any material conflicts of interest involving these proxy advisory firms. This due diligence includes an analysis of the adequacy and quality of the advisory firm staff, its conflict of interest policies and procedures and independent audit reports. We also review the proxy policies, <br>

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methodologies and peer-group-composition methodology of our proxy advisory firms at least annually. Additionally, we also receive reports from our proxy advisory firms regarding any violations or changes to conflict of interest procedures.

**2. Analyzing and Voting Proxies**<br>

Proxies are voted in accordance with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Proxy Administrator, at the prior direction of MFS, automatically votes all proxy matters that do not require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment with respect to these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures as determined by MFS. In these circumstances, if the Proxy Administrator, based on MFS' prior direction, expects to vote against management with respect to a proxy matter and MFS becomes aware that the issuer has filed or will file additional soliciting materials sufficiently in advance of the deadline for casting a vote at the meeting, MFS will consider such information when casting its vote. With respect to proxy matters that require the particular exercise of discretion or judgment, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives considers and votes on those proxy matters. In analyzing all proxy matters, MFS uses a variety of materials and information, including, but not limited to, the issuer's proxy statement and other proxy solicitation materials (including supplemental materials), our own internal research and research and recommendations provided by other third parties (including research of the Proxy Administrator). As described herein, MFS may also determine that it is beneficial in analyzing a proxy voting matter for members of the Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives to engage with the company on such matter. MFS also uses its own internal research, the research of Proxy Administrators and/or other third party research tools and vendors to identify (i) circumstances in which a board may have approved an executive compensation plan that is excessive or poorly aligned with the portfolio company's business or its shareholders, (ii) environmental, social and governance proposals that warrant further consideration, or (iii) circumstances in which a company is not in compliance with local governance or compensation best practices. Representatives of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee review, as appropriate, votes cast to ensure conformity with these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.<br>

For certain types of votes (e.g., mergers and acquisitions, proxy contests and capitalization matters), MFS' Stewardship Team will seek a recommendation from the MFS investment analyst that is responsible for analyzing the company and/or portfolio managers that holds the security in their portfolio. For certain other votes that require a case-by-case analysis per these policies (e.g., potentially excessive executive compensation issues, or certain shareholder proposals), the Stewardship Team will likewise consult with MFS investment analysts and/or portfolio managers. However, the MFS Proxy Voting Committee will ultimately be responsible for the manner in which all ballots are voted.<br>

As noted above, MFS reserves the right to override the guidelines when such an override is, in MFS' best judgment, consistent with the overall principle of voting proxies in the best long-term economic interests of MFS' clients. Any such override of the guidelines shall be analyzed, documented and reported in accordance with the procedures set forth in these policies.<br>

In accordance with its contract with MFS, the Proxy Administrator also generates a variety of reports for the MFS Proxy Voting Committee and makes available on-line various other types of information so that the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or its representatives may review and monitor the votes cast by the Proxy Administrator on behalf of MFS' clients.<br>

For those markets that utilize a "record date" to determine which shareholders are eligible to vote, MFS generally will vote all eligible shares pursuant to these guidelines regardless of whether all (or a portion of) the shares held by our clients have been sold prior to the meeting date.<br>

**3. Securities Lending**<br>

From time to time, certain MFS Funds may participate in a securities lending program. In the event MFS or its agent receives timely notice of a shareholder meeting for a U.S. security, MFS and its agent will attempt to recall any securities on loan before the meeting's record date so that MFS will be entitled to vote these shares. However, there may be instances in which MFS is unable to timely recall securities on loan for a U.S. security, in which cases MFS will not be able to vote these shares. MFS will report to the appropriate board of the MFS Funds those instances in which MFS is not able to timely recall the loaned securities. MFS generally does not recall non-U.S. securities on loan because there may be insufficient advance notice of proxy materials, record dates, or vote cut-off dates to allow MFS to timely recall the shares in certain markets on an automated basis. As a result, non-U.S. securities that are on loan will not generally be voted. If MFS receives timely notice of what MFS determines to be an unusual, significant vote for a non-U.S. security whereas MFS shares are on loan and determines that voting is in the best long-term economic interest of shareholders, then MFS will attempt to timely recall the loaned shares.<br>

**4. Potential impediments to voting**<br>

In accordance with local law or business practices, some companies or custodians prevent the sale of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting ("share blocking"). Depending on the country in which a company is domiciled, the blocking period may begin a stated number of days prior or subsequent to the meeting (e.g., one, three or five days) or on a date established by the company. While practices vary, in many countries the block period can be continued for a longer period if the shareholder meeting is adjourned and postponed to a later date. Similarly, practices vary widely as to the ability of a shareholder to have the "block" restriction lifted early (e.g., in some countries shares generally can be "unblocked" up to two days prior to the meeting whereas in other countries the removal of the block appears to be discretionary with the issuer's transfer agent). Due to these restrictions, MFS must balance the benefits to its clients of voting proxies against the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of a reduced flexibility to sell the underlying shares at the most advantageous time. For companies in countries with share blocking periods or in markets where some custodians may block shares, the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock regardless of changing conditions generally outweighs the advantages of voting at the shareholder meeting for routine items. Accordingly, MFS will not vote those proxies in the absence of an unusual, significant vote that outweighs the disadvantage of being unable to sell the stock.<br>

From time to time, governments may impose economic sanctions which may prohibit us from transacting business with certain companies or individuals. These sanctions may also prohibit the voting of proxies at certain companies or on certain individuals. In such instances, MFS will not vote at certain companies or on certain individuals if it determines that doing so is in violation of the sanctions.<br>

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In limited circumstances, other market specific impediments to voting shares may limit our ability to cast votes, including, but not limited to, late delivery of proxy materials, untimely vote cut-off dates, power of attorney and share re-registration requirements, or any other unusual voting requirements. In these limited instances, MFS votes securities on a best-efforts basis in the context of the guidelines described above.<br>

**D. ENGAGEMENT**

As part of its approach to stewardship MFS engages with companies in which it invests on a range of priority issues. Where sufficient progress has not been made on a particular issue of engagement, MFS may determine a vote against management may be warranted to reflect our concerns and influence for change in the best long-term economic interests of our clients.

MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial to engage in a dialogue or written communication with a company or other shareholders specifically regarding certain matters on the company's proxy statement that are of concern to shareholders, including environmental, social and governance matters. This may be to discuss and build our understanding of a certain proposal, or to provide further context to the company on our vote decision.

A company or shareholder may also seek to engage with members of the MFS Proxy Voting Committee or Stewardship Team in advance of the company's formal proxy solicitation to review issues more generally or gauge support for certain contemplated proposals. For further information on requesting engagement with MFS on proxy voting issues or information about MFS' engagement priorities, please contact proxyteam@mfs.com.

**E. RECORDS RETENTION**

MFS will retain copies of these MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures in effect from time to time and will retain all proxy voting reports submitted to the Board of Trustees of the MFS Funds for the period required by applicable law. All proxy voting materials and supporting documentation, including records generated by the Proxy Administrator's system as to proxies processed, including the dates when proxy ballots were received and submitted, and the votes on each company's proxy issues, are retained as required by applicable law.

**F. REPORTS**

<u>**<u>U.S. Registered MFS Funds</u>**</u> <br>

MFS publicly discloses the proxy voting records of the U.S. registered MFS Funds on a quarterly basis. MFS will also report the results of its voting to the Board of Trustees of the U.S. registered MFS Funds. Based on these reviews, the Trustees of the U.S. registered MFS Funds will consider possible modifications to these policies to the extent necessary or advisable.<br>

<u>**<u>Other MFS Clients</u>**</u> <br>

MFS may publicly disclose the proxy voting records of certain other clients (including certain MFS Funds) or the votes it casts with respect to certain matters as required by law. A report can also be printed by MFS for each client who has requested that MFS furnish a record of votes cast. The report specifies the proxy issues which have been voted for the client during the year and the position taken with respect to each issue and, upon request, may identify situations where MFS did not vote in accordance with the MFS Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.<br>

<u>**<u>Firm-wide Voting Records</u>**</u> <br>

MFS also publicly discloses its firm-wide proxy voting records on a quarterly basis.

Except as described above, MFS generally will not divulge actual voting practices to any party other than the client or its representatives because we consider that information to be confidential and proprietary to the client. However, as noted above, MFS may determine that it is appropriate and beneficial to engage in a dialogue with a company regarding certain matters. <br>

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**WESTWOOD MANAGEMENT CORP.**

**PROXY VOTING**

**POLICIES & PROCEDURES**

**PROXY VOTING**

**Policy**

Westwood, as a matter of policy and as a fiduciary to our clients, has a responsibility for voting proxies for portfolio securities in a manner that is consistent with the best economic interests of the clients. Our Firm maintains written policies and procedures as to the handling, research, voting and reporting of proxy voting and makes appropriate disclosures about our Firm's proxy policies and practices. Our policy and practice includes the responsibility to monitor corporate actions, receive and vote client proxies and disclose any potential conflicts of interest. In addition, our policy and practice is to make information available to clients about the voting of proxies for their portfolio securities and to maintain relevant and required records.

**Firm Specific Policy**

Westwood has engaged Broadridge for assistance with the proxy voting process for our clients. Broadridge is a leading provider of full-service proxy voting services to the global financial industry. Westwood has also engaged Glass Lewis for assistance with proxy research and analysis. Glass Lewis provides complete analysis and voting recommendations on all proposals and is designed to assist investors in mitigating risk and improving long-term value. In most cases, Westwood agrees with Glass Lewis's recommendations; however, ballots are reviewed bimonthly by our analysts, and we may choose to vote differently than Glass Lewis if we believe it to be in the client's best interest. In addition, Westwood will implement "echo voting" (voting pro rata with all other shareholders) for investment company clients relying on Investment Company Act §12(d)(1)(F) and Rule 12d1-3 in order to allow certain purchases of other investment companies in excess of limits that would otherwise apply.

**Responsibility**

Westwood's Operations Team has the responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of our proxy voting policy, practices, disclosures and record keeping, including outlining our voting guidelines in our procedures.

**Background**

Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders, and reasonable care and diligence must be taken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised. SCV-030725-SAI Investment advisers who are registered with the SEC, and who exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an adviser's interests and those of its clients, (b) disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of proxies for their securities, (c) describe a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, to furnish a copy to its clients, and (d) to maintain certain records relating to the adviser's proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority.

**Procedure** 

Westwood has adopted the following procedures to implement the Firm's proxy voting policy, in addition to adopting the Glass Lewis Proxy Voting Guidelines (general guidelines attached as Exhibit H, guidelines specific to Taft-Hartley are attached as Exhibit J). Westwood conducts reviews to monitor and ensure the Firm's policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate.

**Proxy Voting Records**

With respect to proxy record keeping, the Operations Team maintains complete files for all clients. These files include a listing of all proxy materials sent on behalf of our clients along with individual copies of each response. Client access to these files can be arranged upon request. A voting summary will be furnished upon request.

**Voting Procedures**

a. All employees forward proxy materials received on behalf of clients to Broadridge. Westwood has engaged Broadridge for assistance with the proxy voting process for our clients and Glass Lewis provides voting recommendations; Broadridge has access to holders' records and determines which client accounts hold the security to which the proxy relates;

Absent material conflicts, Broadridge, with the vote recommendations from Glass Lewis, determines how Westwood should vote the proxy in accordance with applicable voting guidelines;

Westwood's analysts review the Glass Lewis proxy voting recommendations on a bi-monthly basis. The analysts may choose to vote differently than Glass Lewis if they believe it is in the best interest of the client or where a different vote is warranted in light of the respective investment strategy;

If Westwood chooses to vote differently than Glass Lewis, then Westwood overwrites the Glass Lewis recommendation on the ProxyEdge platform. If Westwood agrees with the Glass Lewis recommendations, no action is necessary; and, Broadridge completes the proxy in a timely and appropriate manner.

For certain investment companies managed by Westwood and approved by the CCO (each a "Westwood 12d1F Fund"), Westwood will implement echo voting for shares of other investment companies (each an "Acquired Fund") held by a Westwood 12d1F Fund. The Data Management Team will override any Glass Lewis proxy voting recommendations with respect to shares of an Acquired Funds held by a Westwood 12d1F Fund, and will instead, vote all such Acquired Fund shares pro rata with all other shareholders of each respective Acquired Fund. The Data Management Team will record any votes made with echo voting as overrides to the Glass Lewis recommendations.

**Disclosure**

a. Westwood provides required disclosures in Form ADV Part 2A, which summarizes these proxy voting policies and procedures and includes information whereby clients may request information regarding how Westwood voted the client's proxies;

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

b. Westwood's disclosure summary includes a description of how clients may obtain a copy of the Firm's proxy voting policies and procedures. Westwood's proxy voting practice is disclosed in the Firm's advisory agreements.

**Client Requests for Information**

All client requests for information regarding proxy votes, or regarding policies and procedures that are received by any supervised person should be forwarded to the Operations Team; and

In response to any request, the Data Management Team prepares a written response with the information requested, and as applicable, includes the name of the issuer, the proposal voted upon, and how Westwood voted the client's proxy with respect to each proposal about which the client inquired.

**Voting Guidelines** 

Westwood has engaged Broadridge and Glass Lewis for assistance with the proxy voting process for our clients; The Glass Lewis Proxy Voting Guidelines are attached as Exhibit H (general) and Exhibit J (Taft Hartley); and Westwood analysts review the Glass Lewis proxy voting recommendations using the following guidelines: In the absence of specific voting guidelines from the client, Westwood votes proxies in the best interests of each client; Westwood's policy is to vote all proxies from a specific issuer the same way for each client absent qualifying restrictions or other mandates from a client;

■ Clients are permitted to place reasonable restrictions and mandates on Westwood's voting authority in the same manner that they may place such restrictions on the actual selection of account securities;

■ Westwood generally votes in favor of routine corporate housekeeping proposals such as the election of directors and selection of auditors absent conflicts of interest raised by an auditor's non-audit services;

■ Westwood generally votes against proposals that cause board members to become entrenched or cause unequal voting rights; and

■ In reviewing proposals, Westwood further considers the opinion of management, the effect on management, and the effect on shareholder value and the issuer's business practices.

**Conflicts of Interest**

■ Westwood attempts to identify any conflicts that exist between the interests of the Firm and the client by (i) reviewing the relationship of Westwood with the issuer of each security, and (ii) determining if Westwood or any of its supervised persons has any financial, business or personal relationship with the issuer;

■ If a material conflict of interest exists, Westwood will determine whether it is appropriate to disclose the conflict to the affected clients, to give the clients an opportunity to vote the proxies themselves, or to address the voting issue through other objective means, such as voting in a manner consistent with a predetermined voting policy or receiving an independent third-party voting recommendation; and

■ Westwood will maintain a record of the voting resolution of any conflict of interest.

**Recordkeeping**

The Operations Team retains the following proxy records in accordance with the SEC's fiveyear retention requirement:

■ These policies and procedures and any amendments;

■ Each proxy statement that Westwood receives;

■ A record of each vote that Westwood casts;

■ Any document Westwood created that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies, or that memorializes that decision, including periodic reports to the Data Management Team or proxy committee, if applicable;

■ A copy of each written request from a client for information on how Westwood voted such client's proxies and a copy of any written response;

■ Copies of materials used in conduct due diligence on proxy voting service providers; and

■ Records documenting audits and other periodic reviews of proxy voting recommendations.

**Proxy Voting Vendor Oversight** 

Westwood conducts initial and ongoing oversight of proxy voting vendors with participation by the Client Service, Compliance, Operations, and Investment teams. In addition to conducting initial due diligence, Westwood monitors and reviews all third- party proxy services to evaluate any conflicts of interest, consistency of voting with guidelines, fees and disclosures, and technical and operational capabilities, among other things. At least annually, Westwood audits on a sampling basis the recommendations received from Glass Lewis to assess the consistency of its recommendations with Glass Lewis' published guidelines.

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**APPENDIX C**

**Ratings Definitions**

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.

<u>Ratings of Long-Term Obligations and Preferred Stocks</u> — A 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, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk 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 be speculative 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 speculative, of poor standing and 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 and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. Moody's 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. By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

The four highest S&P Global ratings for long-term obligations are AAA, AA, A and BBB. An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global and indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 commitments 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 weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

S&P Global ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, and C 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 exposure 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 that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 commitments 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 S&P Global 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 with 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 S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 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. A rating on an obligation is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring. An SD (selective default) rating is assigned when S&P Global believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations, but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the 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 credit risk. They are assigned only in cases 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 credit 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 credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. Obligations rated BBB are deemed to be of good credit

**C-1** 

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quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

Fitch's ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, RD and D are considered below investment grade or speculative grade. Obligations rated BB are deemed to be speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Obligations rated B are deemed to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, the capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. CCC ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present. CC ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk. C indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk Obligations rated C indicate a default or default-like process had begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Ratings in the categories of 'CCC', 'CC', and 'C' can also relate to obligations or issuers that are in default. In this case, the rating does not opine on default risk but reflects the recovery expectation only. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; or (c) a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent. Obligations rated RD indicate an issuer that, in Fitch Ratings' opinion, has experienced an uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; or (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation. Obligations rated D indicate an issuer that, in Fitch Ratings' opinion, has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business and debt is still outstanding. Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange. In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice. The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below CCC.

<u>Ratings of Municipal Obligations</u> — Moody's ratings for short-term investment-grade municipal obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG or VMIG in the case of variable rate demand obligations) and are divided into three levels — MIG/VMIG 1, MIG/VMIG 2, and MIG/VMIG 3. For the MIG scale, the MIG 1 designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. The MIG 2 designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. The MIG 3 designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. An SG designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection. For the VMIG scale, the VMIG 1 designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections. The VMIG 2 designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections. The VMIG 3 designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections. An SG designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have a sufficiently strong short-term rating or may lack the structural or legal protections.

S&P Global uses SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and D to rate short-term municipal obligations. A rating of SP-1 denotes a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. A rating of SP-2 denotes a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. A rating of SP-3 denotes a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. A rating of D is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or 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.

<u>Ratings of Short-Term Obligations</u> — Moody's short-term ratings, designated as P-1, P-2, P-3, or NP, are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations that generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The rating P-1 (Prime-1) is the highest short-term rating assigned by Moody's and it denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a superior ability to repay short-term obligations. The rating P-2 (Prime-2) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a strong ability to repay short-term obligations. The rating P-3 (Prime-3) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. The rating NP (Not Prime) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that does not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

S&P Global short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that typically means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days. A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P Global and indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely strong. A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory. A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments;

**C-2**

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however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. A short-term 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 S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a 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 debt restructuring. An SD rating is assigned when S&P Global believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations, but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner.

Fitch Rating's Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short term" based on market convention (a long-term rating can also be used to rate an issue with short maturity). Typically, this means a timeframe of up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. A rating of F1 denotes an obligation of the highest short-term credit quality. It indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments and may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. A rating of F2 denotes good short-term credit quality. It indicates a good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. A rating of F3 denotes fair short-term credit quality. It indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. A rating of B denotes an obligation that is of speculative short-term credit quality, indicating minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments as well as heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. A rating of C denotes a high short-term default risk, and indicates that default is a real possibility. A rating of RD indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. RD is typically applicable to entity ratings only. A rating of D indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

**C-3** 

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**APPENDIX D**

**GLOSSARY**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ADRs** | American Depositary Receipts |
| **Advisers Act** | Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. |
| **American Beacon or the Manager** | American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
| **BDCs** | Business Development Companies |
| **Beacon Funds** | American Beacon Funds |
| **Board** | Board of Trustees |
| **CCO** | Chief Compliance Officer |
| **CD** | Certificate of Deposit |
| **CDSC** | Contingent Deferred Sales Charge |
| **CFTC** | Commodity Futures Trading Commission |
| **Denial of Services** | A cybersecurity incident that results in customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems. |
| **Dividends** | A Fund's distributions from net investment income. |
| **Dodd-Frank Act** | Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act |
| **DRD** | Dividends-received deduction. |
| **EMU** | The European Union's Economic and Monetary Union |
| **ETF** | Exchange-Traded Fund |
| **EU** | European Union |
| **Fannie Mae** | Federal National Mortgage Association |
| **FHFA** | Federal Housing Finance Agency |
| **FHLMC** | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation |
| **FINRA** | Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. |
| **Floaters** | Floating rate debt instruments |
| **FNMA** | Federal National Mortgage Association |
| **Forwards** | Forward Currency Contracts |
| **Freddie Mac** | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation |
| **GDR** | Global Depositary Receipt |
| **Ginnie Mae** | Government National Mortgage Association |
| **GNMA** | Government National Mortgage Association |
| **Holdings Policy** | Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings |
| **Internal Revenue Code** | Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
| **Investment Company Act** | Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
| **IPO** | Initial Public Offering |
| **IRA** | Individual Retirement Account |
| **IRS** | Internal Revenue Service |
| **ISS** | Institutional Shareholder Services |
| **LLC** | Limited Liability Company |
| **LOI** | Letter of Intent |
| **Management Agreement** | The Fund's Management Agreement with the Manager. |
| **Manager** | American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
| **MLP** | Master Limited Partnership |
| **Moody's** | Moody's Investors Service, Inc. |
| **NAV** | Net asset value |
| **NDF** | Non-deliverable forward contracts |
| **NYSE** | New York Stock Exchange |

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**D-1** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **OTC** | Over-the-Counter |
| **Proxy Policy** | Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures |
| **QDI** | Qualified Dividend Income |
| **REIT** | Real Estate Investment Trust |
| **REMICs** | Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduits |
| **RIC** | Regulated Investment Company |
| **S&P Global** | S&P Global Ratings |
| **SAI** | Statement of Additional Information |
| **SEC** | Securities and Exchange Commission |
| **Securities Act** | Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
| **State Street** | State Street Bank and Trust Co. |
| **STRIPS** | Separately traded registered interest and principal securities |
| **TBA** | To be announced security |
| **Trust** | American Beacon Funds |
| **Trustee Retirement Plan** | Trustee Retirement and Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Plan |
| **UK** | United Kingdom |
| **UMBS** | Uniform mortgage-backed security |
| **Voluntary Action** | When a Fund voluntarily participates in corporate actions (for example, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as the Fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to Fund shareholders. |

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**D-2**

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|:---|
| ![image](sa2716img001.jpg) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; American Beacon  |

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**PROSPECTUS**

March 1, 2026

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** |
|  | **Y** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund  | TOVYX | TOVIX | TIVFX |

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*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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**Table of Contents**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Fund Summary](#ref_chapter_2_2727)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_1_303376_2727)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_1_303376_2727)  |
| [Additional Information About the Fund](#ref_chapter_3_2727)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About Investment Policies and Strategies](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_1_303380_2727)  | [7](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_1_303380_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About the Management of the Fund](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_2_564109_2727)  | [7](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_2_564109_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About Investments](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_3_303381_2727)  | [8](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_3_303381_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About Risks](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_4_303382_2727)  | [9](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_4_303382_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Additional Information About Performance Indices](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_5_303383_2727)  | [14](#ref_chapter_3-sect1_5_303383_2727)  |
| [Fund Management](#ref_chapter_4_2727)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [The Manager](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_1_303385_2727)  | [15](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_1_303385_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [The Sub-Advisor](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_2_303386_2727)  | [15](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_2_303386_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Valuation of Shares](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_3_303387_2727)  | [16](#ref_chapter_4-sect1_3_303387_2727)  |
| [About Your Investment](#ref_chapter_5_2727)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Choosing Your Share Class](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_1_303389_2727)  | [16](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_1_303389_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Purchase and Redemption of Shares](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_2_303390_2727)  | [16](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_2_303390_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [General Policies](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_3_303391_2727)  | [19](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_3_303391_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Frequent Trading and Market Timing](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_4_303392_2727)  | [20](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_4_303392_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Distributions and Taxes](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_5_303393_2727)  | [21](#ref_chapter_5-sect1_5_303393_2727)  |
| [Additional Information](#ref_chapter_6_2727)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Service Plans and Service Fees](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_1_303395_2727)  | [22](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_1_303395_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Portfolio Holdings](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_2_303396_2727)  | [23](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_2_303396_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Delivery of Documents](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_3_303397_2727)  | [23](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_3_303397_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Financial Highlights](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_4_303398_2727)  | [23](#ref_chapter_6-sect1_4_303398_2727)  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; *Back Cover*  |  |
| [Appendix](#ref_chapter_8_2727)  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; [Appendix A: Glossary](#ref_chapter_8-sect1_1_383564_2727)  | [A-1](#ref_chapter_8-sect1_1_383564_2727)  |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| American Beacon<br>IMC International Small Cap Fund<sup>SM</sup>  | ![image](sa2727img002.jpg) |

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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, hold, and sell shares of the Fund. **You may pay other fees, such as brokerage** **commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the tables and examples below**. More information is available from your financial professional and in "Choosing Your Share Class" on page 16 of the Prospectus.

**Shareholder Fees** (fees paid directly from your investment)

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **Y** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |  |  |  |
| Maximum deferred sales charge (as a percentage of the lower of original offering price or redemption proceeds) |  |  |  |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  | **Annual Fund Operating Expenses** (Expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)  |
|  **Share Class**  | **Y** | **R5** | **Investor** |
| Management Fees | 0.75% | 0.75% | 0.75% |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1) Fees | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Other Expenses<sup>1</sup>  | 0.48% | 0.43% | 0.69% |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **1.23%** | **1.18%** | **1.44%** |
| Fee Waiver and/or expense reimbursement<sup>2</sup>  | (0.12%) | (0.28%) | (0.13%) |
| **Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement** | **1.11%** | **0.90%** | **1.31%** |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 1 | Other Expenses for each share class include 0.01% of loan interest and securities lending expenses. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2 | American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the "Manager") has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund's Y Class, R5 Class and Investor Class shares, as applicable, through February 28, 2027 to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed 1.10% for the Y Class, 0.89% for the R5 Class, and 1.30% 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 Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager can be reimbursed by the Fund for any contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements if reimbursement to the Manager (a) occurs within three years from the date of the Manager's waiver/reimbursement and (b) does not cause the 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 the recoupment. |

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**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 and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same, except that the Example reflects the fee waiver/expense reimbursement arrangement for each share class through February 28, 2027. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, whether you redeem or hold your shares, your costs would be:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  **Share Class**  | **1 Year** | **3 Years** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| Y | $113  | $378  | $664  | $1478  |
| R5 | $92  | $347  | $622  | $1407  |
| Investor | $133  | $443  | $775  | $1713  |

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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. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund's portfolio turnover rate was 209% of the average value of its portfolio.

Principal Investment Strategies

Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of small market capitalization companies that are economically tied to countries outside of the United States, including developed and emerging market countries.

The Fund considers a company to be economically tied to a country outside of the United States if the company is included in the MSCI® ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index or is otherwise classified by MSCI as a non-United States company. The Fund may also consider other companies to be economically tied to a country outside of the United States if the sub-advisor determines that:

■ the company's security is primarily listed for trading in a non-United States market;

■ the company is headquartered in a non-United States country; or

■ the company has at least half of its assets or derives at least half of its revenues outside the United States.

The Fund considers small market capitalization companies to have market capitalizations within the market capitalization range of the companies in the MSCI ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index. The market capitalization range of the MSCI ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index was $138.33 million to $13.08 billion as of December 31, 2025. The Fund may also hold smaller companies considered micro-capitalization companies, as well as mid-capitalization companies. The

**Prospectus** – Fund Summary**1**

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Fund invests principally in equity securities, which may include common stocks and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges. The Fund's investments in equity securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, and the Fund may invest directly in foreign currencies.

The investment process of the Fund's sub-advisor is based on bottom-up analysis of companies rather than top-down country or sector allocation. The sub-advisor's process is intended to add long-term value primarily through stock selection. The Fund may have significant exposure to emerging market securities and European companies, and to the Industrials sector. However, as the composition of the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to emerging markets and Europe, and to the Industrials sector, may be lower at a future date, and the Fund's exposure to other countries or regions, or other market sectors, may be higher.

The sub-advisor seeks to generate returns by harnessing the power of the momentum premium, which is the principle that companies that have outperformed in the recent past will continue to outperform for a period of time. The sub-advisor seeks to exploit behavioral biases around change, which cause investors to underreact to new information. The sub-advisor believes these underreactions to new information lead to opportunities to invest in companies with improving or accelerating financial performance that is expected to continue, otherwise known as momentum. The sub-advisor's disciplined "Informed Momentum" approach to investing combines stock selection, tailored risk management, and efficient implementation to seek to harness the momentum premium to generate returns. The stocks of companies held by the Fund may exhibit characteristics of both value stocks and growth stocks during the time they are held by the Fund. The Fund holds approximately 100-150 investments.

The Fund may also invest cash balances in other investment companies, including a government money market fund advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager also receives a management fee. The Fund may seek to earn additional income by lending its securities to certain qualified broker-dealers and institutions.

The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of portfolio securities to achieve its principal investment strategies.

Principal Risks

There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective, 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 current 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 listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a "principal risk" of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

**Currency Risk**

The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time, may be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, of the U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, and may be affected by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. Foreign currencies may also decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund's investments.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk**

Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund, its service providers and third-party fund distribution platforms, including the ability of shareholders to transact in the Fund's shares, and result in financial losses. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder data, or proprietary information, or cause the Fund or its service providers, as well as securities trading venues and their service providers, to suffer data corruption or lose operational functionality. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. 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. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity and operational plans and systems of its service providers, its counterparties or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The issuers of the Fund's investments are likely to be dependent on computers for their operations and require ready access to their data and the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of the Fund's investments, leading to significant loss of value.

**Emerging Markets Risk**

When investing in emerging markets, the risks of investing in foreign securities are heightened. Emerging markets are generally smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the U.S. and other developed markets. There are also risks of: greater political or economic 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 other restrictions on investment; delays and disruptions in securities clearing and settlement procedures; and significant limitations on investor rights and recourse. The governments of emerging market countries may also be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, and such issuers may not be subject to accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping standards and requirements comparable to those to which U.S. companies are subject.

**Equity Investments Risk**

Equity securities represent ownership interests in companies and are subject to investment risk, issuer risk and market risk. In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Fund may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

■ Common Stock Risk. The value of a company's common stock may fall as a result of factors affecting the company, companies in the same industry or sector, or the financial markets overall. Common stock generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company.

■ U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Foreign (non-U.S.) companies that list their stocks on U.S. exchanges may be exempt from certain accounting and corporate governance standards that apply to U.S. companies that list on the same exchange. Performance of these stocks can be impacted by political and financial instability in the home country of a particular foreign company, and delisting of these stocks could impact the Fund's ability to transact in such securities and could significantly impact their liquidity and market price.

**2** **Prospectus** – Fund Summary

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**Foreign Investing Risk**

Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments. Such risks may 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, recordkeeping and financial reporting standards, (5) greater volatility, (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays or failures in transaction payment and settlement in some foreign markets. Additionally, trading in foreign markets generally involves higher transaction costs than trading in U.S. markets. The Fund's investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country, including tariffs, trade disputes and sanctions. Global economic and financial markets have become increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility, terrorism, war and political instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market.

**Geographic Concentration Risk**

From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region, which could increase the risk that economic, market, political, business, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on the Fund's performance. Investing in such a manner could cause the Fund's performance to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diverse funds. A decline in the economies or financial markets of one country or region may adversely affect the economies or financial markets of another.

■ European Securities Risk. The Fund's performance may be affected by political, social and economic conditions in Europe, such as growth of economic output (the gross national product of the countries in the region), the rate of inflation, the rate at which capital is reinvested into European economies, the success of governmental actions to reduce budget deficits, the resource self-sufficiency of European countries, the monetary exchange rates between European countries, and conflict between European countries. The European financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns; rising government debt levels and the possible default on government debt; national unemployment in several European countries; public health crises; political unrest; economic sanctions; inflation; energy crises; and war and military conflict, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A default or debt restructuring by any European country could adversely impact holders of that country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country's creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries. Such a default or debt restructuring could affect exposures to European countries. In addition, issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations, and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These events have affected the exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures and other reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or may have unintended consequences. The Fund makes investments in securities of issuers that are domiciled in member states of the European Union (the "EU"). The economies and markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European countries. One or more countries may abandon the Euro and/or withdraw from the EU. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, could be significant and far-reaching. The United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU could be an indication that one or more other countries may withdraw from the EU and/or abandon the Euro. These events and actions have affected, and may in the future affect, the value and exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the Euro and non-EU member states. The continuing effects on the economies of European countries of the Russia/Ukraine war and Russia's response to sanctions imposed by the U.S., EU, UK and others, are impossible to predict, but have been and could continue to be significant. For example, exports in Eastern Europe have been disrupted for certain key commodities, pushing commodity prices to record highs. Also, both wholesale energy prices and energy prices charged to consumers in Europe have increased significantly.

**Growth Companies Risk**

Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund's investments in growth companies may be more sensitive to company earnings and more volatile than the market in general primarily because their stock prices are based heavily on future expectations. If an assessment of the prospects for a company's growth is incorrect, then the price of the company's stock may fall or not approach the value placed on it. Growth company stocks may also lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock price declines in market downturns.

**High Portfolio Turnover** **Risk**

Portfolio turnover is a measure of the Fund's trading activity over a one-year period. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would indicate that the Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which could increase the Fund's transaction costs, have a negative impact on performance, and generate higher capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a lower portfolio turnover rate.

**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 that 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.

**Market Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund's performance. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Even when certain securities prices have generally increased over time, there have been periods of price decreases during those times, resulting in losses for investors, which are likely to occur again in the future.

Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters, and cybersecurity incidents, have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to general instability in world economies and markets and reduced liquidity in securities, which may negatively affect the value of your investment.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summary**3**

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Policies established by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and economic and political circumstances within the U.S. and abroad, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, recessions, changes in government leadership, a government's inability to agree on a budget, high public debt, the threat or occurrence of a federal government shutdown and threats or the occurrence of a failure to increase the federal government's debt limit, which could result in a default on the government's obligations, may negatively affect investor and consumer confidence and may negatively impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon public and proprietary data and systems. Data or technology malfunctions and inaccuracies may disrupt markets and lead to negative consequences for market participants like the Fund.

■ Recent Market Events Risk. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, during periods of significant volatility, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/ or markets may be changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time. Some countries, including the U.S. , have adopted more protectionist trade policies, including trade tariffs and other trade barriers, which is a trend that appears to be continuing globally. The economies of all nations, including the U.S. , are subject to the risks of slowing global economic growth, protectionist trade policies, inflationary pressures, limits imposed by international trade and security agreements, political or economic dysfunction, poor consumer sentiment, and reduced demand for goods due to fluctuating commodity prices and currency values, and these risks may create significant market volatility in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. These economic risks could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. The U.S. Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have started to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors could stop or reverse such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the various economic and political factors that influence the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Changes in interest rates could lead to an economic slowdown in the U.S. and abroad , significant market volatility and reduced liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and sanctions cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted. Advancements in technology, including advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence, may adversely impact market movements and liquidity. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, which can occur relatively rapidly, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact issuer and market performance. As a consequence, the Fund's holdings and its overall performance could be negatively impacted . Global climate change may affect property and security values. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen . The impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences that may not be foreseen, may negatively impact certain issuers, industries and regions .

**Market Timing Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the nature of the Fund's investments, which requires the Fund, in certain instances, to fair value certain of its investments. 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 net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's shares. 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 ability to execute efficient investment strategies.

**Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities.

**Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of mid-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since 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 sufficient market liquidity, and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Other Investment Companies Risk**

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. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

■ Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that rising interest rates could cause the value of such an investment to decline. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations, or that it may default completely.

**Redemption Risk**

The Fund may experience periods of high levels of redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value. Heavy redemptions could hurt the Fund's performance. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund. In addition, redemption risk is heightened during periods of declining or illiquid markets. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs.

**4** **Prospectus** – Fund Summary

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**Sector Risk**

When the Fund focuses its investments in certain sectors of the economy, its performance could fluctuate more widely than if the Fund were invested more evenly across sectors. Issuers in the same economic sector may be similarly affected by economic or market events, making the Fund more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly. Additionally, individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. As the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

■ Industrials Sector Risk. The Industrials sector includes companies engaged in the construction, engineering, machinery, energy services, transportation, professional services, and 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 damage, product and environmental liability claims, changes in commodity prices and exchange rates, changes in the supply and demand for their products and services, and for industrials sector products generally, and product obsolescence, among other factors.

**Securities Lending Risk**

To the extent the Fund lends its securities, it may be subject to the following risks: (i) the securities in which the Fund reinvests cash collateral may decrease in value, causing the Fund to incur a loss, or may not perform sufficiently to cover the Fund's payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan; (ii) non-cash collateral may decline in value, resulting in the Fund becoming under-secured; (iii) delays may occur in the recovery of loaned securities from borrowers, which could result in the Fund being unable to vote proxies or settle transactions or cause the Fund to incur increased costs; and (iv) if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral.

**Securities Selection Risk**

Securities selected for the Fund may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to its performance index(es), or other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.

**Small-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger-capitalization and more established companies. Since small-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 sufficient market liquidity and they can be particularly sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Valuation Risk**

Certain of the Fund's assets may be valued 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 may become illiquid, or securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. The valuation of the Fund's 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**

Value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. Although value stocks tend to be inexpensive relative to their earnings, they can continue to be inexpensive for long periods of time. 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 changes in the Fund's performance over time. The bar chart shows how the Fund's performance has varied from year to year. The table shows how the Fund's average annual total returns compare to a broad-based securities market index, as well as an additional market index with characteristics that are similar to those of the Fund, for the periods indicated. Effective January 21, 2023, a new sub-advisor began managing the Fund and the Fund implemented a policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of small market capitalization companies that are economically tied to countries outside of the United States, including developed and emerging market countries. Performance through January 20, 2023 reflects the Fund's performance under the management and strategy of its prior sub-advisor.

Each of the Fund's share classes commenced operations on January 22, 2019. The Fund acquired the assets and liabilities of The Tocqueville International Value Fund, a series of The Tocqueville Trust, in a reorganization that closed upon the close of business on January 18, 2019. In connection with that reorganization, the Investor Class shares of the Fund have adopted the performance history and financial statements of the Fund's predecessor. In the bar chart and table below, the performance of the Fund's Investor Class shares for periods prior to January 22, 2019 reflects the returns of the shares of the Fund's predecessor. In the table below, the performance of the Y Class and R5 Class shares for periods prior to January 22, 2019 reflects the returns of the shares of the Fund's predecessor. The Y Class and R5 Class shares would have had similar annual returns to the shares of the Fund's predecessor because the shares of each class represent investments in the same portfolio securities. However, the shares of the Fund's predecessor had different expenses than the Y Class and R5 Class shares, which would affect performance. To the extent that the Fund's predecessor had lower expenses than a newer share class, the performance of the Fund's predecessor would likely have been higher than the newer share class would have realized during the same period. The Y Class and R5 Class performance shown in the table below has not been adjusted for differences in operating expenses between those share classes and the shares of the predecessor fund. 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.

**Prospectus** – Fund Summary**5**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  | **Calendar year total returns for Investor Class Shares.** Year Ended 12/31  |
| ![image](sa2727img003.jpg)<br>| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Highest Quarterly Return:**<br>**24.60%** 2nd Quarter 2025<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025<br> **Lowest Quarterly Return:**<br>**-23.42%** 1st Quarter 2020<br>01/01/2016 through 12/31/2025 |

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**Average annual total returns** for periods ended December 31, 2025

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Investor Class** | **08/01/1994**  |  |  |  |
| Returns Before Taxes |  | 36.03% | 6.81% | 6.76% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions |  | 32.94% | 5.45% | 6.02% |
| Returns After Taxes on Distributions and Sales of Fund Shares |  | 22.74% | 5.03% | 5.36% |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Inception Date** **of Class** | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Share Class** (Before Taxes) |  |  |  |  |
| Y | 01/18/2019  | 36.30% | 7.03% | 6.91% |
| R5 | 01/18/2019  | 36.62% | 7.26% | 7.05% |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **1 Year** | **5 Years** | **10 Years** |
| **Index** (Reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes, other than withholding taxes, as noted) |  |  |  |
| MSCI<sup>®</sup> EAFE Index (Net)\* | 31.22% | 8.92% | 8.18% |
| MSCI<sup>®</sup> ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index (Net)\* | 29.26% | 6.91% | 8.13% |

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\* Reflects the reinvestment of dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using a tax rate applicable to non-resident individuals who do not benefit from double taxation treaties.

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 of the Fund; 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 Global IMC LLC (formerly known as EAM Global Investors LLC).

.

Portfolio Managers

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Global IMC LLC | **Travis Prentice**<br>Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2024<br> **Joshua Moss**<br>Managing Director and Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2023 | **John Scripp**<br>Managing Director and Portfolio Manager<br>Since 2023 |

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Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares

You may buy or sell shares of the Fund through a retirement plan, an investment professional, a broker-dealer, or other financial intermediary. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open, at the Fund's net asset value ("NAV") per share next calculated after your order is received in proper form, subject to any applicable sales charge. The Manager may, in its sole discretion, allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund. For more information regarding eligibility to invest directly please see "About Your Investment - Purchase and Redemption of Shares." Direct mutual fund account shareholders may buy subsequent shares or sell shares in various ways:

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|:---|:---|:---|
| **Internet** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** | **www.americanbeaconfunds.com** |
| **Phone** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** | **To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1**<br> **Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class only)** |
| **Mail** | **American Beacon Funds**<br> **P.O. Box 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64121-9643** | **Overnight Delivery:**<br> **American Beacon Funds**<br> **801 Pennsylvania Ave**<br> **Suite 219643**<br> **Kansas City, MO 64105-1307** |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |

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Tax Information

Dividends, capital gains distributions, and other distributions, if any, that you receive as a result of your investment in 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 individual retirement account ("IRA") or a 401(k) plan (in which case you may be taxed later, upon the withdrawal of your investment from such account or plan).

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, Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., 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 professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your individual financial professional or visit your financial intermediary's website for more information.

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, its principal risks, and performance index(es). However, this Prospectus does not describe all of the Fund's investment practices. **Capitalized terms that are not otherwise** **defined are defined in Appendix A**. For additional information, please see the Fund's 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 American Beacon IMC International Small Cap 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 without the approval of Fund shareholders.

**80% Investment Policy**

The Fund has a non-fundamental policy to invest under normal circumstances at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of small market capitalization companies that are economically tied to countries outside of the United States, including developed and emerging market countries.

If the Fund changes its 80% investment policy, a notice will be sent to shareholders at least 60 days in advance of the change and this prospectus will be supplemented.

**Temporary Defensive Policy**

The Fund may depart from its principal investment strategy by taking temporary defensive or interim positions in response to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. During these times, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective(s).

Additional Information About the Management of the Fund

The Fund has retained American Beacon Advisors, Inc. to serve as its Manager. The Manager may allocate the assets of the Fund among different sub-advisors. 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 objective, 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, Global IMC LLC ("Global IMC"). Global IMC 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.

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In the future, the Manager may allocate the Fund's assets to a different sub-advisor, and/or to one or more additional sub-advisors. The Fund operates in a manager-of-managers structure. The Fund and the Manager have received an exemptive order from the SEC that permits the Fund, subject to certain conditions and approval by the Board, to hire and replace sub-advisors, and materially amend agreements with sub-advisors, that are unaffiliated with the Manager without approval of the shareholders. In the future, the Fund and the Manager may rely on an SEC staff no-action letter, dated July 9, 2019, that would permit the Fund to expand its exemptive relief to hire and replace sub-advisors that are affiliated and unaffiliated with the Manager without shareholder approval, subject to approval by the Board and other conditions. The Manager has ultimate responsibility, subject to oversight by the Board, to oversee sub-advisors and recommend their hiring, termination and replacement. The SEC order also exempts the Fund from disclosing the advisory fees paid by the Fund to individual sub-advisors in a multi-manager fund in various documents filed with the SEC and provided to shareholders. In the future, the Fund may rely on the SEC staff no-action letter to expand its exemptive relief to individual sub-advisors that are affiliated with the Manager. Under that no-action letter, the fees payable to sub-advisors unaffiliated with or partially-owned by the Manager or its parent company would be aggregated, and fees payable to sub-advisors that are wholly-owned by the Manager or its parent company, if any, would be aggregated with fees payable to the Manager. 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 of the Fund's principal investment strategies as well as information regarding the Fund's strategy with respect to investment of cash balances.

**Cash Management**

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 may utilize the following investments:

■ Government Money Market Funds. The Fund may invest cash balances in government money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act, including a government money market fund advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager also receives a management fee. If the Fund invests in government 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 government money market funds in which the Fund invests, such as advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable government 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 government money market funds and the portfolio investments of such government money market funds, including the risk that a government money market fund's yield will be lower than the return that the Fund would have received from other investments that provide liquidity. Investments in government money market funds are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other government agency.

**Currencies**

The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies by using various instruments. 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 to shift exposure to foreign currency fluctuations from one country to another. In order to convert U.S. dollars into the currency needed to buy a foreign security, or to convert foreign currency received from the sale of a foreign security into U.S. dollars, the Fund may enter into spot currency trades. In a spot trade, the Fund agrees to exchange one currency for another at the current exchange rate. Spot trades allow for prompt delivery and settlement at the rate prevailing in the currency exchange market. Spot trades may increase or decrease the Fund's exposure to currency risks. The instruments in which the Fund may invest that provide exposure to foreign currencies include the following:

■ Foreign Currencies

■ Foreign Currency-Denominated Securities

**Equity Investments**

The Fund's equity investments may include:

■ Common Stock. Common stock generally takes the form of shares in a corporation which represent an equity or ownership interest. Holders of common stock generally have voting rights in the issuer and are entitled to receive common stock dividends when, as and if declared by the company's board of directors. Returns on common stock investments consist of any dividends received plus the amount of appreciation or depreciation in the value of the stock. Common stock normally occupies the most subordinated position in an issuer's capital structure. 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.

■ U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges. Non-U.S. companies may list their common stock on U.S. exchanges subject to meeting the relevant exchange's listing requirements and U.S. regulatory requirements applicable to non-U.S. companies that list their shares in the U.S.

**Other Investment Companies**

The Fund, at times, may invest in shares of other investment companies. The Fund may invest in securities of an investment company advised by the Manager, with respect to which the Manager also receives a management fee. 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, if applicable, are reflected as Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses and are included in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in this Prospectus. Investment in other investment companies may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuer's portfolio securities.

■ Government Money Market Funds. The Fund can invest free cash balances in registered open-end investment companies regulated as government money market funds under the Investment Company Act to provide liquidity or for defensive purposes. The Fund could invest in government money market funds rather than purchasing individual short-term investments. If the Fund invests in government money market funds, shareholders will bear their proportionate share of the expenses, including for example, advisory and administrative fees, of the government money market funds in which the Fund invests, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable government money market funds advised by the Manager. Although a government 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 government money market fund's investments, increases in interest rates and deteriorations in the credit quality of the instruments the government money market fund has purchased may reduce the government money market fund's yield and can cause the price of a government money market security to decrease. In addition, a government money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation.

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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. The principal risks of investing in the Fund listed below are presented in alphabetical order and not in order of importance or potential exposure. Among other matters, this presentation is intended to facilitate your ability to find particular risks and compare them with the risks of other funds. Each risk summarized below is considered a "principal risk" of investing in the Fund, regardless of the order in which it appears.

**Currency Risk**

The Fund may have exposure to foreign currencies. Foreign currencies may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates, may be affected unpredictably by intervention, or the failure to intervene, of the U.S. or foreign governments, central banks, or supranational entities such as the International Monetary Fund, and may be affected by the imposition of currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. As a result, the Fund's exposure to foreign currencies may reduce the returns of the Fund. Foreign currencies may decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar and other currencies and thereby affect the Fund's investments. In addition, changes in currency exchange rates could adversely impact investment gains or add to investment losses.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk**

Operational risks arising from, among other problems, human errors, systems and technology disruptions or failures, or cybersecurity incidents may negatively impact the Fund, its service providers, and third-party fund distribution platforms, including the ability of shareholders to transact in the Fund's shares, and result in financial losses. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, shareholder 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. Cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. A cybersecurity incident could, among other things, result in the loss or theft of shareholder data or funds, shareholders or service providers being unable to access electronic systems (also known as "denial of services"), loss or theft of proprietary information or financial data, the inability to process Fund transactions, 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, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory scrutiny, penalties, fines, reputational damage, additional compliance requirements, and other consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Fund or its shareholders. Market events also may occur at a pace that overloads current information technology and communication systems and processes of the Fund, its service providers or other market participants, such as third-party distribution platforms, which could impact the ability of the Fund to conduct operations or of shareholders to transact the Fund's shares.

The Manager, through its monitoring and oversight of Fund service providers, endeavors to determine that service providers take appropriate precautions to avoid or mitigate risks that could lead to problems discussed above. 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, other 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. Recent geopolitical tensions may increase the scale and sophistication of deliberate attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. The Fund cannot control the cybersecurity plans and systems of its service providers, its counterparties, third-party fund distribution platforms, or the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The issuers of the Fund's investments are likely to be dependent on computers for their operations and require ready access to their data and the internet to conduct their business. Thus, cybersecurity incidents could also affect issuers of the Fund's investments, leading to significant loss of value.

**Emerging Markets Risk**

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, the risks associated with 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 and economic 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 other restrictions on investment; delays and disruptions in securities clearing and settlement procedures; and significant limitations on investor rights and recourse. 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. The governments of emerging market countries may also be more unstable and more likely to impose capital controls, nationalize a company or industry, place restrictions on foreign ownership and on withdrawing sale proceeds of securities from the country, intervene in the financial markets, and/or impose burdensome taxes that could adversely affect security prices. Emerging market countries often have less uniformity in accounting, auditing, financial reporting and recordkeeping requirements and less reliable clearance and settlement, registration, and custodial procedures. In addition, there may be less publicly available or less reliable information about issuers in emerging markets than would be available about issuers in more developed capital markets, which can impede the sub-advisor's ability to accurately evaluate foreign securities. 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 emerging market countries, fraud and corruption may be more prevalent than in developed market countries, and investor protections may be more limited than those in other countries. It may be difficult to obtain or enforce legal judgments against non-U.S. companies and non-U.S. persons in foreign jurisdictions, either through the foreign judicial system or through a private arbitration process. These matters have the potential to impact the Fund's investment objective and performance.

**Equity Investments Risk**

Equity securities represent ownership interests in companies and are subject to investment risk, issuer risk and market risk. In general, the values of stocks and other equity securities fluctuate, and sometimes widely fluctuate, in response to changes in a company's financial condition as well as general market, economic and political conditions and other factors. The Fund may experience a significant or complete loss on its investment in an equity security. In addition, stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increase borrowing costs and the costs of capital. The Fund may invest in the following equity securities, which may expose the Fund to the following additional risks:

■ Common Stock Risk. 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. Common stock

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generally is subordinate to preferred stock upon the liquidation or bankruptcy of the issuing company. In the event of an issuer's bankruptcy, there is substantial risk that there will be nothing left to pay common stockholders after payments, if any, to bondholders and preferred stockholders have been made.<br>

■ U.S. Dollar-Denominated Foreign Stocks Traded on U.S. Exchanges Risk. Foreign (non-U.S.) companies that list their stocks on U.S. exchanges may be exempt from certain accounting and corporate governance standards that apply to U.S. companies that list on the same exchange. Foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges transact and settle in U.S. dollars, but performance of these stocks can be impacted by political and financial instability in the home country of a particular foreign company. To the extent the Fund invests in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign stocks traded on U.S. exchanges, delisting of these stocks could impact the Fund's ability to transact in such securities and could significantly impact their liquidity and market price. In addition, the Fund would have to seek other markets in which to transact in such securities which would also increase the Fund's costs.

**Foreign Investing Risk**

Non-U.S. investments carry potential risks not associated with U.S. investments. Such risks may 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, recordkeeping and financial reporting standards, (5) greater volatility; (6) different government regulation and supervision of foreign banks, stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies, and (7) delays in transaction settlement in some foreign markets. Additionally, trading in foreign markets generally involves higher transaction costs than trading in U.S. markets. There may be very limited oversight of certain foreign banks or securities depositories that hold foreign securities and currency, and the laws of certain countries may limit the ability to recover such assets if a foreign bank, depository, or their agents goes bankrupt. In certain countries, legal remedies available to investors may be more limited than those available with respect to investments in the U.S. and investors may encounter difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations. Additionally, in certain markets, the Fund may not receive timely payment for securities or other instruments it has delivered or receive delivery of securities paid for and may be subject to increased risk that the counterparty will fail to make payments or delivery when due or default completely. 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. The Fund's investment in a foreign issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, economic and other risks associated with that country, including tariffs, trade disputes or the imposition of economic and other sanctions by the U.S. or another country against a particular country, as well as competition from subsidized foreign competitors with lower production costs.

There may be restrictions on the flow of international capital, including the possible seizure or nationalization of the securities issued by non-U.S. issuers held by the Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain of the countries may require advance government notification or authority, and if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments, the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of other restrictions on investment. Global economic and financial markets have become increasingly interconnected and conditions (including recent volatility, terrorism, war and political instability) and events (including natural disasters) in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. In addition, the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (the "HFCAA") could cause securities of a foreign (non-U.S.) company, including ADRs, to be delisted from U.S. stock exchanges if the company does not allow the U.S. government to oversee the auditing of its financial information. Although the requirements of the HFCAA apply to securities of all foreign (non-U.S.) issuers, the SEC has thus far limited its enforcement efforts to securities of Chinese companies.

Securities of issuers traded on foreign exchanges may be suspended, either by the issuers themselves, by an exchange or by governmental authorities. Trading suspensions may be applied from time to time to the securities of individual issuers for reasons specific to that issuer, or may be applied broadly by exchanges or governmental authorities in response to market events. In the event that the Fund holds material positions in such suspended securities, the Fund's ability to liquidate its positions or provide liquidity to investors may be compromised and the Fund could incur significant losses.

**Geographic Concentration Risk**

From time to time, based on market or economic conditions, the Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers located in, or with significant economic ties to, a single country or geographic region, which could increase the risk that economic, political, business, regulatory, diplomatic, social and environmental conditions in that particular country or geographic region may have a significant impact on the Fund's performance. Investing in such a manner could cause the Fund's performance to be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diverse funds. The economies and financial markets of certain countries or regions can be highly interdependent. Therefore, a decline in the economies or financial markets of one country or region may adversely affect the economies or financial markets of another.

■ European Securities Risk. The Fund's performance may be affected by political, social and economic conditions in Europe, such as growth of economic output (the gross national product of the countries in the region), the rate of inflation, the rate at which capital is reinvested into European economies, the success of governmental actions to reduce budget deficits, the resource self-sufficiency of European countries, interest rates in European countries, monetary exchange rates between European countries, and conflict between European countries. Most developed countries in Western Europe are members of the European Union ("EU") and many are also members of the Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU" or "Eurozone"). European countries can be significantly affected by the tight fiscal and monetary controls that the EMU imposes on its members and with which candidates for EMU membership are required to comply. While certain EU countries continue to use their own currency, Eurozone countries use the Euro as their currency. Changes in imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the Euro and the currencies of other EU countries which are not in the Eurozone, the threat of default or actual default by one or more EU member states on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in one or more EU member states may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other EU member states and their trading partners, including non-EU European countries. A breakup of the Eurozone, particularly a disorderly breakup, would pose special challenges for the financial markets and could lead to exchange controls and/or market closures. The economies and markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European countries. The European financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns; rising government debt levels and the possible default on government debt; national unemployment in several European countries; public health crises; political unrest; economic sanctions; inflation; energy crises; the future of the Euro as a common currency; and war and military conflict, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These events have affected the exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures, interest rate rises and other reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or may have unintended consequences. Many European nations are susceptible to economic risks associated with high levels of debt. Non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts, and other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations. A default or debt restructuring by any European country could adversely impact holders of that country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country's creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries. Such a default or debt restructuring could affect exposures to other European countries and their companies as well. In addition, issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations, and financial markets

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have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. Furthermore, certain European countries have had to accept assistance from supranational agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Stability Mechanism or others. There can be no assurance that any creditors or supranational agencies will continue to intervene or provide further assistance, and markets may react adversely to any expected reduction in the financial support provided by these creditors.<br>The United Kingdom has withdrawn from the EU, and one or more other countries may withdraw from the EU and/or abandon the Euro. These events and actions have affected, and may in the future affect, the value and exchange rate of the Euro and may continue to significantly affect the economies of every country in Europe, including countries that do not use the Euro and non-EU member states. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far reaching. <br>The national politics of European countries have been unpredictable and subject to influence by disruptive political groups and ideologies. European governments may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. Russia's war with Ukraine has negatively impacted European economic activity. The effects on the economies of European countries of the Russia/Ukraine war and Russia's response to sanctions imposed by the U.S., the EU, UK and others are impossible to predict but have been and could continue to be significant and have a severe adverse impact on the region, including significant impacts on the regional, European, and global economies and the markets for certain securities and commodities, such as oil and natural gas. For example, exports in Eastern Europe have been disrupted for certain key commodities, pushing certain commodity prices to record highs. Also, both wholesale energy prices and energy prices charged to consumers in Europe have increased significantly. <br>

**Growth Companies Risk**

Growth companies are those that are expected to have the potential for above-average or rapid growth. Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met or decrease, the prices of these stocks may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund's investments in growth companies may be more sensitive to company earnings and more volatile than the market in general primarily because their stock prices are based heavily on future expectations. If an assessment of the prospects for a company's growth is incorrect, then the price of the company's stock may fall or not approach the value placed on it. Growth company stocks may lack the dividend yield that can cushion stock price declines in market downturns. Growth companies may have limited operating histories and greater business risks, and their potential for profitability may be dependent on regulatory approval of their products or regulatory developments affecting certain sectors, which could have an adverse impact upon growth companies' future growth and profitability. 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.

**High Portfolio Turnover Risk**

Portfolio turnover is a measure of the Fund's trading activity over a one-year period. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would indicate that the Fund sold and replaced the entire value of its securities holdings during the period. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading and may have a high portfolio turnover rate, which could increase the Fund's transaction costs because of increased broker commissions resulting from such transactions. These costs are not reflected in the Fund's annual operating expenses or in the expense example, but they can have a negative impact on performance and generate higher capital gain distributions to shareholders than if the Fund had a low portfolio turnover rate. Frequent trading by the Fund could also result in increased realized net capital gains, distributions of which are taxable to the Fund's shareholders when Fund shares are held in a taxable account (including net short-term capital gain distributions, which are taxable to them as ordinary income).

**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 that 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. An individual security may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the market as a whole.

**Market Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk that the securities markets will move down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based on overall economic conditions and other factors, which may negatively affect the Fund's performance. Even when securities markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will increase in value along with the broader market. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed-income securities, although under certain market conditions fixed-income securities may have comparable or greater price volatility. The financial markets generally move in cycles, with periods of rising prices followed by periods of declining prices. The value of your investment may reflect these fluctuations. During a general downturn in the securities markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. 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. 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. Reduced liquidity in fixed-income and credit markets may negatively affect many issuers worldwide. Prices in many financial markets have increased significantly over the last 10-15 years, but there have also been periods of adverse market and financial developments and cyclical change during that timeframe, which have resulted in unusually high levels of volatility in domestic and foreign financial markets that has caused losses for investors and may occur again in the future, particularly if markets enter a period of uncertainty or economic weakness. Periods of unusually high volatility in the financial markets and restrictive credit conditions, sometimes limited to a particular sector or geographic region, continue to recur. The value of a security may decline due to adverse issuer-specific conditions or general market conditions unrelated to a particular issuer, such as real or perceived adverse geopolitical, regulatory, market, economic or other developments that may cause broad changes in market value, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest, currency or inflation rates, lack of liquidity in the markets, public perceptions concerning these developments or adverse market sentiment generally. The value of a security may also decline due to factors that affect a particular industry or industries, such as tariffs, labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Changes in the financial condition of a single issuer or market segment also can impact the market as a whole.

Geopolitical and other events, including war, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, pandemics, public health crises, natural disasters, and cybersecurity incidents, have led, and in the future may continue to lead, to general instability in world economies and markets and reduced liquidity in securities, which may negatively affect the value of your investment. Such market disruptions have caused, and may continue to cause, broad changes in market value, negative public perceptions concerning these developments, a reduction in the willingness and ability of some lenders to extend credit,

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difficulties for some borrowers in obtaining financing on attractive terms, if at all, and adverse investor sentiment or publicity. Changes in value may be temporary or may last for extended periods. Adverse market events may also lead to increased shareholder redemptions, which could cause the Fund to sell investments at an inopportune time to meet redemption requests by shareholders and may increase the Fund's portfolio turnover, which could increase the costs that the Fund incurs and lower the Fund's performance.

Policies established by the U.S. government and/or Federal Reserve and economic and political circumstances within the U.S. and abroad, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, recessions, changes in government leadership, a government's inability to agree on a budget, high public debt, the threat or occurrence of a federal government shutdown and threats or the occurrence of a failure to increase the federal government's debt limit, which could result in a default on the government's obligations, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. The severity or duration of adverse economic conditions may also be affected by policy changes made by governments or quasi-governmental organizations. The imposition by the U.S. of tariffs on goods imported from foreign countries and reciprocal tariffs levied on U.S. goods by those countries also may lead to volatility and instability in domestic and foreign markets.

Markets and market participants are increasingly reliant upon both publicly available and proprietary information data systems. Data imprecision, software or other technology malfunctions, programming inaccuracies, unauthorized use or access, and similar circumstances may impair the performance of these systems and may have an adverse impact upon a single issuer, a group of issuers, or the market at large. In certain cases, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on either specific securities or even the entire market, which may result in the Fund being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments or accurately price its investments.

■ Recent Market Events Risk. Both U.S. and international markets have experienced significant volatility in recent months and years. As a result of such volatility, investment returns may fluctuate significantly. Moreover, during periods of significant volatility, the risks discussed herein associated with an investment in the Fund may be increased. National economies are substantially interconnected, as are global financial markets, which creates the possibility that conditions in one country or region might adversely impact issuers in a different country or region. However, the interconnectedness of economies and/ or markets may be changing, which may impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at this time. Some countries, including the U.S., have adopted more protectionist trade policies, including trade tariffs and other trade barriers, which is a trend that appears to be continuing globally. The economies of all nations, including the U.S., are subject to the risks of slowing global economic growth, protectionist trade policies, inflationary pressures, limits imposed by international trade and security agreements, political or economic dysfunction, poor consumer sentiment, and reduced demand for goods due to fluctuating commodity prices and currency values, and these risks may create significant market volatility in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. These economic risks could have a negative impact on the Fund's investments. The U.S. has imposed or threatened to impose tariffs and other trade barriers on imports of certain categories of goods from Canada, Mexico, and European countries. The U.S. also has imposed or threatened to impose tariffs and other trade barriers on imports of certain categories of goods from China, has restricted sales of certain categories of goods to China, and has established barriers to investments in China. These countries have imposed or threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. If relations between the U.S. and these and other foreign countries do not improve or continue to deteriorate, markets and individual securities may be severely affected both regionally and globally, and the value of the Fund's investments may go down. The U.S. Federal Reserve and certain foreign central banks have started to lower interest rates, though economic or other factors could stop or reverse such changes. It is difficult to accurately predict the various economic and political factors that influence the pace at which interest rates might change, the timing, frequency or magnitude of any such changes in interest rates, or when such changes might stop or again reverse course. Changes in interest rates could lead to an economic slowdown in the U.S. and abroad, significant market volatility and reduced liquidity in certain sectors of the market. Deteriorating economic fundamentals may increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular issuers, negatively impact market value, increase market volatility, cause credit spreads to widen, reduce bank balance sheets and cause unexpected changes in interest rates. Any of these could cause an increase in market volatility, reduce liquidity across various sectors or markets or decrease confidence in the markets. Also, regulators have expressed concern that changes in interest rates may cause investors to sell fixed income securities faster than the market can absorb them, contributing to price volatility. Historical patterns of correlation among asset classes may break down in unanticipated ways during times of high volatility, disrupting investment programs and potentially causing losses. Tensions, war or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in the Middle East or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations, including the United States. The duration of ongoing hostilities and sanctions cannot be predicted. Those events present material uncertainty and risk with respect to markets globally and the performance of the Fund and its investments or operations could be negatively impacted whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries or regions directly affected . Regulators in the U.S. have adopted a number of changes to regulations involving the markets and issuers, some of which apply to the Fund. The full effect of such regulations is not currently known , and certain regulatory changes could limit the Fund's ability to pursue its investment strategies or make certain investments, may make it more costly for the Fund to operate, and adversely impact performance. Additionally, it is possible such regulations could be further revised or rescinded, which creates material uncertainty regarding their impact to the Fund. Further, advancements in technology may also adversely impact market movements and liquidity . For example, the advanced development and increased regulation of artificial intelligence may impact the economy and the performance of the Fund. As artificial intelligence is used more widely, which can occur relatively rapidly, the profitability and growth of certain issuers and industries may be negatively impacted in ways that cannot be foreseen and could adversely impact issuer and market performance. As a consequence, the Fund's holdings and its overall performance could be negatively impacted . High public debt in the U.S. and other countries creates ongoing systemic and market risks and policymaking uncertainty. There is no assurance that the U.S. Congress will act to raise the nation's debt ceiling; a failure to do so could cause market turmoil and substantial investment risks that cannot be fully predicted. Unexpected political, regulatory and diplomatic events within the U.S. and abroad may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy. China's economy, which has been sustained through debt-financed spending on housing and infrastructure, appears to be experiencing a significant slowdown and growing at a lower rate than prior years. While the Chinese government appears to be taking measures to address these issues, due to the size of China's economy, the resolution of these issues could impact a number of other countries. Certain illnesses spread rapidly and have the potential to significantly and adversely affect the global economy. The impact of epidemics and/or pandemics that may arise in the future could negatively affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the global securities and commodities markets, including their liquidity, in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time and could last for an extended period of time. Global climate change potentially may affect property and security values. Impacts from climate change may include significant risks to global financial assets and economic growth. A rise in sea levels, an increase in powerful storms and/or a climate-driven increase in sea levels or flooding could cause coastal properties to lose value or become unmarketable altogether. Certain issuers, industries and regions may be adversely affected by the impacts of climate change in ways that cannot be foreseen, including on the demand for and the development of goods and services and related production costs, and the impacts of legislation, regulation and international accords related to climate change, as well as any indirect consequences of regulation or business trends driven by climate change. Regulatory changes and divestment movements tied to concerns about climate change could adversely affect the value of certain land and the viability of industries whose activities or products are seen as accelerating climate change. Losses related to climate change could

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adversely affect, among others, corporate issuers and mortgage lenders, the value of mortgage-backed securities, the bonds of municipalities that depend on tax or other revenues and tourist dollars generated by affected properties, and insurers of the property and/or of corporate, municipal or mortgage-backed securities.<br>

**Market** **Timing Risk**

The Fund is subject to the risk of market timing activities by investors due to the nature of its investments, which requires the Fund in certain instances to fair value certain of its investments. 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. 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 ability to execute efficient investment strategies. While the Manager monitors trading in the Fund, there is no guarantee that it can detect all market timing activities.

**Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. In addition, some companies may experience significant losses. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices also tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Micro-capitalization companies face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund's portfolio.

**Mid-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investments in mid-capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, 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 may 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 overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Other Investment Companies Risk**

To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other registered investment companies, the Fund will indirectly bear the fees and expenses, including, for example, advisory and administrative fees, charged by those investment companies in addition to the Fund's direct fees and expenses. If the Fund invests in other investment companies, the Fund may receive distributions of taxable gains from portfolio transactions by that investment company and may recognize taxable gains from transactions in shares of that investment company, which could be taxable to the Fund's shareholders when distributed to them. 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 may decline, adversely affecting the Fund's performance. To the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest in equity securities, fixed-income securities and/or foreign securities, or that track an index, the Fund is subject to the risks associated with the underlying investments held by the investment company or the index fluctuations to which the investment company is subject. The Fund will be subject to the risks associated with investments in those companies, including but not limited to the following:

■ Government Money Market Funds Risk. Investments in government money market funds are subject to interest rate risk, credit risk, and market risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that rising interest rates could cause the Fund's investment to lose value. A decline in short-term interest rates or a low interest rate environment would lower a government money market fund's yield and the return on the Fund's investment. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer, guarantor or insurer of an obligation, or the counterparty to a transaction, may fail or become less able or unwilling, to make timely payment of interest or principal or otherwise honor its obligations, or that it may default completely. There is the risk that the issuers or guarantors of securities owned by a government money market fund, including securities issued by U.S. Government agencies, which are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, will default on the payment of principal or interest or the obligation to repurchase securities from the government money market fund. This could cause the government money market fund's NAV to decline below $1.00 per share, which would cause the Fund's investment to lose value.

**Redemption Risk**

The Fund may experience periods of heavy redemptions that could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or a depressed value. Heavy redemptions, whether by a few large investors or many smaller investors, could hurt the Fund's performance. Redemption risk is greater to the extent that one or more investors or intermediaries control a large percentage of investments in the Fund, have short investment horizons, or have unpredictable cash flow needs. The risk of loss is also greater if redemption requests are frequent, occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices for the securities sold, or when the securities the Fund wishes to sell are illiquid. Certain securities that were liquid when purchased may later become illiquid, particularly in times of overall economic distress. Redemption risk is heightened if the Fund invests in emerging market securities, which are generally less liquid than the securities of U.S. and other developed markets. During periods of heavy redemptions, the Fund may borrow funds through the interfund credit facility, or from a bank line of credit, which may increase costs. The sale of assets to meet redemption requests may create net capital gains or losses, which could cause the Fund to have to distribute substantial capital gains.

**Sector Risk**

Sector risk is the risk associated with the Fund holding a significant amount of investments in issuers conducting business in a related group of industries within the same economic sector, which may be similarly affected by particular economic or market events. To the extent the Fund has substantial holdings within a particular sector, the risks to the Fund associated with that sector increase and the Fund may perform poorly during a downturn in one or more of the industries within that sector. In addition, 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. Individual sectors may be more volatile, and may perform differently, than the broader market. The industries that constitute a sector may all react the same way to economic, political or regulatory events. The Fund's performance could also be adversely affected if the sectors do not perform as expected. The lack of exposure to one or more industries within a sector may adversely affect performance. As the Fund's portfolio changes over time, the Fund's exposure to a particular sector may become higher or lower.

■ Industrials Sector Risk. The Industrials sector includes companies engaged in the construction, engineering, machinery, energy services, transportation, professional services, and aerospace and defense industries. Companies in the Industrials sector may be adversely affected by: changes in government regulation; world events; economic conditions; environmental damage; product and environmental liability claims; changes in exchange rates; changes in the supply and demand for their products and services, and for Industrials sector products generally; product obsolescence; and changes or trends in commodity prices, among other factors. Companies in the aerospace and defense industry can be significantly affected by government spending policies because they rely, to a significant extent, on government demand for their products and services. Thus, the financial condition of, and investor interest in, aerospace and defense companies are heavily influenced by governmental defense spending policies, which are typically under pressure from efforts to

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control government budgets. Transportation stocks, a component of the Industrials sector, are cyclical and can be significantly affected by economic changes, fuel prices, labor relations and insurance costs. Transportation companies in certain countries may also be subject to significant government regulation and oversight, which may adversely affect their businesses. <br>

**Securities Lending Risk**

The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions in order to obtain additional income. Borrowers of the Fund's securities provide collateral either in the form of cash, which the Fund reinvests in securities or in the form of non-cash collateral consisting of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities. The Fund will be responsible for the risks associated with the investment of cash collateral, including any collateral invested in an affiliated government 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 cover its payment to the borrower of a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral in connection with the loan. The Fund could also lose money due to a decline in the value of non-cash collateral. 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 or could result in increased costs. Moreover, if the borrower becomes subject to insolvency or similar proceedings, the Fund could incur delays in its ability to enforce its rights in its collateral. There also is a risk that a borrower may default on its obligation to return loaned securities at a time when the value of the Fund's collateral is inadequate. Although the Fund's securities lending agent may indemnify the Fund against that risk, it is also possible that the securities lending agent will be unable to satisfy its indemnification obligations. In any case in which the loaned securities are not returned to the Fund before an ex-dividend date, whether or not due to a default by the borrower, 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 for the Fund may decline substantially in value or may not perform to expectations. Judgments about the attractiveness, value and anticipated price movements of a security or asset class may be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that securities will perform as anticipated. This could result in the Fund's underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives.

**Small-Capitalization Companies Risk**

Investments in small-capitalization companies generally involve greater risks and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, 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 of small-capitalization companies can be more volatile and these companies may 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 overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**Valuation Risk**

This is the risk that a security may be valued at a price different from the price at which it can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments that may be illiquid or may become illiquid and for securities that trade in relatively thin markets and/or markets that experience extreme volatility. The valuation of the Fund's 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. If market conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require the valuation of these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment's most recent closing price and from the prices used by others for the same investment. 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 securities had not been fair valued or a different valuation methodology had been used. 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.

**Value Stocks Risk**

Investments in value stocks are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, or that their prices may decline. This may result in the value stocks' prices remaining undervalued for extended periods of time and they may not ever realize their intrinsic or full value. 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. Different investment styles tend to shift in and out of favor, depending on market conditions and investor sentiment. The Fund's performance also may be affected adversely if value stocks become unpopular with, or lose favor among, investors. 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 Indices

The Fund's performance is compared to the MSCI<sup>®</sup> EAFE Index (Net) and the MSCI<sup>®</sup> ACWI ex USA Small Cap Index. Set forth below is additional information regarding the indices to which the Fund's performance is compared.

■ The MSCI <sup>®</sup> EAFE Index (Net) is designed to represent the performance of large- and mid-capitalization securities across 21 developed markets countries, including countries in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excluding the U.S. and Canada. It covers approximately 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country. The MSCI® EAFE Index (Net) returns reflect invested dividends net of withholding taxes, but reflect no deduction for fees, expenses, or other taxes.

■ The MSCI <sup>®</sup> ACWI (All Country World Index) ex USA Small Cap Index (Net) is a market capitalization-weighted index designed to measure the investable equity market performance for global investors of small cap stocks in developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States.

**<u>Notices Regarding Index Data</u>**

Certain information contained herein (the "Information") is sourced from/copyright of MSCI Inc., MSCI ESG Research LLC, or their affiliates ("MSCI"), or information providers (together the "MSCI Parties") and may have been used to calculate scores, signals, or other indicators. The Information is for internal use only and may not be reproduced or disseminated in whole or part without prior written permission. The Information may not be used for, nor does it constitute, an offer to buy or sell, or a promotion or recommendation of, any security, financial instrument or product, trading strategy, or index, nor should it be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance. Some funds may be based on or linked to MSCI indexes, and MSCI may be compensated based on the fund's assets under management or other measures. MSCI has established an information barrier between index research and certain Information. None of the Information in and of itself can be used to determine which securities to buy or sell or when to buy or sell them. The Information is provided "as is" and the user assumes the entire risk of any use it may make or permit to be made of the Information. No MSCI Party warrants or guarantees

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the originality, accuracy and/or completeness of the Information and each expressly disclaims all express or implied warranties. No MSCI Party shall have any liability for any errors or omissions in connection with any Information herein, or any liability for any direct, indirect, special, punitive, consequential or any other damages (including lost profits) even if notified of the possibility of such damages.

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 Topco, Inc. ("Topco"), which is owned primarily by various institutional investment funds that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. No owner of Topco owns 25% or more of the outstanding equity or voting interests of Topco.

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 Manager, on behalf of the Fund, has filed a notice claiming the CFTC Regulation 4.5 exclusion from registration as a CPO under the Commodity Exchange Act, and the Manager is also exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Fund.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the Fund paid aggregate management fees to the Manager and investment advisory fees to its sub-advisor of 0.73% of the Fund's average daily net assets, net of any waivers and recoupments of management fees and sub-advisory fees.

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Fund, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly investment income (the income earned in the form of interest, dividends and realized capital gains from the investment of cash collateral, plus any negative rebate fees paid by borrowers, less the rebate amount paid to borrowers as well as related expenses) and, with respect to collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of loan fees and demand premiums paid by borrowers. 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 is available in Item 11 of the Fund's Form N-CSR as filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

The Manager has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the following share classes of the Fund to the extent that Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses exceed a percentage of that class's average daily net assets (excluding taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses) through February 28, 2027 as follows:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Y Class** | **R5 Class** | **Investor Class** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund | 1.10% | 0.89% | 1.30% |

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The contractual expense reimbursement and fee waiver by the Manager can be changed or terminated only in the discretion and with the approval of a majority of the Fund's Board. The Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund. 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 from the date of the Manager's waiver/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 managers who have joint and primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund. The Fund's SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers, including other accounts they manage, their ownership in the Fund and their compensation.

**Global IMC LLC ("Global IMC")** (formerly known as EAM Global Investors LLC), 215 Highway 101, Suite 216, Solana Beach, California 92075, is a registered investment advisor and serves as the sub-advisor to the Fund. Global IMC is a Delaware Limited Liability Company and a majority-owned subsidiary of The Informed Momentum Company LLC ("Informed Momentum'' (formerly known as EAM Investors, LLC)). As of December 31, 2025, Global IMC, together with Informed Momentum, had approximately $1.4 billion in assets under management.

**Travis Prentice** Mr. Prentice is CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Informed Momentum, a firm he co-founded in 2007. In addition, he is Portfolio Manager for Informed Momentum's US and Global strategies, as well as an analyst across all Informed Momentum's strategies. Prior to founding Informed Momentum, Travis was a Partner, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager with Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management where he had lead portfolio management responsibilities for their Micro and Ultra Micro Cap investment strategies and a senior role in the firm's US Micro/Emerging Growth team. He has 25 years of institutional investment experience specializing in momentum-based strategies. He holds an MBA from San Diego State University and a BA in Economics and a BA in Psychology from the University of Arizona.

**Joshua Moss** Mr. Moss is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Informed Momentum, a firm he co-founded in 2007. Mr. Moss is a Portfolio Manager for Informed Momentum's non-US strategies, as well as an analyst across all strategies managed by Informed Momentum. Prior to founding Informed Momentum, he was a Vice President and Equity Analyst at Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management where he served on the firm's US Micro/Emerging Growth Team with primary research responsibilities for the Micro Cap and Ultra Micro Cap investment strategies. Prior to joining the US Micro/Emerging team, Mr. Moss was assigned to the firm's Global Select team. During his tenure with the Global Select strategy, his duties included co-portfolio management and research head of the Global Consumer Discretionary Sector. Previously, Mr. Moss was with Credit Suisse First Boston as a Vice President in equity sales and investment banking. He has 22 years of direct investment experience. He holds an MBA from the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles and a BA from the University of California, San Diego.

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**John Scripp** Mr. Scripp is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager for Informed Momentum's non-US strategies and is an analyst across all investment strategies managed by Informed Momentum. Prior to his portfolio manager position, Mr. Scripp served as a research analyst with Informed Momentum. Before joining the firm at its inception in 2007, he had prior research experience at Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management working with the US Micro/Emerging Growth investment team. Mr. Scripp has 15 years of experience in the institutional investment business. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Valuation of Shares

The price of the Fund's shares is based on its NAV. The Fund's NAV per share 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 per share 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 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.

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 exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time will normally be used.

Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the Investment Company Act, including related oversight and reporting requirements. The rule also defines when market quotations are "readily available" for purposes of the Investment Company Act, the threshold for determining whether the Fund must fair value a security.

Among other things, Rule 2a-5 permits the Fund's board to designate the Fund's primary investment adviser as "valuation designee" to perform the Fund's fair value determinations subject to board oversight and certain reporting and other requirements intended to ensure that the registered investment company's board receives the information it needs to oversee the investment adviser's fair value determinations. The Board has designated the Manager as valuation designee under Rule 2a-5 to perform fair value functions in accordance with the requirements of Rule 2a-5.

Securities may be valued at fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to the Manager's procedures. For example, fair value pricing will be used when market quotations are not readily available or reliable, as determined by the Manager, such as for fixed-income securities and 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 per share, fair value pricing may be used on the affected security or securities. Securities of small-capitalization companies are also more likely to require a fair value determination using these procedures because they are more thinly traded and less liquid than the securities of larger capitalization companies. Securities are often fair valued 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. 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 professional to help you decide which share class is best for you.

Purchase and Redemption of Shares

*Eligibility*

The Y Class, R5 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.

**16** **Prospectus** – About Your Investment

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Subject to your eligibility, as described below, you may invest in the Fund through intermediary organizations, such as broker-dealers, insurance companies, plan sponsors, third party administrators, and retirement plans. As described below, the Manager may allow certain individuals to invest directly in the Fund in its sole discretion.

If you are eligible and 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.

*Minimum Investment Amount by Share Class*

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |

---

The Manager may allow a reasonable period of time after opening an account for a Y Class or R5 Class investor to meet the initial investment requirement. In addition, for investors such as trust companies and financial professionals 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 a retirement plan, an investment professional, a 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.

Direct mutual fund accounts are not available to new shareholders. Existing direct mutual fund account shareholders may continue to buy or sell shares through their existing direct mutual fund accounts, but will not be able to open new direct mutual fund accounts. The Manager may allow the following individuals or entities to open new direct mutual fund accounts in its sole discretion: (i) corporate accounts, (ii) employees of the Manager, or its direct parent company, Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., and its affiliates and subsidiaries, (iii) employees of a sub-advisor to a fund in the American Beacon Funds Complex, (iv) members of the Board, and (v) members of the Manager's Board of Directors.

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 per share 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. A purchase order is considered to be received in good order when it complies with all of the Fund's applicable policies. 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 per share 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. The Fund reserves the right to require payment by wire. 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 canceled 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.

**Prospectus** – About Your Investment**17**

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*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 "Distributions and Taxes - Taxes."

The redemption price will be the NAV per share 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).

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, ACH, 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 per share 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 interfund credit facility, or from a bank line of credit, 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 the intermediary's policies to effect an exchange.

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 a 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 number(s)

• Dollar amount or number of shares<br>

Transactions for direct shareholders are conducted through:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Internet** | www.americanbeaconfunds.com | www.americanbeaconfunds.com |
| **Phone** | To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1<br> Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class Only) | To reach an American Beacon representative call 1-800-658-5811, option 1<br> Through the Automated Voice Response Service call 1-800-658-5811, option 2 (Investor Class Only) |
| **Mail** | American Beacon Funds<br> PO Box 219643<br> Kansas City, MO 64121-9643 | Overnight Delivery:<br> American Beacon Funds<br> 801 Pennsylvania Ave<br> Suite 219643<br> Kansas City, MO 64105-1307 |

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*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.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **New Account** | **Existing Account** | **Existing Account** |
| <br>**Share Class** | **Minimum Initial Investment Amount** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Check/ACH/Exchange** | **Purchase/Redemption Minimum by** **Wire** |
| Investor | $2500 | $50 | $250 |
| Y | $100000 | $50 |  |
| R5 | $250000 | $50 |  |

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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 and your account from fraud, a 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 only accepts 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 invests 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.

*Additional Payments with Respect to Y Class Shares*

Y Class shares may also be available on brokerage platforms of firms that have agreements with the Fund's distributor to offer such shares solely when acting as an agent for the investor. An investor transacting in Y Class shares in these programs may be required to pay a commission and/or other forms of compensation to the broker. Shares of the Fund are available in other share classes that have different fees and expenses.

General Policies

If a shareholder's account balance falls below the following minimum levels, the shareholder may be asked to increase the balance.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Share Class** | **Account Balance** |
| Y | $25000 |
| R5 | $75000 |
| Investor | $2500 |

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If the account balance remains below the applicable minimum account balance after 45 days, the Fund reserves the right, upon 30 days' advance written notice, 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 traditional IRA or Roth IRA invested directly will be charged an annual maintenance fee of $15.00 by the Custodian.

An ACH privilege allows electronic transfer from a checking or savings account into a direct account with the Fund. The ACH privilege may not be used for initial purchases but may be used for subsequent purchases and redemptions. Purchases of Fund shares by ACH are subject to a limit of $2,000 per Fund per day. The Fund reserves the right to waive such limit in its sole discretion.

**Prospectus** – About Your Investment**19**

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ACH privileges must be requested on the account application, or may be established on an existing account by submitting a request in writing to the Fund. Validated signatures from all shareholders of record for the account are required on the written request. See details below regarding signature validations. Such privileges apply unless and until the Fund receives written instructions from all shareholders of record canceling such privileges. Changes of bank account information must also be made in writing with validated signatures. The Fund reserves the right to amend, suspend or discontinue the ACH privilege at any time without prior notice. The ACH privilege does not apply to shares held in broker "street name" accounts or in other omnibus accounts.

When a signature validation is called for, a Medallion signature guarantee or Signature Validation Program ("SVP") stamp may be required. A Medallion signature guarantee is intended to provide signature validation for transactions considered financial in nature, and an SVP stamp is intended to provide signature validation for transactions non-financial in nature. A Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association or other financial institution which is participating in a Medallion program or SVP recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. The Fund may reject a Medallion signature guarantee or SVP stamp. Shareholders should call 1-800-658-5811 for additional details regarding the Fund's signature guarantee requirements.

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.

The Fund reserves the right to:

■ liquidate a shareholder's account at the current day's NAV per share and remit proceeds via check if the Fund or a financial institution is 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. Unless you 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 FundsP.O. Box 219643Kansas City, MO 64121-96431-800-658-5811 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 per share, (ii) an increase in the Fund's expenses, and (iii) interference with the portfolio managers' 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 per share 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.

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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 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 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.

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") on an annual basis 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") on an annual basis (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 under "Taxes").

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.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Dividends Paid** | **Other Distributions Paid** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund | Annually | Annually |

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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 they are 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.

**Prospectus** – About Your Investment**21**

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*Taxes*

Fund distributions are taxable to shareholders other than tax-qualified retirement plans and 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 Internal Revenue Code. The following table outlines the typical status of transactions in taxable accounts:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Type of Transaction** | **Federal Tax Status** |
| Dividends from net investment income\* | Ordinary income\*\* |
| Distributions of the excess of net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss\* | Ordinary income |
| Distributions of net gains from certain foreign currency transactions\* | Ordinary income |
| Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss ("net capital gain")\* | Long-term capital gains |
| Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for more than one year | Long-term capital gains or losses |
| Redemptions or exchanges of shares owned for one year or less | Net gains are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income; net losses are subject to special rules |

---

\* Whether reinvested or taken 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 they are subject to a 15% maximum federal income tax rate for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each, an ''individual'') (20% for individuals with taxable income exceeding certain thresholds, which are indexed for inflation annually), regardless of how long the shareholder held his or her Fund shares. 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 on shares of most domestic corporations (excluding most distributions from REITs) and certain foreign corporations with respect to which the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other restrictions. To be eligible for those rates, a shareholder must meet similar restrictions with respect to his or her Fund shares.

A portion of the dividends the Fund pays may also be eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations ("DRD"), 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.

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 will qualify for the 15% and 20% tax rates mentioned above.

A shareholder who wants to use an acceptable basis determination method with respect to Fund shares other than the average basis method (the Fund's default method) must elect to do so in writing, which may be electronic. The Fund, or its administrative agent, must report to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") 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% tax on the lesser of (1) the individual's ''net investment income,'' which generally includes 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.

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.

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.

Additional Information

The Fund's Board 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 R5 Class shares of the Fund.

**22** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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Portfolio Holdings

A complete list of the Fund's holdings is made available on the Fund's website on a quarterly basis approximately sixty days after the end of each calendar quarter and remains available for six months thereafter. A list of the Fund's ten largest holdings is made available on the Fund's website on a quarterly basis. The ten largest holdings of the Fund are generally posted to the website approximately fifteen days after the end of each calendar quarter and remain 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

The summary prospectus, Annual Shareholder Reports and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports ("Shareholder Reports") are available online at www.americanbeaconfunds.com/reports. If you are interested in electronic delivery of the Fund's summary prospectus or Shareholder Reports, please go to www.americanbeaconfunds.com and click on ''Quick Links'' and then ''Register for E-Delivery.''

To reduce expenses, your financial institution may mail only one copy of the summary prospectus and Shareholder Reports 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 past five fiscal years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the Fund's 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 information in the financial highlights for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2022, October 31, 2023, October 31, 2024, and October 31, 2025 has been derived from the Fund's financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the Fund's annual Form N-CSR, which you may obtain upon request. The information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 was audited by the Fund's prior independent registered public accounting firm.

**Prospectus** – Additional Information**23**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** |
| | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** | **Y Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $17.69 | $15.24 | $13.46 | $19.54 | $15.56 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.09<sup>C</sup>  | 0.05 | 0.20<sup>C,</sup><sup>D</sup>  | 0.04 | 0.59<sup>E</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 5.09 | 2.72 | 1.84 | (5.36) | 3.49 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 5.18 | 2.77 | 2.04 | (5.32) | 4.08 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.25) | (0.32) | (0.26) | (0.76) | (0.10) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.40) | – | – | – | – |
| Total distributions | (1.65) | (0.32) | (0.26) | (0.76) | (0.10) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $21.22 | $17.69 | $15.24 | $13.46 | $19.54 |
| Total return<sup>F</sup>  | 32.53% | 18.31% | 15.21% | (28.31)% | 26.25% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $54226484 | $62393608 | $62512548 | $96269149 | $160793226 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.23% | 1.27% | 1.26% | 0.95% | 0.98% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.12%<sup>G,</sup><sup>H,</sup><sup>J</sup>  | 1.13%<sup>I</sup>  | 1.26% | 0.95% | 0.98% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.42% | 0.93% | 1.24%<sup>D</sup>  | 1.21% | 3.40%<sup>E</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.53% | 1.07% | 1.24%<sup>D</sup>  | 1.21% | 3.40%<sup>E</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 209% | 260% | 292% | 21% | 34% |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On February 4, 2025, sub-advisor's name changed to Global IMC LLC (formerly known as EAM Global Investors, LLC). |
| B | On January 20, 2023, Tocqueville Asset Management LP was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 21, 2023, EAM Global Investors, LLC began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Keppel Corp, Ltd. amounting to $0.0439. |
| E | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.3834. |
| F | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |
| G | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to loan interest expenses. |
| H | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses. |
| I | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 29, 2024. |
| J | Includes non-operating expenses. The expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments ratio excluding non-operating expenses is 1.10%, for the period ended October 31, 2025. |

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**24** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** |
| | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** | **R5 Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $17.78 | $15.31 | $13.47 | $19.56 | $15.58 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.11<sup>C</sup>  | 0.36 | 0.15<sup>C,</sup><sup>D</sup>  | 0.20 | 0.60<sup>E</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 5.16 | 2.45 | 1.96 | (5.53) | 3.50 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 5.27 | 2.81 | 2.11 | (5.33) | 4.10 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.25) | (0.34) | (0.27) | (0.76) | (0.12) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.40) | – | – | – | – |
| Total distributions | (1.65) | (0.34) | (0.27) | (0.76) | (0.12) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $21.40 | $17.78 | $15.31 | $13.47 | $19.56 |
| Total return<sup>F</sup>  | 32.90% | 18.52% | 15.75% | (28.31)% | 26.38% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $6277170 | $8195147 | $6316496 | $13963043 | $20907091 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.18% | 1.21% | 1.21% | 0.90% | 0.92% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.91%<sup>G,</sup><sup>H,</sup><sup>I</sup>  | 0.89% | 0.89% | 0.89% | 0.91%<sup>H</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.35% | 0.97% | 0.63%<sup>D</sup>  | 1.30% | 3.14%<sup>E</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.62% | 1.29% | 0.95%<sup>D</sup>  | 1.31% | 3.15%<sup>E</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 209% | 260% | 292% | 21% | 34% |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On February 4, 2025, sub-advisor's name changed to Global IMC LLC (formerly known as EAM Global Investors, LLC). |
| B | On January 20, 2023, Tocqueville Asset Management LP was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 21, 2023, EAM Global Investors, LLC began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Keppel Corp, Ltd. amounting to $0.0312. |
| E | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.3366. |
| F | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |
| G | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to loan interest expenses. |
| H | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses. |
| I | Includes non-operating expenses. The expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments ratio excluding non-operating expenses is 0.89%, for the period ended October 31, 2025. |

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**Prospectus** – Additional Information**25**

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** | **American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund** |
| | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** | **Investor Class** |
| <br>**For a share outstanding throughout the period:** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2025<sup>A</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2024** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2023<sup>B</sup>**  | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2022** | **Year Ended** **October 31, 2021** |
| **Net asset value, beginning of period** | $17.80 | $15.33 | $13.51 | $19.59 | $15.60 |
| **Income (loss) from investment operations:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income  | 0.06<sup>C</sup>  | 0.45 | 0.48<sup>D</sup>  | 0.65 | 0.76<sup>E</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net gains (losses) on investments (both realized and unrealized)  | 5.13 | 2.30 | 1.55 | (6.04) | 3.29 |
| Total income (loss) from investment operations | 5.19 | 2.75 | 2.03 | (5.39) | 4.05 |
| **Less distributions:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dividends from net investment income  | (0.22) | (0.28) | (0.21) | (0.69) | (0.06) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Distributions from net realized gains  | (1.40) | – | – | – | – |
| Total distributions | (1.62) | (0.28) | (0.21) | (0.69) | (0.06) |
| Net asset value, end of period | $21.37 | $17.80 | $15.33 | $13.51 | $19.59 |
| Total return<sup>F</sup>  | 32.30% | 18.07% | 15.06% | (28.49)% | 26.01% |
| **Ratios and supplemental data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net assets, end of period | $69102141 | $55835311 | $60994147 | $72187362 | $180324267 |
| Ratios to average net assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, before reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.44% | 1.51% | 1.46% | 1.18% | 1.20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Expenses, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 1.32%<sup>G,</sup><sup>H,</sup><sup>J</sup>  | 1.34%<sup>I</sup>  | 1.46% | 1.18% | 1.20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, before expense reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.22% | 0.70% | 1.10%<sup>D</sup>  | 1.03% | 2.81%<sup>E</sup>  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Net investment income, net of reimbursements and/or recoupments  | 0.34% | 0.87% | 1.10%<sup>D</sup>  | 1.03% | 2.81%<sup>E</sup>  |
| Portfolio turnover rate | 209% | 260% | 292% | 21% | 34% |

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---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | On February 4, 2025, sub-advisor's name changed to Global IMC LLC (formerly known as EAM Global Investors, LLC). |
| B | On January 20, 2023, Tocqueville Asset Management LP was terminated and ceased managing assets of the Fund. On January 21, 2023, EAM Global Investors, LLC began managing assets of the Fund. |
| C | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
| D | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Keppel Corp, Ltd. amounting to $0.0406. |
| E | Net investment income includes a significant dividend payment from Vivendi SE amounting to $0.3074. |
| F | Based on net asset value, which does not reflect the sales charge, redemption fee, or contingent deferred sales charge, if applicable. May include adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as such, the net asset value for reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder transactions. |
| G | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to loan interest expenses. |
| H | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to security lending expenses. |
| I | Expense ratios may exceed stated expense caps in Note 2 due to the change in the contractual expense caps on February 29, 2024. |
| J | Includes non-operating expenses. The expenses, net of reimbursements or recoupments ratio excluding non-operating expenses is 1.30%, for the period ended October 31, 2025. |

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**26** **Prospectus** – Additional Information

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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 Shareholder Report/Semi-Annual Shareholder Report and Form N-CSR**

The Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports and Form N-CSR include additional information about the Fund's investments. The Annual Shareholder Report also includes a discussion by the Manager of market conditions and investment strategies that materially affected the Fund's performance during the reporting period. The Form N-CSR includes the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements, as well as the report of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm in the annual financial statements.

**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 SEC.

To obtain more information about the Fund, such as the Fund's financial statements, or to request a copy of the documents listed above:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **By Telephone:** | Call<br>**1-800-658-5811** |
| **By Mail:** | American Beacon Funds<br>P.O. Box 219643<br>Kansas City, MO 64121-9643 |
| **By E-mail:** | americanbeaconfunds@ambeacon.com |
| **On the Internet:** | Visit our website at [www.americanbeaconfunds.com](DUMMY_2727_0_3)<br>Visit the SEC website at [www.sec.gov](DUMMY_2727_2_1)  |

---

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.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| American Beacon is a registered service mark of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. The American Beacon Funds and the American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund are service marks of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. | ![image](sa2727img002.jpg) |

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SEC File Number 811-04984

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**Appendix A**

**GLOSSARY**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ACH** | Automated Clearing House |
| **ADRs** | American Depositary Receipts |
| **Advisers Act** | Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended |
| **American Beacon or Manager** | American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
| **Beacon Funds or the Trust** | American Beacon Funds |
| **Board** | Board of Trustees |
| **Brexit** | The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union |
| **Capital Gains Distributions** | Distributions of realized net capital gains |
| **CFTC** | Commodity Futures Trading Commission |
| **Denial of Services** | A cybersecurity incident that results in customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems |
| **Dividends** | Distributions of most or all of the Fund' s net investment income |
| **DRD** | Dividends-received deduction |
| **EMU** | Economic and Monetary Union |
| **ETF** | Exchange-Traded Fund |
| **EU** | European Union |
| **Forwards** | Forward Currency Contracts |
| **Internal Revenue Code** | Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
| **Investment Company Act** | Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
| **IRA** | Individual Retirement Account |
| **IRS** | Internal Revenue Service |
| **Management Agreement** | The Fund's Management Agreement with the Manager |
| **NAV** | Fund's net asset value |
| **NYSE** | New York Stock Exchange |
| **OTC** | Over-the-Counter |
| **Other Distributions** | Distributions of net gains from foreign currency transactions |
| **QDI** | Qualified Dividend Income |
| **REIT** | Real Estate Investment Trust |
| **SAI** | Statement of Additional Information |
| **SEC** | Securities and Exchange Commission |
| **Securities Act** | Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
| **State Street** | State Street Bank and Trust Company |
| **SVP** | Signature Validation Program |
| **Trust** | American Beacon Funds |
| **UK** | United Kingdom |

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**Prospectus** – Additional Information**A-1**

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![image](sa2729img001.jpg)<br>

**Statement of Additional Information**

March 1, 2026

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Share Class** | **Ticker**<br>**Y** | <br>**R5** | <br>**Investor** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund  | TOVYX | TOVIX | TIVFX |

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This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated March 1, 2026 (the "Prospectus") for the American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund (the "Fund"), a separate series of American Beacon Funds, a Massachusetts business trust. Copies of the Prospectus may be obtained without charge by calling 1-800-658-5811. 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 Fund's 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. **Capitalized terms that are** **not otherwise defined in this SAI or the Prospectus are defined in Appendix D.**

[The financial statements and accompanying notes appearing in Item 7 of the Fund's Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000119312526005743/d77694dncsr.htm) are incorporated by reference into this SAI. Copies of the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Shareholder Reports, and financial statements and accompanying notes, may be obtained, without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-658-5811 or visiting www.americanbeaconfunds.com.

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**Table of Contents**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| [**Organization and History of the Fund**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_1_303775_2729)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_1_303775_2729)  |
| [**Additional Information About Investment Strategies and Risks**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_2_303776_2729)  | [1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_2_303776_2729)  |
| [**Other Investment Strategies and Risks**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_3_303777_2729)  | [24](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_3_303777_2729)  |
| [**Investment Restrictions**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_4_303778_2729)  | [25](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_4_303778_2729)  |
| [**Temporary or Defensive Investments**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_5_303779_2729)  | [26](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_5_303779_2729)  |
| [**Portfolio Turnover**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_6_303780_2729)  | [26](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_6_303780_2729)  |
| [**Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_7_303781_2729)  | [26](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_7_303781_2729)  |
| [**Lending of Portfolio Securities**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_8_303782_2729)  | [28](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_8_303782_2729)  |
| [**Trustees and Officers of the Trust**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_9_303783_2729)  | [28](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_9_303783_2729)  |
| [**Code of Ethics**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_10_303784_2729)  | [36](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_10_303784_2729)  |
| [**Proxy Voting Policies**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_11_303785_2729)  | [36](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_11_303785_2729)  |
| [**Control Persons and 5% Shareholders**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_12_303786_2729)  | [37](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_12_303786_2729)  |
| [**Investment Advisory Agreement**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_13_303787_2729)  | [38](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_13_303787_2729)  |
| [**Management, Administrative, Securities Lending, and Distribution Services**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_14_303788_2729)  | [38](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_14_303788_2729)  |
| [**Other Service Providers**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_15_303789_2729)  | [41](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_15_303789_2729)  |
| [**Portfolio Managers**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_16_303790_2729)  | [41](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_16_303790_2729)  |
| [**Portfolio Securities Transactions**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_17_303791_2729)  | [42](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_17_303791_2729)  |
| [**Redemptions in Kind**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_18_303792_2729)  | [43](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_18_303792_2729)  |
| [**Tax Information**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_19_303793_2729)  | [43](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_19_303793_2729)  |
| [**Description of the Trust**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_20_303794_2729)  | [48](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_20_303794_2729)  |
| [**Financial Statements**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_21_303795_2729)  | [48](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_21_303795_2729)  |
| [**Appendix A: Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures for the Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc.**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_22_303796_2729)  | [A-1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_22_303796_2729)  |
| [**Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policies for the Sub-Advisor**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_23_303797_2729)  | [B-1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_23_303797_2729)  |
| [**Appendix C: Ratings Definitions**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_24_303798_2729)  | [C-1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_24_303798_2729)  |
| [**Appendix D: Glossary**](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_25_383615_2729)  | [D-1](#ref_chapter_2-sect1_25_383615_2729)  |

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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 that term is defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940. 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 Class, R5 Class and Investor Class shares of the Fund. Prior to February 28, 2020, the R5 Class shares were known as the Institutional Class shares.

Effective January 21, 2023, Global IMC LLC ("IMC"), at that time known as EAM Global Investors LLC, replaced Tocqueville as sub-advisor of the Fund. Prior to February 24, 2025, the Fund was known as the American Beacon EAM International Small Cap Fund, and prior to January 21, 2023, the Fund was known as the American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund.

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS**

The Fund's investment objective, principal investment strategies, and principal risks 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 that 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 objective. It may use some of the investment strategies only at some times or it may not use them at all. Investors should carefully consider their own investment goals and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund.

**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. Borrowing may exaggerate changes in the Fund's NAV and in its total return. Interest expense and other fees associated with borrowing may impact the Fund's expenses and reduce its returns. (See "Cover and Asset Segregation" disclosure below.)

**Callable Securities** — The Fund may invest in fixed-income securities with call features. A call feature allows the issuer of the security to redeem or call the security prior to its stated maturity date. In periods of falling interest rates, issuers may be more likely to call in securities that are paying higher coupon rates than prevailing interest rates. In the event of a call, the Fund would lose the income that would have been earned to maturity on that security, and the proceeds received by the Fund may be invested in securities paying lower coupon rates. Thus, the Fund's income could be reduced as a result of a call. In addition, the market value of a callable security may decrease if it is perceived by the market as likely to be called, which could have a negative impact on the Fund's total return.

**Cash Equivalents and Other Short-Term Investments** — Cash equivalents and other short-term investments in which the Fund may invest include the investments set forth below. Certain of these investments are issued by and provide exposure to banks. The activities of U.S. banks and most foreign banks are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of current laws, may affect the manner of operations and profitability of domestic and foreign banks. Significant developments in the U.S. banking industry have included increased competition from other types of financial institutions, increased acquisition activity and geographic expansion. Banks may be particularly susceptible to certain economic factors, such as interest rate changes and adverse developments in the market for real estate. Fiscal and monetary policy and general economic cycles can affect the availability and cost of funds, loan demand and asset quality and thereby impact the earnings and financial conditions of banks.

■ **Bank Deposit Notes.** Bank deposit notes are obligations of a bank that provide an alternative to certificates of deposit. Similar to certificates of deposit, deposit notes represent bank level investment and, therefore, are senior to all holding company corporate debt. Bank deposit notes rank junior to domestic deposit liabilities of the bank and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations of the bank. Typically, bank deposit notes are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other insurer.

■ **Bankers'** **Acceptances.** 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. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less. Bankers' acceptances rank junior to domestic deposit liabilities of the bank and pari passu with other senior, unsecured obligations of the bank.

■ **Bearer** **Deposit Notes.** Bearer deposit notes, or bearer bonds, are bonds or debt securities that entitle the holder of the document to ownership or title in the deposit. Such notes are typically unregistered, and whoever physically holds the bond is presumed to be the owner of the instrument. Recovery of the value of a bearer bond in the event of its loss or destruction usually is impossible. Interest is typically paid upon presentment of an interest coupon for payment.

■ **CDs.** CDs are negotiable certificates issued against funds deposited in an eligible bank (including its domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries and agencies) for a definite period of time and earning a specified rate of return. 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.

■ **Commercial Paper.** Commercial paper is a short-term debt security issued by a corporation, bank, municipality, or other issuer, usually for purposes such as financing current operations. The Fund may invest in commercial paper that cannot be resold to the public without an effective registration statement under the Securities Act. While some restricted commercial paper normally is deemed illiquid, in certain cases it may be deemed liquid.

■ **Government Money Market Funds.** The Fund may invest cash balances in money market funds that are registered as investment companies under the Investment Company Act, including money market funds that are advised by the Manager. Money market funds invest in highly-liquid, short-term instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, and debt securities with high credit ratings and short-term maturities, such as U.S. Treasuries. A "government money market fund" is required to invest at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, U.S. government securities, and/or repurchase agreements that are fully collateralized by government securities or cash. Government securities include any security issued or

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guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities. By investing in a money market fund, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that money market fund. As a result, Fund shareholders indirectly bear their proportionate share of the expenses of the money market funds in which the Fund invests in addition to any fees and expenses Fund shareholders directly bear in connection with the Fund's own operations. These expenses may include, for example, advisory and administrative fees, including advisory fees charged by the Manager to any applicable money market funds advised by the Manager. These other fees and expenses are reflected in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus, if applicable. 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. 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 fund has purchased can cause the price of a money market security to decrease and may reduce the money market fund's yield. In addition, a money market fund is subject to the risk that the value of an investment may be eroded over time by inflation. Factors that could adversely affect the value of a money market fund's shares include, among other things, a sharp rise in interest rates, an illiquid market for the securities held by the money market fund, a high volume of redemption activity in a money market fund's shares, and a credit event or credit rating downgrade affecting one or more of the issuers of securities held by the money market fund. There can be no assurance that a money market fund will maintain a $1.00 per share net asset value ("NAV") at all times.<br>

■ **Government Obligations.** Government obligations may include U.S. Treasury securities, Treasury inflation-protected securities, and other debt instruments backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, or debt obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored entities.

■ **Repurchase Agreements** **.** Repurchase agreements are agreements pursuant to which the Fund purchases securities from a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System (or a foreign bank or U.S. branch or agency of a foreign bank), or from a securities dealer, that agrees to repurchase the securities from the Fund at a higher price on a designated future date. Repurchase agreements generally are for a short period of time, usually less than a week. Costs, delays, or losses could result if the selling party to a repurchase agreement becomes bankrupt or otherwise defaults.

■ **Short-term** **Corporate Debt Securities.** Short-term corporate debt securities are securities and bonds issued by corporations with shorter terms to maturity. Corporate securities generally bear a higher risk than U.S. government bonds.

■ **Time Deposits.** Time deposits, also referred to as "fixed time deposits," are non-negotiable deposits maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a specified interest rate. Time deposits may be withdrawn on demand by the investor, but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which vary depending upon market conditions and the remaining maturity of the obligation. There are no contractual restrictions on the right to transfer a beneficial interest in a time deposit to a third party, although there is no market for such deposits.

**Convertible Securities** — Convertible securities include corporate bonds, notes, debentures, 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. Convertible securities generally have features of, and risks associated with, both equity and fixed-income instruments. As such, the value of most convertible securities will vary with changes in the price of, and will be subject to the risks associated with, the underlying common stock. Additionally, convertible securities are also subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay principal or interest when due and the value of the convertible security may change based on the issuer's credit rating.

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. Before conversion, such securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in comparison to the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth if converted to the underlying common stock. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in 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. Holders of convertible securities have a claim on the assets of the issuer senior to the common stockholders but may be subordinated to holders of similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer.

If the convertible security's "conversion value," which is the market value of the underlying common stock that would be obtained upon the conversion of the convertible security, is substantially below the "investment value," which is the value of a convertible security viewed without regard to its conversion feature (i.e., strictly on the basis of its yield), the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. If the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the value of the security will be principally influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding an income-producing 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. A convertible security may have a mandatory conversion feature or a call feature that subjects it to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the security's governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption the Fund will be required to convert it into the underlying common stock, sell it to a third party or permit the issuer to redeem the security. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. Because of the conversion feature, certain convertible securities may be considered equity equivalents.

**Corporate Actions** — From time to time, the Fund may voluntarily participate in corporate actions (for example, acquisitions, mergers, rights offerings, conversion privileges, exchange offers, credit event settlements, etc.) where the issuer or counterparty offers securities or instruments to holders or counterparties, such as the Fund, and the acquisition is determined to be beneficial to Fund shareholders ("Corporate Actions"). In connection with its holdings of foreign and emerging and frontier markets securities and depositary receipts, the Fund may not have the same rights afforded to stockholders of a typical domestic company in the event of a Corporate Action. Notwithstanding any percentage investment limitation listed under the "Investment Restrictions" section or any percentage investment limitation of the Investment Company Act or rules thereunder, if the

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Fund has the opportunity to acquire a permitted security or instrument through a Corporate Action, and by doing so, the Fund would exceed a percentage investment limitation following the acquisition, it will not constitute a violation if, prior to the receipt of the securities or instruments and after announcement of the Corporate Action, the Fund sells an offsetting amount of assets that are subject to the investment limitation in question at least equal to the value of the securities or instruments to be acquired.

**Cover and Asset Segregation** — The Fund may borrow money, 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 rules and guidance from the SEC with respect to coverage of certain investments and trading practices. The Fund's approach to asset coverage may vary depending on terms within its agreement with a counterparty. With respect to certain investments under the agreement, 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. Earmarking or otherwise segregating a large percentage of the Fund's assets could impede the management of the Fund's portfolio or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current obligations, because the Fund may be unable to promptly dispose of those assets.

**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 (including frontier and emerging market currencies), or by purchasing or selling foreign currency forward contracts, 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, securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies. For example, if the U.S. dollar appreciates against foreign currencies, the value of Fund holdings generally would depreciate and vice versa.

**Cybersecurity and Operational Risk** — With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on computer systems to perform necessary business functions, the Fund, its service providers, third-party fund distribution platforms, and the issuers of the Fund's investments may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cybersecurity incidents, including cyber-attacks. In general, cybersecurity incidents can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally (e.g., through "hacking," computer viruses or other malicious software coding), the theft and holding for ransom of proprietary or confidential information or data (referred to as "ransomware" attacks), denial of service attacks on websites, "phishing" attempts and other social engineering techniques aimed at personnel or systems, and the unauthorized release of confidential information. Cyber-attacks affecting the Fund, the Manager, the sub-advisor, the Custodian (as defined below), the 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 shareholder data or funds, impact the Fund's ability to calculate NAV per share, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential business information, result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, impede trading, subject the Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses and/or cause reputational damage. A cyber-attack may also result in shareholders or service providers being unable to access electronic systems (also known as "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 cybersecurity risk management purposes or corrective measures, and such costs may be ongoing because threats of cyber-attacks are constantly evolving as cyber-attackers become more sophisticated and their techniques become more complex. Similar types of cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of the Fund's investments, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund to lose value. Adverse consequences also could result from cybersecurity incidents affecting counterparties with which the Fund engages in transactions, governmental and other regulatory authorities, exchanges and other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, insurance companies, other financial institutions and other parties. Furthermore, as a result of cyber-attacks, disruptions or failures, an exchange or market may close or issue trading halts on specific securities or the entire market, which may result in the Fund being, among other things, unable to buy or sell certain securities or unable to accurately price its investments. The Fund's service providers also may be negatively impacted due to operational risks arising from non-cybersecurity related factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology errors or malfunctions, changes in personnel, and errors caused by Fund service providers or counterparties. In addition, other events or circumstances — whether foreseeable, unforeseeable, or beyond the Fund's control, such as acts of war, other conflicts, terrorism, natural disaster, widespread disease, pandemic or other public health crises may result in, among other things, quarantines and travel restrictions, workforce displacement and loss or reduction in Personnel and other resources. In the above circumstances, the Fund and the Service Providers' operations may be significantly impacted, or even temporarily halted. The Fund's securities market counterparties or vendors may face the same or similar systems failure, cybersecurity breaches and other business disruptions risks. Any of these results could have a substantial adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. For example, if a cybersecurity 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 service providers 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. There are inherent limitations in risk management systems that seek to reduce the risks associated with cybersecurity incidents, including the possibility that risks may not have been adequately identified or prepared for, or that different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. Furthermore, the Fund does not control the cybersecurity systems and plans of the issuers of the Fund's investments, third party service providers, trading counterparties or any other service providers whose operations may affect the Fund or its shareholders. The use of cloud-based service providers could heighten or change these risks. In addition, remote and hybrid work arrangements by the Fund, the Manager or their service providers could increase all of the above risks, create additional data and information accessibility concerns, and make the Fund, the Manager or their service providers susceptible to operational disruptions, any of which could adversely impact their operations.

**Derivatives** — Generally a derivative is a financial instrument the value of which is based on, or "derived" from, a traditional security, asset, currency, or market index (collectively referred to as "reference assets"). The Fund may use derivatives for hedging and efficient portfolio management purposes. Derivative instruments may allow for better management of exposure to certain asset classes, as well as more efficient access to asset classes. There are many different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. Some forms of derivatives, such as exchange-traded futures, options on securities, commodities, or indices, and certain forward contracts are traded on regulated exchanges. These types of derivatives are standardized

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contracts that can easily be bought and sold, and whose market values are determined and published daily. Non-standardized derivatives, on the other hand, tend to be more specialized or complex, and may be harder to value. Certain derivative securities are described more accurately as index/structured securities. Index/structured securities are derivative securities whose value or performance is linked to other equity securities (such as depositary receipts), currencies, interest rates, indices or other financial indicators.

Derivatives may involve significant risk. Many derivative instruments often require little or no payment and therefore often create inherent economic leverage. 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 risks.

The regulation of the U.S. and non-U.S. derivatives markets has undergone substantial change in recent years and such change may continue. In particular, Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act (the "Derivatives Rule") replaced the asset segregation regime of Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 ("Release 10666") with a new framework for the use of derivatives by registered funds. The SEC rescinded Release 10666 and withdrew no-action letters and similar guidance addressing the Fund's use of derivatives and began requiring the Fund to satisfy the requirements of the Derivatives Rule. As a result, the Fund is no longer required to engage in "segregation" or "coverage" techniques with respect to derivatives transactions and will instead comply with the applicable requirements of the Derivatives Rule.

The Derivatives Rule mandates that the Fund adopt and/or implement: (i) value-at-risk limitations ("VaR"); (ii) a written derivatives risk management program; (iii) new Board oversight responsibilities; and (iv) new reporting and recordkeeping requirements. In the event that the Fund's derivative exposure is 10% or less of its net assets, excluding certain currency and interest rate hedging transactions, it can elect to be classified as a limited derivatives user ("Limited Derivatives User") under the Derivatives Rule, in which case the Fund is not subject to the full requirements of the Derivatives Rule. Limited Derivatives Users are excepted from VaR testing, implementing a derivatives risk management program, and certain Board oversight and reporting requirements mandated by the Derivatives Rule. However, a Limited Derivatives User is still required to implement written compliance policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage its derivatives risks. The Derivatives Rule also provides special treatment for reverse repurchase agreements, similar financing transactions and unfunded commitment agreements. Specifically, the Fund may elect whether to treat reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as "derivatives transactions" subject to the requirements of the Derivatives Rule or as senior securities equivalent to bank borrowings for purposes of Section 18 of the 1940 Act. In addition, the Fund may invest in a security on a when-issued or forward-settling basis, or with a non-standard settlement cycle, and the transaction will be deemed not to involve a senior security, provided that: (i) the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction; and (ii) the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date.

The enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act and similar global regulations 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 these regulations, the SEC, CFTC and foreign regulators have promulgated a broad range of regulations and guidance on the use of derivatives, including use by registered investment companies. These include regulations with respect to security-based swaps (e.g., derivatives based on a single security or narrow-based securities index) that are regulated by the SEC in the U.S., and other swaps that are regulated by the CFTC and the markets in which these instruments trade. In addition, regulations adopted by the banking regulators require certain banks to include in a range of financial contracts, including many derivatives contracts, terms delaying or restricting default, termination and other rights in the event that the bank and/or its affiliates become subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. The regulations could limit the Fund's ability to exercise a range of cross-default rights if its counterparty, or an affiliate of the counterparty, is subject to bankruptcy or similar proceeding. Such regulations could further negatively impact the Fund's use of derivatives. Under CFTC Regulation 4.5, the Fund is excluded from registration as a CPO if its investments in commodity interests (such as futures contracts, options on futures contracts, non-deliverable forwards and swaps), other than those used for bona fide hedging purposes (as defined by the CFTC), are 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 are "in-the-money" at the time of purchase) do not exceed 5% of the Fund's NAV. Alternatively, the aggregate net notional value of the positions, determined at the time the most recent position was established, may 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 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 CPO registration with respect to the Fund. The Manager is also exempt from registration as a commodity trading advisor under CFTC Regulation 4.14(a)(8) with respect to the Fund.

Further information about the specific types of derivative instruments in which the Fund may invest, including the risks involved in their use, are contained under the description of each of these instruments in this SAI. The Fund may invest in various types of derivatives, including among others:

■ **Forward Contracts**  *.*** The Fund may enter into forward contracts. Forward contracts are a type of derivative instrument that obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of, a commodity, security or obligation underlying the 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 asset against receipt of the specified price. Generally, forward contracts are traded through financial institutions acting as market-makers, on certain securities exchanges, or over-the-counter, and the protections afforded to investors may vary depending on the trading environment. This is distinguishable from futures contracts, which are traded on U.S. and foreign commodities exchanges. Forward contracts are often negotiated on an individual basis and are not standardized. The market for forward contracts is substantially unregulated, as there is no limit on daily price movements and speculative position limits are not applicable. The principals who deal in certain forward contract markets are not required to continue to make markets in the underlying reference assets in which they trade and these markets can experience periods of illiquidity, sometimes of significant duration. There have been periods during which certain participants in forward contract markets have refused to quote prices for certain underlying references or have quoted prices with an unusually wide spread between the price at

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which they were prepared to buy and that at which they were prepared to sell. The liquidity of the markets for forward contracts depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking delivery. To the extent participants make or take delivery, liquidity in the market for forwards could be reduced. At or prior to maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may enter into an offsetting contract and may incur a loss to the extent there has been adverse movement in forward contract prices. A relatively small price movement in a forward contract may result in substantial losses to the Fund, exceeding the amount of the margin paid. Forward contracts can increase the Fund's risk exposure to underlying reference assets and their attendant risks.<br>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.<br>

■ **Forward Foreign Currency Contracts.** The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts ("forward currency contracts"), which are a type of derivative instrument, 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 these 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 that it intends to acquire. 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.<br>

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 respective portfolio securities denominated in such foreign currency. In addition, the Fund may use forward currency contracts when the 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.<br>

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.<br>

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 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.<br>

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 the 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.<br>

The Fund also may enter into forward currency contracts for non-hedging purposes if a foreign currency is anticipated to 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.<br>

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.<br>

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 a position in the securities or currencies that are the subject of the hedge or to maintain cash or securities.<br>

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.<br>

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.<br>

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At the maturity of a forward contract, the Fund may sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the security and either extend the maturity of the forward contract (by "rolling" that contract forward) or may initiate a new forward contract. If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss (as described below) to the extent that there has been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract to sell the foreign currency.<br>

Should forward prices decline during the period between the Fund's entering into a forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell.<br>

Forward currency contracts in which the Fund may engage include foreign exchange forwards. The consummation of a foreign exchange forward requires the actual exchange of the principal amounts of the two currencies in the contract (i.e., settlement on a physical basis). Because foreign exchange forwards are physically settled through an exchange of currencies, they are traded in the interbank market directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A foreign exchange forward generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at any stage for trades; foreign exchange dealers realize a profit based on the difference (the spread) between the prices at which they are buying and the prices at which they are selling various currencies. When the Fund enters into a foreign exchange forward, 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.<br>

The Fund may be required to obtain the currency that it must deliver under the foreign exchange forward through the sale of portfolio securities denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Fund into such currency. When the Fund engages in foreign currency transactions for hedging purposes, it will not enter into foreign exchange forwards to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if their consummation would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency materially in excess of the value of its portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that currency.<br>

■ **Futures Contracts.** The Fund may enter into futures contracts. Futures contracts are a type of derivative instrument that obligate the purchaser to take delivery of, or cash settle a specific amount of, a commodity, security or other obligation underlying the 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. The purchase of futures can serve as a long hedge, and the sale of futures can serve as a short hedge. No price is paid upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, at the inception of a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit "initial margin" consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt 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 (sometimes referred to as "maintenance margin" payments) are made to and from the futures broker daily as the value of the futures position varies, a process known as "marking-to-market." Variation margin does not involve borrowing, but rather represents a daily settlement of the Fund's obligations to or from a futures broker. When the Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it is subject to daily, or even intraday, variation margin calls that could be substantial in the event of adverse price movements. If the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily or intraday variation margin requirements, it might need to sell securities at a time when such sales are disadvantageous. Purchasers and sellers of futures contracts can enter into offsetting closing transactions, by selling or purchasing, respectively, an instrument identical to the instrument purchased or sold. Positions in futures contracts may be closed only on a futures exchange or board of trade that trades that contract. 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 of the underlying asset, in most cases the contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the contract without having to make or take 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. If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sell price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. 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.

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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 the sub-advisor may still not result in a successful transaction.<br>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. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures, including technical influences in futures trading, and differences between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends. The Fund may invest in the following types of futures contracts:<br>

■ **Rights** **.** Rights are options to purchase an issuer's securities at a stated price during a stated term, usually at a price below the initial offering price of the securities and before the securities are offered to the general public. Rights are similar to warrants but typically have a shorter duration. Rights are usually freely transferable, but may not be as liquid as exchange-traded options. In addition, the terms of a right may limit the Fund's ability to exercise the right at such time, or in such quantities, as the Fund would otherwise wish. Rights usually have no voting rights, pay no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. A right ceases to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. As a result, rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments.

■ **Warrants.** Warrants are options to purchase an issuer's securities at a stated price during a stated term, usually at a price below the initial offering price of the securities and before the securities are offered to the general public. 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. As a result, warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. 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. Warrants are usually freely transferable, but may not be as liquid as exchange-traded options, and the market for warrants may be very limited and it may be difficult to sell them promptly at an acceptable price.

**Equity Investments —** The Fund may invest in the following equity securities:

■ **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 stock may be less liquid than exchange-traded stock.

■ **Depositary Receipts.** The Fund may invest in depositary receipts, which represent ownership interests in securities of foreign companies (an "underlying issuer") that have been deposited with a bank or trust and that trade on an exchange or OTC. Depositary receipts may not be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, and they are subject to the risk of fluctuation in the currency exchange rate. 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 issuers of unsponsored depositary receipts 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. The Fund may invest in the following type of depositary receipts:

■  ***ADRs.*** ADRs are depositary receipts for foreign issuers in registered form, typically issued by a U.S. financial institution, traded in U.S. securities markets.

■  ***EDRs.*** EDRs, which are sometimes called Continental Depositary Receipts, are issued in Europe in bearer form and are traded in European securities markets.

■  ***GDRs.*** GDRs are in bearer form and traded in both the U.S. and European securities markets.

■  ***NVDRs.*** NVDRs represent financial interests in an issuer but the holder is not entitled to any voting rights.

■ **Income Deposit Securities** **.** The Fund may purchase IDSs. Each IDS represents two separate securities, shares of common stock and subordinated notes issued by the same company, that are combined into one unit that trades like a stock on an exchange. Holders of IDSs receive dividends on the common shares and interest at a fixed rate on the subordinated notes to produce a blended yield. An IDS is typically listed on a stock exchange, but

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the underlying securities typically are not listed on the exchange until a period of time after the listing of the IDS or upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change of control of the issuer of the IDS). When the underlying securities are listed, the holders of IDSs generally have the right to separate the components of the IDSs and trade them separately.<br>

There may be a thinner and less active market for IDSs than that available for other securities. The value of an IDS will be affected by factors generally affecting common stock and subordinated debt securities, including the issuer's actual or perceived ability to pay interest and principal on the notes and pay dividends on the stock.<br>

The federal income tax treatment of IDSs is not entirely clear and there is no authority that directly addresses the tax treatment of securities with terms substantially similar to IDSs. Among other things, although it is expected that the subordinated notes portion of an IDS will be treated as debt, if it is characterized as equity rather than debt, then interest paid on the notes could be treated as dividends (to the extent paid out of the issuer's earnings and profits).<br>

■ **Income Trusts.** The Fund may invest in shares of income trusts, including Canadian royalty trusts. An income trust is an investment trust which holds income-producing assets and generally distributes the income generated by such assets on to its security holders. Income trusts also may include royalty trusts, a particular type of income trust whose securities are listed on a stock exchange and which controls an underlying company whose business relates to, without limitation, the acquisition, exploitation, production and sale of oil and natural gas. The main attraction of an income trust is its ability to generate constant cash flows. Income trusts have the potential to deliver higher yields than bonds. During periods of low interest rates, income trusts may achieve higher yields compared with cash investments. During periods of increasing rates, the opposite may be true. Income trusts may experience losses during periods of both low and high interest rates.

Income trusts generally are structured to avoid income taxes at the entity level. In a traditional corporate tax structure, net income is taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends to its shareholders. Under current law, an income trust, if properly structured, should not be subject to federal income tax. This flow-through structure means that the distributions to income trust investors are generally higher than dividends from an equivalent corporate entity.<br>

Despite the potential for attractive regular payments, income trusts are equity investments, not fixed-income securities, and they share many of the risks inherent in stock ownership, including operating risk based on the income trusts' underlying assets and their respective businesses. Such risks may include lack of, or limited, operating histories. In addition, an income trust may lack diversification and potential growth may be sacrificed because revenue is passed on to security holders, rather than reinvested in the business. Because income trusts may pay out more than their net income, the unitholder equity (capital) may decline over time. Income trusts often grow through acquisition of additional assets, funded through the issuance of additional equity or, where the trust is able, additional debt. Income trusts do not guarantee minimum distributions or even return of capital; therefore, if the business of a trust starts to lose money, the trust can reduce or even eliminate distributions. The tax structure of income trusts described above, which would allow income to flow through to investors and be taxed only at the investor level, could be challenged under existing law, or the tax laws could change. Royalty trusts and income trusts frequently are found in Canada, and an investment in a Canadian trust will be subject to certain additional risks of investing in foreign securities.<br>

■ **Initial Public Offerings.** The Fund can invest in 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 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. IPOs may adversely impact the Fund's performance. However, the impact of IPOs on the Fund's performance will likely decrease as the Fund's asset size increases.

■ **Master Limited Partnerships.** The Fund may invest in publicly traded partnerships such as MLPs. MLPs issue units that are registered with the SEC and are freely tradable on a securities exchange or in the OTC market. An MLP may have one or more general partners, who conduct the business, and one or more limited partners, who contribute capital. The general partner or partners are jointly and severally responsible for the liabilities of the MLP. An MLP also may be an entity similar to a limited partnership, such as an LLC, which has one or more managers or managing members and non-managing members (who are like limited partners). The Fund will invest in an MLP as a limited partner, and normally would not be liable for the debts of an MLP beyond the amount that the Fund has invested therein. However, as a limited partner, the Fund would not be shielded to the same extent that a stockholder of a corporation would be. In certain instances, creditors of an MLP would have the right to seek a return of capital that had been distributed to a limited partner. This right of an MLP's creditors would continue even after the Fund had sold its investment in the partnership. Holders of MLP units have more limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership than owners of common stock. MLPs typically invest in real estate and oil and gas equipment leasing assets, but they also finance entertainment, research and development, and other projects.

**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.

**Foreign Investing** — The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated and non-U.S. dollar-denominated equity, debt and derivative instruments of foreign issuers and foreign branches of U.S. banks. 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 investments 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 may include: the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including

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political or social instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation); the impact of economic, political, social, diplomatic or other conditions or events (including, for example, military confrontations and actions, war, other conflicts, terrorism, and disease/virus outbreaks and epidemics); the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less or less reliable information about the securities and business operations of foreign 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 purchases, tracking and custody; the difficulty of predicting international trade patterns and the possibility of exchange controls or limitations on the removal of funds or assets; and possibly more limited legal remedies and access to the courts available to enforce the Fund's rights as an investor. The prices of such securities may be more volatile than those of domestic securities. Non-U.S. equity securities may trade at price/earnings multiples higher than comparable U.S. securities, and such levels may not be sustainable. The economies of many of the countries in which the Fund may invest are not as developed as the U.S. economy, and individual foreign economies can 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. Certain such economies may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Individual foreign companies also may differ favorably or unfavorably from U.S. companies in the same industry.

Foreign stock markets are generally not as developed or efficient as, and may be more volatile than, those in the United States. While growing in volume, they usually have substantially less trading volume than U.S. markets. As a result, foreign securities may trade with less frequency and in less volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater or lower price volatility. The Fund may be exposed to risks in the process of clearing and settling trades and the holding of securities by foreign banks, agents and depositories. Governments or trade groups may compel local agents to hold securities in designated depositories that are not subject to independent evaluation. 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. Investments in frontier and emerging markets may be subject to greater custody risks than investments in more developed markets. 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. Trading practices, including those involving the release of assets in advance of payment, may involve increased risks in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a broker-dealer, and may involve substantial delays. 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. In addition, certain foreign markets may institute share blocking, which is a practice under which an issuer's securities are blocked from trading at the custodian or sub-custodian level for a specified number of days before and, in certain instances, after a shareholder meeting where a vote of shareholders takes place. The blocking period can last up to several weeks. Share blocking may prevent the Fund from buying or selling securities during this period, because during the time shares are blocked, trades in such securities will not settle. It may be difficult or impossible to lift blocking restrictions, with the particular requirements varying widely by country. As a consequence of these restrictions, the sub-advisor, on behalf of the Fund, may elect not to vote proxies in markets that require share blocking. 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 payments, often affect interest rates in other countries.

Economic sanctions and other similar governmental actions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Fund's ability to purchase or sell foreign securities, and thus may prevent the Fund from making investments or make the Fund's investments in such securities less liquid or more difficult to value. In addition, as a result of economic sanctions, the Fund may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, which could result in losses to the Fund and increased transaction costs. These conditions may be in place for a substantial period of time and enacted with limited advance notice to the Fund. The risks posed by sanctions against a particular foreign country, its nationals or industries or businesses within the country may be heightened to the extent the Fund invests significantly in the affected country or region or in issuers from the affected country that depend on global markets.

Investing in foreign currency denominated investments involves not only the special risks associated with investing in non-U.S. issuers, as described above, but also the additional risks of adverse changes in foreign exchange rates and 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. Some governments may impose a tax on purchases by foreign investors of certain securities that trade in their country. Countries may amend or revise their existing tax laws, regulations and/or procedures in the future, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in or uncertainties regarding the laws, regulations or procedures of a country could reduce the after-tax profits of the Fund, directly or indirectly, including by reducing the after-tax profits of companies located in such countries in which the Fund invests, or result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. Commissions on foreign securities exchanges are often at fixed rates and are generally higher than those negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges, as are transaction costs, although the sub-advisor endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on portfolio transactions.

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. 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.

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The Fund may be subject to the risk that its share price may be exposed to arbitrage attempts by investors seeking to capitalize on differences in the values of foreign securities trading on foreign exchanges that may close before the time the Fund's net asset value is determined. If such arbitrage attempts are successful, the Fund's net asset value might be diluted.

The use of fair value pricing in certain circumstances may help deter such arbitrage activities. The effect of such fair value pricing is that foreign securities may not be priced on the basis of quotations from the primary foreign securities market in which they are traded, but rather may be fair valued. As such, fair value pricing is based on subjective judgment, and it is possible that fair value may differ materially from the value realized on a sale of a foreign security. It is also possible that use of fair value pricing will limit an investment adviser's ability to implement the Fund's investment strategy (e.g., reducing the volatility of the Fund's share price) or achieve its investment objective. The Fund's market timing and frequent trading policies and procedures also are intended to help deter arbitrage activities.

■ **African Securities**. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in African countries that involve heightened risks of political instability, civil war, armed conflict, social instability as a result of religious, ethnic and/or socio-economic unrest, authoritarian and/or military involvement in governmental decision-making, corruption, expropriation and/or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, genocidal warfare in certain countries, and other risks. Many under-developed African countries have less developed capital markets that do not contain the safeguards inherent in those of developed countries and, consequently, the risks of investing in foreign securities are magnified in such countries. Risks of investing in such markets include heightened volatility, smaller investor base, fewer brokerage firms, heightened counterparty risk, inconsistent and rapidly changing regulation, lower market capitalization and trading volume, illiquidity, inflation, uncertainty regarding the existence of trading markets, governmental control and heavy regulation of labor and industry, and the risk that trading on African securities markets may be suspended altogether. Some markets of the countries in Africa in which the Fund may invest are in only the earliest stages of development with less liquidity, fewer and less well capitalized securities brokers, fewer issuers and more capital market restrictions than developed markets. To the extent the Fund effects securities transactions through these brokerage firms, the Fund is subject to the risk that these brokerage firms will not be able to fulfill their obligations to the Fund (i.e., counterparty risk). This risk is magnified to the extent that the Fund effects securities transactions through a single brokerage firm or a small number of brokerage firms. In addition, there may be no single centralized securities exchange on which securities are traded in certain countries in Africa. There may be less financial and other information publicly available to investors, and the information that is provided may lack integrity. Uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards may not exist. In addition, the governments of certain countries may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector, including ownership or control of companies. Government actions in the future could have a significant economic impact. In particular, changes in investment policies or shifts in the prevailing political climate could result in the introduction of changes to government regulations with respect to price controls, export and import controls, income and other taxes, foreign ownership restrictions, foreign exchange and currency controls and labor and welfare benefit policies. Unexpected changes in these policies or regulations could lead to increased investment, operating or compliance expenses. Investments in certain countries may require the Fund to adopt special procedures, seek local government approvals or take other actions, each of which may involve additional costs to the Fund. Certain African countries may unpredictably restrict or control the extent to which foreign investors may invest in securities of issuers located in those countries, and governments may limit the repatriation of investment proceeds to foreign countries. Regulation may require governmental approval or special licenses for foreign investors and limitations could be placed on investment practices regarding share-class ownership, shareholder rights and title to securities. A delay in obtaining a government approval or a license would delay investments in a particular country, and, as a result, the Fund may not be able to invest in certain securities while approval is pending. The government of a particular country may also withdraw or decline to renew a license that enables the Fund to invest in such country. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investment. Additionally, withholding or other taxes may be levied on foreign investors, and while portions of these taxes may be recoverable, any non-recovered portions will reduce the income received from investments in such countries. During periods of instability or upheaval, a country's government may act in a detrimental or hostile manner toward private enterprise or foreign investment. Securities laws in many countries in Africa are relatively new and unsettled and, consequently, there is a risk of rapid and unpredictable change in laws regarding foreign investment, securities regulation, title to securities and shareholder rights. Accordingly, foreign investors may be adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations. In addition, the systems of corporate governance to which issuers located in countries in Africa are subject may be less advanced than those systems to which issuers located in more developed countries are subject, and, therefore, shareholders of issuers located in such countries may not receive many of the protections available to shareholders of issuers located in more developed countries. The legal systems, and the unpredictability thereof, in certain countries in the region also may have an adverse impact on the Fund and may expose the Fund to significant liabilities. Even in circumstances where adequate laws and shareholder rights exist, it may not be possible to obtain timely and equitable enforcement of the law. African countries historically have suffered from underdeveloped infrastructure, high unemployment rates, a comparatively unskilled labor force, and inconsistent access to capital, which have contributed to economic instability and stifled economic growth in the region. Many countries in Africa are heavily dependent on international trade and are subject to trade barriers, embargoes, exchange controls, currency valuation adjustments and other protectionist measures. These countries also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. A primary source of revenue for these countries is the export of commodities including precious minerals and metals such as gold, silver, copper and diamonds, agricultural products and energy products, such as oil. The countries are, therefore, more vulnerable to changes in commodity prices, interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, embargoes, tariffs, international economic, political and regulatory developments, and any weakening in global demand for these products. Certain African countries have currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar or euro rather than free-floating exchange rates determined by market forces. Although intended to stabilize the currencies, these pegs, if abandoned, may cause sudden and significant currency adjustments, which may adversely impact investment returns. Certain issuers located in countries in Africa in which the Fund may invest may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/ or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United Nations, and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain financial penalties and damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. The Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks. In addition, disease epidemics are more likely to affect trade practices and international dealings with certain African countries.

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Political instability and protests in North Africa and the Middle East have caused significant disruptions to many industries. Political and social unrest can spread quickly through the region, and developments in one country can influence the political events in neighboring countries. Protests may turn violent, and civil war and political reconstruction in certain countries pose a risk to investments in the region. Continued political and social unrest, including ongoing warfare and terrorist activities in the Middle East and Africa, may negatively affect the value of an investment in the Fund. Although geographically remote from the conflict in Ukraine, African countries are subject to the adverse effect Russia's invasion of Ukraine brought to the global economy. Surging oil and food prices are straining the external and fiscal balances of commodity-importing countries and have increased food security problems in these regions. These economic disruptions may undermine the Fund's investment in these countries. All of these risks, among others, could adversely affect the Fund's investments in African countries. Any particular country in Africa may be subject to the foregoing risks in greater or lesser degrees relative to other countries in Africa, and as a result, circumstances that may positively affect a country in Africa in which the Fund is not invested may not have a corresponding positive effect on other countries in Africa in which the Fund is invested.<br>

■ **Chinese Company Securities**. Investing in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan involves a high degree of risk, and special considerations not typically associated with investing in other more established economies or securities markets. Such risks may include: (a) the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, or confiscatory taxation; (b) greater social, economic and political uncertainty (including the risk of war); (c) dependency on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade; (d) increasing competition from Asia's other low-cost emerging economies; (e) greater price volatility, substantially less liquidity and significantly smaller market capitalization of securities markets, particularly in China; (f) currency exchange rate fluctuations and the lack of available currency hedging instruments; (g) higher rates of inflation; (h) controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on the Fund's ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; (i) greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy, and greater intervention in the Chinese financial markets, such as the imposition of trading restrictions; (j) the risk that the Chinese government may decide not to continue to support economic reform programs currently in place and could return to the completely centrally planned economy that was in place prior to 1978; (k) the fact that Chinese companies, particularly those located in China, may be smaller, less seasoned and newly-organized; (l) the difference in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting standards that may result in unavailability of material information about issuers, particularly in China; (m) the fact that statistical information regarding the Chinese economy may be inaccurate or not comparable to statistical information regarding the U.S. or other economies; (n) the less extensive, and still developing, regulation of the securities markets, business entities and commercial transactions; (o) the fact that the settlement period of securities transactions in foreign markets may be longer; (p) uncertainty surrounding the willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Chinese and Hong Kong economies and markets; (q) the risk that it may be more difficult or impossible, to obtain and/or enforce a judgment than in other countries; (r) the rapidity and erratic nature of growth, particularly in China, resulting in inefficiencies and dislocations; (s) more frequent (and potentially widespread) trading suspensions and government interventions with respect to Chinese issuers; (t) limitations on the use of brokers (or action by the Chinese government that discourages brokers from serving international clients); and (u) the risk that, because of the degree of interconnectivity between the economies and financial markets of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, any sizable reduction in the demand for goods from China, or an economic downturn in China could negatively affect the economies and financial markets of Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well. In addition, the China Securities Regulatory Commission recently met with local law firms and asked them to tone down negative descriptions of China's policies in prospectuses of companies going public outside the mainland in markets such as Hong Kong and the United States. Comments in IPO listing documents that misrepresent or disparage laws and policies, the business environment and judicial situation of China are now barred. Such new listing regime would inevitably deny approval for offshore listing applications and further dampen the stock market sentiment, which in turn negatively affects markets and the value of the Fund's investments. China's economy has transitioned from a rigidly central-planned state-run economy to one that has been only partially reformed by more market-oriented policies. Although the Chinese government has implemented economic reform measures, reduced state ownership of companies and established better corporate governance practices, a substantial portion of productive assets in China are still owned by the Chinese government. The government continues to exercise significant control in regulating industrial development and, ultimately, control over China's economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, setting monetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. The Chinese government has from time to time taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. Investments in China involve risk of a total loss due to government action or inaction. China continues to limit direct foreign investments generally in industries deemed important to national interests. Foreign investment in domestic securities are also subject to substantial restrictions. Some believe that China's currency is undervalued. Currency fluctuations could significantly affect China and its trading partners. China continues to exercise control over the value of its currency, rather than allowing the value of the currency to be determined by market forces. This type of currency regime may experience sudden and significant currency adjustments, which may adversely impact investment returns. For decades, a state of hostility has existed between Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. Beijing has long deemed Taiwan a part of the "one China" and has made a nationalist cause of recovering it. This situation poses a threat to Taiwan's economy and could negatively affect its stock market. By treaty, China has committed to preserve Hong Kong's autonomy and its economic, political and social freedoms until 2047. However, if China would exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected, which in turn could negatively affect markets and business performance. In addition, the Hong Kong dollar trades within a fixed trading bond rate to (or is "pegged" to) the U.S. dollar. This fixed exchange rate has contributed to the growth and stability of the Hong Kong economy. However, some market participants have questioned the continued viability of the currency peg. It is uncertain what affect any discontinuation of the currency peg, and the establishment of an alternative exchange rate system would have on capital markets generally and the Hong Kong economy. As demonstrated by protests in Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020 over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government's response to the protests, there continues to be a great deal of political unrest, which may result in economic disruption. China could be affected by military events on the Korean peninsula or internal instability within North Korea. North Korea and South Korea each have substantial military capabilities, and historical tensions between the two countries present the risk of war. Any outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could have a severe adverse effect on the South Korean economy and securities market. These situations may cause uncertainty in the Chinese market and may adversely affect performance of the Chinese economy. In addition, China has

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strained international relations with Japan, India, Russia and other neighbors due to territorial disputes, historical animosities and other defense concerns. China is also alleged to have participated in state-sponsored cyberattacks against foreign companies and foreign governments. Actual and threatened responses to such activity and strained international relations, including purchasing restrictions, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Chinese government or Chinese companies, may impact China's economy and Chinese issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. Investment in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan is subject to certain political risks. The current political climate has intensified concerns about trade tariffs and a potential trade war between China and the United States, despite the United States signing a partial trade agreement with China that reduced some U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods while boosting Chinese purchases of American goods. However, this agreement left in place a number of existing tariffs, and it is unclear whether further trade agreements may be reached in the future. The ability and willingness of China to comply with the trade deal may determine to some degree the extent to which its economy will be adversely affected, which cannot be predicted at the present time. Future tariffs imposed by China and the United States on the other country's products, or other escalating actions, may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China's export industry with a potentially negative impact to the Fund. On June 3, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order prohibiting U.S. persons from entering into transactions in publicly traded securities, as well as derivatives and securities designed to provide investment exposure to, any securities of any issuers designated "Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies," as designated by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. This executive order superseded a prior similar order from then-President Trump. Continued ownership of such securities by U.S. persons is prohibited after June 3, 2022, following a one-year divestment period. A number of Chinese issuers have been designated under this program and more could be added. Certain implementation matters related to the scope of, and compliance with, the executive order have not yet been resolved, and the ultimate application and enforcement of the executive order may change. Under current guidance, U.S. investors may purchase interests in an investment fund that does not make any new purchases of designated securities and is "seeking to" divest its holdings of such securities during the divestment period. As a result, the executive order and related guidance may significantly reduce the liquidity of such securities, force the Fund to sell certain positions at inopportune times or for unfavorable prices, and restrict future investments by the Fund. U.S. investment advisers are permitted to advise non-U.S. funds and non-U.S. persons that purchase and sell such prohibited securities, provided this activity does not indirectly expose U.S. persons to such companies. The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act ("HFCAA"), requires the SEC to identify reporting public companies that use public accounting firms with a branch or office located in a foreign jurisdiction that the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") determines that it is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by a governmental entity in that jurisdiction ("Commission-Identified Issuers"). If an issuer is identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer for three consecutive years, the issuer's shares will be prohibited in U.S. exchange and over-the-counter markets. On March 8, 2022, pursuant to the implementing regulations established by the SEC as required by the HFCAA, the SEC began to identify companies as provisional Commission-Identified Issuers. On August 26, 2022, the PCAOB signed a Statement of Protocol with the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China ("PRC"), which marked the first step toward opening access for the PCAOB to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong completely in accordance with U.S. law. However, as this development is relatively recent, the implementation of the Statement of Protocol remains to be tested. Audits performed by PCAOB registered accounting firms in mainland China and Hong Kong may be less reliable than those performed by firms subject to PCAOB inspection. Accordingly, information about the Chinese securities in which the Fund invest may be less reliable or complete. Listing and other regulatory requirements applicable to foreign issuers, including Chinese issuers, is evolving and any future legislation, regulations or rules may require the Fund to change its investment process, which could result in substantial investment losses. China has often restricted U.S. regulators' access to information and limited regulators' ability to investigate or pursue remedies with respect to China-based issuers, generally citing to state secrecy and national security laws, blocking statutes, or other laws or regulations. In addition, according to Article 177 of the PRC Securities Law, which became effective in March 2020, no overseas securities regulator can directly conduct investigations or evidence collection activities within China and no entity or individual in China may provide documents and information relating to securities business activities to overseas regulators without Chinese government approval. The SEC, U.S. Department of Justice, and other U.S. authorities face substantial challenges in bringing and enforcing actions against China-based issuers and their officers and directors. As a result, the Fund may not benefit from a regulatory environment that fosters effective enforcement of U.S. federal securities laws. From time to time and in recent years, China has experienced outbreaks of infectious illnesses, and the country may be subject to other public health threats, infectious illnesses, diseases or similar issues in the future. Any spread of an infectious illness, public health threat or similar issue, or the government response thereto, could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the Chinese or global economy, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments.<br>For purposes of raising capital offshore on exchanges outside of China, including on U.S. exchanges, many Chinese-based operating companies are structured as Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs"). In this structure, the Chinese-based operating company is the VIE and establishes an entity, which is typically offshore in a foreign jurisdiction, such as the Cayman Islands. The offshore entity lists on a foreign exchange and enters into contractual arrangements ("VIE Agreements") with the VIE. This structure allows Chinese companies, in particular those in which the government restricts foreign ownership to raise capital from foreign investors. While the offshore entity has no equity ownership of the VIE, these VIE Agreements permit the offshore entity to consolidate the VIE's financial statements with its own for accounting purposes and provide for economic exposure to the performance of the underlying Chinese-based operating company. Therefore, an investor in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, will have exposure to the Chinese-based operating company only through contractual arrangements and has no ownership in the Chinese-based operating company. Furthermore, because the offshore entity only has specific rights provided for in these VIE Agreements with the VIE, its abilities to control the activities at the Chinese-based operating company are limited and the Chinese-based operating company may engage in activities that negatively impact investment value. While the VIE structure has been widely adopted, it is not formally recognized under Chinese law and therefore there is a risk that the Chinese government could prohibit the existence of such structures or negatively impact the VIE's contractual arrangements with the listed offshore entity by making them invalid. If these VIE Agreements were found to be unenforceable under Chinese law, investors in the listed offshore entity, such as the Fund, may suffer significant losses with little or no recourse available. If the Chinese government determines that the VIE Agreements establishing the VIE structures do not comply with Chinese law and regulations, including those related to restrictions on foreign ownership, it could subject a Chinese-based issuer to penalties, revocation of business and operating licenses, or forfeiture of ownership interest. <br>

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Any change in the operations of entities in a VIE structure, the status of VIE contractual arrangements or the legal or regulatory environment in China or in the U.S. could result in significant losses to the Fund. The listed offshore entity's control over a VIE may also be jeopardized if a natural person who holds the equity interest in the VIE breaches the terms of the VIE Agreement, is subject to legal proceedings or if any physical instruments for authenticating documentation, such as chops and seals, are used without the Chinese-based issuer's authorization to enter into contractual arrangements in China. Chops and seals, which are carved stamps used to sign documents, represent a legally binding commitment by the company. Moreover, any future regulatory action may affect the ability of the offshore entity to receive the economic benefits of the Chinese-based operating company, which may cause the value of the Fund's investment in the listed offshore entity to suffer a significant loss. For example, in 2021, the Chinese government placed various restrictions on after-school tutoring companies. Such restrictions adversely affected the financial performance of those listed offshore entities associated with a Chinese-based operating company in the after-school tutoring industry. There is no guarantee that the Chinese government will not place similar restrictions on other industries and therefore jeopardize the financial performance of the corresponding listed offshore entities.<br>

■ **Eastern European and Russian Securities**. In addition to the risks listed under "Foreign Investing- Frontier and Emerging Market Securities, " investing in Russian and other Eastern European issuers presents additional risks. Investing in the securities of Eastern European and Russian issuers is highly speculative and involves risks not usually associated with investing in the more developed markets of Western Europe, the U.S. or other developed countries. Political and economic reforms have not yet established a definite trend away from centrally planned economies and state-owned industries. Investments in Eastern European countries may involve risks of nationalization, expropriation, and confiscatory taxation. Many Eastern European countries continue to move towards market economies at different paces with different characteristics. Most Eastern European markets suffer from thin trading activity and less reliable investor protections. Additionally, because of less stringent auditing and financial reporting standards as compared to U.S. companies, there may be little reliable corporate information available to investors. As a result, it may be difficult to assess the value or prospects of an investment in Eastern European and Russian companies. Further, information and transaction costs, differential taxes, and sometimes political or transfer risk give a comparative advantage to the domestic investor rather than the foreign investor. In addition, these markets are particularly sensitive to social, political, economic, and currency events in Western Europe and Russia and may suffer heavy losses as a result of their trading and investment links to these economies and currencies. Additionally, Russia may continue to attempt to assert its influence in the region through economic or even military measures, as evidenced by its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the ongoing conflict in that region. The United States and the EU historically have imposed economic sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. Sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may result in the decline of the value and liquidity of Russian securities, a weakening of the ruble or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy. These sanctions could also result in the immediate freeze of Russian securities, either by issuer, sector or the Russian markets as a whole, impairing the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, receive or deliver those securities. In such circumstances, the Fund may be forced to liquidate non-restricted assets in order to satisfy shareholder redemptions. Such liquidation of Fund assets could result in the Fund receiving substantially lower prices for its securities. Sanctions could also result in Russia taking counter measures or retaliatory actions which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. As a result, the Fund's performance may be adversely affected. The potential impact of sanctions imposed in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 are discussed below. In some of the countries of Eastern Europe, there is no stock exchange or formal market for securities. Such countries may also have government exchange controls, currencies with no recognizable market value relative to the established currencies of Western market economies, little or no experience in trading in securities, no accounting or financial reporting standards, a lack of banking and securities infrastructure to handle such trading and a legal tradition that does not recognize rights in private property. Credit and debt issues and other economic difficulties affecting Western Europe and its financial institutions can negatively affect Eastern European countries. Eastern European economies may also be particularly susceptible to the volatility of the international credit market due to their reliance on bank related inflows of foreign capital, and their continued dependence on the Western European zone for credit and trade. Accordingly, the European crisis may present serious risks for Eastern European economies, which may have a negative effect on the Fund's investments in the region. Compared to most national stock markets, the Russian securities market suffers from a variety of problems not encountered in more developed markets. There is little long-term historical data on the Russian securities market because it is relatively new and a substantial proportion of securities transactions in Russia are privately negotiated outside of stock exchanges. The inexperience of the Russian securities market and the limited volume of trading in securities in the market may make obtaining accurate prices on portfolio securities from independent sources more difficult than in more developed markets. Poor accounting standards, inept management, pervasive corruption, insider trading and crime, and inadequate regulatory protection for the rights of all investors all may pose additional risks, including to foreign investors. Because of the relatively recent formation of the Russian securities market as well as the underdeveloped state of the banking and telecommunications systems, settlement, clearing and registration of securities transactions are subject to significant risks not normally associated with securities transactions in the United States and other more developed markets. Prior to 2013, there was no central registration system for equity share registration in Russia and registration was carried out by either the issuers themselves or by registrars located throughout Russia. Such registrars were not necessarily subject to effective state supervision nor were they licensed with any governmental entity, thereby increasing the risk that the Fund could lose ownership of its securities through fraud, negligence, or even mere oversight. With the implementation of the National Settlement Depository ("NSD") in Russia as a recognized central securities depository, title to Russian equities is now based on the records of the NSD and not the registrars. Although the implementation of the NSD is generally expected to decrease the risk of loss in connection with recording and transferring title to securities, issues resulting in loss still might occur. In addition, issuers and registrars are still prominent in the validation and approval of documentation requirements for corporate action processing in Russia. Because the documentation requirements and approval criteria vary between registrars and/or issuers, there remain unclear and inconsistent market standards in the Russian market with respect to the completion and submission of corporate action elections. Significant delays or problems may occur in registering the transfer of securities, which could cause the Fund to incur losses due to a counterparty's failure to pay for securities the Fund has delivered or the Fund's inability to complete its contractual obligations because of theft or other reasons. To the extent that the Fund suffers a loss relating to title or corporate actions relating to its portfolio securities, it may be difficult for the Fund to enforce its rights or otherwise remedy the loss. In addition, there is the risk that the Russian tax system

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will not be reformed to prevent inconsistent, retroactive, and/or exorbitant taxation, or, in the alternative, the risk that a reformed tax system may result in the inconsistent and unpredictable enforcement of the new tax laws.

The Russian economy is heavily dependent upon the export of a range of commodities including most industrial metals, forestry products, oil, and gas. Accordingly, it is strongly affected by international commodity prices and is particularly vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these products. Decreases in the price of commodities, which have in the past pushed the whole economy into recession, have demonstrated the sensitivity of the Russian economy to such price volatility. Russia continues to face significant economic challenges, including weak levels of investment and a sluggish recovery in external demand. Over the long-term, Russia faces challenges including a shrinking workforce, a high level of corruption, and difficulty in accessing capital for smaller, non-energy companies and poor infrastructure in need of large investments.<br>

Foreign investors also face a high degree of currency risk when investing in Russian securities and a lack of available currency hedging instruments. In the past, the Russian ruble has been subject to significant devaluation pressure as a result of the imposition of sanctions by the United States and the European Union and the decline in commodity prices and the value of Russian exports. Although the Russian Central Bank has spent a significant amount of its foreign exchange reserves in an attempt to maintain the ruble's value, there is a risk of significant future devaluation. In addition, there is the risk that the Russian government may impose capital controls on foreign portfolio investments in the event of extreme financial or political crisis. Such capital controls may prevent the sale of a portfolio of foreign assets and the repatriation of investment income and capital. These risks may cause flight from the ruble into U.S. dollars and other currencies.<br>

In February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. The outbreak of hostilities between the two countries could result in more widespread conflict and could have a severe adverse effect on the regional and the global financial markets and economies (including in Europe and the U.S.), companies in other countries (including those that have done business in Russia), and various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities. Actual and threatened responses to such military action have impacted, and may continue to impact, the markets for certain Russian commodities, such as oil and natural gas. In addition, tensions have increased between Russia's neighbors and Western countries, which may adversely affect the region's economic growth. Moreover, disruptions caused by Russian military action or other actions (including cyberattacks and espionage) or resulting actual and threatened responses to such activity, including purchasing and financing restrictions, boycotts or changes in consumer or purchaser preferences, sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Russian government, Russian companies or Russian individuals, including politicians, may impact Russia's economy and Russian issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The extent and duration of the military action, the resulting sanctions or other punitive actions, and the resulting future market disruptions, are impossible to predict but have been and could continue to be significant.<br>Russia's actions have induced the United States and other countries (collectively, the "Sanctioning Bodies") to impose economic sanctions on Russia, Russian individuals, and Russian corporate and banking entities, which can consist of prohibiting certain securities trades and private transactions in the energy sector, asset freezes and prohibition of all business with such persons and entities. The sanctions have included a commitment by certain countries and the EU to remove selected Russian banks from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications, commonly called "SWIFT," the electronic network that connects banks globally, and the imposition of restrictive measures to prevent the Russian Central Bank from undermining the impact of the sanctions. A number of large corporations and U.S. states have also divested or announced plans to divest interests or otherwise curtail business dealings with certain Russian businesses. The Sanctioning Bodies may impose additional sanctions in the future. Such sanctions, or even the threat of further sanctions, may impact many sectors of the Russian economy and related markets. Current and potential future sanctions, or the threat of sanctions, and Russia's response, as discussed below, may cause any of the following: (a) a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities; (b) a weakening or devaluation of the ruble; (c) a downgrade in Russia's credit rating and/or its default on sovereign obligations; (d) increased volatility of Russian securities; (e) the immediate freeze of Russian securities and/or funds invested in prohibited assets; or (f) additional counter measures or retaliatory actions.<br>In response to the sanctions, the Russian Central Bank raised its interest rates, suspended the sales of Russian securities by non-residents of Russia on its local stock exchange, prohibited the repatriation of Russian assets by foreign investors, and barred Russian issuers from participating in depositary receipt programs. Russia may take additional countermeasures or retaliatory actions in the future, including, for example, restricting gas exports to other countries, seizing U.S. and European residents' assets, imposing capital controls to restrict movements of capital entering and existing the country, or undertaking or provoking other military conflict elsewhere in Europe.<br>The Russian invasion, sanctions in response, and any related events may adversely and significantly affect the performance of the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment objective by restricting or prohibiting the Fund's ability to gain exposure to Russian issuers or other affected issuers. To the extent that the Fund has direct exposure to Russian or Eastern European issuers, these events may also make it difficult for the Fund to sell, receive or deliver securities or assets to realize the value of that exposure.<br>

■ **European Securities**. The Fund's performance may be affected by political, social and economic conditions in Europe, such as the growth of the economic output (the gross national product of the countries in the region), the rate of inflation, the rate at which capital is reinvested into European economies, the success of governmental actions to reduce budget deficits, the resource self-sufficiency of European countries, interest rates in European countries, monetary exchange rates between European countries, and conflict between European countries. The Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") of the European Union ("EU") is comprised of EU members that have adopted the euro currency. By adopting the euro as its currency, a member state relinquishes control of its own monetary policies and is subject to fiscal and monetary controls. The EMU requires Eurozone countries to comply with restrictions on interest rates, deficits, debt levels, and inflation rates, fiscal and monetary controls, and other factors. Although the EMU has adopted a common currency and central bank, there is no fiscal union; therefore, money does not automatically flow from countries with surpluses to those with deficits. These restrictions and characteristics may limit the ability of EMU member countries to implement monetary policy to address regional economic conditions and significantly impact every European country and their economic partners, including those countries that are not members of the EMU. In addition, those EU member states that are not currently in the Eurozone (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden), excluding Denmark, are required to seek to comply with convergence criteria to permit entry to the Eurozone. The economies and markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact on other European countries. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or other regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro or other European currency, the threat of default

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or actual default by one or more EU member countries, or other European countries, on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in one or more European countries may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other European countries and major trading partners outside Europe.<br>The European financial markets have experienced and may continue to experience volatility and adverse trends due to concerns relating to economic downturns; rising government debt levels and national unemployment; the possible default of government debt in several European countries; public health crises; political unrest; economic sanctions; inflation; energy crises; the future of the euro as a common currency; and war and military conflict, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These events have adversely affected the exchange rate of the euro and may continue to significantly affect European countries. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks, and others, including austerity measures and other reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest and may limit future growth and economic recovery or may have unintended consequences. In order to prevent further economic deterioration, certain countries, without prior warning, can institute "capital controls." Countries may use these controls to restrict volatile movements of capital entering and exiting their country. Such controls may negatively affect the Fund's investments. In addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro and/or withdraw from the EU. The impact of these actions, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, could be significant and far-reaching. Many European nations are susceptible to economic risks associated with high levels of debt. Non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts, and other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations. A default or debt restructuring by any European country could adversely impact holders of that country's debt and sellers of credit default swaps linked to that country's creditworthiness, which may be located in other countries. Such a default or debt restructuring could affect exposures to other European countries and their financial companies as well. Further defaults on, or restructurings of, the debt of governments or other entities could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, issuers may face difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions may require government or central bank support, or need to raise capital, and/or be impaired in their ability to extend credit. Furthermore, certain European countries have had to accept assistance from supranational agencies such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Stability Mechanism or others. The European Central Bank has also intervened to purchase Eurozone debt in an attempt to stabilize markets and reduce borrowing costs. There can be no assurance that any creditors or supranational agencies will continue to intervene or provide further assistance, and markets may react adversely to any expected reduction in the financial support provided by these creditors. Certain European countries have also developed increasingly strained relationships with the U.S., and if these relationships were to worsen, they could adversely affect European issuers that rely on the U.S. for trade.<br>In addition, the national politics of European countries have been unpredictable and subject to influence by disruptive political groups, ideologies, and polarizing political events such as the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Secessionist movements, as well as government or other responses to such movements, may create instability and uncertainty in a country or region. European governments may be subject to change and such countries may experience social and political unrest. Unanticipated or sudden political or social developments may result in sudden and significant investment losses. The occurrence of terrorist incidents throughout Europe and in the Middle East also could impact financial markets, as could military conflicts. For example, Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and retaliatory action, may disrupt supply chains and cause difficulties for impacted businesses, including those that wish to ship goods through that route. The impact of these kinds of events could be significant and far-reaching and materially impact the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. Russia's war with Ukraine has negatively impacted European economic activity. The Russia/Ukraine war and Russia's response to sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other countries are impossible to predict, but have severely impacted the performance of the economies of European and other countries, including through adverse effects to global financial and energy markets, global supply chains and global growth, and consequential inflation. Investments in companies with contractual relationships with Russian counterparties, or with significant operations and/or assets in Russia could be adversely impacted by the new legal, political, and regulatory environment, whether by increased costs or the termination of business plans or operations due to sanctions. Various companies operating in Russia, or with Russian counterparties, have faced difficulties enforcing Russian debts or contractual reliefs due to the Russian court's hostility towards European companies in response to sanctions.<br>Certain countries have applied to become new member countries of the EU, and these candidate countries' accessions may become more controversial to the existing EU members. Some member states may repudiate certain candidate countries joining the EU due to concerns about the possible economic, immigration and cultural implications. Certain other countries have applied to join or, in the case of Finland and Sweden, have recently joined, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization ("NATO"). Russia is understood to oppose certain expansions, or potential expansions, of NATO and the EU, and its reaction to such developments could negatively impact European economic activity. The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on January 31, 2020 and entered into a transition period, which ended on December 31, 2020. The longer-term economic, legal, and political framework between the United Kingdom and the EU is still developing and may lead to ongoing political and economic uncertainty in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the global market. Investments in companies with significant operations and/or assets in the United Kingdom could be adversely impacted by the new legal, political, and regulatory environment, whether by increased costs or impediments to the implementation of business plans. The uncertainty resulting from any further exits from the EU, or the possibility of such exits, would also be likely to cause market disruption in the EU and more broadly across the global economy, as well as introduce further legal, political, and regulatory uncertainty in Europe.<br>

■  ***United Kingdom Securities.*** Exposure to issuers located in, or with economic ties to, the United Kingdom, could expose the Fund to risks associated with investments in the United Kingdom to a greater extent than more geographically diverse funds, including regulatory, political, currency, security, and economic risks specific to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has one of the largest economies in Europe, and the United States and other European countries are substantial trading partners of the United Kingdom. As a result, the United Kingdom economy may be impacted by changes to the economic condition of the United States and other European countries. On December 31, 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union in an event commonly referred to as "Brexit." The United Kingdom and the European Union then reached a trade agreement that became effective on May 1, 2021, after being ratified by all applicable United Kingdom and European Union governmental bodies. Until the economic effects of Brexit become clearer, and while a period of political, regulatory and commercial uncertainty continues, there remains a risk that Brexit may have a negative impact on the United Kingdom, the broader global economy, or the value of the British pound sterling, any of which may impact the value of Fund investments.

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The United Kingdom's economy relies heavily on the export of financial services to the United States and other European countries. At the end of March 2021, the UK and the European Union concluded technical discussions on the content of a Memorandum of Understanding on financial services, setting out how the UK and EU financial services regulators will co-operate and share information. The implementation of this legal framework and basis of co-operation remains to be seen, and so the period following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union is expected to be one of significant political and economic uncertainty, particularly until the United Kingdom government and EU member states agree and implement the terms of the United Kingdom's future relationship with the European Union.<br>Although the sub-advisor may hedge Fund currency exposures back to the U.S. dollar, a depreciation of the British pound sterling and/or the Euro in relation to the U.S. dollar as a result of Brexit could adversely affect Fund investments denominated in British pound sterling or Euros that are not fully hedged regardless of the performance of the underlying issuer.<br>

■ **Frontier and Emerging Market Investments.** The Fund may invest in frontier and emerging market securities. The Fund may consider a country to be a frontier or 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. Investments in frontier and emerging market country securities involve special risks. The economies, markets and political structures of a number of the frontier and 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. These risks are discussed below. *Economies.* The economies of frontier and 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, reliable access to capital, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments and trade difficulties. Some economies are less well developed and less diverse (for example, Latin America, Eastern Europe and certain Asian countries), and may be heavily dependent upon international trade, as well as the economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. Such economies accordingly have been, and may continue to be, adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist or retaliatory measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. Similarly, many of these countries have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of national and external debt, severe recession, and extreme poverty and unemployment. Emerging market countries may also experience a higher level of exposure and vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change. This may be attributed to both the geographic location of emerging market countries and/or a country's lack of access to technology or resources to adjust and adapt to its effects. An increased occurrence and severity of natural disasters and extreme weather events such as droughts and decreased crop yields, heat waves, flooding and rising sea levels, and increased spread of disease, could cause harmful effects to the performance of affected economies. The economies of frontier and 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. Frontier and emerging market economies may develop unevenly or may never fully develop. 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. Governments. Frontier and emerging markets may have uncertain national policies and social, political and economic instability. While government involvement in the private sector varies in degree among emerging market countries, such involvement may in some cases include government ownership of companies in certain sectors, wage and price controls or imposition of trade barriers and other protectionist measures. 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 addition, there is no guarantee that some future economic or political crisis will not lead to price controls, forced mergers of companies, confiscatory taxation or creation of government monopolies to the possible detriment of the Fund's investments. In such event, it is possible that the Fund could lose the entire value of its investments in the affected markets. Frontier and emerging market countries may have national policies that limit the Fund's investment opportunities such as restrictions on investment in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. Repatriation of investment income, capital and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental registration and/or approval in some frontier and emerging market countries. In addition, if the Fund invests in a market where restrictions are considered acceptable, a country could impose new or additional repatriation restrictions after investment that are unacceptable. This might require, among other things, applying to the appropriate authorities for a waiver of the restrictions or engaging in transactions in other markets designed to offset the risks of decline in that country. Further, some attractive securities may not be available, or may require a premium for purchase, due to foreign shareholders already holding the maximum amount legally permissible. In addition to withholding taxes on investment income, some countries with frontier and emerging capital markets may impose differential capital gain taxes on foreign investors. An issuer or governmental authority that controls the repayment of a frontier or 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. There may be 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. *Capital Markets.* The capital markets in frontier and emerging market countries may be underdeveloped. They may have 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

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markets. Frontier and 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.<br>There may be less publicly available information about issuers in frontier and emerging market countries 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. Investing in certain countries with emerging capital markets 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. There may also be custodial restrictions or other non-U.S. or U.S. governmental laws or restrictions applicable to investments in frontier or emerging market countries.<br>Practices in relation to the clearing or settlement of securities transactions in frontier and 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. Supervisory authorities also may be unable to apply standards comparable to those in developed markets. Thus, there may be risks that settlement may be delayed and that cash or securities belonging to the Fund may be in jeopardy because of failures of or defects in the systems. In particular, market practice may require that payment be made before receipt of the security being purchased or that delivery of a security be made before payment is received. In such cases, default by a broker or bank (the "counterparty") through whom the transaction is effected might cause the Fund to suffer a loss. There can be no certainty that the Fund will be successful in eliminating counterparty risk, particularly as counterparties operating in frontier and emerging market countries frequently lack the substance or financial resources of those in developed countries. There may also be a danger that, because of uncertainties in the operation of settlement systems in individual markets, competing claims may arise with respect to securities held by or to be transferred to the Fund.<br>

■ **Japanese Securities**. The Fund's investments in the securities of Japanese issuers mean that the Fund is susceptible to changes in Japanese economic and political conditions, the reliability of financial information available concerning these issuers, and the legal, tax and regulatory environment surrounding these issuers. The Japanese economy is heavily dependent upon international trade and may be adversely affected by global competition, trade tariffs, embargos, boycotts and other government interventions and protectionist measures, excessive regulation, changes in international trade agreements, impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain issues, the economic conditions of its trading partners, the performance of the global economy, and regional and global conflicts. The domestic Japanese economy faces several concerns, including large government deficits, workforce shortages, and inflation. Japan also has an aging workforce and has experienced a significant population decline in recent years. Japan's labor market appears to be undergoing fundamental structural changes, as a labor market traditionally accustomed to lifetime employment adjusts to meet the need for increased labor mobility, which may adversely affect Japan's economic competitiveness. Japan's financial system faces several concerns, including extensive cross-ownership by major corporations, a changing corporate governance structure, and large government deficits, each of which may cause a slowdown of the Japanese economy. In addition, the Japanese economic growth rate could be impacted by Bank of Japan monetary policies, rising interest rates, tax increases, budget deficits, consumer confidence and volatility in the Japanese yen. The Japanese government tax and fiscal policies may also have negative impacts on the Japanese economy. Currency fluctuations, which have been significant at times, can have a considerable impact on exports and the overall Japanese economy. The Japanese yen has fluctuated widely during recent periods and may be affected by currency volatility elsewhere in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. In addition, the yen has had a history of unpredictable and volatile movements against the U.S. dollar. Japanese intervention in the currency markets could cause the value of the yen to fluctuate sharply and unpredictably and could cause losses to investors. A weak yen is disadvantageous to U.S. shareholders investing in yen-denominated securities. A strong yen, however, could be an impediment to strong continued exports and economic recovery because it makes Japanese goods sold in other countries more expensive and reduces the value of foreign earnings repatriated to Japan. Japan is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanic eruptions, which may have a significant impact on the business operations of Japanese companies in the affected regions and Japan's economy. Japan has one of the world's highest population densities, with a significant percentage of its total population concentrated in the metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. A natural disaster centered in or very near to one of these cities could have a particularly devastating effect on Japan's financial markets. Japan also faces risks associated with climate change and transitioning to a lower-carbon economy. Relations with its neighbors, particularly China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, have at times been strained due to territorial disputes, historical animosities and defense concerns. Political tensions between Japan and its trading partners could adversely affect the economy, especially the export sector, and destabilize the region as a whole. In addition, Japan's high volume of exports has cause trade tensions with Japan's trading partners, particularly the United States. Japan's export industry, its most important economic sector, depends heavily on imported raw materials and fuels, including iron ore, copper, oil and many forest products. A significant portion of Japan's trade is conducted with emerging market countries, almost all of which are located in East and Southeast Asia, and it can be affected by conditions in these other countries and currency fluctuations. Because of the concentration of Japanese exports in highly visible products such as automobiles and technology, and the large trade surpluses ensuing therefrom, Japan has historically depended on oil for most of its energy requirements. Almost all of its oil is imported, the majority from the Middle East. In the past, oil prices have had a major impact on the domestic economy, but more recently Japan has worked to reduce its dependence on oil by encouraging energy conservation and use of alternative fuels. In addition, a restructuring of industry, with emphasis shifting from basic industries to processing and assembly type industries, has contributed to the reduction of oil consumption. However, there is no guarantee that this trend will continue, and Japan remains sensitive to fluctuations in commodity prices, and a substantial rise in world oil or commodity prices could have a negative effect on its economy.

■ **Latin American Securities**. Investments in securities of Latin American issuers involve risks that are specific to Latin America, including certain legal, regulatory, political and economic risks. Most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation, as well as high interest rates. This has at times led to extreme government measures to keep

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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.<br>Political Instability. Certain Latin American countries have historically suffered from social, political, and economic instability and volatility, currency devaluations, government defaults and high unemployment rates. 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, there can be no guarantee that such trends will continue or that the desired outcomes of these developments will be successful. In addition, 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. 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. For certain countries in Latin America, political risks have created significant uncertainty in the financial markets and may further limit the economic recovery in the region.<br>Dependence on Exports and Economic Risk. Certain Latin American countries depend heavily on exports to the U.S., investments from a small number of countries, and trading relationships with key trading partners, including the U.S., Europe, Asia and other Latin American countries. Accordingly, these countries may be sensitive to fluctuations in demand, protectionist trade policies, exchange rates and changes in market conditions associated with those countries. Additionally, in Mexico, the long-term implications of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the 2020 successor to NAFTA, are yet to be determined. This uncertainty may have an adverse impact on Mexico's economic outlook and the value of Fund investments in Mexico.<br>

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.<br>

The prices of oil and other commodities experienced volatility driven, in part, by a continued slowdown of growth in China and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If growth in China remains slow, or 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.<br>

Trade Agreements. Certain Latin American countries have entered into regional trade agreements that are designed to, among other things, reduce trade barriers between countries, increase competition among companies, and reduce government subsidies in certain industries. No assurance can be given that these changes will be successful in the long term, or that these changes will result in the economic stability intended. There is a possibility that these trade arrangements will not be fully implemented, or will be partially or completely unwound. It is also possible that a significant participant could choose to abandon a trade agreement, which could diminish its credibility and influence. Any of these occurrences could have adverse effects on the markets of both participating and non-participating countries, including sharp appreciation or depreciation of participants' national currencies and a significant increase in exchange rate volatility, a resurgence in economic protectionism, an undermining of confidence in the Latin American markets, an undermining of Latin American economic stability, the collapse or slowdown of the drive towards Latin American economic unity, and/or reversion of the attempts to lower government debt and inflation rates that were introduced in anticipation of such trade agreements. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the Fund's investments in Latin America generally or in specific countries participating in such trade agreements.<br>

Sovereign Debt. Latin American economies generally are heavily dependent upon foreign credit and loans, and may be more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. In addition to risk of default, debt repayment may be restructured or rescheduled, which may impair economic activity. Moreover, the debt may be susceptible to high interest rates and may reach levels that would adversely affect Latin American economies. In addition, certain Latin American economies have been influenced by changing supply and demand for a particular currency, monetary policies of governments (including exchange control programs, restrictions on local exchanges or markets and limitations on foreign investment in a country or on investment by residents of a country in other countries), and currency devaluations and revaluations. A relatively small number of Latin American companies represents a large portion of Latin America's total market and thus may be more sensitive to adverse political or economic circumstances and market movements. 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. While the region has recently had mixed levels of economic growth, recovery from past economic downturns in Latin America has historically been slow, and such growth, if sustained, may be gradual. The ongoing effects of the European debt crisis, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent low growth in the 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.<br>

■ **Middle East Securities**. Many Middle Eastern countries have little or no democratic tradition and are prone to political turbulence, and the political

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and legal systems in such countries may have an adverse impact on the Fund. Certain economies in the Middle East are highly reliant on income from the exports of primary commodities, such as oil, or trade with countries involved in the sale of oil, and their economies are therefore vulnerable to changes in the market for oil, as well as foreign currency values. As global demand for oil fluctuates, many Middle Eastern economies may be significantly impacted. Additionally, the economies of many Middle Eastern countries are largely dependent on, and linked together by, certain commodities (such as gold, silver, copper, diamonds, and oil). As a result, Middle Eastern economies are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices, and fluctuations in demand for these commodities could significantly impact economies in these regions. A downturn in one country's economy could have a disproportionately large effect on others in the region.<br>Many Middle Eastern governments have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In certain cases, a Middle Eastern country's government may own or control many companies, including some of the largest companies in the country. Accordingly, governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in Middle Eastern countries, and a country's government may act in a detrimental or hostile manner toward private enterprise or foreign investment. This could affect private sector companies and the Fund, as well as the value of securities in the Fund's portfolio.<br>Certain Middle Eastern markets are in the earliest stages of development and may be considered "developing markets." Financial markets in the Middle East generally are less liquid and more volatile than other markets, including markets in developed and other emerging economies. As a result, there may be a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Brokers in Middle Eastern countries typically are fewer in number and less well-capitalized than brokers in the United States. Since the Fund may need to effect securities transactions through these brokers, the Fund is subject to the risk that these brokers will not be able to fulfill their obligations to the Fund (i.e., counterparty risk). Changes in investment policies or shifts in the prevailing political climate could result in the introduction of changes to government regulations with respect to price controls, export and import controls, income and other taxes, foreign ownership restrictions, foreign exchange and currency controls and labor and welfare benefit policies. Unexpected changes in these policies or regulations could lead to increased investment, operating or compliance expenses. In addition, governments could determine to implement interventions such as expropriation or nationalization of assets, increased protectionism and the introduction of tariffs or subsidies. Any of the above risk is magnified to the extent that the Fund effects securities transactions through a single broker or a small number of brokers. In addition, securities may have limited marketability and be subject to erratic price movements.<br>The legal systems in certain Middle Eastern countries also may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation generally is limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment. However, the concept of limited liability is less clear in certain Middle Eastern countries. The Fund therefore may be liable in certain Middle Eastern countries for the acts of a corporation in which it invests for an amount greater than its actual investment in that corporation. Similarly, the rights of investors in Middle Eastern issuers may be more limited than those of shareholders of a U.S. corporation. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain or enforce a legal judgment in a Middle Eastern country. Some Middle Eastern countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. For example, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investment by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular issuer. Certain Middle Eastern countries may also limit the investment by foreign persons to a specific class of securities of an issuer that may have less advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for purchase by nationals of the relevant Middle Eastern country.<br>The manner in which foreign investors may invest in issuers in certain Middle Eastern countries, as well as limitations on those investments, may have an adverse impact on the operations of the Fund. For example, in certain of these countries, the Fund may be required to invest initially through a local broker or other entity and then have the shares that were purchased re-registered in the name of the Fund. Re-registration in some instances may not be possible on a timely basis. This may result in a delay during which the Fund may be denied certain of its rights as an investor, including rights as to dividends or to be made aware of certain corporate actions. There also may be instances where the Fund places a purchase order but is subsequently informed, at the time of re-registration, that the permissible allocation of the investment to foreign investors has been filled and, consequently, the Fund may not be able to invest in the relevant company.<br>Substantial limitations may exist in certain Middle Eastern countries with respect to the Fund's ability to repatriate investment income or capital gains. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investment. Certain Middle Eastern countries may be heavily dependent upon international trade and, consequently, have been and may continue to be negatively 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 countries also have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. In addition, certain issuers located in Middle Eastern countries in which the Fund invests may operate in, or have dealings with, countries subject to sanctions and/or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United Nations, and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. As a result, an issuer may sustain damage to its reputation if it is identified as an issuer which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. The Fund, as an investor in such issuers, will be indirectly subject to those risks. Such sanctions and/or embargoes may also negatively impact the value or liquidity of the Fund's investments.<br>Certain Middle Eastern countries have strained relations with other Middle Eastern countries due to territorial and sovereignty disputes, historical animosities, international alliances, religious tensions or defense concerns, which may periodically become violent and may adversely affect the economies of these countries. In October 2023, armed conflict broke out between Israel and the militant group Hamas after Hamas infiltrated Israel's southern border from the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and Israeli Defense Forces invaded the Gaza Strip. The war has resulted in significant loss of life and increased volatility in the Middle East, and there is a risk that the war could worsen or spread within the region or beyond. Current hostilities as well as the threat of future escalation may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries, including increased volatility in the share price of companies based in or with operations in the region, local securities trading suspensions, local securities market closures (including for extended periods), a lack of transparency concerning Israeli issuers or other local market information, and increased restrictions on foreign investment or repatriation of capital. While it is not possible to predict the extent and duration of any such conflict, the resulting market disruptions could be significant, including in certain industries or sectors, such as the oil and natural gas markets, and may negatively affect global supply chains, inflation and global growth. These and any related events could significantly <br>

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impact the Fund's performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, even if the Fund does not have direct exposure to Israeli issuers or issuers in other countries affected by the war. Events in Israel, Gaza and the greater Middle East region are rapidly evolving. The extent, duration and impact of this war or related conflicts, and related sanctions and retaliatory actions, are impossible to predict, but could be significant and have adverse effects on the regional economies, the global economy, and the markets for certain securities and commodities.<br>Certain Middle Eastern countries experience significant unemployment as well as widespread underemployment. Many Middle Eastern countries periodically have experienced political, economic and social unrest as protestors have called for widespread reform. Some of these protests have resulted in a governmental regime change, internal conflict or civil war. In some instances where pro-democracy movements successfully toppled regimes, the stability of successor regimes has at times proven weak, as evidenced, for example, in Egypt. In other instances, these changes have devolved into armed conflict involving local factions, regional allies or international forces, and even protracted civil wars. If further regime change were to occur, internal conflicts were to intensify, or a civil war were to continue in any of these countries, such instability could adversely affect the economies of these Middle Eastern countries in which the Fund invests and could decrease the value of the Fund's investments.<br>Middle Eastern economies may be subject to acts of terrorism, political strife, religious, ethnic or socioeconomic unrest, conflict and violence and sudden outbreaks of hostilities with neighboring countries. There has been an increase in recruitment efforts and an aggressive push for territorial control by terrorist groups in the region, which has led to an outbreak of warfare and hostilities. Such hostilities may continue into the future or may escalate at any time due to ethnic, racial, political, religious or ideological tensions between groups in the region or foreign intervention or lack of intervention, among other factors. These developments could adversely affect the Fund.<br>

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significant blocks of securities. Exchanges in the region are smaller and less seasoned than companies whose securities are traded on stock exchanges 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. In some countries, there is no established secondary market for securities. Therefore, liquidity of securities may be generally low and transaction costs generally high. Similarly, volume and liquidity in the Pacific Basin bond markets 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 Pacific Basin securities markets may represent a disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value. The limited liquidity of securities markets in the region 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 region's securities markets are susceptible to being influenced by large investors trading significant blocks of securities.<br>The legal systems in certain developing market Pacific Basin countries also may have an adverse impact on the Fund. For example, while the potential liability of a shareholder in a U.S. corporation with respect to acts of the corporation is generally limited to the amount of the shareholder's investment, the notion of limited liability is less clear in certain Pacific Basin countries. Similarly, the rights of investors in Pacific Basin companies may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. corporations. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain and/or enforce a judgment in a Pacific Basin country.<br>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 Pacific Basin 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.<br>Certain developing economies in the Pacific Basin region have experienced currency fluctuations, devaluations, and restrictions; unstable employment rates; rapid fluctuation in, among other things, inflation and reliance on exports; and less efficient markets. Currency fluctuations or devaluations in any one country can have a significant effect on the entire Pacific Basin region. Holding securities in currencies that are devalued (or in companies whose revenues are substantially in currencies that are devalued) will likely decrease the value of the Fund's investments. Some developing Pacific Basin countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. For example, 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 nationals of the relevant country. 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. Any of the above could adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments.<br>

**Growth Companies** — Growth companies are those that are expected to have the potential for above-average or rapid growth. Growth companies are expected to increase their earnings at a certain rate. When these expectations are not met or earnings decrease, the prices of these securities may decline, sometimes sharply, even if earnings showed an absolute increase. The Fund's investments in growth companies may be more sensitive to company earnings and more volatile than the market in general primarily because their stock prices are based heavily on future expectations. If an assessment of the prospects for a company's growth is incorrect, then the price of the company's stock may fall or not approach the value placed on it. Growth company securities may lack the dividend yield that can cushion prices in market downturns. Growth companies may have limited operating histories and greater business risks, and their potential for profitability may be dependent on regulatory approval of their products or regulatory developments affecting certain sectors, which could have an adverse impact upon growth companies' future growth and profitability. 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.

**Illiquid and Restricted Securities** — Generally, an illiquid asset is an asset that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. Historically, illiquid securities have included securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities that are otherwise not readily marketable, and repurchase agreements having a remaining maturity of longer than seven calendar days.

Securities that have not been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Such securities include those 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 pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Section 4(a)(2) securities"). Such 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. 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. 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. 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. Rule 144A under the Securities Act 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 are uninterested in purchasing restricted securities, the Fund's investment in such securities could have the effect of reducing the Fund's liquidity. A determination could be made that certain securities qualified for trading under Rule 144A are liquid.

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.

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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. In addition, the Fund may get only limited information about an issuer of such a security, 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. The illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding these securities, also may make it difficult to determine a fair value for certain securities for purposes of computing the Fund's NAV.

**Interfund Lending** — Pursuant to an order issued by the SEC, the Fund may participate in a credit facility whereby the Fund, under certain conditions, is permitted to lend money directly to and borrow directly from other funds under the Manager's management 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 departments, 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 the Fund is insufficient to meet temporary cash requirements. This situation could arise when shareholder redemptions exceed anticipated volumes and the Fund has insufficient cash on hand to satisfy such redemptions, or when sales of securities do not settle as expected, resulting in a cash shortfall for the Fund. 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, in some cases, for extended periods of time. Such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes, and, at times, such companies may be out of favor with investors. Large market capitalization companies generally are expected to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. However, large market capitalization companies may be unable to attain the high growth rates of successful smaller companies, especially during periods of economic expansion, and may instead focus their competitive efforts on maintaining or expanding their market share.

**Leverage Risk** — Borrowing transactions, reverse repurchase agreements, certain derivatives transactions, securities lending transactions and other investment transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, or forward commitment transactions may create investment leverage. When the Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the Fund's investment, the value of the Fund will be potentially more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally creates investment risk with respect to a larger base of assets than the Fund would otherwise have and so magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund's underlying assets. The use of leverage is considered to be a speculative investment practice and may result in losses to the Fund. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. The use of leverage may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy repayment, interest payment, or margin obligations or to meet asset segregation or coverage requirements.

**Micro-Capitalization Companies Risk** — Micro-capitalization companies are subject to substantially greater risks of loss and price fluctuations, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, because their earnings and revenues tend to be less predictable. In addition, some companies may experience significant losses. Since micro-capitalization companies may not have an operating history, product lines, or financial resources, their share prices also tend to be more volatile and their markets less liquid than companies with larger market capitalizations, and they can be sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. The shares of micro-capitalization companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger, more established companies, which can adversely affect the pricing of these securities and the future ability to sell these securities. Micro-capitalization companies face greater risk of business failure, which could increase the volatility of the Fund's portfolio.

**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.

**Other Investment Company Securities and Exchange-Traded Products** — 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. Any such fees and expenses are reflected in the Fees and Expenses Table for the Fund in its Prospectus. To the extent the Fund invests in investment company securities advised by the Manager, shareholders could pay fees charged by the Manager to such investment company. 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. In addition, the Fund is generally limited to selling 3% of its total voting stock to an investment company. However, the Fund may exceed these limits in reliance on a statutory exemption, the terms and conditions of an exemptive order from the SEC, or Rule 12d1-4 under the Investment Company Act. In each case, such investments are subject to various conditions, including limits on control and voting of acquired fund shares, required evaluations and findings by investment advisers, fund investment agreements, and limits on most three-tier fund structures. When the Fund is an acquired fund relying on one of the aforementioned exemptions, it will be limited in its ability to invest in other investment companies (i.e., a three-tier fund structure).

The Fund at times may invest in shares of other investment companies and exchange-traded products, which, in addition to the general risks of investments in other investment companies described above, include the following risks:

■ **BDCs**  *.*** BDCs are a specialized form of closed-end fund that invest generally in small developing companies and financially troubled businesses. The Investment Company Act imposes certain restraints upon the operation of a BDC. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their

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total assets primarily in securities of private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. As a result, BDCs generally invest in private companies and thinly traded securities of public companies, including debt instruments. Generally, little public information exists for private and thinly traded companies and there is a risk that investors may not be able to make fully informed investment decisions. Many debt investments in which a BDC may invest will not be rated by a credit rating agency and will be below investment grade quality. Risks faced by BDCs include competition for limited BDC investment opportunities; the liquidity of a BDC's private investments; uncertainty as to the value of a BDC's private investments; risks associated with access to capital and leverage; and reliance on the management of a BDC. The Fund's investments in BDCs are similar and include portfolio company risk, leverage risk, market and valuation risk, price volatility risk and liquidity risk. Historically, shares of BDCs have frequently traded at a discount to their net asset value, which discounts have, on occasion, been substantial and lasted for sustained periods of time.<br>

■ **ETFs.** 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 decline in value. In addition, ETFs are subject to the following risks that do not apply to conventional mutual funds: (1) the market price of the ETF's shares may trade at a discount or premium to their NAV per share; (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 de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide "circuit breakers" (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.

■ **Money Market Funds.** 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. 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 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. If the liquidity of a money market fund's portfolio deteriorates below certain levels, the money market fund may suspend redemptions (i.e., impose a redemption gate) and thereby prevent the Fund from selling its investment in the money market fund, or impose a fee of up to 2% on amounts redeemed from the money market fund.

**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. Because preferred stock is subordinate to bonds in the issuer's capital structure, the value of preferred stock will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company's financial condition or prospects. Although the dividend is set at a fixed or variable rate, in some circumstances it can be changed or omitted by the issuer. Preferred stockholders may have certain rights if dividends are not paid but generally have no legal recourse against the issuer, and may suffer a loss of value as a result. 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 the deferral of dividend payments, the non-cumulative payment of dividends (in which omitted or deferred dividends are not subsequently paid), subordination, liquidity, limited voting rights, and special redemption rights. The market prices of preferred stock are generally more sensitive to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness than are the prices of debt securities. Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption provisions.

**Real Estate Related Investments** — The Fund may gain exposure to the real estate sector by investing in real estate-linked derivatives, REITs, and securities of corporate issuers in real estate-related industries. Adverse economic, business or political developments affecting real estate could have an 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, including the cyclical nature of real estate values, risks related to general and local economic conditions, overbuilding and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, demographic trends and variations in rental income, changes in zoning laws, casualty or condemnation losses, environmental risks, regulatory limitations on rents, changes in neighborhood values, changes in the appeal of properties to tenants and extended vacancies of properties, increases in interest rates, the financial condition of tenants, buyers and sellers, the quality of maintenance, insurance, and management services, and other real estate capital market influences. 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. Such securities also have limited diversification and are, therefore, subject to risks inherent in operating and financing a limited number of properties. Real estate securities are subject to heavy cash flow dependency and defaults by borrowers. An economic downturn could have an adverse effect on the real estate markets and real estate companies. In addition, if a real estate company's properties do not generate sufficient income to meet operating expenses, including debt service, ground lease payments, tenant improvements, third party leasing commissions and other capital expenditures, the income and ability of the real estate company to make payments of any interest and principal on its debt securities will be adversely affected. In addition, real property may be subject to the quality of credit extended and defaults by borrowers and tenants. The financial results of major local employers also may have an impact on the cash flow and value of certain properties. In addition, certain real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, the ability of real estate companies to vary their portfolios promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions is limited. A real estate company may also have joint venture investments in certain of its properties and, consequently, its ability to control decisions relating to such properties may be limited.

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**Small-Capitalization Companies Risk** — Investing in the securities of small-capitalization companies involves greater risk and the possibility of greater price volatility, which at times can be rapid and unpredictable, than investing in larger capitalization and more established companies, since smaller companies may have limited operating 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 overall economic conditions, interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings.

**U.S. Government Agency Securities** — U.S. Government agency securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Some obligations issued by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities, such as those of the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") or the Federal Farm Credit Bank ("FFCB"), by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association (''Fannie Mae''), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (''Freddie Mac''), by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality; and others, such as those of the Federal Farm Credit Bureau, only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality. U.S. Government securities bear fixed, floating or variable rates of interest. The market prices of U.S. government agency securities are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government. 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, obligations of GNMA, FHLB, FFCB, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the Federal Farm Credit Bureau, other U.S. Government agency obligations and repurchase agreements secured thereby. U.S. Government agency securities are subject to credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk.

**Valuation Risk** — This is the risk that certain securities may be valued at a price different from the price at which they can be sold. This risk may be especially pronounced for investments, such as certain credit-linked notes and other 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. The valuation of the Fund's 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. If market or other conditions make it difficult to value certain investments, SEC rules and applicable accounting protocols may require the valuation of these investments using more subjective methods, such as fair-value methodologies. Using fair value methodologies to price investments may result in a value that is different from an investment's most recent closing price and from the prices used by others for the same investment. No assurance can be given that such prices accurately reflect the price the Fund would receive upon sale of a security. An investment's valuation may differ depending on the method used for determining value. 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 securities had not been fair valued or a different valuation methodology had been used. 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.

**Value Companies Risk** — Value companies are subject to the risk that their intrinsic or full value may never be realized by the market, that a stock judged to be undervalued may be appropriately priced, 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.

**OTHER INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS**

In addition to the investment strategies and risks described in the Prospectus, the Fund may (except where otherwise indicated):

<sup>1</sup> 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.

<sup>2</sup> 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.

<sup>3</sup> 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 33¹/<sub>3</sub>% 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.

<sup>4</sup> 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 securities. However, the Manager or the sub-advisor, 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.

<sup>5</sup> Purchase securities sold in private placement offerings made in reliance on the "private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section

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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 that any Section 4(a)(2) securities held by the Fund in excess of this level are 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.

The Fund has no current intention to convert to a master-feeder structure, as permitted by the foregoing policy.

**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 the Fund's outstanding voting securities. "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):

<sup>1</sup> 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.

<sup>2</sup> 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).

<sup>3</sup> 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.

<sup>4</sup> 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.

<sup>5</sup> 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.

<sup>6</sup> 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.

<sup>7</sup> 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.

<sup>8</sup> 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 on 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 (4) above, securities loans will not be made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans by the Fund exceeds 33¹/<sub>3</sub>% 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.

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

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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:

<sup>1</sup> 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

<sup>2</sup> 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 OR DEFENSIVE INVESTMENTS**

In times of unstable or adverse market, economic, political or other conditions, where the Manager or the sub-advisor 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.

Portfolio turnover may vary significantly from year to year due to a variety of factors, including fluctuating volume of shareholder purchase and redemption orders, market conditions, investment strategy changes, and/or changes in the sub-advisor's investment outlook.

**DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS**

The Fund publicly discloses portfolio holdings information as follows:

<sup>1</sup> a complete list of holdings for the Fund on an annual and semi-annual basis within seventy days of the end of each fiscal semi-annual period in publicly available filings of Form N-CSR with the SEC (available on the SEC's website at [www.sec.gov](DUMMY_2729_4_5)) and on the Fund's website ([www.americanbeaconfunds.com](DUMMY_2729_6_3));

<sup>2</sup> a complete list of holdings for the Fund as of the end of each fiscal quarter in publicly available filings of Form N-PORT with the SEC within sixty days of the end of the fiscal quarter (available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov);

<sup>3</sup> 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

<sup>4</sup> 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 Holdings Policy. The purpose of the Holdings Policy is to define those interested parties who are 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

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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 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, whose affiliates may also have access to such information:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **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, sub-administrator, Fund administration service provider, and foreign sub-custodian | Complete list on intraday basis with no lag |
| Abel Noser Solutions LLC | Transaction cost analysis for the Manager | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| Chicago Clearing | Class Action Services to sub-advisor | Complete list quarterly with no lag |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | 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-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| KPMG International | Service provider to State Street | Complete list on annual basis with lag |
| Kurtosys | Service Provider to the Manager | Partial list on a periodic basis with lag |
| Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. | Proxy voting research provider to sub-advisor | Complete list on daily basis with no lag |
| The Northern Trust Company | Service provider to the sub-advisor | Complete list on a daily basis with no lag |

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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 in the ordinary course of business. 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. The Manager or sub-advisor 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:

<sup>1</sup> 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;

<sup>2</sup> Holdings may only be disclosed as of a month-end date;

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<sup>3</sup> 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

<sup>4</sup> 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. 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 33¹/<sub>3</sub>% 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 cash or cash equivalents, securities of the U.S. Government and its agencies and instrumentalities, approved bank letters of credit, or other forms of collateral that are permitted by the SEC for registered investment companies, 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 may pay the borrower a pre-negotiated fee or "rebate" for the use of that cash collateral. Under the terms of the securities loan agreement between the Fund and State Street, its securities lending agent, State Street indemnifies the Fund for certain losses resulting from a borrower default. However, 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. 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 normally 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. The amount of such compensation depends on the income generated by the loan of the securities.

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, 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 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

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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, 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 from American Beacon with respect to the investments, securities trading and securities lending activities of the Fund, as applicable. 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*

All but one member of the Board are Independent Trustees. Douglas A. Lindgren, an Independent Trustee, serves as Chair of the Board. The 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 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 standing 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 whether to approve the Fund's management agreement with the Manager and, as applicable, its investment advisory agreement(s) with its investment advisor(s), while specific matters related to oversight of the Fund's independent auditors have been delegated by the Board to its Audit and Compliance Committee. 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 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 27 series within the American Beacon Funds, one series within the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, and four series within the American Beacon Select Funds. The same persons who constitute the Board of the Trust also constitute the Board of the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and the American Beacon Select Funds and each Trustee oversees the Trusts' combined 32 series.

The Board holds five (5) regularly scheduled meetings each year. The Board may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by videoconference or telephone, to address matters arising between regular meetings. The Independent Trustees also conduct executive sessions without the presence of management personnel, including at least quarterly in a session at which no Trustees who are interested persons or management are present, and may hold special meetings, as needed, either in person or by videoconference or 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 Retirement Plan 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, and shareholders may contact them directly, individually or collectively as a Board, at such address. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term or until his or her removal, resignation, or retirement.\*

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth<sup>\*</sup>**  | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| **INTERESTED** **TRUSTEE** |  |  |  |
| Eugene J. Duffy<br>(1954)<sup>\*\*</sup>  | Trustee since 2008 | Trustee since 2017 | **Capital Formation and Currency Solutions, Mesirow Financial Administrative** **Corporation:** Managing Director (2016-Present);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Trustee (2018–2021) |
| **NON-INTERESTED** **TRUSTEES** |  |  |  |
| Gilbert G. Alvarado<br>(1969) | Trustee since 2015 | Trustee since 2017 | **The Conrad Prebys Foundation:** Chief Financial Officer (2022-Present);<br> **Sierra Health Foundation** (health conversion private foundation): Executive Vice President & CCO (2022); Senior Vice President & CFO (2012-2022); CFO (2006-2011);<br> **Sierra Health Foundation - Center for Health Program Management** (California public benefit corporation): Senior Vice President & CFO (2012- 2022);<br> **SJVIIF, LLC (impact investment fund):** President (2018-2022);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021). |
| Gerard J. Arpey<br>(1958) | Trustee since 2012 | Trustee since 2017 | **Emerald Creek Group** (private equity firm): Partner (2011-Present);<br> **S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.** (privately held company): Director (2008-present);<br> **The Home Depot, Inc.**: Director (2015-Present);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021). |
| Claudia A. Holz<br>(1957) | Trustee since 2018 | Trustee since 2018 | **Blue Owl Capital, Inc.**: Independent Director (2021-Present);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021) |
| Douglas A. Lindgren<br>(1961) | Chair since 2025<br>Trustee since 2018 | Chair since 2025<br>Trustee since 2018 | **JLL Income Property Trust**: Director (2022-Present);<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021);<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund**: Trustee (2018–2021). |
| Janet C. Smith<sup>\*\*\*</sup><br>(1965) | Trustee since 2025 | Trustee since 2025 | **Putnam Investments, LLC and Putnam Management:** Head of Fund Administration Services (2011–2024);<br> **Putnam Funds Complex (Approximately 105 Funds):** Vice President, Principal Financial Officer (2016-2024), Principal Accounting Officer and Assistant Treasurer (2008-2024), Putnam Ombudsman (2016-2024). |
| Paul Zemsky<br>(1962) | Trustee since 2025 | Trustee since 2025 | **Focus Consulting Group:** Consulting Partner: (2024-Present);<br> **ML Tech (Crypto Fund-of-Funds)**: Strategic Advisor: (2024-Present); <br> **Voya Investment Management:** Senior Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer, Multi-Asset Strategies and Solutions (2007–2023); Head of Derivative Strategy and Risk Management, General Account (2005-2006). |

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\* The Board has adopted a retirement policy that requires Trustees to retire no later than the last day of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 75.

\*\* Mr. Duffy is deemed to be an "interested person" of the Trust, as defined by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by virtue of his position with Mesirow Financial, Inc., a broker-dealer.

\*\*\* Prior to July 1, 2024, Ms. Smith served as an officer of certain affiliates of Putnam Investment Management, LLC ("Putnam"), and as Vice President, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Assistant Treasurer of various registered open-end investment companies for which Putnam serves as investment adviser ("Putnam Funds Complex"). On January 1, 2024, Putnam was acquired (the "Putnam Acquisition") by Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin"), following which it is under common control with Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC ("Brandywine"), an investment adviser to certain series of the Trust. In addition, Jane E. Trust has served on the Boards of Trustees of the Putnam Funds Complex since January 2024 and Ms. Smith served as an officer of the Putnam Funds Complex prior to July 1, 2024, during which period Ms. Trust held positions at the following entities, which are under common control with Brandywine. Based on publicly available information, Ms. Trust has served as Senior Vice President, Fund Board Management at Franklin Templeton since 2020; as President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton Fund Advisor, LLC, and officer and/or trustee/director of its associated funds since 2015; as Senior Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co., LLC ("Legg Mason") from 2018 to 2020; as Managing Director of Legg Mason from 2016 to 2018; and as Senior Vice President of Franklin Templeton Fund Advisor, LLC in 2015. In connection with the Putnam Acquisition, Ms. Smith sold her Class B shares of a Putnam affiliate, with a value of approximately $683,000, to a subsidiary of Franklin. In connection with this sale, Ms. Smith may be entitled to certain contingent premium payments depending on the achievement of certain financial metrics, in an amount not to exceed approximately $186,000. Ms. Smith is a participant in a Deferred Executive Compensation Plan relating to her time at Putnam, pursuant to which she will receive approximately $520,000, which will be paid over time by a Franklin affiliate as a result of the Putnam Acquisition.

In addition to the information set forth in the table 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.

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Gilbert G. Alvarado: Mr. Alvarado has extensive organizational management and financial experience as executive vice president and chief financial officer in public charities and private foundations, service as director of private companies and non-profit organizations, service as president of nonprofit institutional investment fund, an adjunct professor for a non-profit school of management at University of San Francisco, and multiple years of service as a Trustee.

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.

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.

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, where she led audits of large public investment company complexes and held several management roles in the firm's New York and national offices, and has since had multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Douglas A. Lindgren: Mr. Lindgren has extensive senior management experience in the asset management industry, having overseen several organizations and numerous fund structures, serving as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia Business School, and with multiple years of service as a Trustee.

Janet C. Smith: Ms. Smith has extensive experience in the investment management industry, organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a senior officer of an investment manager, and as an officer of registered investment companies.

Paul Zemsky: Mr. Zemsky has extensive experience in the investment management industry, organizational management experience as a member of senior management, service as a director and chief investment officer of an investment manager, and as a portfolio manager to registered investment companies.

*Committees of the Board*

The Trust has an Audit and Compliance Committee ("Audit Committee"). The Audit Committee consists of Mses. Holz (Chair) and Smith and Mr. Arpey, each of whom are Independent Trustees. Mr. Lindgren, as Chair of the Board, serves on the Audit Committee in an ex-officio non-voting capacity. As set forth in its charter, the primary purposes 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 Audit 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 (and related fee arrangements) of the Trust's independent auditors to perform annual audit services for the Fund and certain non-audit services for the Fund or certain affiliated parties 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"); (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; and (f) to assist the Board with the aspects of risk oversight of the Trust that are relevant to the Audit Committee, including, but not limited to, valuation, operational, and compliance risks. The Audit Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

The Trust has a Nominating and Governance Committee ("Nominating Committee") that is comprised of Messrs. Arpey (Chair) and Lindgren, each of whom are Independent Trustees. As set forth in its charter, the Nominating Committee's primary purposes are: (a) to make recommendations regarding the nomination of 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 and of the chairs of such committees; (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; (h) to consider and make recommendations relating to the compensation of Independent Trustees; (i) to assist the Board with the aspects of risk oversight of the Trusts that are relevant to the Nominating Committee, including, but not limited to, the stewardship and overall reputation of the Trusts; (j) to coordinate and supervise an annual self-evaluation by the Board of the performance of the Board and its various committees; (k) to assist the Board in monitoring and, as it deems appropriate, implementing practices that are designed to promote diversity and inclusion within the Board's membership and within the workforces of the Trusts' primary service providers and vendors; and (l) to assist the Board in coordinating with legal counsel to the Trusts and their independent Board members with respect to staffing matters, including, when applicable, succession planning with respect to senior attorneys engaged in these representations. 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, and must otherwise comply with the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Trust and any procedures set forth therein. The Nominating and Governance Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

The Trust has an Investment Committee that is comprised of Messrs. Alvarado (Chair), Duffy and Zemsky. Mr. Lindgren, 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 purposes are: (a) to review the short- and long-term investment performance of the Manager and each of the designated sub-advisors to the Fund; (b) to review recommendations by the Manager regarding the hiring or removal of designated sub-advisors to the 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 the Fund; (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; and (f) to assist the Board with the aspects of risk oversight of the Trust that are relevant to the Investment Committee, including, but not limited to counterparty, investment, liquidity and derivatives risks. The Investment Committee met four (4) times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

*Trustee Ownership in the Fund*

As of the calendar year ended December 31, 2025, none of the Trustees owned equity securities of the Fund. The following tables show the amount of equity securities owned in the American Beacon Funds Complex by the Trustees as of the calendar year ended December 31, 2025. Ms. Smith and Mr. Zemsky became Trustees on August 18, 2025.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| <br>**American Beacon Fund** | **INTERESTED TRUSTEE**<br>**Duffy** |
| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (31** **Funds as of December 31, 2025)** | Over $100,000 |

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** | **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** |
| <br>**American Beacon Fund** | **Alvarado** | **Arpey** | **Holz** | **Lindgren** | **Smith** | **Zemsky** |
| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in all Trusts (31** **Funds as of December 31, 2025)** | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 | Over $100,000 |  |  |

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*Trustee Compensation*

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 $165,000; (2) meeting attendance fee (for attendance in person or via electronic means) of (a) $12,000 for in-person attendance, or $5,000 for attendance by electronic means, by Board members for each regularly scheduled or special Board meeting, (b) $2,500 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Audit Committee and the Investment Committee, (c) $1,000 for attendance by Committee members at meetings of the Nominating and Governance Committee; and (d) $2,500 for attendance by Board members for each special Board meeting held by electronic means; and (3) reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in attending Board meetings, Committee meetings, and relevant educational seminars. Prior to January 1, 2026, the annual retainer for each Trustee was $150,000. For this purpose, the Board considers attendance at regular meetings held by videoconference to constitute in-person attendance at a Board meeting. The Trustees also may be compensated for attendance at special Board and/or Committee meetings from time to time.

For his service as Board Chair, Mr. Lindgren receives an additional annual retainer of $50,000. Although he attends several committee meetings at each quarterly Board meeting, he receives a single $2,500 fee each quarter for his attendance at the Audit Committee and Investment Committee 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.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| The following table shows total compensation (excluding reimbursements) paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025. | The following table shows total compensation (excluding reimbursements) paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025. | The following table shows total compensation (excluding reimbursements) paid by the Trusts to each Trustee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025. |
| **Name of Trustee** | **Aggregate Compensation from the Trust** | **Total Compensation from the Trusts** |
| **INTERESTED TRUSTEE** |  |  |
| Eugene J. Duffy | $202314 | $217500 |
| **NON-INTERESTED TRUSTEES** |  |  |
| Gilbert G. Alvarado | $219755 | $236250 |
| Joseph B. Armes<sup>\*</sup>  | $159061 | $171000 |
| Gerard J. Arpey | $213011 | $229000 |
| Brenda A. Cline<sup>\*\*</sup>  | $58601 | $63000 |
| Claudia A. Holz | $225568 | $242500 |
| Douglas A. Lindgren | $245800 | $264250 |
| Barbara J. McKenna<sup>\*\*\*</sup>  | $203244 | $218500 |
| Janet C. Smith<sup>\*\*\*\*</sup>  | $48369 | $52000 |
| Paul Zemsky<sup>\*\*\*\*</sup>  | $48369 | $52000 |

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\* Mr. Armes received compensation from the Trusts up to his retirement from the Board on June 5, 2025. Mr. Armes was not eligible for the benefits afforded to Eligible Trustees who served on the Board prior to September 12, 2008 as described below.

\*\* Ms. Cline received compensation from the Trusts up to her retirement from the Board on December 31, 2024. Upon her retirement from the Board, Ms. Cline became eligible for the benefits afforded to Eligible Trustees who served on the Boards prior to September 12, 2008 as described below.

\*\*\* Ms. McKenna received compensation from the Trusts up to her retirement from the Board on December 31, 2025. Ms. McKenna was not eligible for the benefits afforded to Eligible Trustees who served on the Board prior to September 12, 2008 as described below.

\*\*\*\* Ms. Smith and Mr. Zemsky became Trustees on August 18, 2025. Accordingly, the table reflects estimated compensation for Ms. Smith and Mr. Zemsky for the period August 18, 2025 – December 31, 2025.

The Boards have adopted a Trustee Retirement Plan. The Trustee Retirement 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

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status ("Eligible Trustees"). The Board has determined that, other than the Trustee Retirement Plan established for Eligible Trustees, no other retirement benefits will accrue for current or future Trustees. None of the current Trustees are Eligible Trustees.

Each Eligible Trustee and his or her spouse (or designated companion) may receive annual flight benefits from the Trusts of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines (a subsidiary of the Manager's former parent company) for a maximum period of 10 years, depending upon length of service prior to September 12, 2008. Eligible Trustees may opt to receive instead an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits. No retirement benefits are accrued for Board service after September 12, 2008.

A Trustee Emeritus must be reasonably available to provide advice, counseling and assistance to the Trustees and American Beacon as needed, as agreed to from time to time by the parties involved; however, a Trustee Emeritus does not have any voting rights at Board meetings and is not subject to election by shareholders of the Fund. Currently, four individuals who retired from the Board and accrued retirement benefits for periods prior to September 12, 2008, have assumed Trustee Emeritus status. Three individuals and their spouses receive annual flight benefits of up to $40,000 combined, on a tax-grossed up basis, on American Airlines. One individual receives an annual retainer of $20,000 from the Trusts in lieu of flight benefits.

**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, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth** | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| **OFFICERS** |  |  |  |
| Gregory Stumm<br>(1981) | President<br>since June 2024<br> Vice President<br>2022-2024 | President<br>since June 2024<br> Vice President<br>2022-2024 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024) <br> **National Investment Services of America, LLC:** Director (2024-Present) <br> **Resolute Acquisition, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024) <br> **Resolute Topco, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present) <br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024 - Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024) <br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Director (June 2024-2025), President (June 2024-2025), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-2025), Senior Vice President, (2022-2024) <br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** President (2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2024-Present), Director (2022-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024) <br> **RSW Investments Holdings LLC:** Director (2024-Present) <br> **Shapiro Capital Management, LLC:** Director (2024-Present) <br> **SSI Investment Management, LLC:** Director (2024-Present) |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth** | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| Rosemary K. Behan<br>(1959) | Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer<br>since 2006 | Vice President, Secretary and Chief Legal Officer<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2006-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2006-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Legal Officer (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.:** Secretary (2014-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.:** Secretary (2023-Present) <br> **American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd:** Secretary (2018-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.:** Secretary (2023-Present)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Legal Officer (2018-2021)<br> **American Private Equity Management, LLC:** Secretary (2008-2024)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC:** Vice President and Secretary (2018-2022)<br> **Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC:** Secretary (2019-2021)<br> **Resolute Acquisition, Inc.:** Secretary (2015-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** Secretary (2017-Present) <br> **Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC:** Secretary (2015-2025)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2015-2021), Secretary and General Counsel (2015-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-2025), Vice President (2017-2025), Secretary and General Counsel (2017-2025)<br> **Resolute Topco, Inc.:** Secretary (2015-Present) |
| Paul B. Cavazos<br>(1969) | Vice President<br>since 2016 | Vice President<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President (2016-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.:** Vice President (2017-2024) |
| Rebecca L. Harris<br>(1966) | Vice President<br>2022-May 2024, June 2024-Present<br> President<br>May 2024-June 2024<br> Assistant Secretary<br>2010-2022 | Vice President<br>2022-2024, June 2024-Present<br> President<br>May 2024-June 2024<br> Assistant Secretary<br>2017-2022 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Chief Operating Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024), Vice President (2011-2021)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC:** Vice President (2018-2022), Director (2022)<br> **National Investment Services of America, LLC:** Director (2022-Present)<br> **Resolute Acquisition, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (January 2024-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May 2024-June 2024), President May 2024-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May 2024-June 2024)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Chief Operating Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024), Vice President (2017-2021)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024, June 2024-2025), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024), Vice President (2017-2021) <br> **Resolute Topco, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (January 2024-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May 2024-June 2024), President (May 2024-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May 2024-June 2024)<br> **RSW Investments Holdings LLC:** Director (2022-Present)<br> **Shapiro Capital Management LLC:** Director (2022-Present)<br> **SSI Investment Management LLC:** Director (2022-Present) |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth** | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| Melinda G. Heika<br>(1961) | Vice President<br>since 2021<br> Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer 2010-2021 and since 2026 | Vice President<br>since 2021<br> Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer 2017-2021 and since 2026 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2010-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2018-2021), Vice President (2021)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.:** Director (2014-Present), Vice President (2022-Present) and Treasurer (2014-2022), <br> **American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.:** Director and Vice President (2023-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.:** Director and Vice President (2022-Present), and Treasurer (2018-2022)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.:** Director and Vice President (2023-Present)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Principal Accounting Officer and Treasurer (2018-2021), Vice President (2021)<br> **American Private Equity Management, L.L.C.:** Treasurer (2012-2024)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC:** Treasurer (2018-2022) <br> **Resolute Acquisition, Inc.:** Treasurer (2015-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Holdings, LLC:** Treasurer (2015-2025)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-2025), Treasurer and CFO (2017-2025)<br> **Resolute Topco, Inc.:** Treasurer (2015-Present) |
| Terri L. McKinney<br>(1963) | Vice President<br>since 2010 | Vice President<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Senior Vice President, (2021-Present) Vice President, (2009-2021)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC**: Vice President (2018-2022)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Vice President (2017-2021) <br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Senior Vice President (2021-2025), Vice President (2018-2025)<br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** Director (2024-Present), Vice President (2024-Present) |
| Samuel J. Silver<br>(1963) | Vice President<br>since 2011 | Vice President<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Vice President (2011-Present), Chief Fixed Income Officer (2016-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Vice President (2018-2021)  |
| Christina E. Sears<br>(1971) | Chief Compliance Officer<br>since 2004<br>Assistant Secretary<br>since 1999 | Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present), Vice President (2019-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Private Equity Management, LLC:** Chief Compliance Officer (2012-2024)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC.:** Chief Compliance Officer (2018-2019), Vice President (2018-2022)<br> **Green Harvest Asset Management, LLC:** Chief Compliance Officer (2019-2021)<br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** Vice President (2017-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Vice President (2017-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Vice President (2019-2025)<br> **RSW Investments Holdings, LLC:** Chief Compliance Officer (2019-Present)<br> **Shapiro Capital Management LLC**: Chief Compliance Officer (2024-Present) |

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name and Year** **of Birth** | **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** | **Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships During Past 5 Years** |
| Shelley D. Abrahams<br>(1974) | Assistant Secretary<br>since 2008 | Assistant Secretary<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Assistant Secretary (April 2024-Present)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.:** Assistant Secretary (2022-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.:** Assistant Secretary (2023-Present) <br> **American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd:** Assistant Secretary (2022-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.:** Assistant Secretary (2023-Present) <br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021) <br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Assistant Secretary (April 2024-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Corporate Governance Manager (2023-2025), Assistant Secretary (2024-2025), Senior Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2020-2023), Corporate Governance & Regulatory Specialist (2017-2020) |
| Shelley L. Dyson<br>(1969) | Assistant Treasurer<br>since 2021 | Assistant Treasurer<br>since 2021 | **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Assistant Treasurer (2021)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.:** Assistant Treasurer (2022-Present)<br> **American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.:** Assistant Treasurer (2023-Present) <br> **American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd:** Assistant Treasurer (2022-Present) <br> **American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.:** Assistant Treasurer (2023-Present)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Assistant Treasurer (2021)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc.:** Fund Tax Director (2024-2025), Fund Tax Manager (2020-2024), Manager, Tax (2014-2020) |
| Teresa A. Oxford<br>(1958) | Assistant Secretary<br>since 2015 | Assistant Secretary<br>since 2017 | **American Beacon Advisors, Inc.:** Deputy General Counsel (2024-Present), Assistant Secretary (2015-Present), Associate General Counsel (2015-2024)<br> **American Beacon Apollo Total Return Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **American Beacon Sound Point Enhanced Income Fund:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021)<br> **Continuous Capital, LLC.:** Assistant Secretary (2020-2022) <br> **Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.:** Assistant Secretary (2018-2021), (2024-Present)<br> **Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.:** Deputy General Counsel (2024-Present), Assistant Secretary (2017-Present), Associate General Counsel (2017-2024)<br> **Resolute Investment Services, Inc:** Deputy General Counsel (2024-2025), Assistant Secretary (2018-2025), Associate General Counsel (2018-2024) |

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**CODE OF ETHICS**

The Manager, the Trust, the Distributor, 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 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 Proxy 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 without charge on the Funds' website, on the SEC's website at [http://www.sec.gov](DUMMY_2729_8_1) or upon request by calling 1-800-967-9009. The proxy voting record can be found in Form N-PX on the SEC's website.

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**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.

Set forth below are entities or persons that own 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a class of the Fund as of January 31, 2026. The Trustees and officers of the Trusts, as a group, owned less than 1% of all classes of the Fund's shares outstanding as of that date.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **Y CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INV SVCS<sup>\*</sup>  |  | 5.60% |  |  |
| 707 2ND AVE S |  |  |  |  |
| MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |  |  |  |  |
| CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC\* |  | 16.12% | 7.36% | 27.88% |
| SPECIAL CUST A/C |  |  |  |  |
| EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |
| 211 MAIN ST |  |  |  |  |
| SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |  |  |  |  |
| LPL FINANCIAL\* |  | 17.00% |  |  |
| 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |  |  |  |  |
| SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |  |  |  |  |
| MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER &\* |  | 7.77% |  |  |
| SMITH FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS |  |  |  |  |
| CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |
| 4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST |  |  |  |  |
| JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |  |  |  |  |
| MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC\* |  |  |  | 11.02% |
| FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |  |  |  |  |
| 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |  |  |  |  |
| NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |  |  |  |  |
| NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC\* | 31.58% | 28.17% | 8.14% | 36.71% |
| FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF |  |  |  |  |
| OUR CUSTOMERS |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FLOOR |  |  |  |  |
| 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |  |  |  |  |
| PERSHING LLC\* |  |  | 21.78% | 5.06% |
| 1 PERSHING PLZ |  |  |  |  |
| JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 |  |  |  |  |
| RAYMOND JAMES\* |  | 5.13% |  |  |
| OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUND RECONCILIATION 14G |  |  |  |  |
| 880 CARILLON PKWY |  |  |  |  |
| ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1100\* |  |  |  |  |
| RBC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC\* |  | 9.85% |  |  |
| MUTUAL FUND OMNIBUS PROCESSING |  |  |  |  |
| ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS OPS MANAGER |  |  |  |  |
| 250 NICOLLET MALL STE 1400 |  |  |  |  |
| MINNEAPOLIS MN 55401-7582 |  |  |  |  |

---

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---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Shareholder Address** | **Fund Percentage** **(listed if over 25%)** | **Y CLASS** | **R5 CLASS** | **Investor** **CLASS** |
| CBNA AS CUSTODIAN FBO |  |  | 7.22% |  |
| RAS 401(K) PLAN |  |  |  |  |
| 6 RHOADS DR STE 7 |  |  |  |  |
| UTICA NY 13502-6317 |  |  |  |  |
| RELIANCE TRUST CO FBO |  |  | 12.90% |  |
| COMERICA EB R/R |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 570788 |  |  |  |  |
| ATLANTA GA 30357-3114 |  |  |  |  |
| RELIANCE TRUST CO FBO |  |  | 9.37% |  |
| COMERICA NON-EB R/R |  |  |  |  |
| PO BOX 570788 |  |  |  |  |
| ATLANTA GA 30357-3114 |  |  |  |  |

---

\* Denotes record owner of Fund shares only

**INVESTMENT 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.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** | **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** | **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** |
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity Business** |
| Travis T. Prentice | IMC Employee/Owner | Managing Director of the Board of Managers, CEO |
| Byron Roth | Owner | Director on the Board of Managers |
| The Informed Momentum Company LLC | Direct Majority Owner | Financial Services |
| CR Financial Holdings, Inc. | Parent Company | Financial Services |

---

The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Manager have entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with IMC pursuant to which the Fund has agreed to pay IMC 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.

**MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATIVE, SECURITIES LENDING, 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., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc. ("Topco"). Topco is owned primarily by various institutional investment funds that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. No owner of Topco owns more than 25% of the outstanding equity or voting interests of Topco. The address of Topco is 220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039.

Listed below are individuals and entities that may be deemed control persons of the Manager.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Controlling Person/Entity** | **Basis of Control** | **Nature of Controlling Person/Entity's Business** |
| Resolute Topco, Inc. | Ultimate Parent Company | Holding Company – Founded in 2015 |

---

The Manager is paid a management fee as compensation for providing the Fund with management and administrative services. The expenses are allocated daily to each class of shares of the Fund based upon the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class.

The Management Agreement provides for the Manager to receive an annualized management fee based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets that is calculated and accrued daily according to the following schedule:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| First $5 billion | 0.35% |
| Next $5 billion | 0.325% |
| Next $10 billion | 0.30% |
| Over $20 billion | 0.275% |

---

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Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the assets of that class. Pursuant to the 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-advisor, the Manager may invest the portion of the Fund's assets that the sub-advisor determines 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 the sub-advisor to the investment style of the Fund; fees paid for brokerage commission analysis for the purpose of monitoring best execution practices of the sub-advisor; and any extraordinary expenses of a nonrecurring nature.

The Manager may contractually agree from time to time to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund in order to maintain competitive expense ratios for the Fund. 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 Manager will itself waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund to maintain the contractual expense ratio caps for each applicable class of shares or make arrangements with other service providers to do so. The Manager may also, from time to time, voluntarily waive fees and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund. 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 from the date of the Manager's waiver/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 following tables show the total management fees paid to the Manager for management and administrative services and the investment advisory fees paid to the sub-advisor for the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31. The following tables also show the management fees waived or recouped by the Manager and the sub-advisory fees waived by the sub-advisor, if applicable. The fees paid to the Manager were equal to 0.35% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In the table below, the fees paid to the sub-advisor are expressed both as a dollar amount and percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets. The fees paid to, and waived by, the sub-advisor in the tables below reflect fees paid to Tocqueville, formerly the sub-advisor of the Fund, for all periods prior to January 21, 2023. Effective January 20, 2023, Tocqueville was terminated as the sub-advisor of the Fund, and effective January 21, 2023, IMC was appointed the sub-advisor of the Fund.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)** | **Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)** | **Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)** | **Management Fees Paid to American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (Gross)** |
| **Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund | $578819 | $494044 | $404425 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)** | **Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)** | **Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)** | **Sub-Advisor Fees (Gross)** |
|  | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund | $649238 | $545350 | $442468 |
|  | 0.40% | 0.40% | 0.40% |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped** | **Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped** | **Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped** | **Management Fees (Waived)/Recouped** |
|  | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund | ($19760) | ($46064) | ($21613) |

---

Certain sub-advisors of the Fund or other series of the American Beacon Funds Complex contribute to the Manager to support the American Beacon Funds' distribution activities.

**Service Plan Fees**

The Investor Class has adopted a Service Plan (the "Service Plan"). The Service 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 R5 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, R5 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 primary non-distribution shareholder fees paid to financial intermediaries, such as plan sponsors and broker-dealers, generally include shareholder servicing, record keeping and servicing fees. Service Plan fees paid by the Fund's Investor Class shares for the three most recent fiscal years ended October 31 are set forth below:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Service Plan Fees** | **Service Plan Fees** | **Service Plan Fees** | **Service Plan Fees** |
|  | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| Investor Class | $206196 | $202898 | $157853 |

---

**Securities Lending Fees**

As compensation for services provided by the Manager in connection with securities lending activities conducted by the Fund, the lending Fund pays to the Manager, with respect to cash collateral posted by borrowers, a fee of 10% of the net monthly investment income (the income earned in the form of interest, dividends and realized capital gains from the investment of cash collateral, plus any negative rebate fees paid by borrowers, less the rebate amount paid to borrowers as well as related expenses) and, with respect to collateral other than cash, a fee up to 10% of loan fees and demand premiums paid by borrowers.

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

Fees received by the Manager from securities lending for the last three fiscal years ended October 31 were approximately as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Securities Lending Fees** | **Securities Lending Fees** | **Securities Lending Fees** | **Securities Lending Fees** |
|  | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund | $10846 | $4603 | $5366 |

---

State Street serves as securities lending agent for the Fund and, in that role, administers the Fund's securities lending program pursuant to the terms of a securities lending authorization 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) continually monitoring the creditworthiness of approved borrowers and potential borrowers; (3) 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; (4) 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; (5) marking loaned securities and collateral to their market value each business day; (6) 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; (7) returning the collateral to the borrower, at the termination of the loan, upon the return of the loaned securities; (8) investing cash collateral in permitted investments, including the American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund; and (9) establishing and maintaining records related to the Fund's securities lending activities. Additionally, State Street has indemnified the Fund for borrower default as it relates to the securities lending program administered by State Street.

State Street is compensated for the above-described services from its securities lending revenue split, as provided in the Securities Lending Agreement. The table below shows the income the Fund earned and the fees and compensation it paid to service providers (including fees paid to State Street as securities lending agent and the Manager for administrative and oversight functions) in connection with its securities lending activities during its most recent fiscal year.

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.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **American** **Beacon IMC** **International** **Small Cap** **Fund** |
| **Gross income earned by the fund from securities lending activities** | **$70869** |
| Fees and/or compensation paid by the fund for securities lending activities and related services: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split*  | $5366 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split* | $733 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Administrative fees not included in revenue split*  | $0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Indemnification fee not included in revenue split*  | $0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Rebate (paid to borrower)*  | $18173 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; *Other fees not included in revenue split (administrative and oversight functions provided by the Manager)*  | $5366 |
| **Aggregate fees/compensation paid by the fund for securities lending activities** | **$29638** |
| **Net income from securities lending activities** | **$41231** |

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**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 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.

There were no underwriting discounts and commissions paid to, or retained by, RID from the sale of the Fund's shares during each of the Fund's three most recent fiscal years ended October 31. RID does not receive compensation on redemptions and repurchases, brokerage commissions, or other compensation.

**OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS**

State Street, located at One Congress Street, Suite 1, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2016, serves as custodian ("Custodian") for the Fund. 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. The Manager also has entered into a sub-administration agreement with State Street. Under the sub-administration agreement, State Street provides the Fund with certain financial reporting and tax services.

Pursuant to an administrative services agreement among the Manager, the Trust, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC ("Parametric"), located at 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, Washington 98104, Parametric provides certain administrative services related to the equitization of cash balances for certain series of the American Beacon Funds Complex.

SS&C GIDS, 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 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which is located at 101 Seaport Blvd., Suite 500, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006, serves as legal counsel to the Fund.

**PORTFOLIO MANAGERS**

The portfolio managers to the Fund (the "Portfolio Managers") have responsibility for the day-to-day management of accounts other than the Fund. Information regarding these other accounts has been provided by the sub-advisor and is set forth below. The number of accounts and assets is shown as of October 31, 2025.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Other Accounts Managed and Assets by** **Account Type** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for Which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for Which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** | **Number of Accounts and Assets for Which Advisory Fee is** **Performance-Based** |
| <br>**Name of Investment Advisor** **and Portfolio Managers** | **Registered** **Investment** **Companies** | **Other Pooled** **Investment** **Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** | **Registered** **Investment** **Companies** | **Other Pooled** **Investment** **Vehicles** | **Other Accounts** |
| **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** | **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** | **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** | **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** | **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** | **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** | **Global IMC LLC ("IMC")** |
| Josh Moss |  | 2 ($497 mil) | 7 ($715 mil) |  |  |  |
| John Scripp |  | 2 ($497 mil) | 7 ($715 mil) |  |  |  |
| Travis Prentice | 3 ($141 mil) | 6 ($834 mil) | 13 ($1.3 bil) |  |  |  |

---

**Conflicts of Interest**

As noted in the table above, the Portfolio Managers manage 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 the 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 as of October 31, 2025.

The firm maintains policies, procedures and maintains oversight designed to alleviate potential conflicts of interest that could arise from the concurrent management of the Fund or other accounts managed by the adviser. These include allocation policies and procedures, internal review processes, and oversight by the CCO and independent third parties. Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure equitable allocation of investment opportunities where more than one account participate in investment decisions involving the same securities or issuer.

**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 Managers as of October 31, 2025.

Portfolio Managers, Josh Moss, John Scripp and Travis Prentice, earn a competitive salary, a quarterly bonus based on their allocated share of firm revenues and are equity owners of IMC. IMC's compensation structure is designed to incentivize investment professionals to create and sustain long-term client relationships.

**Ownership of the Fund**

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The Portfolio Managers' beneficial ownership of the Fund is defined as the Portfolio Managers 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 Managers' immediate family or by a trust of which the Portfolio Managers are a trustee could be considered ownership by the Portfolio Managers. The table below sets forth the Portfolio Managers' beneficial ownership of the Fund as of October 31, 2025 as provided by the Fund's sub-advisor.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name of Investment Advisor and Portfolio Managers** | **American Beacon** **IMC International** **Small Cap Fund** |
| **Global IMC LLC** | **Global IMC LLC** |
| Josh Moss |  |
| John Scripp | $100001-$500000 |
| Travis Prentice |  |

---

**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 their 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 Agreement provides, 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.

**Soft Dollars**

The table below reflects the amount of transactions the Fund directed to brokers in part because of research services provided and the amount paid in commissions on such transactions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **Amounts Directed** | **Amounts Paid in Commissions** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund | $420428516 | $262632 |

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**Brokerage Commissions**

For the three most recent fiscal years ending October 31, the following brokerage commissions were paid by the Fund. Shareholders of the Fund bear only their pro-rata portion of such expenses.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **American Beacon Fund** | **2023** | **2024** | **2025** |
| American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund | $539122 | $421438 | $291340 |

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**Affiliated Broker Commissions**

For the Fund's three most recent fiscal years ended October 31, no brokerage commissions were paid to affiliated brokers by the Fund.

**Securities Issued by Top 10 Brokers**

As of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the Fund did not hold securities issued by a broker-dealer (or by its parent) that was one of the top ten brokers or dealers through which the Fund executed transactions or sold shares.

**Commission Recapture**

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, the Fund received $0 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 Fund's net asset value 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 continue to 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.

<u>**<u>Taxation of the Fund</u>**</u>

The Fund intends to continue 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 (together with Qualifying Other Income (as defined below), "Qualifying Income"), 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" (that is, a partnership the interests in which are "traded on an established securities market" or "readily tradable on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof") (a "PTP")) that meets certain qualifying income requirements other than a partnership at least 90% of the gross income of which is Qualifying 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 these 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 (if any) 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

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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 the regular corporate rate 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, (a) for individual and certain other non-corporate shareholders (each an "individual"), as "qualified dividend income" (as described in the Prospectus) ("QDI"), and/or (b) in the case of corporate shareholders that meet certain holding period and other requirements regarding their Fund shares, as eligible for the dividends-received deduction ("DRD")) 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.

<u>**<u>Taxation of Certain Investments and Strategies</u>**</u>

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 (1) gains from the disposition of foreign currencies and (2) gains from such contracts 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 the Fund's foreign tax in advance, since the amount of its assets to be invested in various countries is not known.

The Fund may invest in the stock of "passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs"). A PFIC is any foreign corporation (with certain exceptions) that, in general, meets either of the following tests for a taxable year: (1) at least 75% of its gross income is passive; or (2) an average of at least 50% of the value (or adjusted tax basis, if elected) of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Under certain circumstances, the Fund will be subject to federal income tax on a portion of any "excess distribution" it receives on the PFIC stock and of any gain on its disposition of that stock (collectively, "PFIC income"), plus interest thereon, even if the Fund distributes the PFIC income as a dividend to its shareholders. The balance of the PFIC income will be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, will not be taxable to it to the extent it distributes that income to its shareholders. Fund distributions thereof will not be eligible to be treated as QDI or for the DRD.

If the Fund invests in a PFIC and elects to treat the PFIC as a "qualified electing fund" ("QEF"), then in lieu of incurring the foregoing tax and interest obligation, the Fund would be required to include in income each taxable year its pro rata share of the QEF's annual ordinary earnings and net capital gain — which the Fund likely would have to distribute to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax — even if the QEF did not distribute those earnings and gain to the Fund. In most instances, however, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to make this election because of certain requirements thereof.

Alternatively, the Fund may elect to "mark to market" any stock in a PFIC it owns at the end of its taxable year, in which event it likely would be required to distribute to its shareholders any resulting gains to satisfy the Distribution Requirement and avoid imposition of the Excise Tax. "Marking-to-market," in this context, means including in gross income each taxable year (and treating as ordinary income) the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the stock over the Fund's adjusted basis therein (including any net mark-to-market gain or loss for each prior taxable year for which an election was in effect) as of the end of that year. Pursuant to the election, the Fund also would be allowed to deduct (as an ordinary, not a capital, loss) the excess, if any, of its adjusted basis in PFIC stock over the fair market value thereof as of the taxable year-end, but only to the extent of any net mark-to-market gains with respect to that stock the Fund included in income for prior taxable years under the election. The Fund's adjusted basis in each PFIC's stock subject to the election would be adjusted to reflect the amounts of income included and deductions taken thereunder.

Investors should be aware that determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a fact-intensive determination that is based on various facts and circumstances and thus is subject to change, and the principles and methodology used therein are subject to interpretation. As a result, the Fund may not be able, at the time it acquires a foreign corporation's stock, to ascertain whether the corporation is a PFIC and a foreign corporation may become a PFIC after the Fund acquires stock therein. While the Fund generally will seek to minimize its investment in PFIC stock, and to make appropriate elections when they are available, to lessen the adverse tax consequences detailed above, there are no guarantees that it will be able to do so, and the Fund reserves the right to make those investments as a matter of its investment policy.

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.

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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 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.

Offsetting positions the Fund enters into or holds in any actively traded option, futures or forward contract may constitute a "straddle" for federal income tax purposes. Straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the amount, character and timing of recognition of the Fund's gains and losses with respect to positions of the straddle by requiring, among other things, that (1) losses realized on disposition of one position of a straddle be deferred to the extent of any unrealized gain in an offsetting position until the latter position is disposed of, (2) the Fund's holding period in certain straddle positions not begin until the straddle is terminated (possibly resulting in gain being treated as short-term rather than long-term capital gain), and (3) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle positions, that otherwise would constitute short-term capital losses, be treated as long-term capital losses. Applicable regulations also provide certain "wash sale" rules, which apply to transactions where a position is sold at a loss and a new offsetting position is acquired within a prescribed period, and "short sale" rules applicable to straddles. Different elections are available, which may mitigate the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to a "mixed straddle" (i.e., a straddle at least one, but not all, positions of which are Section 1256 contracts).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, the Fund 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 IRS were to assert successfully that income the Fund derives from those investments does not constitute Qualifying 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.

<u>**<u>Taxation of the Fund's Shareholders</u>**</u>

**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.

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.) 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 its pro rata share of such gain, with the result that each shareholder will: (i) be required to report its pro rata share of such gain on its 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 its shares by an amount equal to the deemed distribution less the tax credit.

Dividends and other distributions by the Fund are generally treated under the Internal Revenue Code as received by the shareholders at the time the dividend or distribution is made. Dividends and other distributions the Fund declares in the last quarter of any calendar year that are payable to

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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 or before December 31 of that year even 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.

If the Fund makes a "return of capital" distribution to its shareholders – i.e., a distribution in excess of its current and accumulated earnings and profits – the excess will (a) reduce each shareholder's tax basis in its shares (thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a shareholder's subsequent taxable disposition of the shares) and (b) if for any shareholder the excess is greater than that basis, be treated as realized capital gain.

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).

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.

For U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly), a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax will apply on all or a portion of their "net investment income," including interest, dividends, and capital gains, which generally includes taxable distributions received from the Fund and taxable gains on the disposition of shares of the Fund. This 3.8% tax also applies to all or a portion of the undistributed net investment income of certain shareholders that are estates and trusts.

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.

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.

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, 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.

An individual shareholder of the Fund who, for a taxable year, has 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 the shareholder 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. 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 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 Fund 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 Fund shares that are redeemed or exchanged 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.

**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

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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 non-resident 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 OID, interest on obligations "in registered form," and interest on deposits, less allocable deductions) from sources within the United States. 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 income dividends the Fund pays. 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. Proposed regulations (having current effect) have been issued to eliminate certain FATCA withholding taxes, including the withholding tax on investment sale proceeds that was scheduled to begin in 2019, and to defer the effective date of other taxes.

The U.S. Treasury has negotiated intergovernmental agreements ("IGAs") with certain countries and is in various stages of negotiations with other foreign countries with respect to alternative approaches to implement FATCA. 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.

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.

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**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 (e.g., 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 R5 Class with an initial investment of less than $250,000: (i) employees of the Manager, or its parent company RIM, (ii) employees of a sub-advisor for Funds where it serves as sub-advisor, (iii) members of the Board, and (iv) members of the Manager's Board of Directors. The term "immediate family" refers to 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 R5 Class upon termination of the class of shares in which the shareholders were originally invested is also eligible for purchasing shares of the R5 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 R5 and Y Classes were created to manage money for large institutional investors, including pension and 401(k) plans.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

The Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, audits and reports 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 are incorporated by reference to Item 7 of the Fund's Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000119312526005743/d77694dncsr.htm). The information in the financial highlights for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2020 and October 31, 2021 was audited by the Fund's prior independent registered public accounting firm.

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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, and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (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**

<u>**<u>PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES</u>**</u>

**Last Amended August 28, 2023** 

<u>**<u>Preface</u>**</u>

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, the American Beacon Select Funds ("Select Funds"), and the American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust (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.

<u>**<u>Conflicts of Interest</u>**</u>

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.

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.

<u>**<u>Securities on Loan</u>**</u>

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

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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.

<u>**<u>Recordkeeping</u>**</u>

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.

<u>**<u>Disclosure</u>**</u>

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.

<u>**<u>Manager Oversight</u>**</u>

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.

<u>**<u>Board Reporting</u>**</u>

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**

**The Informed Momentum Company LLC**

**Global IMC LLC**

**PROXY VOTING POLICY**

**Proxy Voting**

<u>***<u>Background</u>***</u>

Pursuant to Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act, a registered investment adviser who exercises voting authority with respect to client securities must adopt and implement written policies and procedures: (1) that are reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes client securities in the best interest of clients; and (2) which include how the adviser will address material conflicts that may arise between the adviser's interests and those of the client. Additionally, pursuant to the rule advisers must disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser about how the adviser voted with respect to their securities; and describe to clients the adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy of the policies and procedures to the requesting client.

A summary of IMC's proxy voting policy is disclosed to clients and prospective clients in Part 2 of Form ADV along with instructions on how they may obtain a complete copy of IMC's current proxy voting policies & procedures or report on how their proxies were voted. Clients may obtain information on how their proxies were voted by contacting IMC. The CCO or his designee will be responsible for ensuring that client requests are responded to in a timely manner and are documented in the client file.

IMC will maintain records relating to its proxy voting activities as indicated in the section on Books and Records**.**

<u>***<u>Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures</u>***</u>

IMC may vote client securities (proxies) on behalf of our clients. When IMC accepts proxy voting responsibility, we will only cast proxy votes in a manner consistent with the best interest of our clients. Absent special circumstances, IMC will vote all proxies within the guidelines established and describe in our Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures, as we may amend from time-to-time.

IMC's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures is as follows:

■ IMC subscribes to the services of an unaffiliated third-party proxy vendor that provides in-depth analysis of shareholder meeting agendas and vote recommendations. The proxy vendor maintains written guidelines to reflect their current vote recommendations. IMC has provided the proxy vendor with instructions on when the proxy vendor should vote proxies according to their written guidelines and when the proxy vendor must contact IMC for a vote decision. IMC may, in some cases, vote a proxy contrary to the proxy vendor's guidelines if we determine that this action is in the best interests of clients.

■ In cases where sole proxy voting authority rests with IMC for plans governed by ERISA, IMC will vote or direct the proxy vendor to vote proxies in accordance with their guidelines unless outlined otherwise in the plan's governing documents and subject to the fiduciary responsibility standards of ERISA.

■ If the person(s) responsible for voting proxies becomes aware of any type of potential or actual conflict of interest relating to a proxy proposal, they will promptly report the conflict to our Chief Compliance Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Conflicts will be handled in a number of ways depending on the type and materiality. The method selected by IMC will depend upon the facts and circumstances of each situation and the requirements of applicable laws and will always be handled in the client's best interest.

■ IMC may also choose not to vote proxies in certain situations or for certain accounts, for example, where a client has retained the right to vote the proxies or where a proxy is received for a client account that has been terminated.

■ Clients may direct the vote of their proxy regarding particular solicitations. To do so, the client must contact IMC at our office with specific voting instructions in advance of the proxy voting deadline so that we have sufficient time to contact the third party with the instruction. If the client does not provide adequate advance notice, we may not be able to accommodate the vote request.

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**APPENDIX C**

**Ratings Definitions**

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.

<u>Ratings of Long-Term Obligations and Preferred Stocks</u> — 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, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk 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 be speculative 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 speculative, of poor standing and 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 and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. Moody's 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. By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

The four highest S&P Global ratings for long-term obligations are AAA, AA, A and BBB. An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global and indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 commitments 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 weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.

S&P Global ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, and C 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 exposure 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 that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments 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 commitments 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 commitments 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 S&P Global 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 with 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 S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within the next five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or the next 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. A rating on an obligation is lowered to D if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring. An SD (selective default) rating is assigned when S&P Global believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations, but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner. The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the 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 credit risk. They are assigned only in cases 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 credit 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 credit risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings. Obligations rated BBB are deemed to be of good credit

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quality. BBB ratings indicate that expectations of credit risk are currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.

Fitch's ratings of BB, B, CCC, CC, C, RD and D are considered below investment grade or speculative grade. Obligations rated BB are deemed to be speculative. BB ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to credit risk, particularly in the event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial commitments to be met. Obligations rated B are deemed to be highly speculative. B ratings indicate that material credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, the capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic environment. CCC ratings indicate that substantial credit risk is present. CC ratings indicate very high levels of credit risk. C indicates exceptionally high levels of credit risk Obligations rated C indicate a default or default-like process had begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity is irrevocably impaired. Ratings in the categories of 'CCC', 'CC', and 'C' can also relate to obligations or issuers that are in default. In this case, the rating does not opine on default risk but reflects the recovery expectation only. Conditions that are indicative of a C category rating for an issuer include: (a) the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material financial obligation; (b) the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt exchange; or (c) a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent. Obligations rated RD indicate an issuer that, in Fitch Ratings' opinion, has experienced an uncured payment default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation but which has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure, and which has not otherwise ceased operating. This would include: (a) the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt; or (b) the uncured expiry of any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial obligation. Obligations rated D indicate an issuer that, in Fitch Ratings' opinion, has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business and debt is still outstanding. Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange. In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice. The modifiers "+" or "-" may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA obligation rating category, or to corporate finance obligation ratings in the categories below CCC.

<u>Ratings of Municipal Obligations</u> — Moody's ratings for short-term investment-grade municipal obligations are designated Municipal Investment Grade (MIG or VMIG in the case of variable rate demand obligations) and are divided into three levels — MIG/VMIG 1, MIG/VMIG 2, and MIG/VMIG 3. For the MIG scale, the MIG 1 designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing. The MIG 2 designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group. The MIG 3 designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established. An SG designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection. For the VMIG scale, the VMIG 1 designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections. The VMIG 2 designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections. The VMIG 3 designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal protections. An SG designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have a sufficiently strong short-term rating or may lack the structural or legal protections.

S&P Global uses SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and D to rate short-term municipal obligations. A rating of SP-1 denotes a strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. A rating of SP-2 denotes a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. A rating of SP-3 denotes a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. A rating of D is assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or 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.

<u>Ratings of Short-Term Obligations</u> — Moody's short-term ratings, designated as P-1, P-2, P-3, or NP, are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations that generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months. The rating P-1 (Prime-1) is the highest short-term rating assigned by Moody's and it denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a superior ability to repay short-term obligations. The rating P-2 (Prime-2) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has a strong ability to repay short-term obligations. The rating P-3 (Prime-3) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that has an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. The rating NP (Not Prime) denotes an issuer (or supporting institution) that does not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

S&P Global short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that typically means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 days. A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P Global and indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on these obligations is extremely strong. A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory. A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments;

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however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments. A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. A short-term 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 S&P Global believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a 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 debt restructuring. An SD rating is assigned when S&P Global believes that the obligor has selectively defaulted on a specific issue or class of obligations, but it will continue to meet its payment obligations on other issues or classes of obligations in a timely manner.

Fitch Rating's Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations whose initial maturity is viewed as "short term" based on market convention (a long-term rating can also be used to rate an issue with short maturity). Typically, this means a timeframe of up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets. A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. A rating of F1 denotes an obligation of the highest short-term credit quality. It indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments and may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit feature. A rating of F2 denotes good short-term credit quality. It indicates a good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. A rating of F3 denotes fair short-term credit quality. It indicates that the intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate. A rating of B denotes an obligation that is of speculative short-term credit quality, indicating minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments as well as heightened vulnerability to near term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions. A rating of C denotes a high short-term default risk, and indicates that default is a real possibility. A rating of RD indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other financial obligations. RD is typically applicable to entity ratings only. A rating of D indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term obligation.

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**APPENDIX D**

**GLOSSARY**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ADRs** | American Depositary Receipts |
| **American Beacon or the Manager** | American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
| **Beacon Funds** | American Beacon Funds |
| **Board** | Board of Trustees |
| **Brexit** | The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union |
| **CCO** | Chief Compliance Officer |
| **CD** | Certificate of Deposit |
| **CFTC** | Commodity Futures Trading Commission |
| **Covered Shares** | Fund shares that the shareholder acquired or acquires after 2011 |
| **CPO** | Commodity Pool Operator |
| **Denial of Services** | A cybersecurity incident that results in customers or employees being unable to access electronic systems |
| **Dividends** | Distributions of most or all of the Fund's net investment income |
| **Dodd-Frank Act** | Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act |
| **DRD** | Dividends-received deduction |
| **ETF** | Exchange-Traded Fund |
| **EU** | European Union |
| **FINRA** | Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. |
| **Forwards** | Forward Currency Contracts |
| **Holdings Policy** | Policies and Procedures for Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings |
| **Internal Revenue Code** | Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended |
| **Investment Company Act** | Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended |
| **IPO** | Initial Public Offering |
| **IRS** | Internal Revenue Service |
| **ISS** | Institutional Shareholder Services |
| **Junk Bonds** | High yield, non-investment grade bonds |
| **Management Agreement** | The Fund's Management Agreement with the Manager |
| **Moody's** | Moody's Investors Service, Inc. |
| **NAV** | Net asset value |
| **NDF** | Non-deliverable forward contracts |
| **NYSE** | New York Stock Exchange |
| **OTC** | Over-the-Counter |
| **PCAOB** | Public Company Accounting Oversight Board |
| **Proxy Policy** | Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures |
| **QDI** | Qualified Dividend Income |
| **REIT** | Real Estate Investment Trust |
| **RIC** | Regulated Investment Company |
| **S&P Global** | S&P Global Ratings |
| **SAI** | Statement of Additional Information |
| **SEC** | Securities and Exchange Commission |
| **Securities Act** | Securities Act of 1933, as amended |
| **State Street** | State Street Bank and Trust Company |
| **Trust** | American Beacon Funds |
| **Trustee Retirement Plan** | Trustee Retirement and Trustee Emeritus and Retirement Plan |
| **UK** | United Kingdom |

---

**D-1** 

------

**PART C**

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 28. Exhibits

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
| (a) | (1) | [Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824009731/abf-efp10878_ex99a1.htm), dated August 27, 2024, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 418, filed October 28, 2024 ("PEA 418") |
|  | (2)(i) | [Certificates of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000089843214001388/exh-a1b.htm) for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund and American Beacon Global Evolution Frontier Markets Income Fund, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 208, filed December 19, 2014  |
|  | (2)(ii) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322818004811/h10055706_ex99a14.htm) for American Beacon Frontier Markets Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 317, filed July 31, 2018 |
|  | (2)(iii) | [Amendment to Designation of Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823000743/abf-html5991_ex99a2iii.htm) for American Beacon Developing World Income Fund, dated January 4, 2023, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 401, filed February 27, 2023 ("PEA No. 401") |
|  | (3)(i) | [Certificates of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322815006547/e427440_ex99-a4.htm) for American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Sound Point Floating Rate Income Fund, are incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 239, filed December 23, 2015  |
|  | (3)(ii) | [Amendment to Designation of Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823000743/abf-html5991_ex99a3ii.htm) for American Beacon FEAC Floating Rate Income Fund, dated January 3, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 401 |
|  | (3)(iii) | [Amendment to Designation of Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99a3iii.htm) for American Beacon Man Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Man Large Cap Value Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 414, filed May 24, 2024 ("PEA No. 414") |
|  | (3)(iv) | [Amendment to Designation of Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99a3iv.htm) for American Beacon DoubleLine Floating Rate Income Fund, dated June 30, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 430, filed September 29, 2024 ("PEA No. 430") |
|  | (3)(v) | [Amendment to Designation of Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99a3v.htm) for American Beacon DoubleLine Floating Rate Fund, dated February 9, 2026, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 442, filed February 20, 2026 ("PEA No. 442") |
|  | (4) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322816008695/e435916_ex99-a5.htm) for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 253, filed April 1, 2016  |
|  | (5) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322816013645/e452406_ex99-a8.htm) for American Beacon ARK Disruptive Innovation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 266, filed November 9, 2016  |
|  | (6) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322817001709/e462761_ex99-a10.htm) for American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 286, filed March 30, 2017 |
|  | (7) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322817003717/e467665_ex99-a11.htm) for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 291, filed May 26, 2017  |
|  | (8) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322817005535/e474779_ex99-a12.htm) 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 |
|  | (9)(i) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322819002662/abf-html1029_ex99a13.htm) for American Beacon AHL Target Risk Fund, dated June 6, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 348, filed April 30, 2019 ("PEA No. 348")  |
|  | (9)(ii) | [Certificate of Designation](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322818005933/h10057806_ex99a15.htm) for American Beacon Tocqueville International Value Fund and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, dated September 10, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 321, filed October 17, 2018 |
|  | (9)(iii) | [Amendment to Designation of Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823000743/abf-html5991_ex99a9iii.htm) for American Beacon EAM International Small Cap Fund, dated January 23, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 401 |
|  | (9)(iv) | [Amendment to Designation of Series](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825001596/abf-efp14632_ex99a9iv.htm) for American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund, dated February 24, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 427, filed February 27, 2025 ("PEA No. 427") |
|  | (10) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322819002662/abf-html1029_ex99a15.htm) for American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, dated March 5, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 348 |
|  | (11)(i) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322819007052/abf-html1853_ex99a16.htm) for American Beacon TwentyFour Short Term Bond Fund, dated December 2, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 358, filed December 23, 2019 |
|  | (11)(ii) | [Amended Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322821005494/abf-html4112_ex99a14ii.htm) for American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund, dated October 7, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 391, filed October 28, 2021 ("PEA No. 391") |
|  | (11)(iii) | [Amended Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_ex99a11iii.htm) for American Beacon TwentyFour Short Term Bond Fund, dated November 21, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 437, filed December 29, 2025 ("PEA No. 437") |
|  | (12) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820005750/abf-html2947_99a15.htm) for American Beacon NIS Core Plus Bond Fund, dated August 17, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 377, filed September 10, 2020 ("PEA No. 377") |

---

**2**

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
|  | (13) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824007696/abf-html8186_ex99a14.htm) for American Beacon Ninety One Emerging Markets Equity Fund, American Beacon Ninety One Global Franchise Fund, and American Beacon Ninety One International Franchise Fund, dated June 25, 2024, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 415, filed August 14, 2024 ("PEA No. 415") |
|  | (14) | [Certificate of Designation](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99a15.htm) for American Beacon DoubleLine Select Income Fund, dated September 24, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
| (b) |  | [Amended and Restated By-Laws](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824009731/abf-efp10878_ex99b.htm), effective as of August 27, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 418 |
| (c) |  | Rights of holders of the securities being registered are contained in Articles III, VIII, X, XI and XII of the Registrant's [Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824009731/abf-efp10878_ex99a1.htm) and Articles II, III, VI, VII and VIII of the Registrant's [Amended and Restated By-Laws](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824009731/abf-efp10878_ex99b.htm) |
| (d) | (1)(A)(i) | [Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d1ai.htm) by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 411, filed February 9, 2024 ("PEA No. 411") |
|  | (1)(A)(ii) | [First Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d1aii.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated January 9, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
|  | (1)(A)(iii) | [Second Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824001057/abf-html7245_ex99d1aiii.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated January 26, 2024, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 412, filed February 23, 2024 |
|  | (1)(A)(iv) | [Third Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d1aiv.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated February 27, 2024, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 413, filed April 29, 2024 ("PEA No. 413") |
|  | (1)(A)(v) | [Fourth Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d1av.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated March 14, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 413 |
|  | (1)(A)(vi) | [Fifth Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99d1avi.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 15, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
|  | (1)(A)(vii) | [Sixth Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824010265/abnoff-efp11230_ex99d1avii.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated October 21, 2024, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 419, filed November 14, 2024 ("PEA No. 419") |
|  | (1)(A)(viii) | [Seventh Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825001596/abf-efp14632_ex99d1aviii.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated February 24, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 427 |
|  | (1)(A)(ix) | [Eighth Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99d1aix.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated June 20, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
|  | (1)(A)(x) | [Ninth Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_99d1ax.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated November 19, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 437 |
|  | (1)(A)(xi) | [Tenth Amendment to Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99d1axi.htm) Schedule B by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated February 2, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
|  | (1)(B) | [Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d1c.htm) between American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
|  | (1)(C) | [Management Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d1d.htm) between American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
|  | (2)(A)(i) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2ai.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
|  | (2)(A)(ii) | [First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d2aii.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC, dated March 14, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 413 |
|  | (2)(B) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d2b.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated March 14, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 413 |
|  | (2)(C) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2c.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
|  | (2)(D)(i) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2di.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |

---

**3** 

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
| <br> (2)(D)(ii) | [First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d2dii.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC, dated March 14, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 413 |
| <br> (2)(E) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2e.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Lazard Asset Management LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(F)(i) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2f.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(F)(ii) | [First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824011451/abf-efp12686_ex99d2fii.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Strategic Income Management, LLC, effective as of November 19, 2024, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 422, filed December 23, 2024 ("PEA No. 422") |
| <br> (2)(G) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d2g.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Massachusetts Financial Services Company, dated March 14, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 413 |
| <br> (2)(H) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99d2h.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated December 31, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| <br> (2)(I) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2j.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(J) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2k.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(K) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2l.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(L) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2m.htm) among American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(M) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2n.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(N) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2o.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and ARK Investment Management LLC, dated January 9, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(O) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2p.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(P)(i) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d2qi.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, dated January 26, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 413 |
| <br> (2)(P)(ii) | [First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d2qii.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, dated February 27, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 413 |
| <br> (2)(Q) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2s.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and abrdn Investments Limited, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(R) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2t.htm) among American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd., American Beacon Advisors, Inc., and AHL Partners LLP, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(S) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2u.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and SSI Investment Management LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(T) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2v.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and American Century Investment Management, Inc., dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(U) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2w.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and National Investment Services of America, LLC, dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(V) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824004873/abf-html7780_ex99d2x.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., dated March 14, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 413 |
| <br> (2)(W) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99d2y.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Global IMC LLC (formerly known as EAM Global Investors LLC), effective December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| <br> (2)(X) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99d2aa.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Numeric Investors LLC, dated April 16, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
| <br> (2)(Y)(i) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824010265/abnoff-efp11230_ex99d2bb.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Ninety One North America, Inc., dated August 21, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 419 |
| <br> (2)(Y)(ii) | [First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_99d2zii.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Ninety One North America, Inc., effective November 12, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 437 |
| (2)(Z) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825004554/abf-efp15461_ex99d2bb.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Westwood Management Corp., dated March 5, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 428, filed April 28, 2025 ("PEA No. 428") |

---

**4**

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
|  | (2)(AA)(i) | [Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99d2bbi.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and DoubleLine Capital LP, dated June 18, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
|  | (2)(AA)(ii) | [First Amendment to Investment Advisory Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99d2aaii.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and DoubleLine Capital LP, dated February 18, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| (e) | (1) | [Distribution Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99e.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
|  | (2) | [First Amendment to Distribution Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99e2.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated May 1, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
|  | (3) | [Second Amendment to Distribution Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824010265/abnoff-efp11230_ex99e3.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., effective October 21, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 419 |
|  | (4) | [Third Amendment to Distribution Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825001596/abf-efp14632_ex99e4.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., effective February 18, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 427 |
|  | (5) | [Fourth Amendment to Distribution Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99e5.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated June 20, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
|  | (6) | [Fifth Amendment to Distribution Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99e6.htm) among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated February 2, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| (f) |  | Bonus, profit sharing or pension plans – (none) |
| (g) | (1) | [Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/0000950134-98-001610.txt) 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 |
|  | (2) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322819003565/abf-html1235_ex99g2.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 9, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 353, filed May 30, 2019 |
|  | (3) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322819006464/abf-html1768_ex99g3.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 13, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 355, filed October 25, 2019 |
|  | (4) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322819006663/abf-html1789_ex99g4.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated October 15, 2019, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 357, filed November 22, 2019 ("PEA No. 357") |
|  | (5) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820000563/abtfstbf-html1952_ex99g5.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective January 22, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 362, filed February 14, 2020 |
|  | (6) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820003233/abf-html2557_ex99g6.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated April 15, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 368, filed May 28, 2020 ("PEA No. 368") |
|  | (7) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820005384/abtfstbf-html2924_ex99g7.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated July 31, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 374, filed August 28, 2020 ("PEA No. 374") |
|  | (8) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820005750/abf-html2947_99g8.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated August 27, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 377 |
|  | (9) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99g9.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated October 8, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 381, filed October 28, 2020 ("PEA No. 381") |
|  | (10) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007859/abahltrcf-html3098_ex99g10.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective November 2, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 383, filed December 14, 2020 ("PEA No. 383") |
|  | (11) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322821004606/abftff-html3965_ex99g11.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective August 3, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 389, filed August 27, 2021 ("PEA No. 389") |
|  | (12) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823000743/abf-html5991_ex99g12.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 14, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 401 |
|  | (13) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823004897/abahl-html6696_ex99g13.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated August 4, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 407 |
|  | (14) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99g14.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 15, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
|  | (15) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824010265/abnoff-efp11230_ex99g15.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated October 29, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 419 |
|  | (16) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825001596/abf-efp14632_ex99g16.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 24, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 427 |
|  | (17) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99g17.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective June 20, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
|  | (18) | [Amendment to Custodian Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99g18.htm) between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 9, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |

---

**5** 

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
| (h)<br> (1)(A) | [Transfer Agency Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823001391/abdwif-html6119_99h1a.htm) between SS&C GIDS, Inc. and American Beacon Funds, effective February 1, 2023, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 402, filed March 22, 2023 |
| <br> (1)(B) | [First Amendment to Transfer Agency Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823004897/abahl-html6696_ex99h1b.htm) between SS&C GIDS, Inc. and American Beacon Funds, effective August 3, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 407 |
| <br> (1)(C) | [Amendment to Transfer Agency Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99h1c.htm) between SS&C GIDS, Inc. and American Beacon Funds, effective May 1, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
| <br> (1)(D) | [Amendment to Transfer Agency Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824010265/abnoff-efp11230_ex99h1d.htm) between SS&C GIDS, Inc. and American Beacon Funds, effective November 1, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 419 |
| <br> (1)(E) | [Amendment to Transfer Agency Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825001596/abf-efp14632_ex99h1e.htm) between SS&C GIDS, Inc. and American Beacon Funds, effective February 24, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 427 |
| <br> (1)(F) | [Amendment to Transfer Agency Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99h1f.htm) between SS&C GIDS, Inc. and American Beacon Funds, effective July 8, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
| <br> (1)(G) | [Amendment to Transfer Agency Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99h1g.htm) between SS&C GIDS, Inc. and American Beacon Funds, effective January 12, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| <br> (2)(A) | [Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823004897/abahl-html6696_ex99h2a.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 407 |
| <br> (2)(B) | [First Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2b.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated May 8, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| <br> (2)(C) | [Second Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2c.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated August 26, 2018, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| <br> (2)(D) | [Third Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2d.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated March 26, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| <br> (2)(E) | [Fourth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2e.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated October 15, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| <br> (2)(F) | [Fifth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2f.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated January 13, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| <br> (2)(G) | [Sixth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2g.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective April 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| <br> (2)(H) | [Seventh Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2h.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective July 31, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| <br> (2)(I) | [Eighth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2i.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective September 10, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| <br> (2)(J) | [Ninth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007047/abf-html3062_ex99h2j.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective September 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 381 |
| (2)(K) | [Tenth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820007859/abahltrcf-html3098_ex99h2k.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective November 2, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 383 |

---

**6**

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
| (2)(L) | [Eleventh Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322821004606/abftff-html3965_ex99h2l.htm) between 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 American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective August 2, 2021, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 389 |
| (2)(M) | [Twelfth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322822003708/abf-html5066_99h2m.htm) between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective May 23, 2022, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 395, filed May 27, 2022 |
| (2)(N) | [Thirteenth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823000743/abf-html5991_ex99h2n.htm) between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective January 31, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 401 |
| (2)(O) | [Fourteenth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823004897/abahl-html6696_ex99h2o.htm) between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective as of August 15, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 407 |
| (2)(P) | [Fifteenth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99h2p.htm) between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective as of January 19, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| (2)(Q) | [Sixteenth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99h2q.htm) between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective as of May 1, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
| (2)(R) | [Seventeenth Amendment to the Sub-Administrative Services Fee Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824010265/abnoff-efp11230_ex99h2r.htm) between American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., effective as of October 21, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 419 |
| (3)(A) | [Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322817006171/h10047366_ex99h2a.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated February 16, 2017, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 300, filed October 23, 2017 ("PEA No. 300")  |
| (3)(B) | [Joinder and First Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322817006171/h10047366_ex99h2b.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated June 21, 2017, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 300 |
| (3)(C) | [Second Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322817006171/h10047366_ex99h2c.htm) 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)(D) | [Third Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322819003430/abssiaif-html1220_ex99h2d.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated December 31, 2018, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 351, filed May 15, 2019  |
| (3)(E) | [Fourth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820005384/abtfstbf-html2924_ex99h2e.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated September 6, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 374 |
| (3)(F) | [Fifth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820003233/abf-html2557_ex99h2e.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 12, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 368 |
| (3)(G) | [Sixth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820003788/abtfstbf-html2642_ex99h2f.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated May 27, 2020, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 370, filed June 18, 2020 |
| (3)(H) | [Seventh Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322822007946/abf-html5779_ex99h3h.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, dated November 29, 2022, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 399, filed December 23, 2022 ("PEA No. 399") |
| (3)(I) | [Eighth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823000743/abf-html5991_ex99h3i.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective January 31, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 401 |
| (3)(J) | [Ninth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823004897/abahl-html6696_ex99h3j.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective August 4, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 407 |
| (3)(K) | [Tenth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99h3k.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective May 1, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
| (3)(L) | [Eleventh Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824010265/abnoff-efp11230_ex99h3l.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective October 14, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 419 |
| (3)(M) | [Twelfth Amendment to Securities Lending Authorization Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825001596/abf-efp14632_ex99h3m.htm) between the American Beacon Funds and State Street Bank and Trust Company, effective February 24, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 427 |
| (4) | [Administration Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322816014863/e455395_ex99-h3.htm) between American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. and American Beacon Advisors, Inc., dated April 30, 2015, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 269, filed December 23, 2016 |
| (5)(A) | [Administrative Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322819006663/abf-html1789_ex99h4.htm) by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, dated June 10, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 357 |

---

**7** 

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
| (5)(B) | [First Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322820003233/abf-html2557_ex99h4b.htm) by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, effective April 30, 2020, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 368 |
| (5)(C) | [Second Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322822007946/abf-html5779_ex99h5c.htm) by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, dated August 19, 2022, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 399 |
| (5)(D) | [Third Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322822007946/abf-html5779_ex99h5d.htm) by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, dated October 25, 2022, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 399 |
| (5)(E) | [Fourth Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823004897/abahl-html6696_ex99h5e.htm) by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, effective as of August 9, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 407 |
| (5)(F) | [Fifth Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99h5f.htm) by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, dated December 7, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
| (5)(G) | [Sixth Amendment to Administrative Services Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99h5g.htm) by and among American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, American Beacon Advisors, Inc. and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, effective as of May 1, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
| (6) | [Service Plan Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000095012309029012/d68564exv99wxhyx5y.htm) 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  |
| (7) | [Service Plan Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000095013403006938/d04117bexv99wxhyxxviy.txt) 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") |
| (8)(A) | [Service Plan Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000089843210000386/classa-serviceplan.htm) 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 |
| (8)(B) | [Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99h8b.htm) for the American Beacon Funds A Class, effective January 20, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| (9)(A) | [Service Plan Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000089843210000866/serviceplan.htm) 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") |
| (9)(B) | [Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Service Plan Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99h9b.htm) for the American Beacon Funds C Class, effective January 20, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| (10)(A) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99h10a.htm) for American Beacon NIS Core Plus Bond Fund, American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund (formerly known as American Beacon EAM International Small Cap Fund) R5 Class Shares, American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, American Beacon Man Large Cap Growth Fund (formerly named the American Beacon Bridgeway Large Cap Growth Fund), American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, effective December 15, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
| (10)(B) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825005669/abf-efp15900_ex99h10b.htm) for American Beacon NIS Core Plus Bond Fund, effective January 1, 2026, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 429, filed May 28, 2025 ("PEA No. 429") |
| (10)(C) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_99h10c.htm) for American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund, American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund, American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund, American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund, and American Beacon TwentyFour Short Term Bond Fund (formerly American Beacon TwentyFour Sustainable Short Term Bond Fund), effective November 1, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 437 |
| (10)(D)(i) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_ex99h10di.htm) for American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund, American Beacon Ninety One Emerging Markets Equity Fund, American Beacon Ninety One Global Franchise Fund, American Beacon Ninety One International Franchise Fund and American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund, effective January 1, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 437 |
| (10)(D)(ii) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99h10dii.htm) for American Beacon DoubleLine Floating Rate Fund, effective February 6, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| (10)(D)(iii) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99h10diii.htm) for American Beacon DoubleLine Select Income Fund, effective February 6, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| (10)(E) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement](abf-efp22924_ex99h10e.htm) for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, and American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund, effective March 1, 2026 - (filed herewith) |
| (10)(F) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825004554/abf-efp15461_ex99h10j.htm) for American Beacon Man Large Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund, American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund, and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, effective January 1, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 428 |

---

**8**

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
|  | (10)(G) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_99h10l.htm) Agreement for American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, effective August 25, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 437 |
|  | (10)(H)(i) | [Investment Adviser Fee Waiver Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99h10c.htm) for American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, effective December 29, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
|  | (10)(H)(ii) | [Amendment to Investment Adviser Fee Waiver Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99h10kii.htm) for American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund, effective July 1, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
| (i) |  | [Opinion and Consent of Counsel — (filed herewith)](abf-efp22924_ex99i.htm) |
| (j) |  | [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm — (filed herewith)](abf-efp22924_ex99j.htm) |
| (k) |  | Financial statements omitted from prospectus — (none) |
| (l) |  | [Letter of Investment Intent](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/0000950134-97-009393.txt), is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23, filed December 18, 1997 |
| (m) | (1) | [Distribution Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000095013403006938/d04117bexv99wxmyxiiiy.txt) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Advisor Class (formerly known as the Service Class), dated May 1, 2003, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 45 |
|  | (2)(A) | [Distribution Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000095012310050533/d73079a1exv99wm.htm) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, dated February 16, 2010, 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](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99m2b.htm) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the A Class, effective January 20, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
|  | (3)(A) | [Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000089843210000866/distplan.htm), dated May 25, 2010, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 90 |
|  | (3)(B) | [Amended and Restated Schedule A to the Distribution Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99m3b.htm) pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the C Class, effective January 20, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |
| (n) |  | [Amended and Restated Plan](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322821005494/abf-html4112_ex99n.htm) Pursuant to Rule 18f-3, dated November 12, 2019, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 391 |
| (p) | (1) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823004897/abahl-html6696_ex99p1.htm) of American Beacon Advisors, Inc., American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds, American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, and Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc., dated August 11, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 407 |
|  | (2) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p2.htm) of Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc., as revised February 14, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 439, filed December 30, 2025 ("PEA No. 439) |
|  | (3) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824000854/abf-html7215_ex99p3.htm) of Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC, dated February 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 411 |
|  | (4) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p4.htm) of Causeway Capital Management LLC, dated April 25, 2005, as revised June 30, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 439 |
|  | (5) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322822000955/abf-html4417_ex99p5.htm) of Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management, LLC, dated September 1, 2021, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 393, filed February 22, 2022 |
|  | (6) | [Code of Ethics and Personal Investment Policy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p6.htm) of Lazard Asset Management LLC, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 439 |
|  | (7) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_99p7.htm) of Strategic Income Management, LLC, dated April 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 437 |
|  | (8) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p8.htm) of Massachusetts Financial Services Company, dated April 2, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 439 |
|  | (9) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322823003101/abf-html6249_ex99p11.htm) for Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC, dated February 2023, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 403, filed April 27, 2023 |
|  | (10) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_99p10.htm) for The London Company of Virginia, LLC, dated February 19, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 437 |
|  | (11) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825005669/abf-efp15900_ex99p11.htm) for Global Evolution USA, LLC, dated January 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 429 |
|  | (12) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99p13.htm) for AHL Partners LLP, amended October 11, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
|  | (13) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p13.htm) for Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P., dated September 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 439 |
|  | (14) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99p14.htm) for ARK Investment Management LLC, dated June 26, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
|  | (15) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99p15.htm) for TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP, dated March 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
|  | (16) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825001596/abf-efp14632_ex99p17.htm) for Shapiro Capital Management, LLC, dated October 15, 2024, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 427 |
|  | (17) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99p18.htm) for abrdn Investments Limited, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |

---

**9** 

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Number** | **Exhibit Description** |
| (18) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825010284/abdsif-efp17884_ex99p18.htm) for SSI Investment Management LLC, dated June 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 430 |
| (19) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p19.htm) for American Century Investment Management, Inc., dated October 29, 1999, as revised July 1, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 439 |
| (20) | [Code of Ethics](abf-efp22924_ex99p20.htm) for National Investment Services of America, LLC, dated December 2025 - (filed herewith) |
| (21) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p21.htm) for DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc., dated November 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 439 |
| (22) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p22.htm) for Global IMC LLC, effective October 31, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 439 |
| (23) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322824005650/abf-html7943_ex99p25.htm) for Numeric Investors LLC, amended October 11, 2023, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 414 |
| (24) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014202/abf-efp21227_ex99p24.htm) for Ninety One North America, Inc., effective November 1, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 437 |
| (25) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825014223/abf-efp21703_ex99p25.htm) for Westwood Management Corp., updated August 7, 2025, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 439 |
| (26) | [Code of Ethics](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322825011636/abf-efp18558_ex99p26.htm) for DoubleLine Capital LP, effective October 1, 2025, is incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 434, filed November 3, 2025 |
| Other Exhibits | Other Exhibits |
|  | [Powers of Attorney](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/809593/000113322826001755/abdf-efp22713_ex99other.htm) for Trustees of American Beacon Funds, American Beacon Select Funds and American Beacon Institutional Funds Trust, effective as of January 31, 2026, is incorporated by reference to PEA No. 442 |

---

**Item 29. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant**

The Trust through the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, a separate series of the Trust, wholly owns and controls the American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd. ("Managed Futures Subsidiary"), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The Managed Futures Subsidiary's financial statements will be included, on a consolidated basis, in the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

The Trust through the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund, a separate series of the Trust, wholly owns and controls the American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd. ("TargetRisk Subsidiary"), a company organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands. The TargetRisk Subsidiary's financial statements will be included, on a consolidated basis, in the American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.

**Item 30. Indemnification**

*Article XI of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of the Trust provides that:*

**Limitation of Liability**

*Section 1.* Provided they have exercised reasonable care and have acted under the reasonable belief that their actions are in the best interest of the Trust, the Trustees and officers of the Trust shall not be responsible for or liable in any event for neglect or wrongdoing of them or any officer, agent, employee or investment advisor of the Trust, and shall not be liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing contained herein shall protect any Trustee or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

**Indemnification**

*Section 2.*

(a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:

(i) every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer or employee of the Trust or is or was serving at the request of the Trust as a trustee, director, officer, employee or agent of another organization in which the Trust has an interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise ("Covered Person") shall be indemnified by the Trust and each Series to the fullest extent permitted by law, including the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder as amended from time to time and interpretations thereunder, against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he or she becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his or her being or having been a Covered Person and against amounts paid or incurred by him or her in the settlement thereof;

(ii) subject to the provisions of this Section 2, each Covered Person shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith upon the records, books and accounts of the Trust or, as applicable, any Series, upon an opinion or other advice of legal counsel, or upon reports made or advice given to the Trust or, as applicable, any Series, by any Trustee or any of its officers, employees, or a service provider selected with reasonable care by the Trustees or officers of the Trust, regardless of whether the person rendering such report or advice may also be a Trustee, officer or employee of the Trust or, as applicable, any Series.

(iii) as used herein, the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, investigative or other, including appeals), actual or threatened, and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities whatsoever.

(b) To the extent required under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder as amended from time to time and interpretations thereunder, but only to such extent no indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered Person:

**10**

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the proceeding was brought 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 or her office; or

(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her 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).

(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be such Covered Person and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such Covered Person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification to which any Covered Person or other person may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law or prevent the Trust from entering into any contract to provide indemnification to any Covered Person or other Person.

(d) To the extent that any determination is required to be made as to whether a Covered Person engaged in conduct for which indemnification is not provided as described herein, or as to whether there is reason to believe that a Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification, the Person or Persons making the determination shall afford the Covered Person a rebuttable presumption that the Covered Person has not engaged in such conduct and that there is reason to believe that the Covered Person ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.

(e) To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, including Section 17(h) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder as amended from time to time and interpretations thereunder, expenses in connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim, action, suit or proceeding of the character described in paragraph (a) of this Section 2 shall be paid by the Trust or the applicable Series from time to time prior to final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him or her to the Trust or a Series, as applicable, if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under this Section 2; provided, however, that any such advancement will be made in accordance with any conditions required by the Commission.

The advancement of any expenses pursuant to this Section 2(e) shall under no circumstances be considered a "loan" under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended from time to time, or for any other reason.

(f) Any repeal or modification of this Article XI or adoption or modification of any other provision of this Declaration of Trust inconsistent with this Article XI shall be prospective only to the extent that such repeal or modification would, if applied retrospectively, adversely affect any limitation on the liability of any Covered Person or indemnification or right to advancement of expenses available to any Covered Person with respect to any act or omission that occurred prior to such repeal, modification or adoption.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Declaration of Trust to the contrary, any liability and/or expense against which any Covered Person is indemnified under this Section 2 and any advancement of expenses that any Covered Person is entitled to be paid under Section 2(e) shall be deemed to be joint and several obligations of the Trust and each Series, and the assets of the Trust and each Series shall be subject to the claims of any Covered Person therefor under this Article XI; provided that (a) any such liability, expense or obligation may be allocated and charged by the Trustees between or among the Trust and/or any one or more Series (and Classes) in such manner as the Trustees in their sole discretion deem fair and equitable; and (b) the Trustees may determine that any such liability, expense or obligation should not be allocated to one or more Series (and Classes), and such Series or Classes shall not be liable therefor as provided under Article III, Section 4.

(h) Without limiting the foregoing, the Trust may, in connection with any transaction permitted by this Declaration of Trust, including the acquisition of assets subject to liabilities or a merger or consolidation pursuant to Article XII, Section 2, assume the obligation to indemnify any person including a Covered Person or otherwise contract to provide such indemnification, and such indemnification shall not be subject to the terms of this Article XI, Section 2 unless otherwise required under applicable law.

According to Article XII, Section 1 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, nothing in the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust shall be construed to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the Trustees, partners or members of a joint stock association. Trustees are not liable personally to any person extending credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trust, a particular Portfolio or the Trustees. A Trustee, however, is not protected from liability due to willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.

Article V, Section 5 provides that, subject to the provisions of Article XI, the Trustees shall not be liable for any act or omission in accordance with certain advice of counsel or other experts or for failing to follow such advice. Article XI, Section 1 provides that the Trustees are not liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but a Trustee is not protected from liability due to willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office, for any act or omission in accordance with advice of counsel or other experts or for failing to follow such advice.

*Numbered Paragraph 10 of the Management Agreement provides that:*

10. *Limitation of Liability of the Manager.* The Manager shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Trust or any Fund in connection with the matters to which this Agreement relate except a loss resulting from the willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. Any person, even though also an officer, partner, employee, or agent of the Manager, who may be or become an officer, Board member, employee or agent of a Trust shall be deemed, when rendering services to a Trust or acting in any business of a Trust, to be rendering such services to or acting solely for a Trust and not as an officer, partner, employee, or agent or one under the control or direction of the Manager even though paid by it. The U.S. federal and state securities laws impose liabilities on persons who act in good faith, and, therefore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the

**11** 

------

obligations of the Manager under such laws. This Paragraph 10 does not in any manner preempt any separate written indemnification commitments made by the Manager with respect to any matters encompassed by this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with abrdn Investment Limited provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The 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 Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person 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, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager 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 and to the extent of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with AHL Partners LLP provides, in relevant part, that:*

9. *Liability.* The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders, the Manager or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person 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, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities or commodities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement, relating to its trading activities or information provided to the Manager regarding the Adviser, by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The U.S. federal and state securities laws impose liabilities on persons who act in good faith, and therefore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the obligations of the Adviser under such laws.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with American Century Investment Management, Inc. provides, in relevant part, that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The 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 Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person 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, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager 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 Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with ARK Investment Management LLC provides, in relevant part, that:*

9. *Liability of the Parties.* The 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 Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person of the Adviser within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act ("Affiliated Person"), and each person, if any, who, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, controls the Manager ("Controlling Person"), against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager 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 Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust or the Funds that may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any Affiliate Person acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Adviser, any Affiliated Person of the Adviser, and each Controlling Person of the Adviser, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Adviser or its Affiliated Persons 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 responsibilities to the Trust or the Funds that may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard by the Manager or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any Affiliated Person acting on behalf of the Manager of the Manager's obligations and/or duties under its agreements with the Trust or the Funds. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc. provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Causeway Capital Management LLC provides that:*

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

9. *Liability of Adviser.* No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. provides that:*

9. Liability of Adviser; Indemnification. The 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 Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to, and shall indemnify and hold harmless, the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager, any affiliated person thereof within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and any controlling person thereof as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager 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, however arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon: (i) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser; or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Trust's prospectus and statement of additional information applicable to a Fund, or any other Trust filings, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to a Fund, the Trust or the Manager, or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the 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 Manager or the Trust by the Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with DoubleLine Capital LP provides that:*

9. Liability of Adviser; Indemnification. The Adviser shall have no liability to the Manager, the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to, and shall indemnify and hold harmless, the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager, any affiliated person thereof within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and any controlling person thereof as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager 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, caused by : (i) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence of the Adviser, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser (such conduct "Adviser's Disabling Conduct"); or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Trust's prospectus and statement of additional information applicable to a Fund, or any other Trust filings, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to a Fund or the Trust, or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the 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 Manager or the Trust by the Adviser expressly for use therein.

The Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Adviser, any affiliated persons thereof within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and any controlling person thereof as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the 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, including as result of any action or omission to act based on any instruction or direction from the Trust, the Manager or the Trustees, however arising except liabilities arising out of "Adviser's Disqualifying Conduct."

The indemnifications in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. provides that:*

9. Liability of Adviser. The 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 Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person 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, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager 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 Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Global Evolution USA, LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The 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 Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person 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, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager 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 Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Global IMC LLC (formerly known as EAM Global Investors LLC) provides that:*

9. Liability of Adviser; Indemnification. The 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 Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to, and shall indemnify and hold harmless, the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager, any affiliated person thereof within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and any controlling

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person thereof as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager 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, however arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon: (i) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser; or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Trust's prospectus and statement of additional information applicable to a Fund, or any other Trust filings, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to a Fund, the Trust or the Manager, or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the 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 Manager or the Trust by the Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Lazard Asset Management LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* No provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which it might otherwise be subject by reason of any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Massachusetts Financial Services Company provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with National Investment Services of America, LLC provides that*

9. (a) *Liability of Adviser and Indemnification by Adviser*. The 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 Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager, any affiliated person thereof within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and any controlling person thereof as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager 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, however arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon: (i) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser, or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Trust's prospectus and statement of additional information applicable to a Fund, or any other Trust filings, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to a Fund, the Trust or the Manager, or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the 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 Manager or the Trust by the Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Ninety One North America, Inc. provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser; Indemnification*. The 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 Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to, and shall indemnify and hold harmless, the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager, any affiliated person thereof within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and any controlling person thereof as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager 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, however arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon: (i) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser; or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Trust's prospectus and statement of additional information applicable to a Fund, or any other Trust filings, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to a Fund, the Trust or the Manager, or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the 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 Manager or the Trust by the Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Numeric Investors LLC provides that:*

*9. Liability.* The Adviser, its affiliates or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents (collectively, the "Covered Persons") shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders, the Manager or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided, however, that the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person 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, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust and its Shareholders, the Manager or such affiliated person or controlling person may become subject under the securities or commodities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of any Covered Person's responsibilities to the Trust and the Manager which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross

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negligence, or reckless disregard of, any Covered Person's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement, relating to its trading activities or information provided to the Manager regarding the Covered Persons. The U.S. federal and state securities laws impose liabilities on persons who act in good faith, and therefore, nothing in this Agreement is intended to limit the obligations of any Covered Person under such laws. Neither the Manager nor the Trust shall have any liability to the Covered Persons or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, that the Manager and the Trust agree to indemnify and hold harmless, the Covered Persons against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Covered Persons may become subject under the securities or commodities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager's or the Trust's responsibilities to the Covered Persons which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Manager's or the Trust's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by either of the Manager or the Trust or by any of their directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of either. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Shapiro Capital Management, LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The 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 Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, any affiliated person 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, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Manager 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 Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with SSI Investment Management LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser and Manager.* The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement. Each of the Adviser and the Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the other party, any affiliated person 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 other party, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the other party 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 indemnifying party's responsibilities to the Trust based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the indemnifying party's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the indemnifying party or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the indemnifying party. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Strategic Income Management, LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any other third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with The London Company of Virginia, LLC provides that:*

9. *Liability of Adviser.* The Adviser shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement except with respect to claims which occur due to any willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or the reckless disregard of its obligations under this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP provides that:*

9. *Liability.* The Adviser, including its officers, directors, employees and agents shall have no liability to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Adviser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Manager, its officers, directors, employees and agents (each such person, a "Manager Indemnified Persons") against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and related expenses) ("Losses"), to which a Manager Indemnified Persons may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser, provided, however that the Manager's obligation under this paragraph 9 shall be reduced to the extent that the Losses experienced by a Manager Indemnified Person are caused by or are otherwise directly related to a Manager Indemnified Person's own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

The Manager, including its officers, directors, employees and agents shall have no liability to the Adviser, its shareholders or any third party arising out of or related to this Agreement, provided however, the Manager agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, the Adviser, its officers, directors, employees and agents (each such person, an "Adviser Indemnified Persons") against any and all Losses, to which an Adviser Indemnified Persons may become subject under the securities laws, any other federal or state law, at common law or otherwise, arising out of the Manager's responsibilities to the Trust, its shareholders or any third party, provided, however that the Manager's obligation under this paragraph 9 shall be reduced to the extent that the

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Losses experienced by an Adviser Indemnified Person are caused by or are otherwise directly related to an Adviser Indemnified Person's own willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Adviser nor the Manager will be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damage.

The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Numbered Paragraph 9 of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Westwood Management Corp. provides that:*

*9. Liability of Adviser; Indemnification.* The 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 Adviser shall not be protected against any liability to, and shall indemnify and hold harmless, the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager, any affiliated person thereof within the meaning of Section 2(a)(3) of the Investment Company Act, and any controlling person thereof as described in Section 15 of the Securities Act, against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation (including reasonable legal and other expenses), to which the Trust and its shareholders, the Manager 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, however arising out of or in connection with the performance of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Trust which may be based upon: (i) any willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of, the Adviser's obligations and/or duties under this Agreement by the Adviser or by any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, or any affiliate acting on behalf of the Adviser; or (ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Trust's prospectus and statement of additional information applicable to a Fund, or any other Trust filings, proxy materials, reports, advertisements, sales literature or other materials pertaining to a Fund, the Trust or the Manager, or the omission to state therein a material fact known to the 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 Manager or the Trust by the Adviser for use therein. The indemnification in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

*Section 4.2 of the Distribution Agreement provides that:*

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Resolute shall not be responsible for, and the Client shall on behalf of each applicable Fund or Class thereof, indemnify and hold harmless Resolute, its employees, directors, officers and managers and any person who controls Resolute within the meaning of section 15 of the Securities Act or section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (for purposes of this Section 4.2(a), "Resolute Indemnitees") from and against, any and all losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees, payments, liabilities and other expenses of every nature and character (including, but not limited to, direct and indirect reasonable reprocessing costs) arising out of or attributable to all and any of the following (for purposes of this Section 4.2(a), a "*Resolute Claim*")

(i) any material action (or omission to act) of Resolute or its agents taken in connection with this Agreement; provided, that such action (or omission to act) is taken in good faith and without willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard by Resolute, or its affiliates, of its duties and obligations under this Agreement;

(ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Client in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement or exhibits to the Registration Statement by or on behalf of Resolute;

(iii) any material breach of the Clients' agreements, representations, warranties, and covenants in Sections 2.9 and 5.2 of this Agreement; or

(iv) the reliance on or use by Resolute or its agents or subcontractors of information, records, documents or services which have been prepared, maintained or performed by the Client or any agent of the Client, including but not limited to any Predecessor Records provided pursuant to Section 2.9(b).

(b) Resolute will indemnify, defend and hold the Client and their several officers and members of their Governing Bodies and any person who controls the Client within the meaning of section 15 of the Securities Act or section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (collectively, the "Client Indemnitees" and, with the Resolute Indemnitees, an "Indemnitee"), free and harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and character (including the cost of investigating or defending such claims, demands, actions, suits or liabilities and any reasonable counsel fees incurred in connection therewith), but only to the extent that such claims, demands, actions, suits, judgments, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, charges, reasonable counsel fees and other expenses result from, arise out of or are based upon all and any of the following (for purposes of this Section 4.2(c), a "Client Claim" and, with a Resolute Claim, a "Claim"):

(i) any material action (or omission to act) of Resolute or its agents taken in connection with this Agreement, provided that such action (or omission to act) is taken in good faith and without willful misfeasance, negligence or reckless disregard by Resolute, or its affiliates, of its duties and obligations under this Agreement.

(ii) any untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or any alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, if such statement or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information furnished to the Client in writing in connection with the preparation of the Registration Statement by or on behalf of Resolute; or

(iii) any material breach of Resolute's agreements, representations, warranties and covenants set forth in Section 2.4 and 5.1 hereof.

(c) The Client or Resolute (for purpose of this Section 4.2(d), an "Indemnifying Party") may assume the defense of any suit brought to enforce any Resolute Claim or Client Claim, respectively, and may retain counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party and approved by the other Party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Indemnifying Party shall advise the other Party that it will assume the defense of the suit and retain counsel within ten (10) days of receipt of the notice of the claim. If the Indemnifying Party assumes the defense of any such suit and

**16**

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retains counsel, the other Party shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel that they retain. If the Indemnifying Party does not assume the defense of any such suit, or if other Party does not approve of counsel chosen by the Indemnifying Party, or if the other Party has been advised that it may have available defenses or claims that are not available to or conflict with those available to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party will reimburse any Indemnitee named as defendant in such suit for the reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel that the Indemnitee retains. An Indemnitee shall not settle or confess any claim without the prior written consent of the applicable Client, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

(d) An Indemnifying Party's obligation to provide indemnification under this section is conditioned upon the Indemnifying Party receiving notice of any action brought against an Indemnitee within twenty (20) days after the summons or other first legal process is served. Such notice shall refer to the Person or Persons against whom the action is brought. The failure to provide such notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of any liability that it may have to any Indemnitee except to the extent that the ability of the party entitled to such notice to defend such action has been materially adversely affected by the failure to provide notice.

(e) The provisions of this section and the parties' representations and warranties in this Agreement shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee and shall survive the sale and redemption of any Shares made pursuant to subscriptions obtained by Resolute. The indemnification provisions of this section will inure exclusively to the benefit of each person that may be an Indemnitee at any time and their respective successors and assigns (it being intended that such persons be deemed to be third party beneficiaries under this Agreement).

*Section 4.3 of the Distribution Agreement provides that:*

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, except as specifically set forth below:

(a) Neither Party shall be liable for losses, delays, failure, errors, interruption or loss of data occurring directly or indirectly by reason of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; action or inaction of civil or military authority; public enemy; war; terrorism; riot; fire; flood; sabotage; epidemics; labor disputes; civil commotion; interruption, loss or malfunction of utilities, transportation, computer or communications capabilities; insurrection; or elements of nature;

(b) Neither Party shall be liable for any consequential, special or indirect losses or damages suffered by the other Party, whether or not the likelihood of such losses or damages was known by the Party;

(c) No affiliate, director, officer, employee, manager, shareholder, partner, agent, counsel or consultant of either Party shall be liable at law or in equity for the obligations of such Party under this Agreement or for any damages suffered by the other Party related to this Agreement;

(d) There are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement;

(e) Each Party shall have a duty to mitigate damages for which the other Party may become responsible;

(f) The assets and liabilities of each Fund are separate and distinct from the assets and liabilities of each other Fund, and no Fund shall be liable or shall be charged for any debt, obligation or liability of any other Fund, whether arising under this Agreement or otherwise; and in asserting any rights or claims under this Agreement, Resolute shall look only to the assets and property of the Fund to which Resolute's rights or claims relate in settlement of such rights or claims; and

(g) Each Party agrees promptly to notify the other party of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding of which it becomes aware arising out of or in any way connected with the issuance or sale of Shares.

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

*Supplemental Limited Indemnification from the Manager*

ABA shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, in his or her individual capacity, from and against any cost, asserted claim, liability or expense, including reasonable legal fees (collectively, "Liability") based upon or arising out of (i) any duty of ABA under the Management Agreement (including ABA's failure or omission to perform such duty), and (ii) any liability or claim against Indemnitee arising pursuant to Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Rule 10b-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any similar or related federal, state or common law statutes, rules or interpretations. ABA's indemnification obligations under this Letter Agreement shall be limited to civil and administrative claims or proceedings.

**Item 31.** **I. Business and Other Connections of Investment Manager**

**American Beacon Advisors, Inc. (the "Manager")** offers investment management and administrative services to the Registrant. It acts in the same capacity to other investment companies, including those listed below.

Set forth below is information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer and director of American Beacon Advisors, Inc. is, or at any time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.

**17** 

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name; Current Position with American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **Other Substantial Business and Connections** |
| Patrick J. Bartels; Director | Redan Advisors LLC: Managing Member |
| Rosemary K. Behan; Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel | Resolute Topco, Inc.: Secretary (2015-Present)<br>Resolute Acquisition, Inc.: Secretary (2015-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Senior Vice President (2021-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.: Secretary (2017-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Services, Inc.: Senior Vice President (2021-2025), Secretary and General Counsel (2015-2025) <br>American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.: Secretary (2014-Present)<br>American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.: Secretary (2023-2025)<br>American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.: Secretary (2018-Present)<br>American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.: Secretary (2023-Present)<br>American Beacon Funds Complex: Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Legal Officer (2006-Present) |
| Paul B. Cavazos; Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer | American Beacon Funds Complex: Vice President (2016-Present) |
| N. Clay Colbert, Assistant Treasurer and Controller | Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Controller (2025-Present) and Assistant Treasurer (October 2025-Present) |
| Jame Donath; Director | Greenscape Financial Group: Chairman <br>Orange Grove Bio: Senior Advisor <br>114 Tenants Corp: President of the Board <br>Norwood UK Restructuring Dinner: Co-Founder  |
| Richard M. Goldman; Director | Becket Capital: Founder and Managing Partner <br>AlphaTrai Asset Management: Director <br>Marblegate Acquisition Corporation: Independent Corporate Director  |
| Rebecca L. Harris; Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President | Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Chief Operating Officer (June 2024-Present) Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024) <br>Resolute Investment Services: Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024, June 2024-2025), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024)<br>Resolute Acquisition, Inc.: Senior Vice President (January-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024)<br>Resolute Topco, Inc.: Senior Vice President (January-May 2024, June 2024-Present), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024) Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024)<br>National Investment Services of America, LLC: Director (2022-Present)<br>RSW Investments Holdings LLC: Director (2022-Present)<br>Shapiro Capital Management LLC: Director (2022-Present)<br>SSI Investment Management LLC: Director (2022-Present)<br>American Beacon Advisors, Inc.: Chief Operating Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2021-May 2024), Director (May-June 2024), President (May-June 2024), Chief Executive Officer (May-June 2024)<br>American Beacon Funds Complex: President (May 2024-June 2024), Vice President (2022-May 2024, June 2024-Present)  |
| Melinda G. Heika; Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer | Resolute Topco, Inc.: Treasurer (2015-Present)<br>Resolute Acquisition, Inc.: Treasurer (2015-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Senior Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer and CFO (2017-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Services, Inc.: Senior Vice President (2021-2025), Treasurer and CFO (2017-2025)<br>American Beacon Cayman Managed Futures Strategy Fund, Ltd.: Director (2014-Present, Vice President (2022-Present), Treasurer (2014-2022)<br>American Beacon Cayman TargetRisk Company, Ltd.: Director and Vice President (2022-Present), Treasurer (2018-2022)<br>American Beacon Cayman Multi-Alternatives Company, Ltd.: Director and Vice President (2023-2025)<br>American Beacon Cayman Trend Company, Ltd.: Director and Vice President (2023-Present)<br>American Beacon Funds Complex: Vice President (2021-Present), Treasurer (2026 - Present) |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Name; Current Position with American Beacon Advisors, Inc.** | **Other Substantial Business and Connections** |
| Kirstin Hill; Director | Social Finance: President & COO |
| Terri L. McKinney; Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services | Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services (2021-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Services, Inc.: Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services (2021-2025)<br>Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.: Director and Vice President (2024-Present) <br>American Beacon Funds Complex: Vice President (2010-Present) |
| Teresa A. Oxford; Assistant Secretary and Deputy General Counsel | Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Deputy General Counsel (2024-Present), Assistant Secretary (2017-Present), Associate General Counsel (2018-2024)<br>Resolute Investment Services, Inc: Deputy General Counsel (2024-2025), Assistant Secretary (2018-2025), Associate General Counsel (2018-2024)<br>Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.: Assistant Secretary (2024-Present)<br>American Beacon Funds Complex: Assistant Secretary (2015-Present) |
| Bo Ragsdale; Vice President, Information Technology | Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Vice President, Information Technology (2021-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Services, Inc.: Vice President, Information Technology (2021-2025) |
| Christina E. Sears; Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer | Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Vice President (2017-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Services, Inc.: Vice President (2019-2025)<br>Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.: Vice President (2017-Present)<br>American Private Equity Management, LLC: Chief Compliance Officer (2012-2024)<br>RSW Investments Holdings, LLC: Chief Compliance Officer (2019-Present)<br>Shapiro Capital Management LLC: Chief Compliance Officer (2024-Present)<br>American Beacon Funds Complex: Chief Compliance Officer (2004-Present), Assistant Secretary (1999-Present) |
| Samuel J. Silver; Vice President and Chief Fixed Income Officer | American Beacon Funds Complex: Vice President (2011-Present) |
| Gregory J. Stumm; Director, President and Chief Executive Officer | Resolute Acquisition, Inc.: Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024)<br>Resolute Topco, Inc.: Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present)<br>Resolute Investment Services, Inc.: Director (June 2024-2025), President (June 2024-2025), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-2025), Senior Vice President (2022-2024)<br>Resolute Investment Managers, Inc.: Director (June 2024-Present), President (June 2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (June 2024-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024)<br>Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc.: President (2024-Present), Chief Executive Officer (2024-Present), Director (2022-Present), Senior Vice President (2022-2024)<br>National Investment Services of America, LLC: Director (June 2024-Present)<br>RSW Investments Holdings LLC: Director (June 2024-Present)<br>Shapiro Capital Management, LLC: Director (June 2024-Present)<br>SSI Investment Management, LLC: Director (June 2024-Present)<br>American Beacon Advisors, Inc.: Senior Vice President (2022-2024)<br>American Beacon Funds Complex: President (June 2024-Present), Vice President (2022-June 2024) |

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The principal address of each of the entities referenced above, other than RSW Investment Holdings LLC, Shapiro Capital Management LLC, SSI Investment Management LLC, and National Investment Services of America, LLC is 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. The principal address of RSW Investment Holdings LLC is 47 Maple Street, Suite 304, Summit, New Jersey 07901. The principal address of Shapiro Capital Management LLC is 3060 Peachtree Road NW #1555, Atlanta, Georgia 30305. The principal address of SSI Investment Management LLC is 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2050, Los Angeles, California 90067. The principal address of National Investment Services of America, LLC is 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2350, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.

**II. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers**

The investment advisers listed below provide investment advisory services to the Trust.

**American Beacon Advisors, Inc.**, 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

**abrdn Investments Limited ("aIL")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Developing World Income Fund. The principal address of aIL is 1 George Street, Edinburgh UK, EH2 2LL. Information as to the officers and directors of abrdn is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 162309), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**19** 

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**AHL Partners LLP ("AHL")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon AHL Managed Futures Strategy Fund, and American Beacon AHL TargetRisk Fund. The principal address of AHL is 2 Swan Lane, London, UK EC4R 3AD. Information as to the officers and directors of AHL is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 167882), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**American Century Investment Management, Inc. ("American Century")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund. The principal address for American Century is 4500 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. Information as to the Officers and Directors of American Century is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 105778), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**ARK Investment Management LLC ("ARK")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon ARK Transformational Innovation Fund. The principal address for ARK is 200 Central Avenue, Suite 220, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. ARK was formed in June 2013 and registered as an investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2014. Information as to the Officers and Directors of ARK is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 169525), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC ("Barrow")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. The principal business address of Barrow is 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, TX 75201-2761. Information as to the officers and directors of Barrow is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 105519), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Brandywine Global Investment Management, LLC ("Brandywine")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. The principal address of Brandywine is 1735 Market Street, Suite 1800, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Information as to the officers and directors of Brandywine is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 110783), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Causeway Capital Management LLC ("Causeway")**, a Delaware limited liability company, is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund. The principal address of Causeway is 11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, 15th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Information as to the officers and directors of Causeway is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 113308), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. ("DRZ")**, a Florida corporation, is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. The principal office of DRZ is 250 Park Avenue South, Winter Park, FL 32789. Information as to the officers and directors of DRZ is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 112099), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**DoubleLine Capital LP ("DoubleLine")**, a Delaware limited partnership, is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon DoubleLine Floating Rate Fund and the American Beacon DoubleLine Select Income Fund. The principal address of DoubleLine is 2002 N. Tampa Street, Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33602. Information as to the officers and directors of DoubleLine is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 152606), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Garcia Hamilton & Associates, L.P. ("Garcia Hamilton")** is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund. The principal address of Garcia Hamilton is 1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77010. Information as to the officers and directors of Garcia Hamilton is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 108017), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Global Evolution USA, LLC ("Global Evolution")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Developing World Income Fund. The principal address of Global Evolution is 250 Park Avenue, 15th floor, New York, NY 10177, United States. Global Evolution's parent company is Global Evolution Financial ApS and is located at Buen 11, 2nd floor, DK-6000 Kolding, Denmark. Information as to the officers and directors of Global Evolution is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 161677), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Global IMC LLC ("Global IMC")** (formerly known as EAM Global Investors LLC), is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund. The principal address of Global IMC is 215 Highway 101, Suite 216, Solana Beach, CA 92075. Information as to the officers and directors of Global IMC is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 170870), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Hotchkis and Wiley Capital Management LLC ("Hotchkis")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. The principal address of Hotchkis is 601 South Figueroa Street, 39th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017-5439. Information as to the officers and directors of Hotchkis is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 114649), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Lazard Asset Management LLC ("Lazard")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon International Equity Fund. The principal address of Lazard is 30 Rockefeller Plaza, 55th Floor, New York, NY 10112. Information as to the officers and directors of Lazard is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 122836), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund. The principal address of MFS is 111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02199. MFS is a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings Inc., which in turn is an indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial, Inc. (a diversified financial services

**20**

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company), located at Sun Life Financial Centre, 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Information as to the officers and directors of MFS is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 110045), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**National Investment Services of America, LLC ("NIS")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon NIS Core Plus Bond Fund. The principal address of NIS is 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 2350, Milwaukee, WI 53202. NIS is a majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc. ("Topco"). Topco is owned primarily by various institutional investment funds that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. No owner of Topco owns 25% or more of the outstanding equity or voting interests of Topco. Information as to the officers and directors of NIS is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 307169), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Ninety One North America, Inc ("Ninety One")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Ninety One Emerging Markets Equity Fund, American Beacon Ninety One Global Franchise Fund, American Beacon Ninety One International Franchise Fund and American Beacon Developing World Income Fund. The principal address of Ninety One is 65 East 55th Street, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10022. Information as to the officers and directors of Ninety One is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 167922), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Numeric Investors LLC ("Numeric")**, is a registered investment advisory firm formed in 1989. Numeric is a limited liability company that is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Man Group plc ("Man") and is an investment sub-advisor to the American Beacon Man Large Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Man Large Cap Value Fund. The principal address of Numeric is 200 Pier 4 Boulevard, Fifth Floor, Boston, MA, 02210. Information as to the Officers and Directors of Numeric is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 131684) and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Shapiro Capital Management LLC ("Shapiro")** is a registered investment adviser and is an investment subadvisor for the American Beacon Shapiro SMID Cap Equity Fund and American Beacon Shapiro Equity Opportunities Fund. The principal address of Shapiro is 3060 Peachtree Road NW #1555, Atlanta, GA 30305. Shapiro is a majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc. ("Topco"). Topco is owned primarily by various institutional investment funds that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. No owner of Topco owns 25% or more of the outstanding equity or voting interests of Topco. Shapiro was founded in 1990. Information as to the Officers and Directors of Shapiro is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 105581), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**SSI Investment Management LLC ("SSI")** is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon SSI Alternative Income Fund. The principal address of SSI is 2121 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 2050, Los Angeles, CA 90067. SSI is a majority-owned subsidiary of Resolute Investment Managers, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Resolute Topco, Inc. ("Topco"). Topco is owned primarily by various institutional investment funds that are managed by financial institutions and other investment advisory firms. No owner of Topco owns 25% or more of the outstanding equity or voting interests of Topco. Information as to the officers and directors of SSI is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 104889), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Stephens Investment Management Group, LLC ("SIMG")** is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Stephens Mid-Cap Growth Fund and American Beacon Stephens Small Cap Growth Fund. The principal address of SIMG and Stephens Inc. is 111 Center Street, Little Rock, AK 72201. Information as to the officers and directors of SIMG is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 136369), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Strategic Income Management, LLC ("SiM")** is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon SiM High Yield Opportunities Fund. The principal address of SiM is 1200 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 713, Seattle, WA 98109. Information as to the officers and directors of SiM is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 151956), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**The London Company Of Virginia, LLC ("London Company")** is a registered investment adviser and is the investment sub-adviser for the American Beacon The London Company Income Equity Fund. The principal place of business address of London Company is 1800 Bayberry Court, Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23226. Information as to the officers and directors of London Company is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 106654), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**TwentyFour Asset Management (US) LP ("TwentyFour")** is a registered investment adviser and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Vontobel Holding AG and is the investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon TwentyFour Strategic Income Fund and the American Beacon TwentyFour Short Term Bond Fund. The principal address of TwentyFour is 66 Hudson Boulevard, 34th Floor, Suite 3401, New York, NY 10001. Information as to the officers and directors of TwentyFour is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 285791), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Westwood Management Corp. ("Westwood")** is a registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. and is an investment sub-advisor for the American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund. The principal address of Westwood is 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1200, Dallas, TX 75201. Information as to the officers and directors of Westwood is included in its Form ADV, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CRD number 110269), and is incorporated herein by reference.

**Item 32. Principal Underwriter**

(a) Resolute Investment Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor") serves as principal underwriter for the following investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended:

1 American Beacon Funds

2 American Beacon Select Funds - American Beacon U.S. Government Money Market Select Fund

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(b) The following are the Officers and Managers of the Distributor, the Registrant's underwriter. The Distributor's main business address is 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Address** | **Position with Underwriter** | **Position with Registrant**  |
| Gregory J. Stumm | 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039 | Director, Chief Executive Officer and President | President |
| Terri L. McKinney | 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039 | Senior Vice President | Vice President |
| Rosemary K. Behan | 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039 | Secretary | Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
| Christina E. Sears | 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039 | Vice President | Chief Compliance Officer and Assistant Secretary |
| Teresa A. Oxford | 220 E. Las Colinas Blvd, STE 1200, Irving, TX 75039 | Assistant Secretary | Assistant Secretary |

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(c) Not applicable.

**Item 33. Location of Accounts and Records**

The books and other documents required by Section 31(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are maintained in the physical possession of 1) the Trust's custodian and fund accounting agent at State Street Bank and Trust Company, One Congress Street, Suite 1, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2016; 2) the Manager at American Beacon Advisors, Inc., 220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039; 3) the Trust's transfer agent, SS&C GIDS, Inc., 330 West 9th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64105; 4) Mastercraft, 3021 Wichita Court, Fort Worth, Texas 76140; or 5) the Trust's investment advisers at the addresses listed in Item 31 above.

**Item 34. Management Services**

Not applicable.

**Item 35. Undertakings**

Not applicable.

**22**

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**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant represents that this Amendment meets all the requirements for effectiveness pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the 1933 Act and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 443 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Irving and the State of Texas, on February 26, 2026.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS | AMERICAN BEACON FUNDS |
| By: | /s/ Gregory J. Stumm |
|  | Gregory J. Stumm |
|  | President |

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Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Post-Effective Amendment No. 443 to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Signature</u>** | **<u>Title</u>** | **<u>Date</u>** |
| /s/ Gregory J. Stumm | President (Principal Executive Officer) | February 26, 2026 |
| Gregory J. Stumm |  |  |
| /s/ Melinda G. Heika | Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer | February 26, 2026 |
| Melinda G. Heika | and Principal Accounting Officer) |  |
| Gilbert G. Alvarado<sup>\*</sup> | Trustee | February 26, 2026 |
| Gilbert G. Alvarado |  |  |
| Gerard J. Arpey<sup>\*</sup> | Trustee | February 26, 2026 |
| Gerard J. Arpey |  |  |
| Eugene J. Duffy<sup>\*</sup> | Trustee | February 26, 2026 |
| Eugene J. Duffy |  |  |
| Claudia A. Holz<sup>\*</sup> | Trustee | February 26, 2026 |
| Claudia A. Holz |  |  |
| Douglas A. Lindgren<sup>\*</sup> | Chair and Trustee | February 26, 2026 |
| Douglas A. Lindgren |  |  |
| Barbara J. McKenna<sup>\*</sup> | Trustee | February 26, 2026 |
| Barbara J. McKenna |  |  |
| Janet C. Smith<sup>\*</sup> | Trustee | February 26, 2026 |
| Janet C. Smith |  |  |
| Paul Zemsky<sup>\*</sup> | Trustee | February 26, 2026 |
| Paul Zemsky |  |  |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| \* By: | /s/ Rosemary K. Behan |
|  | Rosemary K. Behan |
|  | Attorney-In-Fact |

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**EXHIBIT INDEX**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Type** | **Description** |
| 99.(h)(10)(E) | [Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement Agreement for American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, and American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund, effective March 1, 2026](abf-efp22924_ex99h10e.htm) |
| 99.(i) | [Opinion and Consent of Counsel](abf-efp22924_ex99i.htm) |
| 99.(j) | [Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](abf-efp22924_ex99j.htm) |
| 99.(p)(20) | [Code of Ethics for National Investment Services of America, LLC, dated December 2025](abf-efp22924_ex99p20.htm) |

---

**24**

## Ex-99.(H)(10)(E)

**Exhibit 99.(h)(10)(e)**

![](img001.jpg)

February 20, 2026

American Beacon Funds (the "Trust")

220 East Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200

Irving, TX 75039

Re: Fee Waiver/Expense Reimbursement

Ladies and Gentlemen:

American Beacon Advisors, Inc. ("AmBeacon") notifies you that, for the funds listed in <u>Attachment A</u> to this letter (the "Funds"), it will waive its management fee and/or reimburse expenses of the Fund, to the extent necessary so that expenses of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses, do not exceed the annual rates listed on <u>Attachment A</u>.

During the period until the expiration date of each expense limitation in <u>Attachment A</u>, the related expense limitation arrangements for each of the Funds may only be modified by mutual agreement of the parties that, with respect to the Trust, includes a majority vote of the "non-interested" Trustees of the Trust. For a period of up to three years following AmBeacon's contractual fee waiver or reimbursement, AmBeacon may be reimbursed by a Fund if reimbursement does not cause the expenses of the Fund exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, securities lending fees, expenses associated with securities sold short, litigation, and other extraordinary expenses, to exceed the lesser of the contractual percentage limit in effect at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the time of the recoupment.

We understand and intend that you will rely on this undertaking in preparing and filing the Registration Statements on Form N-1A for the Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in accruing each Fund's expenses for purposes of calculating its net asset value per share and for other purposes permitted under Form N-1A and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and expressly permit you to do so.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Respectfully, | Respectfully, |
| American Beacon Advisors, Inc. | American Beacon Advisors, Inc. |
| By: | /s/ Rebecca L. Harris |
| Name: | Becky L. Harris |
| Title: | Chief Operating Officer |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Agreed and Accepted<br> on behalf of the Trust | Agreed and Accepted<br> on behalf of the Trust |
| By: | /s/ Melinda G. Heika |
| Name: | Melinda G. Heika |
| Title: | Treasurer |

---

A copy of the document establishing the Trust is filed with the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Agreement is executed by the officer not as an individual and is not binding upon any of the Trustees, officers or shareholders of the Trust individually but only upon the assets of each Fund.

**Attachment A**

**<u>American Beacon Funds – Fiscal Year End: October 31, 2025</u>**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Fund** |<br>**Class** | **Annual**<br>**Expense**<br>**Limit (Cap)** |<br>**Effective**<br>**Date** |<br>**Expiration** |
| Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond | R5 | 0.45% | 3/1/2026 | 2/28/2027 |
| Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond | R6 | 0.41% | 3/1/2026 | 2/28/2027 |
| Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond | Y | 0.51% | 3/1/2026 | 2/28/2027 |
| Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond | Investor | 0.83% | 3/1/2026 | 2/28/2027 |
| International Equity | R6 | 0.69% | 3/1/2026 | 2/28/2027 |
| IMC International Small Cap | R5 | 0.89% | 3/1/2026 | 2/28/2027 |
| IMC International Small Cap | Y | 1.10% | 3/1/2026 | 2/28/2027 |
| IMC International Small Cap | Investor | 1.30% | 3/1/2026 | 2/28/2027 |

---

## Ex-99.(I)

**Exhibit 99.(i)**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](img_001.jpg) | **K&L Gates LLP**<br> 1601 K Street, N.W.<br> Washington, DC 20006<br> T +1 202 778 9000 F +1 202 778 9100 klgates.com |

---

February 26, 2026

American Beacon Funds

220 East Las Colinas Boulevard, Suite 1200

Irving, Texas 75039

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to American Beacon Funds, a business trust formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "<u>Trust</u>"), in connection with Post-Effective Amendment No. 443 (the "<u>Post-Effective Amendment</u>") to the Trust's registration statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 033-11387; 811-04984) (the "<u>Registration Statement</u>"), to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>Commission</u>") on or about February 26, 2026 registering an indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest in the series of the Trust (the "<u>Funds</u>") and classes thereof listed in Schedule A to this opinion letter (the "<u>Shares</u>") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>").

This opinion letter is being delivered at your request in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 29 of Schedule A of the Securities Act and Item 28(i) of Form N-1A under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "<u>Investment Company Act</u>").

For purposes of this opinion letter, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the
 prospectuses and statements of additional information (collectively, the " <u>Prospectus</u> ")
 filed as part of the Post-Effective Amendment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) the
 declaration of trust and bylaws of the Trust in effect on the date of this opinion letter;
 and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) the
 resolutions adopted by the trustees of the Trust relating to the Post-Effective Amendment,
 the establishment of the Funds and the Shares of each class, and the authorization for issuance
 and sale of the Shares.

We also have examined and relied on certificates of public officials and, as to certain matters of fact that are material to our opinions, we have relied on a certificate of an officer of the Trust. We have not independently established any of the facts on which we have so relied.

For purposes of this opinion letter, we have assumed the accuracy and completeness of each document submitted to us, the genuineness of all signatures on original documents, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as facsimile, electronic, certified, conformed, or photostatic copies thereof, and the due execution and delivery of all documents where due execution and delivery are prerequisites to

February 26, 2026

the effectiveness thereof. We have further assumed the legal capacity of natural persons, that persons identified to us as officers of the Trust are actually serving in such capacity, and that the representations of officers of the Trust are correct as to matters of fact. We have not independently verified any of these assumptions.

The opinions expressed in this opinion letter are based on the facts in existence and the laws in effect on the date hereof and are limited to Chapter 182 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the provisions of the Investment Company Act that are applicable to equity securities issued by registered open-end investment companies. We are not opining on, and we assume no responsibility for, the applicability to or effect on any of the matters covered herein of any other laws.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that (1) the Shares to be issued pursuant to the Post-Effective Amendment, when issued and paid for by the purchasers upon the terms described in the Post-Effective Amendment and the Prospectus, will be validly issued, and (2) such purchasers will have no obligation to make any further payments for the purchase of the Shares or contributions to the Trust solely by reason of their ownership of the Shares.

This opinion is rendered solely in connection with the filing of the Post-Effective Amendment and supersedes any previous opinions of this firm in connection with the issuance of Shares. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the Commission in connection with the Post-Effective Amendment and to the reference to this firm's name under the heading "Other Service Providers" in the Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are experts with respect to any part of the Registration Statement or Prospectus within the meaning of the term "expert" as used in Section 11 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Commission, nor do we admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

Very truly yours,

/s/ K&L Gates LLP

February 26, 2026

**Schedule A**

To the Opinion Letter of K&L Gates LLP, dated February 26, 2026,

Filed as Exhibit (i) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 443 to the Registration Statement

on Form N-1A of American Beacon Funds (File Nos. 033-11387; 811-04984)

**<u>Relevant Series of American Beacon Funds and Share Classes Thereof</u>**

***American Beacon Balanced Fund***

A Class

C Class

Y Class

Advisor Class

R5 Class

Investor Class

 ****

***American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund***

Y Class

R6 Class

R5 Class

Investor Class

***American Beacon International Equity Fund***

A Class

C Class

Y Class

R6 Class

Advisor Class

R5 Class

Investor Class

***American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund***

A Class

C Class

Y Class

R6 Class

Advisor Class

R5 Class

Investor Class

February 26, 2026

***American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund***

A Class

C Class

Y Class

R6 Class

Advisor Class

R5 Class

Investor Class

 ****

***American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund***

Y Class

R5 Class

Investor Class

## Ex-99.(J)

**Exhibit 99.(j)**

<u>CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</u>

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of American Beacon Funds of our reports dated December 30, 2025, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of American Beacon Balanced Fund, American Beacon Large Cap Value Fund, American Beacon International Equity Fund, American Beacon IMC International Small Cap Fund, American Beacon Small Cap Value Fund, and American Beacon Garcia Hamilton Quality Bond Fund (six of the series constituting American Beacon Funds) which appear in American Beacon Funds' Annual Reports on Form N-CSR for the period ended October 31, 2025. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings", "Other Service Providers", "Financial Statements**"** and "Financial Highlights" in such Registration Statement.

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
| Boston, Massachusetts |
| February 26, 2025 |

---

## Ex-99.(P)(20)

**Exhibit 99.(p)(20)** 

**National Investment Services of America, LLC**

**Code of Ethics**

**December 2025**

**Code of Ethics Introduction**

National Investment Services of America, LLC ("**NIS**") has adopted this Code of Ethics.

The purpose of the policies and procedures included in this Code of Ethics is to foster compliance with applicable regulatory requirements as well as to educate employees regarding the firm's compliance practices. Employees are expected to be familiar with and adhere to these policies. In addition, Supervised Persons (as defined below) are required to acknowledge that they have received and read this Code of Ethics upon becoming a Supervised Person and on an annual basis.

This Code of Ethics applies to all Supervised Persons. A "**Supervised Person**" is defined as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any officer, director, partner, and employee of NIS; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any other person who provides advice on behalf of NIS and is subject to NIS's supervision and control.

Certain of the policies and procedures in this Code of Ethics apply only to Access Persons.

An "**Access Person**" means any Supervised Person who:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Has access to nonpublic information regarding any client purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio
holdings of any client; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or who has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic.

NIS considers persons who are covered by applicable employment-related laws and regulations relevant to NIS to be "employees."

NIS's directors and officers who are not also employees of NIS are not currently deemed to be Access Persons, because they (a) are not provided with access to any nonpublic information regarding NIS's securities recommendations, client purchase and sale activity or client portfolio holdings and (b) are not involved in making securities recommendations for NIS's clients or have access to securities recommendations for clients that are nonpublic.

Accordingly, for purposes of this Code of Ethics, the term "**employee**" will be used to reference persons who are both Supervised Persons <u>and</u> Access Persons.

The Chief Compliance Officer ("**CCO**") is responsible for administering the firm's compliance program, overseeing an annual review of the compliance program, and updating the policies and procedures when applicable.

**Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy**

**1. <u>Overview</u>**

The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to set forth standards of conduct and personal trading guidelines for persons subject to this Code that are intended to comply with Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act and Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("**1940 Act**").

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 2

**2. <u>Definitions</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. "**Access Person**" means any employee who:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Has access to nonpublic information regarding any client purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio
holdings of any client; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or has access to such recommendations that are nonpublic.

NIS considers all employees to be Access Persons. NIS's directors who are not also employees of NIS are not currently deemed to be Access Persons, because they are not provided with access to any nonpublic information regarding NIS's securities recommendations, client purchase and sale activity, or client portfolio holdings, nor are they involved in making securities recommendations for NIS's clients.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. "**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. An automatic investment plan includes a dividend
reinvestment plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. A security is "**being considered for purchase or sale**" when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has
been made and communicated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. "**Beneficial ownership**" has the same meaning as in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the 1934 Act, except that the term
 applies to both debt and equity securities. As a general matter, "beneficial ownership" will be attributed to an
 employee who has or shares a direct or indirect monetary interest in a security, including through any contract, arrangement,
 understanding, relationship, or otherwise, or who has investment control over the account in which the employee is a beneficiary. An
 employee is not considered to have a direct or indirect monetary interest by virtue of a power of attorney, trusteeship, or
 executorship unless the employee or a member of his or her immediate family sharing the same household has a vested interest in the
 securities held in, or the income of, the assets of the account, trust, or estate.

Beneficial ownership typically includes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Securities held in a person's own name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Securities held with another in joint ownership arrangements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Securities held by a bank or broker as nominee or custodian on such person's behalf or pledged as collateral for a loan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. Securities held by an immediate family member sharing the same household ()"**Immediate Family**" means any child, stepchild,
grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law,
or sister-in-law, including adoptive relationships); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. Securities owned by a corporation which is directly or indirectly controlled by, or under common control with, such person.

Any uncertainty as to whether an employee beneficially owns a security should be brought to the attention of the CCO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. "**Client**" means any person or entity for which NIS serves as an investment adviser.

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 3

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. "**Control**" has the same meaning as described in Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act. In summary, control means 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. "**Employee**" includes each "Access Person" as set forth in Section 204A-1(b) of the Advisers Act and
as further described in the Code of Ethics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. "**Exempt transactions**" are those security transactions within a personal investment portfolio that are exempt from
this Code's reporting requirements and include transactions in accounts not managed by NIS or an affiliate, in which the employee
has no direct or indirect influence or control. Exempt transactions include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Transactions in registered open-end mutual funds, other than Reportable Funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Securities issued by the United States government;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, or money market funds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. Transactions in shares issued by any money market fund;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. Transactions in shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end investment companies;
and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f. Transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. "**Federal Securities Laws**" means the Securities Act of 1933 ()"**1933 Act** "), the 1934 Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, Title V of the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, any rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission
(" **SEC**") under any of these statutes, the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to investment advisers, and any rules adopted
thereunder by the SEC or the Department of Treasury.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. "**Initial Public Offering** ()"**IPO** ")" means an offering of securities registered under the 1933
Act, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of
the 1934 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. "**Monetary interest**" has the same meaning as "pecuniary interest" as described in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of
the 1934 Act, which means the opportunity to directly or indirectly profit or share in any profit derived from a security transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. "**Private Placement**" has the same meaning as "**Limited Offering** ", an offering that is exempt from
registration pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) of the 1933 Act, or Rule 504, 505, or 506 under said Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. "**Purchase or sale of a security**" includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security,
the conversion of a convertible security, and the exercise of a warrant for the purchase of a security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. "**Reportable Funds**" means any open-end mutual funds advised or subadvised by NIS.<br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. "**Security**" has the same meaning as set forth in Section 202(a)(18) of the Advisers Act, except that it does not
include the following securities ()"**Excluded Securities** "):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Shares of registered open-end investment companies (other than Reportable Funds, exchange traded funds, or "**ETFs** ");

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 4

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Direct obligations of the United States government;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, and other high quality short-term debt instruments, including
repurchase agreements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. Shares issued by any money market fund; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. Shares issued by unit investment trusts that are invested exclusively in one or more open-end investment companies.

Some of the more common investment instruments included within this definition are notes, stocks, treasury stocks, bond debentures, evidence of indebtedness, certificates of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, or any put, call, straddle, or option on any security or on any group or index of securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. "**Supervised Person**" has the same meaning as set forth in Section 202(a)(25) of the Advisers Act and includes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Any officer, director, partner, and employee of NIS; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Any other person who provides advice on behalf of NIS and is subject to NIS's supervision and control.

**3. <u>Standards of Conduct</u>**

The Advisers Act imposes a fiduciary duty on investment advisers, including NIS. As a fiduciary, NIS has a duty of good faith to act in the best interests of each of its clients. In meeting this fiduciary duty, NIS and its Supervised Persons must strive to avoid, and if appropriate, manage and/or disclose potential or actual conflicts of interest. Clients entrust the firm to prudently manage their assets, which in turn places a high standard on the conduct and integrity of Supervised Persons. This fiduciary duty compels all Supervised Persons to act with integrity in all dealings. This fiduciary duty is the core principle underlying this Code of Ethics and represents the expected basis of all dealings with clients.

In connection with these expectations, NIS established the following core principles of conduct. While the following standards are not all-encompassing, they are consistent with NIS's core belief that ethical conduct is premised on the fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty, and trust.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. <u>General Prohibitions</u> 

The Advisers Act prohibits fraudulent activities by Supervised Persons. Specifically, Supervised Persons must not:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud a client;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Make any untrue statement of a material fact to a client or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements
made to a client, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Engage in any act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on a client; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Engage in any manipulative practice with respect to a client.

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 5

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. <u>Core Principles</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Supervised Persons are required to comply with Federal Securities Laws (as defined in Section 4.2). Strict adherence to this Code
and instructions provided by the CCO will assist Supervised Persons in complying with this important requirement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. The interests of clients must be placed ahead of those of Supervised Persons.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Supervised Persons are prohibited from taking inappropriate advantage of their position with NIS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Supervised Persons should strive to avoid actual or potential conflicts of interest with any NIS client.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Personal Securities transactions must be conducted in a manner consistent with this Code of Ethics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Access Persons' personal Securities transactions should not adversely impact a client's account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Diligence and care will be taken in maintaining and protecting confidential information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. NIS will strive to foster a healthy culture of compliance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. <u>Personal Conduct</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Principles Related to Gifts and Business Entertainment</u> 

In general, Supervised Persons must not, directly or indirectly, take, accept, receive or give gifts, entertainment or other consideration in merchandise, services or otherwise from or to any client or investor, or prospective client or investor or person or entity that does business with or on behalf of NIS or which NIS is fostering or developing a business relationship with or facilitates business on behalf of NIS, except for customary business gratuities such as meals, refreshments, beverages and entertainment associated with a legitimate business purpose, reasonable in cost, appropriate as to time and place, that do not influence or give the appearance of influencing the recipient, are not inconsistent with relevant laws or regulations, and cannot be viewed as a bribe, kickback or payoff.

Supervised Persons must not use their positions with NIS to obtain anything of value from a client, investor, prospective client or investor, consultant, supplier, person to whom the employee refers business, or any other person or entity with which NIS does business or facilitates business on behalf of NIS or with whom NIS is fostering or developing a business relationship.

Supervised Persons are prohibited from giving or accepting cash gifts or cash equivalents (e.g., Visa gift cards, but not including gift cards to specific restaurants or shops) to or from a client, prospective client, or any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of NIS or facilitates business on behalf of NIS or with whom NIS is fostering or developing a business relationship.

Supervised Persons may not make referrals to any parties (*e.g.,* accountants, attorneys, or service providers) if the Supervised Person expects to personally, financially benefit in any way from the referral.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Acceptance of Gifts</u> 

If a Supervised Person receives any gift or gratuity worth more than $250 from any person or entity doing business with NIS, he or she must promptly report such to the CCO who has discretion to require the Supervised Person to return the gift or gratuity (which may be accomplished by reimbursement of cost), if the CCO believes such presents a conflict of interest.

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 6

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. <u>Receipt of Business Entertainment</u> 

NIS generally does not impose a dollar limit on the receipt of business entertainment, items or events where the Supervised Person has reason to believe there is a legitimate business purpose (*i.e.,* dinner or sporting event of reasonable value). A representative of the entity providing the entertainment must be present at the event to be considered legitimate business entertainment. If a representative is not present at the event, the entertainment is considered a gift subject to the limitations described in this Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. <u>Giving of Gifts</u> 

Supervised Persons must obtain preclearance from the CCO prior to giving any gift or gratuity in excess of $250 to any person doing business with, or any business prospect of, NIS. The $250 amount is determined per person receiving the gift. For example, if a lunch with a total cost of $300 is sent to a client's office, and the number of recipients of the lunch is 10, then prior approval from the CCO is not required because the cost per recipient is $30. In addition, bereavement gifts or memorials, including flower arrangements over $250 and less than $500, do not require prior approval from the CCO. Records of all business-related gifts and gratuities are maintained in the firm's accounting records. With respect to accounts subject to Department of Labor ("**DOL**") oversight (*i.e.,* ERISA-qualified accounts), NIS will limit the value of any gift, gratuity, hospitality, or other offering to the value determined by NIS's understanding of current DOL accepted standards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. <u>Giving of Business Entertainment</u> 

NIS generally does not impose a dollar limit on providing business entertainment, items, or events where the Supervised Person has reason to believe there is a legitimate business purpose (i.e., golf, dinner, or sporting event of reasonable value). As a general rule, a Supervised Person is expected to attend any concert, sporting, or other event where the ticket is provided by NIS. If a Supervised Person is unable to attend, the tickets used by the recipient will be considered a gift, subject to the limitations outlined above.

NIS considers the use of reasonable business entertainment to be an important strategy in securing new client relationships and maintaining existing client relationships. NIS, when entertaining a client, investor, prospective client or investor, or consultant, believes it is able to obtain the full attention of the individual to discuss the individual's needs and NIS's services and to foster a business relationship and establish rapport.

NIS will track its business entertainment expenses associated with accounts subject to DOL oversight for reporting to appropriate entities, including ERISA account fiduciaries. The CFO will review business entertainment expenses regularly, and the CCO will periodically review a sampling of business entertainment expenses for compliance with this Code of Ethics and NIS's understanding of current industry best practices and regulatory guidelines. In order to facilitate this review, all Supervised Persons are expected to submit accurate business-related entertainment expenses for reimbursement promptly.

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 7

See NIS's Travel, Entertainment, and Gift Policy, which is a supplement to the firm's employee handbook for guidance regarding the type of entertainment and gift expenses permitted to be reimbursed by NIS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. <u>Charitable Contributions</u> 

Supervised Persons are prohibited from making charitable contributions for the purpose of obtaining or retaining advisory contracts with charitable organizations. In addition, Supervised Persons are prohibited from considering NIS's current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in soliciting charitable contributions.

NIS often receives requests from charitable organizations, and NIS may make charitable contributions to organizations it deems to be worthy. In making this determination, NIS may consider the importance of the charitable organization to NIS or its clients. In an effort to avoid the appearance of a material conflict, such charitable contributions will be of a reasonable value, as determined by NIS.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. All requests for charitable contributions by NIS must be initiated by or submitted to a Managing Partner (as listed in the Compliance
Policy Manual) for approval and will be separately tracked by the CFO for periodic review by the CCO.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. NIS will periodically review all charitable contributions it makes for reasonableness, propriety, and consistency with this Code
 of Ethics.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. <u>Political Contributions</u> 

Employees may only make political contributions, as permitted in the Compliance Policy Manual. Generally, Supervised Persons are prohibited from making political contributions to state and local officials where the contributions could inappropriately influence the selection of advisory contracts for government entities. In addition, Supervised Persons are prohibited from considering NIS's current or anticipated business relationships as a factor in making political contributions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. <u>Service as Director for an Outside Organization</u> 

Any employee wishing to serve as director for an outside organization (public, private, for profit, or non-profit) must first seek the approval of the CCO. The CCO, when reviewing the request, will determine whether such service is not inconsistent with NIS's and its clients' interests, and whether such involvement results in a conflict of interest that NIS will need to address, mitigate, or disclose.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. <u>Outside Activities</u> 

Employees wishing to engage in activities outside of their role with NIS must seek approval from the CCO and, if requested, provide periodic reports to the CCO summarizing those outside activities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, employees do not need to report or seek prior approval when engaging in unpaid non-investment-related activity that is exclusively charitable, civic, religious, or fraternal, and is recognized as tax exempt.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. <u>Protecting Confidential and Proprietary Information</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Supervised Persons are expected to exercise diligence and care in maintaining and protecting Confidential Information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Employees are also expected not to divulge information regarding NIS's securities recommendations or client securities holdings
to any person outside of NIS, except as necessary for managing a client's investment portfolio, to professional advisers, such as
legal counsel, or as approved by the CCO.

**4. <u>Personal Trading Policy</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. <u>Prohibited Transactions</u> 

Unless specifically permitted in Section 4.6 ("Exempted Securities and Transactions"), no employee will execute the following personal securities transaction on the same day as NIS (on behalf of its clients):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Has a pending "buy" or "sell" order in that same security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Has purchased or sold that same security; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Is considering purchasing or selling that same security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. <u>Personal Trading in Initial Public Offerings and Private Placements</u> 

All employees are required to obtain approval *before* investing in an IPO or a Private Placement.

The CCO will review employees' personal securities transaction preclearance requests in an effort to confirm that the transactions are not contrary to the general principles set forth in the Code of Ethics. To the extent required under the Code of Ethics, and if the CCO is an Access Person, the CCO's personal securities transaction preclearance requests will be reviewed by another member of the Compliance Committee.

**5. <u>Reporting Requirements</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. <u>Quarterly Transaction Report</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. <u>Timing of Report</u> 

Employees are required to submit to the CCO a report of personal securities transactions that took place during the quarter **within 30 calendar days following the end of each calendar quarter**.

Attaching copies of account statements that contain the same information noted below will be viewed as acceptable reporting. If an employee made no transactions during the applicable quarter, he or she will file a report indicating this.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. <u>Content of Report</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Each quarterly transaction report must include the following information about transactions in securities in which the employee has
a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Trade date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Security name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Ticker symbol, CUSIP number, interest rate, and maturity date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Number of shares or par;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Type of transaction (purchase, sale, or other);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Price;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Principal amount;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Broker or bank name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Account number; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Date of the report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. The following transactions are not required to be reported:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Exempt transactions (as described below); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Transactions effected through an automatic investment plan,
so long as the investment allocation was determined in advance of the actual trade.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. Employees must inform the CCO whether they established any new accounts or closed any accounts during the previous quarter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. <u>Initial Portfolio Holdings Report</u> 

Employees are required to provide a report of all personal securities holdings (other than Excluded Securities) to the CCO **within 10 calendar days of becoming an employee of NIS**. Providing copies of investment account statements as an acceptable form of reporting. The report must be current as of a date not more than 45 calendar days prior to submission and should contain the following information:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Trade date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Security name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Ticker symbol or CUSIP number, interest rate, and maturity
date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Number of shares or par;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Type of transaction (purchase, sale, or other);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Price;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Principal amount;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Broker or bank name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Account number; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Date of the report.

Employees may use the Employee Certification of Compliance with the Code of Ethics and Initial Holdings Report included as Appendix A to this Code to disclose holdings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. <u>Annual Portfolio Holdings Report</u> 

Employees must provide a report of all personal securities holdings (other than Excluded Securities) to the CCO on an annual basis. Providing copies of investment account statements that contain the information noted below is an acceptable form of reporting. The report must (a) be submitted within 30 calendar days of year-end; (b) be current as of a date not more than 45 calendar days prior to submission; and (c) contain the following information:

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Trade date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Security name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Ticker symbol or CUSIP number, interest rate, and maturity
date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Number of shares or par;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Type of transaction (purchase, sale, or other);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Price;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Principal amount;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Broker or bank name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Account number; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Date of the report.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. <u>Submission of Duplicate Confirmations and Periodic Statements</u> 

Each employee is encouraged to arrange for duplicate copies or electronic records of trade confirmations and periodic statements for his or her investment accounts to be sent to the CCO. This applies to any such accounts over which the employee has a direct or indirect beneficial ownership interest, but does not include accounts that only include Excluded Securities or accounts for which the employee has no direct or indirect influence or control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. <u>Review of Personal Securities Reports</u> 

The CCO will generally consider the following factors, in addition to the requirements of this Code of Ethics, when reviewing reportable security holdings and transactions reports:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Whether the investment opportunity should be or should have been directed to a client's account;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Whether the amount or nature of the transaction could affect or did affect the price or market for the security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Whether the employee may benefit or did benefit from purchases or sales being made for clients;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Whether the transaction could harm or did harm any client; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Whether the transaction could have or has the appearance of impropriety.

If the CCO is an Access Person, another employee will review the CCO's personal trading reports and will escalate any issues related to such to the Chairman.

**6. <u>Exempted Securities and Transactions</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. <u>Exemptions from Transaction Reporting and Holdings Reporting Requirements</u> 

The following are not subject to the reporting requirements described above:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Purchases and sales of Excluded Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Purchases or sales of Securities affected in any account over which the employee has no direct or indirect influence or control, including
purchases or sales of securities made on behalf of an employee's account managed by an independent third party on a fully discretionary
basis or similar arrangement under which the employee does not have prior knowledge of the timing of placement of orders for purchase
or sale transactions (a "**fully-managed discretionary investment account** ").

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. <u>Exemptions from Transaction Reporting Requirements</u> 

The following are not subject to the quarterly transaction reporting requirements, but <u>are</u> subject to the <u>holdings</u> reporting requirements:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Purchases and sales of Securities within an automatic reinvestment plan; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Purchases of Securities effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer *pro rata* to all holders of a class of its
securities.

**7. <u>Compliance with this Code of Ethics</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. All Supervised Persons will certify compliance with this Code of Ethics upon becoming a Supervised Person and annually thereafter. Samples
of the certifications are included as Appendices A and B to this Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. All employees will acknowledge fully-managed discretionary investment accounts upon becoming an employee and periodically thereafter.
A sample of the acknowledgement is included as Appendix C.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. The Compliance Committee will periodically review a summary of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. Violations of this Code of Ethics for the period under review; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Disciplinary actions imposed under this Code of Ethics during the period under review.

Members of the Compliance Committee are listed in the Compliance Policy Manual.

**8. <u>Record Keeping Requirements</u>**

NIS will retain the following records regarding this Code of Ethics :

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Current and historic copies of this Code of Ethics;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Supervised Persons' written acknowledgements of receipt of this Code of Ethics;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Historic listing of all Supervised Persons and employees subject to this Code
of Ethics;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Violations of this Code of Ethics, and records of action taken as a result of such violations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. All personal transaction reports made by employees and/or copies of investment account confirmations and statements; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Personal account preclearance requests.

**9. <u>Reporting of Violations</u>**

Supervised Persons are required to report promptly any violations or perceived violations of this Code of Ethics (including the discovery of any violation committed by another Supervised Person) to the CCO. Good faith reports will not be viewed negatively by NIS's management, even if the reported matter, upon investigation, is determined not to be a violation of this Code of Ethics.

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained in this Code of Ethics, whether a process, procedure, policy or requirement, including those related to confidentiality of certain information, supersedes any rights of communication, incentive or otherwise employees may have under Rule 21F-17(a) under the 1934 Act, which provides employees with the ability to file statements with a government agency, to participate in any investigation or proceeding that may be conducted by any government agency, and to provide documents or information (including those containing confidential information), without notice to NIS and without limitations on the right to receive a reward for providing information to government agencies.

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**10. <u>Sanctions</u>**

Upon discovering a violation of this Code of Ethics, the Chief Executive Officer (and/or other Managing Partners, as appropriate) may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including, among other sanctions, a verbal warning, a letter of censure or suspension, or termination of employment of the violator.

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**Appendix A**

**Employee Certification of Compliance with the Code of Ethics and Initial Holdings Report**

I have read and I understand the Code of Ethics of National Investment Services of America, LLC. I acknowledge that the provisions of the Code of Ethics apply to me and agree to comply in all respects with the policies and procedures described therein. Defined terms used in this certification have the meanings ascribed to them in the Code of Ethics.

In accordance with the Code of Ethics, please provide a list of all Securities accounts in which Securities (other than Excluded Securities) are held for your or a member of your Immediate Family's direct or indirect benefit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) Name of employee:

(B) If different than (A), name of the person in whose name the account is held (*i.e.*, for accounts of members of Immediate Family or other accounts where the employee has Beneficial Ownership):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) Relationship of (B) to (A):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) Broker, dealer, or bank at which account is maintained (If more than one account is maintained, please attach a separate list of accounts and include the information specified on this form):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Name of broker, dealer, or bank:

(b) Account number:

(c) Contact person at broker, dealer, or bank and phone number:

(d) **For each account, attach the most recent account statement listing Securities in that account.**

**If you beneficially own Securities that are not listed in an attached account statement, list them below:**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <u>Title and Type of Security</u> | <u>Exchange Ticker/CUSIP</u> | <u># Shares</u> | <u>Principal Amount</u> |
| 1. | | | | |
| 2. | | | | |
| 3. | | | | |
| 4. | | | | |
| 5. | | | | |

---

**(Attach a separate sheet if necessary)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| <u>Check if applicable</u>: | ☐ | The reporting of any transaction shall not be construed as an admission that I have any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership in the subject security. |
|  | ☐ | I do not own any Securities reportable under the Code of Ethics, nor do any members of my Immediate Family. |
|  | ☐ | Either a member of my Immediate Family or I own Securities in one or more fully-managed discretionary investment accounts over which I have no influence, control, or discretion with respect to the specific investment decisions made in the accounts. I understand that I am required to provide additional details regarding these accounts (and of similar accounts of members of my Immediate Family) to the CCO promptly upon request. |

---

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 14

I certify that this form and the attached statements (if any) constitute all of the Securities reportable under the Code of Ethics.

<br> Employee Signature

Dated:   <br> Print Name

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 15

**Appendix B**

**Non-Employee Director or Officer Certification of Compliance with the Code of Ethics**

I have read and I understand the Code of Ethics of National Investment Services of America, LLC (**"NIS"**). I acknowledge that the provisions of the Code of Ethics apply to me as a non-employee director or officer of NIS and agree to comply in all respects with the policies and procedures described therein.

I understand NIS is not considering me as an "Access Person" (as defined in the Code of Ethics) because I am (a) not provided with access to any nonpublic information regarding NIS's securities recommendations, client purchase and sale activity or client portfolio holdings and (b) am not involved in making securities recommendations for NIS's clients or have access to securities recommendations for clients that are nonpublic.

<br> Non-Employee Director or Officer Signature

Dated:   <br> Print Name

National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 16

**Appendix C**

**FULLY-MANAGED DISCRETIONARY INVESTMENT ACCOUNT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT**

I acknowledge that I, or a member of my Immediate Family, has Beneficial Ownership of one or more fully-managed discretionary investment accounts over which I have no influence, control, or discretion with respect to the specific investment decisions made in the accounts. I confirm that I have not exercised and will not exercise any influence, direct or indirect, over how, when, or whether to transact purchases, sales, or retain any investments or issuers in these accounts. My fully-managed discretionary investment accounts are listed below:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Account No.** | **Account Name** | **Financial Institution** | **Manager Name and Contact Info** |

---

**Please confirm the following statements by initialing and signing below:**

I did not consult or exercise any influence, direct or indirect, with the third-party discretionary manager as to particular allocations, purchases, or sales of investments made in the accounts listed above from the date of my last acknowledgement or the date of my employment or affiliation with the firm (whichever was most recent) to the date stated below. ![](img_901.jpg)

I will not, directly or indirectly, consult with or exercise any influence upon the third-party discretionary manager as to particular allocations, purchases, or sales of investments to be made in the accounts listed above. ![](img_901.jpg)

I will notify the CCO immediately if the status of any fully-managed discretionary investment account changes in the future. ![](img_901.jpg)

If, at any time, the CCO requests additional information regarding the accounts listed above, including copies of investment advisory agreements, account statements, and trade confirmations, I will promptly provide such information to the CCO. ![](img_901.jpg)

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| Date: |

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National Investment Services of America, LLCCode of EthicsDecember 2025 17