UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-03364
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
8515 E. Orchard Road, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Jonathan D. Kreider
President and Chief Executive Officer
Empower Funds, Inc.
Empower Funds, Inc.
8515 E. Orchard Road
Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (866) 831-7129
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: June 30, 2023
Item 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
(Institutional Class and Investor Class)
Semi-Annual Report
June 30, 2023
This report and the financial statements attached are submitted for general information and are not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. Nothing herein is to be considered an offer of the sale of shares of the Fund. Such offering is made only by the prospectus of the Fund, which includes details as to offering price and other information.
Summary of Investments by Ratings as of June 30, 2023 (unaudited)
Rating | Percentage of Fund Investments |
Aaa | 63.80% |
Aa1 | 0.12 |
Aa2 | 0.81 |
Aa3 | 0.87 |
A1 | 4.21 |
A2 | 2.18 |
A3 | 3.94 |
Baa1 | 5.66 |
Baa2 | 6.71 |
Baa3 | 4.20 |
Ba1 | 0.68 |
Equities | 0.00 |
Not Rated | 5.05 |
Short Term Investments | 1.77 |
Total | 100.00% |
Shareholder Expense Example (unaudited)
As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023).
Actual Expenses
The first row of the table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this row, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first row under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The second row of the table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second row of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
Beginning Account Value | Ending Account Value | Expenses Paid During Period* | |||
(01/01/23) | (06/30/23) | (01/01/23 – 06/30/23) | |||
Institutional Class | |||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,027.83 | $1.76 | ||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,023.10 | $1.76 | ||
Investor Class | |||||
Actual | $1,000.00 | $1,025.61 | $3.52 | ||
Hypothetical (5% return before expenses) | $1,000.00 | $1,021.30 | $3.51 |
* Expenses are equal to the Fund's annualized expense ratio of 0.35% for the Institutional Class shares and 0.70% for the Investor Class shares, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181/365 days to reflect the one-half year period. Performance does not include any fees or expenses of variable insurance contracts, IRAs, qualified retirement plans or college savings programs, if applicable. If such fees or expenses were included, returns would be lower. |
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES | ||
Non-Agency — 9.18% | ||
$ 346,909 | 510 Asset Backed Trust(a)(b) Series 2021-NPL2 Class A1 2.12%, 06/25/2061 | $ 313,826 |
Affirm Asset Securitization Trust(a) | ||
Series 2020-Z1 Class A | ||
4,915 | 3.46%, 10/15/2024 | 4,895 |
Series 2020-Z2 Class A | ||
20,826 | 1.90%, 01/15/2025 | 20,552 |
Series 2023-A Class 1A | ||
180,000 | 6.61%, 01/18/2028 | 180,063 |
25,000 | American Credit Acceptance Receivables Trust(a) Series 2022-3 Class B 4.55%, 10/13/2026 | 24,699 |
155,000 | AmeriCredit Automobile Receivables Trust Series 2019-3 Class D 2.58%, 09/18/2025 | 150,991 |
114,161 | Amur Equipment Finance Receivables LLC(a) Series 2022-2A Class A2 5.30%, 06/21/2028 | 113,098 |
425,000 | Anchorage Capital Ltd(a)(c) Series 2016-8A Class AR2A 6.49%, 10/27/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.20% | 416,826 |
370,000 | ARI Fleet Lease Trust(a) Series 2023-A Class A2 5.41%, 02/17/2032 | 366,059 |
450,000 | Avant Loans Funding Trust(a) Series 2021-REV1 Class A 1.21%, 07/15/2030 | 442,359 |
1,100,000 | Barclays Dryrock Issuance Trust Series 2023-1 Class A 4.72%, 02/15/2029 | 1,083,570 |
610,000 | Barings Ltd(a)(c) Series 2020-1A Class AR 6.41%, 10/15/2036 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.15% | 596,937 |
105,000 | BBCMS Mortgage Trust(d) Series 2022-C15 Class A5 3.66%, 04/15/2055 | 92,765 |
2,335,812 | Benchmark Mortgage Trust(d) Series 2023-B39 Class XA 0.72%, 07/15/2056 | 98,104 |
275,000 | Benefit Street Partners Ltd(a)(c) Series 2023-31A Class B1 7.22%, 04/25/2036 3-mo. SOFR + 2.35% | 270,795 |
54,465 | BHG Securitization Trust(a) Series 2021-B Class A 0.90%, 10/17/2034 | 52,130 |
410,000 | BlueMountain XXIV Ltd(a)(c) Series 2019-24A Class AR 6.35%, 04/20/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.10% | 401,022 |
500,000 | BlueMountain XXXIII Ltd(a)(c) Series 2021-33A Class A 6.57%, 11/20/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.19% | 491,307 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
$ 400,000 | Capital One Multi-Asset Execution Trust Series 2022-A3 Class A 4.95%, 10/15/2027 | $ 397,291 |
285,000 | Carlyle Global Market Strategies Ltd(a)(c) Series 2021-2A Class A1 6.33%, 04/20/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.08% | 280,882 |
480,000 | Carvana Auto Receivables Trust Series 2022-P2 Class A3 4.13%, 04/12/2027 | 466,826 |
98,386 | Cascade MH Asset Trust(a) Series 2021-MH1 Class A1 1.75%, 02/25/2046 | 83,498 |
165,000 | CCG Receivables Trust(a) Series 2023-1 Class A2 5.82%, 09/16/2030 | 165,185 |
87,753 | CF Hippolyta Issuer LLC(a) Series 2020-1 Class A2 1.99%, 07/15/2060 | 73,294 |
307,357 | Chesapeake Funding II LLC(a) Series 2023-1A Class A1 5.65%, 05/15/2035 | 304,764 |
157,340 | CIFC Funding Ltd(a)(c) Series 2012-2RA Class A1 6.05%, 01/20/2028 3-mo. LIBOR + 0.80% | 156,735 |
80,000 | CNH Equipment Trust Series 2023-A Class A4 4.77%, 10/15/2030 | 78,633 |
452,404 | CPS Auto Receivables Trust(a) Series 2023-B Class A 5.91%, 08/16/2027 | 450,578 |
332,422 | Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust(a) Series 2021-3A Class A 1.00%, 05/15/2030 | 323,778 |
525,005 | DB Master Finance LLC(a) Series 2021-1A Class A23 2.79%, 11/20/2051 | 415,794 |
267,000 | Dell Equipment Finance Trust(a) Series 2023-1 Class A3 5.65%, 09/22/2028 | 267,190 |
500,000 | Discover Card Execution Note Trust Series 2023-A1 Class A 4.31%, 03/15/2028 | 488,972 |
Domino's Pizza Master Issuer LLC(a) | ||
Series 2017-1A Class 23 | ||
615,875 | 4.12%, 07/25/2047 | 566,828 |
Series 2018-1A Class A2I | ||
186,225 | 4.12%, 07/25/2048 | 176,362 |
Series 2019-1A Class A2 | ||
101,588 | 3.67%, 10/25/2049 | 88,765 |
Series 2021-1A Class A2I | ||
519,400 | 2.66%, 04/25/2051 | 440,304 |
75,594 | Drive Auto Receivables Trust Series 2019-4 Class D 2.70%, 02/16/2027 | 74,648 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
DT Auto Owner Trust(a) | ||
Series 2023-1A Class B | ||
$ 130,000 | 5.19%, 10/16/2028 | $ 127,627 |
Series 2023-2A Class B | ||
130,000 | 5.41%, 02/15/2029 | 128,257 |
255,000 | Elmwood Ltd(a)(c) Series 2023-2A Class B 7.31%, 04/16/2036 3-mo. SOFR + 2.25% | 253,445 |
190,000 | Enterprise Fleet Financing LLC(a) Series 2023-1 Class A3 5.42%, 10/22/2029 | 189,034 |
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust | ||
Series 2019-4A Class D | ||
207,484 | 2.58%, 09/15/2025(a) | 204,224 |
Series 2020-1A Class D | ||
85,387 | 2.73%, 12/15/2025(a) | 83,537 |
Series 2022-1A Class B | ||
195,000 | 2.18%, 06/15/2026 | 193,041 |
Series 2022-4A Class B | ||
140,000 | 4.57%, 01/15/2027 | 137,608 |
Series 2022-6A Class B | ||
81,000 | 6.03%, 08/16/2027 | 80,786 |
Series 2023-3A Class B | ||
76,000 | 6.11%, 09/15/2027 | 75,818 |
FirstKey Homes Trust(a) | ||
Series 2022-SFR1 Class A | ||
144,185 | 4.15%, 05/17/2039 | 135,838 |
Series 2022-SFR2 Class A | ||
581,710 | 4.25%, 07/17/2039 | 547,992 |
Flagship Credit Auto Trust(a) | ||
Series 2022-3 Class B | ||
240,000 | 4.69%, 07/17/2028 | 233,385 |
Series 2023-1 Class B | ||
67,000 | 5.05%, 01/18/2028 | 65,422 |
Series 2023-2 Class B | ||
167,000 | 5.21%, 05/15/2028 | 164,353 |
45,000 | GLS Auto Receivables Issuer Trust(a) Series 2022-3A Class B 4.92%, 01/15/2027 | 44,216 |
500,000 | GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust(a) Series 2023-1 Class A1 5.34%, 06/15/2028 | 500,121 |
600,000 | Halseypoint Ltd(a)(c) Series 2023-7A Class A 7.51%, 07/20/2036 3-mo. SOFR + 2.25% | 600,000 |
300,000 | Hyundai Auto Receivables Trust Series 2023-A Class A2A 5.19%, 12/15/2025 | 298,792 |
250,000 | Invesco US Ltd(a)(c) Series 2023-2A Class B 7.16%, 04/21/2036 3-mo. SOFR + 2.30% | 245,629 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
$ 180,000 | Kubota Credit Owner Trust(a) Series 2023-1A Class A3 5.02%, 06/15/2027 | $ 177,981 |
345,000 | Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities & Community Development Authority 4.28%, 02/01/2036 | 324,510 |
345,000 | MF1 Ltd(a)(c) Series 2022-FL8 Class AS 6.82%, 02/19/2037 1-mo. SOFR + 1.75% | 335,271 |
Navient Private Education Refi Loan Trust(a) | ||
Series 2021-EA Class A | ||
174,919 | 0.97%, 12/16/2069 | 147,834 |
Series 2021-FA Class A | ||
230,538 | 1.11%, 02/18/2070 | 192,425 |
Series 2023-A Class A | ||
287,563 | 5.51%, 10/15/2071 | 281,917 |
680,000 | Neuberger Berman XX Ltd(a)(c) Series 2015-20A Class ARR 6.42%, 07/15/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.16% | 669,380 |
1,500,000 | NextGear Floorplan Master Owner Trust(a) Series 2021-1A Class A 0.85%, 07/15/2026 | 1,419,859 |
500,000 | Nissan Auto Receivables Owner Trust Series 2023-A Class A2A 5.34%, 02/17/2026 | 498,194 |
255,000 | Northwoods Capital XV Ltd(a)(c) Series 2017-15A Class A1R 6.72%, 06/20/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.21% | 251,014 |
360,000 | Octagon Ltd(a)(c) Series 2023-2A Class B 7.42%, 04/20/2036 3-mo. SOFR + 2.35% | 360,161 |
1,030,000 | OZLM XVIII Ltd(a)(c) Series 2018-18A Class A 6.28%, 04/15/2031 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.02% | 1,016,352 |
700,000 | Pikes Peak Ltd(a)(c) Series 2023-12A Class A 7.04%, 04/20/2036 3-mo. SOFR + 2.10% | 702,631 |
205,000 | Prestige Auto Receivables Trust(a) Series 2020-1A Class D 1.62%, 11/16/2026 | 199,467 |
197,432 | Pretium Mortgage Credit Partners LLC(a)(b) Series 2021-RN2 Class A1 1.74%, 07/25/2051 | 181,916 |
Progress Residential Trust(a) | ||
Series 2021-SFR8 Class A | ||
397,642 | 1.51%, 10/17/2038 | 346,268 |
Series 2022-SFR3 Class A | ||
139,050 | 3.20%, 04/17/2039 | 126,449 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
Series 2022-SFR4 Class A | ||
$ 379,332 | 4.44%, 05/17/2041 | $ 355,525 |
Series 2022-SFR5 Class A | ||
105,963 | 4.45%, 06/17/2039 | 100,725 |
Series 2022-SFR7 Class A | ||
169,732 | 4.75%, 10/27/2039 | 162,884 |
Series 2023-SFR1 Class A | ||
215,000 | 4.30%, 03/17/2040 | 202,112 |
1,180,000 | Regatta VI Funding Ltd(a)(c) Series 2016-1A Class AR2 6.41%, 04/20/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.16% | 1,159,228 |
RR Ltd(a)(c) | ||
Series 2021-16A Class A1 | ||
1,150,000 | 6.37%, 07/15/2036 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.11% | 1,132,060 |
Series 2023-26A Class A1 | ||
500,000 | 6.51%, 04/15/2038 3-mo. SOFR + 1.78% | 499,812 |
Series 2023-26A Class A2 | ||
250,000 | 6.98%, 04/15/2038 3-mo. SOFR + 2.25% | 249,321 |
Santander Drive Auto Receivables Trust | ||
Series 2019-3 Class D | ||
16,494 | 2.68%, 10/15/2025 | 16,465 |
Series 2020-4 Class D | ||
70,000 | 1.48%, 01/15/2027 | 67,614 |
Series 2022-4 Class B | ||
350,000 | 4.42%, 11/15/2027 | 340,747 |
Series 2022-5 Class B | ||
115,000 | 4.43%, 03/15/2027 | 112,726 |
Series 2022-6 Class B | ||
80,000 | 4.72%, 06/15/2027 | 78,259 |
Series 2022-7 Class B | ||
325,000 | 5.95%, 01/17/2028 | 323,549 |
Series 2023-1 Class B | ||
150,000 | 4.98%, 02/15/2028 | 147,238 |
195,000 | SFS Auto Receivables Securitization Trust(a) Series 2023-1A Class A4 5.47%, 12/20/2029 | 194,205 |
191,673 | Sound Point III Ltd(a)(c) Series 2013-2RA Class A1 6.21%, 04/15/2029 3-mo. LIBOR + 0.95% | 190,371 |
645,000 | Sound Point XXIX Ltd(a)(c) Series 2021-1A Class A 6.33%, 04/25/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.07% | 628,346 |
145,000 | Summit Issuer LLC(a) Series 2020-1A Class A2 2.29%, 12/20/2050 | 129,462 |
700,000 | Symphony XXV Ltd(a)(c) Series 2021-25A Class A 6.25%, 04/19/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 0.98% | 684,524 |
310,000 | Texas Debt Capital Ltd(a)(c) Series 2023-1A Class B 7.12%, 04/20/2036 3-mo. SOFR + 2.30% | 306,903 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
$ 285,000 | Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corp 5.10%, 04/01/2035 | $ 286,041 |
645,000 | Thompson Park Ltd(a)(c) Series 2021-1A Class A1 6.26%, 04/15/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.00% | 632,562 |
Toyota Lease Owner Trust(a) | ||
Series 2021-B Class A3 | ||
333,993 | 0.42%, 10/21/2024 | 330,247 |
Series 2023-A Class A2 | ||
300,000 | 5.30%, 08/20/2025 | 298,978 |
123,194 | Tricolor Auto Securitization Trust(a) Series 2023-1A Class A 6.48%, 08/17/2026 | 122,828 |
Upstart Securitization Trust(a) | ||
Series 2021-3 Class A | ||
18,917 | 0.83%, 07/20/2031 | 18,731 |
Series 2021-4 Class A | ||
75,404 | 0.84%, 09/20/2031 | 74,088 |
VCAT LLC(a)(b) | ||
Series 2021-NPL2 Class A1 | ||
66,284 | 2.12%, 03/27/2051 | 62,530 |
Series 2021-NPL4 Class A1 | ||
306,522 | 1.87%, 08/25/2051 | 283,728 |
Series 2021-NPL5 Class A1 | ||
405,044 | 1.87%, 08/25/2051 | 366,791 |
Series 2021-NPL6 Class A1 | ||
511,798 | 1.92%, 09/25/2051 | 463,731 |
Venture Ltd(a)(c) | ||
Series 2019-37A Class A1R | ||
870,000 | 6.41%, 07/15/2032 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.15% | 852,593 |
Series 2021-42A Class A1A | ||
645,000 | 6.39%, 04/15/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.13% | 627,954 |
Series 2021-43A Class A1 | ||
510,000 | 6.50%, 04/15/2034 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.24% | 497,696 |
555,283 | Venture XVII Ltd(a)(c) Series 2014-17A Class ARR 6.14%, 04/15/2027 3-mo. LIBOR + 0.88% | 551,796 |
429,168 | Vericrest Opportunity Loan Transferee(a)(b) Series 2021-NP11 Class A1 1.87%, 08/25/2051 | 388,887 |
267,552 | VOLT CIII LLC(a)(b) Series 2021-CF1 Class A1 1.99%, 08/25/2051 | 248,372 |
300,605 | VOLT XCIII LLC(a)(b) Series 2021-NPL2 Class A1 1.89%, 02/27/2051 | 271,737 |
1,040,000 | Wellfleet X Ltd(a)(c) Series 2019-XA Class A1R 6.42%, 07/20/2032 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.17% | 1,022,050 |
56,700 | Wendy's Funding LLC(a) Series 2018-1A Class A2II 3.88%, 03/15/2048 | 51,310 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust(a) | ||
Series 2019-3A Class D | ||
$ 24,486 | 2.72%, 11/15/2024 | $ 24,452 |
Series 2020-3A Class D | ||
195,000 | 1.65%, 02/17/2026 | 187,326 |
Series 2022-2A Class B | ||
275,000 | 4.31%, 09/15/2027 | 268,640 |
Series 2023-1A Class B | ||
80,000 | 5.41%, 01/18/2028 | 79,005 |
98,500 | Wingstop Funding LLC(a) Series 2020-1A Class A2 2.84%, 12/05/2050 | 85,033 |
World Omni Auto Receivables Trust | ||
Series 2023-A Class B | ||
130,000 | 5.03%, 05/15/2029 | 127,867 |
Series 2023-B Class A2A | ||
500,000 | 5.25%, 11/16/2026 | 498,145 |
1,450,000 | Zais Ltd(a)(c) Series 2020-15A Class A1R 6.62%, 07/28/2032 3-mo. LIBOR + 1.35% | 1,428,434 |
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES — 9.18% (Cost $40,265,663) | $ 39,194,707 | |
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES | ||
Basic Materials — 0.46% | ||
240,000 | Anglo American Capital PLC(a) 3.88%, 03/16/2029 | 218,100 |
140,000 | BHP Billiton Finance USA Ltd 4.90%, 02/28/2033 | 139,457 |
275,000 | Celanese US Holdings LLC 6.17%, 07/15/2027 | 273,578 |
Glencore Funding LLC(a) | ||
425,000 | 2.63%, 09/23/2031 | 342,142 |
135,000 | 5.70%, 05/08/2033 | 133,944 |
475,000 | Newcrest Finance Pty Ltd(a) 3.25%, 05/13/2030 | 418,895 |
220,000 | POSCO 5.75%, 01/17/2028 | 223,123 |
240,000 | Sherwin-Williams Co 2.30%, 05/15/2030 | 201,525 |
1,950,764 | ||
Communications — 3.42% | ||
175,000 | Amazon.com Inc 4.10%, 04/13/2062 | 150,667 |
AT&T Inc | ||
1,105,000 | 2.30%, 06/01/2027 | 993,795 |
690,000 | 4.35%, 03/01/2029 | 662,850 |
245,000 | 5.40%, 02/15/2034 | 245,421 |
775,000 | 4.85%, 03/01/2039 | 712,947 |
120,000 | 3.55%, 09/15/2055 | 84,008 |
452,000 | 3.80%, 12/01/2057 | 327,247 |
28,000 | 3.65%, 09/15/2059 | 19,494 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Communications — (continued) | ||
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital | ||
$ 150,000 | 4.91%, 07/23/2025 | $ 147,097 |
1,725,000 | 3.75%, 02/15/2028 | 1,581,357 |
35,000 | 3.50%, 03/01/2042 | 23,411 |
70,000 | 5.13%, 07/01/2049 | 55,071 |
105,000 | 4.80%, 03/01/2050 | 79,222 |
335,000 | 3.90%, 06/01/2052 | 219,212 |
330,000 | 3.85%, 04/01/2061 | 199,593 |
85,000 | 4.40%, 12/01/2061 | 57,379 |
Comcast Corp | ||
1,300,000 | 3.30%, 02/01/2027 | 1,233,631 |
305,000 | 4.80%, 05/15/2033 | 301,778 |
55,000 | 3.40%, 07/15/2046 | 41,740 |
105,000 | 2.80%, 01/15/2051 | 69,504 |
221,000 | 2.94%, 11/01/2056 | 143,920 |
Cox Communications Inc(a) | ||
19,000 | 3.15%, 08/15/2024 | 18,357 |
165,000 | 2.60%, 06/15/2031 | 134,680 |
Discovery Communications LLC | ||
22,000 | 4.13%, 05/15/2029 | 20,077 |
85,000 | 3.63%, 05/15/2030(e) | 74,560 |
127,000 | 5.20%, 09/20/2047 | 103,940 |
131,000 | 5.30%, 05/15/2049 | 108,555 |
210,000 | 4.65%, 05/15/2050 | 159,968 |
Meta Platforms Inc | ||
575,000 | 3.50%, 08/15/2027 | 545,924 |
405,000 | 4.95%, 05/15/2033 | 404,687 |
495,000 | Netflix Inc(a)(e) 4.88%, 06/15/2030 | 487,126 |
Paramount Global | ||
55,000 | 4.20%, 06/01/2029 | 49,027 |
400,000 | 4.20%, 05/19/2032(e) | 335,223 |
170,000 | 4.38%, 03/15/2043 | 119,932 |
26,000 | 5.85%, 09/01/2043 | 22,157 |
200,000 | Prosus NV(a) 3.26%, 01/19/2027 | 180,757 |
Rogers Communications Inc(a) | ||
25,000 | 3.80%, 03/15/2032 | 21,853 |
105,000 | 4.55%, 03/15/2052 | 84,443 |
Time Warner Cable LLC | ||
110,000 | 6.55%, 05/01/2037 | 105,454 |
65,000 | 4.50%, 09/15/2042 | 48,620 |
T-Mobile USA Inc | ||
100,000 | 2.05%, 02/15/2028 | 86,709 |
160,000 | 2.40%, 03/15/2029 | 137,521 |
1,055,000 | 3.88%, 04/15/2030 | 971,938 |
300,000 | 2.88%, 02/15/2031 | 253,578 |
300,000 | 3.50%, 04/15/2031 | 264,720 |
550,000 | 5.20%, 01/15/2033 | 546,464 |
160,000 | 5.05%, 07/15/2033 | 157,104 |
55,000 | 3.00%, 02/15/2041 | 40,211 |
Verizon Communications Inc | ||
890,000 | 4.33%, 09/21/2028 | 857,964 |
605,000 | 2.55%, 03/21/2031 | 505,135 |
390,000 | 2.36%, 03/15/2032 | 313,671 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Communications — (continued) | ||
$ 125,000 | 2.85%, 09/03/2041 | $ 88,903 |
14,598,602 | ||
Consumer, Cyclical — 1.63% | ||
AutoNation Inc | ||
193,000 | 4.50%, 10/01/2025 | 185,401 |
75,000 | 1.95%, 08/01/2028 | 61,094 |
500,000 | 4.75%, 06/01/2030 | 467,503 |
200,000 | CK Hutchison International 23 Ltd(a) 4.75%, 04/21/2028 | 197,792 |
General Motors Co | ||
300,000 | 4.00%, 04/01/2025 | 291,388 |
200,000 | 5.20%, 04/01/2045 | 170,605 |
75,000 | 6.75%, 04/01/2046 | 75,823 |
General Motors Financial Co Inc | ||
250,000 | 4.30%, 07/13/2025 | 242,479 |
125,000 | 2.70%, 08/20/2027 | 110,699 |
100,000 | Home Depot Inc 3.25%, 04/15/2032 | 89,834 |
250,000 | Hyatt Hotels Corp 1.80%, 10/01/2024 | 237,947 |
170,000 | Lennar Corp 4.75%, 11/29/2027 | 164,943 |
Lowe's Cos Inc | ||
75,000 | 3.10%, 05/03/2027 | 70,022 |
250,000 | 1.70%, 09/15/2028 | 211,899 |
160,000 | 3.75%, 04/01/2032 | 144,812 |
250,000 | 5.00%, 04/15/2033(e) | 247,291 |
400,000 | 4.25%, 04/01/2052 | 326,352 |
5,000 | 5.63%, 04/15/2053 | 4,997 |
Marriott International Inc | ||
275,000 | 5.00%, 10/15/2027 | 272,839 |
350,000 | 2.85%, 04/15/2031 | 294,280 |
188,000 | McDonald's Corp 4.60%, 09/09/2032 | 186,213 |
265,000 | O'Reilly Automotive Inc(e) 4.70%, 06/15/2032 | 255,243 |
Starbucks Corp | ||
225,000 | 4.00%, 11/15/2028 | 215,815 |
202,000 | 3.00%, 02/14/2032 | 175,347 |
Warnermedia Holdings Inc | ||
550,000 | 6.41%, 03/15/2026 | 550,455 |
350,000 | 4.05%, 03/15/2029 | 319,942 |
1,125,000 | 4.28%, 03/15/2032 | 997,735 |
500,000 | 5.14%, 03/15/2052 | 407,124 |
6,975,874 | ||
Consumer, Non-Cyclical — 4.62% | ||
AbbVie Inc | ||
400,000 | 4.55%, 03/15/2035 | 380,909 |
83,000 | 4.30%, 05/14/2036 | 76,223 |
250,000 | 4.88%, 11/14/2048 | 236,256 |
457,000 | 4.25%, 11/21/2049 | 394,450 |
Alcon Finance Corp(a) | ||
200,000 | 2.75%, 09/23/2026 | 183,679 |
200,000 | 5.38%, 12/06/2032 | 202,664 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Consumer, Non-Cyclical — (continued) | ||
$ 175,000 | AmerisourceBergen Corp 3.45%, 12/15/2027 | $ 163,840 |
Amgen Inc | ||
145,000 | 5.15%, 03/02/2028 | 144,869 |
507,000 | 5.25%, 03/02/2030 | 508,012 |
225,000 | 4.20%, 03/01/2033 | 209,976 |
691,000 | 5.25%, 03/02/2033 | 691,881 |
110,000 | 5.75%, 03/02/2063 | 111,588 |
875,000 | Anheuser-Busch Cos LLC / Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide Inc 4.70%, 02/01/2036 | 851,038 |
85,000 | Anheuser-Busch InBev Finance Inc 4.90%, 02/01/2046 | 81,242 |
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide Inc | ||
25,000 | 8.20%, 01/15/2039 | 32,674 |
500,000 | 4.95%, 01/15/2042 | 487,980 |
260,000 | 4.44%, 10/06/2048 | 233,966 |
200,000 | Ashtead Capital Inc(a) 1.50%, 08/12/2026 | 174,757 |
130,000 | Bacardi Ltd / Bacardi-Martini BV(a) 5.40%, 06/15/2033 | 128,851 |
BAT Capital Corp | ||
40,000 | 3.46%, 09/06/2029 | 34,652 |
20,000 | 4.54%, 08/15/2047 | 14,717 |
100,000 | Becton Dickinson & Co 4.67%, 06/06/2047 | 91,889 |
150,000 | Bristol Myers Squibb Co 2.95%, 03/15/2032 | 132,552 |
Cargill Inc(a) | ||
200,000 | 2.13%, 11/10/2031 | 160,867 |
160,000 | 4.00%, 06/22/2032 | 147,927 |
465,000 | 4.75%, 04/24/2033 | 458,330 |
200,000 | Chapman University 2.07%, 04/01/2031 | 158,934 |
Cigna Group | ||
360,000 | 1.25%, 03/15/2026 | 323,304 |
150,000 | 5.40%, 03/15/2033 | 152,645 |
325,000 | 4.80%, 08/15/2038 | 306,804 |
275,000 | Colgate-Palmolive Co 3.25%, 08/15/2032 | 252,553 |
CommonSpirit Health | ||
115,000 | 2.76%, 10/01/2024 | 110,703 |
440,000 | 6.46%, 11/01/2052(e) | 501,860 |
304,000 | Conagra Brands Inc 4.85%, 11/01/2028 | 296,451 |
Constellation Brands Inc | ||
140,000 | 3.60%, 02/15/2028 | 131,120 |
250,000 | 2.25%, 08/01/2031 | 204,295 |
231,000 | 4.75%, 05/09/2032 | 224,207 |
CSL Finance PLC(a) | ||
50,000 | 3.85%, 04/27/2027 | 47,719 |
70,000 | 4.05%, 04/27/2029 | 66,418 |
140,000 | 4.25%, 04/27/2032 | 132,543 |
CVS Health Corp | ||
195,000 | 5.13%, 02/21/2030 | 193,654 |
65,000 | 5.25%, 02/21/2033 | 64,748 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Consumer, Non-Cyclical — (continued) | ||
$ 585,000 | 4.78%, 03/25/2038 | $ 539,880 |
285,000 | 4.13%, 04/01/2040 | 240,177 |
Estee Lauder Cos Inc | ||
160,000 | 4.38%, 05/15/2028 | 157,575 |
90,000 | 4.65%, 05/15/2033 | 88,487 |
GE HealthCare Technologies Inc | ||
180,000 | 5.86%, 03/15/2030 | 184,740 |
170,000 | 6.38%, 11/22/2052 | 189,133 |
General Mills Inc | ||
175,000 | 4.20%, 04/17/2028 | 169,843 |
50,000 | 4.95%, 03/29/2033 | 49,553 |
185,000 | Gilead Sciences Inc 1.65%, 10/01/2030 | 150,986 |
Haleon US Capital LLC | ||
525,000 | 3.38%, 03/24/2027 | 491,286 |
345,000 | 3.38%, 03/24/2029 | 313,474 |
220,000 | HCA Inc 3.50%, 09/01/2030 | 192,841 |
Howard University | ||
100,000 | 2.80%, 10/01/2030 | 83,707 |
160,000 | 3.48%, 10/01/2041 | 120,426 |
Humana Inc | ||
205,000 | 3.70%, 03/23/2029 | 187,754 |
70,000 | 5.88%, 03/01/2033 | 72,744 |
100,000 | 5.50%, 03/15/2053 | 99,593 |
225,000 | JDE Peet's NV(a) 1.38%, 01/15/2027 | 195,184 |
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals | ||
200,000 | 2.81%, 06/01/2041 | 146,916 |
185,000 | 3.00%, 06/01/2051 | 129,509 |
135,000 | Kenvue Inc(a) 5.10%, 03/22/2043 | 137,173 |
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc | ||
425,000 | 4.60%, 05/25/2028 | 415,799 |
200,000 | 4.50%, 04/15/2052 | 176,235 |
255,000 | Kraft Heinz Foods Co 3.75%, 04/01/2030 | 236,641 |
165,000 | McKesson Corp 5.10%, 07/15/2033 | 165,584 |
315,000 | Northwestern Memorial Healthcare Obligated Group 1.77%, 07/15/2031 | 243,310 |
525,000 | Pfizer Investment Enterprises Pte Ltd 4.75%, 05/19/2033 | 523,022 |
Philip Morris International Inc | ||
230,000 | 5.13%, 11/17/2027 | 230,704 |
320,000 | 4.88%, 02/15/2028 | 315,111 |
105,000 | 5.63%, 11/17/2029 | 106,988 |
270,000 | 5.13%, 02/15/2030 | 266,961 |
170,000 | 5.38%, 02/15/2033 | 169,625 |
Royalty Pharma PLC | ||
380,000 | 1.75%, 09/02/2027(e) | 325,843 |
220,000 | 2.20%, 09/02/2030 | 176,854 |
70,000 | 2.15%, 09/02/2031 | 54,871 |
35,000 | 3.35%, 09/02/2051 | 22,548 |
30,000 | Sutter Health 3.36%, 08/15/2050 | 21,531 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Consumer, Non-Cyclical — (continued) | ||
Sysco Corp | ||
$ 50,000 | 4.45%, 03/15/2048 | $ 42,769 |
225,000 | 6.60%, 04/01/2050 | 256,467 |
50,000 | Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc 1.75%, 10/15/2028 | 43,084 |
125,000 | Unilever Capital Corp(e) 2.63%, 08/12/2051 | 85,442 |
UnitedHealth Group Inc | ||
165,000 | 4.00%, 05/15/2029 | 157,683 |
705,000 | 5.30%, 02/15/2030 | 722,277 |
125,000 | 4.20%, 05/15/2032 | 119,333 |
700,000 | 5.35%, 02/15/2033 | 727,374 |
65,000 | 3.75%, 10/15/2047 | 53,497 |
280,000 | 5.88%, 02/15/2053 | 311,004 |
261,000 | 5.05%, 04/15/2053 | 259,420 |
40,000 | 4.95%, 05/15/2062 | 38,455 |
30,000 | 6.05%, 02/15/2063 | 33,923 |
19,747,083 | ||
Energy — 2.10% | ||
BP Capital Markets America Inc | ||
115,000 | 1.75%, 08/10/2030 | 94,168 |
100,000 | 2.72%, 01/12/2032(e) | 84,906 |
240,000 | 4.81%, 02/13/2033 | 236,512 |
145,000 | 4.89%, 09/11/2033 | 143,503 |
40,000 | 2.94%, 06/04/2051 | 27,296 |
155,000 | 3.38%, 02/08/2061 | 110,316 |
220,000 | Cheniere Energy Partners LP(a) 5.95%, 06/30/2033 | 220,640 |
105,000 | ConocoPhillips Co 3.80%, 03/15/2052 | 84,997 |
265,000 | Diamondback Energy Inc(e) 6.25%, 03/15/2033 | 274,134 |
Enbridge Inc | ||
563,000 | 5.70%, 03/08/2033 | 570,731 |
55,000 | 2.50%, 08/01/2033 | 42,952 |
Energy Transfer LP | ||
140,000 | 5.55%, 02/15/2028 | 139,607 |
95,000 | 5.25%, 04/15/2029 | 92,743 |
40,000 | 5.35%, 05/15/2045 | 34,958 |
65,000 | 6.13%, 12/15/2045 | 61,754 |
85,000 | 5.00%, 05/15/2050 | 71,788 |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC | ||
120,000 | 2.80%, 01/31/2030 | 105,057 |
140,000 | 5.35%, 01/31/2033(e) | 142,368 |
Equinor ASA | ||
190,000 | 3.63%, 04/06/2040 | 159,359 |
20,000 | 3.70%, 04/06/2050 | 16,257 |
175,000 | Exxon Mobil Corp 4.23%, 03/19/2040 | 161,307 |
370,442 | Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd 2.94%, 09/30/2040 | 296,908 |
200,000 | Greensaif Pipelines Bidco SARL(a) 6.13%, 02/23/2038 | 204,284 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Energy — (continued) | ||
$ 170,000 | Hess Corp 7.30%, 08/15/2031 | $ 186,415 |
MPLX LP | ||
300,000 | 4.00%, 02/15/2025 | 290,724 |
70,000 | 1.75%, 03/01/2026 | 63,541 |
35,000 | 4.13%, 03/01/2027 | 33,489 |
75,000 | 4.25%, 12/01/2027 | 71,226 |
60,000 | 2.65%, 08/15/2030 | 50,199 |
75,000 | 4.95%, 09/01/2032 | 71,641 |
475,000 | 4.50%, 04/15/2038 | 408,846 |
90,000 | 4.90%, 04/15/2058 | 72,524 |
121,000 | Occidental Petroleum Corp 7.88%, 09/15/2031 | 134,891 |
ONEOK Inc | ||
55,000 | 4.35%, 03/15/2029 | 51,142 |
30,000 | 3.40%, 09/01/2029 | 26,158 |
90,000 | 3.10%, 03/15/2030 | 77,287 |
45,000 | 6.10%, 11/15/2032 | 45,781 |
60,000 | 5.20%, 07/15/2048 | 51,148 |
Ovintiv Inc | ||
35,000 | 5.65%, 05/15/2028 | 34,306 |
55,000 | 7.38%, 11/01/2031 | 58,982 |
145,000 | 6.25%, 07/15/2033 | 143,018 |
200,000 | Pertamina Persero PT 3.10%, 01/21/2030 | 175,750 |
Phillips 66 | ||
95,000 | 4.95%, 12/01/2027 | 94,152 |
35,000 | 5.30%, 06/30/2033 | 34,890 |
70,000 | Pioneer Natural Resources Co 5.10%, 03/29/2026 | 69,580 |
Plains All American Pipeline LP / PAA Finance Corp | ||
55,000 | 3.55%, 12/15/2029 | 48,465 |
645,000 | 3.80%, 09/15/2030 | 572,300 |
300,000 | Qatar Energy(a) 3.30%, 07/12/2051 | 220,248 |
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC | ||
60,000 | 4.20%, 03/15/2028 | 56,866 |
70,000 | 4.50%, 05/15/2030 | 66,539 |
129,000 | Schlumberger Holdings Corp(a) 4.30%, 05/01/2029 | 122,839 |
165,000 | Schlumberger Investment SA 4.85%, 05/15/2033 | 162,269 |
Shell International Finance BV | ||
140,000 | 3.25%, 04/06/2050 | 104,144 |
145,000 | 3.00%, 11/26/2051 | 102,142 |
Targa Resources Corp | ||
160,000 | 4.20%, 02/01/2033 | 141,622 |
105,000 | 6.13%, 03/15/2033 | 107,288 |
370,000 | Targa Resources Partners LP / Targa Resources Partners Finance Corp 4.00%, 01/15/2032 | 319,839 |
382,000 | Teck Resources Ltd(e) 3.90%, 07/15/2030 | 347,493 |
TransCanada PipeLines Ltd | ||
55,000 | 4.10%, 04/15/2030 | 51,072 |
235,000 | 2.50%, 10/12/2031(e) | 189,536 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Energy — (continued) | ||
$ 90,000 | Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co LLC 3.25%, 05/15/2030 | $ 79,989 |
Williams Cos Inc | ||
110,000 | 2.60%, 03/15/2031 | 91,164 |
150,000 | 4.65%, 08/15/2032 | 142,052 |
400,000 | 5.65%, 03/15/2033 | 405,300 |
8,953,402 | ||
Financial — 11.02% | ||
AerCap Ireland Capital Designated Activity Co / AerCap Global Aviation Trust | ||
1,075,000 | 6.50%, 07/15/2025 | 1,080,316 |
725,000 | 2.45%, 10/29/2026 | 647,534 |
150,000 | 3.30%, 01/30/2032 | 122,715 |
370,000 | Agree LP REIT 4.80%, 10/01/2032 | 343,675 |
1,175,000 | Air Lease Corp 2.88%, 01/15/2026 | 1,086,918 |
75,000 | American Express Co 5.04%, 05/01/2034 | 73,359 |
50,000 | American International Group Inc 3.40%, 06/30/2030 | 44,231 |
125,000 | American Tower Corp REIT 3.65%, 03/15/2027 | 117,018 |
445,000 | American Tower Trust #1 REIT(a) 5.49%, 03/15/2028 | 445,360 |
Aon Corp / Aon Global Holdings PLC | ||
80,000 | 5.35%, 02/28/2033 | 80,583 |
70,000 | 3.90%, 02/28/2052 | 54,930 |
280,000 | Athene Global Funding(a) 2.65%, 10/04/2031 | 211,957 |
1,200,000 | Avolon Holdings Funding Ltd(a) 2.88%, 02/15/2025 | 1,115,958 |
1,000,000 | Banco Santander SA 4.25%, 04/11/2027 | 946,523 |
Bank of America Corp | ||
715,000 | 3.88%, 08/01/2025 | 694,712 |
30,000 | 5.08%, 01/20/2027 | 29,540 |
1,000,000 | 4.18%, 11/25/2027 | 949,974 |
915,000 | 5.20%, 04/25/2029 | 905,000 |
255,000 | 2.88%, 10/22/2030 | 219,543 |
575,000 | 2.59%, 04/29/2031 | 482,734 |
745,000 | 1.92%, 10/24/2031 | 589,721 |
610,000 | 2.69%, 04/22/2032 | 505,535 |
370,000 | 2.30%, 07/21/2032 | 295,914 |
785,000 | 4.57%, 04/27/2033 | 738,091 |
157,000 | 5.02%, 07/22/2033 | 153,584 |
435,000 | 6.11%, 01/29/2037 | 458,758 |
375,000 | 3.31%, 04/22/2042 | 285,731 |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp | ||
190,000 | 4.95%, 04/26/2027 | 187,656 |
40,000 | 4.60%, 07/26/2030 | 38,578 |
Barclays PLC | ||
775,000 | 2.85%, 05/07/2026 | 725,853 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Financial — (continued) | ||
$ 200,000 | 7.39%, 11/02/2028 | $ 208,321 |
220,000 | 6.22%, 05/09/2034 | 219,128 |
BNP Paribas SA(a) | ||
1,225,000 | 2.22%, 06/09/2026 | 1,132,895 |
320,000 | 5.13%, 01/13/2029 | 313,123 |
200,000 | 5.34%, 06/12/2029 | 197,359 |
200,000 | 2.16%, 09/15/2029 | 166,549 |
BPCE SA(a) | ||
260,000 | 2.05%, 10/19/2027 | 226,705 |
425,000 | 3.12%, 10/19/2032 | 328,026 |
270,000 | Brighthouse Financial Global Funding(a) 1.75%, 01/13/2025 | 251,818 |
Capital One Financial Corp | ||
30,000 | 1.88%, 11/02/2027 | 25,699 |
40,000 | 5.47%, 02/01/2029 | 38,319 |
60,000 | 6.31%, 06/08/2029 | 59,596 |
70,000 | 3.27%, 03/01/2030 | 59,436 |
460,000 | 5.25%, 07/26/2030 | 433,646 |
135,000 | 6.38%, 06/08/2034 | 134,033 |
Citigroup Inc | ||
550,000 | 3.35%, 04/24/2025 | 537,662 |
430,000 | 3.70%, 01/12/2026 | 412,498 |
700,000 | 3.89%, 01/10/2028 | 663,324 |
330,000 | 2.57%, 06/03/2031 | 275,324 |
525,000 | 3.06%, 01/25/2033 | 438,309 |
360,000 | 4.91%, 05/24/2033 | 348,356 |
100,000 | 6.17%, 05/25/2034 | 100,871 |
145,000 | Corebridge Financial Inc 3.85%, 04/05/2029 | 130,401 |
370,000 | Credit Agricole SA(a) 5.30%, 07/12/2028 | 368,671 |
1,225,000 | Credit Suisse Group AG(a) 4.28%, 01/09/2028 | 1,132,149 |
360,000 | Crown Castle Inc REIT 4.80%, 09/01/2028 | 349,214 |
200,000 | Danske Bank A/S(a) 5.38%, 01/12/2024 | 198,819 |
Deutsche Bank AG | ||
260,000 | 2.13%, 11/24/2026 | 231,327 |
150,000 | 6.72%, 01/18/2029 | 150,214 |
340,000 | Equitable Financial Life Global Funding(a) 1.80%, 03/08/2028 | 286,742 |
600,000 | Essex Portfolio LP REIT 3.00%, 01/15/2030 | 512,879 |
120,000 | Fifth Third Bancorp 2.38%, 01/28/2025 | 112,302 |
135,000 | GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II Inc REIT 5.30%, 01/15/2029 | 128,541 |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc | ||
50,000 | 0.93%, 10/21/2024 | 49,154 |
760,000 | 2.62%, 04/22/2032 | 623,291 |
345,000 | 2.38%, 07/21/2032 | 276,345 |
60,000 | 2.65%, 10/21/2032 | 48,908 |
45,000 | 3.10%, 02/24/2033 | 38,014 |
525,000 | Healthcare Realty Holdings LP REIT 2.05%, 03/15/2031 | 393,492 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Financial — (continued) | ||
$ 126,000 | Host Hotels & Resorts LP REIT 2.90%, 12/15/2031 | $ 99,056 |
HSBC Holdings PLC | ||
230,000 | 1.59%, 05/24/2027 | 202,989 |
200,000 | 6.16%, 03/09/2029 | 201,702 |
400,000 | 2.21%, 08/17/2029 | 334,627 |
200,000 | 4.76%, 03/29/2033 | 180,496 |
575,000 | 5.40%, 08/11/2033 | 562,157 |
475,000 | 6.55%, 06/20/2034 | 473,156 |
70,000 | Intercontinental Exchange Inc 4.35%, 06/15/2029 | 68,213 |
200,000 | Intesa Sanpaolo SpA(a) 6.63%, 06/20/2033 | 199,266 |
175,000 | Invitation Homes Operating Partnership LP REIT 2.30%, 11/15/2028 | 148,729 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co | ||
265,000 | 4.02%, 12/05/2024 | 262,710 |
170,000 | 2.95%, 10/01/2026 | 159,338 |
15,000 | 4.32%, 04/26/2028 | 14,479 |
150,000 | 4.85%, 07/25/2028 | 147,991 |
560,000 | 3.51%, 01/23/2029 | 517,651 |
175,000 | 3.70%, 05/06/2030 | 160,375 |
185,000 | 2.74%, 10/15/2030 | 159,363 |
200,000 | 2.52%, 04/22/2031 | 169,169 |
460,000 | 1.76%, 11/19/2031 | 364,052 |
110,000 | 1.95%, 02/04/2032 | 87,647 |
475,000 | 2.96%, 01/25/2033 | 400,146 |
537,000 | 4.59%, 04/26/2033 | 511,918 |
360,000 | 4.91%, 07/25/2033 | 351,782 |
550,000 | Macquarie Group Ltd(a) 1.34%, 01/12/2027 | 489,558 |
500,000 | Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co 4.70%, 01/27/2028 | 467,548 |
Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc | ||
230,000 | 4.05%, 10/15/2023 | 227,885 |
80,000 | 4.75%, 03/15/2039 | 75,390 |
625,000 | Mastercard Inc 3.30%, 03/26/2027 | 597,004 |
370,000 | Metropolitan Life Global Funding I(a) 2.40%, 01/11/2032 | 302,109 |
Morgan Stanley | ||
385,000 | 3.63%, 01/20/2027 | 365,561 |
754,000 | 3.95%, 04/23/2027 | 713,912 |
300,000 | 1.59%, 05/04/2027 | 268,565 |
600,000 | 3.77%, 01/24/2029 | 560,145 |
235,000 | 5.12%, 02/01/2029 | 231,766 |
850,000 | 5.16%, 04/20/2029 | 839,618 |
100,000 | 4.43%, 01/23/2030 | 95,144 |
385,000 | 2.70%, 01/22/2031 | 327,440 |
625,000 | 1.79%, 02/13/2032 | 484,811 |
455,000 | 1.93%, 04/28/2032 | 355,186 |
355,000 | 4.89%, 07/20/2033 | 341,669 |
425,000 | 2.48%, 09/16/2036 | 322,465 |
35,000 | 5.95%, 01/19/2038 | 34,546 |
Nasdaq Inc | ||
90,000 | 5.35%, 06/28/2028 | 90,130 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Financial — (continued) | ||
$ 85,000 | 5.55%, 02/15/2034 | $ 85,334 |
30,000 | 6.10%, 06/28/2063 | 30,677 |
200,000 | NatWest Group PLC 5.85%, 03/02/2027 | 197,809 |
500,000 | Nomura Holdings Inc 2.61%, 07/14/2031 | 396,718 |
165,000 | Principal Financial Group Inc 5.38%, 03/15/2033 | 163,457 |
60,000 | Progressive Corp 4.95%, 06/15/2033 | 59,497 |
Prologis LP REIT | ||
625,000 | 1.75%, 07/01/2030 | 502,126 |
300,000 | 4.63%, 01/15/2033 | 292,874 |
155,000 | SBA Tower Trust REIT(a) 2.84%, 01/15/2025 | 147,175 |
575,000 | Societe Generale SA(a) 6.22%, 06/15/2033 | 535,281 |
200,000 | Standard Chartered PLC(a) 7.77%, 11/16/2028 | 212,170 |
500,000 | Truist Bank 2.25%, 03/11/2030 | 397,255 |
90,000 | Truist Financial Corp 6.05%, 06/08/2027 | 90,037 |
UBS Group AG(a) | ||
200,000 | 4.75%, 05/12/2028 | 189,550 |
250,000 | 6.44%, 08/11/2028 | 250,925 |
240,000 | 2.75%, 02/11/2033 | 186,932 |
270,000 | 6.54%, 08/12/2033 | 276,591 |
250,000 | 9.02%, 11/15/2033 | 299,660 |
VICI Properties LP REIT | ||
135,000 | 4.95%, 02/15/2030 | 126,641 |
220,000 | 5.13%, 05/15/2032 | 205,842 |
Wells Fargo & Co | ||
335,000 | 2.41%, 10/30/2025 | 318,989 |
250,000 | 2.19%, 04/30/2026 | 234,234 |
750,000 | 4.30%, 07/22/2027 | 719,466 |
360,000 | 2.39%, 06/02/2028 | 320,807 |
250,000 | 4.81%, 07/25/2028 | 244,356 |
250,000 | 2.88%, 10/30/2030 | 215,921 |
215,000 | 3.35%, 03/02/2033 | 184,009 |
813,000 | 4.90%, 07/25/2033 | 779,840 |
100,000 | 5.39%, 04/24/2034 | 99,361 |
475,000 | Westpac Banking Corp 4.11%, 07/24/2034 | 413,056 |
765,000 | Willis North America Inc 2.95%, 09/15/2029 | 658,060 |
47,035,575 | ||
Industrial — 1.65% | ||
Boeing Co | ||
30,000 | 2.70%, 02/01/2027 | 27,420 |
185,000 | 5.04%, 05/01/2027 | 182,737 |
1,025,000 | 3.45%, 11/01/2028 | 928,541 |
90,000 | 5.15%, 05/01/2030 | 89,132 |
200,000 | 5.81%, 05/01/2050 | 199,270 |
200,000 | Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC 4.05%, 06/15/2048 | 171,373 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Industrial — (continued) | ||
$ 400,000 | Canadian Pacific Railway Co 2.05%, 03/05/2030 | $ 335,537 |
CSX Corp | ||
400,000 | 3.80%, 03/01/2028 | 380,739 |
275,000 | 4.10%, 11/15/2032(e) | 260,134 |
435,000 | DAE Funding LLC(a) 1.55%, 08/01/2024 | 412,914 |
Eaton Corp | ||
35,000 | 4.35%, 05/18/2028 | 34,328 |
350,000 | 4.15%, 03/15/2033 | 332,407 |
200,000 | GE Capital International Funding Co Unlimited Co 4.42%, 11/15/2035 | 188,949 |
General Electric Co | ||
125,000 | 6.75%, 03/15/2032 | 141,093 |
125,000 | 5.88%, 01/14/2038 | 134,411 |
100,000 | Johnson Controls International PLC / Tyco Fire & Security Finance SCA 4.90%, 12/01/2032 | 99,053 |
325,000 | Lockheed Martin Corp 5.25%, 01/15/2033 | 336,689 |
325,000 | Martin Marietta Materials Inc 3.20%, 07/15/2051 | 226,241 |
215,000 | Northrop Grumman Corp 5.15%, 05/01/2040 | 211,628 |
Otis Worldwide Corp | ||
115,000 | 2.57%, 02/15/2030 | 99,146 |
110,000 | 3.11%, 02/15/2040 | 84,941 |
Penske Truck Leasing Co LP / PTL Finance Corp(a) | ||
195,000 | 4.40%, 07/01/2027 | 184,051 |
290,000 | 6.20%, 06/15/2030 | 291,515 |
Raytheon Technologies Corp | ||
95,000 | 5.15%, 02/27/2033 | 96,299 |
30,000 | 5.38%, 02/27/2053 | 31,152 |
Regal Rexnord Corp(a) | ||
330,000 | 6.05%, 04/15/2028 | 327,594 |
100,000 | 6.30%, 02/15/2030 | 99,704 |
325,000 | Union Pacific Corp(e) 2.80%, 02/14/2032 | 280,424 |
127,000 | Waste Connections Inc(e) 4.20%, 01/15/2033 | 119,361 |
Waste Management Inc | ||
175,000 | 3.15%, 11/15/2027 | 163,868 |
600,000 | 1.15%, 03/15/2028 | 510,247 |
75,000 | 4.15%, 04/15/2032 | 71,463 |
7,052,361 | ||
Technology — 1.94% | ||
550,000 | Adobe Inc 2.15%, 02/01/2027 | 505,208 |
Broadcom Inc | ||
12,000 | 4.11%, 09/15/2028 | 11,338 |
192,000 | 4.15%, 04/15/2032(a)(e) | 173,908 |
280,000 | 2.60%, 02/15/2033(a) | 218,818 |
370,000 | 3.42%, 04/15/2033(a) | 309,416 |
156,000 | 3.47%, 04/15/2034(a) | 127,968 |
339,000 | 3.14%, 11/15/2035(a) | 260,028 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Technology — (continued) | ||
$ 239,000 | 3.19%, 11/15/2036(a) | $ 180,625 |
CDW LLC / CDW Finance Corp | ||
90,000 | 2.67%, 12/01/2026 | 80,809 |
60,000 | 3.57%, 12/01/2031 | 50,629 |
257,000 | Dell International LLC / EMC Corp 8.10%, 07/15/2036 | 300,679 |
50,000 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co 6.35%, 10/15/2045 | 52,103 |
Intel Corp | ||
350,000 | 5.20%, 02/10/2033 | 353,317 |
45,000 | 3.25%, 11/15/2049 | 31,734 |
250,000 | 3.05%, 08/12/2051 | 167,540 |
50,000 | 5.70%, 02/10/2053 | 50,865 |
190,000 | 5.05%, 08/05/2062 | 174,904 |
500,000 | Intuit Inc 1.35%, 07/15/2027 | 438,161 |
425,000 | Lam Research Corp 1.90%, 06/15/2030 | 354,111 |
95,000 | Marvell Technology Inc 2.95%, 04/15/2031 | 79,636 |
60,000 | NVIDIA Corp 3.50%, 04/01/2040 | 51,365 |
NXP BV / NXP Funding LLC | ||
135,000 | 4.88%, 03/01/2024 | 134,034 |
71,000 | 5.35%, 03/01/2026 | 70,522 |
NXP BV / NXP Funding LLC / NXP USA Inc | ||
89,000 | 4.30%, 06/18/2029 | 83,876 |
325,000 | 2.65%, 02/15/2032 | 263,093 |
Oracle Corp | ||
165,000 | 2.30%, 03/25/2028 | 145,606 |
275,000 | 4.50%, 05/06/2028 | 267,562 |
250,000 | 6.15%, 11/09/2029 | 260,392 |
65,000 | 2.95%, 04/01/2030 | 56,736 |
350,000 | 4.65%, 05/06/2030 | 338,169 |
325,000 | 2.88%, 03/25/2031 | 277,457 |
301,000 | 4.90%, 02/06/2033 | 292,182 |
350,000 | 3.60%, 04/01/2040 | 270,762 |
741,000 | 3.60%, 04/01/2050 | 529,488 |
525,000 | 6.90%, 11/09/2052 | 589,243 |
225,000 | Take-Two Interactive Software Inc 3.70%, 04/14/2027 | 213,031 |
VMware Inc | ||
100,000 | 1.80%, 08/15/2028 | 83,815 |
300,000 | 2.20%, 08/15/2031 | 235,740 |
Workday Inc | ||
125,000 | 3.50%, 04/01/2027 | 118,481 |
100,000 | 3.80%, 04/01/2032 | 90,027 |
8,293,378 | ||
Utilities — 3.88% | ||
335,000 | Alabama Power Co 3.45%, 10/01/2049 | 244,964 |
425,000 | Alliant Energy Finance LLC(a) 4.25%, 06/15/2028 | 404,079 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Utilities — (continued) | ||
$ 125,000 | American Water Capital Corp 3.75%, 09/01/2028 | $ 117,987 |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co | ||
350,000 | 3.70%, 07/15/2030 | 321,965 |
140,000 | 4.60%, 05/01/2053(e) | 119,949 |
65,000 | Boston Gas Co(a) 3.76%, 03/16/2032 | 57,189 |
285,000 | Brooklyn Union Gas Co(a) 4.87%, 08/05/2032 | 266,909 |
Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC | ||
80,000 | 3.38%, 09/15/2029 | 67,853 |
5,000 | 4.97%, 05/01/2046 | 4,206 |
145,000 | Consolidated Edison Co of New York Inc 3.20%, 12/01/2051 | 100,506 |
Dominion Energy Inc | ||
195,000 | 3.07%, 08/15/2024(b) | 188,331 |
96,000 | 3.38%, 04/01/2030 | 85,867 |
424,000 | 5.38%, 11/15/2032 | 425,451 |
10,000 | 6.30%, 03/15/2033 | 10,614 |
333,000 | Duke Energy Carolinas LLC 5.30%, 02/15/2040 | 334,087 |
Duke Energy Corp | ||
475,000 | 3.15%, 08/15/2027 | 438,552 |
60,000 | 2.45%, 06/01/2030 | 50,385 |
562,000 | 2.55%, 06/15/2031 | 463,077 |
200,000 | 4.50%, 08/15/2032 | 188,557 |
110,000 | 5.00%, 08/15/2052 | 100,555 |
Duke Energy Ohio Inc | ||
145,000 | 3.65%, 02/01/2029 | 134,676 |
115,000 | 5.25%, 04/01/2033 | 115,817 |
50,000 | Edison International 5.25%, 11/15/2028 | 48,655 |
200,000 | Enel Finance International NV(a) 5.00%, 06/15/2032 | 189,059 |
975,000 | Entergy Corp 2.95%, 09/01/2026 | 900,366 |
115,000 | Evergy Metro Inc 4.20%, 03/15/2048 | 94,519 |
Eversource Energy | ||
55,000 | 4.75%, 05/15/2026 | 53,905 |
60,000 | 5.45%, 03/01/2028 | 60,402 |
355,000 | 5.13%, 05/15/2033 | 349,852 |
Exelon Corp | ||
195,000 | 5.15%, 03/15/2028 | 194,113 |
450,000 | 4.05%, 04/15/2030 | 420,515 |
75,000 | Florida Power & Light Co 5.10%, 04/01/2033 | 76,104 |
Georgia Power Co | ||
225,000 | 2.10%, 07/30/2023 | 224,359 |
70,000 | 4.65%, 05/16/2028 | 68,585 |
170,000 | 4.70%, 05/15/2032 | 164,322 |
115,000 | 4.95%, 05/17/2033 | 113,516 |
30,000 | 4.75%, 09/01/2040 | 27,521 |
515,000 | Gulf Power Co 4.55%, 10/01/2044 | 456,811 |
85,000 | Kentucky Utilities Co 5.45%, 04/15/2033 | 86,564 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Utilities — (continued) | ||
$ 125,000 | KeySpan Gas East Corp(a) 5.99%, 03/06/2033 | $ 125,970 |
320,000 | Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co Ltd(a) 4.25%, 07/27/2027 | 309,763 |
85,000 | Louisville Gas & Electric Co 5.45%, 04/15/2033 | 86,557 |
50,000 | National Grid PLC 5.60%, 06/12/2028 | 50,209 |
National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp | ||
215,000 | 4.15%, 12/15/2032(e) | 199,279 |
65,000 | 5.80%, 01/15/2033 | 67,965 |
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings Inc | ||
35,000 | 6.05%, 03/01/2025 | 35,132 |
435,000 | 4.63%, 07/15/2027 | 425,346 |
490,000 | 2.25%, 06/01/2030 | 407,543 |
50,000 | 5.05%, 02/28/2033(e) | 49,225 |
NiSource Inc | ||
150,000 | 3.49%, 05/15/2027 | 141,128 |
235,000 | 3.60%, 05/01/2030 | 211,636 |
55,000 | 1.70%, 02/15/2031 | 43,003 |
275,000 | 5.40%, 06/30/2033(e) | 275,184 |
155,000 | Oglethorpe Power Corp 5.05%, 10/01/2048 | 136,720 |
200,000 | Ohio Power Co 5.00%, 06/01/2033 | 196,208 |
Pacific Gas & Electric Co | ||
590,000 | 5.45%, 06/15/2027 | 573,779 |
625,000 | 2.10%, 08/01/2027 | 533,865 |
70,000 | 6.10%, 01/15/2029 | 68,874 |
235,000 | 4.55%, 07/01/2030 | 212,681 |
580,000 | 2.50%, 02/01/2031 | 454,073 |
185,000 | 3.25%, 06/01/2031 | 150,435 |
120,000 | 6.15%, 01/15/2033 | 117,366 |
540,000 | 6.40%, 06/15/2033 | 537,044 |
130,000 | 4.95%, 07/01/2050 | 102,103 |
45,000 | 6.75%, 01/15/2053 | 44,410 |
45,000 | Pennsylvania Electric Co(a) 4.15%, 04/15/2025 | 43,298 |
80,000 | PPL Capital Funding Inc 4.13%, 04/15/2030 | 74,129 |
Puget Energy Inc | ||
185,000 | 3.65%, 05/15/2025 | 176,861 |
105,000 | 4.10%, 06/15/2030 | 95,602 |
210,000 | Sempra Energy 3.40%, 02/01/2028 | 193,284 |
100,000 | Sierra Pacific Power Co 2.60%, 05/01/2026 | 93,172 |
Southern California Edison Co | ||
205,000 | 4.90%, 06/01/2026 | 202,087 |
45,000 | 5.85%, 11/01/2027 | 46,016 |
90,000 | 5.30%, 03/01/2028 | 89,990 |
345,000 | 2.25%, 06/01/2030 | 288,372 |
220,000 | 2.75%, 02/01/2032 | 183,991 |
2,000 | 4.00%, 04/01/2047 | 1,588 |
20,000 | 3.65%, 02/01/2050 | 14,883 |
Southern California Gas Co | ||
380,000 | 5.20%, 06/01/2033 | 374,955 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Utilities — (continued) | ||
$ 65,000 | 5.75%, 06/01/2053 | $ 65,691 |
Southern Co | ||
190,000 | 4.85%, 06/15/2028 | 186,223 |
35,000 | 5.20%, 06/15/2033 | 34,715 |
25,000 | Southern Co Gas Capital Corp 2.45%, 10/01/2023 | 24,790 |
195,000 | Southwestern Electric Power Co 5.30%, 04/01/2033 | 192,465 |
260,000 | Virginia Electric & Power Co 5.00%, 04/01/2033 | 256,964 |
Xcel Energy Inc | ||
525,000 | 3.35%, 12/01/2026 | 492,500 |
100,000 | 4.60%, 06/01/2032 | 94,431 |
16,552,249 | ||
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES — 30.72% (Cost $144,741,501) | $131,159,288 | |
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS AND NOTES | ||
Bermuda Government International Bond | ||
200,000 | 2.38%, 08/20/2030 | 166,702 |
200,000 | 5.00%, 07/15/2032(a) | 195,000 |
305,000 | Chile Government International Bond 3.50%, 04/15/2053 | 226,776 |
250,000 | Hungary Government International Bond(a) 5.25%, 06/16/2029 | 242,807 |
340,000 | Indonesia Government International Bond 4.35%, 01/08/2027 | 333,749 |
360,000 | Israel Government International Bond 3.25%, 01/17/2028 | 336,139 |
Mexico Government International Bond | ||
541,000 | 3.50%, 02/12/2034 | 453,125 |
685,000 | 4.28%, 08/14/2041 | 563,525 |
76,000 | 4.75%, 03/08/2044 | 64,908 |
200,000 | Panama Government International Bond 3.16%, 01/23/2030 | 174,901 |
380,000 | Peruvian Government International Bond 3.30%, 03/11/2041 | 292,471 |
Romanian Government International Bond | ||
322,000 | 3.00%, 02/27/2027(a) | 291,410 |
1,072,000 | 3.00%, 02/14/2031(e) | 887,284 |
200,000 | Saudi Government International Bond(a) 5.00%, 01/18/2053 | 185,040 |
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT BONDS AND NOTES — 1.03% (Cost $5,230,076) | $ 4,413,837 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES | ||
Non-Agency — 7.42% | ||
$ 233,022 | Ajax Mortgage Loan Trust(a)(b) Series 2021-C Class A 2.12%, 01/25/2061 | $ 217,582 |
Angel Oak Mortgage Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2020-1 Class A1 | ||
34,625 | 2.47%, 12/25/2059 | 31,871 |
Series 2020-2 Class A1A | ||
95,043 | 2.53%, 01/26/2065 | 86,411 |
Series 2020-4 Class A1 | ||
51,118 | 1.47%, 06/25/2065 | 46,851 |
Series 2020-6 Class A1 | ||
43,823 | 1.26%, 05/25/2065 | 38,677 |
Series 2020-R1 Class A1 | ||
114,458 | 0.99%, 04/25/2053 | 102,530 |
Series 2021-1 Class A1 | ||
151,493 | 0.91%, 01/25/2066 | 124,391 |
Series 2021-2 Class A1 | ||
272,100 | 0.99%, 04/25/2066 | 221,537 |
Series 2021-4 Class A1 | ||
225,480 | 1.04%, 01/20/2065 | 178,759 |
Series 2021-5 Class A1 | ||
344,119 | 0.95%, 07/25/2066 | 279,348 |
Series 2021-8 Class A1 | ||
254,989 | 1.82%, 11/25/2066 | 212,140 |
Arroyo Mortgage Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2019-2 Class A1 | ||
65,129 | 3.35%, 04/25/2049 | 60,078 |
Series 2019-3 Class A1 | ||
60,464 | 2.96%, 10/25/2048 | 54,755 |
BANK | ||
Series 2017-BNK8 Class A4 | ||
350,000 | 3.49%, 11/15/2050 | 316,666 |
Series 2019-BN16 Class XA | ||
2,504,634 | 1.10%, 02/15/2052(d) | 97,804 |
Series 2019-BN17 Class A4 | ||
632,000 | 3.71%, 04/15/2052 | 576,622 |
Series 2019-BN18 Class XA | ||
980,184 | 1.03%, 05/15/2062(d) | 39,547 |
Series 2019-BN20 Class XA | ||
1,163,211 | 0.94%, 09/15/2062(d) | 45,375 |
Series 2019-BN22 Class XA | ||
1,783,733 | 0.71%, 11/15/2062(d) | 53,740 |
Series 2019-BN23 Class XA | ||
2,928,713 | 0.81%, 12/15/2052(d) | 101,931 |
Series 2019-BN24 Class XA | ||
983,621 | 0.75%, 11/15/2062(d) | 32,550 |
Series 2020-BN26 Class XA | ||
1,058,452 | 1.34%, 03/15/2063(d) | 61,635 |
Series 2020-BN28 Class XA | ||
2,350,399 | 1.88%, 03/15/2063(d) | 221,052 |
Series 2020-BN29 Class XA | ||
2,839,629 | 1.44%, 11/15/2053(d) | 200,586 |
Series 2021-BN31 Class A4 | ||
275,000 | 2.04%, 02/15/2054 | 218,824 |
Series 2021-BN32 Class A5 | ||
1,500,000 | 2.64%, 04/15/2054 | 1,247,830 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
Series 2023-BNK45 Class ASB | ||
$ 500,000 | 5.47%, 02/15/2056 | $ 505,082 |
Series 2023-BNK45 Class XA | ||
998,573 | 1.20%, 02/15/2056(d) | 66,733 |
Barclays Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | ||
Series 2020-C6 Class A4 | ||
1,500,000 | 2.64%, 02/15/2053 | 1,271,441 |
Series 2022-C16 Class A5 | ||
120,000 | 4.60%, 06/15/2055(d) | 113,840 |
Series 2022-C18 Class A4 | ||
160,000 | 5.44%, 12/15/2055(d) | 162,557 |
Series 2022-C18 Class A5 | ||
50,000 | 5.71%, 12/15/2055(d) | 51,816 |
Benchmark Mortgage Trust | ||
Series 2018-B1 Class A5 | ||
400,000 | 3.67%, 01/15/2051(d) | 365,437 |
Series 2019-B10 Class XA | ||
2,225,015 | 1.36%, 03/15/2062(d) | 109,815 |
Series 2019-B11 Class A2 | ||
227,091 | 3.41%, 05/15/2052 | 220,017 |
Series 2019-B11 Class A5 | ||
455,859 | 3.54%, 05/15/2052 | 400,998 |
Series 2019-B12 Class A5 | ||
1,498,000 | 3.12%, 08/15/2052 | 1,308,171 |
Series 2019-B12 Class XA | ||
956,117 | 1.16%, 08/15/2052(d) | 36,241 |
Series 2019-B9 Class A5 | ||
550,000 | 4.02%, 03/15/2052 | 498,802 |
Series 2020-B18 Class XA | ||
631,575 | 1.91%, 07/15/2053(d) | 45,567 |
Series 2020-B22 Class XA | ||
1,106,137 | 1.63%, 01/15/2054(d) | 93,578 |
174,515 | BINOM Securitization Trust(a)(d) Series 2021-INV1 Class A1 2.03%, 06/25/2056 | 148,030 |
BRAVO Residential Funding Trust(a) | ||
Series 2021-C Class A1 | ||
423,215 | 1.62%, 03/01/2061(b) | 377,513 |
Series 2021-NQM2 Class A1 | ||
81,887 | 0.97%, 03/25/2060(d) | 75,775 |
85,032 | Bunker Hill Loan Depository Trust(a)(d) Series 2020-1 Class A1 1.72%, 02/25/2055 | 80,580 |
550,000 | BX Trust(a)(c) Series 2021-ARIA Class A 6.09%, 10/15/2036 1-mo. LIBOR + 0.90% | 532,912 |
CAMB Commercial Mortgage Trust(a)(c) | ||
Series 2019-LIFE Class A | ||
190,000 | 6.26%, 12/15/2037 1-mo. LIBOR + 1.07% | 188,298 |
Series 2019-LIFE Class C | ||
100,000 | 6.64%, 12/15/2037 1-mo. LIBOR + 1.45% | 98,364 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
$ 211,187 | CD Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2017-CD3 Class AAB 3.45%, 02/10/2050 | $ 200,479 |
248,000 | CFCRE Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2016-C3 Class A3 3.87%, 01/10/2048 | 234,162 |
403,000 | Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2015-GC33 Class A4 3.78%, 09/10/2058 | 380,178 |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust Inc | ||
Series 2018-RP1 Class A1 | ||
25,248 | 3.00%, 09/25/2064(a)(d) | 23,887 |
Series 2018-RP2 Class A1 | ||
87,971 | 3.32%, 02/25/2058 | 83,678 |
Series 2018-RP3 Class A1 | ||
103,933 | 3.25%, 03/25/2061(a)(d) | 97,879 |
COLT Mortgage Loan Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2020-2R Class A1 | ||
96,515 | 1.33%, 10/26/2065 | 85,493 |
Series 2021-2 Class A1 | ||
227,243 | 0.92%, 08/25/2066 | 173,808 |
Series 2021-3 Class A1 | ||
407,839 | 0.96%, 09/27/2066 | 315,342 |
Series 2021-HX1 Class A1 | ||
521,056 | 1.11%, 10/25/2066 | 415,561 |
Series 2022-4 Class A1 | ||
88,289 | 4.30%, 03/25/2067 | 83,806 |
COMM Mortgage Trust(a) | ||
Series 2020-CX Class A | ||
150,000 | 2.17%, 11/10/2046 | 117,157 |
Series 2022-HC Class A | ||
100,000 | 2.82%, 01/10/2039 | 82,844 |
Series 2022-HC Class C | ||
120,000 | 3.38%, 01/10/2039 | 94,305 |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust(a) | ||
Series 2017-FHA1 Class A1 | ||
33,005 | 3.25%, 04/25/2047(d) | 29,307 |
Series 2018-RPL9 Class A | ||
127,755 | 3.85%, 09/25/2057(d) | 119,272 |
Series 2020-NET Class A | ||
97,732 | 2.26%, 08/15/2037 | 87,429 |
Series 2020-NQM1 Class A1 | ||
160,550 | 1.21%, 05/25/2065(b) | 143,231 |
Series 2020-RPL4 Class A1 | ||
307,914 | 2.00%, 01/25/2060(d) | 264,419 |
Series 2021-NQM2 Class A1 | ||
278,592 | 1.18%, 02/25/2066(d) | 231,065 |
Series 2021-NQM5 Class A1 | ||
211,657 | 0.94%, 05/25/2066(d) | 163,516 |
Series 2021-NQM6 Class A1 | ||
520,598 | 1.17%, 07/25/2066(d) | 410,476 |
Series 2021-NQM8 Class A1 | ||
265,979 | 1.84%, 10/25/2066(d) | 218,390 |
Series 2021-RPL4 Class A1 | ||
284,983 | 1.80%, 12/27/2060(d) | 262,721 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
Series 2022-NQM1 Class A1 | ||
$ 617,754 | 2.27%, 11/25/2066(d) | $ 522,670 |
176,155 | CSAIL Commercial Mortgage Trust Series 2016-C6 Class ASB 2.96%, 01/15/2049 | 169,659 |
11,326,951 | DBGS Mortgage Trust(d) Series 2018-C1 Class XA 0.31%, 10/15/2051 | 91,171 |
486,253 | Deutsche Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust(d) Series 2020-C9 Class XA 1.82%, 09/15/2053 | 30,803 |
Ellington Financial Mortgage Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2020-2 Class A1 | ||
46,032 | 1.18%, 10/25/2065 | 40,962 |
Series 2021-1 Class A1 | ||
33,864 | 0.80%, 02/25/2066 �� | 28,046 |
Series 2021-2 Class A1 | ||
182,625 | 0.93%, 06/25/2066 | 144,432 |
GCAT Trust(a) | ||
Series 2020-NQM2 Class A1 | ||
32,595 | 1.56%, 04/25/2065(b) | 29,209 |
Series 2021-NQM1 Class A1 | ||
172,118 | 0.87%, 01/25/2066(d) | 143,120 |
Series 2021-NQM4 Class A1 | ||
360,104 | 1.09%, 08/25/2066(d) | 276,496 |
Series 2021-NQM7 Class A1 | ||
194,003 | 1.92%, 08/25/2066(d) | 165,350 |
45,000 | GS Mortgage Securities Corp Trust(a)(c) Series 2022-SHIP Class A 5.88%, 08/15/2036 1-mo. SOFR + 0.73% | 44,691 |
GS Mortgage Securities Trust(d) | ||
Series 2013-GC13 Class A5 | ||
187,250 | 4.09%, 07/10/2046 | 184,631 |
Series 2020-GC45 Class XA | ||
2,018,563 | 0.78%, 02/13/2053 | 61,411 |
Imperial Fund Mortgage Trust(a) | ||
Series 2021-NQM2 Class A1 | ||
205,994 | 1.07%, 09/25/2056(d) | 162,594 |
Series 2022-NQM2 Class A1 | ||
581,019 | 3.64%, 03/25/2067(b) | 521,433 |
JPMorgan Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust | ||
Series 2015-C32 Class A5 | ||
261,000 | 3.60%, 11/15/2048 | 243,399 |
Series 2016-C2 Class A4 | ||
545,000 | 3.14%, 06/15/2049 | 502,328 |
Series 2016-C4 Class ASB | ||
212,633 | 2.99%, 12/15/2049 | 199,522 |
Series 2020-NNN Class AFX | ||
120,000 | 2.81%, 01/16/2037(a) | 108,621 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust(a)(b) | ||
Series 2021-GS2 Class A1 | ||
$ 278,419 | 1.75%, 04/25/2061 | $ 257,490 |
Series 2021-GS4 Class A1 | ||
99,915 | 1.65%, 11/25/2060 | 90,721 |
643,845 | Life Mortgage Trust(a)(c) Series 2021-BMR Class A 5.96%, 03/15/2038 1-mo. SOFR + 0.81% | 627,271 |
MetLife Securitization Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2017-1A Class A | ||
25,234 | 3.00%, 04/25/2055 | 23,064 |
Series 2018-1A Class A | ||
57,771 | 3.75%, 03/25/2057 | 53,864 |
MFA Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2020-NQM3 Class A1 | ||
24,305 | 1.01%, 01/26/2065 | 21,641 |
Series 2021-NQM1 Class A1 | ||
230,680 | 1.15%, 04/25/2065 | 200,177 |
Series 2021-NQM2 Class A1 | ||
151,651 | 1.03%, 11/25/2064 | 125,361 |
Mill City Mortgage Loan Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2017-3 Class A1 | ||
45,032 | 2.75%, 01/25/2061 | 43,493 |
Series 2018-1 Class A1 | ||
69,646 | 3.25%, 05/25/2062 | 66,914 |
Series 2018-2 Class A1 | ||
38,570 | 3.50%, 05/25/2058 | 37,523 |
Series 2018-3 Class A1 | ||
56,671 | 3.50%, 08/25/2058 | 54,042 |
Series 2019-1 Class A1 | ||
113,873 | 3.25%, 10/25/2069 | 107,098 |
Series 2019-GS1 Class A1 | ||
243,158 | 2.75%, 07/25/2059 | 227,461 |
New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust(a) | ||
Series 2015-1A Class A3 | ||
22,070 | 3.75%, 05/28/2052(d) | 20,058 |
Series 2017-2A Class A3 | ||
64,032 | 4.00%, 03/25/2057(d) | 59,614 |
Series 2017-3A Class A1 | ||
103,316 | 4.00%, 04/25/2057(d) | 97,163 |
Series 2017-4A Class A1 | ||
36,896 | 4.00%, 05/25/2057(d) | 33,713 |
Series 2017-5A Class A1 | ||
34,620 | 6.65%, 06/25/2057(c) 1-mo. LIBOR + 1.50% | 34,288 |
Series 2017-6A Class A1 | ||
65,238 | 4.00%, 08/27/2057(d) | 60,184 |
Series 2018-1A Class A1A | ||
329,842 | 4.00%, 12/25/2057(d) | 309,454 |
Series 2018-2A Class A1 | ||
66,553 | 4.50%, 02/25/2058(d) | 62,910 |
Series 2018-4A Class A1S | ||
70,732 | 5.90%, 01/25/2048(c) 1-mo. LIBOR + 0.75% | 68,540 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
Series 2019-3A Class A1A | ||
$ 120,997 | 3.75%, 11/25/2058(d) | $ 110,834 |
Series 2019-5A Class A1B | ||
119,141 | 3.50%, 08/25/2059(d) | 109,700 |
Series 2019-NQM4 Class A1 | ||
23,445 | 2.49%, 09/25/2059(d) | 21,195 |
Series 2020-1A Class A1B | ||
75,498 | 3.50%, 10/25/2059(d) | 69,409 |
Series 2021-NQ1R Class A1 | ||
129,075 | 0.94%, 07/25/2055(d) | 109,051 |
Series 2021-NQ2R Class A1 | ||
178,465 | 0.94%, 10/25/2058(d) | 157,914 |
819,722 | NMLT Trust(a)(d) Series 2021-INV1 Class A1 1.19%, 05/25/2056 | 665,093 |
Onslow Bay Mortgage Loan Trust(a) | ||
Series 2021-NQM1 Class A1 | ||
260,722 | 1.07%, 02/25/2066(d) | 208,337 |
Series 2021-NQM3 Class A1 | ||
256,242 | 1.05%, 07/25/2061(d) | 192,580 |
Series 2022-NQM1 Class A1 | ||
504,157 | 2.31%, 11/25/2061(d) | 421,872 |
Series 2022-NQM7 Class A1 | ||
91,372 | 5.11%, 08/25/2062(b) | 88,892 |
Preston Ridge Partners Mortgage LLC(a)(b) | ||
Series 2020-6 Class A1 | ||
63,360 | 2.36%, 11/25/2025 | 60,544 |
Series 2021-3 Class A1 | ||
348,620 | 1.87%, 04/25/2026 | 324,944 |
Series 2021-4 Class A1 | ||
509,277 | 1.87%, 04/25/2026 | 469,074 |
Series 2021-6 Class A1 | ||
241,493 | 1.79%, 07/25/2026 | 218,974 |
Series 2021-7 Class A1 | ||
377,703 | 1.87%, 08/25/2026 | 344,476 |
Series 2021-9 Class A1 | ||
484,009 | 2.36%, 10/25/2026 | 449,754 |
Series 2021-RPL1 Class A1 | ||
98,046 | 1.32%, 07/25/2051 | 85,261 |
88,948 | Residential Mortgage Loan Trust(a)(d) Series 2021-1R Class A1 0.86%, 01/25/2065 | 79,818 |
490,000 | SG Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust(a) Series 2020-COVE Class A 2.63%, 03/15/2037 | 452,266 |
Starwood Mortgage Residential Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2020-3 Class A1 | ||
27,929 | 1.49%, 04/25/2065 | 25,583 |
Series 2021-1 Class A1 | ||
202,888 | 1.22%, 05/25/2065 | 172,788 |
Series 2021-2 Class A1 | ||
147,962 | 0.94%, 05/25/2065 | 130,362 |
Series 2021-6 Class A1 | ||
401,500 | 1.92%, 11/25/2066 | 324,775 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
$ 169,414 | Toorak Mortgage Corp Ltd(a)(d) Series 2021-INV1 Class A1 1.15%, 07/25/2056 | $ 141,002 |
Towd Point Mortgage Trust(a)(d) | ||
Series 2017-1 Class A1 | ||
56,954 | 2.75%, 10/25/2056 | 56,110 |
Series 2017-2 Class A1 | ||
6,524 | 2.75%, 04/25/2057 | 6,449 |
Series 2017-4 Class A1 | ||
184,591 | 2.75%, 06/25/2057 | 173,301 |
Series 2017-6 Class A1 | ||
193,736 | 2.75%, 10/25/2057 | 183,083 |
Series 2018-1 Class A1 | ||
18,089 | 3.00%, 01/25/2058 | 17,315 |
Series 2018-2 Class A1 | ||
81,206 | 3.25%, 03/25/2058 | 77,243 |
Series 2018-3 Class A1 | ||
79,957 | 3.75%, 05/25/2058 | 75,338 |
Series 2018-5 Class A1A | ||
166,395 | 3.25%, 07/25/2058 | 158,791 |
Series 2019-1 Class A1 | ||
310,617 | 3.75%, 03/25/2058 | 290,648 |
Series 2020-1 Class A2A | ||
190,000 | 3.10%, 01/25/2060 | 163,599 |
Series 2021-R1 Class A1 | ||
1,191,311 | 2.92%, 11/30/2060 | 962,127 |
158,287 | Triangle Re Ltd(a)(c) Series 2021-3 Class M1A 6.97%, 02/25/2034 1-mo. SOFR + 1.90% | 158,606 |
Verus Securitization Trust(a) | ||
Series 2019-INV3 Class A1 | ||
58,364 | 2.69%, 11/25/2059(d) | 55,707 |
Series 2020-4 Class A1 | ||
55,806 | 1.50%, 05/25/2065(b) | 50,674 |
Series 2020-5 Class A1 | ||
88,393 | 1.22%, 05/25/2065(b) | 79,497 |
Series 2021-2 Class A1 | ||
223,127 | 1.03%, 02/25/2066(d) | 185,158 |
Series 2021-4 Class A1 | ||
181,247 | 0.94%, 07/25/2066(d) | 141,612 |
Series 2021-5 Class A1 | ||
448,819 | 1.01%, 09/25/2066(d) | 353,788 |
Series 2021-8 Class A1 | ||
280,567 | 1.82%, 11/25/2066(d) | 234,441 |
Series 2021-R2 Class A1 | ||
124,231 | 0.92%, 02/25/2064(d) | 107,453 |
Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust | ||
Series 2015-C31 Class A4 | ||
143,000 | 3.70%, 11/15/2048 | 135,084 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Non-Agency — (continued) | ||
Series 2015-NXS1 Class A5 | ||
$ 325,000 | 3.15%, 05/15/2048 | $ 307,009 |
31,699,187 | ||
U.S. Government Agency — 39.71% | ||
Connecticut Avenue Securities Trust(a)(c) | ||
Series 2021-R01 Class 1M2 | ||
134,000 | 6.62%, 10/25/2041 1-mo. SOFR + 1.55% | 131,325 |
Series 2021-R03 Class 1M2 | ||
121,000 | 6.72%, 12/25/2041 1-mo. SOFR + 1.65% | 117,078 |
Series 2022-R08 Class 1M1 | ||
60,695 | 7.62%, 07/25/2042 1-mo. SOFR + 2.55% | 61,553 |
Series 2023-R03 Class 2M1 | ||
135,140 | 7.57%, 04/25/2043 1-mo. SOFR + 2.50% | 136,354 |
Series 2023-R03 Class 2M2 | ||
50,000 | 8.97%, 04/25/2043 1-mo. SOFR + 3.90% | 51,023 |
Series 2023-R05 Class 1M1 | ||
270,000 | 6.97%, 06/25/2043 1-mo. SOFR + 1.90% | 270,253 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp | ||
162,681 | 3.00%, 09/01/2027 | 156,110 |
3,684 | 6.00%, 11/01/2033 | 3,760 |
7,558 | 6.00%, 04/01/2035 | 7,632 |
7,284 | 4.50%, 05/01/2035 | 7,178 |
27,738 | 5.50%, 08/01/2035 | 27,946 |
31,984 | 4.50%, 11/01/2035 | 31,335 |
2,919 | 6.50%, 02/01/2036 | 2,984 |
6,150 | 4.50%, 03/01/2036 | 6,059 |
7,311 | 6.00%, 03/01/2036 | 7,547 |
12,830 | 5.50%, 06/01/2036 | 12,776 |
14,823 | 5.50%, 08/01/2036 | 15,174 |
927 | 6.00%, 08/01/2037 | 936 |
10,423 | 7.00%, 08/01/2037 | 10,542 |
38,095 | 5.00%, 04/01/2038 | 38,367 |
81,660 | 5.50%, 05/01/2038 | 83,804 |
53,903 | 4.50%, 03/01/2039 | 53,090 |
57,155 | 4.50%, 05/01/2039 | 56,507 |
61,623 | 4.00%, 09/01/2040 | 59,250 |
156,233 | 5.00%, 09/01/2040 | 157,349 |
18,670 | 4.00%, 09/01/2043 | 17,856 |
140,150 | 4.50%, 04/01/2044 | 137,691 |
340,699 | 4.50%, 12/01/2044 | 334,337 |
888,774 | 3.00%, 02/01/2049 | 800,090 |
49,384 | 3.50%, 07/01/2049 | 45,652 |
1,283,835 | 4.00%, 03/01/2050 | 1,224,700 |
2,201,554 | 4.50%, 03/01/2050 | 2,153,149 |
399,937 | 3.50%, 05/01/2050 | 367,486 |
120,154 | 2.50%, 11/01/2050 | 103,280 |
943,028 | 4.50%, 11/01/2050 | 908,577 |
969,975 | 2.50%, 02/01/2051 | 827,603 |
1,949,481 | 2.00%, 05/01/2051 | 1,598,628 |
2,770,032 | 2.50%, 05/01/2051 | 2,365,174 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
U.S. Government Agency — (continued) | ||
$ 32,857 | 2.00%, 09/01/2051 | $ 26,828 |
869,366 | 2.50%, 09/01/2051 | 742,556 |
933,826 | 2.00%, 11/01/2051 | 762,994 |
3,358,829 | 2.00%, 01/01/2052 | 2,742,743 |
540,676 | 2.00%, 02/01/2052 | 441,385 |
1,476,473 | 2.00%, 03/01/2052 | 1,205,815 |
1,038,942 | 2.00%, 04/01/2052 | 848,376 |
827,538 | 4.50%, 04/01/2052 | 795,756 |
978,120 | 2.00%, 05/01/2052 | 797,788 |
1,268,899 | 2.00%, 06/01/2052 | 1,038,221 |
697,897 | 5.00%, 06/01/2052 | 693,360 |
1,173,006 | 5.00%, 07/01/2052 | 1,164,771 |
2,884,354 | 3.00%, 08/01/2052 | 2,564,819 |
1,976,693 | 5.00%, 09/01/2052 | 1,938,314 |
624,729 | 6.00%, 11/01/2052 | 638,774 |
414,913 | 6.00%, 12/01/2052 | 423,860 |
1,927,555 | 6.00%, 01/01/2053 | 1,970,667 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates | ||
Series K068 Class A2 | ||
190,000 | 3.24%, 08/25/2027 | 179,628 |
Series K104 Class X1 | ||
986,956 | 1.25%, 01/25/2030(d) | 56,536 |
Series K111 Class X1 | ||
573,950 | 1.68%, 05/25/2030(d) | 48,244 |
Series K112 Class X1 | ||
1,124,995 | 1.54%, 05/25/2030(d) | 87,315 |
Series K114 Class X1 | ||
1,462,300 | 1.21%, 06/25/2030(d) | 90,068 |
Series K122 Class X1 | ||
447,464 | 0.97%, 11/25/2030(d) | 22,215 |
Series K-152 Class A2 | ||
500,000 | 3.78%, 11/25/2032(d) | 473,384 |
Series KF153 Class AS | ||
300,000 | 5.72%, 02/25/2033(c) 1-mo. SOFR + 0.68% | 299,338 |
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit | ||
Series 3883 Class PB | ||
19,052 | 3.00%, 05/15/2041 | 17,648 |
Series 4097 Class KA | ||
57,018 | 2.00%, 09/15/2031 | 54,141 |
Series 4122 Class AB | ||
74,473 | 1.50%, 10/15/2042 | 65,204 |
Series 4142 Class PT | ||
50,707 | 1.25%, 12/15/2027 | 47,149 |
Series 4146 Class AB | ||
43,764 | 1.13%, 12/15/2027 | 40,654 |
Series 4216 Class KQ | ||
33,841 | 1.70%, 10/15/2039 | 32,741 |
Series 4961 Class JB | ||
141,995 | 2.50%, 12/15/2042 | 126,621 |
Series 5170 Class DP | ||
437,712 | 2.00%, 07/25/2050 | 364,975 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
U.S. Government Agency — (continued) | ||
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes(a)(c) | ||
Series 2019-DNA4 Class B1 | ||
$ 70,000 | 7.85%, 10/25/2049 1-mo. LIBOR + 2.70% | $ 70,219 |
Series 2022-HQA2 Class M1A | ||
38,793 | 7.72%, 07/25/2042 1-mo. SOFR + 2.65% | 39,441 |
Series 2023-HQA2 Class M1A | ||
160,000 | 7.07%, 06/25/2043 1-mo. SOFR + 2.00% | 160,500 |
Series 2023-HQA2 Class M1B | ||
162,000 | 8.42%, 06/25/2043 1-mo. SOFR + 3.35% | 163,620 |
72,909 | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp Structured Agency Credit Risk Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit Trust(a)(c) Series 2021-DNA5 Class M2 6.72%, 01/25/2034 1-mo. SOFR + 1.65% | 72,791 |
Federal National Mortgage Association | ||
106 | 4.50%, 08/01/2023 | 105 |
131,075 | 4.00%, 07/01/2026 | 127,894 |
309,758 | 3.50%, 01/01/2031 | 297,764 |
5,355 | 4.50%, 08/01/2035 | 5,276 |
3,038 | 6.00%, 02/01/2036 | 3,067 |
19,683 | 5.50%, 03/01/2036 | 19,754 |
21,128 | 6.50%, 06/01/2036 | 21,574 |
29,771 | 6.00%, 03/01/2037 | 30,689 |
45,275 | 6.00%, 08/01/2037 | 46,958 |
11,638 | 6.50%, 08/01/2037 | 12,083 |
22,818 | 2.00%, 07/01/2041 | 19,457 |
143,736 | 4.00%, 10/01/2041 | 138,203 |
850,343 | 4.00%, 12/01/2044 | 816,795 |
260,805 | 4.00%, 01/01/2045 | 249,515 |
3,485,762 | 3.50%, 07/01/2045 | 3,242,566 |
164,805 | 3.50%, 08/01/2045 | 153,279 |
1,592,957 | 4.00%, 08/01/2045 | 1,525,852 |
1,296,486 | 4.00%, 01/01/2046 | 1,238,782 |
348,747 | 4.00%, 10/01/2046 | 332,897 |
365,266 | 3.50%, 01/01/2047 | 337,764 |
944,989 | 4.50%, 11/01/2047 | 925,477 |
26,870 | 4.50%, 01/01/2048 | 26,261 |
383,784 | 4.50%, 04/01/2048 | 376,029 |
155,028 | 4.00%, 02/01/2049 | 148,265 |
482,017 | 3.50%, 07/01/2049 | 445,592 |
471,660 | 4.50%, 07/01/2049 | 460,081 |
340,956 | 3.50%, 08/01/2049 | 315,189 |
851,595 | 3.00%, 12/01/2049 | 756,069 |
1,782,247 | 3.00%, 04/01/2050 | 1,581,388 |
515,277 | 3.50%, 05/01/2050 | 475,767 |
786,893 | 2.50%, 06/01/2050 | 676,299 |
238,605 | 2.50%, 07/01/2050 | 203,596 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
U.S. Government Agency — (continued) | ||
$ 921,965 | 2.50%, 09/01/2050 | $ 793,347 |
2,955,029 | 2.00%, 10/01/2050 | 2,433,022 |
1,969,563 | 2.00%, 11/01/2050 | 1,619,987 |
50,539 | 2.50%, 02/01/2051 | 43,441 |
76,721 | 2.50%, 03/01/2051 | 65,914 |
1,319,911 | 3.00%, 07/01/2051 | 1,165,201 |
97,042 | 2.50%, 09/01/2051 | 83,104 |
998,507 | 2.00%, 10/01/2051 | 814,668 |
388,244 | 2.50%, 10/01/2051 | 333,328 |
403,747 | 2.50%, 11/01/2051 | 346,640 |
1,400,892 | 2.00%, 01/01/2052 | 1,146,213 |
3,991,082 | 2.00%, 02/01/2052 | 3,257,292 |
976,970 | 2.00%, 03/01/2052 | 797,257 |
4,534,933 | 2.00%, 04/01/2052 | 3,701,857 |
4,655,892 | 2.50%, 04/01/2052 | 3,950,167 |
4,167,890 | 2.00%, 06/01/2052 | 3,403,333 |
65,997 | 2.00%, 07/01/2052 | 53,814 |
1,881,602 | 5.00%, 08/01/2052 | 1,859,028 |
1,975,239 | 5.00%, 09/01/2052 | 1,936,888 |
957,248 | 5.50%, 09/01/2052 | 963,372 |
863,868 | 6.00%, 12/01/2052 | 882,495 |
964,914 | 5.50%, 04/01/2053 | 962,281 |
2,007,773 | 3.50%, 09/01/2062 | 1,817,455 |
Federal National Mortgage Association Alternative Credit Enhancement Securities(d) | ||
Series 2019-M21 Class X3 | ||
1,929,011 | 1.28%, 06/25/2034 | 139,906 |
Series 2020-M2 Class X | ||
4,894,778 | 0.40%, 01/25/2030 | 63,647 |
55,604 | Federal National Mortgage Association Interest Strip Series 415 Class A3 3.00%, 11/25/2042 | 50,955 |
Federal National Mortgage Association Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit | ||
Series 2012-103 Class HB | ||
43,659 | 1.50%, 09/25/2027 | 40,779 |
Series 2012-120 Class ZB | ||
464,569 | 3.50%, 11/25/2042 | 423,747 |
Series 2012-124 Class JA | ||
45,540 | 1.50%, 11/25/2042 | 40,131 |
Series 2012-18 Class GA | ||
30,805 | 2.00%, 12/25/2041 | 27,415 |
Series 2012-21 Class PQ | ||
17,966 | 2.00%, 09/25/2041 | 16,132 |
Series 2012-52 Class PA | ||
27,307 | 3.50%, 05/25/2042 | 25,774 |
Series 2013-16 Class A | ||
40,062 | 1.75%, 01/25/2040 | 38,295 |
Series 2013-77 Class BP | ||
39,063 | 1.70%, 06/25/2043 | 37,128 |
Series 2013-9 Class PT | ||
42,638 | 1.25%, 02/25/2028 | 39,470 |
Series 2015-48 Class QB | ||
24,865 | 3.00%, 02/25/2043 | 23,346 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
U.S. Government Agency — (continued) | ||
Series 2015-5 Class EP | ||
$ 90,217 | 2.00%, 06/25/2043 | $ 81,454 |
Series 2016-11 Class GA | ||
43,897 | 2.50%, 03/25/2046 | 39,563 |
Series 2016-38 Class NA | ||
21,748 | 3.00%, 01/25/2046 | 19,787 |
Series 2017-16 Class PB | ||
288,000 | 3.00%, 03/25/2047 | 246,976 |
Series 2017-26 Class CG | ||
26,992 | 3.50%, 07/25/2044 | 25,966 |
Series 2017-34 Class JK | ||
17,257 | 3.00%, 05/25/2047 | 16,144 |
Series 2017-35 Class AH | ||
32,988 | 3.50%, 04/25/2053 | 31,812 |
Series 2017-49 Class JA | ||
32,223 | 4.00%, 07/25/2053 | 31,225 |
Series 2017-84 Class KA | ||
35,519 | 3.50%, 04/25/2053 | 33,923 |
Series 2018-23 Class LA | ||
41,440 | 3.50%, 04/25/2048 | 38,853 |
Series 2018-70 Class HA | ||
44,582 | 3.50%, 10/25/2056 | 42,256 |
Series 2019-12 Class HA | ||
73,087 | 3.50%, 11/25/2057 | 68,234 |
Series 2019-14 Class CA | ||
77,552 | 3.50%, 04/25/2049 | 72,632 |
Series 2019-21 Class BD | ||
70,232 | 3.00%, 09/25/2057 | 63,330 |
Series 2019-45 Class PT | ||
68,871 | 3.00%, 08/25/2049 | 61,955 |
Series 2019-7 Class JA | ||
60,602 | 3.50%, 03/25/2049 | 56,589 |
Series 2020-1 Class AC | ||
268,665 | 3.50%, 08/25/2058 | 250,269 |
Series 2022-90 Class AY | ||
680,000 | 4.50%, 12/25/2041 | 666,391 |
560,000 | FREMF Mortgage Trust(a)(d) Series 2015-K45 Class B 3.73%, 04/25/2048 | 536,147 |
Government National Mortgage Association | ||
3,800,000 | 2.00%, TBA | 3,193,633 |
2,000,000 | 2.50%, TBA | 1,731,719 |
2,400,000 | 3.00%, TBA | 2,144,344 |
3,250,000 | 3.50%, TBA | 2,999,521 |
2,800,000 | 4.00%, TBA | 2,649,391 |
6,400,000 | 4.50%, TBA | 6,177,000 |
5,000,000 | 5.00%, TBA | 4,913,281 |
7,000,000 | 5.50%, TBA | 6,967,187 |
161,070 | 4.00%, 02/20/2045 | 155,695 |
35,133 | 3.00%, 12/20/2045 | 32,050 |
82,632 | 4.50%, 01/20/2046 | 81,904 |
142,682 | 4.50%, 06/20/2048 | 139,574 |
145,458 | 4.50%, 07/20/2048 | 141,870 |
151,520 | 4.50%, 09/20/2048 | 148,100 |
153,274 | 4.50%, 10/20/2048 | 149,776 |
127,428 | 4.50%, 01/20/2049 | 124,456 |
145,097 | 4.50%, 02/20/2049 | 141,670 |
314,594 | 3.50%, 12/20/2049 | 292,431 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
U.S. Government Agency — (continued) | ||
$ 298,064 | 3.50%, 01/20/2050 | $ 278,815 |
1,466,643 | 3.00%, 03/20/2050 | 1,322,572 |
677,639 | 3.50%, 10/20/2050 | 631,540 |
3,099,998 | 2.50%, 03/20/2051 | 2,694,920 |
83,388 | 3.00%, 03/20/2051 | 74,995 |
316,403 | 2.50%, 06/20/2051 | 270,864 |
73,956 | 3.00%, 06/20/2051 | 66,404 |
1,438,081 | 2.50%, 09/20/2051 | 1,228,083 |
620,092 | 2.50%, 10/20/2051 | 527,709 |
3,099,997 | 3.00%, 10/20/2051 | 2,779,605 |
589,020 | 2.50%, 11/20/2051 | 504,631 |
662,844 | 2.50%, 12/20/2051 | 565,989 |
1,246,964 | 2.50%, 01/20/2052 | 1,062,315 |
1,557,300 | 3.00%, 02/20/2052 | 1,393,871 |
980,230 | 3.50%, 02/20/2053 | 907,037 |
Series 2013-37 Class LG | ||
31,212 | 2.00%, 01/20/2042 | 29,172 |
Series 2015-151 Class BA | ||
5,922 | 1.70%, 10/20/2045 | 5,873 |
Series 2015-56 Class LB | ||
18,826 | 1.50%, 04/16/2040 | 18,546 |
Series 2021-135 Class A | ||
1,756,698 | 2.00%, 08/20/2051 | 1,460,672 |
63,998 | Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust Series 2019-3 Class MV 3.50%, 10/25/2058 | 58,013 |
Uniform Mortgage-Backed Security(f) | ||
600,000 | 2.00%, TBA | 531,656 |
6,152,000 | 2.50%, TBA | 5,216,223 |
3,000,000 | 3.00%, TBA | 2,735,109 |
17,708,000 | 4.50%, TBA | 17,024,582 |
4,000,000 | 5.00%, TBA | 3,919,375 |
7,560,000 | 5.50%, TBA | 7,523,381 |
169,505,790 | ||
TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — 47.13% (Cost $211,633,758) | $201,204,977 | |
MUNICIPAL BONDS AND NOTES | ||
575,000 | California State University Series B 1.79%, 11/01/2030 | 470,956 |
500,000 | Chabot-Las Positas Community College District 1.89%, 08/01/2031 | 404,983 |
560,000 | Chicago O'Hare International Airport Series D 2.35%, 01/01/2030 | 482,223 |
65,000 | Chicago Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Fund Series B 3.91%, 12/01/2040 | 56,879 |
145,000 | City of Rapid City, South Dakota Sales Tax Revenue 1.78%, 12/01/2031 | 115,672 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Municipal Bonds and Notes — (continued) | ||
$ 315,000 | Commonwealth of Massachusetts 4.11%, 07/15/2031 | $ 305,900 |
County of Riverside, California | ||
420,000 | 2.96%,02/15/2027 | 391,743 |
420,000 | 3.07%,02/15/2028 | 388,367 |
180,000 | Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Series A 4.51%, 11/01/2051 | 167,519 |
200,000 | District of Columbia 3.43%, 04/01/2042 | 158,859 |
Marshall University Series B | ||
100,000 | 3.13%,05/01/2028 | 91,816 |
100,000 | 3.38%,05/01/2031 | 89,053 |
Metropolitan Transportation Authority | ||
115,000 | 4.75%,11/15/2045 | 117,043 |
315,000 | 5.18%,11/15/2049 | 286,909 |
335,000 | Napa Valley Unified School District 1.54%, 08/01/2028 | 286,522 |
570,000 | New York State Dormitory Authority Series C 2.15%, 03/15/2031 | 471,553 |
105,000 | New York State Thruway Authority Series M 2.90%, 01/01/2035 | 88,808 |
365,000 | New York Transportation Development Corp 4.25%, 09/01/2035 | 355,112 |
600,000 | Oregon Education Districts Series A 1.89%, 06/30/2031 | 486,192 |
355,000 | Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development Series C 6.55%, 10/15/2028 | 374,951 |
345,000 | Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Series AAA 1.09%, 07/01/2023 | 345,000 |
80,000 | Regents of The University of California Medical Center Pooled Revenue Series H 6.55%, 05/15/2048 | 93,338 |
State Board of Administration Finance Corp | ||
395,000 | 1.26%,07/01/2025 | 364,686 |
575,000 | 2.15%,07/01/2030 | 479,266 |
State of California | ||
130,000 | 7.55%,04/01/2039 | 163,775 |
85,000 | 7.30%,10/01/2039 | 102,635 |
15,000 | 7.63%,03/01/2040 | 18,855 |
295,000 | State of Connecticut Special Tax Revenue Series B 5.46%, 11/01/2030 | 302,260 |
TOTAL MUNICIPAL BONDS AND NOTES — 1.75% (Cost $8,568,255) | $ 7,460,875 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY BONDS AND NOTES | ||
Federal Farm Credit Bank Funding Corp | ||
$ 2,080,000 | 2.90%, 04/12/2032 | $ 1,875,554 |
760,000 | 2.85%, 03/28/2034 | 662,125 |
Federal Home Loan Bank | ||
560,000 | 3.38%, 09/10/2032 | 522,018 |
600,000 | 4.75%, 12/10/2032 | 615,507 |
3,650,000 | Federal National Mortgage Association(e) 0.88%, 08/05/2030 | 2,934,011 |
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY BONDS AND NOTES — 1.55% (Cost $7,352,680) | $ 6,609,215 | |
U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES | ||
U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Bonds TIPS | ||
1,000,939 | 0.75%, 07/15/2028 | 948,370 |
3,080,142 | 0.25%, 07/15/2029 | 2,812,013 |
1,585,000 | 0.25%, 02/15/2050 | 1,107,163 |
332,377 | 0.13%, 02/15/2052 | 220,209 |
United States Treasury Note/Bond | ||
6,385,000 | 1.38%, 08/31/2026(g)(h) | 5,809,851 |
265,000 | 1.13%, 02/28/2027 | 236,471 |
430,000 | 0.38%, 09/30/2027 | 365,970 |
125,000 | 0.50%, 10/31/2027 | 106,689 |
700,000 | 1.13%, 02/29/2028 | 610,039 |
600,000 | 2.38%, 05/15/2029 | 547,031 |
2,130,000 | 1.25%, 08/15/2031 | 1,747,931 |
3,695,000 | 1.38%, 11/15/2031 | 3,046,787 |
6,477,200 | 2.88%, 05/15/2032 | 6,005,579 |
3,620,000 | 2.75%, 08/15/2032 | 3,318,663 |
2,930,000 | 4.13%, 11/15/2032 | 2,994,094 |
16,750,000 | 1.88%, 02/15/2041 | 12,164,033 |
2,355,000 | 2.25%, 05/15/2041 | 1,813,718 |
2,375,000 | 3.13%, 02/15/2043 | 2,071,167 |
1,575,000 | 3.88%, 02/15/2043 | 1,535,625 |
1,025,000 | 3.88%, 05/15/2043 | 1,000,176 |
1,280,000 | 3.63%, 08/15/2043 | 1,201,450 |
4,670,000 | 3.75%, 11/15/2043 | 4,463,133 |
5,590,000 | 3.63%, 02/15/2044 | 5,237,131 |
610,000 | 3.13%, 08/15/2044 | 527,865 |
3,850,000 | 2.50%, 02/15/2045 | 2,980,742 |
4,140,000 | 3.00%, 11/15/2045 | 3,491,346 |
4,515,000 | 2.50%, 02/15/2046 | 3,475,315 |
260,000 | 2.50%, 05/15/2046 | 199,926 |
1,620,000 | 2.25%, 08/15/2046 | 1,183,549 |
1,500,000 | 2.88%, 11/15/2046 | 1,236,270 |
1,500,000 | 3.00%, 02/15/2047 | 1,262,930 |
1,170,000 | 3.00%, 02/15/2048 | 986,502 |
300,000 | 3.13%, 05/15/2048 | 258,785 |
590,000 | 3.00%, 02/15/2049 | 498,942 |
590,000 | 2.88%, 05/15/2049 | 487,649 |
2,810,000 | 2.25%, 08/15/2049 | 2,041,531 |
5,110,000 | 2.38%, 11/15/2049 | 3,815,533 |
5,100,000 | 1.25%, 05/15/2050 | 2,867,754 |
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds and Notes — (continued) | ||
$ 2,730,000 | 1.63%, 11/15/2050 | $ 1,695,373 |
1,365,000 | 2.25%, 02/15/2052 | 986,426 |
870,000 | 2.88%, 05/15/2052 | 720,979 |
3,485,000 | 3.00%, 08/15/2052 | 2,963,067 |
2,110,000 | 4.00%, 11/15/2052 | 2,167,366 |
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES — 21.84% (Cost $111,749,828) | $ 93,211,143 | |
Shares | ||
COMMON STOCK | ||
Consumer, Cyclical — 0.01% | ||
761 | Superior Energy Services LLC(i) | 23,972 |
TOTAL COMMON STOCK — 0.01% (Cost $50,000) | $ 23,972 | |
Principal Amount | ||
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS | ||
U.S. Treasury Bonds and Notes — 0.18% | ||
755,000 | U.S. Treasury Bills(j) 5.21%, 10/12/2023 | 743,911 |
Repurchase Agreements — 1.86% | ||
1,993,854 | Undivided interest of 17.71% in a repurchase agreement (principal amount/value $11,289,501 with a maturity value of $11,294,243) with Mizuho Securities (USA) LLC, 5.04%, dated 6/30/23 to be repurchased at $1,993,854 on 7/3/23 collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, 0.38% - 4.63%, 12/31/23 - 5/15/31, with a value of $11,515,300.(k) | 1,993,854 |
1,993,854 | Undivided interest of 17.71% in a repurchase agreement (principal amount/value $11,289,501 with a maturity value of $11,294,252) with Bank of America Securities Inc, 5.05%, dated 6/30/23 to be repurchased at $1,993,854 on 7/3/23 collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, 2.88% - 4.38%, 2/15/38 - 2/15/49, with a value of $11,515,294.(k) | 1,993,854 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Principal Amount | Fair Value | |
Repurchase Agreements — (continued) | ||
$ 1,993,854 | Undivided interest of 17.71% in a repurchase agreement (principal amount/value $11,289,501 with a maturity value of $11,294,252) with JP Morgan Securities, 5.05%, dated 6/30/23 to be repurchased at $1,993,854 on 7/3/23 collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, 0.00% - 2.75%, 7/5/23 - 9/30/26, with a value of $11,515,292.(k) | $ 1,993,854 |
1,972,199 | Undivided interest of 17.78% in a repurchase agreement (principal amount/value $11,122,204 with a maturity value of $11,126,885) with HSBC Securities (USA) Inc, 5.05%, dated 6/30/23 to be repurchased at $1,972,199 on 7/3/23 collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities, 0.00% - 0.13%, 10/15/24 - 5/15/50, with a value of $11,344,650.(k) | 1,972,199 |
7,953,761 | ||
TOTAL SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS — 2.04% (Cost $8,697,672) | $ 8,697,672 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 115.25% (Cost $538,289,433) | $491,975,686 | |
OTHER ASSETS & LIABILITIES, NET — (15.25)% | $ (65,091,091) | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.00% | $426,884,595 |
(a) | Represents securities sold under Rule 144A, which are exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
(b) | Step bond; a zero coupon bond that converts to a fixed rate or variable interest rate at a designated future date. Rate disclosed represents effective yield at June 30, 2023. Maturity date disclosed represents final maturity date. |
(c) | Adjustable rate security; interest rate is subject to change. Interest rate shown reflects the rate in effect at June 30, 2023. |
(d) | Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above. |
(e) | All or a portion of the security is on loan at June 30, 2023. |
(f) | Single-class security backed by mortgage loans purchased by either Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. |
(g) | All or a portion of the security has been pledged as collateral to cover segregation requirements on open swaps. |
(h) | All or a portion of the security has been pledged as collateral to cover segregation requirements on open futures contracts. |
(i) | Non-income producing security. |
(j) | Zero coupon bond; the interest rate shown is the effective yield on date of purchase. |
(k) | Collateral received for securities on loan. |
LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate is the interest rate banks charge each other for short-term loans. |
LP | Limited Partnership |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
SOFR | Secured Overnight Financing Rate is the secured interbank overnight interest rate and reference rate established as an alternative to LIBOR. |
TBA | To Be Announced |
TIPS | Treasury Inflation Protected Securities |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
At June 30, 2023 the Fund held the following outstanding exchange traded futures contracts: | |||||
Description | Number of Contracts | Notional Amount (000) | Expiration Date | Fair Value and Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Short | |||||
3 Month EURIBOR Futures | 2 | EUR | 480 | Sep 2023 | $ 900 |
3 Month SONIA Index Futures | 30 | GBP | 7,054 | Sep 2023 | 57,497 |
Euro-Bobl Futures | 13 | EUR | 1,504 | Sep 2023 | 11,772 |
Euro-Bund Futures | 2 | EUR | 267 | Sep 2023 | (1,789) |
U.S. 10 Year Treasury Note Futures | 52 | USD | 5,838 | Sep 2023 | 38,047 |
U.S. 10 Year Treasury Ultra Futures | 102 | USD | 12,081 | Sep 2023 | 99,743 |
U.S. 5 Year Treasury Note Futures | 43 | USD | 4,605 | Sep 2023 | 90,178 |
U.S. Long Bond Futures | 148 | USD | 18,782 | Sep 2023 | (1,158) |
U.S. Ultra Bond Futures | 54 | USD | 7,356 | Sep 2023 | (72,625) |
Long | |||||
3 Month SONIA Index Futures | 4 | GBP | 939 | Jun 2024 | (3,417) |
3 Month SONIA Index Futures | 34 | GBP | 7,999 | Sep 2024 | (100,786) |
U.S. 2 Year Treasury Note Futures | 258 | USD | 52,463 | Sep 2023 | (359,765) |
U.S. 5 Year Treasury Note Futures | 119 | USD | 12,744 | Sep 2023 | (135,415) |
Net Depreciation | $(376,818) |
At June 30, 2023 the Fund held the following over-the-counter (OTC) forward foreign currency contracts: | ||||||
Counterparty | Currency Purchased | Quantity of Currency Purchased | Currency Sold | Quantity of Currency Sold | Settlement Date | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) |
BB | USD | 318,880 | CAD | 424,201 | 09/20/2023 | $(1,774) |
BB | USD | 221,460 | NZD | 362,387 | 09/20/2023 | (801) |
DB | USD | 224,434 | AUD | 334,439 | 09/20/2023 | 1,128 |
JPM | USD | 208,680 | NOK | 2,285,212 | 09/20/2023 | (4,826) |
MS | JPY | 74,281,456 | USD | 541,420 | 09/20/2023 | (19,802) |
MS | USD | 307,068 | EUR | 284,755 | 09/20/2023 | (4,974) |
MS | USD | 287,707 | GBP | 229,477 | 09/20/2023 | (3,751) |
MS | USD | 233,746 | SEK | 2,518,067 | 09/20/2023 | (646) |
SSB | CHF | 600,329 | USD | 670,219 | 09/20/2023 | 6,440 |
Net Depreciation | $(29,006) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
At June 30, 2023, the Fund held the following outstanding centrally cleared credit default swaps: | |||||||||
Reference Obligation | Notional Amount (000)(a) | Value | Upfront Payments/ Receipts | Fixed Deal Pay/Receive Rate | Maturity Date | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | Implied Credit Spread(b) | Payment Frequency | |
Sell Credit Protection | |||||||||
Nordstrom Inc 6.95%, 03/15/2028 | USD | 750 | $ (1,891) | $ (184) | 1.00% | 06/20/2024 | $(1,707) | 1.27% | Quarterly |
Nordstrom Inc 6.95%, 03/15/2028 | USD | 275 | (2,841) | (2,610) | 1.00 | 12/20/2024 | (231) | 1.73 | Quarterly |
CDX.NA.IG.40 Index(c) | USD | 2,270 | 34,335 | 27,695 | 1.00 | 06/20/2028 | 6,640 | 0.66 | Quarterly |
CDX.NA.IG.40 Index(c) | USD | 9,875 | 149,366 | 115,967 | 1.00 | 06/20/2028 | 33,399 | 0.66 | Quarterly |
Net Appreciation | $38,101 |
(a) | The maximum potential amount the Fund could be required to pay as a seller of credit protection or receive as a buyer of credit protection if a credit event occurs as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement. |
(b) | Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, are utilized in determining the value of credit default swap agreements on sovereign issues of an emerging country as of period end, and serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads represent a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. |
(c) | Based on an index of North American bonds with investment grade credit ratings that trade in the credit default swap market. |
At June 30, 2023, the Fund held the following outstanding centrally cleared interest rate swaps: | ||||||
Rate Received by the Fund | Rate Paid by the Fund | Notional Amount (000) | Maturity Date | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | Payment Frequency | |
1-day SOFR | 3.50% | USD | 470 | 04/19/2025 | $ 4,464 | Annual |
3.50% | 3-mo. SEK-STIBOR | SEK | 17,680 | 09/20/2025 | (2,194) | Quarterly |
1-day EUROSTR | 3.50% | EUR | 1,640 | 09/20/2025 | 2 | Annual |
4.25% | 1-day CORRA | CAD | 4,450 | 09/20/2025 | 2,423 | Semi Annual |
3-mo. AUD-BBR-BBSW | 3.50% | AUD | 2,270 | 09/20/2025 | 3,186 | Quarterly |
3-mo. NZD-BBR-FRA | 5.00% | NZD | 2,470 | 09/20/2025 | 3,740 | Quarterly |
3.00% | 1-day EUROSTR | EUR | 1,170 | 04/13/2028 | (17,935) | Annual |
2.67% | 1-day EUROSTR | EUR | 4,440 | 04/22/2028 | (9,995) | Annual |
3-mo. EURIBOR | 2.85% | EUR | 4,440 | 04/22/2028 | (6,078) | Quarterly |
3.50% | 1-day SONIA | GBP | 30 | 09/20/2028 | (352) | Annual |
1-day JPY-TONA | 0.50% | JPY | 640,000 | 09/20/2028 | 1,276 | Annual |
6-mo. EURIBOR | 2.35% | EUR | 180 | 07/04/2029 | 1,606 | Semi Annual |
3.42% | 1-day SOFR | USD | 3,640 | 03/31/2030 | (54,834) | Annual |
1-day SOFR | 2.68% | USD | 2,480 | 07/28/2032 | 15,054 | Annual |
4.00% | 6-mo. AUD-BBR-BBSW | AUD | 2,390 | 09/20/2033 | (110,579) | Semi Annual |
1-day SONIA | 3.25% | GBP | 50 | 09/20/2033 | (9,121) | Annual |
1-day CORRA | 3.75% | CAD | 840 | 09/20/2033 | (8,703) | Semi Annual |
3.50% | 1-day SOFR | USD | 1,310 | 09/20/2033 | (6,987) | Annual |
1-day JPY-TONA | 0.75% | JPY | 426,000 | 09/20/2033 | (3,499) | Annual |
4.50% | 3-mo. NZD-BBR-FRA | NZD | 490 | 09/20/2033 | (471) | Semi Annual |
3-mo. SEK-STIBOR | 3.00% | SEK | 10,980 | 09/20/2033 | 11,335 | Quarterly |
6-mo. NIBOR | 3.50% | NOK | 699 | 09/20/2033 | 12,577 | Semi Annual |
2.00% | 1-day SARON | CHF | 1,680 | 09/20/2033 | 30,106 | Annual |
3.00% | 6-mo. EURIBOR | EUR | 1,340 | 05/15/2035 | 4,784 | Annual |
2.86% | 6-mo. EURIBOR | EUR | 1,310 | 07/04/2037 | (4,510) | Annual |
2.91% | 1-day SOFR | USD | 6,090 | 07/28/2037 | 3,459 | Annual |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Schedule of Investments
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
At June 30, 2023, the Fund held the following outstanding centrally cleared interest rate swaps: | ||||||
Rate Received by the Fund | Rate Paid by the Fund | Notional Amount (000) | Maturity Date | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | Payment Frequency | |
2.15% | 6-mo. EURIBOR | EUR | 2,110 | 08/09/2037 | $ 5,103 | Annual |
2.72% | 1-day SOFR | USD | 3,820 | 08/11/2037 | (45,618) | Annual |
3.39% | 1-day SOFR | USD | 2,520 | 05/10/2038 | 3,353 | Annual |
6-mo. EURIBOR | 1.45% | EUR | 5,400 | 08/10/2042 | 15,415 | Semi Annual |
1-day SOFR | 2.08% | USD | 5,000 | 07/28/2047 | (9,036) | Annual |
1.05% | 6-mo. EURIBOR | EUR | 3,160 | 08/11/2047 | (18,543) | Annual |
6-mo. EURIBOR | 1.56% | EUR | 1,010 | 07/06/2052 | 23,252 | Semi Annual |
1-day SOFR | 2.17% | USD | 1,960 | 08/11/2052 | 28,603 | Annual |
1-day SOFR | 2.88% | USD | 440 | 03/15/2053 | 21,481 | Annual |
1-day SOFR | 2.97% | USD | 1,235 | 03/15/2053 | 53,929 | Annual |
1-day SOFR | 2.56% | USD | 2,010 | 05/11/2053 | (10,280) | Annual |
6-mo. EURIBOR | 2.00% | EUR | 680 | 05/17/2053 | (3,735) | Semi Annual |
1-day SOFR | 3.25% | USD | 365 | 06/21/2053 | (5,223) | Annual |
6-mo. EURIBOR | 2.50% | EUR | 360 | 09/20/2053 | (10,140) | Semi Annual |
Net Depreciation | $(92,685) |
Counterparty Abbreviations | ||
AUD-BBR-BBSW | Australian Bank Bill is the interest rate banks charge each other for short-term loans. | |
BB | Barclays Bank PLC | |
CORRA | Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average | |
DB | Deutsche Bank | |
EURIBOR | Euro Interbank Offered Rate is the interest rate published by European Money Markets Institute, that banks offer to lend unsecured funds to other banks. | |
EUROSTR | Euro short term rate | |
JPM | JP Morgan Chase & Co | |
JPY-TONA | Japan Tokyo Overnight Average Rate | |
MS | Morgan Stanley & Co LLC | |
NIBOR | Norwegian Interbank Offered Rate is the interest rate level a bank requires for unsecured money market lending in NOK to another bank. | |
NZD-BBR-FRA | The rate for the New Zealand Dollar bills of exchange for a period of designated maturity. | |
SEK-STIBOR | Swedish Krona Stockholm Interbank Offered Rate | |
SOFR | Secured Overnight Financing Rate is the secured interbank overnight interest rate and reference rate established as an alternative to LIBOR. | |
SONIA | Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate is the effective overnight interest rate paid by banks for unsecured transactions in the British sterling market. | |
SSB | State Street Bank |
Currency Abbreviations | ||
AUD | Australian Dollar | |
CAD | Canadian Dollar | |
CHF | Swiss Franc | |
EUR | Euro Dollar | |
GBP | British Pound | |
JPY | Japanese Yen | |
NOK | Norwegian Krone | |
NZD | New Zealand Dollar | |
SEK | Swedish Krona | |
USD | U.S. Dollar |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Empower Core Bond Fund | |
ASSETS: | |
Investments in securities, fair value (including $7,728,662 of securities on loan)(b) | $484,021,925 |
Repurchase agreements, fair value(c) | 7,953,761 |
Cash | 9,467,890 |
Cash pledged on futures contracts | 740,925 |
Cash pledged on centrally cleared swaps | 1,428,325 |
Interest receivable | 3,144,151 |
Subscriptions receivable | 1,141,329 |
Receivable for investments sold | 645,478 |
Variation margin on centrally cleared swaps | 34,504 |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | 7,568 |
Total Assets | 508,585,856 |
LIABILITIES: | |
Payable for TBA investments purchased | 68,340,835 |
Payable for director fees | 7,312 |
Payable for investments purchased | 4,841,691 |
Payable for other accrued fees | 123,429 |
Payable for shareholder services fees | 6,657 |
Payable to investment adviser | 86,964 |
Payable upon return of securities loaned | 7,953,761 |
Redemptions payable | 69,228 |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | 36,574 |
Variation margin on futures contracts | 234,810 |
Total Liabilities | 81,701,261 |
NET ASSETS | $426,884,595 |
NET ASSETS REPRESENTED BY: | |
Capital stock, $0.10 par value | $5,034,982 |
Paid-in capital in excess of par | 505,193,912 |
Undistributed/accumulated deficit | (83,344,299) |
NET ASSETS | $426,884,595 |
NET ASSETS BY CLASS | |
Investor Class | $24,125,295 |
Institutional Class | $402,759,300 |
CAPITAL STOCK: | |
Authorized | |
Investor Class | 40,000,000 |
Institutional Class | 210,000,000 |
Issued and Outstanding | |
Investor Class | 2,559,885 |
Institutional Class | 47,789,936 |
NET ASSET VALUE, REDEMPTION PRICE AND OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE: | |
Investor Class | $9.42 |
Institutional Class | $8.43 |
(b) Cost of investments, unaffiliated | $530,335,672 |
(c) Cost of repurchase agreements | $7,953,761 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
Statement of Operations
For the period ended June 30, 2023 (Unaudited)
Empower Core Bond Fund | |
INVESTMENT INCOME: | |
Interest | $7,893,836 |
Income from securities lending | 19,056 |
Total Income | 7,912,892 |
EXPENSES: | |
Management fees | 678,411 |
Shareholder services fees – Investor Class | 42,726 |
Audit and tax fees | 26,653 |
Custodian fees | 58,228 |
Directors fees | 16,546 |
Legal fees | 3,881 |
Pricing fees | 75,829 |
Registration fees | 19,155 |
Transfer agent fees | 4,747 |
Other fees | 7,254 |
Total Expenses | 933,430 |
Less amount waived by investment adviser | 148,983 |
Net Expenses | 784,447 |
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | 7,128,445 |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS): | |
Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions | (12,171,306) |
Net realized loss on credit default swaps | (223,396) |
Net realized loss on interest rate swaps | (249,906) |
Net realized gain on futures contracts | 715,287 |
Net Realized Loss | (11,929,321) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translations | 18,159,134 |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | 62,226 |
Net change in unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps | (159,740) |
Net change in unrealized depreciation on futures contracts | (930,664) |
Net change in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | (29,006) |
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation | 17,101,950 |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain | 5,172,629 |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | $12,301,074 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
For the period ended June 30, 2023 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2022
Empower Core Bond Fund | 2023 (Unaudited) | 2022 | |
OPERATIONS: | |||
Net investment income | $7,128,445 | $10,184,745 | |
Net realized loss | (11,929,321) | (23,991,726) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 17,101,950 | (63,735,693) | |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | 12,301,074 | (77,542,674) | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | |||
From net investment income and net realized gains | |||
Investor Class | (380,244) | (571,051) | |
Institutional Class | (8,547,508) | (9,057,261) | |
From Net Investment Income and Net Realized Gains | (8,927,752) | (9,628,312) | |
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | |||
Shares sold | |||
Investor Class | 5,645,485 | 9,708,255 | |
Institutional Class | 39,473,325 | 74,974,786 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | |||
Investor Class | 380,244 | 571,051 | |
Institutional Class | 8,547,508 | 9,057,261 | |
Shares redeemed | |||
Investor Class | (28,448,543) | (49,517,337) | |
Institutional Class | (42,030,493) | (87,265,860) | |
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions | (16,432,474) | (42,471,844) | |
Total Decrease in Net Assets | (13,059,152) | (129,642,830) | |
NET ASSETS: | |||
Beginning of Period | 439,943,747 | 569,586,577 | |
End of Period | $426,884,595 | $439,943,747 | |
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS - SHARES: | |||
Shares sold | |||
Investor Class | 591,993 | 987,579 | |
Institutional Class | 4,604,172 | 8,368,975 | |
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions | |||
Investor Class | 40,065 | 59,870 | |
Institutional Class | 1,005,963 | 1,060,342 | |
Shares redeemed | |||
Investor Class | (2,955,751) | (4,739,615) | |
Institutional Class | (4,892,974) | (9,780,387) | |
Net Decrease | (1,606,532) | (4,043,236) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Financial Highlights
Selected data for a share of capital stock of the Fund throughout the periods indicated.
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations: | Less Distributions: | ||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period | Net investment income(a) | Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | Total from investment operations | From return of capital | From net investment income | From net realized gains | Total Distributions | Net asset value, end of period | Total Return (b)(c) | ||
Investor Class | |||||||||||
06/30/2023 (Unaudited) | $ 9.34 | 0.14 | 0.10 | 0.24 | - | (0.16) | - | (0.16) | $ 9.42 | 2.56% (d) | |
12/31/2022 | $11.08 | 0.18 | (1.81) | (1.63) | - | (0.11) | - | (0.11) | $ 9.34 | (14.70%) | |
12/31/2021 | $11.55 | 0.12 | (0.30) | (0.18) | (0.01) | (0.08) | (0.20) | (0.29) | $11.08 | (1.55%) | |
12/31/2020 | $11.03 | 0.21 | 0.67 | 0.88 | - | (0.30) | (0.06) | (0.36) | $11.55 | 8.01% | |
12/31/2019 | $10.35 | 0.28 | 0.67 | 0.95 | - | (0.27) | - | (0.27) | $11.03 | 9.19% | |
12/31/2018 | $10.73 | 0.30 | (0.43) | (0.13) | - | (0.25) | - | (0.25) | $10.35 | (1.21%) | |
Institutional Class | |||||||||||
06/30/2023 (Unaudited) | $ 8.38 | 0.14 | 0.09 | 0.23 | - | (0.18) | - | (0.18) | $ 8.43 | 2.78% (d) | |
12/31/2022 | $10.01 | 0.20 | (1.64) | (1.44) | - | (0.19) | - | (0.19) | $ 8.38 | (14.37%) | |
12/31/2021 | $10.51 | 0.15 | (0.28) | (0.13) | (0.01) | (0.16) | (0.20) | (0.37) | $10.01 | (1.21%) | |
12/31/2020 | $10.04 | 0.23 | 0.61 | 0.84 | - | (0.31) | (0.06) | (0.37) | $10.51 | 8.46% | |
12/31/2019 | $ 9.45 | 0.30 | 0.59 | 0.89 | - | (0.30) | - | (0.30) | $10.04 | 9.45% | |
12/31/2018 | $ 9.84 | 0.31 | (0.39) | (0.08) | - | (0.31) | - | (0.31) | $ 9.45 | (0.82%) |
Net assets, end of period (000) | Ratio of expenses to average net assets (before reimbursement and/or waiver, if applicable) | Ratio of expenses to average net assets (after reimbursement and/or waiver, if applicable) | Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (after reimbursement and/or waiver, if applicable) | Portfolio turnover rate(e)(f) | ||
Supplemental Data and Ratios | ||||||
Investor Class | ||||||
06/30/2023 (Unaudited) | $ 24,125 | 0.92% (g) | 0.70% (g) | 2.97% (g) | 217% (d) | |
12/31/2022 | $ 45,622 | 0.81% | 0.70% | 1.79% | 490% | |
12/31/2021 | $ 95,010 | 0.75% | 0.70% | 1.07% | 407% | |
12/31/2020 | $ 89,443 | 0.79% | 0.70% | 1.81% | 265% | |
12/31/2019 | $ 51,836 | 0.80% | 0.70% | 2.61% | 180% | |
12/31/2018 | $ 30,166 | 0.83% | 0.70% | 2.91% | 154% | |
Institutional Class | ||||||
06/30/2023 (Unaudited) | $402,759 | 0.41% (g) | 0.35% (g) | 3.39% (g) | 217% (d) | |
12/31/2022 | $394,322 | 0.40% | 0.35% | 2.20% | 490% | |
12/31/2021 | $474,577 | 0.37% | 0.35% | 1.42% | 407% | |
12/31/2020 | $420,772 | 0.39% | 0.35% | 2.20% | 265% | |
12/31/2019 | $438,963 | 0.39% | 0.35% | 2.99% | 180% | |
12/31/2018 | $375,724 | 0.40% | 0.35% | 3.25% | 154% |
(a) | Per share amounts are based upon average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Total return does not include any fees or expenses of variable insurance contracts, if applicable. If such fees or expenses were included, the return shown would have been lower. |
(c) | Total return shown net of expenses reimbursed and/or waived, if applicable. Without the expense reimbursement and/or waiver, the return shown would have been lower. |
(d) | Not annualized for periods less than one full year. |
(e) | Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level. |
(f) | Portfolio turnover includes purchases and sales related to TBA transactions, including dollar roll transactions, which occurred during the period. Excluding TBA and dollar roll transactions, the portfolio turnover would have been 24%, 50%, 72%, 86%, 66% ,and 62% for the period ended June 30, 2023, and the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. |
(g) | Annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
EMPOWER CORE BOND FUND
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Empower Funds, Inc. (Empower Funds), a Maryland corporation, was organized on December 7, 1981 and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company. Empower Funds presently consists of forty-five funds. Interests in the Empower Core Bond Fund (the Fund) are included herein. The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide total return, consisting of two components: (1) changes in the market value of its portfolio holdings (both realized and unrealized appreciation); and (2) income received from its portfolio holdings. The Fund is diversified as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund is available as an investment option to insurance company separate accounts for certain variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies, to individual retirement account custodians or trustees, to plan sponsors of qualified retirement plans, to college savings programs, and to asset allocation funds that are a series of Empower Funds.
The Fund offers two share classes, referred to as Investor Class and Institutional Class shares. All shares of the Fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, expenses (other than those attributable to a specific class) and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based on the relative proportion of net assets represented by such class. Operating expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against operations of that class. Expenses incurred by Empower Funds, which are not Fund specific, are allocated based on relative net assets or other appropriate allocation methods.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is also an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies of the Fund.
Security Valuation
The Board of Directors of the Fund has adopted policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s securities and assets, and has appointed the Fair Value Pricing Committee of the investment adviser, Empower Capital Management, LLC (ECM or the Adviser), to complete valuation determinations under those policies and procedures. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board of Directors approved the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee to make all fair value determinations with respect to the Fund’s investments, subject to oversight by the Board of Directors.
The Fund generally values its securities based on market prices determined at the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open for trading. The net asset value (NAV) of each class of the Fund's shares is determined by dividing the net assets attributable to each class of shares of the Fund by the number of issued and outstanding shares of each class of the Fund on each valuation date.
For securities that are traded on only one exchange, the last sale price as of the close of business of that exchange will be used. If the closing price is not available, the current bid as of the close of business will be used. For securities traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more exchanges and in the over-the-counter (OTC) market, the last sale price as of the close of business on the market which the security is traded most extensively will be used. If the closing price is not available, the current bid as of the close of business will be used. For securities that principally trade on the NASDAQ National Market System, the NASDAQ official closing price will be used.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
Short term securities purchased with less than 60 days remaining until maturity and all U.S. Treasury Bills are valued on the basis of amortized cost, which has been determined to approximate fair value. Short term securities purchased with more than 60 days remaining until maturity are valued using pricing services, or in the event a price is not available from a pricing service, may be priced using other methodologies approved by the Board of Directors, including model pricing or pricing on the basis of quotations from brokers or dealers, and will continue to be priced until final maturity.
Fixed income investments are valued using evaluated bid prices from approved pricing services when available and appropriate based on the conditions of the market. If a price cannot be located from either the primary or secondary sources, or if the market is determined to be illiquid or inactive, other appropriate sources, which may include the use of an internally developed valuation model, another external pricing vendor or sourcing a price from a broker, may be used.
Foreign exchange rates are determined at a time that corresponds to the closing of the NYSE.
For derivatives that are traded on an exchange, the last sale price as of the close of business of the exchange will be used. For derivatives traded over-the-counter (OTC), independent pricing services will be utilized when possible. If a price cannot be located from the primary source, other appropriate sources, which may include the use of an internally developed valuation model, another external pricing vendor or sourcing a price from a broker, may be used.
Independent pricing services are approved by the Board of Directors and are utilized for all investment types when available. In some instances valuations from independent pricing services are not available or do not reflect events in the market between the time the market closed and the valuation time and therefore fair valuation procedures are implemented. The fair value for some securities may be obtained from pricing services or other pricing sources. The inputs used by the pricing services are reviewed quarterly or when the pricing vendor issues updates to its pricing methodologies. Broker quotes are analyzed through an internal review process, which includes a review of known market conditions and other relevant data. Developments that might trigger fair value pricing could be natural disasters, government actions or fluctuations in domestic and foreign markets.
The following table provides examples of the inputs that are commonly used for valuing particular classes of securities. These classifications are not exclusive, and any inputs may be used to value any other security class.
Class | Inputs |
Asset-Backed Securities | Benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. Inputs may also include new issue data, collateral performance, and monthly payment information. |
Corporate Bonds and Notes | Benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. Inputs also may include observations of equity and credit default swap curves related to issuer. |
Foreign Government Bonds and Notes | Benchmark yields, executed trades, broker/dealer quotes, credit information, collateral attributes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, treasury/swap maturity curves, issuer spread curves, evaluated bids, market corroborated inputs, offers and reference data including market research publications. |
Mortgage-Backed Securities | Benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. Inputs may also include new issue data, collateral performance, TBA prices, monthly payment information and third party real estate analysis. |
Municipal Bonds and Notes | Benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. Inputs also may include reported trades, benchmark yields, new issue data, and material event notices. |
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
U.S. Government Agency Bonds and Notes, U.S. Treasury Bonds and Notes | Benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, evaluated bids, offers and reference data including market research publications. |
Common Stock | Exchange traded close price, bids, evaluated bids, open and close price of the local exchange, exchange rates, fair values based on significant market movement and various index data. |
Short Term Investments | Maturity date, credit quality and interest rates. |
Futures Contracts | Exchange traded close price. |
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts | Foreign currency spot and forward rates. |
Credit Default Swaps | Reported trades, credit spreads and curves, recovery rates, restructuring types and net present value of cashflows. |
Interest Rate Swaps | Interest rate curves, LIBOR curves, reported trades and swap curves. |
The Fund classifies its valuations into three levels based upon the observability of inputs to the valuation of the Fund’s investments. The valuation levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with the underlying investment. Classification is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices for identical securities in active markets.
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly. These may include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs to the extent observable inputs are not available and may include prices obtained from single broker quotes. Unobservable inputs reflect the Fund’s own assumptions and would be based on the best information available under the circumstances.
As of June 30, 2023, all of the Fund’s investments are valued using Level 2 inputs, except for Futures Contracts, which are valued using Level 1 inputs. More information regarding the sector classifications, as applicable, are included in the Schedule of Investments.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may engage in repurchase agreement transactions with institutions that the Fund’s investment adviser has determined are creditworthy. The Fund will purchase securities at a specified price with an agreement to sell the securities to the same counterparty at a specified time, price and interest rate. The Fund’s custodian and/or securities lending agent receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing a repurchase agreement. Collateral is at least equal to the value of the repurchase obligation including interest. A repurchase agreement transaction involves certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the counterparty. These risks include possible delays or restrictions upon a Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities and a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period while the Fund seeks to assert its rights.
To Be Announced Transactions
The Fund may invest in securities known as To Be Announced (TBA) securities. TBA’s are Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation or Government National Mortgage Association issued mortgage backed securities for forward settlement, in which the buyer and seller decide on trade parameters, but the exact pools are unknown until two days before settlement date. The transactions arise when securities are purchased or sold with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering into the transaction. TBA transactions generally settle monthly on a specified date. TBA’s are included in Investments in securities, fair value on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
Dollar Rolls
The Fund may sell TBA mortgage-backed securities and simultaneously contract to repurchase TBA mortgage-backed securities on a specific future date at an agreed upon price. During the period between the sale and repurchase, a fund is not entitled to receive interest and principal payments on the securities sold. Mortgage dollar roll transactions are treated as purchases and sales and realize gains and losses on these transactions. Mortgage dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities that a fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities.
Foreign Currency Translations and Transactions
The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Investment securities, and other assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the current exchange rate. Purchases and sales of securities, income receipts and expense payments are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate on the dates of the transactions.
The Fund does not isolate the portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded by the Fund and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities at fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates. These gains and losses are included in net realized gain or loss and change in net unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the Statement of Operations.
Security Transactions
Security transactions are accounted for on the date the security is purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains and losses from investments sold are determined on a specific lot selection. Dividend income for the Fund is accrued as of the ex-dividend date and interest income, including amortization of discounts and premiums, is recorded daily.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities
For Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) the principal amount is adjusted daily to keep pace with inflation. Interest is accrued based on the adjusted principal amount. The adjustments to principal due to inflation are reflected as increases or decreases to Interest in the accompanying Statement of Operations. Such adjustments may have a significant impact on the Fund's distributions.
Federal Income Taxes and Distributions to Shareholders
The Fund intends to comply with provisions under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income, including any net realized gain on investments not offset by capital loss carryforwards, if any, to shareholders. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is required. The Fund files income tax returns in U.S. federal and applicable state jurisdictions. The statute of limitations on the Fund’s tax return filings generally remains open for the three preceding fiscal reporting period ends. State tax returns may remain open for an additional fiscal year.
Distributions to shareholders from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid quarterly. Capital gain distributions of the Fund, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. Distributions are reinvested in additional shares of the Fund at net asset value and are declared separately for each class. Distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) for federal income tax purposes may differ from those reported on the financial statements because of temporary and permanent book-tax basis differences. Book-tax differences may include but are not limited to the following: wash sales and distribution adjustments.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
The aggregate cost of securities and other investments and the composition of unrealized appreciation and depreciation for federal income tax purposes as of June 30, 2023 were as follows:
Federal tax cost of investments | $538,381,682 |
Gross unrealized appreciation on investments | 71,994,887 |
Gross unrealized depreciation on investments | (118,861,291) |
Net unrealized depreciation on investments | $(46,866,404) |
2. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Fund's investment objective allows the Fund to enter into various types of derivative contracts, including credit default swaps, interest rate swaps, futures contracts and forward foreign currency contracts. Derivatives are investments whose value is primarily derived from underlying assets, indices or reference rates.
In pursuit of the Fund's investment objectives, the Fund may seek to use derivatives to increase or decrease its exposure to the following market risks:
Credit Risk - The risk that an issuer may default on its obligations to pay principal and/or interest. A security’s value may be affected by changes in its credit quality rating or its issuer’s financial conditions.
Foreign Exchange Risk - The risk that adverse fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and other currencies may cause the Fund to lose money on investments denominated in foreign currencies.
Interest Rate Risk - The risk that market value of a fixed income security is affected significantly by changes in interest rates. When interest rates rise, the security’s market value declines and when interest rates decline, market values rise. The longer a security’s maturity, the greater the risk and the higher its yield. Conversely, the shorter a security’s maturity, the lower the risk and the lower its yield.
The Fund is also exposed to additional risks from investing in derivatives, such as liquidity and counterparty credit risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Fund will be unable to sell or close out the derivative in the open market in a timely manner. Counterparty credit risk is the risk that the counterparty will not be able to fulfill its obligations to the Fund. Investing in derivatives may also involve greater risks than investing directly in the underlying assets, such as losses in excess of any initial investment and collateral received. In addition, there may be the risk that the change in value of the derivative contract does not correspond to the change in value of the underlying instrument.
The Fund is subject to enforceable master netting agreements, or netting arrangements, with certain counterparties.These agreements govern the terms of certain transactions, and reduce the counterparty risk associated with relevant transactions by specifying offsetting mechanisms and collateral posting arrangements, if any, at pre-arranged exposure levels. Collateral or margin requirements, if any, are set by the broker or exchange clearing house for exchanged traded derivatives while collateral terms are contract specific for OTC traded derivatives.
Derivative counterparty credit risk is managed through an evaluation of the creditworthiness of all potential counterparties. The Fund attempts to reduce its exposure to counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives, whenever possible, by entering into International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master agreements with certain counterparties. These agreements contain various provisions, including but not limited to collateral requirements (if any), events of default, or early termination. OTC derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Early termination by the counterparty may result in an immediate payment by the Fund of any net liability owed to that counterparty under the ISDA agreement.
Futures Contracts
The Fund uses futures contracts to capitalize on expected changes in the shape of the yield curve and to control overall interest rate exposure. A futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specified underlying investment for a fixed price at a specified future date. Futures contracts are generally entered into on a regulated futures exchange and cleared through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange.The use of futures contracts may involve risks such as the possibility of illiquid markets or imperfect correlation between the value of the contracts and the underlying securities that comprise the index, or that the clearinghouse will fail to perform its obligations.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
Futures contracts are reported in a table following the Schedule of Investments. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount (initial margin deposit). Receipts or payments, known as variation margin, are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the fair value of the underlying security. This is recorded as variation margin on futures contracts on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. When the Fund enters into a closing transaction, it will realize, for book purposes, a gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the futures contract at the time it was opened or purchased and its value at the time it was closed, and is reflected in net realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations. The Fund held an average of 279 long futures contracts and an average of 479 short futures contracts for the reporting period.
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts
The Fund enters into OTC forward foreign currency contracts (forward contracts) primarily to capture potential returns from changes in currency exchange rates or to reduce the risk of undesired currency exposure. A forward contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated rate.
Forward contracts are reported in a table following the Schedule of Investments. The unrealized appreciation or depreciation is reported on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and on the Statement of Operations within the net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Upon the closing of such contract the difference between the U.S. dollar cost of the original contract and the value of the foreign currency in U.S. dollars is recorded as net realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations. The Fund held an average foreign currency contracts amount of $1,740,089 in forward contracts for the reporting period.
Credit Default Swaps
The Fund enters into credit default swap contracts to gain exposure on individual names and/or baskets of securities. A credit default swap is an agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that enables the Fund to buy or sell protection against a credit event related to a particular issuer. One party, acting as a protection buyer, makes periodic payments to the other party, a protection seller, in exchange for a promise by the protection seller to make a payment to the protection buyer if a negative credit event (such as a delinquent payment or default) occurs with respect to a referenced bond or group of bonds. Credit default swaps may also be structured based on the debt of a basket of issuers, rather than a single issuer, and may be customized with respect to the number of defaults event that triggers purchase or other factors (for example, the Nth default within a basket, or defaults by a particular combination of issuers within the basket, may trigger a payment obligation). These agreements may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market (OTC credit default swaps) or may be executed on a registered exchange (centrally cleared credit default swaps).
Credit default swaps, if any, are reported in a table following the Schedule of Investments. For centrally cleared credit default swaps, required initial margin deposits of cash or securities are pledged by the Fund. Subsequent payments, known as variation margin, are made or received by the Fund, depending on fluctuations in the value of the centrally cleared credit default swaps. Such variation margin is accounted for as a payable or receivable on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and settled daily until the contract is closed, at which time the gains or losses are realized. Any upfront premiums paid or received upon entering into a swap are capitalized and amortized to income ratably over the term of the swap. Upfront premiums are disclosed as upfront premiums paid/received in a table following the Schedule of Investments. The Fund accrues for the interim payments on swap contracts on a daily basis, with the net amount recorded within variation margin on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Upon the termination of swap contracts, the net gain or loss is recorded as net realized gain or loss on credit default swaps on the Statement of Operations.
Credit default swaps may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the referenced obligation directly. The Fund held an average notional amount of $9,347,857 in credit default swaps for the reporting period.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
Interest Rate Swaps
The Fund enters into interest rate swap contracts primarily to manage interest rate risk. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties to exchange interest rate payment obligations. Typically, one is based on an interest rate fixed to maturity while the other is based on an interest rate that changes in accordance with changes in a designated benchmark (for example, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), prime rate, commercial paper rate, or other benchmarks). Each party’s payment obligation under an interest rate swap is determined by reference to a specified notional amount of money. Therefore, interest rate swaps generally do not involve the delivery of securities, other underlying instruments, or principal amounts; rather they entail the exchange of cash payments based on the application of the designated interest rates to the notional amount. These agreements may be privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market (OTC interest rate swaps) or may be executed on a registered exchange (centrally cleared interest rate swaps).
For centrally cleared interest rate swaps, required initial margin deposits of cash or securities are pledged by the Fund. Subsequent payments, known as variation margin, are made or received by the Fund, depending on fluctuations in the value of the centrally cleared interest rate swaps. Such variation margin is accounted for as a payable or receivable on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and settled daily until the contract is closed, at which time the gains or losses are realized. Over the term of the contract, contractually required payments to be paid and to be received are accrued daily and recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations.
The Fund has entered into interest rate swaps in which it either pays or receives a fixed interest rate and pays or receives a floating interest rate. Barring swap counterparty default, the risk of loss in an interest rate swap is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is obligated to make or receive (as applicable), as well as any early termination payment payable by or to the Fund upon early termination of the swap. The Fund held an average notional amount of $1,141,155,143 in interest rate swaps for the reporting period. Interest rate swaps are reported on a table following the Schedule of Investments.
Derivative Financial Instruments Categorized by Risk Exposure
Valuation of derivative investments as of June 30, 2023 is as follows:
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||||||
Risk Exposure | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value | ||||
Credit contracts (swaps) | Net unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | $ 40,039(a) | Net unrealized depreciation on credit default swaps | $(1,938)(a) | ||||
Interest rate contracts (swaps) | Net unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps | $245,148 (a) | Net unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps | $(337,833) (a) | ||||
Interest rate contracts (futures contracts) | Net unrealized appreciation on futures contracts | $298,137 (a) | Net unrealized depreciation on futures contracts | $(674,955) (a) | ||||
Foreign exchange contracts (forwards) | Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | $ 7,568 | Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | $ (36,574) |
(a)Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of interest rate contracts, credit contracts, and futures contracts as reported in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
The effect of derivative investments for the period ended June 30, 2023 is as follows:
Realized Gain or (Loss) | Change in Unrealized Appreciation or (Depreciation) | |||||
Risk Exposure | Statement of Operations Location | Statement of Operations Location | ||||
Credit contracts (swaps) | Net realized loss on credit default swaps | $(223,396) | Net change in unrealized appreciation on credit default swaps | $62,226 | ||
Interest rate contracts (swaps) | Net realized loss on interest rate swaps | $(249,906) | Net change in unrealized depreciation on interest rate swaps | $(159,740) | ||
Interest rate contracts (futures contracts) | Net realized gain on futures contracts | $ 715,287 | Net change in unrealized depreciation on futures contracts | $(930,664) | ||
Foreign exchange contracts (forwards) | Net change in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | $ (29,006) |
3. OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The Fund enters into derivative transactions with several approved counterparties. Certain transactions are effected under agreements which include master netting arrangements which provide for the netting of payment obligations and/or netting in situations of counterparty default. The following table summarizes the Fund's financial investments that are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement at June 30, 2023.
Investments: | Gross Amount Presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities (a) | Financial Instruments Available for Offset | Financial Instruments Collateral Received | Cash Collateral Pledged (Received) | Net Amount |
Derivative Assets (forward contracts) | $ 7,568 | $— | $— | $— | $ 7,568 |
Derivative Liabilities (forward contracts) | $(36,574) | $— | $— | $— | $(36,574) |
(a) OTC derivatives are reported gross on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. | |||||
4. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Empower Funds entered into an investment advisory agreement with ECM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (Empower of America). As compensation for its services to Empower Funds, the Adviser receives monthly compensation at the annual rate of 0.32% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. Certain administration and accounting services fees for the Fund are included in the investment advisory agreement.
The Adviser contractually agreed to waive fees or reimburse expenses that exceed an annual rate of 0.35% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to each Class, including management fees and expenses paid directly by the Fund, excluding shareholder service fees, and certain extraordinary expenses (the "Expense Limit"). The agreement's current term ends on April 30, 2024 and automatically renews for one-year unless terminated upon written notice within 90 days of the end of the current term or upon termination of the investment advisory agreement. The amount waived or reimbursed, if any, is reflected in the Statement of Operations.
The Adviser is permitted upon approval by the Board of Directors to recoup amounts waived or reimbursed by the Fund in future periods, not exceeding three years following the particular waiver/reimbursement, provided the total annual operating expenses of each Class of the Fund plus such recoupment do not exceed the lesser of the Expense Limit that was in place at the time of the waiver/reimbursement or the Expense Limit in place at the time of recoupment. At June 30, 2023, the amounts subject to recoupment were as follows:
Expires December 31, 2023 | Expires December 31, 2024 | Expires December 31, 2025 | Expires June 30, 2026 | Recoupment of Past Reimbursed Fees by the Adviser | ||||
$224,997 | $160,576 | $286,764 | $148,983 | $0 |
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
The Adviser and Empower Funds entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and Wellington Management Company LLP. The Adviser is responsible for compensating the Sub-Adviser for its services.
Empower Funds entered into a shareholder services agreement with Empower Retirement, LLC (Empower), an affiliate of ECM and subsidiary of Empower of America. Pursuant to the shareholder services agreement, Empower provides various recordkeeping, administrative and shareholder services to shareholders and receives from the Investor Class shares of the Fund a fee equal to 0.35% of the average daily net asset value of the applicable share class.
Empower Financial Services, Inc. (the Distributor), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Empower of America and the principal underwriter to distribute and market the Fund.
Certain officers of Empower Funds are also directors and/or officers of Empower of America or its subsidiaries. No officer or interested director of Empower Funds receives any compensation directly from Empower Funds. The total compensation paid to the independent directors with respect to all forty-five funds for which they serve as directors was $673,000 for the fiscal period ended June 30, 2023.
5. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENTS
For the period ended June 30, 2023, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (including mortgage dollar rolls and TBA transactions, excluding all U.S. Government securities and short-term securities) were $52,173,571 and $53,941,935, respectively. For the same period, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of long-term U.S. Government securities were $1,012,890,200 and $1,040,345,871, respectively.
6. SECURITIES LOANED
The Fund has entered into a securities lending agreement with its custodian as securities lending agent. Under the terms of the agreement the Fund receives income after deductions of other amounts payable to the securities lending agent or to the borrower from lending transactions. In exchange for such fees, the securities lending agent is authorized to loan securities on behalf of the Fund against receipt of cash collateral at least equal in value at all times to the value of the securities loaned plus accrued interest. The fair value of the loaned securities is determined daily at the close of business of the Fund and necessary collateral adjustments are made between the Fund and its counterparties on the next business day through the delivery or receipt of additional collateral. The Fund also continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned. Cash collateral is invested in securities approved by the Board of Directors. The Fund bears the risk of any deficiency in the amount of collateral available for return to a borrower due to a loss in an approved investment. As of June 30, 2023, the Fund had securities on loan valued at $7,728,662 and received collateral as reported on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities of $7,953,761 for such loan which was invested in Repurchase Agreements collateralized by U.S. Government or U.S. Government Agency securities. The Repurchase Agreements can be jointly purchased with other lending agent clients and in the event of a default by the counterparty, all lending agent clients would share ratably in the collateral.
Under the securities lending agreement, the collateral pledged is, by definition, the securities loaned against the cash borrowed. The following table summarizes the cash collateral liability under the securities lending agreement by class of securities loaned as of June 30, 2023. Additional information regarding the Fund's securities on loan is included in the Schedule of Investments.
Security lending transactions | Total (a) |
Corporate Bonds and Notes | $4,451,020 |
Foreign Government Bonds and Notes | 488,650 |
U.S. Government Agency Bonds and Notes | 3,014,091 |
Total secured borrowings | $7,953,761 |
(a) | The remaining contractual maturity of all of the securities lending transactions is overnight and continuous. |
7. INDEMNIFICATIONS
The Fund’s organizational documents provide current and former officers and directors with a limited indemnification against liabilities arising in connection with the performance of their duties to the Fund. In the normal course of business, the Fund may also enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would be dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered remote.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has reviewed all events subsequent to June 30, 2023, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing these financial statements through the date the financial statements were issued. No subsequent events requiring adjustments or disclosures have occurred.
Semi-Annual Report - June 30, 2023
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedule
Empower Funds files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form NPORT-EX. Empower Funds’ Forms NPORT-EX are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov, and may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
Availability of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
A description of the policies and procedures that Empower Funds uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-831-7129, and on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
Availability of Proxy Voting Record
Information regarding how Empower Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-866-831-7129, and on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.
Funds' Liquidity Risk Management Program
The Funds have adopted and implemented a written liquidity risk management program as required by Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act. The program is designed to assess and manage each Fund’s liquidity risk, taking into consideration the Fund’s investment strategy and the liquidity of its portfolio investments during normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions, its short and long-term cash flow projections, and its cash holdings and access to other funding sources. The Funds’ Board of Directors approved the designation of the ECM Liquidity Risk Management Committee (“LRMC”) as the administrator of the liquidity risk management program. The LRMC includes representatives from the Adviser’s Risk, Trading, Investment Valuation, and Regulatory Compliance departments and is responsible for the program’s administration and oversight and for reporting to the Board on at least an annual basis regarding, among other things, the program’s operation, adequacy and effectiveness. The LRMC reassessed each Fund’s liquidity risk profile, considering additional data gathered through March 31, 2023, and the adequacy and effectiveness of the liquidity risk management program’s operations since March 31, 2022 (the “covered period”) in order to prepare a written report to the Board of Directors for review at its meeting held on June 15, 2023. The report stated that:
(i) | the program performed well during the covered period and meets the needs and profile of the Funds; |
(ii) | the Funds benefit from the stability of their shareholder base, |
(iii) | the selection of two vendors to supply liquidity measurement products has proven to be extremely helpful, |
(iv) no changes were proposed to the program as of the date of the report; and
(v) | no Fund approached the internal triggers set by the LRMC or the regulatory percentage limitation (15%) on holdings in illiquid investments. |
The report also stated that it continues to be appropriate to not set a “highly liquid investment minimum” for any Funds because the Funds primarily hold “highly liquid investments” and that recent amendments to Rule 22e-4 proposed by the SEC were reviewed.
Investment Advisory Contract Approval
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Empower Funds, Inc. (the “Company”), including the Directors who are not interested persons of the Company (the “Independent Directors”), at a meeting held on April 20, 2023 (the “April Board Meeting”), unanimously approved the continuation of (i) the investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) between Empower Capital Management, LLC (“ECM”) and the Company, on behalf of Empower Core Bond Fund (the “Fund”), a series of the Company, and (ii) the investment sub-advisory agreements (the “Sub-Advisory Agreements” or each, a “Sub-Advisory Agreement”) by and among the Company, ECM and each of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. (“GSAM”) and Wellington Management Company LLP (“Wellington” and together with GSAM, the “Sub-Advisers” or each, a “Sub-Adviser”), with respect to the Fund. (The Fund and the Company’s other series are referred to collectively as the “Empower Funds.”)
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, ECM acts as investment adviser and, subject to oversight by the Board, directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objective, policies and limitations. ECM also provides, subject to oversight by the Board, the management and administrative services necessary for the Fund’s operation. In addition, ECM is responsible for allocating the Fund’s assets among one or more sub-advisers - including, in this case, each of GSAM and Wellington. In this connection, the Fund operates under a manager-of-managers structure pursuant to an order issued by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which permits ECM to enter into and materially amend the Sub-Advisory Agreements with Board approval but without shareholder approval, unless the sub-adviser is an affiliated person. Under this structure, ECM is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the performance of each Sub-Adviser for its sleeve of the Fund and for recommending the hiring, termination and replacement of each Sub-Adviser to the Board.
Pursuant to its respective Sub-Advisory Agreement, each Sub-Adviser, subject to general supervision and oversight by ECM and the Board, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the investment and reinvestment of its allocated portion of the Fund’s portfolio, which includes making decisions to buy, sell or hold any particular security.
On March 22, 2023 (the “March Meeting”), the Independent Directors met separately with independent legal counsel in advance of the April Board Meeting to evaluate information encompassing a wide variety of topics furnished by ECM and each Sub-Adviser in connection with the proposed continuation of the Advisory Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements (collectively, the “Agreements” or each, an “Agreement”), and met with representatives of ECM to review, among other things, comparative information on the Fund’s investment performance, fees and expenses, including data prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge”), an independent provider of investment company data. In addition, at the March Meeting, the Independent Directors met separately with representatives of an independent provider of mutual fund advisory contract renewal consulting services (the “Independent Consultant”) to review comparative information regarding the Fund’s investment performance, fees and expenses, as well as the portion of the management fee retained and enterprise profitability data, and further discussed such information with ECM. The Independent Directors also conferred with the Independent Consultant regarding Broadridge’s peer group selection methodology and noted that they had previously discussed such methodology with representatives of Broadridge at a meeting of the Independent Directors convened on February 15, 2023. Additionally, the Independent Directors considered supplemental information provided in response to their requests made following the March Meeting. The Independent Directors further discussed continuation of the Agreements separately with independent legal counsel, including at a separate meeting of the Independent Directors convened immediately prior to the April Board Meeting and at the April Board Meeting. The Independent Directors weighed and considered the information provided in light of their substantial accumulated experience in governing the Fund and the other Empower Funds. Although the Board considered the approval of the Agreements for the Fund as part of its multi-faceted annual review process of agreements across the Empower Funds, the Board’s approvals were made on a fund-by-fund basis.
In approving the continuation of each of the Agreements, the Board considered such information as the Board deemed reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms of the Agreements. The Board noted that performance information is provided to the Board on an ongoing basis at regular Board meetings held throughout the year. Furthermore, at each of its meetings, the Board covers an extensive agenda of topics and materials and considers factors that are relevant to its annual consideration of advisory agreements for the Empower Funds, including the services and support provided to each of the Empower Funds, including the Fund and its shareholders. Additionally, the Board recognized that its evaluation process is evolutionary and that the factors considered and emphasis placed on relevant factors may change in recognition of changing circumstances in the mutual fund marketplace.
In its deliberations, the Board did not identify any single factor as being determinative. Rather, the Board’s approvals were based on each Director’s business judgment after a comprehensive consideration of the information as a whole. Individual Directors may have weighed certain factors differently and assigned varying degrees of materiality to information considered by the Board. The Independent Directors were assisted throughout the evaluation process by independent legal counsel.Based upon its review of the Agreements and the information provided to it, the Board concluded that each Agreement was reasonable in light of the services performed, fees charged and such other matters as the Directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment. The principal factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Directors’ determinations to approve the continuation of the Agreements are discussed below.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services
The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of services provided and to be provided to the Fund by ECM and each Sub-Adviser (each, an “adviser”). Among other things, the Board considered, as applicable, each adviser’s organizational history and ownership, personnel, experience, resources and performance track record, its ability to provide or obtain such services as may be necessary in managing, acquiring and disposing of investments on behalf of the Fund, and its ability to provide research and to obtain and evaluate the economic, statistical and financial data relevant to the investment policies of the Fund. With respect to personnel, the Board noted that ECM’s affiliate, Empower Retirement, LLC (“Empower”) provides employees, including various management professionals, who provide services on behalf of ECM - which does not have its own employees - pursuant to an agreement between ECM and Empower. (Each of Empower and ECM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (“Empower of America”). References herein to personnel, services, activities and resources of ECM should be understood generally as including Empower.)
The Board reviewed the qualifications, education, experience, tenure and responsibilities of, and the reporting lines and backup plans for, the senior personnel serving the Fund and the portfolio management teams responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, as well as each adviser’s efforts to attract, retain and motivate capable personnel to serve the Fund. In addition, the Board considered, as applicable, each adviser’s reputation for management of its investment strategies, its investment decision-making process, its practices regarding the selection and compensation of brokers and dealers for the execution of portfolio transactions and the procedures it uses for obtaining best execution of portfolio transactions.
The Board also considered each adviser’s overall financial condition and ability to carry out its obligations to the Fund and the organization’s technical resources and operational capabilities, including, with respect to ECM, its investment administration functions, fund accounting services and financial reporting, as well as the controls, internal audit reviews and third-party assessments relating to such operations and services. Also considered by the Board was each organization’s disaster recovery procedures, cybersecurity program and/or controls relating to enterprise resiliency, noting - as to ECM - prior discussions with and presentations by ECM’s Chief Information Security Officer. With respect to ECM, the Board also took into account various organizational developments, including recent acquisitions by Empower and related integration initiatives, as well as recent and planned enhancements, such as progress on the implementation of an enhanced trade order management system and other similar projects.
As part of its assessment of the nature, extent and quality of services, the Board evaluated information regarding each adviser’s regulatory and compliance environment and compliance policies and procedures. The Board considered ECM’s compliance program resources and history, reports from the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) about ECM’s oversight of compliance with applicable laws and regulations and compliance-related resources devoted by ECM in support of the Fund’s obligations pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act (the “Compliance Rule”). The Board considered the CCO’s assessment that the compliance program of each Sub-Adviser appears to be reasonably designed to comply with the requirements of the Compliance Rule. The Board also considered ECM’s efforts generally to ensure that third-party programs and vendors used to service the Fund - including for purposes of regulatory compliance support - are monitored effectively.
Consideration also was given to the fact that the Board meets with representatives of each Sub-Adviser and ECM every year to discuss portfolio management strategies and performance. Additionally, the quality of each adviser’s communications with the Board, as well as the adviser’s responsiveness to the Board, were taken into account. Also considered was each adviser’s response to market volatility, changing circumstances in the mutual fund industry and investor sentiment, regulatory developments, economic indicators, monetary and fiscal policy developments, and emerging issues. In this regard, the Board received information on the impacts of macroeconomic and geopolitical developments on each adviser generally and the Fund, and considered how monitoring and analysis of such developments informs each adviser’s performance of its respective services to the Fund.The Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by ECM and the Sub-Advisers.
Investment Performance
The Board received and considered information regarding the investment performance of the Fund. The Board reviewed performance information for the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class as compared to its benchmark index and a “performance universe” of peer funds compiled by Broadridge, based on Lipper fund classifications. This performance data included, among other things, annualized returns for the one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2022, with respect to the Fund’s Investor Class, and, for the Fund’s Institutional Class, annualized returns for the one-, three- and
five-year periods ended December 31, 2022. In evaluating the performance of the Fund, the Board noted how the Fund performed relative to the returns of the benchmark index and the performance universe. In addition, the Board noted that it had also received and discussed at periodic intervals information comparing the Fund’s performance to that of its benchmark index and to a peer group of funds.
The Board observed that the annualized returns of the Fund’s Investor Class were in fourth quintile of its performance universe (the first quintile being the best performers and the fifth quintile being the worst performers) for each of the five- and ten-year periods ended December 31, 2022 and in the fifth quintile of its performance universe for each of the one- and three-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The annualized returns of the Fund’s Institutional Class for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2022, were in 77th, 60th and 50th percentiles, respectively. The Board also observed that the annualized returns of the Fund underperformed its benchmark index for each period observed.
In evaluating the Fund’s investment performance and the performance of each Sub-Adviser, the Board noted that Wellington commenced management of an allocated portion of the Fund’s portfolio in April 2017. In this regard, the Board noted that performance results were attributable to both Wellington and another firm that had been engaged by ECM to manage a portion of the Fund’s portfolio through July 2021, when such firm was replaced by GSAM.
The Board noted GSAM’s limited performance track record for the Fund, and the Board further considered each Sub-Adviser’s investment decision-making process, the organization, composition and experience of its investment personnel and its portfolio risk controls, among other things, as well as the performance attribution commentary provided by the Sub-Advisers. The Board also considered performance results in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies and risks, as disclosed in the Fund’s prospectus, and in light of the overall recent market conditions. In addition, the Board took into account ECM’s processes for overseeing and analyzing each Sub-Adviser’s performance, including ECM’s systematic approach to performance monitoring. Also relevant to the Board’s evaluation was ECM’s assessment that the Fund meets expectations with respect to its investment objective and that ECM recommends the retention of each Sub-Adviser. The Board determined that it was satisfied with the explanations for, oversight of and information provided regarding the Fund’s investment performance.
Costs and Profitability
The Board considered the costs of services provided by ECM and the Sub-Advisers from their relationships with the Fund. The Board also reviewed an analysis prepared by the Independent Consultant regarding the actual net advisory fee, sub-advisory fees and advisory fee retained by ECM for the Fund’s Investor Class and Institutional Class, as compared to share classes of other sub-advised funds within the same Morningstar peer group and publicly disclosed sub-advisory fees.
With respect to the costs of services, the Board considered the structure and the level of the investment management fees and other expenses payable by the Fund. In this regard, the Board noted that ECM’s management fee includes fund accounting and fund administration services. Furthermore, the Board noted that ECM has contractually agreed to limit the fees and expenses of the Fund for a one-year renewable term, through April 30, 2024.
In evaluating the management fee and total expense ratio of the Fund’s Investor and Institutional Classes, the Board considered the fees payable by and the total expense ratios of peer groups of funds managed by other investment advisers, as determined by Broadridge, based on Lipper fund classifications. Specifically, the Board considered for each class (i) the Fund’s management fee as provided in the Advisory Agreement (the “Contractual Management Fee”) in comparison to the contractual management fees of the peer group of funds, and (ii) the Fund’s total expense ratio in comparison to the peer group funds’ total expense ratios (in all cases, net of any waivers, if applicable). In addition, the Board considered the Fund’s total expense ratio in comparison to the median expense ratios for all funds in the peer groups. As part of its comprehensive evaluation, the Board also reviewed a report from the Independent Consultant assessing expenses in the context of performance and other factors.
The Board observed that the Fund’s Contractual Management Fee for each class was lower than the median contractual management fee of its respective peer group of funds. The Board also noted that the Fund’s total annual operating expense ratio for each class was lower than the median total operating expense ratio of its respective peer group, ranking in the second quintile as to the Investor Class (with the first quintile being the lowest expenses and the fifth quintile being the highest expenses) and in the first quintile with respect to the Institutional Class. In addition, the Board considered the Independent Consultant’s overall conclusion that the Fund’s Contractual Management Fee and total annual operating expense ratio are reasonable relative to the quality of services provided, comparable management fees and expenses of similar funds and the profitability of ECM.
The Board received information regarding the fees charged by ECM to separate accounts and other products managed by ECM and noted that ECM does not manage other client accounts in the same investment style as the Fund. The Board also received information from each Sub-Adviser regarding its standard institutional fee schedule and the fee charged for other sub-advised registered funds or representative accounts managed in the same investment style as the Fund. The Board assessed the foregoing information and noted factors contributing to certain differences in sub-advisory fee schedules between the Fund and other representative accounts, such as the size of the mandate, applicable benchmark, investment guidelines and the level of servicing required. Taking into account the foregoing, the Board noted that any fees charged by the Sub-Advisers to these other similar accounts and products appeared to be competitive with the fee charged to ECM for the Fund. The Board also noted that ECM, not the Fund, pays the sub-advisory fees to the Sub-Advisers and that such fees were negotiated at arm’s length between ECM and each of the Sub-Advisers.
The Board further considered the overall financial soundness of ECM and the Sub-Advisers and the profits estimated to have been realized by ECM and its affiliates and by GSAM. The Board reviewed the financial statements from ECM and the Sub-Advisers and profitability information from ECM and GSAM.
With respect to ECM’s profitability information, the Board considered that there is no recognized standard or uniform methodology for determining profitability for this purpose. Furthermore, the Board noted that there are limitations inherent in allocating costs and calculating profitability for an organization such as ECM, and that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability between advisers because comparative information is not generally publicly available. The Board also reviewed a report from the Independent Consultant comparing pre-tax investment management profitability margins for the latest fiscal year for certain publicly-traded advisers to fund complexes as compared to ECM’s estimated complex-level profits. The Board considered that, while ECM’s overall profitability is not unreasonable, profitability information is affected by numerous factors, including the adviser’s organization, capital structure and cost of capital, the types of funds it manages, its mix of business and the adviser’s assumptions regarding allocations of revenue and expenses. In addition, with respect to the Sub-Advisers, the Board noted that GSAM reported a negative margin associated with its relationship to the Fund and, although Wellington did not provide an estimate of its profits related to the Fund, the agreement with Wellington is arm’s length and therefore, such information was not relevant to the Board’s consideration of the continuation of the Sub-Advisory Agreement relating to Wellington. Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that the costs of the services provided and the profits estimated to have been realized by ECM and its affiliates and the Sub-Advisers, as applicable, were not unreasonable in relation to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided.
Economies of Scale
The Board received and considered information about the potential for ECM to experience economies of scale in the provision of services to the Fund and the extent to which potential scale benefits are shared with shareholders. In evaluating economies of scale, the Board considered, among other things, the current level of management and sub-advisory fees payable by the Fund and ECM, respectively, and whether those fees include breakpoints, as well as comparative fee information, the profitability and financial condition of ECM, and the current level of Fund assets. Although there are no contractual breakpoints in the Fund’s management fee schedule, the Board noted that ECM shares potential economies of scale from its business in a variety of ways, including through fee waiver arrangements, services that benefit shareholders, competitive management fee rates set at the outset without regard to breakpoints (i.e., pre-assuming future asset growth), and investments in the business intended to enhance services available to the Fund and shareholders. In its evaluation, the Board noted that each sub-advisory fee schedule contained breakpoints that would reduce the sub-advisory fee rate on assets above specified levels as the Fund’s assets increased. However, the Board took into account that the sub-advisory fees under the Sub-Advisory Agreements are paid by ECM out of the management fee that it receives under the Advisory Agreement and the sub-advisory fees are negotiated at arm’s length. In this connection, the Board also considered the data provided by the Independent Consultant, reflecting metrics it developed, regarding the portion of the management fee retained by ECM, which indicated that such portion was below that of the Fund’s peer group.
Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that ECM’s arrangements with respect to the Fund constituted a reasonable approach to sharing potential economies of scale with the Fund and its shareholders.
Other Factors
The Board received and considered information regarding ancillary benefits derived or to be derived by ECM or the Sub-Advisers from their relationships with the Fund as part of the total mix of information evaluated by the Board. In this regard, the Board noted that Wellington did not identify any ancillary benefits aside from the reputational benefit that may accrue from its relationship with the Fund - a benefit that the Sub-Adviser stated was not quantifiable. With respect to GSAM, the Board noted that improved trading efficiencies from aggregated orders with other advisory accounts and potential economies of scale from infrastructure enhancements in support of its services to the Fund are the principal “fall-out” benefits derived by the Sub-Adviser from its relationship with the Fund.
The Board also noted where services were provided to the Fund by affiliates of ECM, including, in particular, the various recordkeeping, administrative and shareholder services provided by Empower pursuant to a shareholder services agreement (the “Shareholder Services Agreement”). The Board considered its assessment, as part of the Board’s annual contract review process, of the services provided by and fees paid under the Shareholder Services Agreement - an assessment that included, among other things, reviews of service metrics data, the nature and quality of shareholder services, fees retained by Empower and those paid to third-party providers and Empower’s estimated profitability on shareholder services fees from the Fund.
In addition to the foregoing arrangements, the Board took into account the fact that the Fund is used as a funding vehicle under variable life and annuity contracts offered by insurance companies affiliated with ECM and as a funding vehicle under retirement plans for which affiliates of ECM may provide various retirement plan services. Additionally, the Board considered the extent to which Empower of America and/or its affiliated insurance companies may receive benefits under the federal income tax laws with respect to tax deductions and credits, and evaluated information provided by ECM in this regard.
The Board concluded that the Fund’s management and sub-advisory fees were reasonable, taking into account any ancillary benefits derived by ECM, its affiliates or the Sub-Advisers.
Conclusion
Based upon all the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board determined that the terms of each Agreement continue to be reasonable and that the continuation of the Agreements is in the best interests of the Fund.
ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS. |
Not required in filing.
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
Not required in filing.
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
Not required in filing.
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. | INVESTMENTS. |
(a) The schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable.
ITEM 9. | PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. |
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors since the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
(a) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based upon their evaluation of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that these disclosure controls and procedures provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by the registrant in the report it files or submits on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported,
within the time periods specified in the commission's rules and forms and that such material information is accumulated and communicated to the registrant's management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal half-year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. | DISCLOSURE OF LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. | EXHIBITS. |
(a) (1) Not required in filing.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
EMPOWER FUNDS, INC.
By: | /s/ Jonathan D. Kreider |
Jonathan D. Kreider
President & Chief Executive Officer
President & Chief Executive Officer
Date:August 23, 2023
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/ Jonathan D. Kreider |
Jonathan D. Kreider
President & Chief Executive Officer
President & Chief Executive Officer
Date:August 23, 2023
By: | /s/ Kelly B. New |
Kelly B. New
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer
Date:August 23, 2023