As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2024
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF
REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: 811-00582
NEUBERGER BERMAN EQUITY FUNDS
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in charter)
c/o Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104-0002
(Address of Principal Executive Offices – Zip Code)
Joseph V. Amato
Chief Executive Officer and President
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
c/o Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10104-0002
Lori L. Schneider, Esq.
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006-1600
(Names and Addresses of agents for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 476-8800
Date of fiscal year end: August 31
Date of reporting period: February 29, 2024
Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“Act”) (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.
A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549-1090. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.
Item 1. Report to Shareholders.
(a) | Following is a copy of the semi-annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Act. |
Neuberger Berman
Equity Funds
Equity Funds
Investor Class Shares | Class A Shares |
Trust Class Shares | Class C Shares |
Advisor Class Shares | Class R3 Shares |
Institutional Class Shares | Class R6 Shares |
Class E Shares |
Dividend Growth Fund |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
Equity Income Fund |
Focus Fund |
Genesis Fund |
International Equity Fund |
International Select Fund |
International Small Cap Fund |
Intrinsic Value Fund |
Large Cap Growth Fund |
Large Cap Value Fund |
Mid Cap Growth Fund |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund |
Real Estate Fund |
Small Cap Growth Fund |
Sustainable Equity Fund |
U.S. Equity Impact Fund |
Semi-Annual Report
February 29, 2024
The Securities and Exchange Commission has adopted new regulations that will result in changes to the design and delivery of annual and semi-annual reports beginning in July 2024.
Unless you have elected to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds electronically, instead of by mail, paper copies of the Funds' new, streamlined shareholder reports will be mailed to you beginning in July 2024. If you would like to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds electronically instead of by mail, you may make that request at any time by contacting your financial intermediary or investment provider (such as an insurance company, broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by logging into your account at https://www.nb.com/en/us/funds or calling 800.877.9700. If you are a direct investor and have previously elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will continue to receive reports electronically and need not take any action.
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Contents
The "Neuberger Berman" name and logo and "Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC" name are registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Group LLC. The individual Fund names in this piece are either service marks or registered service marks of Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC, an affiliate of Neuberger Berman BD LLC, distributor, member FINRA. ©2024 Neuberger Berman BD LLC, distributor. All rights reserved.
President’s Letter
Dear Shareholder,
Global equity markets advanced during the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period) on optimism that declining inflation rates improved the likelihood that the U.S. Federal Reserve Board might lower interest rates in 2024. Better-than-expected economic growth and stronger-than-expected corporate earnings also buoyed sentiment.
Over the reporting period, the S&P 500® Index advanced nearly 14%, led by "the Magnificent Seven1," large tech-related growth names that represented approximately 30% of the S&P’s market capitalization at the end of the reporting period. The MSCI EAFE® Index (Net) (which measures the performance of developed international markets excluding the U.S. and Canada) closed up 9%, and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net), weighed by underperformance in China, ended the reporting period up nearly 5%.
The U.S. appears to have achieved an economic soft landing, enjoying higher growth than its developed markets peers, coupled with falling inflation. According to a January 2024 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.5% in 2023, the highest rate in the G7. U.S. inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, has declined by nearly two-thirds, from its pandemic-era high of 9.1% in June 2022, to 3.2% for the twelve months ended February 2024.
A strong labor market, with rising wages and unemployment at an extremely low 3.7% in January, has been a benefit to consumer spending; and government spending, targeting infrastructure and incentivizing the rebuilding of U.S. manufacturing capacity, has been another benefit to the economy. Corporate earnings improved over the course of 2023, with fourth quarter earnings 4% better than fourth quarter 2022.
Fundamentally, there is every reason for us to believe 2024 will be a good year for the markets. Data suggests each of 2023’s positive trends should continue or accelerate. The IMF is forecasting U.S. GDP growth will outpace the G7 again this year. In fact, the IMF revised its 2024 global growth forecast upward on upgraded outlooks for both the U.S. and China, the world’s largest economies, and continuing reductions in inflation.
Balancing this positive backdrop is the persistence of real and headline risk—including wars, shipping disruptions, Presidential election rhetoric, and dangerous and irresponsible political brinksmanship. As you likely know, either a government shutdown or the failure to meet U.S. debt obligations, even temporarily, would have a devastating effect on the economy and markets.
In every environment, our portfolio management teams attempt to focus on company fundamentals first, seeking differentiated opportunities for the longer term. Operating within market-tested disciplines, they continuously research and monitor portfolio holdings and prospects; ready to act quickly when volatility creates what they believe is an opening to buy, sell, or strengthen the portfolio at a potentially advantageous price.
Thank you for choosing Neuberger Berman. We look forward to continuing our work together.
Sincerely,
Joseph V. Amato
President and CEO
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
President and CEO
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
1 The "Magnificent Seven" is a nickname for seven mega-cap technology-related growth stocks that performed significantly better than the rest of the stocks in the S&P 500® Index, and is comprised of Alphabet (Class A & C), Amazon.com, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Tesla.
1
Dividend Growth Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Dividend Growth Fund Institutional Class generated a 9.55% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), underperforming its benchmark, the S&P 500® Index (the Index), which posted a 13.93% total return for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
The objective of the Fund is to generate capital appreciation and income from companies with attractive dividend per share growth. This investment discipline seeks to identify companies with strong business models generating cash to both grow their business, while also providing rising dividend distributions to shareholders. We focus on companies that we believe have strong balance sheets, solid management teams, attractive free cash flow yields and clear capital allocation strategies.
During the reporting period, the U.S. stock market, as measured by the Index, continued its ascent despite ongoing challenges across regional banks and intensifying geopolitical tensions. Stock market returns were propelled by a narrow group of mega-cap stocks tied to artificial intelligence (AI), offering limited and, in several cases, no dividends. Inflation showed signs of easing in late 2023 and into early 2024, as the U.S. Federal Reserve Board's (Fed) preferred inflation gauge, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures index1, which excludes food and energy costs, trended closer to the Fed's target. In reaction, the Fed held rates steady at a twenty-three-year high of 5.25% – 5.50%, while expressing that they would continue to be data-dependent.
The Fund’s top equity sector weights included approximately 27% Information Technology (IT), 14% Financials, and 13% Health Care at the end of the reporting period. Overall, the bulk of the Fund’s total returns were generated from stocks across IT, Financials and Communication Services—while exposure to Utilities, Real Estate, and Energy dampened results.
Among our IT holdings, QUALCOMM advanced by approximately 39%. This name is known by technology enthusiasts for designing and manufacturing digital communication products, focusing on wireless technology and semiconductor chipsets. Investors bid up QUALCOMM after solid results, bolstered by design wins and content gains, notably in Generative AI capabilities for smartphones and edge devices, such as laptops and extended reality (XR) headsets. Accelerating Free Cash Flow growth prompted the chipmaker to increase its quarterly dividend.
Elsewhere, the Energy sector experienced selling pressure amid price declines across oil and gas. Shares of Devon Energy slid by approximately 11% despite posting healthy earnings. Nonetheless, we remain constructive as the C-suite has articulated their commitment to balance sheet improvement while increasing shareholder returns through its formalized special dividend program, tied to accelerating free cash flow growth. Through this lens, Devon Energy increased its quarterly dividend by 10%. From a portfolio construction standpoint, we believe this holding represents a premier multi-basin player in oil and gas, anchored by acreage in the Delaware Basin (West Texas).
On a forward-looking basis, we remain focused on business fundamentals and portfolio construction. As always, we continue to favor what we believe are high-quality, cash-generative, dividend-paying stocks with managements focused on disciplined capital allocation. We believe this prudent approach can potentially provide attractive returns compounded over a full investment cycle.
We thank you for investing in our Fund.
Sincerely,
William D. Hunter and Shawn Trudeau
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
1 Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
2
Dividend Growth Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Institutional Class | NDGIX |
Class A | NDGAX |
Class C | NDGCX |
Class R6 | NRDGX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 9.0 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 8.1 |
Consumer Staples | 6.0 |
Energy | 3.6 |
Financials | 14.3 |
Health Care | 13.0 |
Industrials | 6.4 |
Information Technology | 27.0 |
Materials | 4.1 |
Real Estate | 3.2 |
Utilities | 1.4 |
Short-Term Investments | 3.9 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | |||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | |||
1 Year | 5 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | |||||
Institutional Class | 12/15/2015 | 9.55% | 17.20% | 12.37% | 11.78% |
Class A | 12/15/2015 | 9.32% | 16.81% | 11.95% | 11.38% |
Class C | 12/15/2015 | 8.89% | 15.90% | 11.11% | 10.53% |
Class R6 | 12/15/2015 | 9.58% | 17.36% | 12.47% | 11.87% |
With Sales Charge | |||||
Class A | 3.05% | 10.09% | 10.63% | 10.58% | |
Class C | 7.89% | 14.90% | 11.11% | 10.53% | |
Index | |||||
S&P 500® Index1,2 | 13.93% | 30.45% | 14.76% | 13.97% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 1.02%, 1.45%, 2.15% and 1.25% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios were 0.70%, 1.06%, 1.81% and 0.60% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C and Class R6 shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
3
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Equity Fund Institutional Class generated a total return of 6.34% for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), outpacing its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index (Net) (the Index), which reported a total return of 4.93% for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Global equity markets advanced this reporting period as investors became more optimistic that the U.S. Federal Reserve Board would stop raising interest rates, and potentially cut rates in 2024. EM equities lagged developed markets largely due to underperformance by China, a large Index component.
As this reporting period ended, however, optimism returned to the Chinese market, with economic activity picking up and government policy announcements continuing to be incrementally supportive. This led EM equities to outperform in February, with China the largest contributor to EM monthly returns. For the full reporting period, however, smaller markets such as Egypt, Poland and Colombia advanced most, and Czech Republic, Thailand and China posted the largest losses.
Six Index sectors advanced this reporting period, with Utilities, Energy and Information Technology (IT) in the lead with narrow themes driving the former two sectors. IT was driven largely by the semiconductor sub-sector, where makers of advanced chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications were the focus. China-linked sectors Communication Services, Real Estate, and Materials declined most.
Stock selection generated most of the Fund’s outperformance relative to the Index this reporting period, with sector allocation also beneficial. Holdings in IT, Industrials and Materials added most to relative performance, followed by our overweight to IT and underweight to Materials versus the Index. By country, holdings in India, our U.S.-based names that generate significant revenue from EM countries, and IT-linked Taiwan holdings outperformed most.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and U.S.-based NVIDIA, whose majority of revenue is sourced from EM Asia, were our top contributors this reporting period. Both are chipmakers in the sweet spot of investor sentiment. The former holds a dominant position as the primary manufacturer of semiconductors that investors see benefiting from growth areas including AI, and the latter is the clear leader in that space.
Stock selection in Energy, Communication Services and Utilities (along with an underweight to the Utilities sector versus the Index) detracted from relative performance. By country, detractors included Saudi Arabia, and positions in non-Index Hong Kong and Canada.
Chinese heavyweights Alibaba and Tencent detracted the most as the Chinese internet space was sold by investors worried about local consumer sentiment, along with company-specific short-term headwinds.
Looking forward from a macro perspective, with the U.S. Presidential and many EM elections (including India and Mexico) scheduled for 2024, we believe headlines could continue to determine the near-term direction of EM returns. However, the team believes the tailwinds of lower inflation and interest rates, and should it continue, the bounce back in the IT semiconductor cycle, could drive the asset class higher in 2024.
After recent weakness, we welcomed China’s February rebound. However, China remains the Fund’s largest underweight versus the Index, in favor of India, where our overweight is spread across a diverse set of names and opportunities. We continue to underweight cyclical areas, such as Consumer Discretionary and Materials, in favor of Industrials and IT, two key overweights.
We believe our current positioning and hands-on approach will help the Fund capture growth in select segments while managing risk, as the team maintains its view that the global economy could present an uneven backdrop in the near term, rather than a worldwide cyclical uplift.
Sincerely,
4
Emerging Markets Equity Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Conrad Saldanha
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio manager. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
5
Emerging Markets Equity Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Institutional Class | NEMIX |
Class A | NEMAX |
Class C | NEMCX |
Class R3 | NEMRX |
Class R6 | NREMX |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Institutional Class | 10/08/2008 | 6.34% | 7.09% | -0.24% | 2.02% | 5.39% |
Class A | 10/08/2008 | 6.25% | 6.87% | -0.50% | 1.76% | 5.13% |
Class C | 10/08/2008 | 5.89% | 6.08% | -1.24% | 1.00% | 4.34% |
Class R33 | 06/21/2010 | 6.02% | 6.45% | -0.90% | 1.34% | 4.77% |
Class R64 | 03/15/2013 | 6.40% | 7.22% | -0.13% | 2.11% | 5.46% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A | 0.12% | 0.73% | -1.67% | 1.16% | 4.72% | |
Class C | 4.89% | 5.08% | -1.24% | 1.00% | 4.34% | |
Index | ||||||
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net)1,2 | 4.93% | 8.73% | 1.89% | 3.01% | 5.37% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 1.34%, 1.70%, 2.44%, 2.08% and 1.22% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios were 1.27%, 1.52%, 2.27%, 1.93% and 1.17% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
6
Equity Income Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Equity Income Fund Institutional Class generated a 5.29% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), underperforming its benchmark, the Russell 1000® Value Index (the Index), which posted a 9.27% total return for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
This Fund is an objective-based strategy, targeting a total return profile between stocks and bonds compounded over a full investment cycle with limited volatility relative to the Index. Overall, the Fund is diversified among dividend-paying stocks selected through extensive analysis of cash flow prospects, that we believe have the ability to sustain and grow dividends.
During the reporting period, the U.S. stock market, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, continued its ascent despite ongoing challenges across regional banks and intensifying geopolitical tensions. Stock market returns were propelled by a narrow group of mega-cap stocks tied to artificial intelligence (AI), offering limited and, in several cases, no dividends. Inflation showed signs of easing in late 2023 and into early 2024, as the U.S. Federal Reserve Board's (Fed) preferred inflation gauge, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures index1, which excludes food and energy costs, trended closer to the Fed's target. In reaction, the Fed held rates steady at a twenty-three-year high of 5.25% – 5.50%, while expressing that they would continue to be data-dependent.
The Fund's top equity sector holdings included approximately 18% Industrials, 16% Financials, and 13% Health Care at the end of the reporting period. The bulk of the Fund's total returns were generated from stocks across Financials, Industrials, and Real Estate, while exposure to Consumer Staples, Energy, and Utilities dampened results.
Stock selection across the Fund's diversified Financials generated the lion's share of relative returns, supported by Insurance, Capital Market, and Banking names. Wells Fargo was our top performer, advancing by approximately 37%, driven in part by the bank's successful navigation through a critical regulatory challenge. This came on the heels of quarterly results, whereby management outlined ambitious plans aimed at transforming Wells Fargo into a more dynamic, profitable business in the coming years.
While overall Materials exposure was accretive to results, Canada's Nutrien Ltd. was an outlier, declining approximately 20% during the reporting period. This business represents one of the world's largest providers of crop inputs, playing a critical role in the agricultural supply chain through its production and distribution of potash, phosphate, and nitrogen products. After revisiting our assumptions, this holding was sold during the reporting period with the proceeds allocated elsewhere.
The Fund’s use of written options contributed positively to performance during the reporting period.
Our analysis suggests stocks with dividend yields greater than 2.5% are priced close to their greatest discount relative to the broader equity market since the "Tech Boom" of the late 1990s. We believe investors can benefit from purchasing high-quality dividend-paying companies, which we believe are now at reasonable, even cheap, valuations. Given today's setup, we believe our unique approach to equity income provides an inflationary hedge, while offering attractive current income and capital appreciation potential for risk-averse investors, making this, in our view, an ideal investment solution.
We thank you for investing in our Fund.
Sincerely,
Richard Levine and Sandy Pomeroy
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
1 Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
7
Equity Income Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Institutional Class | NBHIX |
Class A | NBHAX |
Class C | NBHCX |
Class R3 | NBHRX |
Class E | NBHEX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 1.9 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 5.2 |
Consumer Staples | 5.5 |
Energy | 8.7 |
Financials | 15.7 |
Health Care | 12.8 |
Industrials | 18.2 |
Information Technology | 8.4 |
Materials | 7.7 |
Real Estate | 8.1 |
Utilities | 7.8 |
Short-Term Investments | 0.0 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||||
Inception Date* | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Institutional Class5 | 06/09/2008 | 5.29% | 7.59% | 7.08% | 7.21% | 7.41% |
Class A5 | 06/09/2008 | 5.04% | 7.15% | 6.68% | 6.81% | 7.04% |
Class C5 | 06/09/2008 | 4.74% | 6.35% | 5.88% | 6.02% | 6.33% |
Class R35 | 06/21/2010 | 4.98% | 6.87% | 6.38% | 6.51% | 6.85% |
Class E5 | 01/11/2022 | 5.57% | 8.25% | 7.37% | 7.35% | 7.50% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A5 | -1.01% | 1.00% | 5.42% | 6.18% | 6.68% | |
Class C5 | 3.74% | 5.35% | 5.88% | 6.02% | 6.33% | |
Index | ||||||
Russell 1000® Value Index1,2 | 9.27% | 14.01% | 9.38% | 8.74% | 7.19% |
*The performance data for the life of Fund for each class includes the performance of the Fund’s oldest share class, Trust Class, from November 2, 2006 through June 9, 2008. The performance data for Class R3 also includes the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class from June 9, 2008 through June 21, 2010. The performance data for Class E also includes the performance of the Fund's Institutional Class from June 9, 2008 through January 11, 2022. See endnote 5 for information about the effects of the different fees paid by each class.
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.72%, 1.08%, 1.83%, 1.37% and 0.57% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class E shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratio for fiscal year 2023 was 0.06% for Class E after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
8
Focus Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Focus Fund Investor Class generated a 15.71% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), outperforming the 11.66% total return of its benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index (Net) (the Index), for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
As measured by the Index, the global equity market generated strong results during the reporting period. Investor sentiment was boosted by better-than-expected U.S. economic growth, positive corporate earnings results, and benign inflation data. The U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s dovish shift toward interest rates also helped stock performance. These factors offset concerns about a global recession, China’s economic slowdown, higher rates, and geopolitical issues.
The Fund's performance during the reporting period versus the Index was primarily influenced by stock selection, with a minor boost coming from an overweight position in the Information Technology sector and an underweight stance in the Energy sector.
Looking at stock selection, positions in the Industrials (led by Ground Transportation), Financials (led by Insurance), and Materials (led by Construction Materials) sectors were the largest contributors to relative performance. In terms of individual stocks, the interactive media company Meta Platforms, Inc. and the semiconductor company NVIDIA Corp. were among the most additive to total returns. Conversely, holdings in the Utilities (driven by Electric Utilities), Consumer Staples (driven by Beverages), and Energy (driven by Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels) sectors were the largest detractors from performance. Individual stocks that negatively impacted total returns included automobile company Mercedes-Benz Group AG, electrical utility company NextEra Energy, Inc., and semiconductor company ON Semiconductor Corp. During the reporting period, some of the names eliminated were HCA Healthcare Inc., Mercedes-Benz Group AG, ON Semiconductor Corp., and Bank of America Corp.
Looking ahead, we are encouraged by the resiliency of the U.S. economy in particular, despite several headwinds. We continue to seek to invest in companies around the world that we believe are effectively battling through uncertainty to gain market share and drive shareholder value at whatever speed the global economy is growing.
Sincerely,
Timothy Creedon and Hari Ramanan
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
9
Focus Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NBSSX |
Trust Class | NBFCX |
Advisor Class | NBFAX |
Institutional Class | NFALX |
Class A | NFAAX |
Class C | NFACX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 11.3 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 12.0 |
Consumer Staples | 6.2 |
Energy | 2.6 |
Financials | 10.2 |
Health Care | 8.1 |
Industrials | 10.3 |
Information Technology | 27.9 |
Materials | 3.5 |
Utilities | 1.5 |
Short-Term Investments | 6.4 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS6 | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class | 10/19/1955 | 15.71% | 25.63% | 9.14% | 8.32% | 10.27% |
Trust Class7 | 08/30/1993 | 15.62% | 25.37% | 8.92% | 8.11% | 10.24% |
Advisor Class8 | 09/03/1996 | 15.40% | 25.09% | 8.69% | 7.92% | 10.16% |
Institutional Class9 | 06/21/2010 | 15.81% | 25.76% | 9.30% | 8.49% | 10.31% |
Class A10 | 06/21/2010 | 15.60% | 25.36% | 8.90% | 8.10% | 10.23% |
Class C10 | 06/21/2010 | 15.17% | 24.42% | 8.10% | 7.29% | 10.07% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A10 | 8.93% | 18.18% | 7.62% | 7.46% | 10.14% | |
Class C10 | 14.17% | 23.42% | 8.10% | 7.29% | 10.07% | |
Index | ||||||
MSCI All Country World Index (Net)1,2 | 11.66% | 23.15% | 10.51% | 8.37% | N/A |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.92%, 1.12%, 1.35%, 0.77%, 1.15%, and 1.96% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Advisor Class, Institutional Class, Class A and Class C shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratio was 0.76%, 1.12% and 1.87% for Institutional Class, Class A and Class C shares, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
10
Genesis Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund Investor Class generated a 5.13% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), versus the 8.97% total return of its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Index (the Index), for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
The overall U.S. equity market generated a strong return during the reporting period. The market rallied as corporate earnings generally improved and often surpassed expectations, inflation moderated, and the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (Fed) signaled its tightening campaign had likely peaked—with the potential for rate cuts in 2024. In addition, investor sentiment was supported by signs that the economy remained quite resilient. These positives outweighed indications that the Fed may take a measured approach in terms of the timing for rate cuts and several geopolitical issues.
The Fund underperformed the Index during the reporting period due to stock selection, whereas strong sector allocation contributed to relative returns. In terms of stock selection, Information Technology was the largest detractor. This was partially driven by not owning shares of a company whose shares rose sharply. It benefited from a combination of increased demand and investor excitement around artificial intelligence companies more broadly. A Semiconductor position, a previous strong performer for the Fund, saw its share price decline after lowering its guidance. In contrast, a number of our Software holdings were additive for returns. The software businesses that we own can be characterized as having highly visible free cash flow streams, margin expansion opportunities and sell mission-critical solutions to customers with high customer retention and opportunities to up-sell additional solutions.
Within the Health Care sector, the Fund’s lack of exposure to the outperforming Biotechnology industry was the largest drag on relative performance. Small-cap biotechnology companies generally do not meet our investment criteria, as they tend to be speculative, unprofitable, and require capital markets funding to operate. Within the Consumer Discretionary sector, several holdings negatively impacted our results, driven by company-specific factors.
Meanwhile, a lack of exposure to Utilities, the weakest performing sector in the Index during the reporting period, contributed positively to relative results. Our holdings in the Materials sectors, led by our Containers & Packaging and Chemicals holdings, were also beneficial.
Over the past two years, the Fed has been squarely focused on restoring price stability with the goal of suppressing demand to bring inflation under control. Recent Fed commentary suggests the tightening cycle has peaked, while also indicating that rates will remain elevated. Overall economic activity remains relatively stable, with some indicators suggesting an economic cooling. Considering this backdrop, equity markets have remained highly sensitive to Fed commentary, inflation-related data points and economic indicators. Taking a step back, we believe markets have potentially entered a new phase. Specifically, the cost of capital has risen materially, financing has become more difficult, and risk aversion has returned. That said, recent optimism around the potential for rate cuts has caused an easing in financial conditions and driven more risk taking. The risk of recession both in the U.S. and globally remains a possibility, but by no means is a certainty. With the macro trajectory clouded, we are striving to maintain balance in the Fund. We continue to believe that our high-quality portfolio of businesses with attractive financial characteristics, differentiated and durable business models, and sustainable earnings growth is well positioned to weather these uncertain times and deliver above-average risk-adjusted returns.
Sincerely,
Robert W. D'Alelio, Brett S. Reiner and Gregory G. Spiegel
Portfolio Co-Managers
Portfolio Co-Managers
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
11
Genesis Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NBGNX |
Trust Class | NBGEX |
Advisor Class | NBGAX |
Institutional Class | NBGIX |
Class R6 | NRGSX |
Class E | NRGEX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 2.3 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 9.9 |
Consumer Staples | 2.6 |
Energy | 5.7 |
Financials | 11.6 |
Health Care | 10.8 |
Industrials | 28.4 |
Information Technology | 20.8 |
Materials | 4.6 |
Real Estate | 1.9 |
Short-Term Investments | 1.4 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class | 09/27/1988 | 5.13% | 9.32% | 9.56% | 8.96% | 11.77% |
Trust Class7 | 08/26/1993 | 5.07% | 9.20% | 9.45% | 8.86% | 11.73% |
Advisor Class8 | 04/02/1997 | 4.94% | 8.95% | 9.18% | 8.58% | 11.50% |
Institutional Class9 | 07/01/1999 | 5.20% | 9.50% | 9.73% | 9.14% | 11.92% |
Class R611 | 03/15/2013 | 5.25% | 9.61% | 9.84% | 9.23% | 11.85% |
Class E12 | 01/11/2022 | 5.63% | 10.38% | 10.01% | 9.19% | 11.83% |
Index | ||||||
Russell 2000® Index1,2 | 8.97% | 10.05% | 6.89% | 7.13% | 9.27% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 1.00%, 1.09%, 1.34%, 0.84%, 0.74% and 0.69% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Advisor Class, Institutional Class, Class R6 and Class E shares, respectively, (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratio for fiscal year 2023 was 0.03% for Class E after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
12
International Equity Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman International Equity Fund Institutional Class generated a total return of 6.40% for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), trailing its benchmark, the MSCI EAFE® Index (Net) (the Index), which posted a 9.23% total return for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Overcoming geopolitical and economic concerns, markets closed this reporting period in a positive mood, as slowing inflation drove expectations that interest rates would begin declining during 2024. Data releases broadly supported the view that central banks reached the peak of their tightening cycles. This optimism supported both equity and fixed income markets.
Returns of the Index, which measures developed international equities, ended this reporting period up, landing between the more robust returns of the U.S. S&P 500® Index, and the lagging MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Growth stocks and cyclical sectors outperformed value stocks and defensive sectors as investor confidence increased.
Within the Index, the Information Technology (IT) sector performed best. The semiconductor industry group, driven by demand expectations for high-powered chips for artificial intelligence (AI) was a key factor, along with more general optimism around AI’s potential. The Industrials and Financials sectors also outperformed, while more defensive areas like Consumer Staples and Utilities (and Energy, on falling commodity prices) declined. By country, IT-heavy Netherlands, and Sweden and Israel outperformed, while Portugal, Hong Kong, and oil-driven Norway declined.
Although the Fund lagged the Index overall during the reporting period, sector allocation was advantageous, primarily given our overweights to IT and Industrials versus the Index. Stock selection within IT also added value. Holdings based in Japan and our overweight to the Netherlands were among the most significant positives from a country perspective.
Top individual contributors included ASML and Ebara. ASML, a Netherlands-based lithography equipment maker, recovered well after a selloff in the third quarter, which helped remove some of the uncertainty overhanging the stock. Both ASML and Ebara, a Japanese maker of industrial machinery, were beneficiaries of the AI-related optimism in the semiconductor industry.
Stock selection detracted overall, most notably within Financials and Consumer Discretionary. By country, holdings based in Switzerland and Germany detracted most.
Individual detractors included Julius Baer and Nestle. Julius Baer, a Swiss wealth manager, declined as a pick-up in bad loan provisions, plus underwhelming inflows and client activity, weighed on the stock. Nestle, the Swiss multinational food and beverages name, was weak following underwhelming results as higher prices began to negatively impact volumes.
Looking ahead, we believe that many companies that have been overshadowed by the few U.S. mega-cap technology companies driving the S&P 500, appear to be positioned to benefit from future trends such as increased capital expenditure, energy transition to a lower carbon future, and reshoring to localize supply chains.
Overall, in our view, the Fund is well diversified, and with ongoing economic uncertainty as a backdrop, focused on what we believe to be quality businesses with resilient earnings streams.
Despite our disappointment with recent relative performance giving up much of the excess returns generated during the pandemic, we are optimistic about the medium- to longer-term prospects for the companies held in the Fund’s portfolio.
13
International Equity Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
As longer-term investors, we intend to remain patient through shorter-term swings in rates, sentiment, and style rotation, be they a headwind or tailwind. We believe the Fund is well-positioned for the longer-term risks and opportunities we foresee ahead.
Sincerely,
Elias Cohen and Thomas Hogan
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
14
International Equity Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NIQVX |
Trust Class | NIQTX |
Institutional Class | NBIIX |
Class A | NIQAX |
Class C | NIQCX |
Class R6 | NRIQX |
Class E | NIQEX |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS13 | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class14 | 01/28/2013 | 6.34% | 10.63% | 5.86% | 4.39% | 5.01% |
Trust Class14 | 01/28/2013 | 6.31% | 10.60% | 5.80% | 4.33% | 4.97% |
Institutional Class | 06/17/2005 | 6.40% | 10.87% | 6.09% | 4.59% | 5.13% |
Class A14 | 01/28/2013 | 6.29% | 10.46% | 5.72% | 4.21% | 4.91% |
Class C14 | 01/28/2013 | 5.86% | 9.63% | 4.94% | 3.43% | 4.44% |
Class R64 | 09/03/2013 | 6.44% | 10.90% | 6.21% | 4.68% | 5.19% |
Class E15 | 01/11/2022 | 6.90% | 11.83% | 6.47% | 4.77% | 5.23% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A14 | 0.19% | 4.15% | 4.47% | 3.59% | 4.57% | |
Class C14 | 4.86% | 8.63% | 4.94% | 3.43% | 4.44% | |
Index | ||||||
MSCI EAFE® Index (Net)1,2 | 9.23% | 14.41% | 6.77% | 4.39% | 5.16% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 1.22%, 1.28%, 1.03%, 1.41%, 2.15%, 0.93% and 0.88% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class E shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios were 0.87%, 1.23%, 1.98%, 0.77% and 0.07% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R6 and Class E shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
15
International Select Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman International Select Fund Trust Class generated a total return of 6.41% for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), trailing its benchmark, the MSCI EAFE® Index (Net) (the Index), which posted a 9.23% total return for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Overcoming geopolitical and economic concerns, markets closed this reporting period in a positive mood, as slowing inflation drove expectations that interest rates would begin declining during 2024. Data releases broadly supported the view that central banks reached the peak of their tightening cycles. This optimism supported both equity and fixed income markets.
Returns of the Index, which measures developed international equities, ended this reporting period up, landing between the more robust returns of the U.S. S&P 500® Index, and the lagging MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net). Growth stocks and cyclical sectors outperformed value stocks and defensive sectors as investor confidence increased.
Within the Index, the Information Technology (IT) sector performed best. The semiconductor industry group, driven by demand expectations for high-powered chips for artificial intelligence (AI) was a key factor, along with more general optimism around AI’s potential. The Industrials and Financials sectors also outperformed, while more defensive areas like Consumer Staples and Utilities (and Energy, on falling commodity prices) declined. By country, IT-heavy Netherlands, and Sweden and Israel outperformed, while Portugal, Hong Kong, and oil-driven Norway declined.
Although the Fund lagged the Index overall during the reporting period, sector allocation was advantageous, primarily given our overweights to IT and Industrials versus the Index. Stock selection within IT also added value. Holdings based in Japan and our overweight to the Netherlands were among the most significant positives from a country perspective.
Top individual contributors included ASML and Ebara. ASML, a Netherlands-based lithography equipment maker, recovered well after a selloff in the third quarter, which helped remove some of the uncertainty overhanging the stock. Both ASML and Ebara, a Japanese maker of industrial machinery, were beneficiaries of the AI-related optimism in the semiconductor industry.
Stock selection detracted overall, most notably within Financials and Consumer Discretionary. By country, holdings based in Switzerland and Germany detracted most.
Individual detractors included Julius Baer and Nestle. Julius Baer, a Swiss wealth manager, declined as a pick-up in bad loan provisions, plus underwhelming inflows and client activity, weighed on the stock. Nestle, the Swiss multinational food and beverages name, was weak following underwhelming results as higher prices began to negatively impact volumes.
Looking ahead, we believe that many companies that have been overshadowed by the few U.S. mega-cap technology companies driving the S&P 500, appear to be positioned to benefit from future trends such as increased capital expenditure, energy transition to a lower carbon future, and reshoring to localize supply chains.
Overall, in our view, the Fund is well diversified, and with ongoing economic uncertainty as a backdrop, focused on what we believe to be quality businesses with resilient earnings streams.
Despite our disappointment with recent relative performance, giving up much of the excess returns generated during the pandemic, we are optimistic about the medium- to longer-term prospects for the companies held in the Fund’s portfolio.
16
International Select Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
As longer-term investors, we intend to remain patient through shorter-term swings in rates, sentiment, and style rotation, be they a headwind or tailwind. We believe the Fund is well-positioned for the longer-term risks and opportunities we foresee ahead.
Sincerely,
Elias Cohen and Thomas Hogan
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
17
International Select Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Trust Class | NILTX |
Institutional Class | NILIX |
Class A | NBNAX |
Class C | NBNCX |
Class R3 | NBNRX |
Class R6 | NRILX |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS13 | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Trust Class | 08/01/2006 | 6.41% | 10.80% | 6.16% | 4.32% | 3.96% |
Institutional Class16 | 10/06/2006 | 6.64% | 11.23% | 6.53% | 4.68% | 4.32% |
Class A17 | 12/20/2007 | 6.41% | 10.75% | 6.14% | 4.30% | 3.95% |
Class C17 | 12/20/2007 | 6.00% | 9.99% | 5.34% | 3.52% | 3.24% |
Class R317 | 05/27/2009 | 6.23% | 10.52% | 5.88% | 4.04% | 3.72% |
Class R618 | 04/17/2017 | 6.66% | 11.34% | 6.63% | 4.63% | 4.14% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A17 | 0.31% | 4.41% | 4.90% | 3.69% | 3.60% | |
Class C17 | 5.00% | 8.99% | 5.34% | 3.52% | 3.24% | |
Index | ||||||
MSCI EAFE® Index (Net)1,2 | 9.23% | 14.41% | 6.77% | 4.39% | 4.02% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 1.47%, 0.98%, 1.36%, 2.16%, 1.64% and 0.96% for Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios were 1.16%, 0.81%, 1.17%, 1.92%, 1.42% and 0.71% for Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
18
International Small Cap Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman International Small Cap Fund Institutional Class reported a total return of 5.89% for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), exceeding the 4.87% total return of its benchmark, the MSCI EAFE® Small Cap Index (Net) (the Index), for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Global equity markets closed this reporting period up on optimism that slowing inflation would pave the way for interest rate cuts during 2024, reducing a significant headwind facing corporations and consumers. Data releases supported the consensus view that central banks had likely reached the peak of their tightening cycles. This generally bolstered sentiment in both equity and fixed income markets globally even as investors weighed geopolitical and macroeconomic concerns, from wars to continued weak manufacturing data in Europe.
Though it surpassed the larger-cap MSCI EAFE® Index (Net) in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2023 the Index trailed for the full reporting period as investors favored thematic larger-cap stocks toward the end of the period.
Within the Index, Financials, Information Technology (IT) and Industrials outperformed. Banks jumped on hopes for lower interest rates, and in the case of IT, the semiconductor industry group powered returns on excitement around potential demand growth for high-powered chips for artificial intelligence applications. By market, Sweden, Denmark and Italy closed up by double digits.
Weaker Index sectors included defensive Utilities and the office segment of Real Estate, both of which declined, and Materials. By country, Hong Kong (on sentiment related to China), New Zealand and Singapore declined.
Stock selection was the key to the Fund’s outperformance relative to the Index this reporting period, with sector allocation a secondary positive. Strong stock selection and an overweight to IT versus the Index was the primary contributor, with stock selection in Real Estate and Communication Services also advantageous. Holdings based in Japan, Switzerland and Australia added the most value by country.
Top contributors included Kokusai Electric, a Japanese semiconductor name, which saw orders recover more than expected; and Biotage, a Swedish manufacturer of life science/chemistry research equipment, which saw one division post triple-digit percentage growth in 2023.
Stock selection and an underweight to the top performing sector in the Index, Financials, and stock selection in Energy detracted from relative results. Stock selection in Italy and Denmark, and our non-Index allocation to Canada detracted most during the reporting period.
Nakanishi, a Japanese dental tools manufacturer, was the largest individual detractor, correcting on a demand slowdown following a strong replacement cycle when many offices upgraded equipment. We remain confident in the company’s prospects. Ero Copper, the Canadian miner, declined after posting mixed results. We sold it during the reporting period after a review.
Despite the investor optimism that colored this reporting period, we anticipate we may see continued market volatility in 2024 given ongoing geopolitical risks and uncertainty about the strength of the global economy.
During 2023, we reassessed holdings within the Fund’s portfolio with a focus on companies with business model resiliency plus strong pricing power and cash flows, that operate in niches whose drivers are less linked to the global economy. During the reporting period, we began to further concentrate our highest conviction holdings in the areas we believe are most attractive for the medium to long term.
With global economic growth positive but the macro environment still uncertain, we are also favoring what we believe to be quality companies that seem to us to have sound balance sheets trading at attractive valuations. We believe this dual approach will help us capture upside for the longer term while softening any near-term volatility.
Sincerely,
19
International Small Cap Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
David Bunan
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio manager. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
20
International Small Cap Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Institutional Class | NIOIX |
Class A | NIOAX |
Class C | NIOCX |
Class R6 | NIORX |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS19 | |||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | |||
1 Year | 5 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | |||||
Institutional Class | 12/08/2016 | 5.89% | 5.38% | 6.67% | 7.30% |
Class A | 12/08/2016 | 5.71% | 5.03% | 6.30% | 6.93% |
Class C | 12/08/2016 | 5.31% | 4.26% | 5.51% | 6.12% |
Class R6 | 12/08/2016 | 5.98% | 5.48% | 6.77% | 7.40% |
With Sales Charge | |||||
Class A | -0.34% | -1.02% | 5.05% | 6.05% | |
Class C | 4.31% | 3.26% | 5.51% | 6.12% | |
Index | |||||
MSCI EAFE® Small Cap Index (Net)1,2 | 4.87% | 6.26% | 4.21% | 5.78% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 10.78%, 11.23%, 12.00% and 10.74% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios were 1.07%, 1.43%, 2.18% and 0.97% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C and Class R6 shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
21
Intrinsic Value Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Intrinsic Value Fund Institutional Class generated a 5.47% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), trailing its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Value Index (the Index), which generated a 7.70% total return for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
In 2023, the factors and sectors that performed poorly throughout most of the year reversed dramatically during the last three months and our historic sector biases (overweight Information Technology (IT), underweight Financials) hurt the Fund’s relative performance versus the Index. In the first two months of 2024, we saw these trends reverse again and the Fund gained back some relative ground.
Reflecting on how we navigated the various cross currents, we made several observations.
First, while the overweight in IT detracted from relative returns, the performance of individual IT stocks generally exceeded our expectations. Five of our ten best performers were IT companies.
Second, we didn’t handle the regional banking crisis effectively. We failed to increase positions in bank stocks at the bottom and then lightened up before the fourth quarter rally in 2023. Redeployment of the regional bank proceeds into utilities mitigated some of the negative impact but not enough.
Third, our recent active engagements and capital injection strategies have yet to produce results, but we remain committed. There are different agenda items with each company engagement, however all focus on addressing investor concerns and suggesting solutions to create shareholder value.
During the reporting period, we accelerated the introduction of new ideas into the portfolio and actively rebalanced the existing holdings. In total we added seven new ideas and eliminated six names. We initiated a bucket of five stocks in the Utilities sector. As a group, the gas and electric utilities we have focused on have an average dividend yield of 4.4% and prospects for increases over time. If the economy weakens and the 10-year U.S. Treasury trades back under four percent, we anticipate strong performance from this counter cyclical play. We also initiated positions in two technology companies: an automotive technology solutions innovator and another company that develops and manufactures wide-bandgap semiconductors. Funding for the new names came from the sale of two companies that were being acquired and four which either approached our intrinsic value1 estimates or where our investment thesis changed. We rebalanced another 13% of the portfolio (seven percent added to existing names and six percent in trims). At the end of the reporting period, the portfolio’s discount to intrinsic value was 29.3%, basically in line with its 26-year average.
It’s difficult to predict what’s in store for the remainder of 2024. A key takeaway from 2023, in our opinion, is that effective market timing is challenging. Our recommendation is to invest according to your risk tolerance, make your allocations, and stay the course. We believe the risks ahead in 2024 are clear: dysfunctional domestic politics, fiscal imbalances at the federal level, ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East with little resolution in sight, and a contentious presidential election. When the challenges that lay ahead seem daunting, we stop and look back at the past. In our view, we have successfully navigated through numerous market cycles which should bolster our confidence.
For your commitment of your valuable capital, we are most grateful.
Sincerely,
Benjamin H. Nahum, James F. McAree and Amit Solomon
Portfolio Co-Managers
Portfolio Co-Managers
1 Intrinsic value reflects the portfolio management team’s analysis and estimates of a company’s value. There is no guarantee that any intrinsic values will be realized; security prices may decrease regardless of intrinsic values.
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
22
Intrinsic Value Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Institutional Class | NINLX |
Class A | NINAX |
Class C | NINCX |
Class R6 | NRINX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 5.6 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 7.5 |
Consumer Staples | 1.6 |
Convertible Bonds | 1.1 |
Energy | 6.4 |
Financials | 3.4 |
Health Care | 11.4 |
Industrials | 17.6 |
Information Technology | 30.6 |
Materials | 6.5 |
Real Estate | 0.6 |
Utilities | 7.7 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||||
Inception Date* | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Institutional Class20 | 05/10/2010 | 5.47% | 5.47% | 8.34% | 8.14% | 10.72% |
Class A20 | 05/10/2010 | 5.32% | 5.10% | 7.94% | 7.75% | 10.51% |
Class C20 | 05/10/2010 | 4.95% | 4.32% | 7.13% | 6.95% | 10.08% |
Class R64,20 | 01/18/2019 | 5.54% | 5.65% | 8.46% | 8.21% | 10.74% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A20 | -0.73% | -0.92% | 6.66% | 7.11% | 10.26% | |
Class C20 | 3.95% | 3.32% | 7.13% | 6.95% | 10.08% | |
Index | ||||||
Russell 2000® Value Index1,2 | 7.70% | 5.61% | 6.62% | 6.55% | 8.25% | |
Russell 2000® Index1,2 | 8.97% | 10.05% | 6.89% | 7.13% | 7.78% |
*Performance data for the life of Fund for each Class prior to May 10, 2010 is that of the Fund’s predecessor, the DJG Small Cap Value Fund L.P., an unregistered limited partnership ("DJG Fund"); DJG Fund was the successor to The DJG Small Cap Value Fund, an unregistered commingled investment account ("DJG Account"), which had similar investment goals, strategies, and portfolio management team. See endnote 20 for more information.
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.95%, 1.35%, 2.10% and 0.85% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The total annual operating expense ratios for each of Class A and Class C includes each class’s repayment of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived under the contractual expense limitation by NBIA. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
23
Large Cap Growth Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Large Cap Growth Fund Investor Class posted a 16.57% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), trailing the 18.20% total return of its benchmark, the Russell 1000® Growth Index (the Index) for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
The overall U.S. equity market generated a strong return during the reporting period. The market rallied as corporate earnings generally improved and often surpassed expectations, inflation moderated, and the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (Fed) appeared to end its rate hike campaign with expectations for rate cuts in 2024. In addition, investor sentiment was supported by signs that the economy may experience a "soft landing." These positives outweighed indications that the Fed may take a measured approach in terms of the timing for rate cuts and several geopolitical issues. All told, the S&P 500® Index gained 13.93% during the reporting period. In contrast, the Index returned 18.20% over the same period.
Sector allocation drove the Fund’s relative underperformance, whereas stock selection was a modest contributor to returns over the reporting period. Looking at sector allocation, an underweight to Information Technology (IT) versus the Index was a headwind for results. In addition, the Fund’s out-of-benchmark positions in several privately held companies detracted from performance. Conversely, underweights to Consumer Discretionary and Energy were the most beneficial for relative performance.
In terms of stock selection, holdings in the IT and Industrials sectors were the most beneficial for returns. In terms of individual stocks, software company Microsoft Corp., Facebook parent company Meta Platforms, Inc. and online retailer Amazon.com, Inc. were the most additive for performance. On the downside, stock selection in the Utilities and Health Care sectors negatively impacted results. Individual stocks that detracted from returns included interactive media & services company Match Group, Inc., renewable energy firm NextEra Energy, Inc., and specialty retailer Chewy, Inc.
Looking ahead, while the economy appears to be decelerating, it has been more resilient than many anticipated. Furthermore, despite calls for a deep cut to earnings, the profits of the S&P 500 companies for the full year of 2023 proved to be better than anticipated. Moreover, the focus has shifted to 2024, where full-year growth in profits is currently estimated to be approximately 10%. At the same time, progress has been made by the Fed in the fight against inflation, with core prices stabilizing and inflation moving closer to the Fed’s 2% target, all while economic growth remains strong. Meanwhile, the Fed has remained steadfast in its commitment to fighting inflation. While central bank officials have indicated rates are likely at a peak, uncertainty remains on how long they will remain at these elevated levels. Until we have more clarity on the path of the economy versus inflation and how that translates into actual rate cuts versus expectations, we anticipate continued market volatility. As always, we continue our efforts to best understand company and portfolio-specific factors, as we believe this environment is flush with a confluence of fiscal policy considerations, monetary policy stimulus, geopolitical uncertainty, commodity price volatility, inflation dynamics and sequencing question marks. We believe as market dynamics change, this can cause company market values to dislocate from their long-term inherent values, potentially creating a volatile environment with attractive opportunities.
Sincerely,
Charles Kantor and Marc Regenbaum
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
24
Large Cap Growth Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NGUAX |
Trust Class | NBGTX |
Advisor Class | NBGUX |
Institutional Class | NGDLX |
Class A | NGDAX |
Class C | NGDCX |
Class R3 | NGDRX |
Class R6 | NGRDX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 13.0 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 18.3 |
Consumer Staples | 4.8 |
Financials | 9.7 |
Health Care | 7.3 |
Industrials | 4.8 |
Information Technology | 38.4 |
Materials | 0.9 |
Utilities | 1.4 |
Short-Term Investments | 1.4 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class | 06/01/1950 | 16.57% | 40.04% | 18.72% | 13.31% | 11.51% |
Trust Class7 | 08/03/1993 | 16.44% | 39.77% | 18.49% | 13.10% | 11.44% |
Advisor Class8 | 09/03/1996 | 16.16% | 39.47% | 18.13% | 12.77% | 11.29% |
Institutional Class9 | 05/27/2009 | 16.65% | 40.25% | 18.90% | 13.50% | 11.55% |
Class A10 | 05/27/2009 | 16.44% | 39.76% | 18.46% | 13.08% | 11.46% |
Class C10 | 05/27/2009 | 16.05% | 38.70% | 17.58% | 12.24% | 11.30% |
Class R321 | 05/27/2009 | 16.30% | 39.30% | 18.12% | 12.75% | 11.40% |
Class R611 | 03/29/2019 | 16.75% | 40.40% | 18.96% | 13.43% | 11.52% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A10 | 9.73% | 31.73% | 17.07% | 12.41% | 11.38% | |
Class C10 | 15.05% | 37.70% | 17.58% | 12.24% | 11.30% | |
Index | ||||||
Russell 1000® Growth Index1,2 | 18.20% | 45.93% | 18.77% | 15.66% | N/A |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.83%, 1.03%, 1.34%, 0.68%, 1.05%, 1.79%, 1.36% and 0.59% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Advisor Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The total annual operating expense ratio for Class R3 includes the class’s repayment of expenses previously reimbursed and/or waived under the contractual expense limitation by NBIA. The expense ratio was 0.58% for Class R6 shares, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
25
Large Cap Value Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Large Cap Value Fund Investor Class generated a 1.06% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), versus the 9.27% total return of its benchmark, the Russell 1000® Value Index (the Index). (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
The overall U.S. equity market generated a strong return during the reporting period. The market rallied as corporate earnings generally improved and often surpassed expectations, inflation moderated, and the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (Fed) appeared to end its rate hike campaign—with expectations for rate cuts in 2024. In addition, investor sentiment was supported by signs that the economy may experience a "soft landing." These positives outweighed indications that the Fed may take a measured approach in terms of the timing for rate cuts and several geopolitical issues. All told, the S&P 500® Index gained 13.93% during the reporting period. In contrast, the Index returned 9.27% over the same period.
Looking more closely at the market, large-cap growth stocks, as measured by the Russell 1000® Growth Index, gained 18.20% over the reporting period, significantly outperforming its large-cap value counterpart. In terms of the former, a handful of mega-cap growth stocks, referred to as the "Magnificent Seven,"1 represented a disproportionate portion of the overall market’s gain. In addition, the market’s advance was largely led by cyclical sectors, whereas more defensive sectors, overall, were laggards. We remained a disciplined value investor and had no exposure to the Magnificent 7 during the reporting period.
Against this backdrop, the Fund underperformed the Index during the reporting period, driven by both sector allocation and stock selection. From a sector allocation perspective, an overweight to Utilities and an underweight to Financials versus the Index were the largest detractors from relative returns. This was partially offset by the positive impact from underweights to Energy and Real Estate.
In terms of stock selection, holdings in the Health Care and Materials sectors were the largest detractors from results. Individual stocks that negatively impacted performance included health care company Pfizer, Inc., health care equipment & supplies firm Becton, Dickinson & Co. and metals & mining firm Newmont Corp. In contrast, holdings in the Information Technology (IT) and Consumer Staples sectors were the largest contributors to relative returns. Looking at individual stocks, health care company Merck & Co., Inc. and financial services companies JPMorgan Chase & Co. and PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. were the most additive for performance.
We have been assessing what is the appropriate risk for our holdings within the Fund and which stocks look most attractive given an outlook of weakening demand. We continue to see a tougher period ahead of us in the near term as prices have not reflected that outlook, in our opinion. We are currently overweight versus the Index in the less historically economically sensitive areas of the market in individual companies that we find to be cheap on normalized earnings (sectors include Consumer Staples, Health Care and Utilities). We are an active large-cap value manager, remaining disciplined and trying to position the Fund in the best opportunities we see in the current environment. As a case in point, given recent volatility, during the reporting period, we adjusted some of the Fund’s exposure to increase its exposure to Health Care, while selectively paring its allocations to Utilities and Consumer Staples, although we remain significantly overweight in these areas. We also took advantage of what we believe to be attractive opportunities in Financials and IT to reduce our underweight in those sectors on the margin. We continue to evaluate the implications of a weaker economy and remain cautious on our outlook.
Sincerely,
Eli M. Salzmann
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
1 The "Magnificent Seven" is a nickname for seven mega-cap technology-related growth stocks that performed significantly better than the rest of the stocks in the S&P 500® Index, and is comprised of Alphabet (Class A & C), Amazon.com, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Tesla.
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio manager. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
26
Large Cap Value Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NPRTX |
Trust Class | NBPTX |
Advisor Class | NBPBX |
Institutional Class | NBPIX |
Class A | NPNAX |
Class C | NPNCX |
Class R3 | NPNRX |
Class R6 | NRLCX |
Class E | NPNEX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 3.4 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 0.9 |
Consumer Staples | 15.9 |
Energy | 4.1 |
Financials | 16.3 |
Health Care | 24.8 |
Industrials | 0.9 |
Information Technology | 4.8 |
Materials | 10.9 |
Real Estate | 0.7 |
Utilities | 16.2 |
Short-Term Investments | 1.1 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class | 01/20/197522 | 1.06% | 0.87% | 10.43% | 9.51% | 12.25% |
Trust Class7 | 08/30/1993 | 0.97% | 0.68% | 10.22% | 9.31% | 12.15% |
Advisor Class8 | 08/16/1996 | 0.90% | 0.54% | 10.06% | 9.14% | 12.01% |
Institutional Class9 | 06/07/2006 | 1.13% | 1.01% | 10.60% | 9.68% | 12.32% |
Class A10 | 06/21/2010 | 0.94% | 0.63% | 10.19% | 9.26% | 12.18% |
Class C10 | 06/21/2010 | 0.57% | -0.09% | 9.38% | 8.47% | 11.95% |
Class R321 | 06/21/2010 | 0.81% | 0.39% | 9.90% | 8.97% | 12.10% |
Class R611 | 01/18/2019 | 1.18% | 1.11% | 10.71% | 9.65% | 12.28% |
Class E12 | 01/11/2022 | 1.43% | 1.60% | 10.78% | 9.68% | 12.29% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A10 | -4.85% | -5.15% | 8.89% | 8.62% | 12.04% | |
Class C10 | -0.42% | -1.08% | 9.38% | 8.47% | 11.95% | |
Index | ||||||
Russell 1000® Value Index1,2 | 9.27% | 14.01% | 9.38% | 8.74% | N/A |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.76%, 0.95%, 1.10%, 0.60%, 0.98%, 1.72%, 1.24%, 0.52% and 0.45% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Advisor Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3, Class R6 and Class E shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratio for fiscal year 2023 was 0.03% for Class E shares after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
27
Mid Cap Growth Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Mid Cap Growth Fund Investor Class generated a 20.06% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), outperforming its benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Growth Index (the Index), which posted a 16.53% total return for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Starting with their October 2023 meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (Fed) began signaling that their aggressive course of monetary tightening was likely at an end, a message that was further punctuated by Chairman Powell’s December comments around the potential for rate cuts in the coming year. That long-anticipated dovish pivot reinvigorated the market, fueling bullish sentiment and fostering positive momentum for small- and mid-cap equities, as the market and investors embraced the likelihood of an initial rate cut at some point in 2024. The resulting environment proved conducive to both our investment approach and style, as secular growth trends took center stage and stock selection reemerged as a primary driver of returns.
In looking at attribution for the reporting period, the Fund benefited from broad participation across a buoyant market as strong stock selection within our Information Technology, Industrials and Energy allocations easily offset stock-specific weakness within Financials and Consumer Discretionary. Drilling down to our holdings, positive contributors dwarfed detractors, as the market demonstrated a willingness to pay up for compelling secular growth and intriguing catalysts and reward strong top- and bottom-line execution. Super Micro Computer, which designs, manufactures, and markets a portfolio of server, storage and software products that allow customers to optimize solutions for their artificial intelligence, Cloud, Enterprise, 5G, IoT and Edge Computing workload applications and processing needs, was the leading contributor to returns as the company consistently delivered strong results and guidance that surpassed exceedingly high expectations. The leading detractor was Lattice Semiconductor, which designs, develops, and markets low power programmable integrated logic circuits and software to provide smart customizable connectivity solutions for consumer, communications, industrial, computing, and automotive applications. During the reporting period, the market reacted negatively to a material reduction in forward guidance, which management attributed to the negative impact of higher interest rates and macro weakness across their automotive and industrial segments in Asia and Europe. We believe the company has effectively reset expectations and we continue to maintain a position in Lattice.
Looking ahead, despite a robust prevailing "wall of worry", we are cautiously optimistic that the balance of 2024 can be a positive environment for mid cap growth equities and one reasonably conducive to our style of investing. That view is underpinned by our belief that the Fed is comfortable with where inflation is trending and that their "dovish" pivot is sustainable, corporate earnings will prove resilient and the breadth of market leadership will broaden. We will continue to leverage our highest conviction ideas, while seeking out new opportunities primed for the prevailing positive sentiment and reduced recessionary angst. Lastly, we also believe that quality will matter, and we will continue to maintain a bias towards investments that we believe have sustainable business models, balance sheet strength and managements capable of consistent execution across varied and potentially unsettled environments.
Sincerely,
Chad Bruso and Trevor Moreno
Portfolio Co-Managers
Portfolio Co-Managers
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
28
Mid Cap Growth Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NMANX |
Trust Class | NBMTX |
Advisor Class | NBMBX |
Institutional Class | NBMLX |
Class A | NMGAX |
Class C | NMGCX |
Class R3 | NMGRX |
Class R6 | NRMGX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 6.1 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 14.1 |
Consumer Staples | 2.9 |
Energy | 2.3 |
Financials | 10.6 |
Health Care | 16.1 |
Industrials | 21.0 |
Information Technology | 24.2 |
Materials | 0.8 |
Real Estate | 0.6 |
Short-Term Investments | 1.3 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS13 | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class | 03/01/197922 | 20.06% | 26.40% | 11.11% | 10.06% | 11.72% |
Trust Class7 | 08/30/1993 | 19.98% | 26.24% | 11.00% | 9.98% | 11.63% |
Advisor Class8 | 09/03/1996 | 19.74% | 25.93% | 10.73% | 9.69% | 11.41% |
Institutional Class9 | 04/19/2007 | 20.13% | 26.63% | 11.29% | 10.25% | 11.81% |
Class A10 | 05/27/2009 | 19.81% | 26.07% | 10.88% | 9.84% | 11.66% |
Class C10 | 05/27/2009 | 19.40% | 25.20% | 10.06% | 9.02% | 11.38% |
Class R321 | 05/27/2009 | 19.66% | 25.77% | 10.59% | 9.55% | 11.56% |
Class R611 | 03/15/2013 | 20.15% | 26.72% | 11.40% | 10.35% | 11.79% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A10 | 12.96% | 18.83% | 9.57% | 9.19% | 11.51% | |
Class C10 | 18.40% | 24.20% | 10.06% | 9.02% | 11.38% | |
Index | ||||||
Russell Midcap® Growth Index1,2 | 16.53% | 25.03% | 11.59% | 10.88% | N/A | |
Russell Midcap® Index1,2 | 11.53% | 15.46% | 10.35% | 9.45% | 12.81% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.86%, 0.95%, 1.20%, 0.70%, 1.07%, 1.82%, 1.33% and 0.60% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Advisor Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
29
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund Investor Class generated a 9.26% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), slightly trailing its benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Value Index (the Index), which returned 9.49% for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Our take on the economy and inflation has been consistent. Inflation would come down, not to 2% but lower than what we saw in 2022 and early 2023, and widespread job losses were unlikely. The wild card was the U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s commitment to the stated 2% target. Too hawkish, a recession could ensue and too soft would undermine the long-term U.S. Treasury debt markets. Whether they’ve struck the right balance is still unclear.
In our view, two ideas worth considering are that inflation will be structurally higher in the future decade than the one past and barring a major shock, demographic trends reduce the risk of significant runups in unemployment. Skilled labor, particularly in manufacturing, is aging out far faster than new workers are entering the workforce. Companies tell us the skilled labor shortage is real, and the time and cost to bring new hires up to speed is significant.
These trends tie back to a major pillar of our strategy: the need for technology to address the productivity and labor challenges that lie ahead. We continue to see secular tailwinds for companies in the game of selling productivity.
In 2023, the factors and sectors that performed poorly throughout most of the year, reversed dramatically during the last three months. In the first two months of 2024, we saw these trends reverse again. Reflecting on how we navigated the various crosscurrents, we made several observations.
For the reporting period, our historic sector biases (an overweight to Information Technology (IT), and an underweight to Financials versus the Index) hurt the Fund’s relative performance versus the Index. While the overweight in IT detracted from relative returns, stock selection helped as the performance of individual stocks generally exceeded our expectations. Also, we didn’t handle the regional banking crises effectively. We failed to increase positions in bank stocks at the bottom and then lightened up before the fourth quarter rally in 2023.
During the reporting period, we accelerated the introduction of new ideas into the portfolio and actively rebalanced the existing holdings. In total we added eight new ideas and eliminated the same number. We rebalanced another 10% of the portfolio (five percent added to existing names and five percent in trims). Overall, M&A activity during the reporting period was limited, and only one company was acquired. However, a number of portfolio companies are either divesting significant assets or making synergistic acquisitions.
It is difficult to predict what’s in store for the remainder of the year. A key takeaway from 2023, in our opinion, is that effective market timing is challenging. Our recommendation is to invest according to your risk tolerance, make your allocations, and stay the course. We believe the risks ahead in 2024 are clear: dysfunctional domestic politics, fiscal imbalances at the federal level, ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East with little resolution in sight, and a contentious presidential election. When the challenges that lay ahead seem daunting, we stop and look back at the past. In our view, we have successfully navigated through numerous market cycles, which should bolster our confidence.
For your commitment of your valuable capital, we are most grateful.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Greene, Benjamin H. Nahum, James F. McAree, Amit Solomon and Rand W. Gesing
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
30
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NBRVX |
Trust Class | NBREX |
Institutional Class | NBRTX |
Class A | NBRAX |
Class C | NBRCX |
Class R3 | NBRRX |
Class R6 | NBMRX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 1.7 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 10.3 |
Consumer Staples | 5.1 |
Energy | 7.5 |
Financials | 9.4 |
Health Care | 7.1 |
Industrials | 21.6 |
Information Technology | 22.3 |
Materials | 4.4 |
Real Estate | 1.8 |
Utilities | 8.4 |
Short-Term Investments | 0.4 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS13 | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class | 06/01/1999 | 9.26% | 8.28% | 5.29% | 6.24% | 8.40% |
Trust Class7 | 06/10/1999 | 9.10% | 8.03% | 5.09% | 6.05% | 8.28% |
Institutional Class9 | 03/08/2010 | 9.30% | 8.37% | 5.48% | 6.46% | 8.54% |
Class A10 | 06/21/2010 | 9.08% | 8.01% | 5.10% | 6.08% | 8.32% |
Class C10 | 06/21/2010 | 8.70% | 7.18% | 4.32% | 5.29% | 7.88% |
Class R321 | 06/21/2010 | 8.96% | 7.72% | 4.83% | 5.81% | 8.17% |
Class R611 | 03/29/2019 | 9.31% | 8.46% | 5.57% | 6.38% | 8.46% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A10 | 2.82% | 1.80% | 3.86% | 5.45% | 8.06% | |
Class C10 | 7.70% | 6.18% | 4.32% | 5.29% | 7.88% | |
Index | ||||||
Russell Midcap® Value Index1,2 | 9.49% | 10.87% | 8.94% | 8.19% | 9.09% | |
Russell Midcap® Index1,2 | 11.53% | 15.46% | 10.35% | 9.45% | 9.29% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 1.51%, 1.70%, 1.34%, 1.75%, 2.47%, 2.01% and 1.71% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios were 1.50%, 1.25%, 0.85%, 1.21%, 1.96%, 1.46% and 0.75% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
31
Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund Institutional Class generated a 12.37% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), trailing the 13.93% total return of its benchmark, the S&P 500® Index (the Index) for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Returns for U.S. equities were driven by improving inflation data, continued economic growth, and better-than-expected corporate earnings. Economic growth in the U.S. was supported by healthy consumer spending and a strong labor market. Fourth quarter 2023 earnings for U.S. equities were broadly ahead of expectations, and projections indicate an expected acceleration in earnings growth for 2024. While market conditions for U.S. equities were favorable, market breadth was narrow, as a few select companies have driven overall equity market performance. We believe this is creating an attractive environment for our active approach and ability to identify differentiated investments across market capitalizations and styles.
Strong stock selection within the Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Financials, and Materials sectors benefitted relative performance. Relative performance headwinds were primarily due to the Fund’s underexposure to select large-cap growth and technology-oriented companies that drove overall Index returns during the reporting period. The Fund benefitted from an overweight to the Financials sector versus the Index and underweight positions to the Energy and Health Care sectors. The Fund finished the reporting period with an overweight relative to the Index in the Financials, Industrials, and Materials sectors. The Fund completed the reporting period with underweight positions to Health Care and Information Technology versus the Index; and had no exposure to the Real Estate sector.
Portfolio construction is an important component of our investment process and consists of three distinct investment categories: Special Situations, Opportunistic, and Classic. Special Situations have unique attributes (e.g., restructuring, spin-offs, post-bankruptcy equities) that require specific valuation methodologies and customized investment research. Opportunistic investments are companies that have become inexpensive for a tangible reason that we believe is temporary. Classic investments are those companies with long histories of shareholder friendly policies, high quality management teams and exceptional operating performance. We believe maintaining a balance of these three categories helps to mitigate risk within the Fund. We continue to find investment opportunities across each investment category that we believe have attractive risk versus return profiles.
We believe the combination of normalizing inflation, continued economic and earnings growth, and reasonable consumer and industrial demand, are creating an attractive environment for U.S. equities.
As company management teams adapt to the interest rate environment, we believe our free cash flow focused approach, understanding of capital structures, and valuation discipline, are beneficial. We believe select businesses are able to differentiate themselves from peers with company-specific solutions in response to inflationary pressures, evolving interest rates, and ongoing shifts in demand trends and consumer behavior. The depth of our “Storehouse of Knowledge” remains robust. We continue to identify companies with what we believe are high-quality business models and attractive free cash flow characteristics, trading at compelling valuations. We believe the Fund is well positioned to benefit as investors increase their focus on company fundamentals.
As we evaluate both potential new positions and current portfolio holdings, we will continue to do so with a long-term investment perspective in mind. As always, our focus is to grow our clients’ assets through the disciplined application of our investment philosophy and process.
Sincerely,
Richard S. Nackenson
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio manager. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
32
Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Institutional Class | NMULX |
Class A | NMUAX |
Class C | NMUCX |
Class E | NMUEX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 7.7 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 12.5 |
Consumer Staples | 8.2 |
Energy | 2.0 |
Financials | 21.1 |
Health Care | 5.7 |
Industrials | 15.7 |
Information Technology | 15.5 |
Materials | 10.1 |
Utilities | 0.8 |
Short-Term Investments | 0.7 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||||
Inception Date* | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Institutional Class23 | 12/21/2009 | 12.37% | 23.41% | 11.18% | 10.55% | 9.60% |
Class A23 | 12/21/2009 | 12.20% | 22.97% | 10.78% | 10.15% | 9.28% |
Class C23 | 12/21/2009 | 11.74% | 22.07% | 9.96% | 9.34% | 8.62% |
Class E23 | 01/11/2022 | 12.76% | 24.38% | 11.52% | 10.73% | 9.70% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A23 | 5.75% | 15.85% | 9.48% | 9.50% | 8.91% | |
Class C23 | 10.84% | 21.09% | 9.96% | 9.34% | 8.62% | |
Index | ||||||
S&P 500® Index1,2 | 13.93% | 30.45% | 14.76% | 12.70% | 10.06% |
*The performance data for the life of Fund for each class includes the performance of the Fund’s oldest share class, Trust Class, from November 2, 2006 through December 21, 2009. See endnote 23 for information about the effects of the different fees paid by each class.
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.87%, 1.25%, 1.99% and 0.72% for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C and Class E shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratio for fiscal year 2023 was 0.12% for Class E after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
33
Real Estate Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund Trust Class generated a 6.01% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), underperforming the 6.35% total return of its benchmark, the FTSE Nareit All Equity REITs Index (the Index), for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
The U.S. equity market, as measured by the S&P 500® Index, generated strong results during the reporting period, with a 13.93% total return reflecting strong growth in the service sector, sustained labor market strength and gross domestic product growth that underscored the economy’s resilience in the face of higher interest rates and persistent inflation. However, this was against a backdrop where investor sentiment continued to be challenged by sticky inflation with the core rate (as measured by the U.S. Consumer Price Index - All Items less Food and Energy1) remaining steady at 3.8% year over year in February. Comparatively, real estate investment trusts (REITs), as measured by the Index, rose 6.35%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index by approximately 7.6%.
The Fund underperformed the Index on a relative basis during the reporting period, as sector positioning slightly detracted from performance. In particular, the Fund’s lack of exposure to Lodging/Resorts and underweight to Data Centers versus the Index were among the bigger detractors for relative returns. Conversely, lack of exposure to Diversified REITs and underweight to Free Standing were the most beneficial for relative performance.
Stock selection contributed positively to relative performance. Among those sectors contributing the most to relative results were Health Care and Industrial. In terms of individual holdings, American Tower Corp., Equinix, Inc., and Simon Property Group, Inc. were the largest contributors to performance. On the downside, holdings within the Office and Free Standing sectors were the largest detractors from relative performance. Individual holdings that detracted from results included Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc., Apartment Income REIT Corp. and Healthpeak Properties, Inc.
REIT earnings have highlighted that 2024 growth is slowing in most sectors driven by moderating rent growth, expense pressures, less external growth, development, and higher interest expense. We believe this pressure on growth will result in greater attention to valuations, earnings quality, and strength in business fundamentals. We believe well-capitalized REITs in select sectors that have demand drivers that are less cyclical or not overly dependent on the consumer should benefit. Given two years of underperformance of REITs vs. the broader market (approximately 30% on a cumulative basis), relatively low leverage profile (approximately 35% Total Debt/Gross Asset Value) and stronger dividend profile (approximately 4% REIT dividend yield vs. 1.4% S&P 500 dividend yield), we believe REITs offer more relative value, should growth broadly disappoint or capital costs continue to increase. In a ‘normal’ inflationary and slowing growth environment, we believe REITs can provide slow but dependable growth while providing inflation protection. We also believe that price discovery will occur in 2024 as commercial real estate transaction and recapitalization pipelines remain large. As interest rates start to stabilize, we think this should benefit transaction markets and provide opportunities for well capitalized REITs. We believe Telecommunication REITs (i.e., cell towers) should benefit in 2024 given the critical nature of its assets which should exhibit steady growth even in a softer economic environment. In addition, we believe Health Care, particularly Senior Housing, should continue to benefit from low supply growth and a strong demand runway through 2024. Lack of affordability and recessionary resistant traits of manufactured housing (lowest cost of housing), RVs (cheaper vacation option) and marinas (supply constrained with high demand levels) should set the manufactured housing sector up well in our view. We remain focused on what we believe are REITs with low leverage, diverse demand drivers, better fundamentals and visibility into earnings profiles. In our view, experienced REITs with good performance and robust balance sheets should be able to cement their market leadership positions.
Sincerely,
Steve Shigekawa and Brian C. Jones
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
1 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
34
Real Estate Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Trust Class | NBRFX |
Institutional Class | NBRIX |
Class A | NREAX |
Class C | NRECX |
Class R3 | NRERX |
Class R6 | NRREX |
Class E | NREEX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Apartments | 10.0 % |
Data Centers | 10.1 |
Free Standing | 3.5 |
Gaming | 3.7 |
Health Care | 9.7 |
Industrial | 10.4 |
Manufactured Homes | 4.7 |
Office | 3.3 |
Regional Malls | 4.7 |
Self Storage | 10.1 |
Shopping Centers | 5.8 |
Single Family Homes | 2.1 |
Specialty | 3.1 |
Telecommunications | 15.3 |
Timber | 2.7 |
Short-Term Investments | 0.8 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS13 | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Trust Class | 05/01/2002 | 6.01% | 3.17% | 5.09% | 6.61% | 9.44% |
Institutional Class16 | 06/04/2008 | 6.08% | 3.35% | 5.28% | 6.80% | 9.59% |
Class A17 | 06/21/2010 | 5.92% | 2.98% | 4.91% | 6.42% | 9.32% |
Class C17 | 06/21/2010 | 5.49% | 2.24% | 4.12% | 5.62% | 8.80% |
Class R317 | 06/21/2010 | 5.73% | 2.74% | 4.63% | 6.15% | 9.14% |
Class R618 | 03/15/2013 | 6.16% | 3.48% | 5.38% | 6.89% | 9.59% |
Class E24 | 01/11/2022 | 6.51% | 4.20% | 5.53% | 6.82% | 9.54% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A17 | -0.15% | -2.91% | 3.67% | 5.79% | 9.02% | |
Class C17 | 4.49% | 1.24% | 4.12% | 5.62% | 8.80% | |
Index | ||||||
FTSE Nareit All Equity REITs Index1,2 | 6.35% | 4.29% | 4.50% | 6.78% | 8.72% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 1.39%, 1.03%, 1.40%, 2.16%, 1.66%, 0.94% and 0.88% for Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3, Class R6 and Class E shares, respectively. The expense ratios were 1.04%, 0.86%, 1.22%, 1.97%, 1.47%, 0.76% and 0.08% for Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3, Class R6 and Class E shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
35
Small Cap Growth Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Small Cap Growth Fund Investor Class posted a 16.68% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), outperforming its benchmark, the Russell 2000® Growth Index (the Index), which returned 10.21% for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Starting with their October 2023 meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (Fed) began signaling that their aggressive course of monetary tightening was likely at an end, a message that was further punctuated by Chairman Powell’s December comments around the potential for rate cuts in the coming year. That long-anticipated dovish pivot reinvigorated the market, fueling bullish sentiment and fostering positive momentum for small- and mid-cap equities, as the market and investors embraced the likelihood of an initial rate cut at some point in 2024. The resulting environment proved conducive to both our investment approach and style, as secular growth trends took center stage and stock selection reemerged as a primary driver of returns.
During the reporting period, the Fund benefitted from broad participation across a buoyant market, with positive contributions coming from nearly every sector. In looking at attribution for the reporting period, strong stock selection within our Industrials, Information Technology and Consumer Discretionary allocations easily offset stock-specific weakness within Financials. Drilling down to our holdings, positive contributors dwarfed detractors, as the market demonstrated a willingness to pay up for compelling secular growth and intriguing catalysts and reward strong top- and bottom-line execution. Super Micro Computer, which designs, manufactures, and markets a portfolio of server, storage and software products that allow customers to optimize solutions for their artificial intelligence, Cloud, Enterprise, 5G, IoT and Edge Computing workload applications and processing needs, was the leading contributor to returns as the company consistently delivered strong results and guidance that surpassed exceedingly high expectations. The leading detractor was Axcelis Technologies, which develops, manufacturers and markets high-efficiency processing equipment and implantation solutions necessary for the increasingly complex fabrication of high-performance, low-power semiconductor chips. The company delivered good results for the most recent reporting period, but sharply reduced their forward guidance for 2024 due to demand being pushed out in several of their more mature segments and the escalating back-and-forth restrictive trade gamesmanship between the U.S. and Chinese governments. Given that management had recently positively pre-announced their latest quarter, the market reacted negatively to that surprise resetting of expectations. Prior to the company’s earnings release, we had meaningfully reduced our allocation due to similar concerns and potential headwinds and we subsequently exited the balance of our position during the reporting period following their disappointing outlook.
Looking ahead, despite a robust prevailing "wall of worry", we are cautiously optimistic that the balance of 2024 can be a positive environment for small cap growth equities and one reasonably conducive to our style of investing. That view is underpinned by our belief that the Fed is comfortable with where inflation is trending and that their "dovish" pivot is sustainable, corporate earnings will prove resilient and the breadth of market leadership will broaden. We will continue to leverage our highest conviction ideas, while seeking out new opportunities primed for the prevailing positive sentiment and reduced recessionary angst. Lastly, we also believe that quality will matter, and we will continue to maintain a bias towards investments that we believe have sustainable business models, balance sheet strength and managements capable of consistent execution across varied and potentially unsettled environments.
Sincerely,
Chad Bruso and Trevor Moreno
Portfolio Co-Managers
Portfolio Co-Managers
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
36
Small Cap Growth Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NBMIX |
Trust Class | NBMOX |
Advisor Class | NBMVX |
Institutional Class | NBSMX |
Class A | NSNAX |
Class C | NSNCX |
Class R3 | NSNRX |
Class R6 | NSRSX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Consumer Discretionary | 12.1 % |
Consumer Staples | 4.4 |
Energy | 3.3 |
Financials | 5.8 |
Health Care | 21.8 |
Industrials | 22.1 |
Information Technology | 25.6 |
Materials | 2.6 |
Other | 1.0 |
Short-Term Investments | 1.3 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class | 10/20/1998 | 16.68% | 18.25% | 8.71% | 9.70% | 9.66% |
Trust Class7 | 11/03/1998 | 16.54% | 17.96% | 8.51% | 9.51% | 9.50% |
Advisor Class8 | 05/03/2002 | 16.44% | 17.80% | 8.34% | 9.36% | 9.39% |
Institutional Class9 | 04/01/2008 | 16.71% | 18.37% | 8.90% | 9.97% | 9.83% |
Class A10 | 05/27/2009 | 16.51% | 17.96% | 8.51% | 9.57% | 9.58% |
Class C10 | 05/27/2009 | 16.09% | 17.09% | 7.70% | 8.76% | 9.11% |
Class R321 | 05/27/2009 | 16.37% | 17.67% | 8.24% | 9.30% | 9.43% |
Class R611 | 09/07/2018 | 16.80% | 18.52% | 9.02% | 9.88% | 9.73% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A10 | 9.83% | 11.17% | 7.23% | 8.93% | 9.33% | |
Class C10 | 15.09% | 16.09% | 7.70% | 8.76% | 9.11% | |
Index | ||||||
Russell 2000® Growth Index1,2 | 10.21% | 14.18% | 6.50% | 7.33% | 7.87% | |
Russell 2000® Index1,2 | 8.97% | 10.05% | 6.89% | 7.13% | 8.63% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 1.32%, 1.51%, 1.68%, 1.13%, 1.53%, 2.25%, 1.77% and 1.04% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Advisor Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios were 1.31%, 1.41%, 1.61%, 0.91%, 1.27%, 2.02%, 1.52% and 0.81% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Advisor Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
37
Sustainable Equity Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Sustainable Equity Fund Investor Class reported a total return of 18.72% for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), outpacing the 13.93% total return of its benchmark, the S&P 500® Index (the Index) for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Despite wars in two regions, slower growth in China, the threat of a U.S. government shutdown, and presidential election cycle rhetoric, equity markets rallied this reporting period, with the Index, the NASDAQ Composite Index, and Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average setting record highs. Markets cheered strong corporate earnings and easing U.S. inflation, which led to investor optimism that the U.S. Federal Reserve Board may lower interest rates this year.
Information Technology (IT), which continues to be led by several mega-cap names and enthusiasm about artificial intelligence (AI), plus Communication Services and Financials were the top Index sectors. All sectors except Energy, which tracked declining crude oil prices, were positive, but with investor optimism favoring higher risk versus reward areas, defensive Utilities and Consumer Staples lagged.
Sector allocation was positive for the Fund, with an overweight to Financials and an underweight to Energy versus the Index meaningful, but stock selection was our key advantage during the reporting period. The Fund outperformed within Industrials, Consumer Discretionary and IT (even though many of the mega-cap leaders don’t meet our investment criteria).
Individual contributors included tech-related Microsoft Corp. and Amazon.com, Inc. Microsoft Corp., a leader in the shift toward AI, delivered very strong results, with revenues exceeding expectations in every segment. Amazon.com, Inc., also an AI player, reported strong margins across the board with particular strength in advertising and their third-party segment, a business line.
Stock selection and an underweight within Communication Services versus the Index was a headwind and the sector was the biggest detractor from relative performance. Medical device leader Becton, Dickinson & Co. declined on lower-than-expected 2024 guidance, driven largely by currency pressures. Roche Holding AG, the innovative global pharmaceutical and diagnostic products leader, underperformed. The company described 2023 as a transition year as it deals with the predicted but significant loss of COVID-related revenues. Roche Holding AG also underwent management transition as its long-term CEO retired, and with the appointment of a new head of pharma. We believe the company’s valuation remains reasonable on an absolute and relative basis for a company with a successful history of innovation and research. We continue to own both names.
Looking ahead, with markets reaching record highs and geopolitical risk meaningful, investors are questioning whether they should reduce risk, or if exposure to potentially declining rates, and the AI and large tech growth enthusiasm that drove the latest rally is more important.
We remain fully invested, with our trademark focus on what we believe to be high-quality companies with strong fundamentals and cash flows. Our approach emphasizes stability and resilience, aiming to safeguard investments against the market’s unpredictable swings, while positioning for sustainable long-term growth.
As active fundamental bottom–up investors, we continue to invest in what we believe are high-quality compounders, building what we consider a well-balanced portfolio of differentiated businesses. This includes some that are asset rich and stable at reasonable valuations, and others exposed to enticing secular growth drivers, including but not limited to AI. In both cases, we are scrutinizing from a longer-term fundamentals perspective.
Finally, we want to share our perspective on sustainable investing, which has received intense public interest lately. This team uses sustainability metrics as a framework for identifying intangible assets that may in our view both create long-term value and drive improved financial returns. Our engagement on Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives also ensures that we are actively voicing our interests as long-term shareholders.
38
Sustainable Equity Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
We look forward to continuing to serve your investment needs.
Sincerely,
Daniel P. Hanson
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio manager. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
39
Sustainable Equity Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Investor Class | NBSRX |
Trust Class | NBSTX |
Institutional Class | NBSLX |
Class A | NRAAX |
Class C | NRACX |
Class R3 | NRARX |
Class R6 | NRSRX |
Class E | NRAEX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Communication Services | 6.8 % |
Consumer Discretionary | 11.9 |
Consumer Staples | 3.0 |
Energy | 1.2 |
Financials | 22.9 |
Health Care | 13.1 |
Industrials | 12.0 |
Information Technology | 25.9 |
Materials | 1.7 |
Utilities | 1.4 |
Short-Term Investments | 0.1 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS13 | ||||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||||
1 Year | 5 Years | 10 Years | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||||
Investor Class | 03/16/1994 | 18.72% | 34.48% | 13.37% | 10.88% | 9.87% |
Trust Class7 | 03/03/1997 | 18.64% | 34.25% | 13.17% | 10.69% | 9.69% |
Institutional Class9 | 11/28/2007 | 18.86% | 34.71% | 13.57% | 11.08% | 9.98% |
Class A10 | 05/27/2009 | 18.63% | 34.23% | 13.15% | 10.67% | 9.77% |
Class C10 | 05/27/2009 | 18.19% | 33.24% | 12.31% | 9.85% | 9.36% |
Class R321 | 05/27/2009 | 18.45% | 33.88% | 12.86% | 10.40% | 9.64% |
Class R611 | 03/15/2013 | 18.89% | 34.86% | 13.68% | 11.17% | 9.97% |
Class E12 | 12/06/2023 | 18.94% | 34.73% | 13.41% | 10.90% | 9.88% |
With Sales Charge | ||||||
Class A10 | 11.80% | 26.51% | 11.82% | 10.02% | 9.55% | |
Class C10 | 17.19% | 32.24% | 12.31% | 9.85% | 9.36% | |
Index | ||||||
S&P 500® Index1,2 | 13.93% | 30.45% | 14.76% | 12.70% | 10.37% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.87%, 1.05%, 0.70%, 1.06%, 1.82%, 1.32%, 0.60% and 0.55% for Investor Class, Trust Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3, Class R6 and Class E shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratio for fiscal year 2023 was 0.05% for Class E shares after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
40
U.S. Equity Impact Fund Commentary (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman U.S. Equity Impact Fund Institutional Class generated a 10.81% total return for the six-month period ended February 29, 2024 (the reporting period), trailing the 13.76% total return of its benchmark, the Russell 3000® Index (the Index) for the same period. (Performance for all share classes is provided in the table immediately following this letter.)
Returns for U.S. equities were driven by improving inflation data, continued economic growth, and better-than-expected corporate earnings. Economic growth in the U.S. was supported by healthy consumer spending and a strong labor market. Fourth quarter 2023 earnings for U.S. equities were broadly ahead of expectations, and projections indicate an expected acceleration in earnings growth for 2024. While market conditions for U.S. equities were favorable, market breadth was narrow, as a few select companies have driven overall equity market performance. We believe this is creating an attractive environment for our active approach and ability to identify differentiated investments across market capitalizations and styles. We believe the opportunity for Impact investing1 remains attractive due to strong demand for products and services which have the potential to generate significant positive outcomes for people and the planet.
Superior stock selection benefitted relative performance during the reporting period. The Fund generated superior stock selection within the Consumer Staples, Health Care, Industrials, and Materials sectors. The primary detractor from relative performance was the Fund’s underexposure to select large-cap growth and technology-oriented companies, which drove Index returns during the period. The Fund ended the reporting period with overweight positions relative to the Index in the Health Care, Industrials, and Materials sectors and underweight positions in the Consumer Discretionary, Financials, and Information Technology sectors. The Fund had no exposure to the Communication Services, Energy or Real Estate sectors at the end of the reporting period.
Impact investing offers the unique potential to intentionally generate measurable positive social and environmental outcomes alongside a market rate financial return. This approach invests in companies with products or services that have the potential to deliver significantly positive outcomes for people and the planet, while reporting and measuring the tangible contributions that portfolio companies make. Our proprietary quantitative and qualitative impact analysis requires a deep understanding of the product outcomes for customers, which is a lens that adds insight to our fundamental investment process. Positive and negative impacts associated with the products and services of each major business line of a company are assessed.
A company’s contribution to specific positive outcomes is evaluated with reference to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We believe companies delivering solutions aligned with achieving the SDGs have the potential for outsized growth and returns as these SDGs become spending priorities. We believe the combination of normalizing inflation, continued economic and earnings growth, and reasonable consumer and industrial demand, are creating an attractive environment for U.S. equities.
Sincerely,
Richard S. Nackenson and Jonathan Bailey
Portfolio Managers
Portfolio Managers
1 Impact investing is the investment in a portfolio of companies whose products and services the portfolio managers believe have the potential to deliver positive social and environmental outcomes.
Information about principal risks of investing in the Fund is set forth in the prospectus and statement of additional information.
The portfolio composition, industries and holdings of the Fund are subject to change without notice.
The opinions expressed are those of the Fund’s portfolio managers. The opinions are as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice.
41
U.S. Equity Impact Fund (Unaudited)
TICKER SYMBOLS | |
Institutional Class | NEQIX |
Class A | NEQAX |
Class C | NEQCX |
SECTOR ALLOCATION | |
(as a % of Total Investments*) | |
Consumer Discretionary | 2.2 % |
Consumer Staples | 5.6 |
Financials | 0.7 |
Health Care | 22.5 |
Industrials | 32.0 |
Information Technology | 17.8 |
Materials | 10.5 |
Utilities | 5.7 |
Short-Term Investments | 3.0 |
Total | 100.0 % |
* | Derivatives (other than options purchased), if any, are excluded from this chart. |
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS | ||||
Inception Date | Six Month Period Ended 02/29/2024 | Average Annual Total Return Ended 02/29/2024 | ||
1 Year | Life of Fund | |||
At NAV | ||||
Institutional Class | 03/23/2021 | 10.81% | 18.85% | 3.81% |
Class A | 03/23/2021 | 10.64% | 18.48% | 3.43% |
Class C | 03/23/2021 | 10.20% | 17.65% | 2.67% |
With Sales Charge | ||||
Class A | 4.26% | 11.64% | 1.37% | |
Class C | 9.20% | 16.65% | 2.67% | |
Index | ||||
Russell 3000® Index1,2 | 13.76% | 28.60% | 8.96% |
The performance data quoted represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. For current performance data, including current to the most recent month-end, please visit www.nb.com/performance.
The results shown in the table reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The results do not reflect the effect of taxes a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or on the redemption of Fund shares.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Returns would have been lower if Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fees during certain of the periods shown. Repayment by a class (of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived by NBIA) will decrease the class’s returns. Please see Note B in the Notes to Financial Statements for specific information regarding expense reimbursement and/or fee waiver arrangements.
As stated in the Fund’s most recent prospectus, the total annual operating expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 4.44%, 5.09% and 6.25% for Institutional Class, Class A and Class C shares, respectively (before expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers, if any). The expense ratios for fiscal year 2023 were 0.91%, 1.27%, and 2.02% for Institutional Class, Class A and Class C shares, respectively, after expense reimbursements and/or fee waivers. The expense ratios for the semi-annual period ended February 29, 2024, can be found in the Financial Highlights section of this report.
Returns shown with a sales charge reflect the deduction of the current maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% for Class A shares and the contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) for Class C shares. The CDSC for Class C shares is 1.00%, which is reduced to 0% after 1 year. The performance of the Fund’s share classes will differ primarily due to different sales charge structures and class expenses. Please see the prospectus for more information about sales charge structures, if any, and class expenses for your share class.
42
Endnotes (Unaudited)
1 | Please see "Glossary of Indices" on page 46 for a description of indices. Please note that individuals cannot invest directly in any index. The indices described in this report do not take into account any fees, expenses or tax consequences of investing in the individual securities that they track. Data about the performance of an index are prepared or obtained by Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("NBIA") and reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and other distributions, if any. The Fund may invest in securities not included in a described index and generally does not invest in all securities included in a described index. |
2 | The date used to calculate Life of Fund performance for the index is the inception date of the oldest share class. |
3 | The performance information for Class R3 prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Institutional Class. The performance information for the Institutional Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). The Institutional Class has lower expenses and typically higher returns than Class R3. |
4 | The performance information for Class R6 prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Institutional Class. The performance information for the Institutional Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Institutional Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class R6. |
5 | The performance information for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class E prior to June 9, 2008 is that of the Fund’s Trust Class, which had an inception date of November 2, 2006, and converted into the Institutional Class on June 9, 2008. During the period from November 2, 2006 through June 9, 2008, the Trust Class had only one investor, which could have impacted Fund performance. The performance information for the Trust Class has been adjusted to reflect the appropriate sales charges applicable to Class A and Class C shares but has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). The Trust Class had higher expenses and typically lower returns than the Institutional Class and Class E. The Trust Class had lower expenses and typically higher returns than Class A, Class C and Class R3. The performance information for Class R3 and Class E from June 9, 2008, to the respective class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Institutional Class. The performance information for the Institutional Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). The Institutional Class has lower expenses and typically higher returns than Class R3. The Institutional Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class E. |
6 | Neuberger Berman Focus Fund had a policy of investing mainly in large-cap stocks prior to September 1998 and investing 90% of its assets in no more than six economic sectors prior to December 17, 2007. As of April 2, 2001, the Fund changed its investment policy to become "non-diversified" under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). Performance prior to these changes might have been different if current policies had been in effect. However, by operation of law under the 1940 Act, the Fund subsequently became, and currently operates as, a diversified fund. Please see the notes to the financial statements for information on a non-diversified fund becoming a diversified fund by operation of law. |
7 | The performance information for the Trust Class prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Investor Class. The performance information for the Investor Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Investor Class has lower expenses and typically higher returns than the Trust Class. |
8 | The performance information for the Advisor Class prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Investor Class. The performance information for the Investor Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Investor Class has lower expenses and typically higher returns than the Advisor Class. |
43
Endnotes (Unaudited) (cont’d)
9 | The performance information for the Institutional Class prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Investor Class. The performance information for the Investor Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Investor Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than the Institutional Class. |
10 | The performance information for Class A and Class C prior to the classes’ inception date is that of the Fund’s Investor Class. The performance information for the Investor Class has been adjusted to reflect the appropriate sales charges applicable to Class A and Class C shares, but has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). The Investor Class has lower expenses and typically higher returns than Class A and Class C. |
11 | The performance information for Class R6 prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Investor Class. The performance information for the Investor Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Investor Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class R6. |
12 | The performance information for Class E prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Investor Class. The performance information for the Investor Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Investor Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class E. |
13 | The investments for the Fund are managed by the same portfolio manager(s) who manage(s) one or more other registered funds that have names, investment objectives and investment styles that are similar to those of the Fund. You should be aware that the Fund is likely to differ from those other mutual fund(s) in size, cash flow pattern and tax matters. Accordingly, the holdings and performance of the Fund can be expected to vary from those of the other mutual fund(s). |
14 | The performance information for Class A, Class C, Investor Class, and Trust Class prior to the classes’ inception date is that of the Fund’s Institutional Class. The performance information for the Institutional Class has been adjusted to reflect the appropriate sales charges applicable to Class A and Class C shares, but has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). The Institutional Class has lower expenses and typically higher returns than Class A, Class C, Investor Class, and Trust Class. |
15 | The performance information for Class E prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Institutional Class. The performance information for the Institutional Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Institutional Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class E. |
16 | The performance information for the Institutional Class prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Trust Class. The performance information for the Trust Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Trust Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than the Institutional Class. |
17 | The performance information for Class A, Class C and Class R3 prior to the classes’ respective inception dates is that of the Fund’s Trust Class. The performance information for the Trust Class has been adjusted to reflect the appropriate sales charges applicable to Class A and Class C shares, but has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). The Trust Class has lower expenses and typically higher returns than Class A, Class C and Class R3. |
18 | The performance information for Class R6 prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Trust Class. The performance information for the Trust Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Trust Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class R6. |
44
Endnotes (Unaudited) (cont’d)
19 | Neuberger Berman International Small Cap Fund is relatively small. The same techniques used to produce returns in a small fund may not work to produce similar returns in a larger fund and could have an impact on performance. |
20 | The performance information for Institutional Class, Class A and Class C prior to the classes’ inception date is that of the Fund’s predecessor, the DJG Small Cap Value Fund L.P., an unregistered limited partnership ("DJG Fund"); DJG Fund was the successor to The DJG Small Cap Value Fund, an unregistered commingled investment account ("DJG Account"). The performance from July 8, 1997 (the commencement of operations) to September 11, 2008 is that of DJG Account, and the performance from September 12, 2008 to May 10, 2010 is that of DJG Fund. On May 10, 2010, the DJG Fund transferred its assets to the Fund in exchange for the Fund’s Institutional Class shares. The investment policies, objectives, guidelines and restrictions of the Fund are in all material respects equivalent to those of DJG Fund and DJG Account (the "Predecessors"). As a mutual fund registered under the 1940 Act, the Fund is subject to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code ("Code") to which the Predecessors were not subject. Had the Predecessors been registered under the 1940 Act and been subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act and the Code, their investment performance may have been adversely affected. The performance information reflects the actual expenses of the Predecessors, which were generally lower than those of the Fund. The performance for Class R6 from May 10, 2010 to January 18, 2019 includes the performance of the Fund’s Institutional Class, and prior to May 10, 2010 includes the performance of the Predecessors, as noted above. |
21 | The performance information for Class R3 prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Investor Class. The performance information for the Investor Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). The Investor Class has lower expenses and typically higher returns than Class R3. |
22 | This date reflects when NBIA first became the investment manager to the Fund. |
23 | Prior to December 14, 2009, the Fund had different investment goals, strategies and portfolio management team. The performance information for Institutional Class, Class A, Class C and Class E prior to December 21, 2009 is that of the Fund’s Trust Class, which had an inception date of November 2, 2006, and converted into the Institutional Class on December 21, 2009. During the period from November 2, 2006 through December 21, 2009, the Trust Class had only one investor, which could have impacted Fund performance. The performance information for the Trust Class has been adjusted to reflect the appropriate sales charges applicable to Class A and Class C shares but has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). NBIA had previously capped Trust Class expenses; absent this arrangement, the returns would have been lower. The Trust Class had lower capped expenses and typically higher returns than Class A and Class C. The Trust Class had equivalent capped expenses and typically similar returns to the Institutional Class. The Trust Class had higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class E. The performance information for Class E from December 14, 2009, to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Institutional Class. The performance information for the Institutional Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses (such as Rule 12b-1 fees). The Institutional Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class E. |
24 | The performance information for Class E prior to the class’s inception date is that of the Fund’s Trust Class. The performance information for the Trust Class has not been adjusted to take into account differences in class specific operating expenses. The Trust Class has higher expenses and typically lower returns than Class E. |
For more complete information on any of the Neuberger Berman Equity Funds, call us at (800) 877-9700, or visit our website at www.nb.com.
45
Glossary of Indices (Unaudited)
FTSE Nareit All Equity REITs Index: | The index is a free-float adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that tracks the performance of all tax-qualified equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) that are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NASDAQ. Equity REITs include all tax-qualified REITs with more than 50 percent of total assets in qualifying real estate assets other than mortgages secured by real property. |
MSCI All Country World Index (Net): | The index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The index consists of 47 country indexes comprising 23 developed and 24 emerging market country indexes. The developed market country indexes included are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The emerging market country indexes included are: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the UAE. China A shares are included starting from June 1, 2018 and are partially represented at 20% of their free float-adjusted market capitalization as of November 2019. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. Effective after the close on March 9, 2022, MSCI reclassified MSCI Russia Indexes from Emerging Markets to Standalone Markets status. At that time, all Russian securities were removed from this index at a final price of 0.00001, including both locally traded Russian equity constituents and Russian ADRs/GDRs constituents. |
MSCI EAFE® Index (Net) (Europe, Australasia, Far East): | The index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. The index consists of the following 21 developed market country indexes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. |
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (Net): | The index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of emerging markets. The index consists of the following 24 emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. China A shares are included starting from June 1, 2018 and are partially represented at 20% of their free float-adjusted market capitalization as of November 2019. Effective after the close on March 9, 2022, MSCI reclassified MSCI Russia Indexes from Emerging Markets to Standalone Markets status. At that time, all Russian securities were removed from this index at a final price of 0.00001, including both locally traded Russian equity constituents and Russian ADRs/GDRs constituents. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. |
46
Glossary of Indices (Unaudited) (cont’d)
MSCI EAFE® Small Cap Index (Net): | The index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the small cap segment of developed markets, excluding the United States and Canada. The index consists of the following 21 developed market country indices: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Net total return indexes reinvest dividends after the deduction of withholding taxes, using (for international indexes) a tax rate applicable to non-resident institutional investors who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. |
Russell 1000® Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes approximately 1,000 of the largest securities in the Russell 3000® Index (which measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization). The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell 1000® Growth Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell 1000 Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell 1000® Value Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell 1000 Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell 2000® Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes approximately 2,000 of the smallest securities in the Russell 3000 Index (which measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization). The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell 2000® Growth Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the small-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell 2000 Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell 2000® Value Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell 2000 Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell 3000® Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market-capitalization-weighted equity index that measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies based on total market capitalization which represent about 98% of all U.S incorporated equity securities. The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell Midcap® Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes approximately 800 of the smallest securities in the Russell 1000 Index. The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell Midcap® Growth Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell Midcap Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
Russell Midcap® Value Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the mid-cap value segment of the U.S. equity market. It includes those Russell Midcap Index companies with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth rates. The index is rebalanced annually in June. |
47
Glossary of Indices (Unaudited) (cont’d)
S&P 500® Index: | The index is a float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that focuses on the large-cap segment of the U.S. equity market, and includes a significant portion of the total value of the market. |
48
Information About Your Fund’s Expenses (Unaudited)
As a Fund shareholder, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments or redemption proceeds (if applicable); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and/or service (12b-1) fees (if applicable), and other Fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in U.S. dollars) of investing in a Fund and compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.
This table is designed to provide information regarding costs related to your investments. The following examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the six month period ended February 29, 2024 and held for the entire period. The table illustrates each Fund’s costs in two ways:
Actual Expenses and Performance: | The first section of the table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in dollars, based on the Fund’s actual performance during the period indicated. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses 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 section of the table under the heading entitled "Expenses Paid During the Period" to estimate the expenses you paid over the period. |
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes: | The second section of the table provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return at 5% per year before expenses. This return 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 a Fund versus other funds. To do so, compare the expenses shown in this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds. |
Please note that the expenses in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not include any transaction costs, such as sales charges (loads) (if applicable). Therefore, the information under the heading "Hypothetical (5% annual return before expenses)" 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 transaction costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
49
Expense Example (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
ACTUAL | HYPOTHETICAL (5% ANNUAL RETURN BEFORE EXPENSES) | |||||||
Beginning Account Value 9/1/23 | Ending Account Value 2/29/24 | Expenses Paid During the Period(1) 9/1/23 – 2/29/24 | Expense Ratio | Beginning Account Value 9/1/23 | Ending Account Value 2/29/24 | Expenses Paid During the Period(2) 9/1/23 – 2/29/24 | Expense Ratio | |
Dividend Growth Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,095.50 | $3.59 | 0.69% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.43 | $3.47 | 0.69% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,093.20 | $5.46 | 1.05% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.64 | $5.27 | 1.05% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,088.90 | $9.35 | 1.80% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.91 | $9.02 | 1.80% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,095.80 | $3.07 | 0.59% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.93 | $2.97 | 0.59% |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,063.40 | $5.95 | 1.16% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.10 | $5.82 | 1.16% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,062.50 | $7.23 | 1.41% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.85 | $7.07 | 1.41% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,058.90 | $11.06 | 2.16% | $1,000.00 | $1,014.12 | $10.82 | 2.16% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,060.20 | $9.32 | 1.82% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.81 | $9.12 | 1.82% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,064.00 | $5.44 | 1.06% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.59 | $5.32 | 1.06% |
Equity Income Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,052.90 | $3.73 | 0.73% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.23 | $3.67 | 0.73% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,050.40 | $5.56 | 1.09% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.44 | $5.47 | 1.09% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,047.40 | $9.37 | 1.84% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.71 | $9.22 | 1.84% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,049.80 | $7.03 | 1.38% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.00 | $6.92 | 1.38% |
Class E | $1,000.00 | $1,055.70 | $0.31 | 0.06% | $1,000.00 | $1,024.57 | $0.30 | 0.06% |
Focus Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,157.10 | $4.83 | 0.90% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.39 | $4.52 | 0.90% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,156.20 | $5.95 | 1.11% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.34 | $5.57 | 1.11% |
Advisor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,154.00 | $8.03 | 1.50% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.40 | $7.52 | 1.50% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,158.10 | $4.02 | 0.75% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.13 | $3.77 | 0.75% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,156.00 | $5.95 | 1.11% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.34 | $5.57 | 1.11% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,151.70 | $9.95 | 1.86% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.61 | $9.32 | 1.86% |
Genesis Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,051.30 | $5.05 | 0.99% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.94 | $4.97 | 0.99% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,050.70 | $5.56 | 1.09% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.44 | $5.47 | 1.09% |
Advisor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,049.40 | $6.83 | 1.34% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.20 | $6.72 | 1.34% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,052.00 | $4.29 | 0.84% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.69 | $4.22 | 0.84% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,052.50 | $3.78 | 0.74% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.18 | $3.72 | 0.74% |
Class E | $1,000.00 | $1,056.30 | $0.10 | 0.02% | $1,000.00 | $1,024.76 | $0.10 | 0.02% |
International Equity Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,063.40 | $5.90 | 1.15% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.14 | $5.77 | 1.15% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,063.10 | $6.26 | 1.22% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.80 | $6.12 | 1.22% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,064.00 | $4.82 | 0.94% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.19 | $4.72 | 0.94% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,062.90 | $6.67 | 1.30% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.40 | $6.52 | 1.30% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,058.60 | $10.49 | 2.05% | $1,000.00 | $1,014.67 | $10.27 | 2.05% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,064.40 | $4.31 | 0.84% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.69 | $4.22 | 0.84% |
Class E | $1,000.00 | $1,069.00 | $0.72 | 0.14% | $1,000.00 | $1,024.17 | $0.70 | 0.14% |
International Select Fund | ||||||||
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,064.10 | $5.90 | 1.15% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.14 | $5.77 | 1.15% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,066.40 | $4.11 | 0.80% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.89 | $4.02 | 0.80% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,064.10 | $5.95 | 1.16% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.10 | $5.82 | 1.16% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,060.00 | $9.78 | 1.91% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.37 | $9.57 | 1.91% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,062.30 | $7.23 | 1.41% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.85 | $7.07 | 1.41% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,066.60 | $3.60 | 0.70% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.38 | $3.52 | 0.70% |
50
Expense Example (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
ACTUAL | HYPOTHETICAL (5% ANNUAL RETURN BEFORE EXPENSES) | |||||||
Beginning Account Value 9/1/23 | Ending Account Value 2/29/24 | Expenses Paid During the Period(1) 9/1/23 – 2/29/24 | Expense Ratio | Beginning Account Value 9/1/23 | Ending Account Value 2/29/24 | Expenses Paid During the Period(2) 9/1/23 – 2/29/24 | Expense Ratio | |
International Small Cap Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,058.90 | $5.43 | 1.06% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.59 | $5.32 | 1.06% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,057.10 | $7.26 | 1.42% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.80 | $7.12 | 1.42% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,053.10 | $11.08 | 2.17% | $1,000.00 | $1,014.07 | $10.87 | 2.17% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,059.80 | $4.92 | 0.96% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.09 | $4.82 | 0.96% |
Intrinsic Value Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,054.70 | $4.75 | 0.93% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.24 | $4.67 | 0.93% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,053.20 | $6.64 | 1.30% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.40 | $6.52 | 1.30% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,049.50 | $10.45 | 2.05% | $1,000.00 | $1,014.67 | $10.27 | 2.05% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,055.40 | $4.24 | 0.83% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.74 | $4.17 | 0.83% |
Large Cap Growth Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,165.70 | $4.31(3) | 0.80% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.89 | $4.02(3) | 0.80% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,164.40 | $5.44(3) | 1.01% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.84 | $5.07(3) | 1.01% |
Advisor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,161.60 | $8.06(3) | 1.50% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.40 | $7.52(3) | 1.50% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,166.50 | $3.56(3) | 0.66% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.58 | $3.32(3) | 0.66% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,164.40 | $5.54(3) | 1.03% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.74 | $5.17(3) | 1.03% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,160.50 | $9.51(3) | 1.77% | $1,000.00 | $1,016.06 | $8.87(3) | 1.77% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,163.00 | $6.94(3) | 1.29% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.45 | $6.47(3) | 1.29% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,167.50 | $3.13(3) | 0.58% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.98 | $2.92(3) | 0.58% |
Large Cap Value Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,010.60 | $3.75 | 0.75% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.13 | $3.77 | 0.75% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,009.70 | $4.75 | 0.95% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.14 | $4.77 | 0.95% |
Advisor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,009.00 | $5.49 | 1.10% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.39 | $5.52 | 1.10% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,011.30 | $3.00 | 0.60% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.88 | $3.02 | 0.60% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,009.40 | $4.90 | 0.98% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.99 | $4.92 | 0.98% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,005.70 | $8.53 | 1.71% | $1,000.00 | $1,016.36 | $8.57 | 1.71% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,008.10 | $6.14 | 1.23% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.75 | $6.17 | 1.23% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,011.80 | $2.55 | 0.51% | $1,000.00 | $1,022.33 | $2.56 | 0.51% |
Class E | $1,000.00 | $1,014.30 | $0.15 | 0.03% | $1,000.00 | $1,024.71 | $0.15 | 0.03% |
Mid Cap Growth Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,200.60 | $4.65 | 0.85% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.64 | $4.27 | 0.85% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,199.80 | $5.14 | 0.94% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.19 | $4.72 | 0.94% |
Advisor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,197.40 | $6.50 | 1.19% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.95 | $5.97 | 1.19% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,201.30 | $3.78 | 0.69% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.43 | $3.47 | 0.69% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,198.10 | $5.79 | 1.06% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.59 | $5.32 | 1.06% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,194.00 | $9.87 | 1.81% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.86 | $9.07 | 1.81% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,196.60 | $7.21 | 1.32% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.30 | $6.62 | 1.32% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,201.50 | $3.23 | 0.59% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.93 | $2.97 | 0.59% |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,092.60 | $4.99 | 0.96% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.09 | $4.82 | 0.96% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,091.00 | $6.24 | 1.20% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.90 | $6.02 | 1.20% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,093.00 | $4.42 | 0.85% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.64 | $4.27 | 0.85% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,090.80 | $6.29 | 1.21% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.85 | $6.07 | 1.21% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,087.00 | $10.17 | 1.96% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.12 | $9.82 | 1.96% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,089.60 | $7.59 | 1.46% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.60 | $7.32 | 1.46% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,093.10 | $3.90 | 0.75% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.13 | $3.77 | 0.75% |
51
Expense Example (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
ACTUAL | HYPOTHETICAL (5% ANNUAL RETURN BEFORE EXPENSES) | |||||||
Beginning Account Value 9/1/23 | Ending Account Value 2/29/24 | Expenses Paid During the Period(1) 9/1/23 – 2/29/24 | Expense Ratio | Beginning Account Value 9/1/23 | Ending Account Value 2/29/24 | Expenses Paid During the Period(2) 9/1/23 – 2/29/24 | Expense Ratio | |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,123.70 | $4.65 | 0.88% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.49 | $4.42 | 0.88% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,122.00 | $6.54 | 1.24% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.70 | $6.22 | 1.24% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,117.40 | $10.48 | 1.99% | $1,000.00 | $1,014.97 | $9.97 | 1.99% |
Class E | $1,000.00 | $1,127.60 | $0.63 | 0.12% | $1,000.00 | $1,024.27 | $0.60 | 0.12% |
Real Estate Fund | ||||||||
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,060.10 | $5.33 | 1.04% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.69 | $5.22 | 1.04% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,060.80 | $4.36 | 0.85% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.64 | $4.27 | 0.85% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,059.20 | $6.20 | 1.21% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.85 | $6.07 | 1.21% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,054.90 | $10.01 | 1.96% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.12 | $9.82 | 1.96% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,057.30 | $7.47 | 1.46% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.60 | $7.32 | 1.46% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,061.60 | $3.84 | 0.75% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.13 | $3.77 | 0.75% |
Class E | $1,000.00 | $1,065.10 | $0.36 | 0.07% | $1,000.00 | $1,024.52 | $0.35 | 0.07% |
Small Cap Growth Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,166.80 | $5.44 | 1.01% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.84 | $5.07 | 1.01% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,165.40 | $6.73 | 1.25% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.65 | $6.27 | 1.25% |
Advisor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,164.40 | $7.53 | 1.40% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.90 | $7.02 | 1.40% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,167.10 | $4.85 | 0.90% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.39 | $4.52 | 0.90% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,165.10 | $6.78 | 1.26% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.60 | $6.32 | 1.26% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,160.90 | $10.80 | 2.01% | $1,000.00 | $1,014.87 | $10.07 | 2.01% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,163.70 | $8.12 | 1.51% | $1,000.00 | $1,017.35 | $7.57 | 1.51% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,168.00 | $4.31 | 0.80% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.89 | $4.02 | 0.80% |
Sustainable Equity Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | $1,000.00 | $1,187.20 | $4.73 | 0.87% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.54 | $4.37 | 0.87% |
Trust Class | $1,000.00 | $1,186.40 | $5.71 | 1.05% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.64 | $5.27 | 1.05% |
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,188.60 | $3.81 | 0.70% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.38 | $3.52 | 0.70% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,186.30 | $5.76 | 1.06% | $1,000.00 | $1,019.59 | $5.32 | 1.06% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,181.90 | $9.82 | 1.81% | $1,000.00 | $1,015.86 | $9.07 | 1.81% |
Class R3 | $1,000.00 | $1,184.50 | $7.17 | 1.32% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.30 | $6.62 | 1.32% |
Class R6 | $1,000.00 | $1,188.90 | $3.27 | 0.60% | $1,000.00 | $1,021.88 | $3.02 | 0.60% |
Class E | $1,000.00 | $1,150.30 | $0.15(4) | 0.06% | $1,000.00 | $1,024.57 | $0.30 | 0.06% |
U.S. Equity Impact Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | $1,000.00 | $1,108.10 | $4.72 | 0.90% | $1,000.00 | $1,020.39 | $4.52 | 0.90% |
Class A | $1,000.00 | $1,106.40 | $6.60 | 1.26% | $1,000.00 | $1,018.60 | $6.32 | 1.26% |
Class C | $1,000.00 | $1,102.00 | $10.50 | 2.01% | $1,000.00 | $1,014.87 | $10.07 | 2.01% |
(1) | For each class, expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period shown), unless otherwise indicated. |
(2) | Hypothetical expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratios for each class, multiplied by the average account value over the period (assuming a 5% annual return), multiplied by 182/366 (to reflect the one-half year period shown). |
(3) | Includes expenses of the Fund’s Blocker (See Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements). |
(4) | Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the class, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 86/366 (to reflect the period shown of December 6, 2023 (Commencement of Operations) to February 29, 2024). |
52
Legend February 29, 2024 (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Counterparties: | |
SSB | = State Street Bank and Trust Company |
Investment Methods: | |
PIPE | = Private investment in public equity |
Other Abbreviations: | |
ADR | = American Depositary Receipt |
CVR | = Contingent Value Right |
Management or NBIA | = Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC |
PJSC | = Public Joint Stock Company |
Currency Abbreviations: | |
INR | = Indian Rupee |
53
Schedule of Investments Dividend Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 94.9% | ||
Banks 3.7% | ||
11,650 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | $2,167,599 |
8,550 | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | 1,258,560 |
3,426,159 | ||
Capital Markets 6.5% | ||
1,275 | BlackRock, Inc. | 1,034,459 |
7,700 | Cboe Global Markets, Inc. | 1,478,400 |
30,325 | Charles Schwab Corp. | 2,025,103 |
18,300 | Morgan Stanley | 1,574,532 |
6,112,494 | ||
Chemicals 1.2% | ||
20,140 | Novozymes AS Class B | 1,135,421 |
Commercial Services & Supplies 0.3% | ||
2,853 | Veralto Corp. | 246,556 |
Consumer Finance 1.4% | ||
6,050 | American Express Co. | 1,327,491 |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 1.8% | ||
28,800 | Walmart, Inc. | 1,687,968 |
Distributors 1.6% | ||
28,250 | LKQ Corp. | 1,477,193 |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 4.5% | ||
30,400 | Amphenol Corp. Class A | 3,320,896 |
26,770 | Corning, Inc. | 863,065 |
4,183,961 | ||
Energy Equipment & Services 1.2% | ||
23,025 | Schlumberger NV | 1,112,798 |
Entertainment 5.2% | ||
21,550 | Electronic Arts, Inc. | 3,005,794 |
16,375 | Walt Disney Co. | 1,827,122 |
4,832,916 | ||
Financial Services 0.6% | ||
16,850 | Equitable Holdings, Inc. | 576,944 |
Food Products 4.2% | ||
15,075 | McCormick & Co., Inc. | 1,038,065 |
1,285 | McCormick & Co., Inc. | 86,930 |
20,150 | Mondelez International, Inc. Class A | 1,472,360 |
41,025 | Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc. | 1,334,133 |
3,931,488 | ||
Ground Transportation 1.7% | ||
42,425 | CSX Corp. | 1,609,605 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.8% | ||
4,150 | Becton Dickinson & Co. | $977,533 |
8,975 | Medtronic PLC | 748,156 |
1,725,689 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 0.9% | ||
2,515 | Humana, Inc. | 881,055 |
Industrial Conglomerates 1.7% | ||
8,200 | Honeywell International, Inc. | 1,629,586 |
Industrial REITs 1.5% | ||
22,310 | Terreno Realty Corp. | 1,434,533 |
Insurance 1.9% | ||
2,675 | Aon PLC Class A | 845,273 |
4,775 | Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc. | 965,839 |
1,811,112 | ||
Life Sciences Tools & Services 4.9% | ||
13,535 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | 1,859,168 |
10,910 | Danaher Corp. | 2,761,757 |
4,620,925 | ||
Machinery 1.4% | ||
5,050 | Nordson Corp. | 1,341,533 |
Media 2.0% | ||
43,200 | Comcast Corp. Class A | 1,851,120 |
Metals & Mining 2.8% | ||
29,125 | Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | 1,101,216 |
37,325 | Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. | 1,537,417 |
2,638,633 | ||
Multi-Utilities 1.4% | ||
12,400 | DTE Energy Co. | 1,343,540 |
Office REITs 1.6% | ||
80,310 | Equity Commonwealth | 1,512,237 |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 2.4% | ||
36,500 | Devon Energy Corp. | 1,608,190 |
13,894 | Shell PLC | 430,918 |
3,560 | Shell PLC ADR | 223,675 |
2,262,783 | ||
Pharmaceuticals 5.2% | ||
35,885 | AstraZeneca PLC ADR | 2,302,382 |
3,390 | Eli Lilly & Co. | 2,554,975 |
4,857,357 | ||
Professional Services 1.2% | ||
4,300 | Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | 1,079,859 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 13.5% | ||
15,675 | Analog Devices, Inc. | 3,006,778 |
18,280 | Applied Materials, Inc. | 3,685,614 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
54
Schedule of Investments Dividend Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – cont'd | ||
22,675 | QUALCOMM, Inc. | $3,577,888 |
13,955 | Universal Display Corp. | 2,434,031 |
12,704,311 | ||
Software 5.9% | ||
2,370 | Intuit, Inc. | 1,571,049 |
9,675 | Microsoft Corp. | 4,001,967 |
5,573,016 | ||
Specialty Retail 2.2% | ||
21,100 | TJX Cos., Inc. | 2,091,854 |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 2.7% | ||
14,250 | Apple, Inc. | 2,575,687 |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 4.2% | ||
13,220 | Cie Financiere Richemont SA Class A | 2,101,806 |
17,570 | NIKE, Inc. Class B | 1,826,050 |
3,927,856 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Wireless Telecommunication Services 1.8% | ||
10,225 | T-Mobile U.S., Inc. | $1,669,743 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $59,688,232) | 89,193,423 | |
Short-Term Investments 3.9% | ||
Investment Companies 3.9% | ||
3,644,278 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(a) (Cost $3,644,278) | 3,644,278 |
Total Investments 98.8% (Cost $63,332,510) | 92,837,701 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities 1.2% | 1,164,521 | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $94,002,222 |
(a) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
55
Schedule of Investments Dividend Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $89,193,423 | $— | $— | $89,193,423 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 3,644,278 | — | 3,644,278 |
Total Investments | $89,193,423 | $3,644,278 | $— | $92,837,701 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
56
Schedule of Investments Emerging Markets Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 96.1% | ||
Australia 1.3% | ||
58,480 | Rio Tinto PLC | $3,749,281 |
Brazil 4.8% | ||
591,955 | B3 SA - Brasil Bolsa Balcao | 1,527,787 |
277,958 | Banco BTG Pactual SA | 2,034,739 |
231,227 | Banco do Brasil SA | 2,691,315 |
555,710 | Embraer SA* | 2,730,984 |
353,311 | Equatorial Energia SA | 2,429,275 |
348,357 | Petroleo Brasileiro SA | 2,812,869 |
14,226,969 | ||
Canada 0.4% | ||
81,202 | Parex Resources, Inc.(a) | 1,310,337 |
Chile 0.8% | ||
105,370 | Antofagasta PLC | 2,417,429 |
China 19.5% | ||
3,834,800 | Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. Class A | 2,229,659 |
671,536 | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. | 6,252,631 |
9,671,000 | China Construction Bank Corp. Class H | 6,027,777 |
234,000 | China Resources Beer Holdings Co. Ltd. | 1,014,663 |
1,260,000 | Foxconn Industrial Internet Co. Ltd. Class A | 3,267,845 |
77,552 | KE Holdings, Inc. ADR | 1,053,932 |
12,302 | Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd. Class A | 2,893,524 |
216,300 | Meituan Class B*(b) | 2,204,578 |
777,597 | NARI Technology Co. Ltd. Class A | 2,501,207 |
33,465 | NetEase, Inc. ADR | 3,611,543 |
27,205 | PDD Holdings, Inc. ADR* | 3,388,111 |
277,141 | Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co. Ltd. Class A | 2,430,906 |
61,716 | Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd. Class A | 2,476,553 |
200,700 | Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co. Ltd. Class A | 2,255,591 |
274,950 | Sieyuan Electric Co. Ltd. Class A | 2,184,674 |
333,900 | Tencent Holdings Ltd. | 11,821,582 |
46,577 | Trip.com Group Ltd. ADR* | 2,071,279 |
57,686,055 | ||
Hong Kong 1.6% | ||
421,200 | AIA Group Ltd. | 3,421,460 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Hong Kong – cont'd | ||
42,800 | Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. | $1,327,267 |
4,748,727 | ||
Hungary 1.6% | ||
44,794 | OTP Bank Nyrt | 2,147,663 |
95,891 | Richter Gedeon Nyrt | 2,552,860 |
4,700,523 | ||
India 23.8% | ||
12,416,910 | API Holdings Ltd.*#(c)(d) | 724,802 |
32,818 | Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd. | 2,422,277 |
615,622 | Aptus Value Housing Finance India Ltd. | 2,628,317 |
344,503 | ASK Automotive Ltd.* | 1,219,235 |
19,386 | Bajaj Finance Ltd. | 1,522,461 |
912,491 | Bharat Electronics Ltd. | 2,262,072 |
130,733 | Bharti Airtel Ltd. | 1,770,305 |
176,349 | Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Co. Ltd. | 2,323,458 |
617,635 | CMS Info Systems Ltd. | 2,868,945 |
60,759 | Doms Industries Ltd.* | 1,110,045 |
38,825 | GMM Pfaudler Ltd. | 613,376 |
131,348 | HDFC Bank Ltd. | 2,230,102 |
27,463 | Hero MotoCorp Ltd. | 1,461,348 |
210,240 | ICICI Bank Ltd. | 2,674,900 |
124,779 | IndusInd Bank Ltd. | 2,227,072 |
126,524 | JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 2,354,503 |
268,186 | Jupiter Life Line Hospitals Ltd.*#(d) | 4,452,082 |
242,055 | Jyoti CNC Automation Ltd.*#(b) | 1,719,451 |
234,588 | Jyoti CNC Automation Ltd.*(b) | 1,666,408 |
62,030 | Kaynes Technology India Ltd.* | 2,272,816 |
62,753 | Larsen & Toubro Ltd. | 2,634,504 |
4,084 | Pine Labs PTE Ltd.*#(c)(d) | 1,291,933 |
121,133 | Reliance Industries Ltd. | 4,281,556 |
1,758,380 | SBFC Finance Ltd.* | 1,795,147 |
130,281 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. | 2,475,639 |
523,807 | Texmaco Rail & Engineering Ltd. | 1,231,242 |
34,121 | Tube Investments of India Ltd. | 1,427,945 |
112,520 | Venus Pipes & Tubes Ltd.(b) | 2,483,368 |
29,153 | Voltamp Transformers Ltd. | 3,167,368 |
274,550 | Xpro India Ltd.* | 3,891,621 |
62,059 | Yasho Industries Ltd. | 1,571,753 |
810,094 | Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd.* | 3,487,900 |
70,263,951 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
57
Schedule of Investments Emerging Markets Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Indonesia 2.9% | ||
2,523,400 | Bank Central Asia Tbk. PT | $1,585,656 |
8,635,700 | Bank Negara Indonesia Persero Tbk. PT | 3,297,117 |
9,168,400 | Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk. PT | 3,573,430 |
8,456,203 | ||
Korea 10.7% | ||
25,902 | DB Insurance Co. Ltd.* | 1,921,837 |
56,217 | Kia Corp.* | 5,256,095 |
277,871 | Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. | 15,316,710 |
78,073 | SK Hynix, Inc. | 9,158,158 |
31,652,800 | ||
Mexico 2.6% | ||
1,145,624 | FIBRA Macquarie Mexico(b) | 2,256,397 |
274,130 | Grupo Financiero Banorte SAB de CV Class O | 2,835,509 |
634,144 | Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB de CV | 2,532,967 |
7,624,873 | ||
Peru 0.9% | ||
14,956 | Credicorp Ltd. | 2,555,681 |
Philippines 1.9% | ||
1,100,980 | BDO Unibank, Inc. | 2,996,530 |
159,720 | SM Investments Corp. | 2,670,760 |
5,667,290 | ||
Poland 0.7% | ||
18,695 | Dino Polska SA*(b) | 2,175,645 |
Saudi Arabia 2.9% | ||
114,379 | Al Rajhi Bank | 2,714,378 |
63,674 | Al-Dawaa Medical Services Co. | 1,942,326 |
138,523 | Alinma Bank | 1,623,360 |
285,645 | Saudi Arabian Oil Co.(b) | 2,414,459 |
8,694,523 | ||
South Africa 1.1% | ||
135,384 | Bid Corp. Ltd. | 3,167,195 |
Taiwan 13.3% | ||
112,600 | Accton Technology Corp. | 1,848,792 |
140,000 | Asia Vital Components Co. Ltd. | 2,356,254 |
924,000 | Far EasTone Telecommunications Co. Ltd. | 2,300,536 |
106,779 | Hiwin Technologies Corp. | 810,736 |
119,000 | MediaTek, Inc. | 4,291,748 |
1,129,839 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. | 24,663,120 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Taiwan – cont'd | ||
1,270,000 | Uni-President Enterprises Corp. | $3,081,637 |
39,352,823 | ||
United Arab Emirates 1.6% | ||
2,218,345 | Adnoc Gas PLC | 1,902,500 |
1,587,013 | Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC | 2,782,603 |
4,685,103 | ||
United States 3.7% | ||
13,393 | Globant SA* | 2,988,916 |
36,235 | Las Vegas Sands Corp. | 1,975,532 |
7,575 | NVIDIA Corp. | 5,992,734 |
10,957,182 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $250,548,996) | 284,092,590 | |
Preferred Stocks 3.6% | ||
India 3.6% | ||
217,973 | Gupshup, Inc., Series F*#(c)(d) | 3,500,646 |
9,762 | Pine Labs PTE Ltd., Series 1*#(c)(d) | 3,088,111 |
2,439 | Pine Labs PTE Ltd., Series A*#(c)(d) | 771,553 |
2,654 | Pine Labs PTE Ltd., Series B*#(c)(d) | 839,566 |
2,147 | Pine Labs PTE Ltd., Series B2*#(c)(d) | 679,204 |
3,993 | Pine Labs PTE Ltd., Series C*#(c)(d) | 1,263,226 |
841 | Pine Labs PTE Ltd., Series C1*#(c)(d) | 266,160 |
900 | Pine Labs PTE Ltd., Series D*#(c)(d) | 284,958 |
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $13,478,212) | 10,693,424 | |
Short-Term Investments 0.4% | ||
Investment Companies 0.4% | ||
226,601 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(e) | 226,601 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
58
Schedule of Investments Emerging Markets Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Investment Companies – cont'd | ||
1,063,952 | State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.34%(e)(f) | $1,063,952 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $1,290,553) | 1,290,553 | |
Total Investments 100.1% (Cost $265,317,761) | 296,076,567 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (0.1)% | (371,502 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $295,705,065 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | All or a portion of this security is on loan at February 29, 2024. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $1,283,458, collateralized by cash collateral of $1,063,952 and non-cash (U.S. Treasury Securities) collateral of $290,718 for the Fund (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(b) | Security exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Regulation S applies to securities offerings that are made outside of the United States and do not involve directed selling efforts in the United States and as such may have restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $14,920,306, which represents 5.0% of net assets of the Fund. |
(c) | Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. |
(d) | Security fair valued as of February 29, 2024 in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $17,162,241, which represents 5.8% of net assets of the Fund. |
(e) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(f) | Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
59
Schedule of Investments Emerging Markets Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
# This security is subject to restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $18,881,692, which represents 6.4% of net assets of the Fund. Acquisition dates shown with a range, if any, represent securities that were acquired over the period shown in the table.
Restricted Security | Acquisition Date(s) | Acquisition Cost | Value as of 2/29/2024 | Fair Value Percentage of Net Assets as of 2/29/2024 |
API Holdings Ltd. | 10/18/2021 | $8,879,972 | $724,802 | 0.3 % |
Gupshup, Inc. (Ser. F Preferred Shares) | 7/16/2021 | 4,983,996 | 3,500,646 | 1.2 % |
Jupiter Life Line Hospitals Ltd. | 8/18/2023 | 2,371,935 | 4,452,082 | 1.5 % |
Jyoti CNC Automation Ltd. | 1/15/2024 | 963,896 | 1,719,451 | 0.6 % |
Pine Labs PTE Ltd. | 7/6/2021 | 1,525,790 | 1,291,933 | 0.4 % |
Pine Labs PTE Ltd. (Series 1 Preferred Shares) | 7/6/2021 | 3,647,103 | 3,088,111 | 1.0 % |
Pine Labs PTE Ltd. (Series A Preferred Shares) | 7/6/2021 | 911,215 | 771,553 | 0.3 % |
Pine Labs PTE Ltd. (Series B Preferred Shares) | 7/6/2021 | 991,540 | 839,566 | 0.3 % |
Pine Labs PTE Ltd. (Series B2 Preferred Shares) | 7/6/2021 | 802,124 | 679,204 | 0.2 % |
Pine Labs PTE Ltd. (Series C Preferred Shares) | 7/6/2021 | 1,491,793 | 1,263,226 | 0.4 % |
Pine Labs PTE Ltd. (Series C1 Preferred Shares) | 7/6/2021 | 314,199 | 266,160 | 0.1 % |
Pine Labs PTE Ltd. (Series D Preferred Shares) | 7/6/2021 | 336,242 | 284,958 | 0.1 % |
Total | $27,219,805 | $18,881,692 | 6.4 % |
See Notes to Financial Statements
60
Schedule of Investments Emerging Markets Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
POSITIONS BY INDUSTRY | ||
Industry | Investments at Value | Percentage of Net Assets |
Banks | $44,192,752 | 14.9 % |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 44,105,760 | 14.9 % |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals | 17,672,964 | 6.0 % |
IT Services | 14,974,273 | 5.1 % |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 12,721,721 | 4.3 % |
Interactive Media & Services | 11,821,582 | 4.0 % |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail | 9,818,133 | 3.3 % |
Broadline Retail | 9,640,742 | 3.3 % |
Metals & Mining | 8,650,078 | 2.9 % |
Machinery | 8,472,119 | 2.9 % |
Pharmaceuticals | 8,107,804 | 2.7 % |
Electrical Equipment | 7,853,249 | 2.7 % |
Automobiles | 6,717,443 | 2.3 % |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | 6,251,389 | 2.1 % |
Consumer Finance | 5,641,066 | 1.9 % |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | 5,540,661 | 1.9 % |
Chemicals | 5,463,374 | 1.8 % |
Insurance | 5,343,297 | 1.8 % |
Aerospace & Defense | 4,993,056 | 1.7 % |
Capital Markets | 4,889,793 | 1.7 % |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies | 4,732,144 | 1.6 % |
Healthcare-Services | 4,452,082 | 1.5 % |
Wireless Telecommunication Services | 4,070,841 | 1.4 % |
Commercial Services & Supplies | 3,978,990 | 1.3 % |
Beverages | 3,908,187 | 1.3 % |
Entertainment | 3,611,543 | 1.2 % |
Software | 3,487,900 | 1.2 % |
Food Products | 3,081,637 | 1.0 % |
Industrial Conglomerates | 2,670,760 | 0.9 % |
Automobile Components | 2,647,180 | 0.9 % |
Construction & Engineering | 2,634,504 | 0.9 % |
Financial Services | 2,628,317 | 0.9 % |
Electric Utilities | 2,429,275 | 0.8 % |
Health Care Providers & Services | 2,422,277 | 0.8 % |
Industrial REITs | 2,256,397 | 0.8 % |
Communications Equipment | 1,848,792 | 0.6 % |
Real Estate Management & Development | 1,053,932 | 0.4 % |
Short-Term Investments and Other Liabilities—Net | 919,051 | 0.3 % |
$295,705,065 | 100.0 % |
See Notes to Financial Statements
61
Schedule of Investments Emerging Markets Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3(a) | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks | ||||
India | $63,795,134 | $4,452,082 | $2,016,735 | $70,263,951 |
Other Common Stocks# | 213,828,639 | — | — | 213,828,639 |
Total Common Stocks | 277,623,773 | 4,452,082 | 2,016,735 | 284,092,590 |
Preferred Stocks# | — | — | 10,693,424 | 10,693,424 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 1,290,553 | — | 1,290,553 |
Total Investments | $277,623,773 | $5,742,635 | $12,710,159 | $296,076,567 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides a geographic categorization as well as a Positions by Industry summary. |
(a) | The following is a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value: |
(000's omitted) | Beginning balance as of 9/1/2023 | Accrued discounts/ (premiums) | Realized gain/(loss) | Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) | Purchases | Sales | Transfers into Level 3 | Transfers out of Level 3 | Balance as of 2/29/2024 | Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) from investments still held as of 2/29/2024 |
Investments in Securities: | ||||||||||
Common Stocks(1) | $21,813 | $— | $9,523 | $(10,647 ) | $— | $(16,300 ) | $— | $(2,372 ) | $2,017 | $(47 ) |
Preferred Stocks(1) | 10,303 | — | — | 390 | — | — | — | — | 10,693 | 390 |
Total | $32,116 | $— | $9,523 | $(10,257 ) | $— | $(16,300 ) | $— | $(2,372 ) | $12,710 | $343 |
(1) Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements: |
Investment type | Fair value at 2/29/2024 | Valuation approach | Significant unobservable input(s) | Input value/ range | Weighted average(a) | Impact to valuation from increase in input(b) |
Common Stocks | $1,291,933 | Market Approach | Enterprise value Revenue multiple(c) (EV/Revenue) | 11.3x | 11.3x | Increase |
Discount Rate | 5.4% | 5.4% | Decrease | |||
Term (Years) | 1.1 | 1.1 | Increase | |||
Expected Volatility | 55% | 55% | Increase | |||
Common Stocks | 724,802 | Market Approach | Transaction Price | INR 4.84 | INR 4.84 | Increase |
Preferred Stocks | 10,693,424 | Market Approach | Enterprise value Revenue multiple(c) (EV/Revenue) | 6.6x - 11.8x | 10.0x | Increase |
Discount Rate | 4.9% - 5.0% | 5.0% | Decrease | |||
Term (Years) | 0.6 - 0.9 | 0.7 | Increase | |||
Expected Volatility | 55% - 70% | 60.1% | Increase | |||
(a) The weighted averages disclosed in the table above were weighted by relative fair value. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
62
Schedule of Investments Emerging Markets Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
(b) Represents the expected directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase or decrease in the corresponding input. Significant changes in these inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements. | ||||||
(c) Represents amounts used when the reporting entity has determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
63
Schedule of Investments Equity Income Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 99.0% | ||
Aerospace & Defense 2.5% | ||
52,440 | Lockheed Martin Corp. | $22,456,906 |
Banks 7.2% | ||
130,430 | JPMorgan Chase & Co.(a) | 24,267,806 |
69,525 | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.(a) | 10,234,080 |
531,250 | Wells Fargo & Co. | 29,532,187 |
64,034,073 | ||
Beverages 3.9% | ||
151,960 | Coca-Cola Co. | 9,120,639 |
415,245 | Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | 12,419,978 |
79,125 | PepsiCo, Inc. | 13,082,528 |
34,623,145 | ||
Biotechnology 1.3% | ||
160,000 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 11,536,000 |
Capital Markets 4.3% | ||
88,475 | CME Group, Inc. | 19,495,466 |
20,545 | Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 7,993,032 |
127,500 | Morgan Stanley | 10,970,100 |
38,458,598 | ||
Communications Equipment 1.5% | ||
284,020 | Cisco Systems, Inc. | 13,738,047 |
Construction & Engineering 4.2% | ||
695,832 | Ferrovial SE | 26,058,701 |
519,825 | MDU Resources Group, Inc. | 11,269,806 |
37,328,507 | ||
Construction Materials 3.9% | ||
233,450 | CRH PLC | 19,682,170 |
155,600 | Heidelberg Materials AG | 15,085,064 |
34,767,234 | ||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 1.9% | ||
9,621,900 | Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. | 16,804,626 |
Electric Utilities 1.9% | ||
306,400 | NextEra Energy, Inc.(a) | 16,910,216 |
Electrical Equipment 5.9% | ||
94,365 | Eaton Corp. PLC | 27,271,485 |
241,055 | Emerson Electric Co. | 25,756,727 |
53,028,212 | ||
Ground Transportation 1.6% | ||
56,050 | Union Pacific Corp. | 14,219,325 |
Health Care Providers & Services 1.8% | ||
219,275 | CVS Health Corp. | 16,307,482 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 3.4% | ||
98,875 | Darden Restaurants, Inc. | $16,878,951 |
46,210 | McDonald's Corp. | 13,506,259 |
30,385,210 | ||
Household Products 1.6% | ||
91,324 | Procter & Gamble Co. | 14,515,037 |
Industrial REITs 1.7% | ||
69,978 | Prologis, Inc. | 9,325,968 |
84,375 | Terreno Realty Corp. | 5,425,313 |
14,751,281 | ||
Insurance 4.2% | ||
237,125 | American International Group, Inc. | 17,284,041 |
107,625 | Progressive Corp. | 20,401,395 |
37,685,436 | ||
IT Services 1.5% | ||
72,703 | International Business Machines Corp. | 13,452,236 |
Machinery 0.2% | ||
5,835 | Deere & Co. | 2,130,067 |
Metals & Mining 3.8% | ||
483,500 | Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. | 23,237,010 |
164,250 | Rio Tinto PLC ADR | 10,599,052 |
33,836,062 | ||
Multi-Utilities 5.1% | ||
169,200 | Ameren Corp. | 12,045,348 |
886,125 | CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 24,368,437 |
124,100 | Sempra | 8,761,460 |
45,175,245 | ||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 8.7% | ||
227,925 | Chesapeake Energy Corp. | 18,867,632 |
259,908 | ConocoPhillips | 29,250,046 |
88,175 | Pioneer Natural Resources Co. | 20,737,878 |
257,700 | Williams Cos., Inc. | 9,261,738 |
78,117,294 | ||
Pharmaceuticals 9.6% | ||
390,175 | AstraZeneca PLC ADR | 25,033,628 |
57,932 | Johnson & Johnson | 9,349,066 |
281,400 | Merck & Co., Inc. | 35,780,010 |
489,842 | Roche Holding AG ADR | 16,032,529 |
86,195,233 | ||
Professional Services 2.1% | ||
155,075 | Paychex, Inc. | 19,015,297 |
Retail REITs 2.6% | ||
1,034,650 | Brixmor Property Group, Inc. | 23,393,436 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
64
Schedule of Investments Equity Income Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 3.5% | ||
50,335 | Analog Devices, Inc. | $9,655,260 |
30,000 | Intel Corp. | 1,291,500 |
54,040 | QUALCOMM, Inc.(a) | 8,526,972 |
67,450 | Texas Instruments, Inc. | 11,286,408 |
30,760,140 | ||
Software 1.9% | ||
41,725 | Microsoft Corp. | 17,259,129 |
Specialized REITs 3.8% | ||
186,500 | Lamar Advertising Co. Class A | 20,617,575 |
439,370 | VICI Properties, Inc. | 13,150,344 |
33,767,919 | ||
Specialty Retail 1.8% | ||
42,700 | Home Depot, Inc. | 16,252,047 |
Trading Companies & Distributors 1.6% | ||
36,495 | Watsco, Inc. | 14,383,409 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $649,954,156) | 885,286,849 | |
Principal Amount | ||
Convertible Bonds 0.8% | ||
Electric Utilities 0.8% | ||
$7,355,000 | Alliant Energy Corp., 3.88%, due 3/15/2026(b) (Cost $7,355,000) | 7,130,673 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Short-Term Investments 0.0%(c) | ||
Investment Companies 0.0%(c) | ||
270,662 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(d) (Cost $270,662) | $270,662 |
Total Investments 99.8% (Cost $657,579,818) | 892,688,184 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.2%(e) | 1,485,210 | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $894,173,394 |
(a) | All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for options written. |
(b) | Securities were purchased under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or are otherwise restricted and, unless registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or exempted from registration, may only be sold to qualified institutional investors or may have other restrictions on resale. At February 29, 2024, these securities amounted to $7,130,673, which represents 0.8% of net assets of the Fund. |
(c) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
(d) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(e) | Includes the impact of the Fund’s open positions in derivatives at February 29, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
65
Schedule of Investments Equity Income Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
POSITIONS BY COUNTRY | ||
Country | Investments at Value | Percentage of Net Assets |
United States | $801,658,142 | 89.6 % |
United Kingdom | 25,033,628 | 2.8 % |
Canada | 23,237,010 | 2.6 % |
Singapore | 16,804,626 | 1.9 % |
Germany | 15,085,064 | 1.7 % |
Australia | 10,599,052 | 1.2 % |
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets—Net | 1,755,872 | 0.2 % |
$894,173,394 | 100.0 % |
See Notes to Financial Statements
66
Schedule of Investments Equity Income Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Derivative Instruments
Written option contracts ("options written")
At February 29, 2024, the Fund had outstanding options written as follows:
Description | Number of Contracts | Notional Amount | Exercise Price | Expiration Date | Value |
Calls | |||||
Electrical Equipment | |||||
Eaton Corp. PLC | 75 | $(2,167,500) | $290 | 3/15/2024 | $(32,625) |
Eaton Corp. PLC | 75 | (2,167,500) | 310 | 4/19/2024 | (18,188) |
(50,813) | |||||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | |||||
Darden Restaurants, Inc. | 100 | (1,707,100) | 180 | 3/15/2024 | (2,500) |
Pharmaceuticals | |||||
Merck & Co., Inc. | 150 | (1,907,250) | 135 | 3/15/2024 | (1,350) |
Merck & Co., Inc. | 2 | (25,430) | 140 | 3/15/2024 | (8) |
Merck & Co., Inc. | 200 | (2,543,000) | 140 | 4/19/2024 | (3,900) |
(5,258) | |||||
Software | |||||
Microsoft Corp. | 50 | (2,068,200) | 450 | 3/15/2024 | (800) |
Total calls | $(59,371) | ||||
Puts | |||||
Capital Markets | |||||
Blackstone, Inc. | 200 | (2,556,400) | 90 | 3/15/2024 | (600) |
Blackstone, Inc. | 200 | (2,556,400) | 95 | 3/15/2024 | (800)(a)(b) |
(1,400) | |||||
Chemicals | |||||
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. | 100 | (2,340,400) | 200 | 3/15/2024 | (1,250) |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies | |||||
Becton Dickinson & Co. | 131 | (3,085,705) | 210 | 3/15/2024 | (2,358)(a)(b) |
Becton Dickinson & Co. | 150 | (3,533,250) | 215 | 3/15/2024 | (3,000) |
(5,358) | |||||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | |||||
McDonald's Corp. | 150 | (4,384,200) | 260 | 4/19/2024 | (5,175) |
IT Services | |||||
International Business Machines Corp. | 200 | (3,700,600) | 170 | 3/15/2024 | (3,700) |
Media | |||||
Comcast Corp. | 750 | (3,213,750) | 37.5 | 3/15/2024 | (1,125) |
Comcast Corp. | 750 | (3,213,750) | 35 | 4/19/2024 | (5,625) |
(6,750) | |||||
Metals & Mining | |||||
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | 1,000 | (3,781,000) | 33 | 3/15/2024 | (11,500) |
See Notes to Financial Statements
67
Schedule of Investments Equity Income Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Description | Number of Contracts | Notional Amount | Exercise Price | Expiration Date | Value |
Metals & Mining (cont’d) | |||||
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | 1,000 | $(3,781,000) | $34 | 3/15/2024 | $(9,000) |
(20,500) | |||||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | |||||
Intel Corp. | 500 | (2,152,500) | 37 | 3/15/2024 | (1,500) |
Intel Corp. | 500 | (2,152,500) | 38 | 3/15/2024 | (2,250) |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | 150 | (2,366,850) | 125 | 3/15/2024 | (900) |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | 150 | (2,366,850) | 120 | 4/19/2024 | (1,725) |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 300 | (5,019,900) | 135 | 3/15/2024 | (600) |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 300 | (5,019,900) | 140 | 3/15/2024 | (18,300) |
(25,275) | |||||
Total puts | $(69,408) | ||||
Total options written (premium received $164,503) | $(128,779) |
(a) | Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. |
(b) | Security fair valued as of February 29, 2024 in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. |
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the average market value for the months where the Fund had options written outstanding was $(86,111). At February 29, 2024, the Fund had securities pledged in the amount of $28,106,988 to cover collateral requirements for options written.
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $885,286,849 | $— | $— | $885,286,849 |
Convertible Bonds# | — | 7,130,673 | — | 7,130,673 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 270,662 | — | 270,662 |
Total Investments | $885,286,849 | $7,401,335 | $— | $892,688,184 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization as well as a Positions by Country summary. |
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s derivatives as of February 29, 2024:
Other Financial Instruments | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3(a) | Total |
Options Written | ||||
Liabilities | $(125,621 ) | $— | $(3,158 ) | $(128,779 ) |
Total | $(125,621 ) | $— | $(3,158 ) | $(128,779 ) |
See Notes to Financial Statements
68
Schedule of Investments Equity Income Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
(a) | The following is a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of derivative investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value: |
(000's omitted) | Beginning balance as of 9/1/2023 | Accrued discounts/ (premiums) | Realized gain/(loss) | Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) | Purchases/ Closing of options | Sales/ Writing of options | Transfers into Level 3 | Transfers out of Level 3 | Balance as of 2/29/2024 | Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) from investments still held as of 2/29/2024 |
Other Financial Instruments | ||||||||||
Written Option Contracts(1) | $(1 ) | $— | $10 | $(6 ) | $— | $(6 ) | $— | $— | $(3 ) | $3 |
Total | $(1 ) | $— | $10 | $(6 ) | $— | $(6 ) | $— | $— | $(3 ) | $3 |
(1) At February 29, 2024, these investments were valued in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. These investments did not have a material impact on the Fund’s net assets and, therefore, disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in formulating valuations is not presented. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
69
Schedule of Investments Focus Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 93.1% | ||
Aerospace & Defense 3.1% | ||
130,091 | Airbus SE | $21,503,714 |
Banks 2.0% | ||
536,905 | ICICI Bank Ltd. ADR | 13,750,137 |
Beverages 2.0% | ||
271,923 | Diageo PLC | 10,167,014 |
119,090 | Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | 3,561,982 |
13,728,996 | ||
Broadline Retail 6.7% | ||
188,866 | Amazon.com, Inc.* | 33,383,954 |
7,654 | MercadoLibre, Inc.* | 12,210,426 |
45,594,380 | ||
Chemicals 1.0% | ||
35,394 | Air Liquide SA | 7,187,892 |
Construction Materials 2.5% | ||
199,466 | CRH PLC(a) | 16,816,979 |
Diversified Telecommunication Services 3.1% | ||
882,919 | Deutsche Telekom AG | 20,979,371 |
Electric Utilities 1.5% | ||
180,874 | NextEra Energy, Inc. | 9,982,436 |
Entertainment 0.7% | ||
54,076 | TKO Group Holdings, Inc. | 4,527,784 |
Financial Services 5.7% | ||
115,071 | Fiserv, Inc.* | 17,176,648 |
75,965 | Visa, Inc. Class A | 21,470,748 |
38,647,396 | ||
Food Products 0.9% | ||
57,926 | Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | 5,920,616 |
Ground Transportation 5.6% | ||
81,512 | Canadian National Railway Co. | 10,568,962 |
131,601 | Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. | 11,173,697 |
203,571 | Uber Technologies, Inc.* | 16,183,895 |
37,926,554 | ||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 3.4% | ||
351,178 | Boston Scientific Corp.* | 23,251,495 |
Health Care Providers & Services 1.8% | ||
7,728 | Elevance Health, Inc. | 3,873,660 |
16,857 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 8,320,615 |
12,194,275 | ||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 1.1% | ||
133,333 | Las Vegas Sands Corp. | 7,269,315 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Household Durables 1.4% | ||
110,800 | Sony Group Corp. | $9,567,143 |
Household Products 1.2% | ||
52,254 | Procter & Gamble Co. | 8,305,251 |
Insurance 2.6% | ||
92,373 | Progressive Corp. | 17,510,226 |
Interactive Media & Services 6.7% | ||
119,615 | Alphabet, Inc. Class C* | 16,719,785 |
59,959 | Meta Platforms, Inc. Class A | 29,387,704 |
46,107,489 | ||
IT Services 0.7% | ||
10,970 | Gartner, Inc.* | 5,107,193 |
Life Sciences Tools & Services 1.7% | ||
20,726 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 11,817,551 |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 2.6% | ||
41,427 | EOG Resources, Inc. | 4,741,734 |
204,585 | Shell PLC ADR | 12,854,076 |
17,595,810 | ||
Personal Care Products 2.1% | ||
30,181 | L'Oreal SA | 14,408,081 |
Pharmaceuticals 1.2% | ||
128,465 | AstraZeneca PLC ADR | 8,242,314 |
Professional Services 1.6% | ||
142,664 | TransUnion | 11,075,006 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 8.9% | ||
42,864 | Analog Devices, Inc. | 8,222,172 |
17,126 | Lam Research Corp. | 16,068,470 |
31,434 | NVIDIA Corp. | 24,868,066 |
90,116 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. ADR | 11,595,226 |
60,753,934 | ||
Software 14.2% | ||
90,909 | Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc.*#(b)(c) | 972,608 |
8,300 | Constellation Software, Inc. | 23,107,716 |
81,870 | Microsoft Corp. | 33,864,707 |
115,313 | Oracle Corp. | 12,878,156 |
54,044 | Salesforce, Inc.* | 16,689,868 |
12,462 | ServiceNow, Inc.* | 9,612,439 |
97,125,494 | ||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 3.8% | ||
144,647 | Apple, Inc. | 26,144,945 |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 2.5% | ||
18,952 | LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE | 17,263,335 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
70
Schedule of Investments Focus Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Wireless Telecommunication Services 0.8% | ||
33,790 | T-Mobile U.S., Inc. | $5,517,907 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $475,923,384) | 635,823,019 | |
Preferred Stocks 0.5% | ||
Internet 0.2% | ||
1,000 | Fabletics LLC, Series G*#(b)(c) | 1,150,200 |
IT Services 0.2% | ||
106,691 | Druva, Inc., Series 5*#(b)(c) | 1,022,100 |
Software 0.1% | ||
63,363 | Videoamp, Inc., Series F1*#(b)(c) | 999,868 |
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $2,999,995) | 3,172,168 | |
Warrants 0.0%(d) | ||
Software 0.0%(d) | ||
10,268 | Constellation Software, Inc. Expires 3/31/2040*(b)(c) (Cost $0) | 1 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Short-Term Investments 6.4% | ||
Investment Companies 6.4% | ||
43,250,782 | State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.28%(e) | $43,250,782 |
775,706 | State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.34%(e)(f) | 775,706 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $44,026,488) | 44,026,488 | |
Total Investments 100.0% (Cost $522,949,867) | 683,021,676 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (0.0)%(d) | (8,074 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $683,013,602 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | All or a portion of this security is on loan at February 29, 2024. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $1,173,089 for the Fund (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(b) | Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. |
(c) | Security fair valued as of February 29, 2024 in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $4,144,777, which represents 0.6% of net assets of the Fund. |
(d) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
(e) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(f) | Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
71
Schedule of Investments Focus Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
#
This security is subject to restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $4,144,776, which represents 0.6% of net assets of the Fund. Acquisition dates shown with a range, if any, represent securities that were acquired over the period shown in the table.
Restricted Security | Acquisition Date(s) | Acquisition Cost | Value as of 2/29/2024 | Fair Value Percentage of Net Assets as of 2/29/2024 |
Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc. | 12/31/2021 | $999,999 | $972,608 | 0.1 % |
Druva, Inc. (Series 5 Preferred Shares) | 4/1/2021 | 1,000,000 | 1,022,100 | 0.2 % |
Fabletics LLC (Series G Preferred Shares) | 1/10/2022 | 1,000,000 | 1,150,200 | 0.2 % |
Videoamp, Inc. (Series F1 Preferred Shares) | 1/4/2022 | 999,995 | 999,868 | 0.1 % |
Total | $3,999,994 | $4,144,776 | 0.6 % |
POSITIONS BY COUNTRY | ||
Country | Investments at Value | Percentage of Net Assets |
United States | $434,416,083 | 63.6 % |
France | 60,363,022 | 8.8 % |
Canada | 44,850,376 | 6.6 % |
Germany | 20,979,371 | 3.1 % |
United Kingdom | 18,409,328 | 2.7 % |
India | 13,750,137 | 2.0 % |
Netherlands | 12,854,076 | 1.9 % |
Brazil | 12,210,426 | 1.8 % |
Taiwan | 11,595,226 | 1.7 % |
Japan | 9,567,143 | 1.4 % |
Short-Term Investments and Other Liabilities—Net | 44,018,414 | 6.4 % |
$683,013,602 | 100.0 % |
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3(a) | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks | ||||
Software | $96,152,886 | $— | $972,608 | $97,125,494 |
Other Common Stocks# | 538,697,525 | — | — | 538,697,525 |
Total Common Stocks | 634,850,411 | — | 972,608 | 635,823,019 |
Preferred Stocks# | — | — | 3,172,168 | 3,172,168 |
Warrants# | — | — | 1 | 1 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 44,026,488 | — | 44,026,488 |
Total Investments | $634,850,411 | $44,026,488 | $4,144,777 | $683,021,676 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization as well as a Positions by Country summary. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
72
Schedule of Investments Focus Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
(a) | The following is a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value: |
(000's omitted) | Beginning balance as of 9/1/2023 | Accrued discounts/ (premiums) | Realized gain/(loss) | Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) | Purchases | Sales | Transfers into Level 3 | Transfers out of Level 3 | Balance as of 2/29/2024 | Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) from investments still held as of 2/29/2024 |
Investments in Securities: | ||||||||||
Common Stocks(1) | $1,077 | $— | $— | $(104 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $973 | $(104 ) |
Preferred Stocks(1) | 3,243 | — | — | (71 ) | — | — | — | — | 3,172 | (71 ) |
Warrants(2) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Total | $4,320 | $— | $— | $(175 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $4,145 | $(175 ) |
(1) Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements: |
Investment type | Fair value at 2/29/2024 | Valuation approach | Significant unobservable input(s) | Input value/ range | Weighted average(a) | Impact to valuation from increase in input(b) |
Common Stocks | $972,608 | Market Approach | Enterprise value Revenue multiple(c) (EV/Revenue) | 11.9x | 11.9x | Increase |
Discount Rate | 5.1% | 5.1% | Decrease | |||
Term (Years) | 2.2 | 2.2 | Increase | |||
Expected Volatility | 80.0% | 80.0% | Increase | |||
Preferred Stocks | 3,172,168 | Market Approach | Enterprise value Revenue multiple(c) (EV/Revenue) | 2.9x - 7.3x | 5.6x | Increase |
Discount Rate | 3.6% - 5.1% | 4.3% | Decrease | |||
Term (Years) | 0.8 - 3.9 | 2.4 | Increase | |||
Expected Volatility | 55% - 65% | 59.8% | Increase | |||
(a) The weighted averages disclosed in the table above were weighted by relative fair value. | ||||||
(b) Represents the expected directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase or decrease in the corresponding input. Significant changes in these inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements. | ||||||
(c) Represents amounts used when the reporting entity has determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments. |
(2) At February 29, 2024, these investments were valued in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. These investments did not have a material impact on the Fund's net assets and, therefore, disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in formulating valuations is not presented. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
73
Schedule of Investments Genesis Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 98.7% | ||
Automobile Components 1.0% | ||
1,384,323 | Fox Factory Holding Corp.* | $70,032,900 |
259,862 | LCI Industries | 32,737,415 |
102,770,315 | ||
Banks 6.1% | ||
905,967 | Bank of Hawaii Corp. | 54,611,691 |
2,024,735 | Community Bank System, Inc. | 91,720,495 |
919,752 | Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. | 99,802,290 |
2,312,283 | First Financial Bankshares, Inc. | 71,542,036 |
1,985,490 | Glacier Bancorp, Inc. | 74,297,036 |
753,400 | Lakeland Financial Corp. | 47,991,580 |
1,287,744 | Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. | 80,368,103 |
862,520 | Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. | 39,512,041 |
2,506,313 | United Community Banks, Inc. | 65,189,201 |
625,034,473 | ||
Building Products 2.3% | ||
714,246 | CSW Industrials, Inc. | 164,555,136 |
4,965,476 | Hayward Holdings, Inc.* | 73,439,390 |
237,994,526 | ||
Capital Markets 1.7% | ||
461,176 | Hamilton Lane, Inc. Class A | 52,966,063 |
676,265 | Houlihan Lokey, Inc. | 87,008,255 |
155,497 | MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. | 33,184,615 |
173,158,933 | ||
Chemicals 1.3% | ||
3,556,261 | Element Solutions, Inc. | 83,572,134 |
250,384 | Quaker Chemical Corp. | 50,201,992 |
133,774,126 | ||
Commercial Services & Supplies 2.7% | ||
432,259 | Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Class A* | 38,946,536 |
1,852,724 | Rollins, Inc. | 81,649,546 |
917,496 | Tetra Tech, Inc. | 162,690,391 |
283,286,473 | ||
Construction & Engineering 2.2% | ||
1,032,316 | Arcosa, Inc. | 85,682,228 |
658,052 | Valmont Industries, Inc. | 139,460,960 |
225,143,188 | ||
Construction Materials 2.3% | ||
926,842 | Eagle Materials, Inc. | 235,000,789 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 0.3% | ||
1,385,674 | Grocery Outlet Holding Corp.* | $35,736,532 |
Containers & Packaging 1.1% | ||
775,766 | AptarGroup, Inc. | 108,964,092 |
Distributors 1.9% | ||
502,962 | Pool Corp. | 200,239,231 |
Diversified Consumer Services 0.7% | ||
603,695 | Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.* | 69,340,408 |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 3.5% | ||
610,985 | Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. | 61,831,682 |
677,725 | Littelfuse, Inc. | 161,461,204 |
601,616 | Novanta, Inc.* | 104,043,471 |
291,743 | Rogers Corp.* | 32,695,638 |
360,031,995 | ||
Energy Equipment & Services 2.7% | ||
1,197,321 | Cactus, Inc. Class A | 54,957,034 |
3,266,339 | Oceaneering International, Inc.* | 64,542,859 |
1,793,590 | Tidewater, Inc.* | 125,605,108 |
6,368,505 | Transocean Ltd.* | 29,868,288 |
274,973,289 | ||
Financial Services 1.4% | ||
431,707 | Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. | 75,017,725 |
788,953 | Shift4 Payments, Inc. Class A* | 64,867,716 |
139,885,441 | ||
Food Products 0.9% | ||
1,156,922 | Simply Good Foods Co.* | 41,047,592 |
2,698,949 | Utz Brands, Inc. | 47,744,408 |
88,792,000 | ||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 3.2% | ||
120,854 | Atrion Corp.(a) | 44,473,063 |
2,091,649 | Haemonetics Corp.* | 152,648,544 |
555,538 | QuidelOrtho Corp.* | 25,332,533 |
507,589 | UFP Technologies, Inc.*(a) | 105,735,865 |
328,190,005 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 2.3% | ||
315,456 | Chemed Corp. | 197,516,465 |
160,976 | CorVel Corp.* | 39,278,144 |
236,794,609 | ||
Health Care Technology 0.3% | ||
876,686 | Simulations Plus, Inc. | 36,382,469 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
74
Schedule of Investments Genesis Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 1.5% | ||
1,013,752 | Texas Roadhouse, Inc. | $151,424,136 |
Household Durables 0.4% | ||
179,734 | Installed Building Products, Inc. | 42,943,845 |
Household Products 1.3% | ||
428,953 | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | 42,946,774 |
356,560 | WD-40 Co. | 95,697,139 |
138,643,913 | ||
Insurance 2.5% | ||
1,250,907 | AMERISAFE, Inc.(a) | 65,997,853 |
2,313,664 | Hagerty, Inc. Class A* | 19,874,374 |
843,785 | RLI Corp. | 123,572,313 |
739,758 | Stewart Information Services Corp. | 46,589,959 |
256,034,499 | ||
Life Sciences Tools & Services 4.4% | ||
2,314,256 | Bio-Techne Corp. | 170,259,814 |
343,694 | ICON PLC* | 110,195,170 |
2,224,841 | Stevanato Group SpA(a) | 73,753,479 |
282,318 | West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. | 101,171,479 |
455,379,942 | ||
Machinery 13.6% | ||
332,712 | Crane Co. | 40,444,471 |
546,600 | Enerpac Tool Group Corp. | 18,425,886 |
1,223,334 | Esab Corp. | 121,256,866 |
591,233 | ESCO Technologies, Inc. | 60,240,730 |
377,927 | Federal Signal Corp. | 30,956,001 |
1,220,195 | Graco, Inc. | 111,354,996 |
5,490,401 | Hillman Solutions Corp.* | 53,476,506 |
602,090 | Kadant, Inc.(a) | 203,084,957 |
539,277 | Lindsay Corp. | 64,341,139 |
412,761 | Nordson Corp. | 109,649,960 |
291,832 | Omega Flex, Inc. | 20,326,099 |
738,729 | RBC Bearings, Inc.* | 201,547,433 |
1,152,334 | SPX Technologies, Inc.* | 135,042,021 |
583,918 | Standex International Corp. | 101,017,814 |
1,346,621 | Toro Co. | 124,306,584 |
1,395,471,463 | ||
Marine Transportation 1.8% | ||
2,110,872 | Kirby Corp.* | 185,165,692 |
Media 2.3% | ||
104,968 | Cable One, Inc. | 47,865,408 |
947,016 | Nexstar Media Group, Inc. Class A | 157,365,649 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Media – cont'd | ||
978,048 | TechTarget, Inc.* | $31,013,902 |
236,244,959 | ||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 3.0% | ||
1,113,419 | Matador Resources Co. | 70,312,410 |
3,758,832 | Sitio Royalties Corp. Class A | 85,776,546 |
11,618,728 | Southwestern Energy Co.* | 80,982,534 |
26,570 | Texas Pacific Land Corp. | 41,858,910 |
826,166 | Viper Energy, Inc. | 29,857,639 |
308,788,039 | ||
Pharmaceuticals 0.5% | ||
1,120,078 | Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | 52,162,033 |
Professional Services 3.1% | ||
550,659 | CBIZ, Inc.* | 41,591,274 |
414,541 | CRA International, Inc.(a) | 54,943,264 |
1,650,983 | Exponent, Inc. | 133,548,015 |
431,630 | FTI Consulting, Inc.* | 89,295,615 |
319,378,168 | ||
Real Estate Management & Development 1.9% | ||
224,743 | Colliers International Group, Inc. | 26,121,879 |
1,030,422 | FirstService Corp. | 169,947,500 |
196,069,379 | ||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 4.3% | ||
2,831,898 | Lattice Semiconductor Corp.* | 216,951,706 |
635,193 | MKS Instruments, Inc. | 77,976,292 |
2,040,406 | Power Integrations, Inc. | 145,807,413 |
440,735,411 | ||
Software 13.1% | ||
559,990 | Aspen Technology, Inc.* | 108,576,461 |
1,015,981 | CommVault Systems, Inc.* | 97,239,542 |
1,127,352 | Computer Modelling Group Ltd. | 8,410,046 |
177,854 | Fair Isaac Corp.* | 225,858,573 |
991,008 | Manhattan Associates, Inc.* | 251,052,057 |
2,294,001 | Model N, Inc.*(a) | 56,340,665 |
1,232,718 | Qualys, Inc.* | 211,854,915 |
1,084,308 | SPS Commerce, Inc.* | 200,770,469 |
239,460 | Tyler Technologies, Inc.* | 104,677,544 |
2,413,676 | Vertex, Inc. Class A* | 81,051,240 |
1,345,831,512 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
75
Schedule of Investments Genesis Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Specialty Retail 4.4% | ||
766,562 | Asbury Automotive Group, Inc.* | $160,081,142 |
971,735 | Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. Class A* | 117,696,543 |
349,583 | Tractor Supply Co. | 88,905,949 |
219,341 | Winmark Corp.(a) | 83,250,877 |
449,934,511 | ||
Trading Companies & Distributors 2.7% | ||
1,474,853 | Richelieu Hardware Ltd. | 47,424,813 |
407,597 | SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc.* | 68,671,943 |
451,208 | Transcat, Inc.*(a) | 47,449,033 |
301,328 | Watsco, Inc. | 118,759,391 |
282,305,180 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $5,528,127,420) | 10,152,005,576 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Short-Term Investments 1.4% | ||
Investment Companies 1.4% | ||
6,016,955 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(b) | $6,016,955 |
139,382,344 | State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.26%(b) | 139,382,344 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $145,399,299) | 145,399,299 | |
Total Investments 100.1% (Cost $5,673,526,719) | 10,297,404,875 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (0.1)% | (9,921,873 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $10,287,483,002 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Affiliated company (see Note F of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(b) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
76
Schedule of Investments Genesis Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks | ||||
Trading Companies & Distributors | $234,880,367 | $47,424,813 | $— | $282,305,180 |
Other Common Stocks# | 9,869,700,396 | — | — | 9,869,700,396 |
Total Common Stocks | 10,104,580,763 | 47,424,813 | — | 10,152,005,576 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 145,399,299 | — | 145,399,299 |
Total Investments | $10,104,580,763 | $192,824,112 | $— | $10,297,404,875 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
77
Schedule of Investments International Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 97.9% | ||
Australia 0.6% | ||
1,410,024 | Glencore PLC | $6,677,192 |
Austria 0.8% | ||
142,667 | BAWAG Group AG*(a) | 8,056,658 |
Belgium 2.0% | ||
576,506 | Azelis Group NV | 11,801,275 |
116,830 | KBC Group NV | 8,194,910 |
19,996,185 | ||
Canada 0.6% | ||
466,871 | Softchoice Corp.(b) | 6,033,907 |
Denmark 0.9% | ||
55,805 | DSV AS | 8,949,515 |
Finland 0.8% | ||
638,621 | Nordea Bank Abp | 7,758,521 |
France 6.3% | ||
354,167 | Bureau Veritas SA | 10,285,393 |
51,606 | Capgemini SE | 12,532,809 |
23,741 | Dassault Aviation SA | 4,693,079 |
416,364 | Exclusive Networks SA* | 7,983,106 |
70,721 | Pernod Ricard SA | 11,813,063 |
41,629 | Safran SA | 8,715,067 |
67,675 | Teleperformance SE | 8,378,543 |
64,401,060 | ||
Germany 9.9% | ||
37,755 | adidas AG | 7,635,541 |
68,737 | Deutsche Boerse AG | 14,382,721 |
565,035 | Deutsche Telekom AG | 13,426,010 |
81,978 | Merck KGaA | 13,981,361 |
23,431 | MTU Aero Engines AG | 5,629,573 |
213,181 | Qiagen NV* | 9,122,015 |
63,859 | SAP SE ADR | 11,997,190 |
132,331 | Stabilus SE | 8,724,420 |
159,907 | Symrise AG | 16,342,559 |
101,241,390 | ||
Hong Kong 1.8% | ||
1,203,200 | AIA Group Ltd. | 9,773,743 |
869,171 | Prudential PLC | 8,531,471 |
18,305,214 | ||
Ireland 3.5% | ||
1,145,879 | Bank of Ireland Group PLC | 9,974,601 |
153,772 | Kerry Group PLC Class A | 13,485,200 |
285,559 | Smurfit Kappa Group PLC | 12,169,360 |
35,629,161 | ||
Italy 2.0% | ||
247,531 | Leonardo SpA | 5,285,082 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Italy – cont'd | ||
1,068,692 | Nexi SpA*(a) | $7,824,253 |
235,224 | UniCredit SpA | 7,858,249 |
20,967,584 | ||
Japan 19.4% | ||
197,300 | Daiei Kankyo Co. Ltd. | 3,687,531 |
245,300 | Dexerials Corp. | 9,859,777 |
210,600 | Ebara Corp. | 17,720,911 |
411,600 | Fuji Corp. | 7,072,316 |
74,100 | Fujitsu Ltd. | 11,558,355 |
219,600 | Hitachi Ltd. | 18,551,454 |
338,400 | KDDI Corp. | 10,279,306 |
228,500 | Kokusai Electric Corp.* | 6,759,589 |
18,500 | Lasertec Corp. | 4,929,796 |
458,300 | MISUMI Group, Inc. | 6,988,219 |
220,000 | Nexon Co. Ltd. | 3,560,032 |
246,300 | NS Solutions Corp. | 8,230,810 |
178,300 | Oracle Corp. Japan | 13,641,282 |
164,300 | Otsuka Corp. | 7,211,139 |
625,300 | Renesas Electronics Corp. | 10,237,452 |
1,480,000 | Resona Holdings, Inc. | 8,055,496 |
21,375 | SMC Corp. | 12,853,230 |
177,000 | Sony Group Corp. | 15,283,251 |
409,600 | TechnoPro Holdings, Inc. | 8,186,809 |
231,200 | Terumo Corp. | 9,000,021 |
80,900 | Visional, Inc.*(b) | 4,624,553 |
198,291,329 | ||
Netherlands 9.6% | ||
109,328 | Aalberts NV | 4,903,708 |
24,332 | ASM International NV | 14,824,190 |
39,667 | ASML Holding NV | 37,320,140 |
153,694 | Heineken NV | 14,189,321 |
766,607 | ING Groep NV | 10,514,280 |
524,835 | Shell PLC | 16,277,600 |
98,029,239 | ||
Spain 0.6% | ||
266,639 | Fluidra SA | 6,213,232 |
Sweden 1.3% | ||
116,909 | Autoliv, Inc. | 13,564,951 |
Switzerland 7.8% | ||
121,967 | DSM-Firmenich AG | 13,050,365 |
181,405 | Julius Baer Group Ltd. | 9,698,455 |
17,193 | Lonza Group AG | 8,981,926 |
176,040 | Novartis AG | 17,814,010 |
52,439 | Roche Holding AG | 13,753,860 |
148,119 | Sandoz Group AG* | 4,599,251 |
340,134 | SIG Group AG* | 6,730,757 |
18,087 | Sonova Holding AG | 5,569,164 |
80,197,788 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
78
Schedule of Investments International Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
United Kingdom 22.5% | ||
162,040 | Ashtead Group PLC | $11,618,043 |
188,253 | AstraZeneca PLC | 23,722,770 |
952,015 | BAE Systems PLC | 14,925,463 |
1,901,779 | BP PLC | 11,059,632 |
185,920 | Bunzl PLC | 7,399,673 |
197,563 | Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC | 13,558,749 |
481,991 | Compass Group PLC | 13,202,649 |
487,849 | Experian PLC | 20,845,221 |
1,560,716 | HSBC Holdings PLC | 12,106,210 |
12,856,215 | Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 7,557,563 |
163,965 | London Stock Exchange Group PLC | 18,370,918 |
2,417,217 | Petershill Partners PLC(a) | 5,290,871 |
422,611 | RELX PLC | 18,463,108 |
2,026,743 | Rentokil Initial PLC | 11,213,278 |
873,503 | RS GROUP PLC | 8,309,363 |
629,346 | Smith & Nephew PLC | 8,265,973 |
523,089 | TechnipFMC PLC | 11,345,800 |
269,957 | Unilever PLC | 13,205,482 |
230,460,766 | ||
United States 7.5% | ||
31,898 | Aon PLC Class A | 10,079,449 |
119,637 | CRH PLC | 9,927,905 |
1,775,656 | Haleon PLC | 7,429,153 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
United States – cont'd | ||
41,666 | ICON PLC* | $13,358,953 |
173,792 | Nestle SA | 18,032,627 |
253,964 | Schlumberger NV | 12,274,080 |
26,872 | Schneider Electric SE | 6,093,273 |
77,195,440 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $922,431,045) | 1,001,969,132 | |
Short-Term Investments 1.2% | ||
Investment Companies 1.2% | ||
12,098,718 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(c) | 12,098,718 |
173,577 | State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.34%(c)(d) | 173,577 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $12,272,295) | 12,272,295 | |
Total Investments 99.1% (Cost $934,703,340) | 1,014,241,427 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.9% | 9,200,461 | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $1,023,441,888 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Security exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Regulation S applies to securities offerings that are made outside of the United States and do not involve directed selling efforts in the United States and as such may have restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $21,171,782, which represents 2.1% of net assets of the Fund. |
(b) | All or a portion of this security is on loan at February 29, 2024. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $164,890 for the Fund (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(c) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(d) | Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
79
Schedule of Investments International Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
POSITIONS BY INDUSTRY | ||
Industry | Investments at Value | Percentage of Net Assets |
Banks | $80,076,488 | 7.8 % |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 74,071,167 | 7.2 % |
Pharmaceuticals | 73,871,252 | 7.2 % |
Professional Services | 70,783,627 | 6.9 % |
Machinery | 64,476,036 | 6.3 % |
Capital Markets | 47,742,965 | 4.7 % |
IT Services | 47,516,219 | 4.6 % |
Beverages | 39,561,133 | 3.9 % |
Aerospace & Defense | 39,248,264 | 3.8 % |
Trading Companies & Distributors | 39,128,354 | 3.8 % |
Food Products | 31,517,827 | 3.1 % |
Life Sciences Tools & Services | 31,462,894 | 3.1 % |
Chemicals | 29,392,924 | 2.9 % |
Insurance | 28,384,663 | 2.8 % |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 27,337,232 | 2.7 % |
Software | 25,638,472 | 2.5 % |
Energy Equipment & Services | 23,619,880 | 2.3 % |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies | 22,835,158 | 2.2 % |
Personal Care Products | 20,634,635 | 2.0 % |
Containers & Packaging | 18,900,117 | 1.8 % |
Industrial Conglomerates | 18,551,454 | 1.8 % |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | 15,893,684 | 1.6 % |
Household Durables | 15,283,251 | 1.5 % |
Commercial Services & Supplies | 14,900,809 | 1.5 % |
Automobile Components | 13,564,951 | 1.3 % |
Diversified Telecommunication Services | 13,426,010 | 1.3 % |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | 13,202,649 | 1.3 % |
Wireless Telecommunication Services | 10,279,306 | 1.0 % |
Construction Materials | 9,927,905 | 1.0 % |
Air Freight & Logistics | 8,949,515 | 0.9 % |
Financial Services | 7,824,253 | 0.8 % |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | 7,635,541 | 0.7 % |
Metals & Mining | 6,677,192 | 0.7 % |
Electrical Equipment | 6,093,273 | 0.6 % |
Entertainment | 3,560,032 | 0.3 % |
Short-Term Investments and Other Assets—Net | 21,472,756 | 2.1 % |
$1,023,441,888 | 100.0 % |
See Notes to Financial Statements
80
Schedule of Investments International Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $1,001,969,132 | $— | $— | $1,001,969,132 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 12,272,295 | — | 12,272,295 |
Total Investments | $1,001,969,132 | $12,272,295 | $— | $1,014,241,427 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides a geographic categorization as well as a Positions by Industry summary. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
81
Schedule of Investments International Select Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 97.8% | ||
Australia 0.7% | ||
216,840 | Glencore PLC | $1,026,849 |
Austria 0.8% | ||
21,994 | BAWAG Group AG*(a) | 1,242,040 |
Belgium 0.8% | ||
17,929 | KBC Group NV | 1,257,610 |
Denmark 0.9% | ||
8,580 | DSV AS | 1,375,985 |
Finland 0.8% | ||
98,826 | Nordea Bank Abp | 1,200,624 |
France 5.9% | ||
55,509 | Bureau Veritas SA | 1,612,041 |
9,403 | Capgemini SE | 2,283,572 |
3,902 | Dassault Aviation SA | 771,340 |
10,849 | Pernod Ricard SA | 1,812,191 |
6,371 | Safran SA | 1,333,774 |
11,107 | Teleperformance SE | 1,375,109 |
9,188,027 | ||
Germany 9.4% | ||
5,757 | adidas AG | 1,164,291 |
10,538 | Deutsche Boerse AG | 2,205,001 |
87,040 | Deutsche Telekom AG | 2,068,190 |
12,571 | Merck KGaA | 2,143,986 |
3,606 | MTU Aero Engines AG | 866,384 |
32,716 | Qiagen NV* | 1,399,918 |
12,315 | SAP SE ADR | 2,313,619 |
24,528 | Symrise AG | 2,506,771 |
14,668,160 | ||
Hong Kong 2.1% | ||
226,300 | AIA Group Ltd. | 1,838,263 |
144,613 | Prudential PLC | 1,419,469 |
3,257,732 | ||
Ireland 3.5% | ||
177,504 | Bank of Ireland Group PLC | 1,545,129 |
23,681 | Kerry Group PLC Class A | 2,076,731 |
43,786 | Smurfit Kappa Group PLC | 1,865,981 |
5,487,841 | ||
Italy 2.1% | ||
38,286 | Leonardo SpA | 817,452 |
165,445 | Nexi SpA*(a) | 1,211,278 |
36,401 | UniCredit SpA | 1,216,067 |
3,244,797 | ||
Japan 19.1% | ||
37,000 | Ebara Corp. | 3,113,361 |
11,400 | Fujitsu Ltd. | 1,778,208 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Japan – cont'd | ||
33,900 | Hitachi Ltd. | $2,863,817 |
52,000 | KDDI Corp. | 1,579,562 |
35,000 | Kokusai Electric Corp.* | 1,035,386 |
2,900 | Lasertec Corp. | 772,779 |
70,500 | MISUMI Group, Inc. | 1,074,993 |
33,500 | Nexon Co. Ltd. | 542,096 |
15,500 | Nitto Denko Corp. | 1,421,592 |
29,400 | Nomura Research Institute Ltd. | 824,424 |
27,500 | Oracle Corp. Japan | 2,103,955 |
25,300 | Otsuka Corp. | 1,110,419 |
97,200 | Renesas Electronics Corp. | 1,591,365 |
225,400 | Resona Holdings, Inc. | 1,226,830 |
33,400 | Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd. | 1,422,931 |
3,300 | SMC Corp. | 1,984,358 |
27,200 | Sony Group Corp. | 2,348,613 |
63,100 | TechnoPro Holdings, Inc. | 1,261,200 |
47,400 | Terumo Corp. | 1,845,160 |
29,901,049 | ||
Netherlands 10.6% | ||
16,793 | Aalberts NV | 753,219 |
3,709 | ASM International NV | 2,259,696 |
6,047 | ASML Holding NV | 5,689,235 |
23,748 | Heineken NV(b) | 2,192,460 |
10,370 | IMCD NV | 1,579,192 |
117,438 | ING Groep NV | 1,610,703 |
80,891 | Shell PLC | 2,508,810 |
16,593,315 | ||
Sweden 1.3% | ||
17,886 | Autoliv, Inc. | 2,075,313 |
Switzerland 8.1% | ||
18,595 | DSM-Firmenich AG | 1,989,649 |
27,839 | Julius Baer Group Ltd. | 1,488,356 |
2,638 | Lonza Group AG | 1,378,138 |
30,853 | Novartis AG | 3,122,107 |
8,071 | Roche Holding AG | 2,116,886 |
22,787 | Sandoz Group AG* | 707,560 |
51,684 | SIG Group AG* | 1,022,751 |
2,774 | Sonova Holding AG | 854,142 |
12,679,589 | ||
United Kingdom 23.7% | ||
24,995 | Ashtead Group PLC | 1,792,107 |
29,168 | AstraZeneca PLC | 3,675,616 |
167,960 | BAE Systems PLC | 2,633,237 |
293,226 | BP PLC | 1,705,231 |
38,113 | Bunzl PLC | 1,516,909 |
30,469 | Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC | 2,091,087 |
74,455 | Compass Group PLC | 2,039,464 |
75,007 | Experian PLC | 3,204,962 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
82
Schedule of Investments International Select Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
United Kingdom – cont'd | ||
239,416 | HSBC Holdings PLC | $1,857,109 |
1,982,155 | Lloyds Banking Group PLC | 1,165,216 |
26,601 | London Stock Exchange Group PLC | 2,980,421 |
373,436 | Petershill Partners PLC(a) | 817,387 |
74,237 | RELX PLC | 3,243,280 |
352,049 | Rentokil Initial PLC | 1,947,767 |
133,721 | RS GROUP PLC | 1,272,046 |
96,639 | Smith & Nephew PLC | 1,269,279 |
80,622 | TechnipFMC PLC | 1,748,691 |
41,605 | Unilever PLC | 2,035,191 |
36,995,000 | ||
United States 8.0% | ||
4,848 | Aon PLC Class A | 1,531,919 |
18,346 | CRH PLC | 1,522,417 |
473,869 | Haleon PLC | 1,982,617 |
6,352 | ICON PLC* | 2,036,578 |
25,438 | Nestle SA | 2,639,442 |
39,045 | Schlumberger NV | 1,887,045 |
3,629 | Schneider Electric SE | 822,882 |
12,422,900 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $139,245,838) | 152,616,831 | |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Short-Term Investments 2.2% | ||
Investment Companies 2.2% | ||
3,220,076 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(c) | $3,220,076 |
291,263 | State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.34%(c)(d) | 291,263 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $3,511,339) | 3,511,339 | |
Total Investments 100.0% (Cost $142,757,177) | 156,128,170 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (0.0)%(e) | (509 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $156,127,661 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Security exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Regulation S applies to securities offerings that are made outside of the United States and do not involve directed selling efforts in the United States and as such may have restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $3,270,705, which represents 2.1% of net assets of the Fund. |
(b) | All or a portion of this security is on loan at February 29, 2024. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $273,423 for the Fund (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(c) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(d) | Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending. |
(e) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
83
Schedule of Investments International Select Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
POSITIONS BY INDUSTRY | ||
Industry | Investments at Value | Percentage of Net Assets |
Banks | $12,321,328 | 7.9 % |
Pharmaceuticals | 11,766,155 | 7.5 % |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 11,348,461 | 7.3 % |
Professional Services | 10,696,592 | 6.9 % |
Capital Markets | 7,491,165 | 4.8 % |
Chemicals | 7,340,943 | 4.7 % |
Machinery | 6,925,931 | 4.4 % |
Aerospace & Defense | 6,422,187 | 4.1 % |
Trading Companies & Distributors | 6,160,254 | 3.9 % |
Beverages | 6,095,738 | 3.9 % |
IT Services | 5,996,623 | 3.8 % |
Life Sciences Tools & Services | 4,814,634 | 3.1 % |
Insurance | 4,789,651 | 3.1 % |
Food Products | 4,716,173 | 3.0 % |
Software | 4,417,574 | 2.8 % |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | 4,214,041 | 2.7 % |
Personal Care Products | 4,017,808 | 2.6 % |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies | 3,968,581 | 2.5 % |
Energy Equipment & Services | 3,635,736 | 2.3 % |
Containers & Packaging | 2,888,732 | 1.9 % |
Industrial Conglomerates | 2,863,817 | 1.8 % |
Household Durables | 2,348,613 | 1.5 % |
Automobile Components | 2,075,313 | 1.3 % |
Diversified Telecommunication Services | 2,068,190 | 1.3 % |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | 2,039,464 | 1.3 % |
Commercial Services & Supplies | 1,947,767 | 1.3 % |
Wireless Telecommunication Services | 1,579,562 | 1.0 % |
Construction Materials | 1,522,417 | 1.0 % |
Air Freight & Logistics | 1,375,985 | 0.9 % |
Financial Services | 1,211,278 | 0.8 % |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | 1,164,291 | 0.8 % |
Metals & Mining | 1,026,849 | 0.7 % |
Electrical Equipment | 822,882 | 0.5 % |
Entertainment | 542,096 | 0.4 % |
Short-Term Investments and Other Liabilities—Net | 3,510,830 | 2.2 % |
$156,127,661 | 100.0 % |
See Notes to Financial Statements
84
Schedule of Investments International Select Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $152,616,831 | $— | $— | $152,616,831 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 3,511,339 | — | 3,511,339 |
Total Investments | $152,616,831 | $3,511,339 | $— | $156,128,170 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides a geographic categorization as well as a Positions by Industry summary. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
85
Schedule of Investments International Small Cap Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 96.7% | ||
Australia 5.0% | ||
2,393 | ARB Corp. Ltd. | $64,458 |
10,278 | Elders Ltd. | 60,794 |
14,839 | Steadfast Group Ltd. | 55,847 |
181,099 | ||
Belgium 2.7% | ||
963 | Bekaert SA | 47,628 |
1,212 | Shurgard Self Storage Ltd. | 51,971 |
99,599 | ||
Canada 5.6% | ||
464 | Colliers International Group, Inc. | 53,995 |
588 | Descartes Systems Group, Inc.* | 50,965 |
4,086 | Softchoice Corp.(a) | 52,808 |
3,848 | Triple Flag Precious Metals Corp. | 48,796 |
206,564 | ||
Finland 1.5% | ||
3,048 | Kemira OYJ | 54,850 |
France 10.8% | ||
3,007 | Believe SA*(a) | 48,230 |
2,515 | Exclusive Networks SA* | 48,221 |
1,017 | Interparfums SA | 56,717 |
1,734 | Lectra | 57,629 |
271 | Sopra Steria Group | 69,358 |
2,426 | Tikehau Capital SCA(a) | 54,538 |
165 | Virbac SACA | 59,206 |
393,899 | ||
Germany 1.5% | ||
1,698 | Jenoptik AG | 53,624 |
Ireland 1.4% | ||
17,792 | Uniphar PLC | 52,304 |
Italy 4.5% | ||
5,159 | BFF Bank SpA(b) | 60,163 |
2,265 | Carel Industries SpA(a)(b) | 52,388 |
3,443 | Intercos SpA | 52,990 |
165,541 | ||
Japan 31.8% | ||
1,400 | As One Corp. | 48,727 |
1,700 | Azbil Corp. | 49,791 |
3,700 | Daiei Kankyo Co. Ltd. | 69,153 |
900 | Dexerials Corp. | 36,175 |
3,000 | Fuji Corp. | 51,547 |
2,900 | Idec Corp. | 54,994 |
2,300 | Kokusai Electric Corp.* | 68,040 |
5,400 | Konishi Co. Ltd. | 52,444 |
2,900 | Nakanishi, Inc. | 46,347 |
2,500 | Nichias Corp. | 65,535 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Japan – cont'd | ||
1,400 | NS Solutions Corp. | $46,785 |
1,100 | Riken Keiki Co. Ltd.(a) | 56,277 |
1,800 | Roland Corp. | 54,569 |
4,500 | Shinnihonseiyaku Co. Ltd. | 51,628 |
1,400 | SHO-BOND Holdings Co. Ltd. | 59,868 |
4,100 | Shoei Co. Ltd. | 57,759 |
2,900 | Simplex Holdings, Inc. | 49,384 |
4,600 | Sun Frontier Fudousan Co. Ltd. | 50,934 |
2,200 | T Hasegawa Co. Ltd. | 45,784 |
1,000 | Ulvac, Inc. | 61,433 |
400 | Visional, Inc.*(a) | 22,866 |
5,200 | YAMABIKO Corp. | 64,063 |
1,164,103 | ||
Jersey 1.4% | ||
5,238 | JTC PLC(b) | 51,573 |
Netherlands 1.9% | ||
3,134 | Fugro NV* | 69,099 |
Norway 4.2% | ||
13,665 | Aker Solutions ASA | 45,905 |
3,078 | Borregaard ASA | 53,322 |
17,112 | Elopak ASA | 54,777 |
154,004 | ||
Spain 1.3% | ||
1,524 | Befesa SA(b) | 48,591 |
Sweden 5.6% | ||
3,614 | Biotage AB | 60,556 |
4,821 | Sweco AB Class B | 51,343 |
2,009 | Thule Group AB(b) | 54,554 |
1,462 | Xvivo Perfusion AB* | 38,079 |
204,532 | ||
Switzerland 12.8% | ||
1,948 | Accelleron Industries AG | 65,642 |
108 | Belimo Holding AG | 51,243 |
93 | Burckhardt Compression Holding AG | 55,315 |
38 | Inficon Holding AG | 58,868 |
20 | Interroll Holding AG | 62,871 |
224 | Kardex Holding AG | 59,524 |
131 | Tecan Group AG | 51,076 |
523 | VZ Holding AG | 65,645 |
470,184 | ||
United Kingdom 4.7% | ||
56,256 | Coats Group PLC | 48,288 |
1,532 | Diploma PLC | 66,834 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
86
Schedule of Investments International Small Cap Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
United Kingdom – cont'd | ||
484 | Games Workshop Group PLC | $57,460 |
172,582 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $3,135,129) | 3,542,148 | |
Short-Term Investments 6.5% | ||
Investment Companies 6.5% | ||
73,680 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(c) | 73,680 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Investment Companies – cont'd | ||
166,573 | State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.34%(c)(d) | $166,573 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $240,253) | 240,253 | |
Total Investments 103.2% (Cost $3,375,382) | 3,782,401 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (3.2)% | (117,839 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $3,664,562 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | All or a portion of this security is on loan at February 29, 2024. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $266,549, collateralized by cash collateral of $166,573 and non-cash (U.S. Treasury Securities) collateral of $115,091 for the Fund (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(b) | Security exempt from registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Regulation S applies to securities offerings that are made outside of the United States and do not involve directed selling efforts in the United States and as such may have restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $267,269, which represents 7.3% of net assets of the Fund. |
(c) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(d) | Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
87
Schedule of Investments International Small Cap Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
POSITIONS BY INDUSTRY | ||
Industry | Investments at Value | Percentage of Net Assets |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components | $307,543 | 8.4 % |
Machinery | 293,320 | 8.0 % |
IT Services | 213,748 | 5.8 % |
Chemicals | 206,400 | 5.6 % |
Construction & Engineering | 180,310 | 4.9 % |
Capital Markets | 171,756 | 4.7 % |
Building Products | 169,166 | 4.6 % |
Leisure Products | 166,583 | 4.6 % |
Personal Care Products | 161,335 | 4.4 % |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | 129,473 | 3.5 % |
Automobile Components | 122,217 | 3.3 % |
Electrical Equipment | 120,636 | 3.3 % |
Commercial Services & Supplies | 117,744 | 3.2 % |
Life Sciences Tools & Services | 111,632 | 3.1 % |
Software | 108,594 | 3.0 % |
Real Estate Management & Development | 104,929 | 2.9 % |
Health Care Providers & Services | 101,031 | 2.8 % |
Metals & Mining | 96,424 | 2.6 % |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies | 84,426 | 2.3 % |
Trading Companies & Distributors | 66,834 | 1.8 % |
Food Products | 60,794 | 1.7 % |
Financial Services | 60,163 | 1.7 % |
Pharmaceuticals | 59,206 | 1.6 % |
Insurance | 55,847 | 1.5 % |
Containers & Packaging | 54,777 | 1.5 % |
Specialized REITs | 51,971 | 1.4 % |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods | 48,288 | 1.3 % |
Entertainment | 48,230 | 1.3 % |
Energy Equipment & Services | 45,905 | 1.3 % |
Professional Services | 22,866 | 0.6 % |
Short-Term Investments and Other Liabilities—Net | 122,414 | 3.3 % |
$3,664,562 | 100.0 % |
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $3,542,148 | $— | $— | $3,542,148 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 240,253 | — | 240,253 |
Total Investments | $3,542,148 | $240,253 | $— | $3,782,401 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides a geographic categorization as well as a Positions by Industry summary. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
88
Schedule of Investments Intrinsic Value Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 98.7% | ||
Aerospace & Defense 0.5% | ||
267,233 | Mercury Systems, Inc.* | $7,982,250 |
Banks 2.7% | ||
790,699 | Banc of California, Inc. | 11,567,926 |
119,094 | Comerica, Inc. | 5,880,862 |
342,212 | Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | 4,462,445 |
325,165 | Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.* | 19,070,927 |
40,982,160 | ||
Building Products 2.3% | ||
1,567,310 | Resideo Technologies, Inc.* | 34,998,032 |
Commercial Services & Supplies 4.4% | ||
67,125 | Clean Harbors, Inc.* | 12,223,463 |
1,740,381 | Enviri Corp.* | 13,679,395 |
1,224,638 | OPENLANE, Inc.* | 18,700,222 |
393,014 | Stericycle, Inc.* | 21,376,031 |
65,979,111 | ||
Communications Equipment 5.7% | ||
714,530 | Ciena Corp.* | 40,713,919 |
783,524 | EMCORE Corp.* | 330,804 |
5,821,499 | Ribbon Communications, Inc.*(a) | 17,406,282 |
936,349 | Viasat, Inc.* | 18,324,350 |
905,625 | Viavi Solutions, Inc.* | 8,648,719 |
85,424,074 | ||
Construction & Engineering 1.4% | ||
246,370 | Arcosa, Inc. | 20,448,710 |
Consumer Finance 0.4% | ||
161,495 | Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. | 6,182,029 |
Containers & Packaging 4.5% | ||
173,650 | Avery Dennison Corp. | 37,600,434 |
400,998 | Crown Holdings, Inc. | 30,724,467 |
68,324,901 | ||
Electric Utilities 1.4% | ||
186,777 | ALLETE, Inc. | 10,579,049 |
263,040 | Portland General Electric Co. | 10,566,317 |
21,145,366 | ||
Electrical Equipment 0.6% | ||
2,374,547 | Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.* | 3,039,420 |
655,210 | Bloom Energy Corp. Class A* | 5,746,192 |
8,785,612 | ||
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 4.6% | ||
279,365 | Coherent Corp.* | 16,616,630 |
1,756,179 | Innoviz Technologies Ltd.* | 2,792,325 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – cont'd | ||
167,602 | Itron, Inc.* | $15,533,353 |
409,028 | nLight, Inc.* | 5,411,440 |
120,050 | OSI Systems, Inc.* | 15,748,159 |
32,477 | Teledyne Technologies, Inc.* | 13,876,448 |
69,978,355 | ||
Energy Equipment & Services 3.7% | ||
300,220 | Dril-Quip, Inc.* | 6,784,972 |
851,619 | Oil States International, Inc.* | 4,590,226 |
729,987 | Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. | 8,445,950 |
1,304,924 | TechnipFMC PLC | 28,303,802 |
2,158,518 | TETRA Technologies, Inc.* | 8,418,220 |
56,543,170 | ||
Entertainment 2.6% | ||
2,480,844 | Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Class B* | 22,526,064 |
1,557,632 | Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp.*# | 16,604,357 |
39,130,421 | ||
Financial Services 0.4% | ||
246,230 | Cannae Holdings, Inc.* | 5,372,739 |
Food Products 1.6% | ||
949,313 | Hain Celestial Group, Inc.* | 9,493,130 |
415,893 | TreeHouse Foods, Inc.* | 14,884,811 |
24,377,941 | ||
Gas Utilities 1.4% | ||
99,498 | Atmos Energy Corp. | 11,234,319 |
256,997 | New Jersey Resources Corp. | 10,693,645 |
21,927,964 | ||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 4.8% | ||
1,972,064 | Accuray, Inc.* | 5,127,366 |
293,297 | AtriCure, Inc.* | 10,256,596 |
330,398 | Avanos Medical, Inc.* | 6,135,491 |
901,950 | CytoSorbents Corp.* | 864,970 |
211,734 | Haemonetics Corp.* | 15,452,347 |
234,720 | Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp.* | 8,663,515 |
1,477,922 | OraSure Technologies, Inc.* | 10,633,649 |
391,683 | Varex Imaging Corp.* | 6,736,948 |
534,800 | Zimvie, Inc.* | 9,064,860 |
72,935,742 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 4.7% | ||
397,555 | Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc.* | 33,175,965 |
59,934 | Molina Healthcare, Inc.* | 23,608,602 |
506,666 | Patterson Cos., Inc. | 13,725,582 |
70,510,149 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
89
Schedule of Investments Intrinsic Value Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Hotel & Resort REITs 0.6% | ||
450,500 | Chatham Lodging Trust | $4,595,100 |
443,624 | RLJ Lodging Trust | 5,265,817 |
9,860,917 | ||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 3.3% | ||
1,477,621 | International Game Technology PLC | 40,146,962 |
180,245 | United Parks & Resorts, Inc.* | 9,255,581 |
49,402,543 | ||
Household Durables 1.3% | ||
351,142 | Tempur Sealy International, Inc. | 19,126,705 |
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers 4.2% | ||
398,348 | Ormat Technologies, Inc. | 25,952,372 |
677,465 | Vistra Corp. | 36,948,941 |
62,901,313 | ||
IT Services 4.7% | ||
1,831,499 | Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.* | 40,238,033 |
2,123,077 | Unisys Corp.* | 11,018,770 |
136,929 | Wix.com Ltd.* | 19,194,707 |
70,451,510 | ||
Life Sciences Tools & Services 1.5% | ||
79,308 | Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.* | 20,159,301 |
1,452,800 | Standard BioTools, Inc.* | 3,268,800 |
23,428,101 | ||
Machinery 2.3% | ||
385,578 | Enerpac Tool Group Corp. | 12,997,834 |
1,506,464 | Markforged Holding Corp.* | 1,009,331 |
1,546,753 | Stratasys Ltd.* | 19,102,400 |
114,451 | Twin Disc, Inc. | 1,784,291 |
34,893,856 | ||
Media 3.1% | ||
1,426,506 | Criteo SA ADR* | 46,147,469 |
Metals & Mining 2.1% | ||
1,490,803 | Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.* | 31,008,702 |
Multi-Utilities 0.7% | ||
227,411 | Northwestern Energy Group, Inc. | 10,897,535 |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 2.7% | ||
694,693 | CNX Resources Corp.* | 14,553,818 |
602,390 | Devon Energy Corp. | 26,541,304 |
41,095,122 | ||
Pharmaceuticals 0.5% | ||
1,319,097 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | 7,281,415 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Professional Services 4.2% | ||
5,052,048 | Conduent, Inc.* | $17,379,045 |
756,707 | KBR, Inc. | 45,425,121 |
62,804,166 | ||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 8.7% | ||
284,042 | CEVA, Inc.* | 6,430,711 |
998,882 | indie Semiconductor, Inc. Class A* | 6,183,080 |
332,687 | MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.* | 29,386,243 |
475,475 | Rambus, Inc.* | 28,167,139 |
465,835 | Semtech Corp.* | 9,875,702 |
1,309,017 | Veeco Instruments, Inc.* | 47,399,505 |
145,718 | Wolfspeed, Inc.* | 3,791,582 |
131,233,962 | ||
Software 5.7% | ||
1,292,816 | Adeia, Inc. | 14,660,533 |
369,748 | Box, Inc. Class A* | 9,535,801 |
1,947,118 | Cognyte Software Ltd.* | 14,447,616 |
584,492 | OneSpan, Inc.* | 5,616,968 |
426,080 | Radware Ltd.* | 7,567,181 |
174,219 | Varonis Systems, Inc.* | 8,850,325 |
459,069 | Verint Systems, Inc.* | 14,511,171 |
1,034,868 | Xperi, Inc.* | 11,342,153 |
86,531,748 | ||
Specialty Retail 2.2% | ||
362,121 | Caleres, Inc. | 13,981,492 |
340,576 | ODP Corp.* | 19,235,732 |
33,217,224 | ||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 0.2% | ||
7,438,258 | Quantum Corp.*(b) | 3,591,191 |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.8% | ||
1,426,608 | Under Armour, Inc. Class C* | 12,183,232 |
Trading Companies & Distributors 2.2% | ||
422,011 | AerCap Holdings NV* | 32,570,809 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,255,804,488) | 1,489,656,246 | |
Preferred Stocks 1.1% | ||
Communications Equipment 1.1% | ||
17,113 | Ribbon Communications, Inc., Series A*#(a)(c)(d) (Cost $14,135,352) | 16,945,279 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
90
Schedule of Investments Intrinsic Value Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Principal Amount | Value | |
Convertible Bonds 1.1% | ||
Communications Equipment 1.1% | ||
$9,204,000 | Infinera Corp., 2.50%, due 3/1/2027 | $8,867,446 |
7,500,000 | Infinera Corp., 3.75%, due 8/1/2028 | 7,581,610 |
Total Convertible Bonds (Cost $16,704,000) | 16,449,056 | |
Number of Shares | ||
Warrants 0.1% | ||
Communications Equipment 0.1% | ||
1,511,444 | Ribbon Communications, Inc. Expires 3/31/2027*#(a)(c)(d) | 1,926,858 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 0.0%(e) | ||
131,579 | CytoSorbents Corp.* | $0 |
Total Warrants (Cost $2,464,258) | 1,926,858 | |
Escrow Units 0.0%(e) | ||
Software 0.0%(e) | ||
3,150,000 | Ion Geophysical(c)(d) (Cost $0) | 0 |
Total Investments 101.0% (Cost $1,289,108,098) | 1,524,977,439 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (1.0)% | (15,322,671 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $1,509,654,768 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Security acquired via a PIPE transaction. |
(b) | Affiliated company (see Note F of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(c) | Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. |
(d) | Security fair valued as of February 29, 2024 in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $18,872,137, which represents 1.3% of net assets of the Fund. |
(e) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
91
Schedule of Investments Intrinsic Value Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
# This security is subject to restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $35,476,494, which represents 2.3% of net assets of the Fund. Acquisition dates shown with a range, if any, represent securities that were acquired over the period shown in the table.
Restricted Security | Acquisition Date(s) | Acquisition Cost | Value as of 2/29/2024 | Fair Value Percentage of Net Assets as of 2/29/2024 |
Ribbon Communications, Inc. (Series A Preferred Shares) | 3/29/2023 | $14,135,352 | $16,945,279 | 1.1 % |
Ribbon Communications, Inc. Expires 3/31/2027 (Warrants) | 3/29/2023 | 2,464,258 | 1,926,858 | 0.1 % |
Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp. | 12/22/2023 | 14,999,996 | 16,604,357 | 1.1 % |
Total | $31,599,606 | $35,476,494 | 2.3 % |
POSITIONS BY COUNTRY | ||
Country | Investments at Value | Percentage of Net Assets |
United States | $1,367,770,450 | 90.6 % |
France | 46,147,469 | 3.0 % |
Israel | 44,001,829 | 2.9 % |
Netherlands | 32,570,809 | 2.2 % |
United Kingdom | 28,303,802 | 1.9 % |
China | 6,183,080 | 0.4 % |
Short-Term Investments and Other Liabilities—Net | (15,322,671 ) | (1.0 )% |
$1,509,654,768 | 100.0 % |
See Notes to Financial Statements
92
Schedule of Investments Intrinsic Value Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3(a) | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $1,489,656,246 | $— | $— | $1,489,656,246 |
Preferred Stocks# | — | — | 16,945,279 | 16,945,279 |
Convertible Bonds# | — | 16,449,056 | — | 16,449,056 |
Warrants# | — | — | 1,926,858 | 1,926,858 |
Escrow Units# | — | — | — | — |
Total Investments | $1,489,656,246 | $16,449,056 | $18,872,137 | $1,524,977,439 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
(a) | The following is a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value: |
(000's omitted) | Beginning balance as of 9/1/2023 | Accrued discounts/ (premiums) | Realized gain/(loss) | Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) | Purchases | Sales | Transfers into Level 3 | Transfers out of Level 3 | Balance as of 2/29/2024 | Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) from investments still held as of 2/29/2024 |
Investments in Securities: | ||||||||||
Preferred Stocks(1) | $14,928 | $— | $— | $2,017 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $16,945 | $2,017 |
Warrants(1) | 2,110 | — | — | (183 ) | — | — | — | — | 1,927 | (183 ) |
Escrow Units(2) | — | — | 34 | — | — | (34 ) | — | — | — | — |
Total | $17,038 | $— | $34 | $1,834 | $— | $(34 ) | $— | $— | $18,872 | $1,834 |
(1) Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements: |
Investment type | Fair value at 2/29/2024 | Valuation approach | Significant unobservable input(s) | Input value/ range | Weighted average(a) | Impact to valuation from increase in input(b) |
Preferred Stocks | $16,945,279 | Income Approach | Discount Yield | 20.3% | 20.3% | Decrease |
Warrants | 1,926,858 | Income Approach | Discount Yield | 20.3% | 20.3% | Decrease |
(a) The weighted averages disclosed in the table above were weighted by relative fair value. | ||||||
(b) Represents the expected directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase or decrease in the corresponding input. Significant changes in these inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements. |
(2) At February 29, 2024, these investments were valued in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. These investments did not have a material impact on the Fund's net assets and, therefore, disclosure of significant unobservable inputs used in formulating valuations is not presented. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
93
Consolidated Schedule of Investments Large Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 97.0% | ||
Beverages 1.2% | ||
1,003,463 | Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc. | $30,013,578 |
Biotechnology 1.7% | ||
239,018 | AbbVie, Inc. | 42,079,119 |
Broadline Retail 7.6% | ||
1,046,553 | Amazon.com, Inc.* | 184,988,708 |
Capital Markets 3.9% | ||
568,719 | Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. Class A(a) | 23,175,299 |
159,027 | CME Group, Inc. | 35,041,600 |
84,669 | S&P Global, Inc. | 36,270,506 |
94,487,405 | ||
Commercial Services & Supplies 0.8% | ||
100,728 | Waste Management, Inc. | 20,714,713 |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 3.5% | ||
37,284 | Costco Wholesale Corp. | 27,735,195 |
220,811 | Dollar Tree, Inc.* | 32,388,557 |
417,309 | Walmart, Inc. | 24,458,481 |
84,582,233 | ||
Containers & Packaging 0.9% | ||
101,603 | Avery Dennison Corp. | 22,000,098 |
Electric Utilities 1.4% | ||
633,195 | NextEra Energy, Inc. | 34,946,032 |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 2.3% | ||
130,597 | CDW Corp. | 32,154,287 |
167,839 | TE Connectivity Ltd. | 24,094,967 |
56,249,254 | ||
Entertainment 2.0% | ||
81,527 | Netflix, Inc.* | 49,154,259 |
Financial Services 4.6% | ||
121,807 | MasterCard, Inc. Class A | 57,829,091 |
195,243 | Visa, Inc. Class A | 55,183,481 |
113,012,572 | ||
Ground Transportation 1.5% | ||
78,064 | Uber Technologies, Inc.* | 6,206,088 |
116,788 | Union Pacific Corp. | 29,627,948 |
35,834,036 | ||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.2% | ||
434,649 | Boston Scientific Corp.* | 28,778,110 |
Health Care Providers & Services 1.9% | ||
94,807 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 46,796,735 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 2.2% | ||
159,354 | McDonald's Corp. | $46,575,987 |
478,117 | Sweetgreen, Inc. Class A* | 6,091,211 |
52,667,198 | ||
Insurance 1.1% | ||
144,310 | Progressive Corp. | 27,355,404 |
Interactive Media & Services 10.8% | ||
776,205 | Alphabet, Inc. Class A* | 107,473,344 |
1,161,922 | Match Group, Inc.* | 41,875,669 |
234,165 | Meta Platforms, Inc. Class A | 114,771,292 |
264,120,305 | ||
IT Services 0.9% | ||
211,313 | Okta, Inc.* | 22,673,885 |
Life Sciences Tools & Services 1.6% | ||
68,935 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 39,305,358 |
Personal Care Products 0.1% | ||
35,628 | Oddity Tech Ltd. Class A*(a) | 1,502,789 |
Pharmaceuticals 0.9% | ||
129,031 | Johnson & Johnson | 20,823,023 |
Professional Services 2.5% | ||
159,470 | Equifax, Inc. | 43,629,397 |
779,687 | Paycor HCM, Inc.* | 16,466,990 |
60,096,387 | ||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 6.5% | ||
83,861 | Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.* | 16,145,758 |
171,667 | Analog Devices, Inc. | 32,929,164 |
139,708 | NVIDIA Corp. | 110,525,793 |
159,600,715 | ||
Software 24.5% | ||
70,575 | Adobe, Inc.* | 39,541,762 |
90,909 | Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc.*#(b)(c) | 972,608 |
53,527 | Atlassian Corp. Class A* | 11,102,570 |
106,995 | Grammarly, Inc.*#(b)(c) | 1,919,052 |
91,157 | Intuit, Inc. | 60,427,064 |
700,816 | Microsoft Corp.(d) | 289,885,530 |
294,197 | Salesforce, Inc.* | 90,853,918 |
40,550 | ServiceNow, Inc.* | 31,277,837 |
32,862 | Synopsys, Inc.* | 18,853,915 |
186,029 | Workday, Inc. Class A* | 54,815,305 |
599,649,561 | ||
Specialty Retail 7.2% | ||
1,007,299 | Chewy, Inc. Class A* | 17,768,754 |
1,297,807 | Fanatics Holdings, Inc. Class A*#(b)(c) | 103,655,845 |
26,186 | Home Depot, Inc. | 9,966,654 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
94
Consolidated Schedule of Investments Large Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Specialty Retail – cont'd | ||
453,395 | TJX Cos., Inc. | $44,949,580 |
176,340,833 | ||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 3.6% | ||
488,563 | Apple, Inc. | 88,307,762 |
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.6% | ||
145,906 | NIKE, Inc. Class B | 15,164,010 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,366,963,765) | 2,371,244,082 | |
Preferred Stocks 0.8% | ||
Entertainment 0.0%(e) | ||
8,256 | A24 Films LLC*#(b)(c)(f) | 971,153 |
Internet 0.4% | ||
7,000 | Fabletics LLC, Series G*#(b)(c) | 8,051,400 |
20,788 | Savage X, Inc., Series C*#(b)(c) | 956,040 |
9,007,440 | ||
IT Services 0.3% | ||
287,787 | Druva, Inc., Series 4*#(b)(c) | 2,440,433 |
461,441 | Druva, Inc., Series 5*#(b)(c) | 4,420,605 |
6,861,038 | ||
Software 0.1% | ||
33,179 | Grammarly, Inc., Series 3*#(b)(c) | 968,335 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Software – cont'd | ||
90,310 | Signifyd, Inc., Series Seed*#(b)(c) | $632,170 |
39,343 | Signifyd, Inc., Series A*#(b)(c) | 276,188 |
82,373 | Videoamp, Inc., Series F1*#(b)(c) | 1,299,846 |
3,176,539 | ||
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $20,934,540) | 20,016,170 | |
Short-Term Investments 1.4% | ||
Investment Companies 1.4% | ||
31,424,155 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(g) | 31,424,155 |
1,776,667 | State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.34%(g)(h) | 1,776,667 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $33,200,822) | 33,200,822 | |
Total Investments 99.2% (Cost $1,421,099,127) | 2,424,461,074 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.8%(i) | 19,261,927 | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $2,443,723,001 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | All or a portion of this security is on loan at February 29, 2024. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $1,779,680 for the Fund (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(b) | Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. |
(c) | Security fair valued as of February 29, 2024 in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $126,563,675, which represents 5.2% of net assets of the Fund. |
(d) | All or a portion of this security is pledged as collateral for options written. |
(e) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
(f) | Security represented in Units. |
(g) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(h) | Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending. |
(i) | Includes the impact of the Fund’s open positions in derivatives at February 29, 2024. |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
95
Consolidated Schedule of Investments Large Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
# This security is subject to restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $126,563,675, which represents 5.2% of net assets of the Fund. Acquisition dates shown with a range, if any, represent securities that were acquired over the period shown in the table.
Restricted Security | Acquisition Date(s) | Acquisition Cost | Value as of 2/29/2024 | Fair Value Percentage of Net Assets as of 2/29/2024 |
A24 Films LLC (Preferred Units) | 2/25/2022 | $940,028 | $971,153 | 0.0 % |
Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc. | 12/31/2021 | 999,999 | 972,608 | 0.1 % |
Druva, Inc. (Series 4 Preferred Shares) | 6/14/2019 | 1,500,003 | 2,440,433 | 0.1 % |
Druva, Inc. (Series 5 Preferred Shares) | 4/1/2021 | 4,325,000 | 4,420,605 | 0.2 % |
Fabletics LLC (Series G Preferred Shares) | 1/10/2022 | 7,000,000 | 8,051,400 | 0.3 % |
Fanatics Holdings, Inc. Class A | 8/13/2020-4/29/2021 | 23,018,871 | 103,655,845 | 4.3 % |
Grammarly, Inc. Class A | 12/23/2021-1/24/2022 | 2,804,542 | 1,919,052 | 0.1 % |
Grammarly, Inc. (Series 3 Preferred Shares) | 12/23/2021-1/24/2022 | 869,685 | 968,335 | 0.0 % |
Savage X, Inc. (Series C Preferred Shares) | 11/30/2021 | 1,000,028 | 956,040 | 0.0 % |
Signifyd, Inc. (Series A Preferred Shares) | 5/27/2021 | 1,213,732 | 276,188 | 0.0 % |
Signifyd, Inc. (Series Seed Preferred Shares) | 5/27/2021 | 2,786,053 | 632,170 | 0.0 % |
Videoamp, Inc. (Series F1 Preferred Shares) | 1/4/2022 | 1,300,011 | 1,299,846 | 0.1 % |
Total | $47,757,952 | $126,563,675 | 5.2 % |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
96
Consolidated Schedule of Investments Large Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Derivative Instruments
Purchased option contracts ("options purchased")
At February 29, 2024, the Fund did not have any outstanding options purchased.
Written option contracts ("options written")
At February 29, 2024, the Fund had outstanding options written as follows:
Description | Number of Contracts | Notional Amount | Exercise Price | Expiration Date | Value |
Puts | |||||
Specialty Retail | |||||
Chewy, Inc. | 11,270 | $(19,880,280) | $15 | 7/19/2024 | $(1,791,930) |
Total options written (premium received $1,133,213) | $(1,791,930) |
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the average market value for the months where the Fund had options purchased and options written outstanding was $13,523 and $(921,783), respectively. At February 29, 2024, the Fund had securities pledged in the amount of $16,545,600 to cover collateral requirements for options written.
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3(a) | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks | ||||
Software | $596,757,901 | $— | $2,891,660 | $599,649,561 |
Specialty Retail | 72,684,988 | — | 103,655,845 | 176,340,833 |
Other Common Stocks# | 1,595,253,688 | — | — | 1,595,253,688 |
Total Common Stocks | 2,264,696,577 | — | 106,547,505 | 2,371,244,082 |
Preferred Stocks# | — | — | 20,016,170 | 20,016,170 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 33,200,822 | — | 33,200,822 |
Total Investments | $2,264,696,577 | $33,200,822 | $126,563,675 | $2,424,461,074 |
# | The Consolidated Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
(a) | The following is a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value: |
(000's omitted) | Beginning balance as of 9/1/2023 | Accrued discounts/ (premiums) | Realized gain/(loss) | Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) | Purchases | Sales | Transfers into Level 3 | Transfers out of Level 3 | Balance as of 2/29/2024 | Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) from investments still held as of 2/29/2024 |
Investments in Securities: | ||||||||||
Common Stocks(1) | $108,256 | $— | $— | $(1,708 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $106,548 | $(1,708 ) |
Preferred Stocks(1) | 20,253 | — | — | (237 ) | — | — | — | — | 20,016 | (237 ) |
Total | $128,509 | $— | $— | $(1,945 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $126,564 | $(1,945 ) |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
97
Consolidated Schedule of Investments Large Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
(1) Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements: |
Investment type | Fair value at 2/29/2024 | Valuation approach | Significant unobservable input(s) | Input value/ range | Weighted average(a) | Impact to valuation from increase in input(b) |
Common Stocks | $106,547,505 | Market Approach | Enterprise value Revenue multiple(c) (EV/Revenue) | 4.8x - 11.9x | 4.9x | Increase |
Discount Rate | 4.4% - 5.1% | 4.6% | Decrease | |||
Term (Years) | 2.2 - 2.8 | 2.6 | Increase | |||
Expected Volatility | 65% - 80% | 70% | Increase | |||
Preferred Stocks | 19,045,017 | Market Approach | Enterprise value Revenue multiple(c) (EV/Revenue) | 0.7x - 11.3x | 5.0x | Increase |
Discount Rate | 0.3% - 5.1% | 4.2% | Decrease | |||
Term (Years) | 0.8 - 3.9 | 2.0 | Increase | |||
Expected Volatility | 55% - 70% | 59.0% | Increase | |||
Preferred Units | 971,153 | Market Approach | Enterprise value Revenue multiple(c) (EV/Revenue) | 2.9x | 2.9x | Increase |
Discount Rate | 4.4% | 4.4% | Decrease | |||
Term (Years) | 3.0 | 3.0 | Increase | |||
Expected Volatility | 20% | 20% | Increase | |||
(a) The weighted averages disclosed in the table above were weighted by relative fair value. | ||||||
(b) Represents the expected directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase or decrease in the corresponding input. Significant changes in these inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements. | ||||||
(c) Represents amounts used when the reporting entity has determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments. |
The following is a summary, categorized by level (see Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s derivatives as of February 29, 2024:
Other Financial Instruments | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Options Written | ||||
Liabilities | $(1,791,930 ) | $— | $— | $(1,791,930 ) |
Total | $(1,791,930 ) | $— | $— | $(1,791,930 ) |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
98
Schedule of Investments Large Cap Value Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 99.5% | ||
Banks 10.1% | ||
3,627,312 | Bank of America Corp. | $125,214,810 |
2,656,449 | Citigroup, Inc. | 147,406,355 |
1,494,506 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 278,067,786 |
1,749,320 | PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. | 257,499,904 |
1,269,811 | Truist Financial Corp. | 44,417,989 |
2,609,076 | Wells Fargo & Co. | 145,038,535 |
997,645,379 | ||
Biotechnology 2.6% | ||
171,700 | AbbVie, Inc. | 30,227,785 |
409,946 | Amgen, Inc. | 112,255,513 |
1,628,612 | Gilead Sciences, Inc. | 117,422,925 |
259,906,223 | ||
Capital Markets 2.8% | ||
48,227 | BlackRock, Inc. | 39,128,494 |
79,608 | Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | 30,971,492 |
485,897 | S&P Global, Inc. | 208,148,557 |
278,248,543 | ||
Chemicals 1.0% | ||
294,082 | Sherwin-Williams Co. | 97,644,047 |
Commercial Services & Supplies 0.7% | ||
349,675 | Waste Management, Inc. | 71,910,664 |
Construction Materials 0.1% | ||
45,700 | Vulcan Materials Co. | 12,149,345 |
Consumer Finance 0.1% | ||
91,751 | Discover Financial Services | 11,074,346 |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 5.1% | ||
3,622,986 | Kroger Co. | 179,736,336 |
5,513,307 | Walmart, Inc. | 323,134,923 |
502,871,259 | ||
Containers & Packaging 0.1% | ||
52,780 | Avery Dennison Corp. | 11,428,453 |
Diversified Telecommunication Services 2.3% | ||
4,230,769 | AT&T, Inc. | 71,626,919 |
3,878,734 | Verizon Communications, Inc. | 155,226,935 |
226,853,854 | ||
Electric Utilities 6.5% | ||
4,050,096 | Duke Energy Corp. | 371,920,316 |
5,478,724 | Exelon Corp. | 196,357,468 |
1,900,453 | FirstEnergy Corp. | 69,575,584 |
637,853,368 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Entertainment 0.7% | ||
637,426 | Walt Disney Co. | $71,123,993 |
Financial Services 2.8% | ||
681,434 | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class B* | 278,979,080 |
17,465 | PayPal Holdings, Inc.* | 1,053,838 |
280,032,918 | ||
Food Products 3.1% | ||
4,148,128 | Mondelez International, Inc. Class A | 303,103,713 |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 6.0% | ||
678,430 | Abbott Laboratories | 80,488,935 |
1,062,985 | Baxter International, Inc. | 43,497,346 |
741,361 | Becton Dickinson & Co. | 174,627,584 |
554,475 | Stryker Corp. | 193,550,588 |
807,920 | Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 100,472,931 |
592,637,384 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 3.5% | ||
1,038,412 | CVS Health Corp. | 77,226,700 |
317,389 | Elevance Health, Inc. | 159,091,236 |
93,185 | Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings | 20,112,119 |
180,262 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 88,977,323 |
345,407,378 | ||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 0.9% | ||
1,228,475 | Las Vegas Sands Corp. | 66,976,457 |
600,633 | Yum China Holdings, Inc. | 25,761,149 |
92,737,606 | ||
Household Products 6.9% | ||
425,191 | Clorox Co. | 65,186,032 |
1,525,678 | Colgate-Palmolive Co. | 132,001,661 |
3,026,453 | Procter & Gamble Co. | 481,024,440 |
678,212,133 | ||
Industrial REITs 0.2% | ||
163,926 | Prologis, Inc. | 21,846,418 |
Insurance 0.6% | ||
735,606 | American International Group, Inc. | 53,618,321 |
IT Services 1.6% | ||
842,693 | International Business Machines Corp. | 155,923,486 |
Life Sciences Tools & Services 2.1% | ||
622,729 | Danaher Corp. | 157,637,619 |
205,967 | IQVIA Holdings, Inc.* | 50,906,804 |
208,544,423 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
99
Schedule of Investments Large Cap Value Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Machinery 0.2% | ||
57,802 | Cummins, Inc. | $15,526,195 |
Metals & Mining 9.7% | ||
1,962,910 | Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. | 94,337,455 |
1,286,767 | BHP Group Ltd. ADR(a) | 73,783,220 |
265,898 | Franco-Nevada Corp. | 27,882,064 |
2,995,548 | Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. | 113,261,670 |
4,870,998 | Newmont Corp. | 152,218,687 |
312,650 | Nucor Corp. | 60,122,595 |
3,094,717 | Rio Tinto PLC ADR | 199,702,088 |
1,329,444 | Southern Copper Corp. | 107,498,842 |
3,228,768 | Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. | 132,992,954 |
961,799,575 | ||
Multi-Utilities 9.8% | ||
4,674,779 | CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 128,556,422 |
2,114,784 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | 101,150,119 |
2,846,820 | DTE Energy Co. | 308,452,947 |
1,777,205 | Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc. | 110,897,592 |
4,584,608 | Sempra | 323,673,325 |
972,730,405 | ||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 4.2% | ||
402,271 | ConocoPhillips | 45,271,578 |
2,924,195 | Exxon Mobil Corp. | 305,636,862 |
435,218 | Valero Energy Corp. | 61,565,938 |
412,474,378 | ||
Pharmaceuticals 10.7% | ||
2,368,983 | Johnson & Johnson | 382,306,476 |
2,955,380 | Merck & Co., Inc. | 375,776,567 |
9,718,166 | Pfizer, Inc. | 258,114,489 |
3,140,157 | Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR* | 41,293,065 |
1,057,490,597 | ||
Real Estate Management & Development 0.2% | ||
208,855 | CBRE Group, Inc. Class A* | 19,191,686 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 3.2% | ||
23,053 | Analog Devices, Inc. | $4,422,026 |
662,305 | Applied Materials, Inc. | 133,533,934 |
410,945 | Intel Corp. | 17,691,182 |
14,380 | Marvell Technology, Inc. | 1,030,471 |
1,033,807 | QUALCOMM, Inc. | 163,124,407 |
319,802,020 | ||
Specialized REITs 0.3% | ||
36,945 | Equinix, Inc. | 32,837,455 |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 0.0%(b) | ||
11,485 | NetApp, Inc. | 1,023,543 |
Tobacco 1.0% | ||
1,128,477 | Philip Morris International, Inc. | 101,517,791 |
Wireless Telecommunication Services 0.4% | ||
257,132 | T-Mobile U.S., Inc. | 41,989,656 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $9,104,065,931) | 9,847,156,555 | |
Short-Term Investments 1.1% | ||
Investment Companies 1.1% | ||
65,275,292 | State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.28%(c) | 65,275,292 |
43,504,537 | State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 5.34%(c)(d) | 43,504,537 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $108,779,829) | 108,779,829 | |
Total Investments 100.6% (Cost $9,212,845,760) | 9,955,936,384 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (0.6)% | (61,023,897 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $9,894,912,487 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | All or a portion of this security is on loan at February 29, 2024. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $73,640,878, collateralized by cash collateral of $43,504,537 and non-cash (U.S. Treasury Securities) collateral of $31,461,086 for the Fund (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements). |
(b) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
(c) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(d) | Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities lending. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
100
Schedule of Investments Large Cap Value Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $9,847,156,555 | $— | $— | $9,847,156,555 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 108,779,829 | — | 108,779,829 |
Total Investments | $9,847,156,555 | $108,779,829 | $— | $9,955,936,384 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
101
Schedule of Investments Mid Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 98.7% | ||
Aerospace & Defense 3.5% | ||
108,100 | Axon Enterprise, Inc.* | $33,226,697 |
142,000 | HEICO Corp. | 27,462,800 |
60,689,497 | ||
Banks 1.3% | ||
176,637 | Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. | 14,611,413 |
129,007 | Western Alliance Bancorp | 7,447,574 |
22,058,987 | ||
Beverages 0.6% | ||
132,700 | Celsius Holdings, Inc.* | 10,830,974 |
Biotechnology 2.8% | ||
50,596 | Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | 7,644,550 |
70,706 | BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc.* | 6,100,514 |
140,101 | Exact Sciences Corp.* | 8,060,010 |
112,822 | Natera, Inc.* | 9,757,975 |
79,154 | Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.* | 10,321,682 |
49,426 | Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.* | 6,321,585 |
48,206,316 | ||
Building Products 1.0% | ||
90,500 | Builders FirstSource, Inc.* | 17,663,790 |
Capital Markets 6.6% | ||
246,134 | Ares Management Corp. Class A | 32,644,752 |
90,814 | Evercore, Inc. Class A | 16,989,483 |
208,523 | Jefferies Financial Group, Inc. | 8,720,432 |
273,916 | KKR & Co., Inc. | 26,914,986 |
262,330 | Tradeweb Markets, Inc. Class A | 27,759,761 |
113,029,414 | ||
Commercial Services & Supplies 3.4% | ||
50,037 | Cintas Corp. | 31,453,758 |
184,400 | Veralto Corp. | 15,935,848 |
65,900 | Waste Connections, Inc. | 10,968,396 |
58,358,002 | ||
Communications Equipment 0.8% | ||
49,379 | Arista Networks, Inc.* | 13,704,648 |
Construction & Engineering 0.8% | ||
60,400 | Quanta Services, Inc. | 14,587,204 |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 0.8% | ||
188,867 | BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.* | 13,794,846 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Containers & Packaging 0.8% | ||
78,400 | Packaging Corp. of America | $14,205,296 |
Electrical Equipment 3.8% | ||
118,800 | AMETEK, Inc. | 21,405,384 |
46,600 | Hubbell, Inc. | 17,739,222 |
43,900 | Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 12,515,012 |
211,200 | Vertiv Holdings Co. | 14,281,344 |
65,940,962 | ||
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 1.4% | ||
161,385 | Jabil, Inc. | 23,253,965 |
Entertainment 1.8% | ||
120,494 | Spotify Technology SA* | 30,895,866 |
Financial Services 1.8% | ||
280,735 | Apollo Global Management, Inc. | 31,386,173 |
Ground Transportation 2.5% | ||
65,800 | JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | 13,575,198 |
68,600 | Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. | 30,354,128 |
43,929,326 | ||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 6.2% | ||
54,273 | Align Technology, Inc.* | 16,413,241 |
290,490 | Dexcom, Inc.* | 33,426,684 |
46,808 | IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* | 26,925,366 |
24,939 | Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.* | 4,465,078 |
51,737 | Insulet Corp.* | 8,484,868 |
41,929 | Penumbra, Inc.* | 9,849,961 |
25,622 | Shockwave Medical, Inc.* | 6,684,011 |
106,249,209 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 1.7% | ||
126,983 | Cencora, Inc. | 29,917,195 |
Health Care Technology 1.0% | ||
75,918 | Veeva Systems, Inc. Class A* | 17,120,268 |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 5.6% | ||
95,100 | Churchill Downs, Inc. | 11,589,837 |
138,400 | Darden Restaurants, Inc. | 23,626,264 |
187,000 | DoorDash, Inc. Class A* | 23,294,590 |
669,800 | DraftKings, Inc. Class A* | 29,015,736 |
38,200 | Vail Resorts, Inc. | 8,797,842 |
96,324,269 | ||
Household Durables 0.6% | ||
23,500 | TopBuild Corp.* | 9,455,930 |
Household Products 1.5% | ||
251,000 | Church & Dwight Co., Inc. | 25,130,120 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
102
Schedule of Investments Mid Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Insurance 1.0% | ||
69,896 | Arthur J Gallagher & Co. | $17,049,731 |
Interactive Media & Services 2.4% | ||
1,118,282 | Pinterest, Inc. Class A* | 41,040,949 |
IT Services 3.1% | ||
118,433 | MongoDB, Inc.* | 53,008,242 |
Life Sciences Tools & Services 4.4% | ||
191,085 | Agilent Technologies, Inc. | 26,247,436 |
242,610 | Avantor, Inc.* | 5,977,910 |
106,849 | Bruker Corp. | 9,246,713 |
142,176 | IQVIA Holdings, Inc.* | 35,140,220 |
76,612,279 | ||
Machinery 1.5% | ||
214,400 | Fortive Corp. | 18,251,872 |
88,500 | Ingersoll Rand, Inc. | 8,082,705 |
26,334,577 | ||
Media 2.0% | ||
393,411 | Trade Desk, Inc. Class A* | 33,609,102 |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 2.3% | ||
134,500 | Cheniere Energy, Inc. | 20,874,400 |
100,974 | Diamondback Energy, Inc. | 18,429,774 |
39,304,174 | ||
Professional Services 1.0% | ||
72,900 | Verisk Analytics, Inc. | 17,634,510 |
Real Estate Management & Development 0.5% | ||
107,400 | CoStar Group, Inc.* | 9,347,022 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 3.6% | ||
184,454 | Lattice Semiconductor Corp.* | 14,131,021 |
49,600 | Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. | 35,713,984 |
156,711 | ON Semiconductor Corp.* | 12,367,632 |
62,212,637 | ||
Software 13.3% | ||
40,592 | Cadence Design Systems, Inc.* | 12,355,393 |
137,737 | Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. Class A* | 44,647,449 |
297,478 | Datadog, Inc. Class A* | 39,106,458 |
256,383 | Descartes Systems Group, Inc.* | 22,220,715 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Software – cont'd | ||
25,317 | Fair Isaac Corp.* | $32,150,311 |
83,386 | Manhattan Associates, Inc.* | 21,124,175 |
1,519,616 | Palantir Technologies, Inc. Class A* | 38,111,969 |
80,200 | Zscaler, Inc.* | 19,405,994 |
229,122,464 | ||
Specialty Retail 5.2% | ||
17,500 | O'Reilly Automotive, Inc.* | 19,029,850 |
38,600 | RH* | 10,591,840 |
211,800 | Ross Stores, Inc. | 31,549,728 |
52,400 | Ulta Beauty, Inc.* | 28,744,544 |
89,915,962 | ||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 2.1% | ||
524,278 | Pure Storage, Inc. Class A* | 27,603,237 |
10,517 | Super Micro Computer, Inc.* | 9,108,984 |
36,712,221 | ||
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 2.7% | ||
35,000 | Deckers Outdoor Corp.* | 31,345,650 |
447,300 | On Holding AG Class A* | 15,664,446 |
47,010,096 | ||
Trading Companies & Distributors 3.3% | ||
32,400 | United Rentals, Inc. | 22,461,948 |
35,800 | W.W. Grainger, Inc. | 34,849,868 |
57,311,816 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,294,967,235) | 1,702,958,039 | |
Short-Term Investments 1.3% | ||
Investment Companies 1.3% | ||
23,056,108 | State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.28%(a) (Cost $23,056,108) | 23,056,108 |
Total Investments 100.0% (Cost $1,318,023,343) | 1,726,014,147 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (0.0)%(b) | (622,267 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $1,725,391,880 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(b) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
103
Schedule of Investments Mid Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $1,702,958,039 | $— | $— | $1,702,958,039 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 23,056,108 | — | 23,056,108 |
Total Investments | $1,702,958,039 | $23,056,108 | $— | $1,726,014,147 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
104
Schedule of Investments Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 99.6% | ||
Aerospace & Defense 3.3% | ||
2,638 | General Dynamics Corp. | $720,834 |
5,241 | L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | 1,109,310 |
1,830,144 | ||
Automobile Components 1.9% | ||
13,563 | Aptiv PLC* | 1,078,123 |
Banks 3.1% | ||
69,110 | Huntington Bancshares, Inc. | 901,194 |
22,901 | Truist Financial Corp. | 801,077 |
1,702,271 | ||
Beverages 0.5% | ||
4,529 | Molson Coors Beverage Co. Class B | 282,700 |
Building Products 3.4% | ||
15,941 | Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. | 1,296,641 |
26,125 | Resideo Technologies, Inc.* | 583,371 |
1,880,012 | ||
Chemicals 0.7% | ||
3,941 | Ashland, Inc. | 369,035 |
Commercial Services & Supplies 2.0% | ||
41,809 | OPENLANE, Inc.* | 638,424 |
8,362 | Stericycle, Inc.* | 454,809 |
1,093,233 | ||
Communications Equipment 3.1% | ||
18,396 | Ciena Corp.* | 1,048,204 |
2,045 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | 675,648 |
1,723,852 | ||
Construction & Engineering 1.9% | ||
12,559 | Arcosa, Inc. | 1,042,397 |
Consumer Finance 0.6% | ||
8,808 | Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. | 337,170 |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 2.0% | ||
7,631 | Dollar Tree, Inc.* | 1,119,315 |
Containers & Packaging 3.1% | ||
2,259 | Avery Dennison Corp. | 489,141 |
6,539 | Crown Holdings, Inc. | 501,018 |
20,825 | Sealed Air Corp. | 726,168 |
1,716,327 | ||
Electric Utilities 1.8% | ||
27,755 | FirstEnergy Corp. | 1,016,111 |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 6.4% | ||
2,931 | CDW Corp. | 721,641 |
8,742 | Coherent Corp.* | 519,974 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components – cont'd | ||
8,523 | IPG Photonics Corp.* | $735,961 |
8,466 | Itron, Inc.* | 784,629 |
1,888 | Teledyne Technologies, Inc.* | 806,686 |
3,568,891 | ||
Energy Equipment & Services 1.6% | ||
29,412 | Baker Hughes Co. | 870,301 |
Entertainment 1.7% | ||
103,214 | Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Class B* | 937,183 |
Financial Services 1.8% | ||
7,670 | Global Payments, Inc. | 994,799 |
Food Products 2.6% | ||
43,182 | Hain Celestial Group, Inc.* | 431,820 |
28,619 | TreeHouse Foods, Inc.* | 1,024,274 |
1,456,094 | ||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 4.1% | ||
18,071 | Avanos Medical, Inc.* | 335,578 |
9,154 | Haemonetics Corp.* | 668,059 |
8,428 | Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 1,048,106 |
12,602 | Zimvie, Inc.* | 213,604 |
2,265,347 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 2.4% | ||
2,540 | McKesson Corp. | 1,324,381 |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 5.9% | ||
10,177 | Bloomin' Brands, Inc. | 276,611 |
24,464 | International Game Technology PLC | 664,687 |
24,568 | MGM Resorts International* | 1,063,303 |
21,902 | Travel & Leisure Co. | 978,800 |
5,192 | United Parks & Resorts, Inc.* | 266,609 |
3,250,010 | ||
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers 3.0% | ||
30,916 | Vistra Corp. | 1,686,159 |
Insurance 3.9% | ||
6,479 | Allstate Corp. | 1,033,530 |
8,867 | Globe Life, Inc. | 1,125,488 |
2,159,018 | ||
IT Services 2.5% | ||
13,549 | Kyndryl Holdings, Inc.* | 297,672 |
7,628 | Wix.com Ltd.* | 1,069,293 |
1,366,965 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
105
Schedule of Investments Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Life Sciences Tools & Services 0.6% | ||
1,397 | Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.* | $355,104 |
Machinery 4.0% | ||
15,842 | Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | 1,193,378 |
29,568 | Enerpac Tool Group Corp. | 996,737 |
2,190,115 | ||
Metals & Mining 0.6% | ||
16,103 | Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.* | 334,942 |
Multi-Utilities 3.5% | ||
44,173 | CenterPoint Energy, Inc. | 1,214,757 |
15,072 | Dominion Energy, Inc. | 720,894 |
1,935,651 | ||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 6.0% | ||
16,087 | Devon Energy Corp. | 708,793 |
9,751 | EOG Resources, Inc. | 1,116,099 |
4,201 | Phillips 66 | 598,685 |
24,371 | Williams Cos., Inc. | 875,894 |
3,299,471 | ||
Professional Services 5.0% | ||
5,843 | Concentrix Corp. | 423,325 |
136,851 | Conduent, Inc.* | 470,768 |
42,516 | Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. | 448,119 |
24,111 | KBR, Inc. | 1,447,383 |
2,789,595 | ||
Retail REITs 1.8% | ||
16,161 | Regency Centers Corp. | 1,001,174 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 3.6% | ||
3,362 | Enphase Energy, Inc.* | 427,008 |
2,779 | NXP Semiconductors NV | 694,000 |
8,193 | Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | 859,609 |
1,980,617 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Software 2.8% | ||
10,671 | DocuSign, Inc.* | $568,444 |
22,311 | Dropbox, Inc. Class A* | 534,349 |
10,478 | Smartsheet, Inc. Class A* | 442,276 |
1,545,069 | ||
Specialty Retail 1.7% | ||
3,615 | Best Buy Co., Inc. | 292,381 |
11,955 | ODP Corp.* | 675,219 |
967,600 | ||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 3.9% | ||
59,861 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. | 911,682 |
23,741 | Pure Storage, Inc. Class A* | 1,249,964 |
2,161,646 | ||
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.8% | ||
52,677 | Under Armour, Inc. Class C* | 449,862 |
Trading Companies & Distributors 2.0% | ||
14,684 | AerCap Holdings NV* | 1,133,311 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $42,349,665) | 55,213,995 | |
Short-Term Investments 0.4% | ||
Investment Companies 0.4% | ||
221,609 | State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.28%(a) (Cost $221,609) | 221,609 |
Total Investments 100.0% (Cost $42,571,274) | 55,435,604 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.0%(b) | 4,433 | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $55,440,037 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(b) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
106
Schedule of Investments Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $55,213,995 | $— | $— | $55,213,995 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 221,609 | — | 221,609 |
Total Investments | $55,213,995 | $221,609 | $— | $55,435,604 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
107
Schedule of Investments Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 99.3% | ||
Aerospace & Defense 0.2% | ||
6,500 | RTX Corp. | $582,855 |
Banks 3.7% | ||
49,000 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 9,116,940 |
Broadline Retail 3.9% | ||
54,000 | Amazon.com, Inc.* | 9,545,040 |
Capital Markets 7.2% | ||
228,000 | Brookfield Corp. Class A | 9,409,560 |
38,000 | Charles Schwab Corp. | 2,537,640 |
42,000 | Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. | 5,813,640 |
17,760,840 | ||
Commercial Services & Supplies 2.7% | ||
44,000 | Veralto Corp. | 3,802,480 |
155,000 | Vestis Corp. | 2,907,800 |
6,710,280 | ||
Communications Equipment 3.1% | ||
23,000 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | 7,598,970 |
Construction Materials 3.1% | ||
30,000 | Eagle Materials, Inc. | 7,606,500 |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 4.5% | ||
48,000 | BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc.* | 3,505,920 |
153,000 | U.S. Foods Holding Corp.* | 7,770,870 |
11,276,790 | ||
Containers & Packaging 7.0% | ||
23,000 | Avery Dennison Corp. | 4,980,190 |
56,000 | Ball Corp. | 3,585,120 |
340,000 | Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | 8,823,000 |
17,388,310 | ||
Electrical Equipment 1.7% | ||
14,500 | Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 4,133,660 |
Entertainment 0.6% | ||
14,000 | Walt Disney Co. | 1,562,120 |
Financial Services 8.0% | ||
53,000 | Apollo Global Management, Inc. | 5,925,400 |
34,000 | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class B* | 13,919,600 |
19,845,000 | ||
Food Products 3.3% | ||
78,000 | Mondelez International, Inc. Class A | 5,699,460 |
67,000 | Simply Good Foods Co.* | 2,377,160 |
8,076,620 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Ground Transportation 3.4% | ||
219,500 | CSX Corp. | $8,327,830 |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 2.1% | ||
22,000 | Becton Dickinson & Co. | 5,182,100 |
Health Care Providers & Services 3.6% | ||
29,000 | HCA Healthcare, Inc. | 9,039,300 |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 5.7% | ||
220,000 | Aramark | 6,672,600 |
500 | Booking Holdings, Inc.* | 1,734,415 |
20,000 | McDonald's Corp. | 5,845,600 |
14,252,615 | ||
Household Products 0.4% | ||
3,500 | WD-40 Co. | 939,365 |
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers 0.8% | ||
85,000 | Brookfield Renewable Corp. Class A | 2,016,200 |
Insurance 2.2% | ||
22,000 | Chubb Ltd. | 5,536,740 |
Interactive Media & Services 4.6% | ||
82,000 | Alphabet, Inc. Class C* | 11,461,960 |
Machinery 4.7% | ||
3,500 | Deere & Co. | 1,277,675 |
23,000 | Nordson Corp. | 6,109,950 |
31,000 | Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. | 4,379,990 |
11,767,615 | ||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 2.0% | ||
43,000 | EOG Resources, Inc. | 4,921,780 |
Professional Services 3.0% | ||
53,000 | TransUnion | 4,114,390 |
13,500 | Verisk Analytics, Inc. | 3,265,650 |
7,380,040 | ||
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 1.1% | ||
17,000 | QUALCOMM, Inc. | 2,682,430 |
Software 7.6% | ||
36,000 | Microsoft Corp. | 14,891,040 |
35,000 | Oracle Corp. | 3,908,800 |
18,799,840 | ||
Specialty Retail 2.9% | ||
15,000 | Lowe's Cos., Inc. | 3,610,050 |
37,000 | TJX Cos., Inc. | 3,668,180 |
7,278,230 | ||
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 3.7% | ||
51,100 | Apple, Inc. | 9,236,325 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
108
Schedule of Investments Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Wireless Telecommunication Services 2.5% | ||
38,000 | T-Mobile U.S., Inc. | $6,205,400 |
Total Common Stocks (Cost $123,849,550) | 246,231,695 | |
Short-Term Investments 0.7% | ||
Investment Companies 0.7% | ||
1,640,180 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(a) (Cost $1,640,180) | 1,640,180 |
Total Investments 100.0% (Cost $125,489,730) | 247,871,875 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.0%(b) | 60,549 | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $247,932,424 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
(b) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
109
Schedule of Investments Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $246,231,695 | $— | $— | $246,231,695 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 1,640,180 | — | 1,640,180 |
Total Investments | $246,231,695 | $1,640,180 | $— | $247,871,875 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
110
Schedule of Investments Real Estate Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 99.0% | ||
Health Care REITs 9.7% | ||
760,031 | American Healthcare REIT, Inc.* | $10,389,624 |
380,279 | Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. | 11,834,282 |
444,336 | Ventas, Inc. | 18,790,969 |
308,573 | Welltower, Inc. | 28,438,088 |
69,452,963 | ||
Industrial REITs 10.4% | ||
31,908 | EastGroup Properties, Inc. | 5,605,917 |
456,787 | Prologis, Inc. | 60,876,003 |
164,702 | Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. | 8,380,038 |
74,861,958 | ||
Office REITs 3.3% | ||
127,684 | Boston Properties, Inc. | 8,263,708 |
2,376,297 | Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. | 15,065,723 |
23,329,431 | ||
Residential REITs 16.7% | ||
626,523 | Apartment Income REIT Corp. | 18,996,177 |
175,350 | AvalonBay Communities, Inc. | 31,042,210 |
225,637 | Camden Property Trust | 21,318,184 |
198,119 | Equity LifeStyle Properties, Inc. | 13,337,371 |
432,838 | Invitation Homes, Inc. | 14,746,791 |
153,208 | Sun Communities, Inc. | 20,493,102 |
119,933,835 | ||
Retail REITs 14.0% | ||
1,014,533 | Kimco Realty Corp. | 20,047,172 |
482,249 | Realty Income Corp. | 25,129,996 |
123,944 | Regency Centers Corp. | 7,678,331 |
470,228 | Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. | 6,080,048 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Retail REITs – cont'd | ||
229,078 | Simon Property Group, Inc. | $33,935,615 |
463,535 | Urban Edge Properties | 7,884,730 |
100,755,892 | ||
Specialized REITs 44.9% | ||
320,802 | American Tower Corp. | 63,794,686 |
240,878 | Crown Castle, Inc. | 26,482,127 |
102,077 | Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | 14,985,924 |
64,762 | Equinix, Inc. | 57,561,761 |
180,382 | Extra Space Storage, Inc. | 25,428,451 |
263,997 | Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc. | 12,006,584 |
278,795 | Iron Mountain, Inc. | 21,924,439 |
164,768 | Public Storage | 46,772,692 |
91,619 | SBA Communications Corp. | 19,169,443 |
481,365 | VICI Properties, Inc. | 14,407,254 |
569,275 | Weyerhaeuser Co. | 19,571,675 |
322,105,036 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $757,984,424) | 710,439,115 | |
Short-Term Investments 0.8% | ||
Investment Companies 0.8% | ||
5,610,802 | State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.28%(a) (Cost $5,610,802) | 5,610,802 |
Total Investments 99.8% (Cost $763,595,226) | 716,049,917 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.2% | 1,210,000 | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $717,259,917 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
111
Schedule of Investments Real Estate Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $710,439,115 | $— | $— | $710,439,115 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 5,610,802 | — | 5,610,802 |
Total Investments | $710,439,115 | $5,610,802 | $— | $716,049,917 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
112
Schedule of Investments Small Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 98.1% | ||
Aerospace & Defense 2.5% | ||
41,300 | BWX Technologies, Inc. | $4,164,279 |
19,100 | Curtiss-Wright Corp. | 4,512,757 |
8,677,036 | ||
Automobile Components 0.4% | ||
13,482 | Visteon Corp.* | 1,525,084 |
Banks 1.3% | ||
35,994 | Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. | 2,977,424 |
26,178 | Western Alliance Bancorp | 1,511,256 |
4,488,680 | ||
Biotechnology 11.5% | ||
136,232 | Alkermes PLC* | 4,044,728 |
224,242 | Amicus Therapeutics, Inc.* | 2,874,782 |
41,348 | Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings, Inc.* | 1,602,648 |
25,446 | Blueprint Medicines Corp.* | 2,379,710 |
68,329 | Cabaletta Bio, Inc.* | 1,563,368 |
38,748 | Cytokinetics, Inc.* | 2,799,155 |
137,826 | Editas Medicine, Inc.* | 1,386,530 |
110,430 | Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.* | 4,396,218 |
40,714 | Ideaya Biosciences, Inc.* | 1,819,916 |
85,003 | Insmed, Inc.* | 2,356,283 |
62,543 | Kymera Therapeutics, Inc.* | 2,670,586 |
70,483 | REVOLUTION Medicines, Inc.* | 2,077,839 |
56,906 | Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.* | 1,667,346 |
52,367 | Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc.* | 2,708,421 |
50,747 | Vaxcyte, Inc.* | 3,746,144 |
30,824 | Viking Therapeutics, Inc.* | 2,374,989 |
40,468,663 | ||
Building Products 3.0% | ||
9,200 | CSW Industrials, Inc. | 2,119,588 |
52,700 | Trex Co., Inc.* | 4,835,752 |
108,200 | Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp. | 3,435,350 |
10,390,690 | ||
Capital Markets 2.2% | ||
18,632 | Evercore, Inc. Class A | 3,485,675 |
22,209 | Piper Sandler Cos. | 4,181,288 |
7,666,963 | ||
Commercial Services & Supplies 1.8% | ||
55,145 | Casella Waste Systems, Inc. Class A* | 4,968,565 |
73,600 | Vestis Corp. | 1,380,736 |
6,349,301 | ||
Communications Equipment 0.7% | ||
67,292 | Calix, Inc.* | 2,346,472 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Construction & Engineering 4.2% | ||
190,668 | API Group Corp.* | $6,682,913 |
26,600 | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. | 8,132,418 |
14,815,331 | ||
Containers & Packaging 1.1% | ||
148,633 | Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | 3,857,026 |
Diversified Consumer Services 2.1% | ||
30,500 | Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc.* | 3,503,230 |
289,759 | OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd.* | 3,778,457 |
7,281,687 | ||
Electrical Equipment 1.4% | ||
71,500 | nVent Electric PLC | 4,813,380 |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 2.7% | ||
28,281 | Coherent Corp.* | 1,682,154 |
35,583 | Fabrinet* | 7,670,627 |
9,352,781 | ||
Energy Equipment & Services 1.8% | ||
76,100 | ChampionX Corp. | 2,363,666 |
38,400 | Weatherford International PLC* | 3,940,224 |
6,303,890 | ||
Financial Services 2.3% | ||
50,134 | Mr Cooper Group, Inc.* | 3,573,551 |
57,053 | Shift4 Payments, Inc. Class A* | 4,690,898 |
8,264,449 | ||
Food Products 2.0% | ||
37,800 | Freshpet, Inc.* | 4,272,534 |
164,175 | Utz Brands, Inc. | 2,904,256 |
7,176,790 | ||
Ground Transportation 1.3% | ||
37,700 | XPO, Inc.* | 4,536,064 |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 3.8% | ||
25,283 | Axonics, Inc.* | 1,717,727 |
26,605 | Glaukos Corp.* | 2,356,937 |
38,690 | iRhythm Technologies, Inc.* | 4,590,569 |
33,348 | Lantheus Holdings, Inc.* | 2,180,292 |
188,256 | Paragon 28, Inc.* | 2,349,435 |
13,194,960 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 2.5% | ||
23,457 | HealthEquity, Inc.* | 1,937,783 |
105,385 | Option Care Health, Inc.* | 3,400,774 |
92,709 | RadNet, Inc.* | 3,509,962 |
8,848,519 | ||
Health Care Technology 0.3% | ||
36,217 | Schrodinger, Inc.* | 922,085 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
113
Schedule of Investments Small Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 5.3% | ||
52,722 | Boyd Gaming Corp. | $3,486,506 |
24,362 | Churchill Downs, Inc. | 2,968,997 |
32,900 | Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc.* | 2,031,246 |
34,108 | Texas Roadhouse, Inc. | 5,094,712 |
13,900 | Wingstop, Inc. | 4,879,595 |
18,461,056 | ||
Household Durables 3.2% | ||
22,800 | Installed Building Products, Inc. | 5,447,604 |
68,500 | Skyline Champion Corp.* | 5,739,615 |
11,187,219 | ||
Life Sciences Tools & Services 0.5% | ||
320,993 | Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.* | 1,775,091 |
Marine Transportation 1.3% | ||
53,400 | Kirby Corp.* | 4,684,248 |
Metals & Mining 1.5% | ||
104,900 | ATI, Inc.* | 5,158,982 |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.5% | ||
73,373 | Magnolia Oil & Gas Corp. Class A | 1,664,099 |
56,985 | Matador Resources Co. | 3,598,603 |
5,262,702 | ||
Personal Care Products 2.4% | ||
40,700 | elf Beauty, Inc.* | 8,487,171 |
Pharmaceuticals 3.3% | ||
27,511 | Arvinas, Inc.* | 1,264,956 |
35,079 | Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.* | 2,854,729 |
37,682 | Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.* | 2,619,653 |
45,380 | Prestige Consumer Healthcare, Inc.* | 3,157,540 |
96,259 | Verona Pharma PLC ADR* | 1,657,580 |
11,554,458 | ||
Professional Services 1.7% | ||
80,800 | CBIZ, Inc.* | 6,102,824 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 9.1% | ||
75,281 | Aehr Test Systems* | 1,224,822 |
182,674 | Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd.* | 3,934,798 |
68,615 | MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.* | 6,060,763 |
25,216 | Onto Innovation, Inc.* | 4,643,779 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment – cont'd | ||
268,284 | Rambus, Inc.* | $15,893,144 |
31,757,306 | ||
Software 9.7% | ||
39,171 | Altair Engineering, Inc. Class A* | 3,332,669 |
6,519 | CyberArk Software Ltd.* | 1,719,451 |
56,235 | Descartes Systems Group, Inc.* | 4,873,888 |
40,335 | DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc.* | 1,245,948 |
62,252 | Intapp, Inc.* | 2,442,146 |
10,326 | Manhattan Associates, Inc.* | 2,615,886 |
6,828 | MicroStrategy, Inc. Class A* | 6,983,952 |
79,731 | Sprout Social, Inc. Class A* | 4,928,970 |
30,946 | SPS Commerce, Inc.* | 5,729,961 |
33,872,871 | ||
Specialty Retail 1.2% | ||
55,500 | Academy Sports & Outdoors, Inc. | 4,146,960 |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 3.6% | ||
14,542 | Super Micro Computer, Inc.* | 12,595,117 |
Trading Companies & Distributors 4.9% | ||
82,541 | Air Lease Corp. | 3,309,894 |
34,000 | Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. | 6,456,260 |
79,000 | FTAI Aviation Ltd. | 4,446,910 |
54,132 | H&E Equipment Services, Inc. | 3,057,917 |
17,270,981 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $281,611,703) | 343,596,837 | |
Exchange-Traded Funds 1.0% | ||
13,228 | iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (Cost $3,400,663) | 3,492,059 |
Short-Term Investments 1.3% | ||
Investment Companies 1.3% | ||
4,648,880 | State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.28%(a) (Cost $4,648,880) | 4,648,880 |
Total Investments 100.4% (Cost $289,661,246) | 351,737,776 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (0.4)% | (1,442,670 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $350,295,106 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
114
Schedule of Investments Small Cap Growth Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $343,596,837 | $— | $— | $343,596,837 |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 3,492,059 | — | — | 3,492,059 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 4,648,880 | — | 4,648,880 |
Total Investments | $347,088,896 | $4,648,880 | $— | $351,737,776 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
115
Schedule of Investments Sustainable Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 98.4% | ||
Banks 3.6% | ||
774,810 | Bank of America Corp. | $26,746,441 |
145,732 | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 27,114,896 |
53,861,337 | ||
Broadline Retail 8.2% | ||
693,171 | Amazon.com, Inc.* | 122,524,906 |
Capital Markets 3.4% | ||
472,275 | Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. Class A | 51,345,738 |
Chemicals 1.7% | ||
76,447 | Sherwin-Williams Co. | 25,382,697 |
Communications Equipment 1.9% | ||
99,851 | Arista Networks, Inc.* | 27,712,646 |
Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail 1.2% | ||
24,373 | Costco Wholesale Corp. | 18,130,831 |
Diversified Telecommunication Services 1.7% | ||
128,024 | Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class A*#(a)(b) | 12,418,328 |
137,408 | Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class C*#(a)(b) | 13,328,576 |
25,746,904 | ||
Electrical Equipment 1.2% | ||
634,810 | Vestas Wind Systems AS* | 17,667,720 |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 1.3% | ||
71,676 | Zebra Technologies Corp. Class A* | 20,032,008 |
Financial Services 13.0% | ||
32 | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class A* | 19,729,952 |
176,406 | Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Class B* | 72,220,616 |
206,303 | Fiserv, Inc.* | 30,794,849 |
149,868 | MasterCard, Inc. Class A | 71,151,332 |
193,896,749 | ||
Ground Transportation 1.8% | ||
713,995 | CSX Corp. | 27,088,970 |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.9% | ||
87,419 | Becton Dickinson & Co. | 20,591,545 |
12,463 | IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.* | 7,169,092 |
27,760,637 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 7.5% | ||
191,872 | Cencora, Inc. | 45,205,043 |
177,608 | Cigna Group | 59,701,153 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Health Care Providers & Services – cont'd | ||
14,474 | UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | $7,144,367 |
112,050,563 | ||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 2.9% | ||
1,566,446 | Compass Group PLC | 42,907,932 |
Household Products 1.8% | ||
314,530 | Colgate-Palmolive Co. | 27,213,136 |
Insurance 2.9% | ||
232,469 | Progressive Corp. | 44,066,824 |
Interactive Media & Services 6.8% | ||
737,752 | Alphabet, Inc. Class A* | 102,149,142 |
IT Services 3.1% | ||
408,354 | GoDaddy, Inc. Class A* | 46,613,609 |
Life Sciences Tools & Services 2.4% | ||
80,802 | Danaher Corp. | 20,454,218 |
60,979 | IQVIA Holdings, Inc.* | 15,071,570 |
35,525,788 | ||
Machinery 1.5% | ||
229,444 | Otis Worldwide Corp. | 21,866,013 |
Multi-Utilities 1.4% | ||
1,634,964 | National Grid PLC | 21,412,073 |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 1.2% | ||
720,959 | Coterra Energy, Inc. | 18,586,323 |
Pharmaceuticals 1.3% | ||
75,566 | Roche Holding AG | 19,819,680 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 5.9% | ||
270,596 | Applied Materials, Inc. | 54,557,565 |
204,775 | Texas Instruments, Inc. | 34,265,001 |
88,822,566 | ||
Software 11.1% | ||
46,284 | Intuit, Inc. | 30,681,201 |
327,305 | Microsoft Corp. | 135,386,440 |
166,067,641 | ||
Specialty Retail 0.8% | ||
31,420 | Home Depot, Inc. | 11,958,766 |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 2.5% | ||
208,473 | Apple, Inc. | 37,681,495 |
Trading Companies & Distributors 4.4% | ||
43,092 | United Rentals, Inc. | 29,874,391 |
37,530 | W.W. Grainger, Inc. | 36,533,954 |
66,408,345 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $752,287,963) | 1,474,301,039 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
116
Schedule of Investments Sustainable Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Preferred Stocks 1.4% | ||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 1.4% | ||
21,111 | Space Exploration Technologies Corp., Series E*#(a)(b) (Cost $17,099,910) | $20,477,670 |
Principal Amount | ||
Short-Term Investments 0.1% | ||
Certificates of Deposit 0.0%(c) | ||
$100,000 | Carver Federal Savings Bank, 1.25%(d), due 3/23/2024 | 100,000 |
250,000 | Self Help Credit Union, 0.10%(d), due 5/16/2024 | 250,000 |
250,000 | Self Help Federal Credit Union, 0.10%(d), due 3/1/2024 | 250,000 |
600,000 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Investment Companies 0.1% | ||
622,631 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(d) | $622,631 |
Total Short-Term Investments (Cost $1,222,631) | 1,222,631 | |
Total Investments 99.9% (Cost $770,610,504) | 1,496,001,340 | |
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.1% | 1,890,452 | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $1,497,891,792 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. |
(b) | Security fair valued as of February 29, 2024 in accordance with procedures approved by the valuation designee. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $46,224,574, which represents 3.1% of net assets of the Fund. |
(c) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
(d) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
117
Schedule of Investments Sustainable Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
# This security is subject to restrictions on resale. Total value of all such securities at February 29, 2024 amounted to $46,224,574, which represents 3.1% of net assets of the Fund. Acquisition dates shown with a range, if any, represent securities that were acquired over the period shown in the table.
Restricted Security | Acquisition Date(s) | Acquisition Cost | Value as of 2/29/2024 | Fair Value Percentage of Net Assets as of 2/29/2024 |
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Series E Preferred Shares) | 11/7/2023 | $17,099,910 | $20,477,670 | 1.4 % |
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class A | 8/18/2023 | 10,369,944 | 12,418,328 | 0.8 % |
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Class C | 8/18/2023 | 11,130,048 | 13,328,576 | 0.9 % |
Total | $38,599,902 | $46,224,574 | 3.1 % |
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3(a) | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks | ||||
Diversified Telecommunication Services | $— | $— | $25,746,904 | $25,746,904 |
Other Common Stocks# | 1,448,554,135 | — | — | 1,448,554,135 |
Total Common Stocks | 1,448,554,135 | — | 25,746,904 | 1,474,301,039 |
Preferred Stocks# | — | — | 20,477,670 | 20,477,670 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 1,222,631 | — | 1,222,631 |
Total Investments | $1,448,554,135 | $1,222,631 | $46,224,574 | $1,496,001,340 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
(a) | The following is a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value: |
(000's omitted) | Beginning balance as of 9/1/2023 | Accrued discounts/ (premiums) | Realized gain/(loss) | Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) | Purchases | Sales | Transfers into Level 3 | Transfers out of Level 3 | Balance as of 2/29/2024 | Net change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation) from investments still held as of 2/29/2024 |
Investments in Securities: | ||||||||||
Common Stocks(1) | $21,500 | $— | $— | $4,247 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $25,747 | $4,247 |
Preferred Stocks(1) | — | — | — | 3,378 | 17,100 | — | — | — | 20,478 | 3,378 |
Total | $21,500 | $— | $— | $7,625 | $17,100 | $— | $— | $— | $46,225 | $7,625 |
(1) Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements: |
Investment type | Fair value at 2/29/2024 | Valuation approach | Significant unobservable input(s) | Input value/ range | Weighted average(a) | Impact to valuation from increase in input(b) |
Common Stocks | $25,746,904 | Market Approach | Transaction Price | $97.00 | $97.00 | Increase |
Preferred Stocks | 20,477,670 | Market Approach | Transaction Price | $97.00 | $97.00 | Increase |
(a) The weighted averages disclosed in the table above were weighted by relative fair value. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
118
Schedule of Investments Sustainable Equity Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
(b) Represents the expected directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investments that would result from an increase or decrease in the corresponding input. Significant changes in these inputs could result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
119
Schedule of Investments U.S. Equity Impact Fund^ (Unaudited) February 29, 2024
Number of Shares | Value | |
Common Stocks 97.1% | ||
Automobile Components 2.2% | ||
3,420 | Aptiv PLC* | $271,856 |
Building Products 4.5% | ||
1,966 | Trane Technologies PLC | 554,353 |
Chemicals 3.9% | ||
2,130 | Ecolab, Inc. | 478,909 |
Commercial Services & Supplies 3.0% | ||
996 | Tetra Tech, Inc. | 176,611 |
2,261 | Veralto Corp. | 195,395 |
372,006 | ||
Communications Equipment 3.8% | ||
1,423 | Motorola Solutions, Inc. | 470,145 |
Containers & Packaging 6.6% | ||
3,982 | Ball Corp. | 254,928 |
21,729 | Graphic Packaging Holding Co. | 563,867 |
818,795 | ||
Electric Utilities 2.4% | ||
5,322 | NextEra Energy, Inc. | 293,721 |
Electrical Equipment 1.3% | ||
2,420 | nVent Electric PLC | 162,914 |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 3.5% | ||
3,052 | Coherent Corp.* | 181,533 |
4,012 | Trimble, Inc.* | 245,494 |
427,027 | ||
Food Products 1.9% | ||
6,707 | Simply Good Foods Co.* | 237,964 |
Ground Transportation 8.0% | ||
4,040 | Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. | 343,441 |
11,777 | CSX Corp. | 446,819 |
2,510 | Uber Technologies, Inc.* | 199,545 |
989,805 | ||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 6.7% | ||
5,095 | Baxter International, Inc. | 208,488 |
7,448 | Boston Scientific Corp.* | 493,132 |
1,129 | Dexcom, Inc.* | 129,914 |
831,534 | ||
Health Care Providers & Services 5.3% | ||
1,679 | HCA Healthcare, Inc. | 523,344 |
358 | Humana, Inc. | 125,415 |
648,759 | ||
Household Products 2.0% | ||
1,603 | Clorox Co. | 245,756 |
Number of Shares | Value | |
Independent Power and Renewable Electricity Producers 3.4% | ||
17,412 | Brookfield Renewable Corp. Class A | $413,013 |
Life Sciences Tools & Services 4.4% | ||
1,003 | Danaher Corp. | 253,900 |
513 | Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 292,502 |
546,402 | ||
Machinery 12.4% | ||
850 | Deere & Co. | 310,293 |
6,573 | Pentair PLC | 511,314 |
3,593 | Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. | 507,655 |
1,548 | Xylem, Inc. | 196,673 |
1,525,935 | ||
Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts 0.7% | ||
3,507 | Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital, Inc. | 88,271 |
Personal Care Products 1.6% | ||
3,504 | BellRing Brands, Inc.* | 199,553 |
Pharmaceuticals 6.1% | ||
519 | Eli Lilly & Co. | 391,160 |
2,801 | Merck & Co., Inc. | 356,147 |
747,307 | ||
Professional Services 2.8% | ||
1,426 | Verisk Analytics, Inc. | 344,949 |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 4.3% | ||
590 | Analog Devices, Inc. | 113,174 |
338 | NVIDIA Corp. | 267,398 |
1,853 | ON Semiconductor Corp.* | 146,239 |
526,811 | ||
Software 6.3% | ||
374 | Intuit, Inc. | 247,921 |
499 | Palo Alto Networks, Inc.* | 154,964 |
854 | Tyler Technologies, Inc.* | 373,318 |
776,203 | ||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $10,284,216) | 11,971,988 | |
Rights 0.0%(a) | ||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 0.0%(a) | ||
248 | Contra Abiomed, Inc., CVR*(b) (Cost $253) | 434 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
120
Schedule of Investments U.S. Equity Impact Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Number of Shares | Value | |
Short-Term Investments 3.0% | ||
Investment Companies 3.0% | ||
371,493 | State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund Premier Class, 5.25%(c) (Cost $371,493) | $371,493 |
Total Investments 100.1% (Cost $10,655,962) | 12,343,915 | |
Liabilities Less Other Assets (0.1)% | (9,326 ) | |
Net Assets 100.0% | $12,334,589 |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Represents less than 0.05% of net assets of the Fund. |
(b) | Value determined using significant unobservable inputs. |
(c) | Represents 7-day effective yield as of February 29, 2024. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
121
Schedule of Investments U.S. Equity Impact Fund^ (Unaudited) (cont’d)
The following is a summary, categorized by Level (see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements), of inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of February 29, 2024:
Asset Valuation Inputs | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3(a) | Total |
Investments: | ||||
Common Stocks# | $11,971,988 | $— | $— | $11,971,988 |
Rights(b) | — | — | 434 | 434 |
Short-Term Investments | — | 371,493 | — | 371,493 |
Total Investments | $11,971,988 | $371,493 | $434 | $12,343,915 |
# | The Schedule of Investments provides information on the industry or sector categorization. |
(a) | The reconciliation between beginning and ending balances of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used is not presented as all values rounded to less than $1,000. |
(b) | Securities categorized as Level 3 were valued using a single quotation obtained from a dealer. The Fund does not have access to significant unobservable inputs and therefore cannot disclose such inputs used in formulating such quotation. |
^
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or an amount that rounds to less than 1.
See Notes to Financial Statements
122
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Dividend Growth Fund | Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Equity Income Fund | |
February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | |
Assets | |||
Investments in securities, at value*† (Notes A & F)— see Schedule of Investments: | |||
Unaffiliated issuers(a) | $92,837,701 | $296,076,567 | $892,688,184 |
Affiliated issuers(b) | — | — | — |
92,837,701 | 296,076,567 | 892,688,184 | |
Foreign currency(c) | 3 | 4,291,387 | — |
Dividends and interest receivable | 191,980 | 431,408 | 2,939,775 |
Receivable for securities sold | 1,037,905 | 2,956,358 | — |
Receivable from Management—net (Note B) | 6,950 | 41,875 | — |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | — | 236,192 | 170,098 |
Receivable for securities lending income (Note A) | — | 147 | — |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 37,254 | 41,998 | 24,429 |
Total Assets | 94,111,793 | 304,075,932 | 895,822,486 |
Liabilities | |||
Payable to investment manager—net (Note B) | 36,772 | 211,308 | 349,297 |
Option contracts written, at value(d) (Note A) | — | — | 128,779 |
Payable for securities purchased | — | 3,629,379 | — |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | — | 770,551 | 788,677 |
Payable to administrator—net (Note B) | — | — | 184,909 |
Payable to trustees | 8,024 | 7,647 | 7,286 |
Payable for audit fees | 27,918 | 33,989 | 37,738 |
Payable for custodian and accounting fees | 21,024 | 330,984 | 85,688 |
Payable for legal fees | 12,195 | 12,799 | 19,251 |
Payable for shareholder servicing fees | 813 | 35,204 | 7,306 |
Interest payable (Note E) | — | 9,992 | — |
Payable for cash collateral on loaned securities (Note A) | — | 1,063,952 | — |
Accrued capital gains taxes (Note A) | — | 2,245,704 | — |
Other accrued expenses and payables | 2,825 | 19,358 | 40,161 |
Total Liabilities | 109,571 | 8,370,867 | 1,649,092 |
Net Assets | $94,002,222 | $295,705,065 | $894,173,394 |
Net Assets consist of: | |||
Paid-in capital | $64,135,548 | $392,351,907 | $628,561,817 |
Total distributable earnings/(losses) | 29,866,674 | (96,646,842 ) | 265,611,577 |
Net Assets | $94,002,222 | $295,705,065 | $894,173,394 |
Net Assets | |||
Investor Class | $— | $— | $— |
Trust Class | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 90,875,763 | 235,377,789 | 659,433,092 |
Class A | 2,062,566 | 20,499,213 | 152,932,477 |
Class C | 994,814 | 1,463,153 | 45,736,188 |
Class R3 | — | 613,576 | 723,808 |
Class R6 | 69,079 | 37,751,334 | — |
Class E | — | — | 35,347,829 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
123
Focus Fund | Genesis Fund | International Equity Fund | International Select Fund | International Small Cap Fund |
February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 |
$683,021,676 | $9,562,375,819 | $1,014,241,427 | $156,128,170 | $3,782,401 |
— | 735,029,056 | — | — | — |
683,021,676 | 10,297,404,875 | 1,014,241,427 | 156,128,170 | 3,782,401 |
179,499 | — | 703,882 | 253,901 | 59,924 |
1,161,830 | 6,052,316 | 5,102,459 | 883,333 | 13,397 |
— | 5,043,539 | 8,559,706 | 26,751 | — |
— | — | — | — | 22,416 |
51,137 | 5,477,114 | 226,658 | 33,091 | 1,294 |
1,852 | — | 1,569 | 139 | 414 |
59,327 | 148,982 | 254,729 | 45,316 | 35,502 |
684,475,321 | 10,314,126,826 | 1,029,090,430 | 157,370,701 | 3,915,348 |
281,933 | 5,231,919 | 517,690 | 67,702 | 2,444 |
— | — | — | — | — |
— | 13,796,823 | 3,787,973 | 772,326 | — |
68,450 | 5,403,202 | 799,532 | 6,880 | — |
144,487 | 1,203,909 | 119,979 | 4,449 | — |
7,552 | 1,052 | 7,190 | 7,969 | 8,097 |
33,757 | 37,500 | 34,801 | 33,278 | 28,501 |
51,217 | 420,575 | 121,071 | 38,194 | 28,748 |
11,676 | 7,906 | 12,544 | 12,195 | 12,195 |
69,304 | 239,249 | 20,092 | 3,730 | 416 |
— | — | — | — | — |
775,706 | — | 173,577 | 291,263 | 166,573 |
— | — | — | — | — |
17,637 | 301,689 | 54,093 | 5,054 | 3,812 |
1,461,719 | 26,643,824 | 5,648,542 | 1,243,040 | 250,786 |
$683,013,602 | $10,287,483,002 | $1,023,441,888 | $156,127,661 | $3,664,562 |
$549,372,748 | $5,344,221,604 | $945,776,379 | $143,991,910 | $3,715,453 |
133,640,854 | 4,943,261,398 | 77,665,509 | 12,135,751 | (50,891 ) |
$683,013,602 | $10,287,483,002 | $1,023,441,888 | $156,127,661 | $3,664,562 |
$626,736,349 | $1,708,408,016 | $71,851,356 | $— | $— |
32,872,546 | 1,038,533,092 | 22,327,664 | 5,041,385 | — |
955,071 | 97,058,074 | — | — | — |
19,517,404 | 2,559,560,323 | 836,922,086 | 144,864,238 | 2,920,739 |
2,674,623 | — | 11,562,051 | 3,922,845 | 323,522 |
257,609 | — | 3,750,028 | 678,131 | 124,133 |
— | — | — | 1,485,770 | — |
— | 4,726,470,697 | 42,011,453 | 135,292 | 296,168 |
— | 157,452,800 | 35,017,250 | — | — |
124
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Dividend Growth Fund | Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Equity Income Fund | |
February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | |
Shares Outstanding ($.001 par value; unlimited shares authorized) | |||
Investor Class | — | — | — |
Trust Class | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 4,603,834 | 13,111,242 | 51,333,496 |
Class A | 104,189 | 1,138,934 | 11,965,829 |
Class C | 50,695 | 82,492 | 3,601,562 |
Class R3 | — | 34,285 | 56,643 |
Class R6 | 3,496 | 2,104,443 | — |
Class E | — | — | 2,750,183 |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | |||
Investor Class | $— | $— | $— |
Trust Class | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 19.74 | 17.95 | 12.85 |
Class R3 | — | 17.90 | 12.78 |
Class R6 | 19.76 | 17.94 | — |
Class E | — | — | 12.85 |
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share | |||
Class A | $19.80 | $18.00 | $12.78 |
Offering Price per share | |||
Class A‡ | $21.01 | $19.10 | $13.56 |
Net Asset Value and offering price per share | |||
Class C^ | $19.62 | $17.74 | $12.70 |
†Securities on loan, at value: | |||
Unaffiliated issuers | $— | $1,283,458 | $— |
*Cost of Investments: | |||
(a) Unaffiliated issuers | $63,332,510 | $265,317,761 | $657,579,818 |
(b) Affiliated issuers | $— | $— | $— |
Total cost of investments | $63,332,510 | $265,317,761 | $657,579,818 |
(c) Total cost of foreign currency | $3 | $4,373,981 | $— |
(d) Premium received from option contracts written | $— | $— | $164,503 |
‡ | On single retail sales of less than $50,000. On sales of $50,000 or more or in certain other circumstances described in the Fund's prospectus, offering price is reduced. |
^ | Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
125
Focus Fund | Genesis Fund | International Equity Fund | International Select Fund | International Small Cap Fund |
February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 |
23,127,935 | 27,574,642 | 5,701,007 | — | — |
1,219,819 | 16,830,640 | 1,770,347 | 384,883 | — |
35,641 | 1,602,746 | — | — | — |
717,701 | 41,219,046 | 66,358,365 | 11,101,500 | 224,769 |
99,399 | — | 913,232 | 302,653 | 25,109 |
10,014 | — | 299,350 | 53,775 | 10,000 |
— | — | — | 115,854 | — |
— | 76,183,222 | 3,332,949 | 10,367 | 22,792 |
— | 2,535,514 | 2,780,194 | — | — |
$27.10 | $61.96 | $12.60 | $— | $— |
26.95 | 61.70 | 12.61 | 13.10 | — |
26.80 | 60.56 | — | — | — |
27.19 | 62.10 | 12.61 | 13.05 | 12.99 |
— | — | — | 12.82 | — |
— | 62.04 | 12.60 | 13.05 | 12.99 |
— | 62.10 | 12.60 | — | — |
$26.91 | $— | $12.66 | $12.96 | $12.88 |
$28.55 | $— | $13.43 | $13.75 | $13.67 |
$25.73 | $— | $12.53 | $12.61 | $12.41 |
$1,173,089 | $— | $164,890 | $273,423 | $266,549 |
$522,949,867 | $5,153,390,083 | $934,703,340 | $142,757,177 | $3,375,382 |
$— | $520,136,636 | $— | $— | $— |
$522,949,867 | $5,673,526,719 | $934,703,340 | $142,757,177 | $3,375,382 |
$180,319 | $— | $706,957 | $255,117 | $59,502 |
$— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
126
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Intrinsic Value Fund | Large Cap Growth Fund** | Large Cap Value Fund | |
February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | |
Assets | |||
Investments in securities, at value (Notes A & F)— see Schedule of Investments: | |||
Unaffiliated issuers(a) | $1,521,386,248 | $2,424,461,074 | $9,955,936,384 |
Affiliated issuers(b) | 3,591,191 | — | — |
1,524,977,439 | 2,424,461,074 | 9,955,936,384 | |
Foreign currency(c) | — | — | — |
Dividends and interest receivable | 513,070 | 2,402,829 | 26,793,479 |
Receivable for securities sold | 7,334,735 | 21,434,774 | 152,648,694 |
Receivable from Management—net (Note B) | — | — | — |
Receivable for Fund shares sold | 977,294 | 1,017,715 | 5,688,092 |
Receivable for securities lending income (Note A) | — | 4,565 | 22,099 |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | 37,951 | 141,692 | 181,707 |
Total Assets | 1,533,840,489 | 2,449,462,649 | 10,141,270,455 |
Liabilities | |||
Payable to investment manager—net (Note B) | 866,929 | 883,828 | 3,342,923 |
Option contracts written, at value(d) (Note A) | — | 1,791,930 | — |
Due to custodian | 5,142,273 | — | — |
Payable for securities purchased | 16,635,086 | — | 114,609,794 |
Payable for Fund shares redeemed | 1,153,304 | 412,707 | 82,120,703 |
Payable to administrator—net (Note B) | 208,704 | 469,662 | 1,614,560 |
Payable to trustees | 6,790 | 6,247 | 988 |
Payable for audit fees | 30,306 | 70,301 | 33,022 |
Payable for custodian and accounting fees | 71,983 | 98,482 | 529,825 |
Payable for legal fees | 12,195 | 21,056 | 13,428 |
Payable for shareholder servicing fees | 12,275 | 171,798 | 285,585 |
Payable for cash collateral on loaned securities (Note A) | — | 1,776,667 | 43,504,537 |
Other accrued expenses and payables | 45,876 | 36,970 | 302,603 |
Total Liabilities | 24,185,721 | 5,739,648 | 246,357,968 |
Net Assets | $1,509,654,768 | $2,443,723,001 | $9,894,912,487 |
Net Assets consist of: | |||
Paid-in capital | $1,273,482,753 | $1,410,665,659 | $9,639,814,085 |
Total distributable earnings/(losses) | 236,172,015 | 1,033,057,342 | 255,098,402 |
Net Assets | $1,509,654,768 | $2,443,723,001 | $9,894,912,487 |
Net Assets | |||
Investor Class | $— | $1,770,167,541 | $1,466,168,405 |
Trust Class | — | 46,587,653 | 102,594,065 |
Advisor Class | — | 226,604 | 125,142,898 |
Institutional Class | 1,284,775,465 | 574,889,912 | 6,964,453,586 |
Class A | 88,606,321 | 31,235,076 | 182,156,532 |
Class C | 18,013,131 | 15,698,786 | 230,966,889 |
Class R3 | — | 1,666,852 | 9,650,799 |
Class R6 | 118,259,851 | 3,250,577 | 653,886,055 |
Class E | — | — | 159,893,258 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
127
Mid Cap Growth Fund | Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund | Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund | Real Estate Fund | Small Cap Growth Fund | Sustainable Equity Fund | U.S. Equity Impact Fund |
February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 |
$1,726,014,147 | $55,435,604 | $247,871,875 | $716,049,917 | $351,737,776 | $1,496,001,340 | $12,343,915 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
1,726,014,147 | 55,435,604 | 247,871,875 | 716,049,917 | 351,737,776 | 1,496,001,340 | 12,343,915 |
— | — | — | — | — | 575,082 | — |
650,258 | 67,083 | 237,084 | 638,774 | 99,050 | 2,514,155 | 16,791 |
— | — | — | 16,114,741 | 1,647,249 | — | — |
— | 11,513 | — | — | 10,205 | — | 19,077 |
1,167,782 | 1,674 | 54,651 | 334,952 | 560,779 | 862,270 | — |
— | — | — | — | 948 | — | — |
69,357 | 36,105 | 29,396 | 47,542 | 56,649 | 64,772 | 33,514 |
1,727,901,544 | 55,551,979 | 248,193,006 | 733,185,926 | 354,112,656 | 1,500,017,619 | 12,413,297 |
641,992 | 24,135 | 74,207 | 442,898 | 223,059 | 563,591 | 6,733 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | 14,571,399 | 3,266,690 | — | — |
1,392,006 | 1,098 | 58,501 | 701,960 | 206,877 | 943,016 | — |
221,893 | — | 37,146 | 14,621 | — | 318,136 | — |
6,751 | 8,052 | 7,884 | 7,426 | 7,814 | 6,908 | 8,091 |
31,051 | 25,496 | 29,883 | 33,206 | 27,486 | 33,601 | 26,739 |
82,454 | 26,034 | 25,563 | 62,204 | 36,452 | 87,573 | 20,675 |
450 | 12,194 | 12,544 | 12,544 | 9,426 | 14,969 | 15,235 |
80,776 | 10,735 | 3,937 | 20,870 | 21,986 | 75,832 | 196 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
52,291 | 4,198 | 10,917 | 58,881 | 17,760 | 82,201 | 1,039 |
2,509,664 | 111,942 | 260,582 | 15,926,009 | 3,817,550 | 2,125,827 | 78,708 |
$1,725,391,880 | $55,440,037 | $247,932,424 | $717,259,917 | $350,295,106 | $1,497,891,792 | $12,334,589 |
$1,241,638,555 | $42,285,969 | $104,637,794 | $813,012,467 | $316,041,619 | $726,218,948 | $11,279,561 |
483,753,325 | 13,154,068 | 143,294,630 | (95,752,550 ) | 34,253,487 | 771,672,844 | 1,055,028 |
$1,725,391,880 | $55,440,037 | $247,932,424 | $717,259,917 | $350,295,106 | $1,497,891,792 | $12,334,589 |
$533,680,515 | $32,338,465 | $— | $— | $66,056,286 | $411,826,370 | $— |
30,142,353 | 6,196,854 | — | 88,787,656 | 3,982,309 | 125,500,947 | — |
7,228,139 | — | — | — | 1,999,139 | — | — |
474,832,336 | 14,113,137 | 115,671,949 | 386,327,162 | 158,253,217 | 595,937,883 | 12,143,173 |
31,786,449 | 1,484,945 | 31,113,162 | 56,212,470 | 18,871,426 | 166,519,413 | 157,912 |
6,090,393 | 835,560 | 11,021,331 | 7,466,034 | 4,962,717 | 36,808,963 | 33,504 |
8,792,321 | 439,317 | — | 13,191,120 | 8,827,138 | 16,758,895 | — |
632,839,374 | 31,759 | — | 147,728,010 | 87,342,874 | 120,488,000 | — |
— | — | 90,125,982 | 17,547,465 | — | 24,051,321 | — |
128
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Intrinsic Value Fund | Large Cap Growth Fund** | Large Cap Value Fund | |
February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | |
Shares Outstanding ($.001 par value; unlimited shares authorized) | |||
Investor Class | — | 65,407,233 | 35,093,376 |
Trust Class | — | 1,731,822 | 2,451,163 |
Advisor Class | — | 8,585 | 2,988,442 |
Institutional Class | 62,849,716 | 21,202,271 | 166,847,277 |
Class A | 4,432,750 | 1,163,736 | 4,353,481 |
Class C | 942,727 | 613,298 | 5,518,793 |
Class R3 | — | 63,115 | 231,482 |
Class R6 | 5,746,912 | 119,747 | 15,671,426 |
Class E | — | — | 3,827,219 |
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share | |||
Investor Class | $— | $27.06 | $41.78 |
Trust Class | — | 26.90 | 41.86 |
Advisor Class | — | 26.39 | 41.88 |
Institutional Class | 20.44 | 27.11 | 41.74 |
Class R3 | — | 26.41 | 41.69 |
Class R6 | 20.58 | 27.15 | 41.72 |
Class E | — | — | 41.78 |
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share | |||
Class A | $19.99 | $26.84 | $41.84 |
Offering Price per share | |||
Class A‡ | $21.21 | $28.48 | $44.39 |
Net Asset Value and offering price per share | |||
Class C^ | $19.11 | $25.60 | $41.85 |
†Securities on loan, at value: | |||
Unaffiliated issuers | $— | $1,779,680 | $73,640,878 |
*Cost of Investments: | |||
(a) Unaffiliated issuers | $1,261,003,608 | $1,421,099,127 | $9,212,845,760 |
(b) Affiliated issuers | $28,104,490 | $— | $— |
Total cost of investments | $1,289,108,098 | $1,421,099,127 | $9,212,845,760 |
(c) Total cost of foreign currency | $— | $— | $— |
(d) Premium received from option contracts written | $— | $1,133,213 | $— |
** | Consolidated financial statement, see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information. |
‡ | On single retail sales of less than $50,000. On sales of $50,000 or more or in certain other circumstances described in the Fund's prospectus, offering price is reduced. |
^ | Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
129
Mid Cap Growth Fund | Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund | Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund | Real Estate Fund | Small Cap Growth Fund | Sustainable Equity Fund | U.S. Equity Impact Fund |
February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | February 29, 2024 |
31,494,212 | 1,239,634 | — | — | 1,471,217 | 9,401,908 | — |
1,784,790 | 237,641 | — | 6,862,215 | 89,290 | 2,865,526 | — |
431,179 | — | — | — | 45,018 | — | — |
27,899,295 | 541,852 | 12,460,501 | 29,733,871 | 3,513,291 | 13,644,601 | 1,093,759 |
1,888,230 | 56,940 | 3,357,240 | 4,343,331 | 423,231 | 3,810,346 | 14,326 |
370,011 | 32,542 | 1,266,887 | 574,613 | 113,700 | 871,492 | 3,102 |
526,412 | 16,859 | — | 1,021,568 | 199,366 | 384,606 | — |
37,075,238 | 1,220 | — | 11,379,020 | 1,933,431 | 2,760,253 | — |
— | — | 9,770,425 | 1,351,022 | — | 550,854 | — |
$16.95 | $26.09 | $— | $— | $44.90 | $43.80 | $— |
16.89 | 26.08 | — | 12.94 | 44.60 | 43.80 | — |
16.76 | — | — | — | 44.41 | — | — |
17.02 | 26.05 | 9.28 | 12.99 | 45.04 | 43.68 | 11.10 |
16.70 | 26.06 | — | 12.91 | 44.28 | 43.57 | — |
17.07 | 26.04 | — | 12.98 | 45.18 | 43.65 | — |
— | — | 9.22 | 12.99 | — | 43.66 | — |
$16.83 | $26.08 | $9.27 | $12.94 | $44.59 | $43.70 | $11.02 |
$17.86 | $27.67 | $9.84 | $13.73 | $47.31 | $46.37 | $11.69 |
$16.46 | $25.68 | $8.70 | $12.99 | $43.65 | $42.24 | $10.80 |
$— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
$1,318,023,343 | $42,571,274 | $125,489,730 | $763,595,226 | $289,661,246 | $770,610,504 | $10,655,962 |
$— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
$1,318,023,343 | $42,571,274 | $125,489,730 | $763,595,226 | $289,661,246 | $770,610,504 | $10,655,962 |
$— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $576,791 | $— |
$— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
130
Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Dividend Growth Fund | Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Equity Income Fund | |
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | |
Investment Income: | |||
Income (Note A): | |||
Dividend income—unaffiliated issuers | $707,715 | $3,130,613 | $12,886,405 |
Dividend income—affiliated issuers (Note F) | — | — | — |
Interest and other income—unaffiliated issuers | 120,086 | 195,485 | 299,935 |
Income from securities loaned—net | — | 5,253 | — |
Tax reclaims (Note A) | — | — | — |
Foreign taxes withheld | (12,589 ) | (432,681 ) | (124,630 ) |
Total income | $815,212 | $2,898,670 | $13,061,710 |
Expenses: | |||
Investment management fees (Note B) | 216,718 | 2,102,411 | 2,296,085 |
Administration fees (Note B): | |||
Investor Class | — | — | — |
Trust Class | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 62,829 | 251,989 | 493,106 |
Class A | 2,414 | 24,667 | 195,849 |
Class C | 1,292 | 2,180 | 60,806 |
Class R3 | — | 723 | 778 |
Class R6 | 16 | 17,036 | — |
Distribution fees (Note B): | |||
Trust Class | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — |
Class A | 2,322 | 23,718 | 188,316 |
Class C | 4,968 | 8,386 | 233,868 |
Class R3 | — | 1,390 | 1,497 |
Shareholder servicing agent fees: | |||
Investor Class | — | — | — |
Trust Class | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 329 | 49,331 | 2,798 |
Class A | 528 | 2,269 | 3,021 |
Class C | 79 | 167 | 948 |
Class R3 | — | 402 | 102 |
Class R6 | 60 | 839 | — |
Class E | — | — | 54 |
Audit fees | 22,550 | 28,883 | 28,936 |
Custodian and accounting fees | 20,012 | 247,464 | 73,741 |
Insurance | 1,069 | 7,586 | 13,500 |
Legal fees | 28,321 | 28,486 | 35,585 |
Registration and filing fees | 32,803 | 44,003 | 46,442 |
Repayment to Management of expenses previously assumed by Management (Note B) | — | — | — |
Shareholder reports | 1,716 | 10,059 | 30,797 |
Trustees' fees and expenses | 26,097 | 26,102 | 26,107 |
Interest | — | 9,992 | — |
Tax reclaims professional fees (Note A) | — | — | — |
Miscellaneous and other fees (Note A) | 5,977 | 102,716 | 25,790 |
Total expenses | 430,100 | 2,990,799 | 3,758,126 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
131
Focus Fund | Genesis Fund | International Equity Fund | International Select Fund | International Small Cap Fund |
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 |
$3,060,271 | $39,810,842 | $7,105,831 | $961,214 | $22,293 |
— | 8,701,570 | — | — | — |
559,382 | 3,432,852 | 261,592 | 82,017 | 2,249 |
18,227 | — | 22,478 | 2,770 | 1,702 |
— | — | 1,676,309 | — | — |
(56,088 ) | (123,635 ) | (400,832 ) | (49,933 ) | (2,113 ) |
$3,581,792 | $51,821,629 | $8,665,378 | $996,068 | $24,131 |
1,647,260 | 32,030,852 | 4,075,606 | 404,079 | 14,520 |
739,805 | 2,077,791 | 89,750 | — | — |
60,415 | 1,976,900 | 43,128 | 9,522 | — |
1,826 | 189,573 | — | — | — |
13,984 | 1,815,117 | 619,964 | 102,211 | 2,032 |
3,286 | — | 14,708 | 4,877 | 396 |
305 | — | 5,115 | 832 | 150 |
— | — | — | 1,788 | — |
— | 1,105,005 | 9,896 | 32 | 72 |
15,104 | — | — | 2,380 | — |
1,141 | 118,483 | — | — | — |
3,159 | — | 14,142 | 4,689 | 381 |
1,175 | — | 19,672 | 3,200 | 578 |
— | — | — | 3,439 | — |
118,441 | 349,471 | 29,270 | — | — |
1,341 | 3,613 | 1,304 | 2,356 | — |
1,161 | 2,849 | — | — | — |
221 | 9,181 | 2,781 | 437 | 100 |
211 | — | 1,054 | 268 | 224 |
97 | — | 255 | 157 | 58 |
— | — | — | 218 | — |
— | 16,797 | 2,484 | 70 | 79 |
— | 53 | 54 | — | — |
27,279 | 29,957 | 28,323 | 27,120 | 23,076 |
42,177 | 357,337 | 90,949 | 31,990 | 26,598 |
7,883 | 124,647 | 13,436 | 1,870 | 45 |
28,321 | 28,439 | 28,437 | 28,321 | 28,321 |
51,709 | 94,309 | 50,919 | 52,946 | 32,965 |
108 | — | — | — | — |
11,608 | 218,965 | 17,373 | 2,457 | 1,280 |
26,103 | 27,908 | 26,108 | 26,097 | 26,096 |
— | — | — | — | — |
— | — | 425,928 | — | — |
18,534 | 193,790 | 28,711 | 6,606 | 7,034 |
2,822,654 | 40,771,037 | 5,639,367 | 717,962 | 164,005 |
132
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Dividend Growth Fund | Emerging Markets Equity Fund | Equity Income Fund | |
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | |
Expenses reimbursed by Management (Note B) | (121,191 ) | (315,221 ) | — |
Fees waived (Note B) | — | (212,669 ) | (84,758 ) |
Total net expenses | 308,909 | 2,462,909 | 3,673,368 |
Net investment income/(loss) | $506,303 | $435,761 | $9,388,342 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments (Note A): | |||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | |||
Transactions in investment securities of unaffiliated issuers | 1,603,397 | 15,590,230 * | 28,849,422 |
Transactions in investment securities of affiliated issuers | — | — | — |
Redemption in-kind | — | — | — |
Settlement of foreign currency transactions | (1,594 ) | (212,157 ) | (11,800 ) |
Expiration or closing of option contracts written | — | — | 220,501 |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in value of: | |||
Investment securities of unaffiliated issuers | 6,192,024 | (2,986,382 )** | 4,773,907 |
Investment securities of affiliated issuers | — | — | — |
Foreign currency translations | (113 ) | 4,446 | (4,317 ) |
Option contracts written | — | — | 31,699 |
Net gain/(loss) on investments | 7,793,714 | 12,396,137 | 33,859,412 |
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $8,300,017 | $12,831,898 | $43,247,754 |
* | Net of foreign capital gains tax of $2,335,464 for Emerging Markets Equity. |
** | Change in accrued foreign capital gains tax amounted to $645,079 for Emerging Markets Equity. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
133
Focus Fund | Genesis Fund | International Equity Fund | International Select Fund | International Small Cap Fund |
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 |
(260 ) | — | (76,939 ) | (110,489 ) | (144,926 ) |
— | (473,169 ) | (859,386 ) | — | — |
2,822,394 | 40,297,868 | 4,703,042 | 607,473 | 19,079 |
$759,398 | $11,523,761 | $3,962,336 | $388,595 | $5,052 |
7,942,301 | 54,484,793 | 9,988,227 | 451,059 | (178,158 ) |
— | 2,754,702 | — | — | — |
— | 221,132,823 | — | — | — |
(18,135 ) | (2,365 ) | (118,243 ) | (12,666 ) | (1,795 ) |
— | — | — | — | — |
85,136,148 | 131,787,756 | 48,520,606 | 8,869,943 | 382,272 |
— | 83,117,439 | — | — | — |
(1,234 ) | — | (29,526 ) | (5,163 ) | 887 |
— | — | — | — | — |
93,059,080 | 493,275,148 | 58,361,064 | 9,303,173 | 203,206 |
$93,818,478 | $504,798,909 | $62,323,400 | $9,691,768 | $208,258 |
134
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Intrinsic Value Fund | Large Cap Growth Fund** | Large Cap Value Fund | |
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | |
Investment Income: | |||
Income (Note A): | |||
Dividend income—unaffiliated issuers | $4,493,040 | $10,438,163 | $156,017,351 |
Interest and other income—unaffiliated issuers | 950,978 | 409,887 | 4,004,725 |
Income from securities loaned—net | — | 17,007 | 49,925 |
Foreign taxes withheld | — | (54,604 ) | (292,639 ) |
Total income | $5,444,018 | $10,810,453 | $159,779,362 |
Expenses: | |||
Investment management fees (Note B) | 5,359,567 | 5,062,565 | 23,191,561 |
Administration fees (Note B): | |||
Investor Class | — | 2,067,320 | 1,932,931 |
Trust Class | — | 83,040 | 213,240 |
Advisor Class | — | 398 | 254,416 |
Institutional Class | 936,937 | 355,370 | 6,075,632 |
Class A | 109,756 | 32,427 | 255,488 |
Class C | 22,736 | 15,784 | 320,810 |
Class R3 | — | 1,864 | 14,170 |
Class R6 | 26,669 | 1,016 | 166,975 |
Distribution fees (Note B): | |||
Trust Class | — | 20,760 | 53,310 |
Advisor Class | — | 249 | 159,010 |
Class A | 105,535 | 31,180 | 245,661 |
Class C | 87,447 | 60,709 | 1,233,886 |
Class R3 | — | 3,584 | 27,250 |
Shareholder servicing agent fees: | |||
Investor Class | — | 287,491 | 324,528 |
Trust Class | — | 1,355 | 1,815 |
Advisor Class | — | 1,083 | 1,938 |
Institutional Class | 13,736 | 1,606 | 23,624 |
Class A | 2,861 | 887 | 16,936 |
Class C | 575 | 226 | 5,586 |
Class R3 | — | 136 | 1,328 |
Class R6 | 2,062 | 1,571 | 46,484 |
Class E | — | — | 54 |
Audit fees | 24,938 | 34,318 | 27,407 |
Blocker administration fees | — | 1,238 | — |
Custodian and accounting fees | 60,120 | 82,698 | 453,817 |
Insurance | 18,251 | 23,593 | 167,103 |
Legal fees | 28,321 | 40,817 | 29,322 |
Registration and filing fees | 65,636 | 112,025 | 397,132 |
Shareholder reports | 62,249 | 24,368 | 292,010 |
Trustees' fees and expenses | 26,112 | 26,119 | 29,636 |
Miscellaneous and other fees (Note A) | 33,557 | 42,653 | 262,440 |
Total expenses | 6,987,065 | 8,418,450 | 36,225,500 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
135
Mid Cap Growth Fund | Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund | Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund | Real Estate Fund | Small Cap Growth Fund | Sustainable Equity Fund | U.S. Equity Impact Fund |
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 |
$4,010,972 | $434,796 | $1,406,755 | $12,411,802 | $483,580 | $6,422,286 | $65,285 |
581,191 | 11,355 | 86,706 | 373,646 | 212,920 | 82,011 | 7,300 |
511 | — | — | — | 3,589 | — | — |
(5,641 ) | (894 ) | (9,630 ) | — | — | — | (1,875 ) |
$4,587,033 | $445,257 | $1,483,831 | $12,785,448 | $700,089 | $6,504,297 | $70,710 |
3,720,522 | 149,802 | 712,805 | 2,931,759 | 1,315,265 | 3,353,349 | 38,602 |
602,901 | 40,796 | — | — | 74,376 | 475,719 | — |
63,101 | 11,605 | — | 177,356 | 6,799 | 223,155 | — |
13,294 | — | — | — | 3,628 | — | — |
320,427 | 11,097 | 86,499 | 301,487 | 105,770 | 414,864 | 8,137 |
36,132 | 1,627 | 39,676 | 73,406 | 21,256 | 192,144 | 194 |
6,949 | 1,026 | 14,343 | 9,710 | 5,407 | 43,792 | 39 |
10,325 | 550 | — | 16,987 | 10,485 | 20,724 | — |
136,968 | 7 | — | 37,338 | 20,312 | 28,476 | — |
— | 2,901 | — | 44,339 | 1,700 | 55,789 | — |
8,309 | — | — | — | 2,267 | — | — |
34,742 | 1,564 | 38,150 | 70,583 | 20,438 | 184,754 | 187 |
26,726 | 3,947 | 55,167 | 37,345 | 20,797 | 168,430 | 151 |
19,855 | 1,058 | — | 32,666 | 20,164 | 39,854 | — |
121,855 | 9,844 | — | — | 27,203 | 108,463 | — |
1,313 | 1,436 | — | 7,905 | 1,231 | 2,642 | — |
303 | — | — | — | 1,265 | — | — |
2,668 | 269 | 1,030 | 4,164 | 2,164 | 2,762 | 80 |
1,602 | 318 | 1,438 | 3,048 | 3,159 | 2,920 | 116 |
315 | 106 | 483 | 775 | 207 | 988 | 60 |
807 | 188 | — | 1,572 | 943 | 648 | — |
7,407 | 56 | — | 5,853 | 6,105 | 2,859 | — |
— | — | 54 | 54 | — | 27 | — |
25,683 | 21,181 | 23,010 | 26,538 | 23,170 | 26,553 | 22,424 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
68,626 | 23,735 | 24,413 | 50,711 | 33,048 | 72,081 | 19,702 |
18,925 | 681 | 2,987 | 10,099 | 4,363 | 16,167 | 87 |
45,787 | 28,321 | 28,437 | 28,437 | 28,563 | 29,445 | 31,170 |
70,415 | 57,994 | 26,593 | 57,207 | 69,988 | 61,454 | 24,750 |
54,224 | 3,104 | 6,883 | 51,101 | 18,209 | 75,813 | 442 |
26,113 | 26,096 | 26,099 | 26,105 | 26,100 | 26,111 | 26,096 |
34,492 | 8,064 | 9,016 | 20,425 | 11,789 | 40,750 | 4,630 |
5,480,786 | 407,373 | 1,097,083 | 4,026,970 | 1,886,171 | 5,670,733 | 176,867 |
136
Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Intrinsic Value Fund | Large Cap Growth Fund** | Large Cap Value Fund | |
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | |
Expenses reimbursed by Management (Note B) | — | (1,851 ) | — |
Fees waived (Note B) | — | — | (324,181 ) |
Total net expenses | 6,987,065 | 8,416,599 | 35,901,319 |
Net investment income/(loss) | $(1,543,047 ) | $2,393,854 | $123,878,043 |
Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments (Note A): | |||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: | |||
Transactions in investment securities of unaffiliated issuers | 12,503,269 | 55,604,778 | (268,649,552 ) |
Transactions in investment securities of affiliated issuers | (119,544 ) | — | — |
Redemption in-kind | — | — | — |
Settlement of foreign currency transactions | — | — | — |
Expiration or closing of option contracts written | — | 59,566 | — |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in value of: | |||
Investment securities of unaffiliated issuers | 67,693,965 | 291,671,852 | 209,349,763 |
Investment securities of affiliated issuers | (904,739 ) | — | — |
Foreign currency translations | — | — | — |
Option contracts written | — | (726,854 ) | — |
Net gain/(loss) on investments | 79,172,951 | 346,609,342 | (59,299,789 ) |
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | $77,629,904 | $349,003,196 | $64,578,254 |
** | Consolidated financial statement, see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
137
Mid Cap Growth Fund | Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund | Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund | Real Estate Fund | Small Cap Growth Fund | Sustainable Equity Fund | U.S. Equity Impact Fund |
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 |
— | (139,906 ) | — | (709,351 ) | (394,482 ) | — | (126,616 ) |
— | — | (242,505 ) | (63,798 ) | — | (25,341 ) | — |
5,480,786 | 267,467 | 854,578 | 3,253,821 | 1,491,689 | 5,645,392 | 50,251 |
$(893,753 ) | $177,790 | $629,253 | $9,531,627 | $(791,600 ) | $858,905 | $20,459 |
88,948,913 | 163,201 | 4,852,659 | (28,649,141 ) | 12,119,674 | 71,234,132 | (32,873 ) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | 15,826,601 | — | — | — | — |
(36 ) | — | — | — | — | 16,208 | (22 ) |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
202,597,511 | 4,427,318 | 6,073,198 | 59,641,353 | 38,067,963 | 168,635,029 | 1,215,265 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | (5,529 ) | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — |
291,546,388 | 4,590,519 | 26,752,458 | 30,992,212 | 50,187,637 | 239,879,840 | 1,182,370 |
$290,652,635 | $4,768,309 | $27,381,711 | $40,523,839 | $49,396,037 | $240,738,745 | $1,202,829 |
138
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Dividend Growth Fund | Emerging Markets Equity Fund | |||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | |
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets: | ||||
From Operations (Note A): | ||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $506,303 | $925,550 | $435,761 | $8,120,089 |
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments | 1,601,803 | 1,986,531 | 15,378,073 | (58,969,376 ) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments | 6,191,911 | 6,544,962 | (2,981,936 ) | 22,460,385 |
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 8,300,017 | 9,457,043 | 12,831,898 | (28,388,902 ) |
Distributions to Shareholders From (Note A): | ||||
Distributable earnings: | ||||
Investor Class | — | — | — | — |
Trust Class | — | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | (2,444,477 ) | (2,759,628 ) | (3,876,201 ) | (2,288,362 ) |
Class A | (47,156 ) | (63,823 ) | (230,896 ) | (41,016 ) |
Class C | (17,421 ) | (27,828 ) | (8,949 ) | — |
Class R3 | — | — | (5,286 ) | — |
Class R6 | (1,920 ) | (1,473 ) | (812,972 ) | (628,776 ) |
Class E | — | — | — | — |
Total distributions to shareholders | (2,510,974 ) | (2,852,752 ) | (4,934,304 ) | (2,958,154 ) |
From Fund Share Transactions (Note D): | ||||
Proceeds from shares sold: | ||||
Investor Class | — | — | — | — |
Trust Class | — | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 5,943,488 | 12,686,520 | 32,472,110 | 106,789,553 |
Class A | 126,849 | 329,207 | 1,912,946 | 6,936,979 |
Class C | 16,000 | 219,514 | 70,149 | 44,035 |
Class R3 | — | — | 67,709 | 120,076 |
Class R6 | — | 24,835 | 1,140,936 | 42,442,937 |
Class E | — | — | — | — |
Proceeds from reinvestment of dividends and distributions: | ||||
Investor Class | — | — | — | — |
Trust Class | — | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 2,444,477 | 2,759,628 | 1,400,176 | 942,041 |
Class A | 45,528 | 63,287 | 139,167 | 24,634 |
Class C | 17,222 | 27,530 | 5,534 | — |
Class R3 | — | — | 4,427 | — |
Class R6 | 775 | — | 812,167 | 628,348 |
Class E | — | — | — | — |
See Notes to Financial Statements
139
Equity Income Fund | Focus Fund | Genesis Fund | International Equity Fund | ||||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 |
$9,388,342 | $26,508,151 | $759,398 | $2,557,398 | $11,523,761 | $24,888,160 | $3,962,336 | $16,931,477 |
29,058,123 | 40,178,725 | 7,924,166 | (19,305,397 ) | 278,369,953 | 893,902,959 | 9,869,984 | (2,136,465 ) |
4,801,289 | (43,697,273 ) | 85,134,914 | 83,812,813 | 214,905,195 | (10,994,099 ) | 48,491,080 | 129,297,419 |
43,247,754 | 22,989,603 | 93,818,478 | 67,064,814 | 504,798,909 | 907,797,020 | 62,323,400 | 144,092,431 |
— | — | (3,443,518 ) | (278,198 ) | (49,894,074 ) | (157,467,474 ) | (1,645,070 ) | (3,437,897 ) |
— | — | (118,742 ) | — | (30,824,987 ) | (96,872,691 ) | (490,803 ) | (1,103,302 ) |
— | — | (1,063 ) | — | (2,964,451 ) | (10,450,077 ) | — | — |
(32,259,365 ) | (60,206,003 ) | (143,425 ) | (39,253 ) | (78,199,113 ) | (246,894,989 ) | (21,478,209 ) | (43,553,898 ) |
(7,262,461 ) | (12,252,123 ) | (10,073 ) | — | — | — | (248,465 ) | (562,854 ) |
(2,048,582 ) | (3,992,741 ) | — | — | — | — | (38,373 ) | (196,788 ) |
(28,303 ) | (40,526 ) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | (149,634,166 ) | (437,617,948 ) | (1,124,340 ) | (1,667,384 ) |
(1,736,058 ) | (2,610,375 ) | — | — | (5,752,804 ) | (14,027,624 ) | (1,232,673 ) | (1,646,328 ) |
(43,334,769 ) | (79,101,768 ) | (3,716,821 ) | (317,451 ) | (317,269,595 ) | (963,330,803 ) | (26,257,933 ) | (52,168,451 ) |
— | — | 1,664,606 | 1,354,174 | 61,217,321 | 85,388,310 | 520,807 | 1,266,880 |
— | — | 151,227 | 152,829 | 38,571,513 | 107,290,954 | 495,899 | 936,837 |
— | — | 81,736 | 183,508 | 4,614,744 | 14,126,303 | — | — |
33,157,811 | 128,240,833 | 1,746,625 | 4,703,099 | 585,125,292 | 1,064,650,311 | 31,297,039 | 158,292,291 |
6,168,708 | 22,745,854 | 32,002 | 418,570 | — | — | 1,057,649 | 2,890,501 |
932,103 | 1,020,952 | 5,000 | 71,312 | — | — | 22,640 | 612,791 |
133,364 | 195,392 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | 317,383,037 | 483,765,344 | 4,583,982 | 13,969,412 |
2,008,459 | 3,478,080 | — | — | 10,516,743 | 9,507,013 | 2,358,019 | 2,347,169 |
— | — | 3,131,472 | 252,298 | 48,128,632 | 152,259,267 | 1,524,207 | 3,238,543 |
— | — | 118,198 | — | 30,668,011 | 96,363,069 | 423,961 | 968,124 |
— | — | 1,063 | — | 2,922,490 | 10,242,972 | — | — |
29,483,775 | 54,296,750 | 141,625 | 38,610 | 69,723,365 | 222,016,028 | 17,066,346 | 33,895,492 |
5,423,764 | 9,239,787 | 9,639 | — | — | — | 168,637 | 362,380 |
1,941,591 | 3,772,531 | — | — | — | — | 27,034 | 151,429 |
28,303 | 40,526 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | 148,996,818 | 436,411,049 | 1,123,902 | 1,666,263 |
1,736,058 | 2,610,375 | — | — | 5,752,804 | 14,027,624 | 1,232,673 | 1,646,328 |
140
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Dividend Growth Fund | Emerging Markets Equity Fund | |||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | |
Payments for shares redeemed: | ||||
Investor Class | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Trust Class | — | — | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | (5,462,070 ) | (7,227,695 ) | (260,553,144 ) | (283,004,909 ) |
Class A | (61,142 ) | (343,684 ) | (1,767,602 ) | (6,069,787 ) |
Class C | (168,024 ) | (125,101 ) | (623,944 ) | (1,456,161 ) |
Class R3 | — | — | (87,911 ) | (167,326 ) |
Class R6 | — | — | (77,421,417 ) | (72,077,660 ) |
Class E | — | — | — | — |
Net increase/(decrease) from Fund share transactions | 2,903,103 | 8,414,041 | (302,428,697 ) | (204,847,240 ) |
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets | 8,692,146 | 15,018,332 | (294,531,103 ) | (236,194,296 ) |
Net Assets: | ||||
Beginning of period | 85,310,076 | 70,291,744 | 590,236,168 | 826,430,464 |
End of period | $94,002,222 | $85,310,076 | $295,705,065 | $590,236,168 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
141
Equity Income Fund | Focus Fund | Genesis Fund | International Equity Fund | ||||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 |
$— | $— | $(28,329,050 ) | $(47,796,579 ) | $(96,977,238 ) | $(230,979,996 ) | $(4,072,543 ) | $(6,941,462 ) |
— | — | (2,238,466 ) | (4,913,700 ) | (86,682,494 ) | (170,477,251 ) | (1,630,426 ) | (3,466,140 ) |
— | — | (205,988 ) | (314,937 ) | (13,804,337 ) | (29,690,682 ) | — | — |
(113,826,201 ) | (264,306,442 ) | (3,666,347 ) | (7,249,538 ) | (673,903,987 ) | (1,304,682,687 ) | (111,627,564 ) | (352,167,732 ) |
(16,653,552 ) | (35,754,984 ) | (329,192 ) | (186,972 ) | — | — | (1,923,366 ) | (3,488,881 ) |
(9,558,960 ) | (16,560,712 ) | (15,945 ) | (128,959 ) | — | — | (741,509 ) | (1,779,634 ) |
(42,265 ) | (144,558 ) | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | (392,705,112 ) | (794,540,811 ) | (6,556,641 ) | (4,718,510 ) |
(1,362,006 ) | (3,684,854 ) | — | — | (7,639,863 ) | (11,221,734 ) | (1,778,623 ) | (2,585,179 ) |
(60,429,048 ) | (94,810,470 ) | (27,701,795 ) | (53,416,285 ) | 51,907,739 | 154,455,083 | (66,427,877 ) | (152,903,098 ) |
(60,516,063 ) | (150,922,635 ) | 62,399,862 | 13,331,078 | 239,437,053 | 98,921,300 | (30,362,410 ) | (60,979,118 ) |
954,689,457 | 1,105,612,092 | 620,613,740 | 607,282,662 | 10,048,045,949 | 9,949,124,649 | 1,053,804,298 | 1,114,783,416 |
$894,173,394 | $954,689,457 | $683,013,602 | $620,613,740 | $10,287,483,002 | $10,048,045,949 | $1,023,441,888 | $1,053,804,298 |
142
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
International Select Fund | International Small Cap Fund | |||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | |
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets: | ||||
From Operations (Note A): | ||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $388,595 | $2,260,689 | $5,052 | $43,933 |
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments | 438,393 | 682,071 | (179,953 ) | (253,204 ) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments | 8,864,780 | 15,928,337 | 383,159 | 464,087 |
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 9,691,768 | 18,871,097 | 208,258 | 254,816 |
Distributions to Shareholders From (Note A): | ||||
Distributable earnings: | ||||
Investor Class | — | — | — | — |
Trust Class | (123,832 ) | (215,443 ) | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | (4,021,647 ) | (6,195,661 ) | (48,432 ) | (125,152 ) |
Class A | (99,168 ) | (151,903 ) | (4,512 ) | (9,979 ) |
Class C | (12,987 ) | (23,059 ) | (874 ) | (6,054 ) |
Class R3 | (33,943 ) | (57,393 ) | — | — |
Class R6 | (3,828 ) | (11,271 ) | (5,483 ) | (13,641 ) |
Class E | — | — | — | — |
Total distributions to shareholders | (4,295,405 ) | (6,654,730 ) | (59,301 ) | (154,826 ) |
From Fund Share Transactions (Note D): | ||||
Proceeds from shares sold: | ||||
Investor Class | — | — | — | — |
Trust Class | 22,286 | 64,240 | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 4,781,061 | 21,785,230 | 83,087 | 166,878 |
Class A | 244,823 | 876,054 | 6,349 | 719,099 |
Class C | 150,513 | 244,219 | — | — |
Class R3 | 112,224 | 250,478 | — | — |
Class R6 | 8,259 | 19,957 | 12,681 | 22,998 |
Class E | — | — | — | — |
Proceeds from reinvestment of dividends and distributions: | ||||
Investor Class | — | — | — | — |
Trust Class | 117,631 | 205,399 | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 3,958,996 | 6,061,633 | 48,432 | 125,152 |
Class A | 50,411 | 86,028 | 2,724 | 3,708 |
Class C | 11,363 | 14,285 | — | — |
Class R3 | 33,942 | 57,393 | — | — |
Class R6 | 179 | 246 | 921 | 1,533 |
Class E | — | — | — | — |
See Notes to Financial Statements
143
Intrinsic Value Fund | Large Cap Growth Fund** | Large Cap Value Fund | Mid Cap Growth Fund | ||||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 |
$(1,543,047 ) | $(922,460 ) | $2,393,854 | $3,665,902 | $123,878,043 | $261,185,430 | $(893,753 ) | $608,761 |
12,383,725 | 4,542,572 | 55,664,344 | 81,531,328 | (268,649,552 ) | (90,314,698 ) | 88,948,877 | 70,465,317 |
66,789,226 | 80,196,204 | 290,944,998 | 216,891,806 | 209,349,763 | 376,740,911 | 202,597,511 | (5,729,745 ) |
77,629,904 | 83,816,316 | 349,003,196 | 302,089,036 | 64,578,254 | 547,611,643 | 290,652,635 | 65,344,333 |
— | — | (68,657,466 ) | (80,242,616 ) | (36,302,389 ) | (25,667,868 ) | (14,911,568 ) | (20,409,828 ) |
— | — | (1,745,237 ) | (2,101,696 ) | (2,339,486 ) | (1,656,907 ) | (1,024,271 ) | (1,886,780 ) |
— | — | (8,195 ) | (12,116 ) | (2,612,623 ) | (1,693,906 ) | (223,857 ) | (344,904 ) |
(3,376,623 ) | (42,990,141 ) | (21,249,627 ) | (10,617,448 ) | (203,540,349 ) | (159,027,306 ) | (13,321,973 ) | (19,973,419 ) |
(239,897 ) | (1,818,245 ) | (1,056,552 ) | (808,173 ) | (4,231,873 ) | (2,908,992 ) | (904,971 ) | (1,682,755 ) |
(49,049 ) | (746,500 ) | (567,904 ) | (217,408 ) | (3,438,455 ) | (1,554,942 ) | (168,564 ) | (287,641 ) |
— | — | (62,413 ) | (74,404 ) | (228,465 ) | (106,777 ) | (258,289 ) | (404,486 ) |
(294,518 ) | (3,543,265 ) | (147,567 ) | (15,311 ) | (17,990,243 ) | (7,029,355 ) | (17,751,428 ) | (23,068,198 ) |
— | — | — | — | (4,949,289 ) | (3,530,987 ) | — | — |
(3,960,087 ) | (49,098,151 ) | (93,494,961 ) | (94,089,172 ) | (275,633,172 ) | (203,177,040 ) | (48,564,921 ) | (68,058,011 ) |
— | — | 10,199,064 | 8,994,361 | 20,470,226 | 119,329,009 | 1,264,822 | 2,590,378 |
— | — | 829,042 | 1,071,688 | 3,561,340 | 30,168,470 | 811,939 | 2,592,752 |
— | — | 35,194 | 16,567 | 5,382,498 | 17,897,666 | 1,080,392 | 1,642,778 |
153,120,144 | 556,276,108 | 177,472,844 | 251,713,385 | 1,294,225,740 | 5,104,567,522 | 26,360,017 | 49,530,095 |
24,046,990 | 41,083,272 | 6,682,360 | 13,650,431 | 21,179,180 | 93,138,487 | 2,833,702 | 7,289,003 |
1,358,174 | 3,482,615 | 7,498,262 | 8,223,390 | 15,144,729 | 91,736,080 | 400,492 | 428,847 |
— | — | 432,744 | 1,345,157 | 1,358,603 | 7,550,536 | 662,862 | 1,238,825 |
8,915,144 | 2,828,128 | 1,750,253 | 4,718,679 | 308,328,806 | 414,373,857 | 73,857,180 | 87,220,337 |
— | — | — | — | 5,611,952 | 13,252,143 | — | — |
— | — | 64,167,478 | 74,889,100 | 34,543,863 | 24,586,220 | 14,221,284 | 19,507,145 |
— | — | 1,733,299 | 2,086,841 | 2,247,216 | 1,582,555 | 1,020,835 | 1,882,214 |
— | — | 8,195 | 12,013 | 2,440,398 | 1,614,247 | 156,148 | 250,267 |
3,082,985 | 39,209,852 | 21,203,090 | 10,566,804 | 182,159,405 | 142,010,719 | 13,176,152 | 19,784,226 |
215,934 | 1,544,431 | 909,330 | 755,925 | 2,679,395 | 1,856,617 | 840,108 | 1,522,568 |
40,121 | 616,432 | 567,904 | 216,421 | 2,735,348 | 1,184,494 | 167,082 | 285,731 |
— | — | 61,965 | 71,220 | 226,435 | 106,018 | 250,812 | 395,064 |
289,535 | 3,481,052 | 145,855 | 13,415 | 14,534,393 | 5,831,814 | 16,897,827 | 21,873,455 |
— | — | — | — | 4,949,289 | 3,530,987 | — | — |
144
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
International Select Fund | International Small Cap Fund | |||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | |
Payments for shares redeemed: | ||||
Investor Class | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Trust Class | (145,144 ) | (350,369 ) | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | (6,329,513 ) | (21,644,119 ) | (75,429 ) | (302,778 ) |
Class A | (399,717 ) | (464,642 ) | (10,899 ) | (616,249 ) |
Class C | (182,316 ) | (178,598 ) | — | — |
Class R3 | (109,750 ) | (249,408 ) | — | — |
Class R6 | (12,193 ) | (156,896 ) | (18,840 ) | (6,247 ) |
Class E | — | — | — | — |
Net increase/(decrease) from Fund share transactions | 2,313,055 | 6,621,130 | 49,026 | 114,094 |
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets | 7,709,418 | 18,837,497 | 197,983 | 214,084 |
Net Assets: | ||||
Beginning of period | 148,418,243 | 129,580,746 | 3,466,579 | 3,252,495 |
End of period | $156,127,661 | $148,418,243 | $3,664,562 | $3,466,579 |
** | Consolidated financial statement, see Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements for additional information. |
See Notes to Financial Statements
145
Intrinsic Value Fund | Large Cap Growth Fund** | Large Cap Value Fund | Mid Cap Growth Fund | ||||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 |
$— | $— | $(55,305,128 ) | $(86,747,271 ) | $(136,904,751 ) | $(189,500,401 ) | $(22,494,247 ) | $(32,655,135 ) |
— | — | (1,634,020 ) | (4,174,601 ) | (20,682,924 ) | (34,061,068 ) | (12,341,740 ) | (20,191,986 ) |
— | — | (30,776 ) | (2,006,442 ) | (15,531,100 ) | (23,665,753 ) | (1,827,749 ) | (3,073,485 ) |
(284,768,290 ) | (478,964,158 ) | (99,349,204 ) | (131,826,447 ) | (3,628,227,672 ) | (3,765,606,151 ) | (86,170,957 ) | (80,681,044 ) |
(15,577,106 ) | (18,217,765 ) | (2,773,816 ) | (5,456,857 ) | (53,827,619 ) | (88,072,490 ) | (3,720,621 ) | (20,251,444 ) |
(3,485,810 ) | (5,260,137 ) | (5,884,103 ) | (744,298 ) | (53,160,619 ) | (54,612,305 ) | (1,251,970 ) | (2,260,884 ) |
— | — | (61,492 ) | (902,785 ) | (3,209,750 ) | (3,462,648 ) | (1,701,103 ) | (3,067,366 ) |
(1,820,819 ) | (5,715,184 ) | (3,804,307 ) | (733,269 ) | (218,574,335 ) | (211,699,410 ) | (92,088,821 ) | (106,504,213 ) |
— | — | — | — | (6,738,269 ) | (9,740,869 ) | — | — |
(114,582,998 ) | 140,364,646 | 124,854,033 | 145,753,427 | (2,215,078,223 ) | 1,693,896,346 | (67,595,554 ) | (50,651,872 ) |
(40,913,181 ) | 175,082,811 | 380,362,268 | 353,753,291 | (2,426,133,141 ) | 2,038,330,949 | 174,492,160 | (53,365,550 ) |
1,550,567,949 | 1,375,485,138 | 2,063,360,733 | 1,709,607,442 | 12,321,045,628 | 10,282,714,679 | 1,550,899,720 | 1,604,265,270 |
$1,509,654,768 | $1,550,567,949 | $2,443,723,001 | $2,063,360,733 | $9,894,912,487 | $12,321,045,628 | $1,725,391,880 | $1,550,899,720 |
146
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund | Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund | |||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | |
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets: | ||||
From Operations (Note A): | ||||
Net investment income/(loss) | $177,790 | $523,553 | $629,253 | $1,115,845 |
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments | 163,201 | 960,310 | 20,679,260 | 68,537,297 |
Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of investments | 4,427,318 | 581,246 | 6,073,198 | (36,364,127 ) |
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 4,768,309 | 2,065,109 | 27,381,711 | 33,289,015 |
Distributions to Shareholders From (Note A): | ||||
Distributable earnings: | ||||
Investor Class | (633,193 ) | (287,713 ) | — | — |
Trust Class | (103,277 ) | (37,102 ) | — | — |
Institutional Class | (301,094 ) | (126,524 ) | (21,534,057 ) | (37,060,949 ) |
Class A | (24,833 ) | (6,436 ) | (5,739,309 ) | (8,086,525 ) |
Class C | (11,462 ) | (517 ) | (2,194,052 ) | (3,263,173 ) |
Class R3 | (6,474 ) | (2,477 ) | — | — |
Class R6 | (664 ) | (319 ) | — | — |
Class E | — | — | (16,174,102 ) | (17,374,016 ) |
Total distributions to shareholders | (1,080,997 ) | (461,088 ) | (45,641,520 ) | (65,784,663 ) |
From Fund Share Transactions (Note D): | ||||
Proceeds from shares sold: | ||||
Investor Class | 193,760 | 934,440 | — | — |
Trust Class | 48,268 | 132,516 | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | 5,023,298 | 1,911,569 | 35,019,814 | 20,726,163 |
Class A | 514,503 | 171,864 | 1,783,204 | 5,532,412 |
Class C | 73,553 | 39,220 | 643,186 | 842,190 |
Class R3 | 8,880 | 57,215 | — | — |
Class R6 | — | — | — | — |
Class E | — | — | 3,339,407 | 3,890,706 |
Proceeds from reinvestment of dividends and distributions: | ||||
Investor Class | 592,032 | 267,112 | — | — |
Trust Class | 101,474 | 36,494 | — | — |
Institutional Class | 300,240 | 125,951 | 17,133,845 | 31,371,298 |
Class A | 21,421 | 5,187 | 5,219,305 | 7,391,050 |
Class C | 11,462 | 518 | 2,057,171 | 2,961,230 |
Class R3 | 6,057 | 2,375 | — | — |
Class R6 | — | — | — | — |
Class E | — | — | 16,174,101 | 17,374,016 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
147
Real Estate Fund | Small Cap Growth Fund | Sustainable Equity Fund | U.S. Equity Impact Fund | ||||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 |
$9,531,627 | $22,778,435 | $(791,600 ) | $(1,395,227 ) | $858,905 | $5,309,020 | $20,459 | $29,615 |
(28,649,141 ) | (4,381,824 ) | 12,119,674 | (22,616,841 ) | 71,250,340 | 148,765,663 | (32,895 ) | 35,180 |
59,641,353 | (129,493,751 ) | 38,067,963 | 29,762,333 | 168,629,500 | 24,570,523 | 1,215,265 | 726,632 |
40,523,839 | (111,097,140 ) | 49,396,037 | 5,750,265 | 240,738,745 | 178,645,206 | 1,202,829 | 791,427 |
— | — | — | — | (34,091,548 ) | (30,511,733 ) | — | — |
(912,959 ) | (11,957,346 ) | — | — | (10,171,390 ) | (9,291,787 ) | — | — |
(4,615,158 ) | (67,726,340 ) | — | — | (51,244,168 ) | (52,025,760 ) | (36,860 ) | (8,317 ) |
(531,331 ) | (7,754,027 ) | — | — | (13,554,173 ) | (11,928,777 ) | (147 ) | (69 ) |
(40,454 ) | (928,387 ) | — | — | (3,120,885 ) | (3,107,315 ) | — | — |
(108,294 ) | (1,633,524 ) | — | — | (1,457,345 ) | (1,376,743 ) | — | — |
(1,762,953 ) | (15,963,377 ) | — | — | (11,017,419 ) | (13,950,782 ) | — | — |
(236,451 ) | (2,044,242 ) | — | — | (1,920,738 ) | — | — | — |
(8,207,600 ) | (108,007,243 ) | — | — | (126,577,666 ) | (122,192,897 ) | (37,007 ) | (8,386 ) |
— | — | 536,658 | 891,089 | 16,616,933 | 14,917,714 | — | — |
2,272,407 | 6,602,666 | 26,010 | 314,323 | 4,870,885 | 6,230,963 | — | — |
— | — | 63,057 | 430,117 | — | — | — | — |
76,696,739 | 143,707,987 | 19,524,770 | 70,203,382 | 29,533,840 | 71,493,383 | 73,711 | 4,487,814 |
5,305,462 | 17,349,226 | 1,461,230 | 4,249,481 | 10,043,944 | 18,564,588 | 4,208 | 46,711 |
208,418 | 1,728,041 | 477,342 | 683,832 | 1,324,664 | 1,514,734 | — | — |
712,236 | 2,344,713 | 1,305,980 | 4,472,642 | 1,249,220 | 1,792,006 | — | — |
13,723,893 | 51,323,423 | 8,842,435 | 55,763,063 | 18,529,442 | 24,245,001 | — | — |
1,659,630 | 2,201,659 | — | — | 22,066,755 | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | 33,084,898 | 29,292,175 | — | — |
903,870 | 11,833,043 | — | — | 10,115,819 | 9,232,461 | — | — |
4,291,567 | 59,959,207 | — | — | 45,147,081 | 45,074,871 | 36,859 | 8,317 |
447,189 | 7,015,109 | — | — | 12,239,447 | 10,836,196 | 100 | 53 |
36,666 | 813,337 | — | — | 2,823,701 | 2,776,795 | — | — |
108,267 | 1,633,161 | — | — | 1,449,944 | 1,369,488 | — | — |
1,743,814 | 15,742,817 | — | — | 10,897,099 | 13,900,812 | — | — |
236,451 | 2,044,243 | — | — | 1,920,739 | — | — | — |
148
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (cont’d)
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund | Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund | |||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | |
Payments for shares redeemed: | ||||
Investor Class | $(3,052,142 ) | $(2,471,613 ) | $— | $— |
Trust Class | (324,867 ) | (438,291 ) | — | — |
Advisor Class | — | — | — | — |
Institutional Class | (6,260,161 ) | (1,409,152 ) | (54,599,993 ) | (114,893,524 ) |
Class A | (312,952 ) | (197,414 ) | (6,719,963 ) | (17,122,988 ) |
Class C | (159,623 ) | (124,635 ) | (2,656,073 ) | (5,547,345 ) |
Class R3 | (42,734 ) | (300,215 ) | — | — |
Class R6 | — | — | — | — |
Class E | — | — | (4,625,943 ) | (3,885,275 ) |
Net increase/(decrease) from Fund share transactions | (3,257,531 ) | (1,256,859 ) | 12,768,061 | (51,360,067 ) |
Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets | 429,781 | 347,162 | (5,491,748 ) | (83,855,715 ) |
Net Assets: | ||||
Beginning of period | 55,010,256 | 54,663,094 | 253,424,172 | 337,279,887 |
End of period | $55,440,037 | $55,010,256 | $247,932,424 | $253,424,172 |
See Notes to Financial Statements
149
Real Estate Fund | Small Cap Growth Fund | Sustainable Equity Fund | U.S. Equity Impact Fund | ||||
Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended | Six Months Ended | Fiscal Year Ended |
February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 | February 29, 2024 (Unaudited) | August 31, 2023 |
$— | $— | $(3,621,707 ) | $(4,778,963 ) | $(24,158,814 ) | $(52,346,614 ) | $— | $— |
(10,700,570 ) | (29,076,687 ) | (125,789 ) | (696,366 ) | (7,917,276 ) | (20,002,257 ) | — | — |
— | — | (280,419 ) | (1,129,401 ) | — | — | — | — |
(160,961,987 ) | (352,412,010 ) | (39,663,498 ) | (63,338,850 ) | (86,575,985 ) | (185,914,513 ) | (42,696 ) | (257,521 ) |
(11,147,150 ) | (28,779,686 ) | (2,188,875 ) | (5,736,420 ) | (13,246,098 ) | (24,149,535 ) | (21,836 ) | (10,180 ) |
(1,170,595 ) | (2,986,729 ) | (507,297 ) | (616,077 ) | (3,665,099 ) | (8,108,816 ) | — | — |
(1,898,281 ) | (3,860,156 ) | (2,102,079 ) | (1,656,475 ) | (3,239,166 ) | (6,470,435 ) | — | — |
(27,749,549 ) | (30,636,232 ) | (22,843,206 ) | (46,160,478 ) | (29,407,466 ) | (104,909,139 ) | — | — |
(1,158,455 ) | (3,354,957 ) | — | — | (1,060,554 ) | — | — | — |
(106,439,978 ) | (126,807,825 ) | (39,095,388 ) | 12,894,899 | 52,643,953 | (150,660,122 ) | 50,346 | 4,275,194 |
(74,123,739 ) | (345,912,208 ) | 10,300,649 | 18,645,164 | 166,805,032 | (94,207,813 ) | 1,216,168 | 5,058,235 |
791,383,656 | 1,137,295,864 | 339,994,457 | 321,349,293 | 1,331,086,760 | 1,425,294,573 | 11,118,421 | 6,060,186 |
$717,259,917 | $791,383,656 | $350,295,106 | $339,994,457 | $1,497,891,792 | $1,331,086,760 | $12,334,589 | $11,118,421 |
150
Notes to Financial Statements Equity Fundsß (Unaudited)
Note A—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
1
General: Neuberger Berman Equity Funds (the "Trust") is a Delaware statutory trust organized pursuant to an Amended and Restated Trust Instrument dated March 27, 2014. The Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and its shares are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Neuberger Berman Dividend Growth Fund ("Dividend Growth"), Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Equity Fund ("Emerging Markets Equity"), Neuberger Berman Equity Income Fund ("Equity Income"), Neuberger Berman Focus Fund ("Focus"), Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund ("Genesis"), Neuberger Berman International Equity Fund ("International Equity"), Neuberger Berman International Select Fund ("International Select"), Neuberger Berman International Small Cap Fund ("International Small Cap"), Neuberger Berman Intrinsic Value Fund ("Intrinsic Value"), Neuberger Berman Large Cap Growth Fund ("Large Cap Growth"), Neuberger Berman Large Cap Value Fund ("Large Cap Value"), Neuberger Berman Mid Cap Growth Fund ("Mid Cap Growth"), Neuberger Berman Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund ("Mid Cap Intrinsic Value"), Neuberger Berman Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund ("Multi-Cap Opportunities"), Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund ("Real Estate"), Neuberger Berman Small Cap Growth Fund ("Small Cap Growth"), Neuberger Berman Sustainable Equity Fund ("Sustainable Equity") and Neuberger Berman U.S. Equity Impact Fund ("U.S. Equity Impact") (each individually a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds") are separate operating series of the Trust, each of which (except Real Estate) is diversified. Under the 1940 Act, the status of a Fund that was registered as non-diversified may, under certain circumstances, change to that of a diversified fund (Multi-Cap Opportunities became diversified in December 2017 and December 2012, respectively). Nine Funds offer Investor Class shares, eleven offer Trust Class shares, six offer Advisor Class shares, eighteen offer Institutional Class shares, seventeen offer Class A shares, seventeen offer Class C shares, ten offer Class R3 shares, fourteen offer Class R6 shares and seven offer Class E shares. The Trust’s Board of Trustees (the "Board") may establish additional series or classes of shares without the approval of shareholders.
A balance indicated with a "—", reflects either a zero balance or a balance that rounds to less than 1.
The assets of each Fund belong only to that Fund, and the liabilities of each Fund are borne solely by that Fund and no other series of the Trust.
Each Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 946 "Financial Services—Investment Companies."
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires Management to make estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
To facilitate compliance with certain requirements necessary to maintain its status as a regulated investment company ("RIC"), Large Cap Growth formed NB A24 Guardian Blocker LLC (the "Blocker"), a Delaware limited liability company, to hold interests in certain private placements. The Blocker is a wholly owned subsidiary of Large Cap Growth and Large Cap Growth expects to remain its sole member.
As of February 29, 2024, the value of Large Cap Growth's investment in the Blocker was as follows:
Investment in Blocker | Percentage of Net Assets | |
$935,064 | 0.0 % |
2
Consolidation: The accompanying financial statements of Large Cap Growth present the consolidated accounts of Large Cap Growth and the Blocker. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
ß
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for Large Cap Growth
151
3
Portfolio valuation: In accordance with ASC 820 "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), all investments held by each of the Funds are carried at the value that Management believes a Fund would receive upon selling an investment in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment under current market conditions. Various inputs, including the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability in the market, are considered in valuing the Funds' investments, some of which are discussed below. At times, Management may need to apply significant judgment to value investments in accordance with ASC 820.
ASC 820 established a three-tier hierarchy of inputs to create a classification of value measurements for disclosure purposes. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad Levels listed below.
•
Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
•
Level 2 – other observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, amortized cost, etc.)
•
Level 3 – unobservable inputs (including a Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodology used for valuing an investment are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The value of the Funds’ investments in equity securities, preferred stocks, warrants, rights, escrow units, exchange-traded funds, and exchange-traded options written, for which market quotations are available, is generally determined by Management by obtaining valuations from independent pricing services based on the latest sale price quoted on a principal exchange or market for that security (Level 1 inputs). Securities traded primarily on the NASDAQ Stock Market are normally valued at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price ("NOCP") provided by NASDAQ each business day. The NOCP is the most recently reported price as of 4:00:02 p.m., Eastern Time, unless that price is outside the range of the "inside" bid and asked prices (i.e., the bid and asked prices that dealers quote to each other when trading for their own accounts); in that case, NASDAQ will adjust the price to equal the inside bid or asked price, whichever is closer. Because of delays in reporting trades, the NOCP may not be based on the price of the last trade to occur before the market closes. If there is no sale of a security on a particular day, the independent pricing services may value the security based on market quotations.
The value of the Funds’ investments in debt securities is determined by Management primarily by obtaining valuations from independent pricing services based on bid quotations, or if quotations are not available, by methods that include various considerations based on security type (generally Level 2 inputs). In addition to the consideration of yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type, indications as to values from dealers, and general market conditions, the following is a description of other Level 2 inputs and related valuation techniques used by independent pricing services to value certain types of debt securities held by the Funds:
Convertible Bonds. Inputs used to value convertible bonds generally include underlying stock data, conversion rates, credit-specific details, relevant listed bond and preferred stock prices and other market information, which may include benchmark yield curves, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, comparable securities, and reference data, such as market research publications, when available.
Management has developed a process to periodically review information provided by independent pricing services for all types of securities.
Certificates of deposit are valued at amortized cost (Level 2 inputs).
Publicly traded securities acquired via a private investment in public equity ("PIPE") transaction are typically valued at a discount to the market price of an issuer’s common stock. Discounts are applied due to certain trading restrictions imposed or a lack of marketability preceding the conversion to publicly traded securities. The primary inputs used in determining the discount are the length of the lock-up period and the volatility of the underlying security (Level 1 or Level 2 inputs).
152
Investments in non-exchange traded investment companies are valued using the respective fund’s daily calculated net asset value ("NAV") per share (Level 2 inputs), when available.
If a valuation is not available from an independent pricing service, or if Management has reason to believe that the valuation received does not represent the amount a Fund might reasonably expect to receive on a current sale in an orderly transaction, Management seeks to obtain quotations from brokers or dealers (generally considered Level 2 or Level 3 inputs depending on the number of quotes available). If such quotations are not available, the security is valued using methods Management has approved in the good-faith belief that the resulting valuation will reflect the fair value of the security. Pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, the Board designated Management as the Funds' valuation designee. As the Funds' valuation designee, Management is responsible for determining fair value in good faith for all Fund investments. Inputs and assumptions considered in determining fair value of a security based on Level 2 or Level 3 inputs may include, but are not limited to, the type of security; the initial cost of the security; the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; quotations or evaluated prices from broker-dealers or pricing services; information obtained from the issuer and analysts; an analysis of the company’s or issuer’s financial statements; an evaluation of the inputs that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold.
The value of the Funds’ investments in foreign securities is generally determined using the same valuation methods and inputs as other Fund investments, as discussed above. Foreign security prices expressed in local currency values are normally translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on days the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for business. Management has approved the use of ICE Data Services ("ICE") to assist in determining the fair value of foreign equity securities when changes in the value of a certain index suggest that the closing prices on the foreign exchanges may no longer represent the amount that a Fund could expect to receive for those securities or when foreign markets are closed and U.S. markets are open. In each of these events, ICE will provide adjusted prices for certain foreign equity securities using a statistical analysis of historical correlations of multiple factors (Level 2 inputs). Management has also approved the use of ICE to evaluate the prices of foreign debt securities as of the time at which a Fund’s share price is calculated. ICE utilizes benchmark spread and yield curves and evaluates available market activity from the local close to the time as of which a Fund’s share price is calculated (Level 2 inputs) to assist in determining prices for certain foreign debt securities. In the case of both foreign equity and foreign debt securities, in the absence of precise information about the market values of these foreign securities as of the time at which a Fund’s share price is calculated, Management has determined based on available data that prices adjusted or evaluated in this way are likely to be closer to the prices a Fund could realize on a current sale than the prices of those securities established at the close of the foreign markets in which the securities primarily trade.
Fair value prices are necessarily estimates, and there is no assurance that such a price will be at or close to the price at which the security is next quoted or traded.
4
Foreign currency translations: The accounting records of the Funds and the Blocker are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are normally translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, on days the NYSE is open for business, to determine the value of investments, other assets and liabilities. Purchase and sale prices of securities, and income and expenses, are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective dates of such transactions. Net unrealized foreign currency gain/(loss), if any, arises from changes in the value of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, as a result of changes in exchange rates and is stated separately in the Statements of Operations.
5
Securities transactions and investment income: Securities transactions are recorded on trade date for financial reporting purposes. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, for certain foreign dividends, as soon as a Fund becomes aware of the dividends. Non-cash dividends included in dividend income, if any, are recorded at the fair market value of the securities received. Interest income, including accretion of discount (adjusted for original issue discount, where applicable) and amortization of premium,
153
where applicable, is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions and foreign currency transactions, if any, are recorded on the basis of identified cost and stated separately in the Statements of Operations. Included in net realized gain/(loss) on investments are proceeds from the settlement of class action litigation(s) in which certain of the Funds participated as a class member. The amounts of such proceeds for the six months ended February 29, 2024, were $1,701, $8,335, $15,594, $500, $823, $5,595, $5,876, $56,611, $232,310, and $28,641 for Dividend Growth, Focus, International Equity, International Select, Intrinsic Value, Large Cap Value, Mid Cap Growth, Mid Cap Intrinsic Value, Multi-Cap Opportunities, and Small Cap Growth, respectively.
6
Income tax information: Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. It is the policy of each Fund to continue to qualify for treatment as a RIC by complying with the requirements of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code applicable to RICs and to distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains to its shareholders. To the extent a Fund distributes substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gains to shareholders, no federal income or excise tax provision is required.
ASC 740 "Income Taxes" sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return. The Funds recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax positions as an income tax expense in the Statements of Operations. The Funds are subject to examination by U.S. federal and state tax authorities for returns filed for the tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not yet expired. Management has analyzed each Fund's tax positions taken or expected to be taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years (the current and the prior three tax years) and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Funds' financial statements.
For federal income tax purposes, the estimated cost and unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in value of investments held at February 29, 2024 were as follows:
Cost | Gross Unrealized Appreciation | Gross Unrealized Depreciation | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Dividend Growth | $74,404,822 | $29,920,618 | $8,563,653 | $21,356,965 |
Emerging Markets Equity | 266,138,187 | 53,691,787 | 23,751,876 | 29,939,911 |
Equity Income | 658,400,244 | 246,129,253 | 11,804,058 | 234,325,195 |
Focus | 523,320,062 | 170,454,953 | 10,753,339 | 159,701,614 |
Genesis | 5,682,508,084 | 4,905,522,394 | 290,625,603 | 4,614,896,791 |
International Equity | 939,782,499 | 140,568,456 | 66,109,528 | 74,458,928 |
International Select | 143,135,945 | 22,330,745 | 9,372,529 | 12,958,216 |
International Small Cap | 3,484,929 | 486,140 | 188,810 | 297,330 |
Intrinsic Value | 1,298,354,609 | 437,920,689 | 211,297,859 | 226,622,830 |
Large Cap Growth | 1,429,916,811 | 1,024,677,030 | 30,791,484 | 993,885,546 |
Large Cap Value | 9,241,627,047 | 1,018,994,850 | 304,685,513 | 714,309,337 |
Mid Cap Growth | 1,329,507,824 | 435,763,840 | 39,257,517 | 396,506,323 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value | 42,579,199 | 16,486,424 | 3,630,019 | 12,856,405 |
Multi-Cap Opportunities | 125,445,745 | 123,942,743 | 1,516,613 | 122,426,130 |
Real Estate | 777,404,596 | 31,017,942 | 92,372,621 | (61,354,679 ) |
Small Cap Growth | 289,640,187 | 75,803,049 | 13,705,460 | 62,097,589 |
Sustainable Equity | 772,738,374 | 725,524,855 | 2,261,889 | 723,262,966 |
U.S. Equity Impact | 10,652,647 | 2,284,559 | 593,291 | 1,691,268 |
Income distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by each Fund, timing differences and differing characterization of distributions made by each Fund. The Funds may also utilize earnings and profits
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distributed to shareholders on redemption of their shares as a part of the dividends-paid deduction for income tax purposes.
Any permanent differences resulting from different book and tax treatment are reclassified at year-end and have no impact on net income, NAV or NAV per share of the Funds. For the year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds recorded permanent reclassifications primarily related to one or more of the following: deemed distributions on shareholder redemptions, prior year true up adjustments, net operating losses written off, non deductible excise taxes, and gains (losses) & tax adjustments on securities redeemed in kind. For the year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds recorded the following permanent reclassifications:
Paid-in Capital | Total Distributable Earnings/(Losses) | |
Dividend Growth | $81,843 | $(81,843 ) |
Emerging Markets Equity | — | — |
Equity Income | 6,523,473 | (6,523,473 ) |
Focus | (3,557,921 ) | 3,557,921 |
Genesis | 529,787,536 | (529,787,536 ) |
International Equity | — | — |
International Select | — | — |
International Small Cap | — | — |
Intrinsic Value | 3,888,992 | (3,888,992 ) |
Large Cap Growth | 7,086,139 | (7,086,139 ) |
Large Cap Value | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth | 2,634,217 | (2,634,217 ) |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value | 37,907 | (37,907 ) |
Multi-Cap Opportunities | 25,288,896 | (25,288,896 ) |
Real Estate | 42,052 | (42,052 ) |
Small Cap Growth | (1,671,646 ) | 1,671,646 |
Sustainable Equity | 20,284,839 | (20,284,839 ) |
U.S. Equity Impact | 3 | (3 ) |
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The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended August 31, 2023, and August 31, 2022, was as follows:
Distributions Paid From: | ||||||||
Ordinary Income | Long-Term Capital Gain | Return of Capital | Total | |||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |
Dividend Growth | $998,091 | $615,923 | $1,854,661 | $1,962,479 | $— | $— | $2,852,752 | $2,578,402 |
Emerging Markets Equity | 2,958,154 | 13,135,011 | — | — | — | — | 2,958,154 | 13,135,011 |
Equity Income | 25,697,792 | 25,174,166 | 53,403,976 | 96,097,023 | — | — | 79,101,768 | 121,271,189 |
Focus | 317,451 | 32,908,567 | — | 117,530,360 | — | — | 317,451 | 150,438,927 |
Genesis | 34,207,730 | 221,104 | 929,123,073 | 1,288,354,250 | — | — | 963,330,803 | 1,288,575,354 |
International Equity | 9,780,011 | 28,567,855 | 42,388,440 | 175,132,660 | — | — | 52,168,451 | 203,700,515 |
International Select | 1,571,081 | 2,771,908 | 5,083,649 | 15,409,794 | — | — | 6,654,730 | 18,181,702 |
International Small Cap | 13 | 31,731 | 154,813 | 168,049 | — | — | 154,826 | 199,780 |
Intrinsic Value | 12,897,599 | — | 36,200,552 | 79,211,520 | — | — | 49,098,151 | 79,211,520 |
Large Cap Growth | — | 82,004,314 | 94,089,172 | 125,625,777 | — | — | 94,089,172 | 207,630,091 |
Large Cap Value | 203,177,040 | 177,678,598 | — | 199,459,405 | — | — | 203,177,040 | 377,138,003 |
Mid Cap Growth | — | 19,485,079 | 68,058,011 | 266,139,158 | — | — | 68,058,011 | 285,624,237 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value | 461,088 | 331,388 | — | — | — | — | 461,088 | 331,388 |
Multi-Cap Opportunities | 1,479,899 | 5,051,790 | 64,304,764 | 133,771,546 | — | — | 65,784,663 | 138,823,336 |
Real Estate | 20,284,367 | 23,794,771 | 87,722,876 | 29,796,004 | — | — | 108,007,243 | 53,590,775 |
Small Cap Growth | — | 35,131,358 | — | 30,851,056 | — | 28,076 | — | 66,010,490 |
Sustainable Equity | 1,655,795 | 20,066,393 | 120,537,102 | 166,636,296 | — | — | 122,192,897 | 186,702,689 |
U.S. Equity Impact | 8,386 | 6,976 | — | — | — | — | 8,386 | 6,976 |
As of August 31, 2023, the components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a U.S. federal income tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed Ordinary Income | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | Loss Carryforwards and Deferrals | Other Temporary Differences | Total | |
Dividend Growth | $685,561 | $82,098 | $23,309,972 | $— | $— | $24,077,631 |
Emerging Markets Equity | 4,934,119 | — | 20,396,016 | (129,874,183 ) | (388 ) | (104,544,436 ) |
Equity Income | 1,632,958 | 34,549,106 | 229,516,528 | — | — | 265,698,592 |
Focus | 2,188,550 | — | 74,567,372 | (33,216,725 ) | — | 43,539,197 |
Genesis | 9,666,509 | 346,073,979 | 4,399,991,596 | — | — | 4,755,732,084 |
International Equity | 17,078,262 | — | 26,212,035 | (1,690,255 ) | — | 41,600,042 |
International Select | 2,586,416 | — | 4,152,972 | — | — | 6,739,388 |
International Small Cap | 59,282 | — | (84,658 ) | (174,472 ) | — | (199,848 ) |
Intrinsic Value | — | 3,952,426 | 159,833,604 | (1,262,009 ) | (21,823 ) | 162,502,198 |
Large Cap Growth | 2,091,021 | 72,624,270 | 702,940,548 | (106,732 ) | — | 777,549,107 |
Large Cap Value | 188,054,110 | — | 504,959,574 | (226,860,364 ) | — | 466,153,320 |
Mid Cap Growth | — | 48,556,120 | 193,908,812 | (799,321 ) | — | 241,665,611 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value | 285,745 | 751,924 | 8,429,087 | — | — | 9,466,756 |
Multi-Cap Opportunities | 565,617 | 44,635,890 | 116,352,932 | — | — | 161,554,439 |
Real Estate | 27,740 | — | (120,996,032 ) | (7,100,497 ) | — | (128,068,789 ) |
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Undistributed Ordinary Income | Undistributed Long-Term Capital Gain | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | Loss Carryforwards and Deferrals | Other Temporary Differences | Total | |
Small Cap Growth | $— | $— | $24,029,626 | $(39,172,176 ) | $— | $(15,142,550 ) |
Sustainable Equity | 3,668,290 | 99,100,171 | 554,743,304 | — | — | 657,511,765 |
U.S. Equity Impact | 20,601 | — | 476,003 | (602,310 ) | (5,088 ) | (110,794 ) |
The temporary differences between book basis and tax basis distributable earnings are primarily due to: losses disallowed and/or recognized on wash sales and straddles, capital loss carryforwards, amortization of organization expenses, tax adjustments related to other investments, and mark-to-market adjustments on passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs").
To the extent each Fund’s net realized capital gains, if any, can be offset by capital loss carryforwards, it is the policy of each Fund not to distribute such gains. Capital loss carryforward rules allow for RICs to carry forward capital losses indefinitely and to retain the character of capital loss carryforwards as short-term or long-term. As determined at August 31, 2023, the following Funds had unused capital loss carryforwards available for federal income tax purposes to offset future net realized capital gains, if any, as follows:
Capital Loss Carryforwards | ||
Long-Term | Short-Term | |
Emerging Markets Equity | $28,494,207 | $101,379,976 |
Focus | — | 33,216,725 |
International Equity | 1,690,255 | — |
International Small Cap | 152,648 | 21,824 |
Large Cap Value | — | 226,860,364 |
Small Cap Growth | 7,324,221 | 30,876,807 |
U.S. Equity Impact | 141,199 | 461,111 |
During the year ended August 31, 2023, Mid Cap Intrinsic Value utilized capital loss carryforwards of $367,112.
Under current tax regulations, capital losses realized on investment transactions after October 31 may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. Under the current tax rules, the Funds may also defer any realized late-year ordinary losses as occurring on the first day of the following fiscal year. Late-year ordinary losses represent ordinary losses realized on investment transactions after December 31 and specified losses (ordinary losses from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of property, net foreign currency losses and net PFIC mark to market losses) realized on investment transactions after October 31. For the year ended August 31, 2023, the Funds elected to defer the following late-year ordinary losses and post October capital losses:
Late-Year Ordinary Loss Deferral | Post October Capital Loss Deferral | |
Intrinsic Value | $1,262,009 | $— |
Mid Cap Growth | 799,321 | — |
Real Estate | — | 7,100,497 |
Small Cap Growth | 971,148 | — |
The Blocker is taxed as a corporation under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. As of August 31, 2023, Large Cap Growth had a gross deferred tax asset of $15,430 resulting from deferred interest expense, capital losses and net operating losses in the Blocker and a gross deferred tax liability of $19,287 resulting from appreciation of the underlying holding. As of August 31, 2023, the Blocker has a net deferred tax liability of $3,857.
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7
Foreign taxes: Foreign taxes withheld, if any, represent amounts withheld by foreign tax authorities, net of refunds recoverable.
Foreign capital gains on certain foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes, which are accrued as applicable. Emerging Markets Equity accrues capital gains tax on unrealized and realized gains for certain securities. At February 29, 2024, Emerging Markets Equity had accrued capital gains taxes of $2,245,704, which is reflected in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, Emerging Markets Equity had realized capital gains taxes of $2,335,464, which is reflected in the Statements of Operations.
As a result of several European Court of Justice ("ECJ") court cases in certain countries across the European Union ("EU"), certain of the Funds have filed tax reclaims for previously withheld taxes on dividends earned in those countries ("ECJ tax reclaims"). These additional filings are subject to various administrative proceedings by the local jurisdictions’ tax authorities within the EU, as well as a number of related judicial proceedings. When any such ECJ tax reclaims are not "more likely than not" to be sustained, no amounts are included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The Funds have determined that certain ECJ tax reclaims are "more likely than not" to be sustained after examination by tax authorities and are included in "Prepaid expenses and other assets" and "Other accrued expenses and payables" in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities for certain of the Funds. The income recognized from these ECJ tax reclaims is included in "Interest and other income—unaffiliated issuers" in the Statements of Operations and the cost to file these additional ECJ tax reclaims (which are excluded from contractual expense limitations) is included in "Miscellaneous and other fees" in the Statements of Operations for certain of the Funds. When the total income and/or expenses from these reclaims exceeds five percent of total income and/or total expenses on a Fund, the income recognized is reflected in "Tax reclaims" and the cost to file these additional reclaims is reflected in "Tax reclaim professional fees" on the Statements of Operations.
8
Distributions to shareholders: Each Fund may earn income, net of expenses, daily on its investments. Distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains, if any, are generally distributed once a year (usually in December) and are recorded on the ex-date. However, Equity Income and Real Estate generally distribute net investment income, if any, at the end of each calendar quarter.
It is the policy of Funds that invest in real estate investment trusts ("REITs"), to pass through to their shareholders substantially all REIT distributions and other income they receive, less operating expenses. The distributions received from REITs are generally composed of income, capital gains, and/or return of REIT capital, but the REITs do not report this information to these Funds until the following calendar year. For the year ended August 31, 2023, the character of distributions, if any, paid to shareholders of these Funds disclosed within the Statements of Changes in Net Assets is based on estimates made at that time. Based on past experience it is possible that a portion of these Funds' distributions during the current fiscal year, if any, will be considered tax return of capital, but the actual amount of the tax return of capital, if any, is not determinable until after each Fund’s fiscal year-end. After calendar year-end, when these Funds learn the nature of the distributions paid by REITs during that year, distributions previously identified as income may be recharacterized as return of capital and/or capital gain. After all applicable REITs have informed these Funds of the actual breakdown of distributions paid to these Funds during their fiscal year, estimates previously recorded are adjusted to reflect actual results. As a result, the composition of these Funds' distributions as reported herein may differ from the final composition determined after calendar year-end and reported to these Funds shareholders on IRS Form 1099-DIV.
9
Expense allocation: Certain expenses are applicable to multiple funds within the complex of related investment companies. Expenses directly attributable to a fund are charged to that fund. Expenses of the Trust that are not directly attributable to a particular series of the Trust (e.g., a Fund) are allocated among the series of the Trust, on the basis of relative net assets, except where a more appropriate allocation of expenses to each of the series can otherwise be made fairly. Expenses borne by the complex of related investment companies, which includes open-end and closed-end investment companies for which NBIA serves as investment manager, that are not directly attributable to a particular investment company in the complex (e.g., the Trust) or series thereof are allocated among the investment companies in the complex or series thereof on the basis of relative net assets, except where a more appropriate allocation of expenses to
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each of the investment companies in the complex or series thereof can otherwise be made fairly. Each Fund’s expenses (other than those specific to each class) are allocated proportionally each day among its classes based upon the relative net assets of each class.
10
Investments in foreign securities: Investing in foreign securities may involve sovereign and other risks, in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated with domestic securities. These additional risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments (including political instability, nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation) and the potentially adverse effects of unavailability of public information regarding issuers, less governmental supervision and regulation of financial markets, reduced liquidity of certain financial markets, and the lack of uniform accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards or the application of standards that are different or less stringent than those applied in the United States. Foreign securities also may experience greater price volatility, higher rates of inflation, and delays in settlement.
11
Investment company securities and exchange-traded funds: The Funds may invest in shares of other registered investment companies, including exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), within the limitations prescribed by the 1940 Act, in reliance on rules adopted by the SEC, particularly Rule 12d1-4, or any other applicable exemptive relief. Rule 12d1-4 permits investments in other registered investment companies in excess of the limitations of the 1940 Act if a Fund complies with the conditions of the Rule. Shareholders of a Fund will indirectly bear their proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other investment companies, in addition to the management fees and expenses of the Fund.
12
Derivative instruments: Certain Funds' use of derivatives during the six months ended February 29, 2024, is described below. Please see the Schedule of Investments for each Fund's open positions in derivatives, if any, at February 29, 2024. The disclosure requirements of ASC 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815") distinguish between derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting and those that do not. Because investment companies value their derivatives at fair value and recognize changes in fair value through the Statements of Operations, they do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, even though a Fund's investments in derivatives may represent economic hedges, they are considered non-hedge transactions for purposes of this disclosure.
Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act regulates the use of derivatives for certain funds registered under the 1940 Act ("Rule 18f-4"). Unless a Fund qualifies as a "limited derivatives user" as defined in Rule 18f-4, the Fund is subject to a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, is required to comply with certain value-at-risk based leverage limits and is required to provide additional disclosure both publicly and to the SEC regarding its derivatives positions. If a Fund qualifies as a limited derivatives user, Rule 18f-4 requires the Fund to have policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives risk.
Options: Equity Income used options written to generate incremental returns. Large Cap Growth used options purchased to gain exposure more efficiently than through a direct purchase of the underlying security, to gain exposure to securities, markets, sectors or geographical areas and to manage or adjust the risk profile of the Fund or the risk of individual positions. Large Cap Growth used options written to enhance total return, to gain exposure more efficiently than through a direct purchase of the underlying security, to gain exposure to securities, markets, sectors or geographical areas and to manage or adjust the risk profile of the Fund or the risk of individual positions.
Premiums paid by a Fund upon purchasing a call or put option are recorded in the asset section of the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current market value. When an option is exercised, closed, or expired, a Fund realizes a gain or loss and the asset is eliminated. For purchased call options, a Fund's loss is limited to the amount of the option premium paid.
Premiums received by a Fund upon writing a call option or a put option are recorded in the liability section of the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities and are subsequently adjusted to the current market value. When an option is exercised, closed, or expired, a Fund realizes a gain or loss and the liability is eliminated.
When writing a covered call option, a Fund, in return for the premium, gives up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the underlying security above the exercise price, but conversely retains the risk of loss should the price of the security decline. When writing a put option, a Fund, in return for the premium,
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takes the risk that it must purchase the underlying security at a price that may be higher than the current market price of the security. If a call or put option that a Fund has written expires unexercised, a Fund will realize a gain for the amount of the premium. All securities covering outstanding written options are held in escrow by the custodian bank.
At February 29, 2024, the Funds listed below had the following derivatives (which did not qualify as hedging instruments under ASC 815), grouped by primary risk exposure:
Asset Derivatives | Liability Derivatives | |||
Fund | Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location | Value | Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location | Value |
Equity Income | ||||
Options written | ||||
Equity risk | — | $— | Option contracts written, at value | $(128,779 ) |
Large Cap Growth | ||||
Options written | ||||
Equity risk | — | — | Option contracts written, at value | (1,791,930 ) |
The impact of the use of these derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations during the six months ended February 29, 2024, was as follows:
Fund | Net Realized Gain/ (Loss) on Derivatives(a) | Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) on Derivatives(b) | |
Equity Income | |||
Options written | |||
Equity risk | $220,501 | $31,699 | |
Large Cap Growth | |||
Options purchased | |||
Equity risk | (349,925 ) | 211,733 | |
Options written | |||
Equity risk | 59,566 | (726,854 ) |
(a) | Net realized gain/(loss) on derivatives is located in the Statements of Operations each under the caption, "Net realized gain/(loss) on:" |
Options purchased | Transactions in investment securities of unaffiliated issuers |
Options written | Expiration or closing of option contracts written |
(b) | Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is located in the Statements of Operations each under the caption, "Change in net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in value of:" |
Options purchased | Investment securities of unaffiliated issuers |
Options written | Option contracts written |
While the Funds may receive rights and warrants in connection with their investments in securities, these rights and warrants are not considered "derivative instruments" under ASC 815.
Management has concluded that Dividend Growth, Emerging Markets Equity, Focus, Genesis, International Equity, International Select, International Small Cap, Intrinsic Value, Large Cap Value, Mid Cap Growth, Mid Cap Intrinsic Value, Multi-Cap Opportunities, Real Estate, Small Cap Growth, Sustainable Equity and
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U.S. Equity Impact did not hold any derivative instruments during the six months ended February 29, 2024 that require additional disclosures pursuant to ASC 815.
13
Securities lending: Each Fund, using State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") as its lending agent, may loan securities to qualified brokers and dealers in exchange for negotiated lender’s fees. These fees, if any, would be disclosed within the Statements of Operations under the caption "Income from securities loaned-net" and are net of expenses retained by State Street as compensation for its services as lending agent.
The initial collateral received by a Fund at the beginning of each transaction shall have a value equal to at least 102% of the prior day’s market value of the loaned securities (105% in the case of international securities). Collateral in the form of cash and/or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, equivalent to at least 100% of the market value of securities, is maintained at all times. Thereafter, the value of the collateral is monitored on a daily basis, and collateral is moved daily between a counterparty and a Fund until the close of the transaction. Cash collateral is generally invested in a money market fund registered under the 1940 Act that is managed by an affiliate of State Street and is included in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities under the caption "Investments in securities, at value—Unaffiliated issuers". The total value of securities received as collateral for securities on loan is included in a footnote following the applicable Schedule of Investments, but is not included within the Statements of Assets and Liabilities because the receiving Fund does not have the right to sell or repledge the securities received as collateral. The risks associated with lending portfolio securities include, but are not limited to, possible delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of the loaned securities. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned and any interest earned or dividends paid or owed on those securities during the term of the loan would accrue to that Fund.
As of February 29, 2024, the Funds listed below had outstanding loans of securities to certain approved brokers each with a value as follows:
Value of Securities Loaned | |
Emerging Markets Equity | $1,283,458 |
Focus | 1,173,089 |
International Equity | 164,890 |
International Select | 273,423 |
International Small Cap | 266,549 |
Large Cap Growth | 1,779,680 |
Large Cap Value | 73,640,878 |
As of February 29, 2024, the Funds listed below had outstanding loans of securities to certain approved brokers for which each received collateral as follows:
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements | |||||
Overnight and Continuous | Less Than 30 Days | Between 30 & 90 days | Greater Than 90 Days | Total | |
Securities Lending Transactions(a) | |||||
Common Stocks | |||||
Emerging Markets Equity | $1,354,670 | $— | $— | $— | $1,354,670 |
Focus | 775,706 | — | — | — | 775,706 |
International Equity | 173,577 | — | — | — | 173,577 |
International Select | 291,263 | — | — | — | 291,263 |
International Small Cap | 281,664 | — | — | — | 281,664 |
Large Cap Growth | 1,776,667 | — | — | — | 1,776,667 |
Large Cap Value | 74,965,623 | — | — | — | 74,965,623 |
(a) | Amounts represent the payable for collateral received for loaned securities. |
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14
Offsetting assets and liabilities: The Funds are required to disclose both gross and net information for assets and liabilities related to over-the-counter derivatives, and securities lending and securities borrowing transactions that are eligible for offset or subject to an enforceable master netting or similar agreement. Emerging Market Equity, Focus, International Equity, International Select, International Small Cap, Large Cap Growth and Large Cap Value held one or more of these investments at February 29, 2024. The Funds’ securities lending assets at fair value are reported gross in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The following tables present securities lending assets by counterparty and net of the related collateral received by a Fund as of February 29, 2024.
Description | Gross Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Gross Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities |
Emerging Markets Equity | ||
Securities lending | $1,283,458 | $— |
Focus | ||
Securities lending | $1,173,089 | $— |
International Equity | ||
Securities lending | $164,890 | $— |
International Select | ||
Securities lending | $273,423 | $— |
International Small Cap | ||
Securities lending | $266,549 | $— |
Large Cap Growth | ||
Securities lending | $1,779,680 | $— |
Large Cap Value | ||
Securities lending | $73,640,878 | $— |
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities: | ||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | |||||||
Counterparty | Gross Amounts Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Liabilities Available for Offset | Collateral Received(a) | Net Amount(b) | Gross Amounts Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Assets Available for Offset | Collateral Pledged(a) | Net Amount(b) |
Emerging Markets Equity | ||||||||
SSB | $1,283,458 | $— | $(1,283,458 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Total | $1,283,458 | $— | $(1,283,458 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Focus | ||||||||
SSB | $1,173,089 | $— | $(775,706 ) | $397,383 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Total | $1,173,089 | $— | $(775,706 ) | $397,383 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
International Equity | ||||||||
SSB | $164,890 | $— | $(164,890 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Total | $164,890 | $— | $(164,890 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
International Select | ||||||||
SSB | $273,423 | $— | $(273,423 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Total | $273,423 | $— | $(273,423 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
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Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities: | ||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | |||||||
Counterparty | Gross Amounts Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Liabilities Available for Offset | Collateral Received(a) | Net Amount(b) | Gross Amounts Presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities | Assets Available for Offset | Collateral Pledged(a) | Net Amount(b) |
International Small Cap | ||||||||
SSB | $266,549 | $— | $(266,549 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Total | $266,549 | $— | $(266,549 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Large Cap Growth | ||||||||
SSB | $1,779,680 | $— | $(1,776,667 ) | $3,013 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Total | $1,779,680 | $— | $(1,776,667 ) | $3,013 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Large Cap Value | ||||||||
SSB | $73,640,878 | $— | $(73,640,878 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Total | $73,640,878 | $— | $(73,640,878 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
(a) | Collateral received (or pledged) is limited to an amount not to exceed 100% of the net amount of assets (or liabilities) in the tables presented above, for each respective counterparty. |
(b) | A Net Amount greater than zero represents amounts subject to loss as of February 29, 2024, in the event of a counterparty failure. A Net Amount less than zero represents amounts under-collateralized to each counterparty as of February 29, 2024. |
15
Indemnifications: Like many other companies, the Trust’s organizational documents provide that its officers ("Officers") and trustees ("Trustees") are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. In addition, both in some of its principal service contracts and in the normal course of its business, the Trust enters into contracts that provide indemnifications to other parties for certain types of losses or liabilities. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this could involve future claims against the Trust or a Fund.
16
In-kind redemption: In accordance with guidelines described in a Fund’s prospectus and in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board, a Fund may distribute portfolio securities rather than cash as payment for a redemption of Fund shares ("in-kind redemption"). For financial reporting purposes, the Fund recognizes a gain on in-kind redemptions to the extent the value of the distributed securities on the date of redemption exceeds the cost of those securities. Gains and losses realized on in-kind redemptions are not recognized for tax purposes and are reclassified from undistributed realized gain/(loss) to paid-in capital. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, Genesis and Multi-Cap Opportunities realized net gains of $221,132,823 and $15,826,601, respectively, on $313,800,953 and $22,667,480 of in-kind redemptions, which is comprised of $312,944,100 and $22,662,184 in securities and $856,853 and $5,296 in cash, respectively. During the year ended August 31, 2023, Genesis realized net gains of $445,030,369 on $544,192,312 of in-kind redemptions which is comprised of $542,227,847 in securities and $1,964,465 in cash.
17
Investments in private companies: Investments in private companies, including companies that have not yet issued securities publicly in an initial public offering, involve greater risks than investments in securities of companies that have traded publicly on an exchange for extended periods of time. Investments in these companies are generally less liquid than investments in securities issued by public companies and may be difficult for the Fund to value. Private placements and other restricted securities may not be listed on an exchange and may have no active trading market. As a result of the absence of a public trading market, the prices of these securities may be more difficult to determine than publicly traded securities and these securities may involve heightened risk as compared to investments in securities of publicly traded companies. Private placements and other restricted securities may be illiquid, and it frequently can be difficult to sell them at a time when it may otherwise be desirable to do so or the Fund may be able to sell them only at prices that are less than what the Fund regards as their fair market value.
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18
Other: All net investment income and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of each Fund are allocated, on the basis of relative net assets, pro rata among its respective classes.
Note B—Investment Management Fees, Administration Fees, Distribution Arrangements, and Other Transactions with Affiliates:
Each Fund retains NBIA as its investment manager under a Management Agreement. For such investment management services, each Fund pays NBIA an investment management fee as a percentage of average daily net assets according to the following table: | ||||||||||
First $250 million | Next $250 million | Next $250 million | Next $250 million | Next $500 million | Next $500 million | Next $500 million | Next $1.5 billion | Next $10 billion | Thereafter | |
Genesis(a) | ||||||||||
0.85 % | 0.80 % | 0.75 % | 0.70 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | 0.60 % | |
Intrinsic Value and Small Cap Growth | ||||||||||
0.85 % | 0.80 % | 0.75 % | 0.70 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | 0.65 % | |
Emerging Markets Equity(b) | ||||||||||
1.00 % | 0.975 % | 0.95 % | 0.925 % | 0.90 % | 0.875 % | 0.875 % | 0.875 % | 0.85 % | 0.85 % | |
Real Estate(a) | ||||||||||
0.80 % | 0.80 % | 0.80 % | 0.80 % | 0.80 % | 0.80 % | 0.80 % | 0.80 % | 0.80 % | 0.80 % | |
International Equity(a)(b) | ||||||||||
0.85 % | 0.825 % | 0.80 % | 0.775 % | 0.75 % | 0.725 % | 0.725 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | |
International Small Cap | ||||||||||
0.85 % | 0.825 % | 0.80 % | 0.775 % | 0.75 % | 0.725 % | 0.725 % | 0.725 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | |
Equity Income(a), Focus, International Select, Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value(a), Mid Cap Growth, Mid Cap Intrinsic Value and Sustainable Equity(a) | ||||||||||
0.55 % | 0.525 % | 0.50 % | 0.475 % | 0.45 % | 0.425 % | 0.425 % | 0.425 % | 0.40 % | 0.40 % | |
Multi-Cap Opportunities(a) | ||||||||||
0.60 % | 0.575 % | 0.55 % | 0.525 % | 0.50 % | 0.475 % | 0.475 % | 0.475 % | 0.45 % | 0.45 % | |
Dividend Growth | ||||||||||
0.50 % | 0.50 % | 0.50 % | 0.50 % | 0.50 % | 0.475 % | 0.475 % | 0.475 % | 0.45 % | 0.45 % | |
U.S. Equity Impact | ||||||||||
0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.70 % |
(a)
NBIA has contractually agreed to waive its Class E management fee for the below Funds. This undertaking lasts until August 31, 2024 and may not be terminated during its term without the consent of the Board. Management fees contractually waived are not subject to recovery by NBIA.
Fund | Annualized Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets Waived | Effective Date(s) | Management Fees Waived for the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 |
Equity Income | 0.52 % | 1/11/22 | $84,758 |
Genesis | 0.66 % | 1/11/22 | $ 473,169 |
International Equity | 0.66 % | 1/11/22 | $ 106,273 |
Large Cap Value | 0.42 % | 1/11/22 | $ 324,181 |
Multi-Cap Opportunities | 0.60 % | 1/11/22 | $ 242,505 |
Real Estate | 0.80 % | 1/11/22 | $63,798 |
Sustainable Equity | 0.49 % | 12/6/23 | $25,341 |
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(b)
NBIA has voluntarily agreed to waive and/or reimburse its management fee for the below Funds. NBIA may, at its sole discretion, modify or terminate the voluntary waiver and/or reimbursement without notice to the Fund. Fees voluntarily waived and/or reimbursed are not subject to recovery by NBIA.
Fund | Percentage of Average Daily Net Assets Waived and/or Reimbursed | Effective Date(s) | Management Fees Waived for the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 |
Emerging Markets Equity | 0.10 % | 9/1/23 | $212,669 |
International Equity | 0.15 % | 11/21/22 | $753,113 |
Accordingly, for the six months ended February 29, 2024, the investment management fee pursuant to the Management Agreement was equivalent to an annual effective rate of each Fund’s average daily net assets.
Effective Rate | ||
Dividend Growth | 0.50 % | |
Emerging Markets Equity | 0.99 %(a) | |
Equity Income | 0.52 %(b) | |
Focus | 0.53 % | |
Genesis | 0.66 %(c) | |
International Equity | 0.81 %(d) | |
International Select | 0.55 % | |
International Small Cap | 0.85 % | |
Intrinsic Value | 0.74 % | |
Large Cap Growth | 0.47 % | |
Large Cap Value | 0.42 %(e) | |
Mid Cap Growth | 0.49 % | |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value | 0.55 % | |
Multi-Cap Opportunities | 0.60 %(f) | |
Real Estate | 0.80 %(g) | |
Small Cap Growth | 0.84 % | |
Sustainable Equity | 0.50 %(h) | |
U.S. Equity Impact | 0.70 % |
(a) | After waivers, 0.89% annual effective net rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. |
(b) | After waivers, 0.50% annual effective net rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. |
(c) | After waivers, 0.65% annual effective net rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. |
(d) | After waivers, 0.64% annual effective net rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. |
(e) | After waivers, 0.41% annual effective net rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. |
(f) | After waivers, 0.40% annual effective net rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. |
(g) | After waivers, 0.78% annual effective net rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. |
(h) | After waivers, 0.49% annual effective net rate of the Fund’s average daily net assets. |
Investment management fee waivers are included in the Statements of Operations under the caption "Fees waived".
Each Fund retains NBIA as its administrator under an Administration Agreement. The administration fee is assessed at the class level and each share class of a Fund, as applicable, pays NBIA an annual administration fee equal to the following: 0.26% for each of Investor Class, Class A, Class C and Class R3; 0.40% for Trust Class and Advisor Class; 0.15% for Institutional Class; and 0.05% for Class R6, each as a percentage of its average daily net assets. Class E shares do not pay an administration fee. Additionally, NBIA retains State
165
Street as its sub-administrator under a Sub-Administration Agreement. NBIA pays State Street a fee for all services received under the Sub-Administration Agreement.
NBIA has contractually agreed to waive fees and/or reimburse certain expenses of the Investor Class of each of International Equity, Mid Cap Intrinsic Value and Small Cap Growth and the Trust Class, Advisor Class, Institutional Class, Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 of each Fund that offers those classes so that the total annual operating expenses of those classes do not exceed the expense limitations as detailed in the following table. These undertakings apply to a Fund’s direct expenses and exclude interest, brokerage commissions, acquired fund fees and expenses, extraordinary expenses, taxes including any expenses relating to tax reclaims, and dividend and interest expenses relating to short sales, if any (commitment fees relating to borrowings are treated as interest for purposes of this exclusion) ("annual operating expenses"); consequently, net expenses may exceed the contractual expense limitations. The expenses of the Blocker are included in the total expenses used to calculate the reimbursement, which Large Cap Growth has agreed to share with the Blocker. For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the expenses of the Blocker amounted to $6,437.
At February 29, 2024, the Funds' contingent liabilities to NBIA under the contractual expense limitation agreements were as follows:
Expenses Reimbursed in Year Ended August 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |||
Subject to Repayment until August 31, | ||||||
Class | Contractual Expense Limitation(a) | Expiration | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
Dividend Growth Institutional Class | 0.69 % | 8/31/27 | $241,524 | $243,453 | $241,403 | $116,483 |
Dividend Growth Class A | 1.05 % | 8/31/27 | 7,463 | 6,190 | 6,955 | 3,104 |
Dividend Growth Class C | 1.80 % | 8/31/27 | 8,038 | 4,059 | 3,277 | 1,455 |
Dividend Growth Class R6 | 0.59 % | 8/31/27 | 294 | 252 | 283 | 149 |
Emerging Markets Equity Institutional Class | 1.25 %(b) | 8/31/27 | — | — | 360,925 | 80,508 |
Emerging Markets Equity Class A | 1.50 %(b) | 8/31/27 | 22,865 | 20,023 | 35,496 | 17,313 |
Emerging Markets Equity Class C | 2.25 %(b) | 8/31/27 | 3,949 | 3,857 | 4,379 | 1,393 |
Emerging Markets Equity Class R3 | 1.91 %(b) | 8/31/27 | — | 218 | 960 | 401 |
Emerging Markets Equity Class R6 | 1.15 %(b) | 8/31/27 | — | — | 66,328 | 2,937 |
Equity Income Institutional Class | 0.80 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Equity Income Class A | 1.16 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Equity Income Class C | 1.91 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Equity Income Class R3 | 1.41 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Focus Trust Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Focus Advisor Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | 4 |
Focus Institutional Class | 0.75 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | 1,364 | — |
Focus Class A | 1.11 % | 8/31/27 | — | 323 | 653 | 164 |
Focus Class C | 1.86 % | 8/31/27 | 162 | 227 | 212 | 92 |
Genesis Trust Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Genesis Advisor Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Genesis Institutional Class | 0.85 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Genesis Class R6 | 0.75 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
International Equity Investor Class | 1.40 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
International Equity Trust Class | 2.00 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
International Equity Institutional Class | 0.85 % | 8/31/27 | 394,617 | 478,075 | 232,778 | 68,721 |
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Expenses Reimbursed in Year Ended August 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |||
Subject to Repayment until August 31, | ||||||
Class | Contractual Expense Limitation(a) | Expiration | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
International Equity Class A | 1.21 % | 8/31/27 | $18,701 | $7,261 | $5,259 | $1,961 |
International Equity Class C | 1.96 % | 8/31/27 | 2,857 | 3,047 | 1,766 | 562 |
International Equity Class R6 | 0.75 % | 8/31/27 | 22,906 | 15,351 | 9,720 | 5,695 |
International Select Trust Class | 1.15 % | 8/31/27 | 14,610 | 12,174 | 14,835 | 5,822 |
International Select Institutional Class | 0.80 % | 8/31/27 | 225,741 | 224,500 | 223,646 | 99,669 |
International Select Class A | 1.16 % | 8/31/27 | 6,545 | 6,598 | 6,474 | 2,992 |
International Select Class C | 1.91 % | 8/31/27 | 1,554 | 1,453 | 1,509 | 621 |
International Select Class R3 | 1.41 % | 8/31/27 | 3,504 | 2,725 | 2,875 | 1,221 |
International Select Class R6 | 0.70 % | 8/31/27 | 2,510 | 862 | 516 | 164 |
International Small Cap Institutional Class | 1.05 % | 8/31/27 | 239,386 | 246,079 | 256,769 | 114,655 |
International Small Cap Class A | 1.41 % | 8/31/27 | 27,225 | 30,271 | 21,973 | 13,099 |
International Small Cap Class C | 2.16 % | 8/31/27 | 18,529 | 13,167 | 11,527 | 4,947 |
International Small Cap Class R6 | 0.95 % | 8/31/27 | 37,827 | 27,759 | 27,178 | 12,225 |
Intrinsic Value Institutional Class | 1.00 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Intrinsic Value Class A | 1.36 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Intrinsic Value Class C | 2.11 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Intrinsic Value Class R6 | 0.90 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Trust Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Advisor Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | 738 |
Large Cap Growth Institutional Class | 0.75 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Class A | 1.11 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Class C | 1.86 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Class R3 | 1.36 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Class R6 | 0.57 %(c)(d) | 12/31/24 | — | — | — | 1,113 |
Large Cap Value Trust Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Value Advisor Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Value Institutional Class | 0.70 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Value Class A | 1.11 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Value Class C | 1.86 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Value Class R3 | 1.36 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Large Cap Value Class R6 | 0.60 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Trust Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Advisor Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Institutional Class | 0.75 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Class A | 1.11 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Class C | 1.86 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Class R3 | 1.36 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Class R6 | 0.65 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Investor Class | 1.50 %(b) | 8/31/27 | — | — | 3,482 | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Trust Class | 1.25 %(b) | 8/31/27 | 16,735 | 25,266 | 26,407 | 13,635 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Institutional Class | 0.85 % | 8/31/27 | 41,436 | 64,185 | 63,665 | 34,635 |
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Expenses Reimbursed in Year Ended August 31, | ||||||
2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |||
Subject to Repayment until August 31, | ||||||
Class | Contractual Expense Limitation(a) | Expiration | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class A | 1.21 % | 8/31/27 | $5,029 | $6,666 | $6,023 | $3,275 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class C | 1.96 % | 8/31/27 | 3,113 | 4,567 | 4,347 | 1,963 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class R3 | 1.46 % | 8/31/27 | 2,485 | 3,454 | 3,273 | 1,184 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class R6 | 0.75 % | 8/31/27 | 211 | 243 | 276 | 125 |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Institutional Class | 1.00 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Class A | 1.36 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Class C | 2.11 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Real Estate Trust Class | 1.50 %(b) | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Real Estate Institutional Class | 0.85 % | 8/31/27 | 844,090 | 1,255,775 | 968,863 | 348,206 |
Real Estate Class A | 1.21 % | 8/31/27 | 119,798 | 145,137 | 119,614 | 51,591 |
Real Estate Class C | 1.96 % | 8/31/27 | 17,083 | 20,400 | 16,910 | 7,189 |
Real Estate Class R3 | 1.46 % | 8/31/27 | 30,796 | 33,788 | 28,692 | 12,811 |
Real Estate Class R6 | 0.75 % | 8/31/27 | 225,255 | 264,583 | 255,521 | 134,408 |
Small Cap Growth Investor Class | 1.30 %(b) | 8/31/27 | — | 13,701 | 7,122 | 8,740 |
Small Cap Growth Trust Class | 1.40 %(b) | 8/31/27 | 3,373 | 3,686 | 3,589 | 2,518 |
Small Cap Growth Advisor Class | 1.60 %(b) | 8/31/27 | 964 | 1,172 | 1,520 | 1,496 |
Small Cap Growth Institutional Class | 0.90 % | 8/31/27 | 399,798 | 427,001 | 337,846 | 160,485 |
Small Cap Growth Class A | 1.26 % | 8/31/27 | 63,269 | 57,562 | 46,585 | 21,593 |
Small Cap Growth Class C | 2.01 % | 8/31/27 | 11,925 | 12,074 | 9,514 | 4,906 |
Small Cap Growth Class R3 | 1.51 % | 8/31/27 | 11,036 | 13,738 | 17,434 | 9,956 |
Small Cap Growth Class R6 | 0.80 % | 8/31/27 | 105,409 | 146,406 | 189,641 | 97,468 |
Sustainable Equity Trust Class | 1.50 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Sustainable Equity Institutional Class | 0.75 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Sustainable Equity Class A | 1.11 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Sustainable Equity Class C | 1.86 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Sustainable Equity Class R3 | 1.36 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
Sustainable Equity Class R6 | 0.65 % | 8/31/27 | — | — | — | — |
U.S. Equity Impact Institutional Class | 0.90 % | 8/31/27 | 197,957 | 254,523 | 243,413 | 124,381 |
U.S. Equity Impact Class A | 1.26 % | 8/31/27 | 6,127 | 7,830 | 4,848 | 1,831 |
U.S. Equity Impact Class C | 2.01 % | 8/31/27 | 2,706 | 1,429 | 1,216 | 404 |
(a) | Expense limitation per annum of the respective class’s average daily net assets. |
(b) | In addition to the contractual undertaking described above, NBIA has voluntarily undertaken to waive fees and/or reimburse certain expenses so that their Operating Expenses, per annum of their respective average daily net assets, are limited to the percentages indicated below. Voluntary reimbursements are not subject to recovery by NBIA and are terminable by NBIA without notice to the Fund. |
Class | Voluntary Expense Limitation | Effective Date(s) | Fees Voluntarily Waived for the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 |
Emerging Markets Equity Institutional Class | 1.15 % | 9/1/23 | $167,992 |
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Class | Voluntary Expense Limitation | Effective Date(s) | Fees Voluntarily Waived for the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 |
Emerging Markets Equity Class A | 1.40 % | 9/1/23 | $9,487 |
Emerging Markets Equity Class C | 2.15 % | 9/1/23 | 839 |
Emerging Markets Equity Class R3 | 1.81 % | 9/1/23 | 278 |
Emerging Markets Equity Class R6 | 1.05 % | 9/1/23 | 34,073 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Investor Class | 0.96 % | 1/19/21 | 83,638 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Trust Class | 1.20 % | 1/19/21 | 1,451 |
Real Estate Trust Class | 1.04 % | 12/16/11 | 155,146 |
Small Cap Growth Investor Class | 1.01 % | 1/19/21 | 82,957 |
Small Cap Growth Trust Class | 1.25 % | 1/19/21 | 2,549 |
Small Cap Growth Advisor Class | 1.40 % | 1/27/21 | 1,814 |
(c) | Effective January 1, 2025, the expense limitation will be 0.65%. |
(d) | Classes that have had changes to their respective limitations are noted below. |
Class | Expense limitation | Prior to |
Large Cap Growth Class R6 | 0.58 % | 12/18/23 |
0.65 % | 12/19/22 |
Each Fund has agreed that each of its respective classes will repay NBIA for fees and expenses waived or reimbursed for that class provided that repayment does not cause that class’s annual operating expenses to exceed its contractual expense limitation in place at the time the fees and expenses were waived or reimbursed, or the expense limitation in place at the time the Fund repays NBIA, whichever is lower. Any such repayment must be made within three years after the year in which NBIA incurred the expense.
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, the following class(es) repaid NBIA under their respective contractual expense limitation agreement(s) as follows:
Class | Expenses Repaid to NBIA |
Focus Institutional Class | $108 |
Each Fund also has a distribution agreement with Neuberger Berman BD LLC (the "Distributor") with respect to each class of shares. The Distributor acts as agent in arranging for the sale of class shares without sales commission or other compensation, except as described below, and bears the advertising and promotion expenses.
However, the Distributor receives fees from the Trust Class of each of Focus, International Select, Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Mid Cap Intrinsic Value, Real Estate, Small Cap Growth and Sustainable Equity, and from the Advisor Class, Class A, Class C and Class R3 of each Fund that offers those classes under their distribution plans (each a "Plan", collectively, the "Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Plans provide that, as compensation for administrative and other services provided to these classes, the Distributor’s activities and expenses related to the sale and distribution of these classes, and ongoing services provided to investors in these classes, the Distributor receives from each of these respective classes a fee at the annual rate of 0.10% of such Trust Class’s, 0.25% of such Advisor Class’s, 0.25% of such
169
Class A’s, 1.00% of such Class C’s and 0.50% of such Class R3’s average daily net assets. The Distributor receives this amount to provide distribution and shareholder servicing for these classes and pays a portion of it to institutions that provide such services. Those institutions may use the payments for, among other purposes, compensating employees engaged in sales and/or shareholder servicing. The amount of fees paid by each class during any year may be more or less than the cost of distribution and other services provided to that class. FINRA rules limit the amount of annual distribution fees that may be paid by a mutual fund and impose a ceiling on the cumulative distribution fees paid. The Trust’s Plans comply with those rules.
Class A shares of each Fund are generally sold with an initial sales charge of up to 5.75% and no contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), except that a CDSC of 1.00% applies to certain redemptions made within 18 months following purchases of $1 million or more without an initial sales charge. Class C shares of each Fund are sold with no initial sales charge and a 1.00% CDSC if shares are sold within one year after purchase.
For the six months ended February 29, 2024, the Distributor, acting as underwriter and broker-dealer, received net initial sales charges from the purchase of Class A shares and CDSCs from the redemption of Class A and Class C shares as follows:
Underwriter | Broker-Dealer | |||
Net Initial Sales Charge | CDSC | Net Initial Sales Charge | CDSC | |
Dividend Growth Class A | $788 | $— | $— | $— |
Dividend Growth Class C | — | 109 | — | — |
Emerging Markets Equity Class A | 225 | — | — | — |
Emerging Markets Equity Class C | — | 118 | — | — |
Equity Income Class A | 3,733 | — | — | — |
Equity Income Class C | — | 847 | — | — |
Focus Class A | — | — | — | — |
Focus Class C | — | — | — | — |
International Equity Class A | 15 | — | — | — |
International Equity Class C | — | 700 | — | — |
International Select Class A | 93 | — | — | — |
International Select Class C | — | 1,069 | — | — |
International Small Cap Class A | — | — | — | — |
International Small Cap Class C | — | — | — | — |
Intrinsic Value Class A | 4,404 | — | — | — |
Intrinsic Value Class C | — | 864 | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Class A | 18,870 | — | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Class C | — | 12,907 | — | — |
Large Cap Value Class A | 40,193 | — | — | — |
Large Cap Value Class C | — | 41,380 | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Class A | 175 | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Growth Class C | — | 6 | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class A | 1,459 | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class C | — | — | — | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Class A | 681 | — | — | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Class C | — | 277 | — | — |
Real Estate Class A | 610 | — | — | — |
Real Estate Class C | — | 162 | — | — |
Small Cap Growth Class A | 2,707 | — | — | — |
Small Cap Growth Class C | — | 55 | — | — |
Sustainable Equity Class A | 2,575 | — | — | — |
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Underwriter | Broker-Dealer | |||
Net Initial Sales Charge | CDSC | Net Initial Sales Charge | CDSC | |
Sustainable Equity Class C | $— | $281 | $— | $— |
U.S. Equity Impact Class A | — | — | — | — |
U.S. Equity Impact Class C | — | — | — | — |
Note C—Securities Transactions:
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, there were purchase and sale transactions of long-term securities (excluding written option contracts) as follows:
Purchases | Sales | |
Dividend Growth | $9,632,078 | $10,480,081 |
Emerging Markets Equity | 267,034,844 | 568,204,052 |
Equity Income | 134,054,336 | 225,764,783 |
Focus | 81,715,369 | 141,417,346 |
Genesis | 591,606,003 | 510,101,609 |
International Equity | 257,239,585 | 354,217,549 |
International Select | 36,376,670 | 38,112,180 |
International Small Cap | 1,096,605 | 1,123,713 |
Intrinsic Value | 128,791,206 | 162,500,774 |
Purchases | Sales | |
Large Cap Growth | $239,226,312 | $225,462,182 |
Large Cap Value | 4,842,241,887 | 7,032,974,720 |
Mid Cap Growth | 603,957,626 | 741,853,526 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value | 9,211,120 | 13,253,181 |
Multi-Cap Opportunities | 20,249,625 | 28,800,408 |
Real Estate | 198,763,589 | 293,785,254 |
Small Cap Growth | 172,005,338 | 208,361,295 |
Sustainable Equity | 108,487,792 | 180,914,267 |
U.S. Equity Impact | 1,002,108 | 1,151,038 |
During the six months ended February 29, 2024, no brokerage commissions on securities transactions were paid to affiliated brokers.
Note D—Fund Share Transactions:
Share activity for the six months ended February 29, 2024, and for the year ended August 31, 2023, was as follows:
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Year Ended August 31, 2023 | |||||||
Shares Sold | Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions | Shares Redeemed | Total | Shares Sold | Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions | Shares Redeemed | Total | |
Dividend Growth | ||||||||
Institutional Class | 321,110 | 128,724 | (290,030 ) | 159,804 | 734,086 | 165,050 | (416,637 ) | 482,499 |
Class A | 6,866 | 2,390 | (3,268 ) | 5,988 | 18,617 | 3,771 | (19,469 ) | 2,919 |
Class C | 843 | 910 | (9,095 ) | (7,342 ) | 12,368 | 1,651 | (7,301 ) | 6,718 |
Class R6 | — | 41 | — | 41 | 1,394 | — | — | 1,394 |
Emerging Markets Equity | ||||||||
Institutional Class | 1,914,388 | 82,170 | (15,396,300 ) | (13,399,742 ) | 6,247,158 | 55,742 | (16,743,468 ) | (10,440,568 ) |
Class A | 111,981 | 8,138 | (103,960 ) | 16,159 | 406,264 | 1,452 | (352,670 ) | 55,046 |
Class C | 4,117 | 328 | (37,198 ) | (32,753 ) | 2,623 | — | (86,970 ) | (84,347 ) |
Class R3 | 4,007 | 260 | (5,245 ) | (978 ) | 7,054 | — | (9,803 ) | (2,749 ) |
Class R6 | 67,447 | 47,690 | (4,726,387 ) | (4,611,250 ) | 2,420,393 | 37,202 | (4,282,597 ) | (1,825,002 ) |
171
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Year Ended August 31, 2023 | |||||||
Shares Sold | Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions | Shares Redeemed | Total | Shares Sold | Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions | Shares Redeemed | Total | |
Equity Income | ||||||||
Institutional Class | 2,658,707 | 2,363,332 | (9,151,080 ) | (4,129,041 ) | 9,879,722 | 4,261,155 | (20,523,382 ) | (6,382,505 ) |
Class A | 496,509 | 436,728 | (1,341,516 ) | (408,279 ) | 1,731,360 | 727,430 | (2,786,477 ) | (327,687 ) |
Class C | 76,746 | 157,048 | (777,033 ) | (543,239 ) | 79,354 | 298,054 | (1,290,640 ) | (913,232 ) |
Class R3 | 10,547 | 2,277 | (3,385 ) | 9,439 | 15,069 | 3,189 | (11,146 ) | 7,112 |
Class E | 159,376 | 139,296 | (108,388 ) | 190,284 | 267,004 | 205,325 | (284,197 ) | 188,132 |
Focus | ||||||||
Investor Class | 69,168 | 126,575 | (1,169,139 ) | (973,396 ) | 63,081 | 12,313 | (2,212,301 ) | (2,136,907 ) |
Trust Class | 5,999 | 4,803 | (92,578 ) | (81,776 ) | 6,972 | — | (226,588 ) | (219,616 ) |
Advisor Class | 3,470 | 43 | (8,776 ) | (5,263 ) | 8,306 | — | (14,168 ) | (5,862 ) |
Institutional Class | 72,977 | 5,706 | (149,980 ) | (71,297 ) | 219,012 | 1,878 | (329,831 ) | (108,941 ) |
Class A | 1,355 | 392 | (13,633 ) | (11,886 ) | 19,223 | — | (8,145 ) | 11,078 |
Class C | 231 | — | (692 ) | (461 ) | 3,506 | — | (6,627 ) | (3,121 ) |
Genesis | ||||||||
Investor Class | 1,043,773 | 802,947 | (1,652,273 ) | 194,447 | 1,459,662 | 2,778,454 | (3,934,750 ) | 303,366 |
Trust Class | 665,139 | 513,616 | (1,472,113 ) | (293,358 ) | 1,846,875 | 1,763,599 | (2,929,187 ) | 681,287 |
Advisor Class | 79,712 | 49,846 | (242,263 ) | (112,705 ) | 245,879 | 190,354 | (515,204 ) | (78,971 ) |
Institutional Class | 9,995,396 | 1,160,895 | (11,532,116 ) | (375,825 ) | 17,984,191 | 4,045,481 | (22,166,279 ) | (136,607 ) |
Class R6 | 5,394,221 | 2,483,694 | (6,678,186 ) | 1,199,729 | 8,148,062 | 7,957,896 | (13,578,199 ) | 2,527,759 |
Class E | 175,666 | 95,944 | (128,926 ) | 142,684 | 163,047 | 256,025 | (191,313 ) | 227,759 |
International Equity | ||||||||
Investor Class | 43,430 | 125,760 | (339,927 ) | (170,737 ) | 111,021 | 292,816 | (599,064 ) | (195,227 ) |
Trust Class | 41,631 | 34,951 | (135,256 ) | (58,674 ) | 81,133 | 87,455 | (297,590 ) | (129,002 ) |
Institutional Class | 2,601,988 | 1,406,954 | (9,261,453 ) | (5,252,511 ) | 13,795,950 | 3,061,923 | (30,826,496 ) | (13,968,623 ) |
Class A | 87,578 | 13,845 | (159,412 ) | (57,989 ) | 248,169 | 32,617 | (300,556 ) | (19,770 ) |
Class C | 1,889 | 2,240 | (62,348 ) | (58,219 ) | 52,416 | 13,816 | (155,274 ) | (89,042 ) |
Class R6 | 376,284 | 92,731 | (545,509 ) | (76,494 ) | 1,181,117 | 150,385 | (402,568 ) | 928,934 |
Class E | 192,849 | 101,958 | (146,029 ) | 148,778 | 197,030 | 148,451 | (219,175 ) | 126,306 |
International Select | ||||||||
Trust Class | 1,745 | 9,336 | (11,703 ) | (622 ) | 5,234 | 17,845 | (28,890 ) | (5,811 ) |
Institutional Class | 383,699 | 315,709 | (503,984 ) | 195,424 | 1,787,261 | 528,938 | (1,779,729 ) | 536,470 |
Class A | 19,726 | 4,042 | (32,589 ) | (8,821 ) | 71,412 | 7,553 | (38,644 ) | 40,321 |
Class C | 12,671 | 935 | (15,317 ) | (1,711 ) | 20,505 | 1,286 | (14,807 ) | 6,984 |
Class R3 | 9,128 | 2,751 | (9,036 ) | 2,843 | 21,591 | 5,088 | (20,877 ) | 5,802 |
Class R6 | 657 | 14 | (983 ) | (312 ) | 1,707 | 22 | (12,499 ) | (10,770 ) |
International Small Cap | ||||||||
Institutional Class | 6,665 | 3,871 | (5,981 ) | 4,555 | 13,316 | 10,642 | (25,531 ) | (1,573 ) |
Class A | 509 | 219 | (865 ) | (137 ) | 58,500 | 318 | (50,048 ) | 8,770 |
Class C | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
172
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Year Ended August 31, 2023 | |||||||
Shares Sold | Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions | Shares Redeemed | Total | Shares Sold | Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions | Shares Redeemed | Total | |
Class R6 | 1,077 | 74 | (1,464 ) | (313 ) | 2,043 | 130 | (568 ) | 1,605 |
Intrinsic Value | ||||||||
Institutional Class | 8,090,692 | 156,496 | (14,965,577 ) | (6,718,389 ) | 29,733,762 | 2,209,005 | (25,782,931 ) | 6,159,836 |
Class A | 1,311,424 | 11,206 | (831,684 ) | 490,946 | 2,214,890 | 88,557 | (982,133 ) | 1,321,314 |
Class C | 75,189 | 2,175 | (195,980 ) | (118,616 ) | 196,541 | 36,648 | (299,503 ) | (66,314 ) |
Class R6 | 478,239 | 14,608 | (93,551 ) | 399,296 | 150,941 | 195,017 | (301,534 ) | 44,424 |
Large Cap Growth | ||||||||
Investor Class | 414,860 | 2,618,012 | (2,214,857 ) | 818,015 | 414,921 | 3,830,645 | (4,081,266 ) | 164,300 |
Trust Class | 34,509 | 71,124 | (67,170 ) | 38,463 | 50,286 | 107,237 | (195,043 ) | (37,520 ) |
Advisor Class | 1,533 | 342 | (1,285 ) | 590 | 802 | 626 | (99,240 ) | (97,812 ) |
Institutional Class | 7,232,843 | 863,670 | (3,998,709 ) | 4,097,804 | 11,554,693 | 539,123 | (6,185,848 ) | 5,907,968 |
Class A | 265,823 | 37,390 | (112,276 ) | 190,937 | 612,811 | 38,905 | (250,070 ) | 401,646 |
Class C | 312,110 | 24,447 | (254,421 ) | 82,136 | 397,606 | 11,567 | (37,314 ) | 371,859 |
Class R3 | 18,634 | 2,588 | (2,557 ) | 18,665 | 65,227 | 3,713 | (44,812 ) | 24,128 |
Class R6 | 72,728 | 5,936 | (152,978 ) | (74,314 ) | 217,381 | 684 | (31,712 ) | 186,353 |
Large Cap Value | ||||||||
Investor Class | 498,563 | 849,161 | (3,327,417 ) | (1,979,693 ) | 2,766,497 | 574,982 | (4,445,001 ) | (1,103,522 ) |
Trust Class | 86,118 | 55,119 | (498,743 ) | (357,506 ) | 706,085 | 36,958 | (808,734 ) | (65,691 ) |
Advisor Class | 130,738 | 59,799 | (377,234 ) | (186,697 ) | 419,018 | 37,654 | (555,354 ) | (98,682 ) |
Institutional Class | 31,523,434 | 4,483,372 | (88,344,658 ) | (52,337,852 ) | 119,140,594 | 3,326,557 | (88,701,120 ) | 33,766,031 |
Class A | 514,374 | 65,736 | (1,308,908 ) | (728,798 ) | 2,169,185 | 43,369 | (2,073,472 ) | 139,082 |
Class C | 370,313 | 66,994 | (1,295,481 ) | (858,174 ) | 2,147,937 | 27,630 | (1,284,861 ) | 890,706 |
Class R3 | 33,081 | 5,572 | (77,622 ) | (38,969 ) | 180,901 | 2,479 | (81,028 ) | 102,352 |
Class R6 | 7,410,286 | 357,902 | (5,317,796 ) | 2,450,392 | 9,708,244 | 136,513 | (5,013,782 ) | 4,830,975 |
Class E | 135,982 | 121,844 | (163,310 ) | 94,516 | 307,969 | 82,674 | (227,548 ) | 163,095 |
Mid Cap Growth | ||||||||
Investor Class | 83,182 | 954,448 | (1,529,457 ) | (491,827 ) | 184,308 | 1,464,501 | (2,356,104 ) | (707,295 ) |
Trust Class | 55,755 | 68,743 | (837,844 ) | (713,346 ) | 187,023 | 141,626 | (1,486,456 ) | (1,157,807 ) |
Advisor Class | 74,781 | 10,586 | (122,376 ) | (37,009 ) | 118,775 | 18,916 | (224,496 ) | (86,805 ) |
Institutional Class | 1,756,516 | 880,759 | (6,055,122 ) | (3,417,847 ) | 3,562,625 | 1,481,964 | (5,793,881 ) | (749,292 ) |
Class A | 193,851 | 56,726 | (248,965 ) | 1,612 | 524,026 | 114,738 | (1,426,871 ) | (788,107 ) |
Class C | 27,323 | 11,523 | (89,937 ) | (51,091 ) | 31,641 | 21,811 | (165,153 ) | (111,701 ) |
Class R3 | 45,646 | 17,062 | (117,176 ) | (54,468 ) | 90,138 | 29,907 | (221,891 ) | (101,846 ) |
Class R6 | 5,219,144 | 1,126,522 | (6,240,692 ) | 104,974 | 6,254,395 | 1,636,010 | (7,638,288 ) | 252,117 |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value | ||||||||
Investor Class | 8,067 | 23,559 | (123,263 ) | (91,637 ) | 39,621 | 11,381 | (103,352 ) | (52,350 ) |
Trust Class | 1,952 | 4,038 | (13,581 ) | (7,591 ) | 5,441 | 1,555 | (18,303 ) | (11,307 ) |
Institutional Class | 198,308 | 11,972 | (249,437 ) | (39,157 ) | 80,643 | 5,376 | (59,638 ) | 26,381 |
Class A | 20,262 | 852 | (12,340 ) | 8,774 | 7,233 | 221 | (8,461 ) | (1,007 ) |
173
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2024 | For the Year Ended August 31, 2023 | |||||||
Shares Sold | Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions | Shares Redeemed | Total | Shares Sold | Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Dividends and Distributions | Shares Redeemed | Total | |
Class C | 3,305 | 463 | (6,723 ) | (2,955 ) | 1,667 | 22 | (5,355 ) | (3,666 ) |
Class R3 | 361 | 241 | (1,691 ) | (1,089 ) | 2,383 | 101 | (12,716 ) | (10,232 ) |
Class R6 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities | ||||||||
Institutional Class | 3,845,934 | 1,987,685 | (5,837,317 ) | (3,698 ) | 2,138,770 | 3,413,634 | (10,922,037 ) | (5,369,633 ) |
Class A | 192,613 | 606,191 | (716,266 ) | 82,538 | 550,682 | 803,375 | (1,602,120 ) | (248,063 ) |
Class C | 77,264 | 254,286 | (302,299 ) | 29,251 | 88,613 | 335,740 | (557,006 ) | (132,653 ) |
Class E | 369,910 | 1,891,708 | (488,823 ) | 1,772,795 | 406,067 | 1,900,877 | (396,485 ) | 1,910,459 |
Real Estate | ||||||||
Trust Class | 184,658 | 73,555 | (863,184 ) | (604,971 ) | 506,588 | 948,706 | (2,224,673 ) | (769,379 ) |
Institutional Class | 5,988,151 | 348,758 | (12,950,808 ) | (6,613,899 ) | 10,942,309 | 4,789,585 | (26,928,360 ) | (11,196,466 ) |
Class A | 433,885 | 36,434 | (894,920 ) | (424,601 ) | 1,317,635 | 562,715 | (2,182,475 ) | (302,125 ) |
Class C | 16,840 | 2,986 | (96,022 ) | (76,196 ) | 134,749 | 64,991 | (229,692 ) | (29,952 ) |
Class R3 | 57,956 | 8,840 | (156,333 ) | (89,537 ) | 181,728 | 131,271 | (298,643 ) | 14,356 |
Class R6 | 1,113,284 | 141,351 | (2,221,308 ) | (966,673 ) | 3,980,825 | 1,259,761 | (2,356,174 ) | 2,884,412 |
Class E | 129,169 | 19,155 | (95,856 ) | 52,468 | 167,402 | 163,568 | (255,910 ) | 75,060 |
Small Cap Growth | ||||||||
Investor Class | 14,404 | — | (94,766 ) | (80,362 ) | 23,879 | — | (128,323 ) | (104,444 ) |
Trust Class | 700 | — | (3,355 ) | (2,655 ) | 8,750 | — | (18,787 ) | (10,037 ) |
Advisor Class | 1,670 | — | (7,341 ) | (5,671 ) | 11,922 | — | (30,664 ) | (18,742 ) |
Institutional Class | 521,003 | — | (1,056,216 ) | (535,213 ) | 1,890,479 | — | (1,697,563 ) | 192,916 |
Class A | 38,937 | — | (57,751 ) | (18,814 ) | 115,957 | — | (155,649 ) | (39,692 ) |
Class C | 12,891 | — | (13,997 ) | (1,106 ) | 18,356 | — | (16,968 ) | 1,388 |
Class R3 | 34,683 | — | (55,259 ) | (20,576 ) | 121,474 | — | (44,704 ) | 76,770 |
Class R6 | 236,256 | — | (603,811 ) | (367,555 ) | 1,493,100 | — | (1,235,905 ) | 257,195 |
Sustainable Equity | ||||||||
Investor Class | 405,768 | 836,111 | (592,040 ) | 649,839 | 403,222 | 832,637 | (1,391,964 ) | (156,105 ) |
Trust Class | 119,440 | 255,579 | (193,756 ) | 181,263 | 165,873 | 262,137 | (531,408 ) | (103,398 ) |
Institutional Class | 724,738 | 1,144,703 | (2,116,000 ) | (246,559 ) | 1,911,635 | 1,285,283 | (4,983,302 ) | (1,786,384 ) |
Class A | 245,088 | 309,859 | (324,759 ) | 230,188 | 490,774 | 308,284 | (645,907 ) | 153,151 |
Class C | 33,753 | 73,861 | (92,505 ) | 15,109 | 41,547 | 80,862 | (220,723 ) | (98,314 ) |
Class R3 | 30,783 | 36,800 | (79,677 ) | (12,094 ) | 47,963 | 38,994 | (168,843 ) | (81,886 ) |
Class R6 | 457,286 | 276,506 | (720,750 ) | 13,042 | 654,094 | 396,713 | (2,797,129 ) | (1,746,322 ) |
Class E(a) | 527,850 | 48,775 | (25,771 ) | 550,854 | — | — | — | — |
U.S. Equity Impact | ||||||||
Institutional Class | 6,931 | 3,589 | (4,229 ) | 6,291 | 447,610 | 900 | (30,728 ) | 417,782 |
Class A | 393 | 10 | (2,210 ) | (1,807 ) | 4,728 | 6 | (1,040 ) | 3,694 |
Class C | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
(a) | Period from December 6, 2023 (Commencement of Operations) to February 29, 2024. |
174
Note E—Line of Credit:
At February 29, 2024, each Fund was a participant in a syndicated committed, unsecured $700,000,000 line of credit (the "Credit Facility"), to be used only for temporary or emergency purposes. Series of other investment companies managed by NBIA also participate in this line of credit on substantially the same terms. Interest is charged on borrowings under this Credit Facility at the highest of (a) a federal funds effective rate plus 1.00% per annum, (b) a daily simple Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus 1.10% per annum, or (c) an overnight bank funding rate plus 1.00% per annum. The Credit Facility has an annual commitment fee of 0.15% per annum of the available line of credit, which is paid quarterly. Each Fund that is a participant has agreed to pay its pro rata share of the annual commitment fee, based on the ratio of its individual net assets to the net assets of all participants at the time the fee is due, and interest charged on any borrowing made by such Fund and other costs incurred by such Fund. Because several funds participate in the Credit Facility, there is no assurance that an individual fund will have access to all or any part of the $700,000,000 at any particular time. There were no loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at February 29, 2024. During the six months ended February 29, 2024, Emerging Markets Equity Fund utilized the Credit Facility.
Fund | Number of Days Borrowed | Greatest Amount Borrowed | Average Interest Rate | Interest Paid |
Emerging Markets Equity | 8 | $12,800,000 | 6.41 % | $9,992 |
Note F—Investments in Affiliates(a):
Value at August 31, 2023 | Purchase Cost | Sales Proceeds/ Return of Capital | Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) from Investments in Affiliated Persons | Net Realized Gain/(Loss) from Investments in Affiliated Persons | Distributions from Investments in Affiliated Persons | Shares Held at February 29, 2024 | Value at February 29, 2024 | |
Genesis | ||||||||
AMERISAFE, Inc. | $61,757,462 | $4,020,839 | $1,008,902 | $1,347,099 | $(118,645) | $5,278,122 | 1,250,907 | $65,997,853 |
Atrion Corp. | 57,089,630 | — | 686,034 | (11,514,550) | (415,983) | 539,462 | 120,854 | 44,473,063 |
CRA International, Inc. | 42,452,604 | 2,567,082 | 90,663 | 10,005,849 | 8,392 | 304,443 | 414,541 | 54,943,264 |
Kadant, Inc. | 134,376,723 | — | 2,960,793 | 69,915,232 | 1,753,795 | 353,860 | 602,090 | 203,084,957 |
Model N, Inc. | 57,913,110 | 4,662,989 | 776,030 | (5,381,211) | (78,193) | —* | 2,294,001 | 56,340,665 |
Stevanato Group SpA | 66,504,178 | 5,781,920 | 1,071,498 | 2,231,943 | 306,936 | —* | 2,224,841 | 73,753,479 |
Transcat, Inc. | 46,726,025 | — | 735,429 | 1,051,227 | 407,210 | —* | 451,208 | 47,449,033 |
UFP Technologies, Inc. | 90,586,061 | — | 1,563,972 | 15,822,586 | 891,190 | —* | 507,589 | 105,735,865 |
Winmark Corp | 75,348,745 | 8,262,868 | — | (360,736) | — | 2,225,683 | 219,341 | 83,250,877 |
Sub-total for affiliates held as of 2/29/24(b) | $632,754,538 | $25,295,698 | $8,893,321 | $83,117,439 | $2,754,702 | $8,701,570 | $735,029,056 | |
Total | $632,754,538 | $25,295,698 | $8,893,321 | $83,117,439 | $2,754,702 | $8,701,570 | $735,029,056 | |
Intrinsic Value | ||||||||
Quantum Corp. | $4,621,303 | $— | $(5,829) | $(904,739) | $(119,544) | $— | 7,438,258 | $3,591,191 |
Sub-total for affiliates held as of 2/29/24(c) | $4,621,303 | $— | $(5,829) | $(904,739) | $(119,544) | $— | $3,591,191 |
175
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Affiliated persons, as defined in the 1940 Act. |
(b) | At February 29, 2024, these securities amounted to 7.14% of net assets of Genesis. |
(c) | At February 29, 2024, these securities amounted to 0.24% of net assets of Intrinsic Value. |
Other: At February 29, 2024, affiliated persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) owned the listed percentage of the outstanding shares of the following Funds:
Affiliated Person(s) Percentage Ownership of Outstanding Shares(a) | |
Dividend Growth | 0.01% |
Equity Income | 0.00% |
Focus | 0.00% |
Genesis | 0.00% |
International Equity | 0.00% |
International Select | 0.02% |
Large Cap Growth | 0.00% |
Large Cap Value | 0.00% |
Mid Cap Growth | 0.00% |
Real Estate | 0.00% |
Small Cap Growth | 0.01% |
Sustainable Equity | 0.00% |
U.S. Equity Impact | 65.04% |
(a) | Ratios that do not round to 0.01% are presented as 0.00%. |
Note G—Recent Accounting Pronouncement:
In June 2022, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-03, "Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions" ("ASU 2022-03"). ASU 2022-03 clarifies the guidance in ASC 820, related to the measurement of the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual sale restrictions, where it eliminates the ability to apply a discount to the fair value of these securities, and introduces disclosure requirements related to such equity securities. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023, and allows for early adoption. Management is currently evaluating the impact of applying this update.
Note H—Unaudited Financial Information:
The financial information included in this interim report is taken from the records of each Fund without audit by an independent registered public accounting firm. Annual reports contain audited financial statements.
176
Financial Highlights
The following tables include selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period and other performance information derived from the Financial Statements. Amounts that do not round to $0.01 or $(0.01) per share are presented as $0.00 or $(0.00), respectively. Ratios that do not round to 0.01% or (0.01)% are presented as 0.00% or (0.00)%, respectively. Net Assets with a zero balance, if any, may reflect actual amounts rounding to less than $0.1 million. A "—" indicates that the line item was not applicable in the corresponding period.
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Dividend Growth Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $18.53 | $0.11 | $1.64 | $1.75 | $(0.21 ) | $(0.33 ) | $— | $(0.54 ) |
8/31/2023 | $17.10 | $0.21 | $1.92 | $2.13 | $(0.25 ) | $(0.45 ) | $— | $(0.70 ) |
8/31/2022 | $19.68 | $0.21 | $(2.09 ) | $(1.88 ) | $(0.17 ) | $(0.53 ) | $— | $(0.70 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.76 | $0.17 | $4.97 | $5.14 | $(0.22 ) | $— | $— | $(0.22 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.81 | $0.21 | $1.94 | $2.15 | $(0.20 ) | $— | $— | $(0.20 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.93 | $0.21 | $(0.64 ) | $(0.43 ) | $(0.13 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.69 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $18.56 | $0.08 | $1.63 | $1.71 | $(0.14 ) | $(0.33 ) | $— | $(0.47 ) |
8/31/2023 | $17.13 | $0.15 | $1.92 | $2.07 | $(0.19 ) | $(0.45 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $19.68 | $0.15 | $(2.10 ) | $(1.95 ) | $(0.07 ) | $(0.53 ) | $— | $(0.60 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.76 | $0.10 | $4.99 | $5.09 | $(0.17 ) | $— | $— | $(0.17 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.81 | $0.16 | $1.93 | $2.09 | $(0.14 ) | $— | $— | $(0.14 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.93 | $0.16 | $(0.62 ) | $(0.46 ) | $(0.10 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.66 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $18.34 | $0.01 | $1.61 | $1.62 | $(0.01 ) | $(0.33 ) | $— | $(0.34 ) |
8/31/2023 | $16.92 | $0.02 | $1.91 | $1.93 | $(0.06 ) | $(0.45 ) | $— | $(0.51 ) |
8/31/2022 | $19.52 | $(0.00 ) | $(2.07 ) | $(2.07 ) | $— | $(0.53 ) | $— | $(0.53 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.65 | $(0.03 ) | $4.95 | $4.92 | $(0.05 ) | $— | $— | $(0.05 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.70 | $0.06 | $1.92 | $1.98 | $(0.03 ) | $— | $— | $(0.03 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.85 | $0.07 | $(0.63 ) | $(0.56 ) | $(0.03 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.59 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $18.56 | $0.12 | $1.64 | $1.76 | $(0.23 ) | $(0.33 ) | $— | $(0.56 ) |
8/31/2023 | $17.13 | $0.23 | $1.91 | $2.14 | $(0.26 ) | $(0.45 ) | $— | $(0.71 ) |
8/31/2022 | $19.70 | $0.23 | $(2.08 ) | $(1.85 ) | $(0.19 ) | $(0.53 ) | $— | $(0.72 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.77 | $0.18 | $4.99 | $5.17 | $(0.24 ) | $— | $— | $(0.24 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.82 | $0.21 | $1.95 | $2.16 | $(0.21 ) | $— | $— | $(0.21 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.93 | $0.22 | $(0.63 ) | $(0.41 ) | $(0.14 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.70 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
177
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $19.74 | 9.55 %e | $90.9 | 0.97 %f | 0.69 %f | 1.19 %f | 12 %e |
$— | $18.53 | 12.89 % | $82.4 | 1.02 % | 0.69 % | 1.22 % | 18 % |
$— | $17.10 | (9.99 )% | $67.8 | 1.04 % | 0.69 % | 1.13 % | 21 % |
$— | $19.68 | 35.18 % | $68.3 | 1.12 % | 0.70 % | 0.96 % | 32 % |
$— | $14.76 | 16.91 % | $49.3 | 1.17 % | 0.69 % | 1.57 % | 39 % |
$— | $12.81 | (2.45 )% | $51.3 | 1.20 % | 0.69 % | 1.63 % | 45 % |
$— | $19.80 | 9.32 %e | $2.1 | 1.39 %f | 1.05 %f | 0.83 %f | 12 %e |
$— | $18.56 | 12.51 % | $1.8 | 1.45 % | 1.05 % | 0.87 % | 18 % |
$— | $17.13 | (10.28 )% | $1.6 | 1.48 % | 1.05 % | 0.79 % | 21 % |
$— | $19.68 | 34.73 % | $1.4 | 1.59 % | 1.06 % | 0.60 % | 32 % |
$— | $14.76 | 16.41 % | $1.5 | 1.62 % | 1.05 % | 1.19 % | 39 % |
$— | $12.81 | (2.75 )% | $1.4 | 1.65 % | 1.05 % | 1.28 % | 45 % |
$— | $19.62 | 8.89 %e | $1.0 | 2.10 %f | 1.80 %f | 0.08 %f | 12 %e |
$— | $18.34 | 11.68 % | $1.1 | 2.14 % | 1.80 % | 0.11 % | 18 % |
$— | $16.92 | (10.96 )% | $0.9 | 2.16 % | 1.80 % | (0.02 )% | 21 % |
$— | $19.52 | 33.69 % | $1.3 | 2.25 % | 1.81 % | (0.16 )% | 32 % |
$— | $14.65 | 15.63 % | $2.5 | 2.28 % | 1.80 % | 0.44 % | 39 % |
$— | $12.70 | (3.55 )% | $2.7 | 2.32 % | 1.80 % | 0.51 % | 45 % |
$— | $19.76 | 9.58 %e | $0.1 | 1.05 %f | 0.59 %f | 1.30 %f | 12 %e |
$— | $18.56 | 12.98 % | $0.1 | 1.25 % | 0.59 % | 1.31 % | 18 % |
$— | $17.13 | (9.82 )% | $0.0 | 1.25 % | 0.59 % | 1.22 % | 21 % |
$— | $19.70 | 35.34 % | $0.0 | 1.42 % | 0.60 % | 1.06 % | 32 % |
$— | $14.77 | 16.98 % | $0.0 | 1.18 % | 0.59 % | 1.61 % | 39 % |
$— | $12.82 | (2.33 )% | $0.0 | 1.17 % | 0.60 % | 1.70 % | 45 % |
178
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Emerging Markets Equity Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $17.11 | $0.02 | $1.05 | $1.07 | $(0.23 ) | $— | $— | $(0.23 ) |
8/31/2023 | $17.66 | $0.20 | $(0.68 ) | $(0.48 ) | $(0.07 ) | $— | $— | $(0.07 ) |
8/31/2022 | $23.55 | $0.28 | $(5.93 ) | $(5.65 ) | $(0.24 ) | $— | $— | $(0.24 ) |
8/31/2021 | $20.37 | $0.06 | $3.20 | $3.26 | $(0.08 ) | $— | $— | $(0.08 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.76 | $0.28 | $1.70 | $1.98 | $(0.37 ) | $— | $— | $(0.37 ) |
8/31/2019 | $19.25 | $0.23 | $(0.54 ) | $(0.31 ) | $(0.18 ) | $— | $— | $(0.18 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $17.15 | $(0.01 ) | $1.07 | $1.06 | $(0.21 ) | $— | $— | $(0.21 ) |
8/31/2023 | $17.70 | $0.18 | $(0.70 ) | $(0.52 ) | $(0.03 ) | $— | $— | $(0.03 ) |
8/31/2022 | $23.60 | $0.22 | $(5.95 ) | $(5.73 ) | $(0.17 ) | $— | $— | $(0.17 ) |
8/31/2021 | $20.43 | $(0.01 ) | $3.21 | $3.20 | $(0.03 ) | $— | $— | $(0.03 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.82 | $0.24 | $1.69 | $1.93 | $(0.32 ) | $— | $— | $(0.32 ) |
8/31/2019i | $19.26 | $0.17 | $(0.52 ) | $(0.35 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $— | $(0.09 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $16.84 | $(0.07 ) | $1.06 | $0.99 | $(0.09 ) | $— | $— | $(0.09 ) |
8/31/2023 | $17.49 | $0.02 | $(0.67 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $23.43 | $0.07 | $(5.90 ) | $(5.83 ) | $(0.11 ) | $— | $— | $(0.11 ) |
8/31/2021 | $20.40 | $(0.18 ) | $3.21 | $3.03 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2020 | $18.77 | $0.10 | $1.68 | $1.78 | $(0.15 ) | $— | $— | $(0.15 ) |
8/31/2019i | $19.25 | $0.03 | $(0.51 ) | $(0.48 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $17.04 | $(0.04 ) | $1.06 | $1.02 | $(0.16 ) | $— | $— | $(0.16 ) |
8/31/2023 | $17.62 | $0.10 | $(0.68 ) | $(0.58 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $23.56 | $0.14 | $(5.94 ) | $(5.80 ) | $(0.14 ) | $— | $— | $(0.14 ) |
8/31/2021 | $20.45 | $(0.11 ) | $3.22 | $3.11 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2020 | $18.83 | $0.16 | $1.69 | $1.85 | $(0.23 ) | $— | $— | $(0.23 ) |
8/31/2019i | $19.26 | $0.09 | $(0.51 ) | $(0.42 ) | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $17.11 | $0.02 | $1.06 | $1.08 | $(0.25 ) | $— | $— | $(0.25 ) |
8/31/2023 | $17.66 | $0.22 | $(0.68 ) | $(0.46 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $— | $(0.09 ) |
8/31/2022 | $23.56 | $0.30 | $(5.93 ) | $(5.63 ) | $(0.27 ) | $— | $— | $(0.27 ) |
8/31/2021 | $20.38 | $0.10 | $3.19 | $3.29 | $(0.11 ) | $— | $— | $(0.11 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.77 | $0.30 | $1.71 | $2.01 | $(0.40 ) | $— | $— | $(0.40 ) |
8/31/2019i | $19.25 | $0.27 | $(0.56 ) | $(0.29 ) | $(0.19 ) | $— | $— | $(0.19 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
179
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $17.95 | 6.34 %e | $235.4 | 1.41 %f | 1.16 %f,g | 0.21 %f | 65 %e |
$— | $17.11 | (2.69 )% | $453.5 | 1.34 % | 1.27 % | 1.20 % | 58 % |
$— | $17.66 | (24.20 )% | $652.5 | 1.23 % | 1.23 % | 1.37 % | 39 % |
$— | $23.55 | 16.04 % | $972.1 | 1.23 % | 1.23 %h | 0.25 % | 47 % |
$— | $20.37 | 10.59 % | $854.6 | 1.25 % | 1.25 %h | 1.45 % | 41 % |
$— | $18.76 | (1.56 )% | $1,077.0 | 1.25 % | 1.25 %h | 1.22 % | 37 % |
$— | $18.00 | 6.25 %e | $20.5 | 1.79 %f | 1.41 %f,g | (0.10 )%f | 65 %e |
$— | $17.15 | (2.91 )% | $19.3 | 1.70 % | 1.52 % | 1.05 % | 58 % |
$— | $17.70 | (24.42 )% | $18.9 | 1.59 % | 1.50 % | 1.08 % | 39 % |
$— | $23.60 | 15.68 % | $32.2 | 1.57 % | 1.50 % | (0.03 )% | 47 % |
$— | $20.43 | 10.28 % | $31.7 | 1.60 % | 1.50 % | 1.27 % | 41 % |
$— | $18.82 | (1.77 )% | $44.6 | 1.62 % | 1.50 % | 0.91 % | 37 % |
$— | $17.74 | 5.89 %e | $1.5 | 2.53 %f | 2.16 %f,g | (0.83 )%f | 65 %e |
$— | $16.84 | (3.72 )% | $1.9 | 2.44 % | 2.27 % | 0.14 % | 58 % |
$— | $17.49 | (24.97 )% | $3.5 | 2.33 % | 2.25 % | 0.32 % | 39 % |
$— | $23.43 | 14.85 % | $6.6 | 2.31 % | 2.25 % | (0.78 )% | 47 % |
$— | $20.40 | 9.47 % | $6.1 | 2.33 % | 2.25 % | 0.53 % | 41 % |
$— | $18.77 | (2.50 )% | $9.1 | 2.35 % | 2.25 % | 0.18 % | 37 % |
$— | $17.90 | 6.02 %e | $0.6 | 2.17 %f | 1.82 %f,g | (0.51 )%f | 65 %e |
$— | $17.04 | (3.29 )% | $0.6 | 2.08 % | 1.93 % | 0.59 % | 58 % |
$— | $17.62 | (24.73 )% | $0.7 | 1.94 % | 1.91 % | 0.70 % | 39 % |
$— | $23.56 | 15.21 % | $0.8 | 1.91 % | 1.91 %h | (0.47 )% | 47 % |
$— | $20.45 | 9.85 % | $0.8 | 1.97 % | 1.91 % | 0.81 % | 41 % |
$— | $18.83 | (2.19 )% | $1.0 | 1.94 % | 1.91 % | 0.50 % | 37 % |
$— | $17.94 | 6.40 %e | $37.8 | 1.27 %f | 1.06 %f,g | 0.29 %f | 65 %e |
$— | $17.11 | (2.57 )% | $114.9 | 1.22 % | 1.17 % | 1.31 % | 58 % |
$— | $17.66 | (24.13 )% | $150.9 | 1.11 % | 1.11 % | 1.47 % | 39 % |
$— | $23.56 | 16.17 % | $291.7 | 1.10 % | 1.10 %h | 0.43 % | 47 % |
$— | $20.38 | 10.72 % | $194.2 | 1.15 % | 1.15 %h | 1.58 % | 41 % |
$— | $18.77 | (1.45 )% | $219.1 | 1.16 % | 1.16 %h | 1.42 % | 37 % |
180
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Equity Income Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.82 | $0.14 | $0.52 | $0.66 | $(0.13 ) | $(0.50 ) | $— | $(0.63 ) |
8/31/2023 | $13.50 | $0.34 | $(0.03 ) | $0.31 | $(0.33 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.99 ) |
8/31/2022 | $15.01 | $0.34 | $(0.27 ) | $0.07 | $(0.33 ) | $(1.25 ) | $— | $(1.58 ) |
8/31/2021 | $12.42 | $0.31 | $2.58 | $2.89 | $(0.30 ) | $— | $— | $(0.30 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.98 | $0.29 | $(0.11 ) | $0.18 | $(0.32 ) | $(0.42 ) | $— | $(0.74 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.53 | $0.33 | $0.00 | $0.33 | $(0.32 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.88 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.76 | $0.11 | $0.52 | $0.63 | $(0.11 ) | $(0.50 ) | $— | $(0.61 ) |
8/31/2023 | $13.44 | $0.29 | $(0.03 ) | $0.26 | $(0.28 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.94 ) |
8/31/2022 | $14.95 | $0.28 | $(0.26 ) | $0.02 | $(0.28 ) | $(1.25 ) | $— | $(1.53 ) |
8/31/2021 | $12.37 | $0.27 | $2.56 | $2.83 | $(0.25 ) | $— | $— | $(0.25 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.93 | $0.24 | $(0.10 ) | $0.14 | $(0.28 ) | $(0.42 ) | $— | $(0.70 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.48 | $0.28 | $0.01 | $0.29 | $(0.28 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.84 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.67 | $0.07 | $0.52 | $0.59 | $(0.06 ) | $(0.50 ) | $— | $(0.56 ) |
8/31/2023 | $13.35 | $0.19 | $(0.03 ) | $0.16 | $(0.18 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.84 ) |
8/31/2022 | $14.85 | $0.17 | $(0.25 ) | $(0.08 ) | $(0.17 ) | $(1.25 ) | $— | $(1.42 ) |
8/31/2021 | $12.28 | $0.16 | $2.55 | $2.71 | $(0.14 ) | $— | $— | $(0.14 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.83 | $0.15 | $(0.10 ) | $0.05 | $(0.18 ) | $(0.42 ) | $— | $(0.60 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.38 | $0.18 | $0.01 | $0.19 | $(0.18 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.74 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.75 | $0.10 | $0.52 | $0.62 | $(0.09 ) | $(0.50 ) | $— | $(0.59 ) |
8/31/2023 | $13.44 | $0.25 | $(0.03 ) | $0.22 | $(0.25 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.91 ) |
8/31/2022 | $14.94 | $0.24 | $(0.26 ) | $(0.02 ) | $(0.23 ) | $(1.25 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) |
8/31/2021 | $12.34 | $0.22 | $2.57 | $2.79 | $(0.19 ) | $— | $— | $(0.19 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.90 | $0.21 | $(0.11 ) | $0.10 | $(0.24 ) | $(0.42 ) | $— | $(0.66 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.45 | $0.24 | $0.01 | $0.25 | $(0.24 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.80 ) |
Class E | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.83 | $0.18 | $0.51 | $0.69 | $(0.17 ) | $(0.50 ) | $— | $(0.67 ) |
8/31/2023 | $13.51 | $0.43 | $(0.03 ) | $0.40 | $(0.42 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(1.08 ) |
Period from 1/11/2022j to 8/31/2022 | $14.55 | $0.29 | $(1.11 ) | $(0.82 ) | $(0.22 ) | $— | $— | $(0.22 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
181
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $12.85 | 5.29 %e | $659.4 | 0.73 %f | 0.73 %f | 2.21 %f | 15 %e |
$— | $12.82 | 2.46 % | $710.9 | 0.72 % | 0.72 % | 2.63 % | 30 % |
$— | $13.50 | 0.12 % | $834.8 | 0.71 % | 0.71 % | 2.35 % | 44 % |
$— | $15.01 | 23.62 % | $898.6 | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 2.28 % | 35 % |
$— | $12.42 | 1.53 % | $994.9 | 0.69 % | 0.69 % | 2.35 % | 56 % |
$— | $12.98 | 3.06 % | $1,147.4 | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 2.58 % | 37 % |
$— | $12.78 | 5.04 %e | $152.9 | 1.09 %f | 1.09 %f | 1.85 %f | 15 %e |
$— | $12.76 | 2.09 % | $157.8 | 1.08 % | 1.08 % | 2.26 % | 30 % |
$— | $13.44 | (0.26 )% | $170.7 | 1.07 % | 1.07 % | 1.98 % | 44 % |
$— | $14.95 | 23.19 % | $186.8 | 1.06 % | 1.06 % | 1.93 % | 35 % |
$— | $12.37 | 1.14 % | $153.1 | 1.06 % | 1.06 % | 1.99 % | 56 % |
$— | $12.93 | 2.68 % | $142.7 | 1.06 % | 1.06 % | 2.17 % | 37 % |
$— | $12.70 | 4.74 %e | $45.7 | 1.84 %f | 1.84 %f | 1.09 %f | 15 %e |
$— | $12.67 | 1.28 % | $52.5 | 1.83 % | 1.83 % | 1.52 % | 30 % |
$— | $13.35 | (0.98 )% | $67.5 | 1.82 % | 1.82 % | 1.22 % | 44 % |
$— | $14.85 | 22.26 % | $83.3 | 1.81 % | 1.81 % | 1.15 % | 35 % |
$— | $12.28 | 0.38 % | $101.1 | 1.81 % | 1.81 % | 1.24 % | 56 % |
$— | $12.83 | 1.91 % | $178.5 | 1.81 % | 1.81 % | 1.45 % | 37 % |
$— | $12.78 | 4.98 %e | $0.7 | 1.38 %f | 1.38 %f | 1.60 %f | 15 %e |
$— | $12.75 | 1.73 % | $0.6 | 1.37 % | 1.37 % | 1.97 % | 30 % |
$— | $13.44 | (0.51 )% | $0.5 | 1.38 % | 1.38 % | 1.66 % | 44 % |
$— | $14.94 | 22.82 % | $0.6 | 1.34 % | 1.34 % | 1.61 % | 35 % |
$— | $12.34 | 0.82 % | $1.6 | 1.33 % | 1.33 % | 1.71 % | 56 % |
$— | $12.90 | 2.40 % | $1.9 | 1.34 % | 1.34 % | 1.91 % | 37 % |
$— | $12.85 | 5.57 %e | $35.3 | 0.58 %f | 0.06 %f | 2.88 %f | 15 %e |
$— | $12.83 | 3.17 % | $32.8 | 0.57 % | 0.06 % | 3.28 % | 30 % |
$— | $13.51 | (5.66 )% | $32.0 | 0.57 %f | 0.06 %f | 3.16 %f | 44 %e,k |
182
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Focus Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $23.56 | $0.03 | $3.66 | $3.69 | $(0.15 ) | $— | $— | $(0.15 ) |
8/31/2023 | $21.08 | $0.09 | $2.40 | $2.49 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
8/31/2022 | $35.97 | $(0.00 ) | $(9.12 ) | $(9.12 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) |
8/31/2021 | $28.76 | $0.01 | $8.80 | $8.81 | $— | $(1.60 ) | $— | $(1.60 ) |
8/31/2020 | $25.74 | $0.03 | $6.22 | $6.25 | $(0.17 ) | $(3.06 ) | $— | $(3.23 ) |
8/31/2019 | $28.69 | $0.13 | $(1.06 ) | $(0.93 ) | $(0.10 ) | $(1.92 ) | $— | $(2.02 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $23.40 | $0.01 | $3.64 | $3.65 | $(0.10 ) | $— | $— | $(0.10 ) |
8/31/2023 | $20.97 | $0.05 | $2.38 | $2.43 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $35.88 | $(0.06 ) | $(9.08 ) | $(9.14 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) |
8/31/2021 | $28.75 | $(0.05 ) | $8.78 | $8.73 | $— | $(1.60 ) | $— | $(1.60 ) |
8/31/2020 | $25.71 | $(0.01 ) | $6.20 | $6.19 | $(0.09 ) | $(3.06 ) | $— | $(3.15 ) |
8/31/2019 | $28.66 | $0.08 | $(1.05 ) | $(0.97 ) | $(0.06 ) | $(1.92 ) | $— | $(1.98 ) |
Advisor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $23.25 | $(0.04 ) | $3.62 | $3.58 | $(0.03 ) | $— | $— | $(0.03 ) |
8/31/2023 | $20.88 | $0.01 | $2.36 | $2.37 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $35.80 | $(0.10 ) | $(9.05 ) | $(9.15 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) |
8/31/2021 | $28.75 | $(0.12 ) | $8.77 | $8.65 | $— | $(1.60 ) | $— | $(1.60 ) |
8/31/2020 | $25.69 | $(0.05 ) | $6.19 | $6.14 | $(0.02 ) | $(3.06 ) | $— | $(3.08 ) |
8/31/2019 | $28.62 | $0.04 | $(1.05 ) | $(1.01 ) | $— | $(1.92 ) | $— | $(1.92 ) |
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $23.65 | $0.05 | $3.67 | $3.72 | $(0.18 ) | $— | $— | $(0.18 ) |
8/31/2023 | $21.17 | $0.13 | $2.40 | $2.53 | $(0.05 ) | $— | $— | $(0.05 ) |
8/31/2022 | $36.05 | $0.05 | $(9.16 ) | $(9.11 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) |
8/31/2021 | $28.78 | $0.06 | $8.81 | $8.87 | $— | $(1.60 ) | $— | $(1.60 ) |
8/31/2020 | $25.79 | $0.07 | $6.22 | $6.29 | $(0.24 ) | $(3.06 ) | $— | $(3.30 ) |
8/31/2019 | $28.72 | $0.17 | $(1.05 ) | $(0.88 ) | $(0.13 ) | $(1.92 ) | $— | $(2.05 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $23.37 | $0.00 | $3.64 | $3.64 | $(0.10 ) | $— | $— | $(0.10 ) |
8/31/2023 | $20.94 | $0.06 | $2.37 | $2.43 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $35.84 | $(0.06 ) | $(9.07 ) | $(9.13 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) |
8/31/2021 | $28.73 | $(0.06 ) | $8.77 | $8.71 | $— | $(1.60 ) | $— | $(1.60 ) |
8/31/2020 | $25.69 | $(0.02 ) | $6.20 | $6.18 | $(0.08 ) | $(3.06 ) | $— | $(3.14 ) |
8/31/2019 | $28.65 | $0.08 | $(1.05 ) | $(0.97 ) | $(0.07 ) | $(1.92 ) | $— | $(1.99 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
183
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $27.10 | 15.71 %e | $626.7 | 0.90 %f | 0.90 %f | 0.25 %f | 14 %e |
$— | $23.56 | 11.82 % | $567.7 | 0.91 % | 0.91 % | 0.43 % | 78 % |
$— | $21.08 | (29.67 )% | $553.0 | 0.89 % | 0.89 % | (0.00 )% | 176 % |
$— | $35.97 | 32.06 % | $865.3 | 0.88 % | 0.88 % | 0.03 % | 123 % |
$— | $28.76 | 26.17 % | $700.6 | 0.92 % | 0.92 % | 0.14 % | 130 % |
$— | $25.74 | (2.35 )% | $617.6 | 0.92 % | 0.92 % | 0.50 % | 20 % |
$— | $26.95 | 15.62 %e | $32.9 | 1.11 %f | 1.11 %f | 0.04 %f | 14 %e |
$— | $23.40 | 11.59 % | $30.5 | 1.11 % | 1.11 % | 0.22 % | 78 % |
$— | $20.97 | (29.82 )% | $31.9 | 1.10 % | 1.10 % | (0.21 )% | 176 % |
$— | $35.88 | 31.78 % | $53.4 | 1.09 % | 1.09 % | (0.18 )% | 123 % |
$— | $28.75 | 25.90 % | $47.0 | 1.10 % | 1.10 % | (0.04 )% | 130 % |
$— | $25.71 | (2.52 )% | $46.4 | 1.10 % | 1.10 % | 0.32 % | 20 % |
$— | $26.80 | 15.40 %e | $1.0 | 1.50 %f | 1.50 %f | (0.36 )%f | 14 %e |
$— | $23.25 | 11.35 % | $1.0 | 1.34 % | 1.34 % | 0.03 % | 78 % |
$— | $20.88 | (29.93 )% | $1.0 | 1.25 % | 1.25 % | (0.35 )% | 176 % |
$— | $35.80 | 31.49 % | $2.1 | 1.29 % | 1.29 % | (0.38 )% | 123 % |
$— | $28.75 | 25.70 % | $1.9 | 1.27 % | 1.27 % | (0.22 )% | 130 % |
$— | $25.69 | (2.68 )% | $1.6 | 1.27 % | 1.27 % | 0.14 % | 20 % |
$— | $27.19 | 15.81 %e | $19.5 | 0.75 %f | 0.75 %f,h | 0.40 %f | 14 %e |
$— | $23.65 | 11.96 % | $18.7 | 0.76 % | 0.75 % | 0.58 % | 78 % |
$— | $21.17 | (29.57 )% | $19.0 | 0.75 % | 0.75 % | 0.18 % | 176 % |
$— | $36.05 | 32.25 % | $26.8 | 0.74 % | 0.74 %h | 0.17 % | 123 % |
$— | $28.78 | 26.32 % | $14.1 | 0.75 % | 0.75 % | 0.26 % | 130 % |
$— | $25.79 | (2.15 )% | $8.9 | 0.76 % | 0.75 % | 0.67 % | 20 % |
$— | $26.91 | 15.60 %e | $2.7 | 1.13 %f | 1.11 %f | 0.04 %f | 14 %e |
$— | $23.37 | 11.60 % | $2.6 | 1.14 % | 1.11 % | 0.26 % | 78 % |
$— | $20.94 | (29.83 )% | $2.1 | 1.13 % | 1.11 % | (0.21 )% | 176 % |
$— | $35.84 | 31.73 % | $2.9 | 1.11 % | 1.11 %h | (0.19 )% | 123 % |
$— | $28.73 | 25.90 % | $3.0 | 1.12 % | 1.11 % | (0.06 )% | 130 % |
$— | $25.69 | (2.51 )% | $2.7 | 1.12 % | 1.11 % | 0.32 % | 20 % |
184
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Focus Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $22.34 | $(0.08 ) | $3.47 | $3.39 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $20.17 | $(0.10 ) | $2.27 | $2.17 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $34.97 | $(0.27 ) | $(8.76 ) | $(9.03 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) | $— | $(5.77 ) |
8/31/2021 | $28.27 | $(0.30 ) | $8.60 | $8.30 | $— | $(1.60 ) | $— | $(1.60 ) |
8/31/2020 | $25.42 | $(0.20 ) | $6.11 | $5.91 | $— | $(3.06 ) | $— | $(3.06 ) |
8/31/2019 | $28.50 | $(0.11 ) | $(1.05 ) | $(1.16 ) | $— | $(1.92 ) | $— | $(1.92 ) |
Genesis Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $60.75 | $0.02 | $3.04 | $3.06 | $(0.03 ) | $(1.82 ) | $— | $(1.85 ) |
8/31/2023 | $61.48 | $0.06 | $5.22 | $5.28 | $— | $(6.01 ) | $— | $(6.01 ) |
8/31/2022 | $80.18 | $(0.08 ) | $(10.47 ) | $(10.55 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) |
8/31/2021 | $62.74 | $(0.11 ) | $20.25 | $20.14 | $— | $(2.70 ) | $— | $(2.70 ) |
8/31/2020 | $58.54 | $0.02 | $7.59 | $7.61 | $(0.03 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.41 ) |
8/31/2019 | $65.27 | $0.05 | $(0.91 ) | $(0.86 ) | $(0.03 ) | $(5.84 ) | $— | $(5.87 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $60.52 | $(0.00 ) | $3.01 | $3.01 | $(0.01 ) | $(1.82 ) | $— | $(1.83 ) |
8/31/2023 | $61.33 | $0.00 | $5.20 | $5.20 | $— | $(6.01 ) | $— | $(6.01 ) |
8/31/2022 | $80.07 | $(0.14 ) | $(10.45 ) | $(10.59 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) |
8/31/2021 | $62.71 | $(0.18 ) | $20.24 | $20.06 | $— | $(2.70 ) | $— | $(2.70 ) |
8/31/2020 | $58.54 | $(0.03 ) | $7.59 | $7.56 | $(0.01 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.39 ) |
8/31/2019 | $65.30 | $(0.00 ) | $(0.91 ) | $(0.91 ) | $(0.01 ) | $(5.84 ) | $— | $(5.85 ) |
Advisor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $59.50 | $(0.08 ) | $2.96 | $2.88 | $— | $(1.82 ) | $— | $(1.82 ) |
8/31/2023 | $60.53 | $(0.14 ) | $5.12 | $4.98 | $— | $(6.01 ) | $— | $(6.01 ) |
8/31/2022 | $79.33 | $(0.31 ) | $(10.34 ) | $(10.65 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) |
8/31/2021 | $62.31 | $(0.36 ) | $20.08 | $19.72 | $— | $(2.70 ) | $— | $(2.70 ) |
8/31/2020 | $58.32 | $(0.18 ) | $7.55 | $7.37 | $— | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.38 ) |
8/31/2019 | $65.23 | $(0.15 ) | $(0.92 ) | $(1.07 ) | $— | $(5.84 ) | $— | $(5.84 ) |
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $60.91 | $0.07 | $3.04 | $3.11 | $(0.10 ) | $(1.82 ) | $— | $(1.92 ) |
8/31/2023 | $61.58 | $0.15 | $5.23 | $5.38 | $(0.05 ) | $(6.00 ) | $— | $(6.05 ) |
8/31/2022 | $80.18 | $0.03 | $(10.48 ) | $(10.45 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) |
8/31/2021 | $62.66 | $0.00 | $20.24 | $20.24 | $(0.02 ) | $(2.70 ) | $— | $(2.72 ) |
8/31/2020 | $58.48 | $0.11 | $7.58 | $7.69 | $(0.13 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.51 ) |
8/31/2019 | $65.24 | $0.14 | $(0.92 ) | $(0.78 ) | $(0.14 ) | $(5.84 ) | $— | $(5.98 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
185
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $25.73 | 15.17 %e | $0.3 | 1.94 %f | 1.86 %f | (0.71 )%f | 14 %e |
$— | $22.34 | 10.76 % | $0.2 | 1.95 % | 1.86 % | (0.47 )% | 78 % |
$— | $20.17 | (30.35 )% | $0.3 | 1.91 % | 1.86 % | (1.01 )% | 176 % |
$— | $34.97 | 30.76 % | $0.7 | 1.89 % | 1.86 % | (1.00 )% | 123 % |
$— | $28.27 | 24.96 % | $1.4 | 1.87 % | 1.86 % | (0.81 )% | 130 % |
$— | $25.42 | (3.25 )% | $1.2 | 1.88 % | 1.86 % | (0.43 )% | 20 % |
$— | $61.96 | 5.13 %e | $1,708.4 | 0.99 %f | 0.99 %f | 0.08 %f | 5 %e |
$— | $60.75 | 9.64 % | $1,663.4 | 0.99 % | 0.99 % | 0.10 % | 17 % |
$— | $61.48 | (14.63 )% | $1,664.6 | 0.99 % | 0.99 % | (0.11 )% | 12 % |
$— | $80.18 | 32.89 % | $2,106.8 | 0.99 % | 0.99 % | (0.15 )% | 12 % |
$— | $62.74 | 13.48 % | $1,677.3 | 1.01 % | 1.01 % | 0.03 % | 11 % |
$— | $58.54 | 0.53 % | $1,649.3 | 1.01 % | 1.01 % | 0.08 % | 14 % |
$— | $61.70 | 5.07 %e | $1,038.5 | 1.09 %f | 1.09 %f | (0.01 )%f | 5 %e |
$— | $60.52 | 9.52 % | $1,036.4 | 1.09 % | 1.09 % | 0.00 % | 17 % |
$— | $61.33 | (14.71 )% | $1,008.4 | 1.09 % | 1.09 % | (0.21 )% | 12 % |
$— | $80.07 | 32.77 % | $1,349.7 | 1.09 % | 1.09 % | (0.25 )% | 12 % |
$— | $62.71 | 13.38 % | $1,239.6 | 1.09 % | 1.09 % | (0.06 )% | 11 % |
$— | $58.54 | 0.43 % | $1,409.3 | 1.10 % | 1.10 % | (0.01 )% | 14 % |
$— | $60.56 | 4.94 %e | $97.1 | 1.34 %f | 1.34 %f | (0.27 )%f | 5 %e |
$— | $59.50 | 9.27 % | $102.1 | 1.34 % | 1.34 % | (0.25 )% | 17 % |
$— | $60.53 | (14.93 )% | $108.6 | 1.34 % | 1.34 % | (0.46 )% | 12 % |
$— | $79.33 | 32.43 % | $148.2 | 1.34 % | 1.34 % | (0.50 )% | 12 % |
$— | $62.31 | 13.10 % | $131.3 | 1.35 % | 1.35 % | (0.31 )% | 11 % |
$— | $58.32 | 0.18 % | $157.0 | 1.35 % | 1.35 % | (0.26 )% | 14 % |
$— | $62.10 | 5.20 %e | $2,559.6 | 0.84 %f | 0.84 %f | 0.24 %f | 5 %e |
$— | $60.91 | 9.82 % | $2,533.4 | 0.84 % | 0.84 % | 0.25 % | 17 % |
$— | $61.58 | (14.50 )% | $2,569.7 | 0.84 % | 0.84 % | 0.04 % | 12 % |
$— | $80.18 | 33.11 % | $3,551.7 | 0.84 % | 0.84 % | 0.00 % | 12 % |
$— | $62.66 | 13.65 % | $3,032.9 | 0.84 % | 0.84 % | 0.19 % | 11 % |
$— | $58.48 | 0.69 % | $2,809.8 | 0.85 % | 0.85 % | 0.25 % | 14 % |
186
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Genesis Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $60.90 | $0.10 | $3.03 | $3.13 | $(0.17 ) | $(1.82 ) | $— | $(1.99 ) |
8/31/2023 | $61.61 | $0.21 | $5.23 | $5.44 | $(0.15 ) | $(6.00 ) | $— | $(6.15 ) |
8/31/2022 | $80.14 | $0.10 | $(10.48 ) | $(10.38 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) | $— | $(8.15 ) |
8/31/2021 | $62.62 | $0.07 | $20.23 | $20.30 | $(0.08 ) | $(2.70 ) | $— | $(2.78 ) |
8/31/2020 | $58.45 | $0.16 | $7.58 | $7.74 | $(0.19 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.57 ) |
8/31/2019 | $65.23 | $0.19 | $(0.93 ) | $(0.74 ) | $(0.20 ) | $(5.84 ) | $— | $(6.04 ) |
Class E | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $61.15 | $0.31 | $3.05 | $3.36 | $(0.59 ) | $(1.82 ) | $— | $(2.41 ) |
8/31/2023 | $61.89 | $0.63 | $5.23 | $5.86 | $(0.60 ) | $(6.00 ) | $— | $(6.60 ) |
Period from 1/11/2022j to 8/31/2022 | $71.07 | $0.35 | $(9.53 ) | $(9.18 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
International Equity Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.13 | $0.03 l | $0.73 | $0.76 | $(0.24 ) | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.29 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.13 | $0.16 | $1.42 | $1.58 | $(0.09 ) | $(0.49 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.18 | $0.15 | $(4.43 ) | $(4.28 ) | $(0.14 ) | $(1.63 ) | $— | $(1.77 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.04 | $0.11 | $3.72 | $3.83 | $(0.09 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.69 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.47 | $0.06 | $1.84 | $1.90 | $(0.12 ) | $(0.22 ) | $— | $(0.34 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.16 | $0.11 | $(0.68 ) | $(0.57 ) | $(0.09 ) | $(0.03 ) | $— | $(0.12 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.13 | $0.03 l | $0.72 | $0.75 | $(0.22 ) | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.27 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.13 | $0.15 | $1.43 | $1.58 | $(0.09 ) | $(0.49 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.18 | $0.14 | $(4.43 ) | $(4.29 ) | $(0.13 ) | $(1.63 ) | $— | $(1.76 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.04 | $0.09 | $3.73 | $3.82 | $(0.08 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.68 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.46 | $0.05 | $1.85 | $1.90 | $(0.11 ) | $(0.22 ) | $— | $(0.33 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.16 | $0.10 | $(0.69 ) | $(0.59 ) | $(0.08 ) | $(0.03 ) | $— | $(0.11 ) |
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.16 | $0.05 l | $0.72 | $0.77 | $(0.27 ) | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.32 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.14 | $0.19 | $1.43 | $1.62 | $(0.11 ) | $(0.49 ) | $— | $(0.60 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.20 | $0.18 | $(4.43 ) | $(4.25 ) | $(0.18 ) | $(1.63 ) | $— | $(1.81 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.06 | $0.14 | $3.72 | $3.86 | $(0.12 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.72 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.48 | $0.09 | $1.85 | $1.94 | $(0.15 ) | $(0.22 ) | $— | $(0.37 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.18 | $0.13 | $(0.67 ) | $(0.54 ) | $(0.13 ) | $(0.03 ) | $— | $(0.16 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
187
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $62.04 | 5.25 %e | $4,726.5 | 0.74 %f | 0.74 %f | 0.34 %f | 5 %e |
$— | $60.90 | 9.92 % | $4,566.4 | 0.74 % | 0.74 % | 0.35 % | 17 % |
$— | $61.61 | (14.41 )% | $4,463.8 | 0.74 % | 0.74 % | 0.14 % | 12 % |
$— | $80.14 | 33.23 % | $5,744.7 | 0.74 % | 0.74 % | 0.09 % | 12 % |
$— | $62.62 | 13.74 % | $4,420.9 | 0.75 % | 0.75 %h | 0.28 % | 11 % |
$— | $58.45 | 0.80 % | $4,221.1 | 0.75 % | 0.75 % | 0.34 % | 14 % |
$— | $62.10 | 5.63 %e | $157.5 | 0.69 %f | 0.02 %f | 1.05 %f | 5 %e |
$— | $61.15 | 10.70 % | $146.3 | 0.69 % | 0.03 % | 1.06 % | 17 % |
$— | $61.89 | (12.92 )% | $134.0 | 0.70 %f | 0.03 %f | 0.86 %f | 12 %e,k |
$— | $12.60 | 6.34 %e,m | $71.9 | 1.30 %f | 1.15 %f | 0.58 %f,l | 26 %e |
$— | $12.13 | 14.72 % | $71.2 | 1.21 % | 1.07 % | 1.41 % | 41 % |
$— | $11.13 | (27.43 )% | $67.5 | 1.19 % | 1.09 % | 1.09 % | 49 % |
$— | $17.18 | 28.24 % | $102.9 | 1.16 % | 1.06 % | 0.70 % | 26 % |
$0.01 | $14.04 | 15.39 %n | $92.8 | 1.19 % | 1.08 % | 0.43 % | 45 % |
$— | $12.47 | (4.23 )% | $93.3 | 1.22 % | 1.13 % | 0.87 % | 34 % |
$— | $12.61 | 6.31 %e,m | $22.3 | 1.37 %f | 1.22 %f | 0.51 %f,l | 26 %e |
$— | $12.13 | 14.66 % | $22.2 | 1.28 % | 1.14 % | 1.32 % | 41 % |
$— | $11.13 | (27.49 )% | $21.8 | 1.26 % | 1.16 % | 1.04 % | 49 % |
$— | $17.18 | 28.17 % | $32.4 | 1.24 % | 1.14 % | 0.61 % | 26 % |
$0.01 | $14.04 | 15.41 %n | $28.7 | 1.23 % | 1.13 % | 0.40 % | 45 % |
$— | $12.46 | (4.35 )% | $30.1 | 1.26 % | 1.17 % | 0.80 % | 34 % |
$— | $12.61 | 6.40 %e,m | $836.9 | 1.10 %f | 0.94 %f | 0.79 %f,l | 26 %e |
$— | $12.16 | 15.09 % | $870.5 | 1.03 % | 0.86 % | 1.59 % | 41 % |
$— | $11.14 | (27.29 )% | $953.7 | 1.00 % | 0.87 % | 1.30 % | 49 % |
$— | $17.20 | 28.45 % | $1,654.0 | 0.98 % | 0.86 % | 0.92 % | 26 % |
$0.01 | $14.06 | 15.74 %n | $1,319.0 | 0.98 % | 0.85 % | 0.71 % | 45 % |
$— | $12.48 | (3.95 )% | $1,518.8 | 1.00 % | 0.85 % | 1.08 % | 34 % |
188
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
International Equity Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.17 | $0.03 l | $0.72 | $0.75 | $(0.21 ) | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.26 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.17 | $0.14 | $1.43 | $1.57 | $(0.08 ) | $(0.49 ) | $— | $(0.57 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.16 | $0.13 | $(4.44 ) | $(4.31 ) | $(0.05 ) | $(1.63 ) | $— | $(1.68 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.03 | $0.08 | $3.73 | $3.81 | $(0.08 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.68 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.46 | $0.04 | $1.85 | $1.89 | $(0.11 ) | $(0.22 ) | $— | $(0.33 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.15 | $0.09 | $(0.67 ) | $(0.58 ) | $(0.08 ) | $(0.03 ) | $— | $(0.11 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $11.95 | $(0.02 )l | $0.72 | $0.70 | $(0.07 ) | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.12 ) |
8/31/2023 | $10.99 | $0.05 | $1.42 | $1.47 | $(0.02 ) | $(0.49 ) | $— | $(0.51 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.00 | $0.03 | $(4.39 ) | $(4.36 ) | $(0.02 ) | $(1.63 ) | $— | $(1.65 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.94 | $(0.03 ) | $3.69 | $3.66 | $— | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.60 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.39 | $(0.06 ) | $1.83 | $1.77 | $(0.01 ) | $(0.22 ) | $— | $(0.23 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.09 | $(0.00 ) | $(0.67 ) | $(0.67 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(0.03 ) | $— | $(0.03 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.18 | $0.05 l | $0.72 | $0.77 | $(0.30 ) | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.35 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.16 | $0.21 | $1.42 | $1.63 | $(0.12 ) | $(0.49 ) | $— | $(0.61 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.22 | $0.19 | $(4.43 ) | $(4.24 ) | $(0.19 ) | $(1.63 ) | $— | $(1.82 ) |
8/31/2021 | $14.08 | $0.15 | $3.73 | $3.88 | $(0.14 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.74 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.49 | $0.10 | $1.87 | $1.97 | $(0.17 ) | $(0.22 ) | $— | $(0.39 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.20 | $0.16 | $(0.70 ) | $(0.54 ) | $(0.14 ) | $(0.03 ) | $— | $(0.17 ) |
Class E | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.25 | $0.10 l | $0.73 | $0.83 | $(0.43 ) | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.20 | $0.29 | $1.43 | $1.72 | $(0.18 ) | $(0.49 ) | $— | $(0.67 ) |
Period from 1/11/2022j to 8/31/2022 | $14.79 | $0.19 | $(3.78 ) | $(3.59 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
International Select Fund | ||||||||
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.63 | $0.01 | $0.79 | $0.80 | $(0.19 ) | $(0.14 ) | $— | $(0.33 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.58 | $0.16 | $1.45 | $1.61 | $(0.10 ) | $(0.46 ) | $— | $(0.56 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.62 | $0.16 | $(4.49 ) | $(4.33 ) | $(0.09 ) | $(1.62 ) | $— | $(1.71 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.91 | $0.10 | $3.78 | $3.88 | $(0.07 ) | $(0.10 ) | $— | $(0.17 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.30 | $0.05 | $1.94 | $1.99 | $(0.19 ) | $(0.19 ) | $— | $(0.38 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.97 | $0.12 | $(0.61 ) | $(0.49 ) | $(0.05 ) | $(0.13 ) | $— | $(0.18 ) |
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.60 | $0.03 | $0.79 | $0.82 | $(0.23 ) | $(0.14 ) | $— | $(0.37 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.57 | $0.20 | $1.44 | $1.64 | $(0.15 ) | $(0.46 ) | $— | $(0.61 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.60 | $0.21 | $(4.47 ) | $(4.26 ) | $(0.15 ) | $(1.62 ) | $— | $(1.77 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.89 | $0.16 | $3.77 | $3.93 | $(0.12 ) | $(0.10 ) | $— | $(0.22 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.28 | $0.10 | $1.93 | $2.03 | $(0.23 ) | $(0.19 ) | $— | $(0.42 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.96 | $0.15 | $(0.60 ) | $(0.45 ) | $(0.10 ) | $(0.13 ) | $— | $(0.23 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
189
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $12.66 | 6.29 %e,m | $11.6 | 1.49 %f | 1.30 %f | 0.44 %f,l | 26 %e |
$— | $12.17 | 14.56 % | $11.8 | 1.41 % | 1.22 % | 1.22 % | 41 % |
$— | $11.17 | (27.53 )% | $11.1 | 1.37 % | 1.23 % | 0.91 % | 49 % |
$— | $17.16 | 28.05 % | $66.1 | 1.35 % | 1.22 % | 0.54 % | 26 % |
$0.01 | $14.03 | 15.27 %n | $55.8 | 1.34 % | 1.21 % | 0.30 % | 45 % |
$— | $12.46 | (4.30 )% | $52.2 | 1.37 % | 1.21 % | 0.76 % | 34 % |
$— | $12.53 | 5.86 %e,m | $3.8 | 2.23 %f | 2.05 %f | (0.32 )%f,l | 26 %e |
$— | $11.95 | 13.78 % | $4.3 | 2.15 % | 1.97 % | 0.45 % | 41 % |
$— | $10.99 | (28.09 )% | $4.9 | 2.12 % | 1.98 % | 0.21 % | 49 % |
$— | $17.00 | 27.07 % | $8.2 | 2.10 % | 1.97 % | (0.22 )% | 26 % |
$0.01 | $13.94 | 14.41 %n | $7.4 | 2.09 % | 1.96 % | (0.47 )% | 45 % |
$— | $12.39 | (5.05 )% | $9.6 | 2.12 % | 1.96 % | (0.02 )% | 34 % |
$— | $12.60 | 6.44 %e,m | $42.0 | 1.02 %f | 0.84 %f | 0.90 %f,l | 26 %e |
$— | $12.18 | 15.15 % | $41.5 | 0.93 % | 0.76 % | 1.80 % | 41 % |
$— | $11.16 | (27.18 )% | $27.7 | 0.90 % | 0.77 % | 1.29 % | 49 % |
$— | $17.22 | 28.57 % | $86.0 | 0.88 % | 0.76 % | 1.00 % | 26 % |
$0.01 | $14.08 | 15.91 %n | $76.1 | 0.88 % | 0.75 % | 0.77 % | 45 % |
$— | $12.49 | (3.95 )% | $80.4 | 0.92 % | 0.76 % | 1.28 % | 34 % |
$— | $12.60 | 6.90 %e,m | $35.0 | 0.96 %f | 0.14 %f | 1.59 %f,l | 26 %e |
$— | $12.25 | 15.97 % | $32.2 | 0.88 % | 0.07 % | 2.44 % | 41 % |
$— | $11.20 | (24.27 )%e | $28.1 | 0.86 %f | 0.07 %f | 2.42 %f | 49 %k |
$— | $13.10 | 6.41 %e | $5.0 | 1.39 %f | 1.15 %f | 0.21 %f | 25 %e |
$— | $12.63 | 14.41 % | $4.9 | 1.47 % | 1.16 % | 1.29 % | 43 % |
$— | $11.58 | (26.93 )% | $4.5 | 1.41 % | 1.19 % | 1.11 % | 55 % |
$— | $17.62 | 28.12 % | $6.6 | 1.41 % | 1.16 % | 0.67 % | 21 % |
$— | $13.91 | 16.28 % | $5.3 | 1.41 % | 1.15 % | 0.41 % | 33 % |
$— | $12.30 | (3.58 )% | $5.0 | 1.42 % | 1.15 % | 0.97 % | 32 % |
$— | $13.05 | 6.64 %e | $144.9 | 0.94 %f | 0.80 %f | 0.56 %f | 25 %e |
$— | $12.60 | 14.68 % | $137.5 | 0.98 % | 0.81 % | 1.65 % | 43 % |
$— | $11.57 | (26.61 )% | $119.9 | 1.00 % | 0.84 % | 1.48 % | 55 % |
$— | $17.60 | 28.57 % | $152.5 | 0.97 % | 0.81 % | 1.01 % | 21 % |
$— | $13.89 | 16.68 % | $138.9 | 0.94 % | 0.80 % | 0.79 % | 33 % |
$— | $12.28 | (3.29 )% | $128.1 | 0.97 % | 0.80 % | 1.27 % | 32 % |
190
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
International Select Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.50 | $0.01 | $0.78 | $0.79 | $(0.19 ) | $(0.14 ) | $— | $(0.33 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.47 | $0.15 | $1.44 | $1.59 | $(0.10 ) | $(0.46 ) | $— | $(0.56 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.47 | $0.16 | $(4.44 ) | $(4.28 ) | $(0.10 ) | $(1.62 ) | $— | $(1.72 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.80 | $0.10 | $3.74 | $3.84 | $(0.07 ) | $(0.10 ) | $— | $(0.17 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.21 | $0.05 | $1.92 | $1.97 | $(0.19 ) | $(0.19 ) | $— | $(0.38 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.87 | $0.10 | $(0.58 ) | $(0.48 ) | $(0.05 ) | $(0.13 ) | $— | $(0.18 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.13 | $(0.03 ) | $0.75 | $0.72 | $(0.10 ) | $(0.14 ) | $— | $(0.24 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.14 | $0.06 | $1.40 | $1.46 | $(0.01 ) | $(0.46 ) | $— | $(0.47 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.09 | $0.05 | $(4.33 ) | $(4.28 ) | $(0.05 ) | $(1.62 ) | $— | $(1.67 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.54 | $(0.02 ) | $3.67 | $3.65 | $— | $(0.10 ) | $— | $(0.10 ) |
8/31/2020 | $11.99 | $(0.04 ) | $1.87 | $1.83 | $(0.09 ) | $(0.19 ) | $— | $(0.28 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.68 | $0.01 | $(0.57 ) | $(0.56 ) | $— | $(0.13 ) | $— | $(0.13 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.36 | $(0.00 ) | $0.76 | $0.76 | $(0.16 ) | $(0.14 ) | $— | $(0.30 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.35 | $0.12 | $1.42 | $1.54 | $(0.07 ) | $(0.46 ) | $— | $(0.53 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.32 | $0.12 | $(4.39 ) | $(4.27 ) | $(0.08 ) | $(1.62 ) | $— | $(1.70 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.67 | $0.06 | $3.71 | $3.77 | $(0.02 ) | $(0.10 ) | $— | $(0.12 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.10 | $0.02 | $1.89 | $1.91 | $(0.15 ) | $(0.19 ) | $— | $(0.34 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.75 | $0.08 | $(0.58 ) | $(0.50 ) | $(0.02 ) | $(0.13 ) | $— | $(0.15 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.61 | $0.04 | $0.78 | $0.82 | $(0.24 ) | $(0.14 ) | $— | $(0.38 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.57 | $0.21 | $1.45 | $1.66 | $(0.16 ) | $(0.46 ) | $— | $(0.62 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.61 | $0.24 | $(4.49 ) | $(4.25 ) | $(0.17 ) | $(1.62 ) | $— | $(1.79 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.90 | $0.13 | $3.81 | $3.94 | $(0.13 ) | $(0.10 ) | $— | $(0.23 ) |
8/31/2020 | $12.29 | $0.04 | $2.00 | $2.04 | $(0.24 ) | $(0.19 ) | $— | $(0.43 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.96 | $0.23 | $(0.66 ) | $(0.43 ) | $(0.11 ) | $(0.13 ) | $— | $(0.24 ) |
International Small Cap Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.48 | $0.02 | $0.71 | $0.73 | $(0.22 ) | $— | $— | $(0.22 ) |
8/31/2023 | $12.08 | $0.17 | $0.84 | $1.01 | $— | $(0.61 ) | $— | $(0.61 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.34 | $0.11 | $(5.54 ) | $(5.43 ) | $(0.11 ) | $(0.72 ) | $— | $(0.83 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.86 | $0.03 | $4.96 | $4.99 | $(0.07 ) | $(0.44 ) | $— | $(0.51 ) |
8/31/2020 | $11.28 | $0.02 | $2.66 | $2.68 | $(0.10 ) | $— | $— | $(0.10 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.98 | $0.11 | $(1.60 ) | $(1.49 ) | $(0.03 ) | $(0.18 ) | $— | $(0.21 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
191
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $12.96 | 6.41 %e | $3.9 | 1.32 %f | 1.16 %f | 0.20 %f | 25 %e |
$— | $12.50 | 14.34 % | $3.9 | 1.36 % | 1.17 % | 1.28 % | 43 % |
$— | $11.47 | (26.89 )% | $3.1 | 1.37 % | 1.20 % | 1.10 % | 55 % |
$— | $17.47 | 28.07 % | $4.5 | 1.34 % | 1.17 % | 0.66 % | 21 % |
$— | $13.80 | 16.22 % | $3.2 | 1.31 % | 1.16 % | 0.36 % | 33 % |
$— | $12.21 | (3.58 )% | $3.2 | 1.35 % | 1.16 % | 0.85 % | 32 % |
$— | $12.61 | 6.00 %e | $0.7 | 2.10 %f | 1.91 %f | (0.56 )%f | 25 %e |
$— | $12.13 | 13.49 % | $0.7 | 2.16 % | 1.92 % | 0.52 % | 43 % |
$— | $11.14 | (27.45 )% | $0.5 | 2.15 % | 1.95 % | 0.38 % | 55 % |
$— | $17.09 | 27.11 % | $0.8 | 2.12 % | 1.92 % | (0.11 )% | 21 % |
$— | $13.54 | 15.37 % | $0.9 | 2.06 % | 1.91 % | (0.34 )% | 33 % |
$— | $11.99 | (4.32 )% | $1.5 | 2.09 % | 1.91 % | 0.10 % | 32 % |
$— | $12.82 | 6.23 %e | $1.5 | 1.58 %f | 1.41 %f | (0.05 )%f | 25 %e |
$— | $12.36 | 14.04 % | $1.4 | 1.63 % | 1.42 % | 1.03 % | 43 % |
$— | $11.35 | (27.06 )% | $1.2 | 1.64 % | 1.45 % | 0.87 % | 55 % |
$— | $17.32 | 27.74 % | $1.9 | 1.60 % | 1.42 % | 0.38 % | 21 % |
$— | $13.67 | 15.93 % | $2.2 | 1.57 % | 1.41 % | 0.18 % | 33 % |
$— | $12.10 | (3.81 )% | $2.3 | 1.60 % | 1.41 % | 0.66 % | 32 % |
$— | $13.05 | 6.66 %e | $0.1 | 0.95 %f | 0.70 %f | 0.66 %f | 25 %e |
$— | $12.61 | 14.90 % | $0.1 | 0.96 % | 0.71 % | 1.71 % | 43 % |
$— | $11.57 | (26.59 )% | $0.2 | 0.89 % | 0.73 % | 1.58 % | 55 % |
$— | $17.61 | 28.65 % | $1.3 | 0.88 % | 0.71 % | 0.83 % | 21 % |
$— | $13.90 | 16.77 % | $1.9 | 0.84 % | 0.70 % | 0.28 % | 33 % |
$— | $12.29 | (3.11 )% | $29.6 | 0.87 % | 0.71 % | 1.88 % | 32 % |
$— | $12.99 | 5.89 %e | $2.9 | 9.52 %f | 1.06 %f | 0.36 %f | 33 %e |
$— | $12.48 | 8.63 % | $2.7 | 10.78 % | 1.06 % | 1.41 % | 49 % |
$— | $12.08 | (30.79 )% | $2.7 | 10.11 % | 1.06 % | 0.72 % | 21 % |
$— | $18.34 | 36.97 % | $2.8 | 13.09 % | 1.07 % | 0.20 % | 22 % |
$— | $13.86 | 23.84 % | $1.4 | 5.81 % | 1.05 %g | 0.14 % | 14 % |
$— | $11.28 | (11.26 )% | $5.3 | 6.24 % | 1.05 % | 1.00 % | 32 % |
192
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
International Small Cap Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.36 | $(0.00 ) | $0.70 | $0.70 | $(0.18 ) | $— | $— | $(0.18 ) |
8/31/2023 | $12.00 | $0.12 | $0.85 | $0.97 | $— | $(0.61 ) | $— | $(0.61 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.24 | $0.02 | $(5.47 ) | $(5.45 ) | $(0.07 ) | $(0.72 ) | $— | $(0.79 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.82 | $(0.03 ) | $4.94 | $4.91 | $(0.05 ) | $(0.44 ) | $— | $(0.49 ) |
8/31/2020 | $11.24 | $(0.03 ) | $2.66 | $2.63 | $(0.05 ) | $— | $— | $(0.05 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.93 | $0.06 | $(1.57 ) | $(1.51 ) | $— | $(0.18 ) | $— | $(0.18 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $11.87 | $(0.04 ) | $0.67 | $0.63 | $(0.09 ) | $— | $— | $(0.09 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.64 | $0.03 | $0.81 | $0.84 | $— | $(0.61 ) | $— | $(0.61 ) |
8/31/2022 | $17.81 | $(0.07 ) | $(5.36 ) | $(5.43 ) | $(0.02 ) | $(0.72 ) | $— | $(0.74 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.55 | $(0.15 ) | $4.85 | $4.70 | $— | $(0.44 ) | $— | $(0.44 ) |
8/31/2020 | $11.06 | $(0.11 ) | $2.60 | $2.49 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2019 | $12.83 | $(0.01 ) | $(1.58 ) | $(1.59 ) | $— | $(0.18 ) | $— | $(0.18 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.48 | $0.03 | $0.71 | $0.74 | $(0.23 ) | $— | $— | $(0.23 ) |
8/31/2023 | $12.07 | $0.18 | $0.84 | $1.02 | $— | $(0.61 ) | $— | $(0.61 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.32 | $0.12 | $(5.54 ) | $(5.42 ) | $(0.11 ) | $(0.72 ) | $— | $(0.83 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.88 | $0.04 | $4.97 | $5.01 | $(0.13 ) | $(0.44 ) | $— | $(0.57 ) |
8/31/2020 | $11.29 | $0.03 | $2.67 | $2.70 | $(0.11 ) | $— | $— | $(0.11 ) |
8/31/2019 | $12.98 | $0.12 | $(1.59 ) | $(1.47 ) | $(0.04 ) | $(0.18 ) | $— | $(0.22 ) |
Intrinsic Value Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $19.43 | $(0.02 ) | $1.08 | $1.06 | $— | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.05 ) |
8/31/2023 | $19.00 | $(0.01 ) | $1.11 | $1.10 | $— | $(0.67 ) | $— | $(0.67 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.01 | $(0.08 ) | $(3.45 ) | $(3.53 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) |
8/31/2021o | $15.13 | $(0.11 ) | $9.31 | $9.20 | $— | $(0.32 ) | $— | $(0.32 ) |
8/31/2020o | $14.50 | $(0.04 ) | $1.11 | $1.07 | $— | $(0.44 ) | $— | $(0.44 ) |
8/31/2019o | $18.54 | $(0.03 ) | $(2.14 ) | $(2.17 ) | $— | $(1.87 ) | $— | $(1.87 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
193
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $12.88 | 5.71 %e | $0.3 | 10.02 %f | 1.42 %f | (0.00 )%f | 33 %e |
$— | $12.36 | 8.34 % | $0.3 | 11.22 % | 1.42 % | 0.97 % | 49 % |
$— | $12.00 | (31.05 )% | $0.2 | 10.46 % | 1.42 % | 0.11 % | 21 % |
$— | $18.24 | 36.43 % | $0.5 | 13.62 % | 1.43 % | (0.17 )% | 22 % |
$— | $13.82 | 23.41 % | $0.2 | 6.40 % | 1.42 %g | (0.23 )% | 14 % |
$— | $11.24 | (11.49 )% | $0.1 | 6.77 % | 1.41 % | 0.54 % | 32 % |
$— | $12.41 | 5.31 %e | $0.1 | 10.72 %f | 2.17 %f | (0.75 )%f | 33 %e |
$— | $11.87 | 7.45 % | $0.1 | 11.99 % | 2.17 % | 0.29 % | 49 % |
$— | $11.64 | (31.59 )% | $0.1 | 11.24 % | 2.17 % | (0.45 )% | 21 % |
$— | $17.81 | 35.48 % | $0.2 | 14.29 % | 2.19 % | (0.96 )% | 22 % |
$— | $13.55 | 22.51 % | $0.1 | 6.93 % | 2.17 %g | (0.97 )% | 14 % |
$— | $11.06 | (12.22 )% | $0.1 | 7.38 % | 2.16 % | (0.10 )% | 32 % |
$— | $12.99 | 5.98 %e | $0.3 | 9.46 %f | 0.96 %f | 0.45 %f | 33 %e |
$— | $12.48 | 8.72 % | $0.3 | 10.73 % | 0.96 % | 1.50 % | 49 % |
$— | $12.07 | (30.76 )% | $0.3 | 10.00 % | 0.96 % | 0.78 % | 21 % |
$— | $18.32 | 37.14 % | $0.4 | 13.03 % | 0.98 % | 0.25 % | 22 % |
$— | $13.88 | 24.01 % | $0.3 | 5.71 % | 0.96 %g | 0.24 % | 14 % |
$— | $11.29 | (11.13 )% | $0.2 | 6.16 % | 0.96 % | 1.09 % | 32 % |
$— | $20.44 | 5.47 %e | $1,284.8 | 0.93 %f | 0.93 %f | (0.18 )%f | 9 %e |
$— | $19.43 | 6.12 % | $1,351.6 | 0.95 % | 0.95 % | (0.04 )% | 10 % |
$— | $19.00 | (15.58 )% | $1,204.8 | 1.00 % | 1.00 %h | (0.37 )% | 12 % |
$— | $24.01 | 61.43 % | $979.4 | 1.01 % | 1.01 %h | (0.54 )% | 23 % |
$— | $15.13 | 7.36 % | $555.2 | 1.05 % | 1.00 % | (0.29 )% | 19 % |
$— | $14.50 | (10.83 )% | $574.1 | 1.05 % | 1.01 % | (0.20 )% | 22 % |
194
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Intrinsic Value Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $19.03 | $(0.05 ) | $1.06 | $1.01 | $— | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.05 ) |
8/31/2023 | $18.70 | $(0.08 ) | $1.08 | $1.00 | $— | $(0.67 ) | $— | $(0.67 ) |
8/31/2022 | $23.74 | $(0.16 ) | $(3.40 ) | $(3.56 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) |
8/31/2021o | $15.02 | $(0.19 ) | $9.23 | $9.04 | $— | $(0.32 ) | $— | $(0.32 ) |
8/31/2020o | $14.44 | $(0.09 ) | $1.11 | $1.02 | $— | $(0.44 ) | $— | $(0.44 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $18.54 | $(0.09 ) | $(2.14 ) | $(2.23 ) | $— | $(1.87 ) | $— | $(1.87 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $18.26 | $(0.11 ) | $1.01 | $0.90 | $— | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.05 ) |
8/31/2023 | $18.10 | $(0.21 ) | $1.04 | $0.83 | $— | $(0.67 ) | $— | $(0.67 ) |
8/31/2022 | $23.19 | $(0.30 ) | $(3.31 ) | $(3.61 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) |
8/31/2021o | $14.79 | $(0.33 ) | $9.05 | $8.72 | $— | $(0.32 ) | $— | $(0.32 ) |
8/31/2020o | $14.34 | $(0.19 ) | $1.08 | $0.89 | $— | $(0.44 ) | $— | $(0.44 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $18.54 | $(0.20 ) | $(2.13 ) | $(2.33 ) | $— | $(1.87 ) | $— | $(1.87 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $19.55 | $(0.01 ) | $1.09 | $1.08 | $— | $(0.05 ) | $— | $(0.05 ) |
8/31/2023 | $19.09 | $0.01 | $1.12 | $1.13 | $— | $(0.67 ) | $— | $(0.67 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.09 | $(0.05 ) | $(3.47 ) | $(3.52 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) |
8/31/2021o | $15.17 | $(0.09 ) | $9.33 | $9.24 | $— | $(0.32 ) | $— | $(0.32 ) |
8/31/2020o | $14.52 | $(0.02 ) | $1.11 | $1.09 | $— | $(0.44 ) | $— | $(0.44 ) |
Period from 1/18/2019j to 8/31/2019o | $14.22 | $(0.01 ) | $0.31 | $0.30 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Large Cap Growth Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024p (Unaudited) | $24.23 | $0.02 | $3.88 | $3.90 | $(0.05 ) | $(1.02 ) | $— | $(1.07 ) |
8/31/2023p | $21.86 | $0.04 | $3.60 | $3.64 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.27 ) | $— | $(1.27 ) |
8/31/2022p | $29.38 | $0.03 | $(4.60 ) | $(4.57 ) | $(0.02 ) | $(2.93 ) | $— | $(2.95 ) |
8/31/2021 | $23.38 | $0.03 | $7.76 | $7.79 | $(0.05 ) | $(1.74 ) | $— | $(1.79 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.30 | $0.05 | $6.20 | $6.25 | $(0.07 ) | $(1.10 ) | $— | $(1.17 ) |
8/31/2019 | $19.52 | $0.10 | $0.32 | $0.42 | $(0.11 ) | $(1.53 ) | $— | $(1.64 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024p (Unaudited) | $24.09 | $(0.00 ) | $3.85 | $3.85 | $(0.02 ) | $(1.02 ) | $— | $(1.04 ) |
8/31/2023p | $21.78 | $(0.00 ) | $3.58 | $3.58 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.27 ) | $— | $(1.27 ) |
8/31/2022p | $29.31 | $(0.02 ) | $(4.58 ) | $(4.60 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(2.93 ) | $— | $(2.93 ) |
8/31/2021 | $23.36 | $(0.02 ) | $7.74 | $7.72 | $(0.03 ) | $(1.74 ) | $— | $(1.77 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.28 | $0.02 | $6.20 | $6.22 | $(0.04 ) | $(1.10 ) | $— | $(1.14 ) |
8/31/2019 | $19.51 | $0.07 | $0.31 | $0.38 | $(0.08 ) | $(1.53 ) | $— | $(1.61 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
195
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $19.99 | 5.32 %e | $88.6 | 1.30 %f | 1.30 %f | (0.56 )%f | 9 %e |
$— | $19.03 | 5.67 % | $75.0 | 1.34 % | 1.34 %h | (0.44 )% | 10 % |
$— | $18.70 | (15.90 )% | $49.0 | 1.36 % | 1.36 %h | (0.73 )% | 12 % |
$— | $23.74 | 60.81 % | $51.4 | 1.37 % | 1.37 % | (0.90 )% | 23 % |
$— | $15.02 | 7.04 % | $21.0 | 1.43 % | 1.36 % | (0.65 )% | 19 % |
$— | $14.44 | (11.18 )% | $19.7 | 1.44 % | 1.37 % | (0.56 )% | 22 % |
$— | $19.11 | 4.95 %e | $18.0 | 2.05 %f | 2.05 %f | (1.30 )%f | 9 %e |
$— | $18.26 | 4.89 % | $19.4 | 2.09 % | 2.09 %h | (1.18 )% | 10 % |
$— | $18.10 | (16.52 )% | $20.4 | 2.11 % | 2.11 %h | (1.48 )% | 12 % |
$— | $23.19 | 59.58 % | $18.4 | 2.12 % | 2.12 %h | (1.65 )% | 23 % |
$— | $14.79 | 6.16 % | $11.3 | 2.16 % | 2.11 % | (1.38 )% | 19 % |
$— | $14.34 | (11.78 )% | $16.8 | 2.16 % | 2.12 % | (1.30 )% | 22 % |
$— | $20.58 | 5.54 %e | $118.3 | 0.83 %f | 0.83 %f | (0.09 )%f | 9 %e |
$— | $19.55 | 6.25 % | $104.5 | 0.85 % | 0.85 % | 0.06 % | 10 % |
$— | $19.09 | (15.49 )% | $101.3 | 0.86 % | 0.86 % | (0.23 )% | 12 % |
$— | $24.09 | 61.54 % | $84.0 | 0.89 % | 0.89 %h | (0.44 )% | 23 % |
$— | $15.17 | 7.49 % | $0.1 | 0.97 % | 0.90 % | (0.17 )% | 19 % |
$— | $14.52 | 2.11 %e | $0.2 | 1.00 %f | 0.91 %f | (0.10 )%f | 22 %k |
$— | $27.06 | 16.57 %e | $1,770.2 | 0.80 %f | 0.80 %f | 0.20 %f | 10 %e |
$— | $24.23 | 18.03 % | $1,565.1 | 0.83 % | 0.83 % | 0.20 % | 35 % |
$— | $21.86 | (17.16 )% | $1,408.1 | 0.83 % | 0.83 % | 0.11 % | 32 % |
$— | $29.38 | 35.49 % | $1,812.9 | 0.82 % | 0.82 % | 0.11 % | 28 % |
$— | $23.38 | 35.76 % | $1,419.5 | 0.87 % | 0.87 % | 0.26 % | 49 % |
$— | $18.30 | 4.03 % | $1,125.5 | 0.89 % | 0.89 % | 0.56 % | 37 % |
$— | $26.90 | 16.44 %e | $46.6 | 1.01 %f | 1.01 %f | (0.01 )%f | 10 %e |
$— | $24.09 | 17.82 % | $40.8 | 1.03 % | 1.03 % | (0.00 )% | 35 % |
$— | $21.78 | (17.31 )% | $37.7 | 1.03 % | 1.03 % | (0.10 )% | 32 % |
$— | $29.31 | 35.21 % | $52.5 | 1.03 % | 1.03 % | (0.09 )% | 28 % |
$— | $23.36 | 35.55 % | $42.7 | 1.05 % | 1.05 % | 0.08 % | 49 % |
$— | $18.28 | 3.77 % | $45.5 | 1.06 % | 1.06 % | 0.38 % | 37 % |
196
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Large Cap Growth Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Advisor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024p (Unaudited) | $23.69 | $(0.06 ) | $3.78 | $3.72 | $— | $(1.02 ) | $— | $(1.02 ) |
8/31/2023p | $21.53 | $(0.09 ) | $3.52 | $3.43 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.27 ) | $— | $(1.27 ) |
8/31/2022p | $29.05 | $(0.07 ) | $(4.53 ) | $(4.60 ) | $— | $(2.92 ) | $— | $(2.92 ) |
8/31/2021 | $23.20 | $(0.05 ) | $7.66 | $7.61 | $(0.02 ) | $(1.74 ) | $— | $(1.76 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.20 | $(0.04 ) | $6.17 | $6.13 | $(0.03 ) | $(1.10 ) | $— | $(1.13 ) |
8/31/2019 | $19.46 | $0.01 | $0.31 | $0.32 | $(0.05 ) | $(1.53 ) | $— | $(1.58 ) |
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024p (Unaudited) | $24.31 | $0.04 | $3.89 | $3.93 | $(0.11 ) | $(1.02 ) | $— | $(1.13 ) |
8/31/2023p | $21.89 | $0.08 | $3.61 | $3.69 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.27 ) | $— | $(1.27 ) |
8/31/2022p | $29.42 | $0.07 | $(4.62 ) | $(4.55 ) | $(0.05 ) | $(2.93 ) | $— | $(2.98 ) |
8/31/2021 | $23.41 | $0.06 | $7.77 | $7.83 | $(0.08 ) | $(1.74 ) | $— | $(1.82 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.32 | $0.08 | $6.22 | $6.30 | $(0.11 ) | $(1.10 ) | $— | $(1.21 ) |
8/31/2019 | $19.55 | $0.13 | $0.32 | $0.45 | $(0.15 ) | $(1.53 ) | $— | $(1.68 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024p (Unaudited) | $24.04 | $(0.00 ) | $3.84 | $3.84 | $(0.02 ) | $(1.02 ) | $— | $(1.04 ) |
8/31/2023p | $21.74 | $(0.00 ) | $3.57 | $3.57 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.27 ) | $— | $(1.27 ) |
8/31/2022p | $29.27 | $(0.02 ) | $(4.59 ) | $(4.61 ) | $— | $(2.92 ) | $— | $(2.92 ) |
8/31/2021 | $23.34 | $(0.03 ) | $7.73 | $7.70 | $(0.03 ) | $(1.74 ) | $— | $(1.77 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.28 | $0.02 | $6.19 | $6.21 | $(0.05 ) | $(1.10 ) | $— | $(1.15 ) |
8/31/2019 | $19.50 | $0.06 | $0.33 | $0.39 | $(0.08 ) | $(1.53 ) | $— | $(1.61 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024p (Unaudited) | $23.03 | $(0.09 ) | $3.68 | $3.59 | $— | $(1.02 ) | $— | $(1.02 ) |
8/31/2023p | $21.03 | $(0.16 ) | $3.43 | $3.27 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.27 ) | $— | $(1.27 ) |
8/31/2022p | $28.61 | $(0.20 ) | $(4.46 ) | $(4.66 ) | $— | $(2.92 ) | $— | $(2.92 ) |
8/31/2021 | $22.98 | $(0.21 ) | $7.58 | $7.37 | $— | $(1.74 ) | $— | $(1.74 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.10 | $(0.13 ) | $6.11 | $5.98 | $— | $(1.10 ) | $— | $(1.10 ) |
8/31/2019 | $19.40 | $(0.06 ) | $0.31 | $0.25 | $(0.02 ) | $(1.53 ) | $— | $(1.55 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024p (Unaudited) | $23.68 | $(0.03 ) | $3.78 | $3.75 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.02 ) | $— | $(1.02 ) |
8/31/2023p | $21.49 | $(0.06 ) | $3.52 | $3.46 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.27 ) | $— | $(1.27 ) |
8/31/2022p | $29.05 | $(0.10 ) | $(4.54 ) | $(4.64 ) | $— | $(2.92 ) | $— | $(2.92 ) |
8/31/2021 | $23.22 | $(0.11 ) | $7.69 | $7.58 | $(0.01 ) | $(1.74 ) | $— | $(1.75 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.22 | $(0.05 ) | $6.16 | $6.11 | $(0.01 ) | $(1.10 ) | $— | $(1.11 ) |
8/31/2019 | $19.46 | $0.01 | $0.33 | $0.34 | $(0.05 ) | $(1.53 ) | $— | $(1.58 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
197
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $26.39 | 16.16 %e | $0.2 | 2.24 %f | 1.50 %f | (0.50 )%f | 10 %e |
$— | $23.69 | 17.30 % | $0.2 | 1.34 % | 1.34 % | (0.43 )% | 35 % |
$— | $21.53 | (17.45 )% | $2.3 | 1.17 % | 1.17 % | (0.29 )% | 32 % |
$— | $29.05 | 34.95 % | $8.0 | 1.19 % | 1.19 % | (0.18 )% | 28 % |
$— | $23.20 | 35.18 % | $0.2 | 1.32 % | 1.32 % | (0.21 )% | 49 % |
$— | $18.20 | 3.41 % | $0.2 | 1.40 % | 1.40 % | 0.05 % | 37 % |
$— | $27.11 | 16.65 %e | $574.9 | 0.66 %f | 0.66 %f | 0.36 %f | 10 %e |
$— | $24.31 | 18.24 % | $415.8 | 0.68 % | 0.68 % | 0.34 % | 35 % |
$— | $21.89 | (17.06 )% | $245.1 | 0.68 % | 0.68 % | 0.28 % | 32 % |
$— | $29.42 | 35.68 % | $204.8 | 0.67 % | 0.67 % | 0.26 % | 28 % |
$— | $23.41 | 36.03 % | $149.6 | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.43 % | 49 % |
$— | $18.32 | 4.19 % | $83.9 | 0.71 % | 0.71 % | 0.74 % | 37 % |
$— | $26.84 | 16.44 %e | $31.2 | 1.03 %f | 1.03 %f | (0.01 )%f | 10 %e |
$— | $24.04 | 17.80 % | $23.4 | 1.05 % | 1.05 % | (0.01 )% | 35 % |
$— | $21.74 | (17.33 )% | $12.4 | 1.05 % | 1.05 % | (0.09 )% | 32 % |
$— | $29.27 | 35.15 % | $10.0 | 1.05 % | 1.05 % | (0.12 )% | 28 % |
$— | $23.34 | 35.49 % | $6.1 | 1.07 % | 1.07 % | 0.12 % | 49 % |
$— | $18.28 | 3.79 % | $4.1 | 1.09 % | 1.09 % | 0.34 % | 37 % |
$— | $25.60 | 16.05 %e | $15.7 | 1.77 %f | 1.77 %f | (0.76 )%f | 10 %e |
$— | $23.03 | 16.94 % | $12.2 | 1.79 % | 1.79 % | (0.74 )% | 35 % |
$— | $21.03 | (17.97 )% | $3.4 | 1.80 % | 1.80 % | (0.85 )% | 32 % |
$— | $28.61 | 34.17 % | $3.1 | 1.79 % | 1.79 % | (0.86 )% | 28 % |
$— | $22.98 | 34.53 % | $2.3 | 1.81 % | 1.81 % | (0.70 )% | 49 % |
$— | $18.10 | 3.00 % | $1.8 | 1.84 % | 1.84 % | (0.38 )% | 37 % |
$— | $26.41 | 16.30 %e | $1.7 | 1.29 %f | 1.29 %f | (0.28 )%f | 10 %e |
$— | $23.68 | 17.48 % | $1.1 | 1.35 % | 1.35 %h | (0.27 )% | 35 % |
$— | $21.49 | (17.60 )% | $0.4 | 1.36 % | 1.36 %h | (0.41 )% | 32 % |
$— | $29.05 | 34.77 % | $0.4 | 1.38 % | 1.36 % | (0.45 )% | 28 % |
$— | $23.22 | 35.06 % | $0.2 | 1.36 % | 1.36 %h | (0.25 )% | 49 % |
$— | $18.22 | 3.51 % | $0.1 | 1.40 % | 1.36 % | 0.06 % | 37 % |
198
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024p (Unaudited) | $24.34 | $0.05 | $3.90 | $3.95 | $(0.12 ) | $(1.02 ) | $— | $(1.14 ) |
8/31/2023p | $21.90 | $0.09 | $3.62 | $3.71 | $(0.00 ) | $(1.27 ) | $— | $(1.27 ) |
8/31/2022p | $29.42 | $0.07 | $(4.60 ) | $(4.53 ) | $(0.06 ) | $(2.93 ) | $— | $(2.99 ) |
8/31/2021 | $23.41 | $0.07 | $7.77 | $7.84 | $(0.09 ) | $(1.74 ) | $— | $(1.83 ) |
8/31/2020 | $18.32 | $0.09 | $6.22 | $6.31 | $(0.12 ) | $(1.10 ) | $— | $(1.22 ) |
Period from 3/29/2019j to 8/31/2019 | $16.73 | $0.06 | $1.53 | $1.59 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Large Cap Value Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.37 | $0.44 | $(0.02 ) | $0.42 | $(1.01 ) | $— | $— | $(1.01 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.77 | $0.86 | $1.41 | $2.27 | $(0.67 ) | $— | $— | $(0.67 ) |
8/31/2022 | $44.85 | $0.80 | $(2.65 ) | $(1.85 ) | $(0.55 ) | $(1.68 ) | $— | $(2.23 ) |
8/31/2021 | $30.38 | $0.66 | $14.39 | $15.05 | $(0.49 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020 | $30.58 | $0.59 | $0.46 | $1.05 | $(0.60 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $(1.25 ) |
8/31/2019 | $32.87 | $0.59 | $1.03 | $1.62 | $(0.53 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.91 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.38 | $0.40 | $(0.01 ) | $0.39 | $(0.91 ) | $— | $— | $(0.91 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.78 | $0.78 | $1.41 | $2.19 | $(0.59 ) | $— | $— | $(0.59 ) |
8/31/2022 | $44.86 | $0.72 | $(2.65 ) | $(1.93 ) | $(0.47 ) | $(1.68 ) | $— | $(2.15 ) |
8/31/2021 | $30.39 | $0.58 | $14.41 | $14.99 | $(0.43 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $(0.52 ) |
8/31/2020 | $30.59 | $0.54 | $0.45 | $0.99 | $(0.54 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $(1.19 ) |
8/31/2019 | $32.88 | $0.54 | $1.03 | $1.57 | $(0.48 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.86 ) |
Advisor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.38 | $0.37 | $(0.01 ) | $0.36 | $(0.86 ) | $— | $— | $(0.86 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.78 | $0.71 | $1.41 | $2.12 | $(0.52 ) | $— | $— | $(0.52 ) |
8/31/2022 | $44.85 | $0.64 | $(2.64 ) | $(2.00 ) | $(0.39 ) | $(1.68 ) | $— | $(2.07 ) |
8/31/2021 | $30.40 | $0.51 | $14.41 | $14.92 | $(0.38 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $(0.47 ) |
8/31/2020 | $30.60 | $0.49 | $0.46 | $0.95 | $(0.50 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $(1.15 ) |
8/31/2019 | $32.88 | $0.49 | $1.04 | $1.53 | $(0.43 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.81 ) |
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.35 | $0.47 | $(0.02 ) | $0.45 | $(1.06 ) | $— | $— | $(1.06 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.75 | $0.93 | $1.41 | $2.34 | $(0.74 ) | $— | $— | $(0.74 ) |
8/31/2022 | $44.84 | $0.88 | $(2.65 ) | $(1.77 ) | $(0.64 ) | $(1.68 ) | $— | $(2.32 ) |
8/31/2021 | $30.38 | $0.84 | $14.26 | $15.10 | $(0.55 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2020 | $30.57 | $0.64 | $0.47 | $1.11 | $(0.65 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $(1.30 ) |
8/31/2019 | $32.87 | $0.66 | $1.01 | $1.67 | $(0.59 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.97 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
199
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $27.15 | 16.75 %e | $3.3 | 0.63 %f | 0.58 %f | 0.38 %f | 10 %e |
$— | $24.34 | 18.33 % | $4.7 | 0.59 % | 0.59 %h | 0.40 % | 35 % |
$— | $21.90 | (17.01 )% | $0.2 | 0.66 % | 0.65 % | 0.28 % | 32 % |
$— | $29.42 | 35.72 % | $0.2 | 0.68 % | 0.65 % | 0.26 % | 28 % |
$— | $23.41 | 36.09 % | $0.0 | 0.65 % | 0.65 %h | 0.47 % | 49 % |
$— | $18.32 | 9.50 %e | $0.0 | 0.97 %f | 0.65 %f | 0.75 %f | 37 %k |
$— | $41.78 | 1.06 %e | $1,466.2 | 0.75 %f | 0.75 %f | 2.14 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.37 | 5.56 % | $1,570.7 | 0.75 % | 0.75 % | 2.02 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.77 | (4.38 )% | $1,556.5 | 0.75 % | 0.75 % | 1.81 % | 82 % |
$— | $44.85 | 50.05 % | $1,628.3 | 0.78 % | 0.78 % | 1.67 % | 89 % |
$— | $30.38 | 3.23 % | $1,087.2 | 0.85 % | 0.85 % | 1.99 % | 157 % |
$— | $30.58 | 6.25 % | $1,174.3 | 0.86 % | 0.86 % | 1.93 % | 109 %q |
$— | $41.86 | 0.97 %e | $102.6 | 0.95 %f | 0.95 %f | 1.93 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.38 | 5.35 % | $119.0 | 0.95 % | 0.95 % | 1.83 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.78 | (4.56 )% | $117.2 | 0.96 % | 0.96 % | 1.61 % | 82 % |
$— | $44.86 | 49.76 % | $112.1 | 0.99 % | 0.99 % | 1.47 % | 89 % |
$— | $30.39 | 3.05 % | $65.4 | 1.03 % | 1.03 % | 1.82 % | 157 % |
$— | $30.59 | 6.04 % | $81.7 | 1.04 % | 1.04 % | 1.75 % | 109 %q |
$— | $41.88 | 0.90 %e | $125.1 | 1.10 %f | 1.10 %f | 1.78 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.38 | 5.19 % | $134.6 | 1.10 % | 1.10 % | 1.67 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.78 | (4.70 )% | $133.5 | 1.11 % | 1.11 % | 1.45 % | 82 % |
$— | $44.85 | 49.48 % | $138.0 | 1.14 % | 1.14 % | 1.31 % | 89 % |
$— | $30.40 | 2.90 % | $99.7 | 1.18 % | 1.18 % | 1.66 % | 157 % |
$— | $30.60 | 5.90 % | $114.8 | 1.19 % | 1.19 % | 1.58 % | 109 %q |
$— | $41.74 | 1.13 %e | $6,964.5 | 0.60 %f | 0.60 %f | 2.28 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.35 | 5.72 % | $9,281.6 | 0.60 % | 0.60 % | 2.19 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.75 | (4.21 )% | $7,555.8 | 0.61 % | 0.61 % | 2.00 % | 82 % |
$— | $44.84 | 50.25 % | $4,146.7 | 0.62 % | 0.62 % | 1.96 % | 89 % |
$— | $30.38 | 3.42 % | $365.3 | 0.68 % | 0.68 % | 2.15 % | 157 % |
$— | $30.57 | 6.41 % | $339.6 | 0.69 % | 0.69 % | 2.17 % | 109 %q |
200
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Large Cap Value Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.36 | $0.39 | $(0.02 ) | $0.37 | $(0.89 ) | $— | $— | $(0.89 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.76 | $0.77 | $1.41 | $2.18 | $(0.58 ) | $— | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2022 | $44.87 | $0.71 | $(2.65 ) | $(1.94 ) | $(0.49 ) | $(1.68 ) | $— | $(2.17 ) |
8/31/2021 | $30.39 | $0.64 | $14.33 | $14.97 | $(0.40 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $(0.49 ) |
8/31/2020 | $30.59 | $0.53 | $0.45 | $0.98 | $(0.53 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $(1.18 ) |
8/31/2019 | $32.88 | $0.58 | $0.97 | $1.55 | $(0.46 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.84 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.20 | $0.24 | $(0.01 ) | $0.23 | $(0.58 ) | $— | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.61 | $0.46 | $1.39 | $1.85 | $(0.26 ) | $— | $— | $(0.26 ) |
8/31/2022 | $44.90 | $0.39 | $(2.64 ) | $(2.25 ) | $(0.36 ) | $(1.68 ) | $— | $(2.04 ) |
8/31/2021 | $30.30 | $0.40 | $14.30 | $14.70 | $(0.01 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $(0.10 ) |
8/31/2020 | $30.61 | $0.31 | $0.44 | $0.75 | $(0.41 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $(1.06 ) |
8/31/2019 | $32.87 | $0.33 | $1.02 | $1.35 | $(0.23 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.61 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.23 | $0.34 | $(0.02 ) | $0.32 | $(0.86 ) | $— | $— | $(0.86 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.64 | $0.67 | $1.38 | $2.05 | $(0.46 ) | $— | $— | $(0.46 ) |
8/31/2022 | $44.88 | $0.60 | $(2.64 ) | $(2.04 ) | $(0.52 ) | $(1.68 ) | $— | $(2.20 ) |
8/31/2021 | $30.42 | $0.52 | $14.36 | $14.88 | $(0.33 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $(0.42 ) |
8/31/2020 | $30.62 | $0.45 | $0.45 | $0.90 | $(0.45 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $(1.10 ) |
8/31/2019 | $32.89 | $0.43 | $1.06 | $1.49 | $(0.38 ) | $(3.38 ) | $— | $(3.76 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.40 | $0.49 | $(0.02 ) | $0.47 | $(1.15 ) | $— | $— | $(1.15 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.81 | $0.98 | $1.39 | $2.37 | $(0.78 ) | $— | $— | $(0.78 ) |
8/31/2022 | $44.89 | $0.94 | $(2.67 ) | $(1.73 ) | $(0.67 ) | $(1.68 ) | $— | $(2.35 ) |
8/31/2021 | $30.41 | $0.78 | $14.37 | $15.15 | $(0.58 ) | $(0.09 ) | $— | $(0.67 ) |
8/31/2020 | $30.59 | $0.63 | $0.51 | $1.14 | $(0.67 ) | $(0.65 ) | $— | $(1.32 ) |
Period from 1/18/2019j to 8/31/2019 | $28.19 | $0.45 | $1.95 | $2.40 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Class E | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $42.54 | $0.59 | $(0.02 ) | $0.57 | $(1.33 ) | $— | $— | $(1.33 ) |
8/31/2023 | $40.93 | $1.17 | $1.42 | $2.59 | $(0.98 ) | $— | $— | $(0.98 ) |
Period from 1/11/2022j to 8/31/2022 | $45.60 | $0.73 | $(5.40 ) | $(4.67 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
201
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $41.84 | 0.94 %e | $182.2 | 0.98 %f | 0.98 %f | 1.91 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.36 | 5.32 % | $215.3 | 0.98 % | 0.98 % | 1.80 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.76 | (4.58 )% | $201.5 | 0.98 % | 0.98 % | 1.61 % | 82 % |
$— | $44.87 | 49.67 % | $136.5 | 1.01 % | 1.01 % | 1.51 % | 89 % |
$— | $30.39 | 3.03 % | $23.4 | 1.05 % | 1.05 % | 1.73 % | 157 % |
$— | $30.59 | 5.99 % | $52.5 | 1.08 % | 1.08 % | 1.89 % | 109 %q |
$— | $41.85 | 0.57 %e | $231.0 | 1.71 %f | 1.71 %f | 1.17 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.20 | 4.54 % | $269.1 | 1.71 % | 1.71 % | 1.07 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.61 | (5.28 )% | $222.8 | 1.72 % | 1.72 % | 0.90 % | 82 % |
$— | $44.90 | 48.59 % | $102.3 | 1.74 % | 1.74 % | 0.94 % | 89 % |
$— | $30.30 | 2.27 % | $14.7 | 1.81 % | 1.81 % | 1.04 % | 157 % |
$— | $30.61 | 5.24 % | $19.7 | 1.82 % | 1.82 % | 1.08 % | 109 %q |
$— | $41.69 | 0.81 %e | $9.7 | 1.23 %f | 1.23 %f | 1.66 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.23 | 5.04 % | $11.4 | 1.24 % | 1.24 % | 1.57 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.64 | (4.82 )% | $6.8 | 1.24 % | 1.24 % | 1.36 % | 82 % |
$— | $44.88 | 49.26 % | $2.0 | 1.29 % | 1.29 % | 1.29 % | 89 % |
$— | $30.42 | 2.74 % | $0.6 | 1.34 % | 1.34 %h | 1.51 % | 157 % |
$— | $30.62 | 5.74 % | $0.7 | 1.37 % | 1.37 %h | 1.42 % | 109 %q |
$— | $41.72 | 1.18 %e | $653.9 | 0.51 %f | 0.51 %f | 2.40 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.40 | 5.79 % | $560.6 | 0.51 % | 0.51 % | 2.32 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.81 | (4.13 )% | $342.4 | 0.51 % | 0.51 % | 2.14 % | 82 % |
$— | $44.89 | 50.39 % | $190.6 | 0.53 % | 0.53 % | 1.95 % | 89 % |
$— | $30.41 | 3.54 % | $91.4 | 0.59 % | 0.59 %h | 2.19 % | 157 % |
$— | $30.59 | 8.51 %e | $0.3 | 0.67 %f | 0.61 %f | 2.39 %f | 109 %k,q |
$— | $41.78 | 1.43 %e | $159.9 | 0.45 %f | 0.03 %f | 2.86 %f | 44 %e |
$— | $42.54 | 6.32 % | $158.8 | 0.45 % | 0.03 % | 2.75 % | 81 % |
$— | $40.93 | (10.24 )%e | $146.1 | 0.46 %f | 0.04 %f | 2.62 %f | 82 %k |
202
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Mid Cap Growth Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $14.57 | $(0.02 ) | $2.88 | $2.86 | $— | $(0.48 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $14.62 | $(0.01 ) | $0.60 | $0.59 | $— | $(0.64 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $22.78 | $(0.05 ) | $(4.98 ) | $(5.03 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) |
8/31/2021o | $18.45 | $(0.12 ) | $6.36 | $6.24 | $— | $(1.91 ) | $— | $(1.91 ) |
8/31/2020o | $15.96 | $(0.06 ) | $3.40 | $3.34 | $— | $(0.85 ) | $— | $(0.85 ) |
8/31/2019o | $16.99 | $(0.05 ) | $0.47 | $0.42 | $— | $(1.45 ) | $— | $(1.45 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $14.53 | $(0.02 ) | $2.86 | $2.84 | $— | $(0.48 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $14.60 | $(0.02 ) | $0.59 | $0.57 | $— | $(0.64 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $22.77 | $(0.07 ) | $(4.97 ) | $(5.04 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $18.46 | $(0.14 ) | $6.36 | $6.22 | $— | $(1.91 ) | $— | $(1.91 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $15.98 | $(0.07 ) | $3.40 | $3.33 | $— | $(0.85 ) | $— | $(0.85 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $17.02 | $(0.06 ) | $0.47 | $0.41 | $— | $(1.45 ) | $— | $(1.45 ) |
Advisor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $14.45 | $(0.04 ) | $2.83 | $2.79 | $— | $(0.48 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $14.55 | $(0.06 ) | $0.60 | $0.54 | $— | $(0.64 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $22.76 | $(0.11 ) | $(4.97 ) | $(5.08 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $18.51 | $(0.19 ) | $6.35 | $6.16 | $— | $(1.91 ) | $— | $(1.91 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $16.07 | $(0.11 ) | $3.41 | $3.30 | $— | $(0.86 ) | $— | $(0.86 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $17.16 | $(0.09 ) | $0.47 | $0.38 | $— | $(1.47 ) | $— | $(1.47 ) |
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $14.62 | $(0.01 ) | $2.89 | $2.88 | $— | $(0.48 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $14.65 | $0.01 | $0.60 | $0.61 | $— | $(0.64 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $22.79 | $(0.02 ) | $(4.99 ) | $(5.01 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $18.41 | $(0.08 ) | $6.37 | $6.29 | $— | $(1.91 ) | $— | $(1.91 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $15.90 | $(0.03 ) | $3.38 | $3.35 | $— | $(0.84 ) | $— | $(0.84 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $16.88 | $(0.02 ) | $0.48 | $0.46 | $— | $(1.44 ) | $— | $(1.44 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $14.50 | $(0.03 ) | $2.84 | $2.81 | $— | $(0.48 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $14.58 | $(0.04 ) | $0.60 | $0.56 | $— | $(0.64 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $22.77 | $(0.08 ) | $(4.98 ) | $(5.06 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $18.48 | $(0.16 ) | $6.36 | $6.20 | $— | $(1.91 ) | $— | $(1.91 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $16.02 | $(0.09 ) | $3.41 | $3.32 | $— | $(0.86 ) | $— | $(0.86 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $17.09 | $(0.07 ) | $0.46 | $0.39 | $— | $(1.46 ) | $— | $(1.46 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
203
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $16.95 | 20.06 %e | $533.7 | 0.85 %f | 0.85 %f | (0.24 )%f | 40 %e |
$— | $14.57 | 4.41 % | $466.2 | 0.85 % | 0.85 % | (0.08 )% | 101 % |
$— | $14.62 | (24.92 )% | $478.0 | 0.84 % | 0.84 % | (0.27 )% | 58 % |
$— | $22.78 | 35.63 % | $696.4 | 0.83 % | 0.83 % | (0.57 )% | 42 % |
$— | $18.45 | 21.95 % | $570.7 | 0.88 % | 0.88 % | (0.39 )% | 55 % |
$— | $15.96 | 4.84 % | $513.3 | 0.90 % | 0.90 % | (0.31 )% | 48 % |
$— | $16.89 | 19.98 %e | $30.1 | 0.94 %f | 0.94 %f | (0.33 )%f | 40 %e |
$— | $14.53 | 4.28 % | $36.3 | 0.95 % | 0.95 % | (0.17 )% | 101 % |
$— | $14.60 | (24.98 )% | $53.4 | 0.93 % | 0.93 % | (0.37 )% | 58 % |
$— | $22.77 | 35.53 % | $109.3 | 0.92 % | 0.92 % | (0.66 )% | 42 % |
$— | $18.46 | 21.85 % | $85.7 | 0.94 % | 0.94 % | (0.46 )% | 55 % |
$— | $15.98 | 4.78 % | $77.7 | 0.95 % | 0.95 % | (0.37 )% | 48 % |
$— | $16.76 | 19.74 %e | $7.2 | 1.19 %f | 1.19 %f | (0.59 )%f | 40 %e |
$— | $14.45 | 4.08 % | $6.8 | 1.20 % | 1.20 % | (0.43 )% | 101 % |
$— | $14.55 | (25.19 )% | $8.1 | 1.19 % | 1.19 % | (0.62 )% | 58 % |
$— | $22.76 | 35.19 % | $13.2 | 1.17 % | 1.17 % | (0.92 )% | 42 % |
$— | $18.51 | 21.57 % | $10.3 | 1.20 % | 1.20 % | (0.70 )% | 55 % |
$— | $16.07 | 4.53 % | $12.0 | 1.21 % | 1.21 % | (0.62 )% | 48 % |
$— | $17.02 | 20.13 %e | $474.8 | 0.69 %f | 0.69 %f | (0.09 )%f | 40 %e |
$— | $14.62 | 4.55 % | $458.0 | 0.69 % | 0.69 % | 0.08 % | 101 % |
$— | $14.65 | (24.81 )% | $469.7 | 0.69 % | 0.69 % | (0.10 )% | 58 % |
$— | $22.79 | 35.91 % | $481.1 | 0.67 % | 0.67 % | (0.41 )% | 42 % |
$— | $18.41 | 22.12 % | $347.4 | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | (0.22 )% | 55 % |
$— | $15.90 | 5.09 % | $273.4 | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | (0.11 )% | 48 % |
$— | $16.83 | 19.81 %e | $31.8 | 1.06 %f | 1.06 %f | (0.45 )%f | 40 %e |
$— | $14.50 | 4.21 % | $27.3 | 1.06 % | 1.06 % | (0.28 )% | 101 % |
$— | $14.58 | (25.08 )% | $39.0 | 1.06 % | 1.06 % | (0.47 )% | 58 % |
$— | $22.77 | 35.42 % | $48.1 | 1.04 % | 1.04 % | (0.78 )% | 42 % |
$— | $18.48 | 21.70 % | $36.0 | 1.06 % | 1.06 % | (0.57 )% | 55 % |
$— | $16.02 | 4.65 % | $33.0 | 1.07 % | 1.07 % | (0.47 )% | 48 % |
204
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Mid Cap Growth Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $14.24 | $(0.09 ) | $2.79 | $2.70 | $— | $(0.48 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $14.43 | $(0.14 ) | $0.59 | $0.45 | $— | $(0.64 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $22.73 | $(0.22 ) | $(4.95 ) | $(5.17 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $18.63 | $(0.32 ) | $6.33 | $6.01 | $— | $(1.91 ) | $— | $(1.91 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $16.29 | $(0.21 ) | $3.43 | $3.22 | $— | $(0.88 ) | $— | $(0.88 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $17.52 | $(0.19 ) | $0.47 | $0.28 | $— | $(1.51 ) | $— | $(1.51 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $14.41 | $(0.05 ) | $2.82 | $2.77 | $— | $(0.48 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $14.53 | $(0.08 ) | $0.60 | $0.52 | $— | $(0.64 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $22.75 | $(0.13 ) | $(4.96 ) | $(5.09 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $18.53 | $(0.21 ) | $6.34 | $6.13 | $— | $(1.91 ) | $— | $(1.91 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $16.12 | $(0.12 ) | $3.40 | $3.28 | $— | $(0.87 ) | $— | $(0.87 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $17.24 | $(0.12 ) | $0.48 | $0.36 | $— | $(1.48 ) | $— | $(1.48 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $14.66 | $0.00 | $2.89 | $2.89 | $— | $(0.48 ) | $— | $(0.48 ) |
8/31/2023 | $14.67 | $0.03 | $0.60 | $0.63 | $— | $(0.64 ) | $— | $(0.64 ) |
8/31/2022 | $22.79 | $(0.00 ) | $(4.99 ) | $(4.99 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) | $— | $(3.13 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $18.39 | $(0.06 ) | $6.37 | $6.31 | $— | $(1.91 ) | $— | $(1.91 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $15.86 | $(0.02 ) | $3.39 | $3.37 | $— | $(0.84 ) | $— | $(0.84 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $16.82 | $(0.00 ) | $0.47 | $0.47 | $— | $(1.43 ) | $— | $(1.43 ) |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $24.35 | $0.08 | $2.15 | $2.23 | $(0.15 ) | $(0.34 ) | $— | $(0.49 ) |
8/31/2023 | $23.65 | $0.24 | $0.67 | $0.91 | $(0.21 ) | $— | $— | $(0.21 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.69 | $0.21 | $(1.11 ) | $(0.90 ) | $(0.14 ) | $— | $— | $(0.14 ) |
8/31/2021o | $16.03 | $0.15 | $8.52 | $8.67 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
8/31/2020o | $19.32 | $0.22 | $(3.28 ) | $(3.06 ) | $(0.23 ) | $— | $— | $(0.23 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $24.16 | $0.19 | $(3.39 ) | $(3.20 ) | $(0.13 ) | $(1.51 ) | $— | $(1.64 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $24.32 | $0.05 | $2.15 | $2.20 | $(0.10 ) | $(0.34 ) | $— | $(0.44 ) |
8/31/2023 | $23.61 | $0.18 | $0.68 | $0.86 | $(0.15 ) | $— | $— | $(0.15 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.63 | $0.15 | $(1.11 ) | $(0.96 ) | $(0.06 ) | $— | $— | $(0.06 ) |
8/31/2021o | $16.02 | $0.10 | $8.52 | $8.62 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
8/31/2020o | $19.32 | $0.20 | $(3.30 ) | $(3.10 ) | $(0.20 ) | $— | $— | $(0.20 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $24.16 | $0.17 | $(3.38 ) | $(3.21 ) | $(0.12 ) | $(1.51 ) | $— | $(1.63 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
205
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $16.46 | 19.40 %e | $6.1 | 1.81 %f | 1.81 %f | (1.21 )%f | 40 %e |
$— | $14.24 | 3.47 % | $6.0 | 1.81 % | 1.81 % | (1.04 )% | 101 % |
$— | $14.43 | (25.67 )% | $7.7 | 1.80 % | 1.80 % | (1.24 )% | 58 % |
$— | $22.73 | 34.42 % | $13.2 | 1.79 % | 1.79 % | (1.53 )% | 42 % |
$— | $18.63 | 20.77 % | $11.3 | 1.81 % | 1.81 % | (1.32 )% | 55 % |
$— | $16.29 | 3.91 % | $10.8 | 1.82 % | 1.82 % | (1.24 )% | 48 % |
$— | $16.70 | 19.66 %e | $8.8 | 1.32 %f | 1.32 %f | (0.71 )%f | 40 %e |
$— | $14.41 | 3.95 % | $8.4 | 1.32 % | 1.32 % | (0.55 )% | 101 % |
$— | $14.53 | (25.25 )% | $9.9 | 1.31 % | 1.31 % | (0.75 )% | 58 % |
$— | $22.75 | 35.03 % | $18.5 | 1.29 % | 1.29 % | (1.03 )% | 42 % |
$— | $18.53 | 21.36 % | $13.7 | 1.31 % | 1.31 % | (0.77 )% | 55 % |
$— | $16.12 | 4.41 % | $56.4 | 1.33 % | 1.33 %h | (0.79 )% | 48 % |
$— | $17.07 | 20.15 %e | $632.8 | 0.59 %f | 0.59 %f | 0.02 %f | 40 %e |
$— | $14.66 | 4.68 % | $541.9 | 0.60 % | 0.60 % | 0.18 % | 101 % |
$— | $14.67 | (24.71 )% | $538.5 | 0.59 % | 0.59 % | (0.01 )% | 58 % |
$— | $22.79 | 35.99 % | $753.3 | 0.57 % | 0.57 % | (0.31 )% | 42 % |
$— | $18.39 | 22.27 % | $524.1 | 0.60 % | 0.60 % | (0.11 )% | 55 % |
$— | $15.86 | 5.20 % | $461.1 | 0.61 % | 0.61 % | (0.03 )% | 48 % |
$— | $26.09 | 9.26 %e | $32.3 | 1.50 %f | 0.96 %f | 0.69 %f | 17 %e |
$— | $24.35 | 3.88 % | $32.4 | 1.51 % | 0.96 % | 0.99 % | 15 % |
$— | $23.65 | (3.67 )% | $32.7 | 1.45 % | 0.96 % | 0.85 % | 22 % |
$— | $24.69 | 54.09 % | $35.2 | 1.49 % | 1.01 % | 0.68 % | 31 % |
$— | $16.03 | (16.10 )% | $23.0 | 1.37 % | 1.11 % | 1.26 % | 16 % |
$— | $19.32 | (12.97 )% | $34.5 | 1.27 % | 1.17 % | 0.93 % | 56 % |
$— | $26.08 | 9.10 %e | $6.2 | 1.72 %f | 1.20 %f | 0.45 %f | 17 %e |
$— | $24.32 | 3.66 % | $6.0 | 1.70 % | 1.20 % | 0.75 % | 15 % |
$— | $23.61 | (3.90 )% | $6.1 | 1.63 % | 1.20 % | 0.61 % | 22 % |
$— | $24.63 | 53.86 % | $6.9 | 1.69 % | 1.22 % | 0.48 % | 31 % |
$— | $16.02 | (16.26 )% | $4.9 | 1.53 % | 1.26 % | 1.12 % | 16 % |
$— | $19.32 | (13.03 )% | $8.0 | 1.42 % | 1.27 % | 0.82 % | 56 % |
206
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $24.33 | $0.09 | $2.15 | $2.24 | $(0.18 ) | $(0.34 ) | $— | $(0.52 ) |
8/31/2023 | $23.63 | $0.26 | $0.68 | $0.94 | $(0.24 ) | $— | $— | $(0.24 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.65 | $0.24 | $(1.11 ) | $(0.87 ) | $(0.15 ) | $— | $— | $(0.15 ) |
8/31/2021o | $16.02 | $0.18 | $8.51 | $8.69 | $(0.06 ) | $— | $— | $(0.06 ) |
8/31/2020o | $19.31 | $0.27 | $(3.28 ) | $(3.01 ) | $(0.28 ) | $— | $— | $(0.28 ) |
8/31/2019o | $24.17 | $0.25 | $(3.40 ) | $(3.15 ) | $(0.20 ) | $(1.51 ) | $— | $(1.71 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $24.34 | $0.05 | $2.14 | $2.19 | $(0.11 ) | $(0.34 ) | $— | $(0.45 ) |
8/31/2023 | $23.62 | $0.18 | $0.68 | $0.86 | $(0.14 ) | $— | $— | $(0.14 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.63 | $0.15 | $(1.10 ) | $(0.95 ) | $(0.06 ) | $— | $— | $(0.06 ) |
8/31/2021o | $16.03 | $0.11 | $8.50 | $8.61 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
8/31/2020o | $19.32 | $0.21 | $(3.29 ) | $(3.08 ) | $(0.21 ) | $— | $— | $(0.21 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $24.17 | $0.19 | $(3.41 ) | $(3.22 ) | $(0.12 ) | $(1.51 ) | $— | $(1.63 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $23.95 | $(0.03 ) | $2.10 | $2.07 | $— | $(0.34 ) | $— | $(0.34 ) |
8/31/2023 | $23.30 | $(0.00 ) | $0.66 | $0.66 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.43 | $(0.04 ) | $(1.09 ) | $(1.13 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2021o | $16.00 | $(0.06 ) | $8.49 | $8.43 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2020o | $19.29 | $0.07 | $(3.30 ) | $(3.23 ) | $(0.06 ) | $— | $— | $(0.06 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $24.18 | $0.02 | $(3.39 ) | $(3.37 ) | $(0.01 ) | $(1.51 ) | $— | $(1.52 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $24.26 | $0.02 | $2.14 | $2.16 | $(0.02 ) | $(0.34 ) | $— | $(0.36 ) |
8/31/2023 | $23.56 | $0.12 | $0.67 | $0.79 | $(0.09 ) | $— | $— | $(0.09 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.59 | $0.09 | $(1.10 ) | $(1.01 ) | $(0.02 ) | $— | $— | $(0.02 ) |
8/31/2021o | $16.03 | $0.05 | $8.51 | $8.56 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2020o | $19.33 | $0.18 | $(3.32 ) | $(3.14 ) | $(0.16 ) | $— | $— | $(0.16 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $24.17 | $0.13 | $(3.39 ) | $(3.26 ) | $(0.07 ) | $(1.51 ) | $— | $(1.58 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $24.34 | $0.11 | $2.13 | $2.24 | $(0.20 ) | $(0.34 ) | $— | $(0.54 ) |
8/31/2023 | $23.64 | $0.29 | $0.67 | $0.96 | $(0.26 ) | $— | $— | $(0.26 ) |
8/31/2022 | $24.65 | $0.26 | $(1.09 ) | $(0.83 ) | $(0.18 ) | $— | $— | $(0.18 ) |
8/31/2021o | $16.03 | $0.20 | $8.50 | $8.70 | $(0.08 ) | $— | $— | $(0.08 ) |
8/31/2020o | $19.32 | $0.28 | $(3.27 ) | $(2.99 ) | $(0.30 ) | $— | $— | $(0.30 ) |
Period from 3/29/2019j to 8/31/2019o | $20.50 | $0.10 | $(1.28 ) | $(1.18 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
207
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $26.05 | 9.30 %e | $14.1 | 1.32 %f | 0.85 %f | 0.73 %f | 17 %e |
$— | $24.33 | 4.00 % | $14.1 | 1.34 % | 0.85 % | 1.09 % | 15 % |
$— | $23.63 | (3.55 )% | $13.1 | 1.28 % | 0.85 % | 0.97 % | 22 % |
$— | $24.65 | 54.34 % | $15.2 | 1.32 % | 0.86 % | 0.84 % | 31 % |
$— | $16.02 | (15.88 )% | $12.6 | 1.19 % | 0.86 % | 1.52 % | 16 % |
$— | $19.31 | (12.70 )% | $40.2 | 1.07 % | 0.86 % | 1.21 % | 56 % |
$— | $26.08 | 9.08 %e | $1.5 | 1.74 %f | 1.21 %f | 0.42 %f | 17 %e |
$— | $24.34 | 3.65 % | $1.2 | 1.75 % | 1.21 % | 0.75 % | 15 % |
$— | $23.62 | (3.88 )% | $1.2 | 1.68 % | 1.21 % | 0.59 % | 22 % |
$— | $24.63 | 53.74 % | $1.5 | 1.73 % | 1.22 % | 0.50 % | 31 % |
$— | $16.03 | (16.17 )% | $1.7 | 1.54 % | 1.22 % | 1.15 % | 16 % |
$— | $19.32 | (13.03 )% | $6.2 | 1.40 % | 1.22 % | 0.91 % | 56 % |
$— | $25.68 | 8.70 %e | $0.8 | 2.46 %f | 1.96 %f | (0.28 )%f | 17 %e |
$— | $23.95 | 2.85 % | $0.9 | 2.47 % | 1.96 % | (0.00 )% | 15 % |
$— | $23.30 | (4.63 )% | $0.9 | 2.42 % | 1.96 % | (0.15 )% | 22 % |
$— | $24.43 | 52.69 % | $1.0 | 2.47 % | 1.97 % | (0.26 )% | 31 % |
$— | $16.00 | (16.81 )% | $0.8 | 2.31 % | 1.97 % | 0.41 % | 16 % |
$— | $19.29 | (13.69 )% | $1.5 | 2.19 % | 1.97 % | 0.10 % | 56 % |
$— | $26.06 | 8.96 %e | $0.4 | 2.02 %f | 1.46 %f | 0.20 %f | 17 %e |
$— | $24.26 | 3.36 % | $0.4 | 2.01 % | 1.46 % | 0.52 % | 15 % |
$— | $23.56 | (4.11 )% | $0.7 | 1.94 % | 1.46 % | 0.35 % | 22 % |
$— | $24.59 | 53.42 % | $0.8 | 1.98 % | 1.47 % | 0.22 % | 31 % |
$— | $16.03 | (16.42 )% | $0.5 | 1.80 % | 1.47 % | 0.96 % | 16 % |
$— | $19.33 | (13.21 )% | $1.9 | 1.70 % | 1.48 % | 0.61 % | 56 % |
$— | $26.04 | 9.31 %e | $0.0 | 1.60 %f | 0.75 %f | 0.91 %f | 17 %e |
$— | $24.34 | 4.11 % | $0.0 | 1.71 % | 0.75 % | 1.20 % | 15 % |
$— | $23.64 | (3.42 )% | $0.0 | 1.55 % | 0.75 % | 1.06 % | 22 % |
$— | $24.65 | 54.45 % | $0.0 | 1.72 % | 0.76 % | 0.94 % | 31 % |
$— | $16.03 | (15.79 )% | $0.0 | 1.02 % | 0.76 %h | 1.62 % | 16 % |
$— | $19.32 | (5.76 )%e | $0.0 | 1.44 %f | 0.78 %f | 1.14 %f | 56 %k |
208
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $10.17 | $0.02 | $1.08 | $1.10 | $(0.01 ) | $(1.98 ) | $— | $(1.99 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.71 | $0.03 | $1.18 | $1.21 | $(0.04 ) | $(2.71 ) | $— | $(2.75 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.55 | $0.04 | $(2.00 ) | $(1.96 ) | $(0.05 ) | $(4.83 ) | $— | $(4.88 ) |
8/31/2021o | $17.03 | $0.05 | $5.17 | $5.22 | $(0.05 ) | $(3.65 ) | $— | $(3.70 ) |
8/31/2020o | $18.64 | $0.09 | $1.76 | $1.85 | $(0.14 ) | $(3.32 ) | $— | $(3.46 ) |
8/31/2019o | $20.12 | $0.14 | $0.17 | $0.31 | $(0.14 ) | $(1.65 ) | $— | $(1.79 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $10.16 | $0.00 | $1.09 | $1.09 | $— | $(1.98 ) | $— | $(1.98 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.71 | $(0.01 ) | $1.18 | $1.17 | $(0.01 ) | $(2.71 ) | $— | $(2.72 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.55 | $(0.01 ) | $(1.99 ) | $(2.00 ) | $(0.01 ) | $(4.83 ) | $— | $(4.84 ) |
8/31/2021o | $17.05 | $(0.01 ) | $5.16 | $5.15 | $— | $(3.65 ) | $— | $(3.65 ) |
8/31/2020o | $18.65 | $0.03 | $1.76 | $1.79 | $(0.07 ) | $(3.32 ) | $— | $(3.39 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $20.12 | $0.07 | $0.18 | $0.25 | $(0.07 ) | $(1.65 ) | $— | $(1.72 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $9.69 | $(0.03 ) | $1.02 | $0.99 | $— | $(1.98 ) | $— | $(1.98 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.35 | $(0.08 ) | $1.13 | $1.05 | $— | $(2.71 ) | $— | $(2.71 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.23 | $(0.11 ) | $(1.94 ) | $(2.05 ) | $— | $(4.83 ) | $— | $(4.83 ) |
8/31/2021o | $16.92 | $(0.13 ) | $5.09 | $4.96 | $— | $(3.65 ) | $— | $(3.65 ) |
8/31/2020o | $18.59 | $(0.09 ) | $1.74 | $1.65 | $— | $(3.32 ) | $— | $(3.32 ) |
8/31/2019i,o | $20.13 | $(0.06 ) | $0.17 | $0.11 | $— | $(1.65 ) | $— | $(1.65 ) |
Class E | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $10.17 | $0.05 | $1.09 | $1.14 | $(0.11 ) | $(1.98 ) | $— | $(2.09 ) |
8/31/2023 | $11.76 | $0.11 | $1.18 | $1.29 | $(0.17 ) | $(2.71 ) | $— | $(2.88 ) |
Period from 1/11/2022j to 8/31/2022 | $13.99 | $0.09 | $(2.32 ) | $(2.23 ) | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Real Estate Fund | ||||||||
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.33 | $0.15 | $0.58 | $0.73 | $(0.12 ) | $— | $— | $(0.12 ) |
8/31/2023 | $15.47 | $0.31 | $(1.87 ) | $(1.56 ) | $(0.27 ) | $(1.31 ) | $— | $(1.58 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.10 | $0.14 | $(2.01 ) | $(1.87 ) | $(0.16 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.76 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.76 | $0.21 | $4.41 | $4.62 | $(0.20 ) | $(0.08 ) | $— | $(0.28 ) |
8/31/2020 | $15.13 | $0.17 | $(0.80 ) | $(0.63 ) | $(0.17 ) | $(0.57 ) | $— | $(0.74 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.34 | $0.18 | $2.45 | $2.63 | $(0.18 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.84 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
209
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $9.28 | 12.37 %e | $115.7 | 0.88 %f | 0.88 %f | 0.37 %f | 9 %e |
$— | $10.17 | 12.81 % | $126.8 | 0.87 % | 0.87 % | 0.30 % | 14 % |
$— | $11.71 | (14.66 )% | $208.9 | 0.82 % | 0.82 % | 0.28 % | 16 % |
$— | $18.55 | 36.24 % | $490.7 | 0.81 % | 0.81 % | 0.33 % | 15 % |
$— | $17.03 | 10.23 % | $609.7 | 0.76 % | 0.76 % | 0.53 % | 27 % |
$— | $18.64 | 2.91 % | $1,098.2 | 0.74 % | 0.74 % | 0.75 % | 36 % |
$— | $9.27 | 12.20 %e | $31.1 | 1.24 %f | 1.24 %f | 0.00 %f | 9 %e |
$— | $10.16 | 12.37 % | $33.3 | 1.25 % | 1.25 % | (0.08 )% | 14 % |
$— | $11.71 | (14.92 )% | $41.2 | 1.19 % | 1.19 % | (0.06 )% | 16 % |
$— | $18.55 | 35.69 % | $53.1 | 1.18 % | 1.18 % | (0.04 )% | 15 % |
$— | $17.05 | 9.83 % | $41.6 | 1.14 % | 1.14 % | 0.17 % | 27 % |
$— | $18.65 | 2.54 % | $49.9 | 1.12 % | 1.12 % | 0.38 % | 36 % |
$— | $8.70 | 11.74 %e | $11.0 | 1.99 %f | 1.99 %f | (0.75 )%f | 9 %e |
$— | $9.69 | 11.63 % | $12.0 | 1.99 % | 1.99 % | (0.82 )% | 14 % |
$— | $11.35 | (15.58 )% | $15.6 | 1.94 % | 1.94 % | (0.82 )% | 16 % |
$— | $18.23 | 34.66 % | $27.2 | 1.93 % | 1.93 % | (0.78 )% | 15 % |
$— | $16.92 | 9.04 % | $30.4 | 1.88 % | 1.88 % | (0.57 )% | 27 % |
$— | $18.59 | 1.78 % | $39.4 | 1.86 % | 1.86 % | (0.35 )% | 36 % |
$— | $9.22 | 12.76 %e | $90.1 | 0.73 %f | 0.12 %f | 1.13 %f | 9 %e |
$— | $10.17 | 13.70 % | $81.4 | 0.72 % | 0.12 % | 1.05 % | 14 % |
$— | $11.76 | (15.94 )%e | $71.6 | 0.69 %f | 0.10 %f | 1.11 %f | 16 %k |
$— | $12.94 | 6.01 %e | $88.8 | 1.39 %f | 1.04 %f | 2.42 %f | 28 %e |
$— | $12.33 | (10.02 )% | $92.1 | 1.39 % | 1.04 % | 2.35 % | 38 % |
$— | $15.47 | (10.87 )% | $127.4 | 1.37 % | 1.04 % | 0.80 % | 37 % |
$— | $18.10 | 34.12 % | $149.8 | 1.38 % | 1.04 % | 1.37 % | 22 % |
$— | $13.76 | (4.13 )% | $108.6 | 1.40 % | 1.04 % | 1.21 % | 26 % |
$— | $15.13 | 21.21 % | $130.3 | 1.43 % | 1.04 % | 1.32 % | 38 % |
210
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Real Estate Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.38 | $0.16 | $0.59 | $0.75 | $(0.14 ) | $— | $— | $(0.14 ) |
8/31/2023 | $15.52 | $0.34 | $(1.87 ) | $(1.53 ) | $(0.30 ) | $(1.31 ) | $— | $(1.61 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.17 | $0.17 | $(2.03 ) | $(1.86 ) | $(0.19 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.79 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.81 | $0.20 | $4.47 | $4.67 | $(0.23 ) | $(0.08 ) | $— | $(0.31 ) |
8/31/2020 | $15.19 | $0.19 | $(0.80 ) | $(0.61 ) | $(0.20 ) | $(0.57 ) | $— | $(0.77 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.39 | $0.20 | $2.46 | $2.66 | $(0.20 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.86 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.33 | $0.14 | $0.58 | $0.72 | $(0.11 ) | $— | $— | $(0.11 ) |
8/31/2023 | $15.47 | $0.28 | $(1.86 ) | $(1.58 ) | $(0.25 ) | $(1.31 ) | $— | $(1.56 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.10 | $0.11 | $(2.01 ) | $(1.90 ) | $(0.13 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.73 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.76 | $0.18 | $4.41 | $4.59 | $(0.17 ) | $(0.08 ) | $— | $(0.25 ) |
8/31/2020 | $15.13 | $0.15 | $(0.81 ) | $(0.66 ) | $(0.14 ) | $(0.57 ) | $— | $(0.71 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.34 | $0.15 | $2.46 | $2.61 | $(0.16 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.82 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.38 | $0.09 | $0.59 | $0.68 | $(0.07 ) | $— | $— | $(0.07 ) |
8/31/2023 | $15.51 | $0.19 | $(1.87 ) | $(1.68 ) | $(0.14 ) | $(1.31 ) | $— | $(1.45 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.15 | $(0.02 ) | $(2.02 ) | $(2.04 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.60 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.79 | $0.08 | $4.42 | $4.50 | $(0.06 ) | $(0.08 ) | $— | $(0.14 ) |
8/31/2020 | $15.16 | $0.04 | $(0.80 ) | $(0.76 ) | $(0.04 ) | $(0.57 ) | $— | $(0.61 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.36 | $0.06 | $2.45 | $2.51 | $(0.05 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.71 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.31 | $0.12 | $0.58 | $0.70 | $(0.10 ) | $— | $— | $(0.10 ) |
8/31/2023 | $15.44 | $0.25 | $(1.85 ) | $(1.60 ) | $(0.22 ) | $(1.31 ) | $— | $(1.53 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.06 | $0.06 | $(2.00 ) | $(1.94 ) | $(0.08 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.68 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.73 | $0.15 | $4.40 | $4.55 | $(0.14 ) | $(0.08 ) | $— | $(0.22 ) |
8/31/2020 | $15.10 | $0.11 | $(0.80 ) | $(0.69 ) | $(0.11 ) | $(0.57 ) | $— | $(0.68 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.31 | $0.12 | $2.45 | $2.57 | $(0.12 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.78 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.37 | $0.17 | $0.58 | $0.75 | $(0.14 ) | $— | $— | $(0.14 ) |
8/31/2023 | $15.52 | $0.34 | $(1.86 ) | $(1.52 ) | $(0.32 ) | $(1.31 ) | $— | $(1.63 ) |
8/31/2022 | $18.16 | $0.19 | $(2.02 ) | $(1.83 ) | $(0.21 ) | $(0.60 ) | $— | $(0.81 ) |
8/31/2021 | $13.81 | $0.24 | $4.43 | $4.67 | $(0.24 ) | $(0.08 ) | $— | $(0.32 ) |
8/31/2020 | $15.19 | $0.20 | $(0.80 ) | $(0.60 ) | $(0.21 ) | $(0.57 ) | $— | $(0.78 ) |
8/31/2019 | $13.39 | $0.21 | $2.47 | $2.68 | $(0.22 ) | $(0.66 ) | $— | $(0.88 ) |
Class E | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $12.38 | $0.21 | $0.59 | $0.80 | $(0.19 ) | $— | $— | $(0.19 ) |
8/31/2023 | $15.53 | $0.43 | $(1.86 ) | $(1.43 ) | $(0.41 ) | $(1.31 ) | $— | $(1.72 ) |
Period from 1/11/2022j to 8/31/2022 | $18.24 | $0.11 | $(2.60 ) | $(2.49 ) | $(0.12 ) | $(0.10 ) | $— | $(0.22 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
211
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $12.99 | 6.08 %e | $386.3 | 1.03 %f | 0.85 %f | 2.65 %f | 28 %e |
$— | $12.38 | (9.81 )% | $450.0 | 1.03 % | 0.85 % | 2.56 % | 38 % |
$— | $15.52 | (10.76 )% | $738.1 | 1.01 % | 0.85 % | 0.99 % | 37 % |
$— | $18.17 | 34.40 % | $706.9 | 1.02 % | 0.85 % | 1.32 % | 22 % |
$— | $13.81 | (3.97 )% | $344.1 | 1.04 % | 0.85 % | 1.37 % | 26 % |
$— | $15.19 | 21.44 % | $213.6 | 1.06 % | 0.85 % | 1.49 % | 38 % |
$— | $12.94 | 5.92 %e | $56.2 | 1.39 %f | 1.21 %f | 2.27 %f | 28 %e |
$— | $12.33 | (10.18 )% | $58.8 | 1.40 % | 1.21 % | 2.16 % | 38 % |
$— | $15.47 | (11.02 )% | $78.4 | 1.38 % | 1.21 % | 0.62 % | 37 % |
$— | $18.10 | 33.89 % | $84.6 | 1.39 % | 1.21 % | 1.18 % | 22 % |
$— | $13.76 | (4.31 )% | $60.7 | 1.40 % | 1.21 % | 1.04 % | 26 % |
$— | $15.13 | 21.01 % | $63.9 | 1.42 % | 1.21 % | 1.13 % | 38 % |
$— | $12.99 | 5.49 %e | $7.5 | 2.15 %f | 1.96 %f | 1.51 %f | 28 %e |
$— | $12.38 | (10.84 )% | $8.1 | 2.16 % | 1.96 % | 1.42 % | 38 % |
$— | $15.51 | (11.72 )% | $10.6 | 2.14 % | 1.96 % | (0.13 )% | 37 % |
$— | $18.15 | 32.94 % | $11.2 | 2.15 % | 1.96 % | 0.56 % | 22 % |
$— | $13.79 | (5.08 )% | $9.1 | 2.16 % | 1.96 % | 0.28 % | 26 % |
$— | $15.16 | 20.12 % | $10.5 | 2.18 % | 1.96 % | 0.43 % | 38 % |
$— | $12.91 | 5.73 %e | $13.2 | 1.66 %f | 1.46 %f | 2.01 %f | 28 %e |
$— | $12.31 | (10.37 )% | $13.7 | 1.66 % | 1.46 % | 1.92 % | 38 % |
$— | $15.44 | (11.23 )% | $16.9 | 1.63 % | 1.46 % | 0.36 % | 37 % |
$— | $18.06 | 33.55 % | $20.3 | 1.64 % | 1.46 % | 0.98 % | 22 % |
$— | $13.73 | (4.58 )% | $15.7 | 1.67 % | 1.46 % | 0.81 % | 26 % |
$— | $15.10 | 20.76 % | $20.5 | 1.69 % | 1.46 % | 0.87 % | 38 % |
$— | $12.98 | 6.16 %e | $147.7 | 0.93 %f | 0.75 %f | 2.71 %f | 28 %e |
$— | $12.37 | (9.76 )% | $152.7 | 0.94 % | 0.75 % | 2.60 % | 38 % |
$— | $15.52 | (10.62 )% | $146.9 | 0.92 % | 0.75 % | 1.10 % | 37 % |
$— | $18.16 | 34.45 % | $167.9 | 0.93 % | 0.75 % | 1.59 % | 22 % |
$— | $13.81 | (3.87 )% | $107.1 | 0.94 % | 0.75 % | 1.45 % | 26 % |
$— | $15.19 | 21.55 % | $74.0 | 0.97 % | 0.76 % | 1.55 % | 38 % |
$— | $12.99 | 6.51 %e | $17.5 | 0.88 %f | 0.07 %f | 3.35 %f | 28 %e |
$— | $12.38 | (9.10 )% | $16.1 | 0.88 % | 0.08 % | 3.30 % | 38 % |
$— | $15.53 | (13.67 )% | $19.0 | 0.88 %f | 0.08 %f | 1.00 %f | 37 %k |
212
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Small Cap Growth Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $38.48 | $(0.11 ) | $6.53 | $6.42 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $37.93 | $(0.18 ) | $0.73 | $0.55 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $56.71 | $(0.28 ) | $(9.57 ) | $(9.85 ) | $— | $(8.93 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(8.93 ) |
8/31/2021o | $44.81 | $(0.45 ) | $12.93 | $12.48 | $— | $(0.58 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020o | $37.83 | $(0.30 ) | $8.82 | $8.52 | $— | $(1.54 ) | $— | $(1.54 ) |
8/31/2019o | $44.96 | $(0.30 ) | $0.29 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $(7.12 ) | $— | $(7.12 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $38.27 | $(0.15 ) | $6.48 | $6.33 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $37.81 | $(0.27 ) | $0.73 | $0.46 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $56.68 | $(0.39 ) | $(9.55 ) | $(9.94 ) | $— | $(8.93 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(8.93 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $44.87 | $(0.56 ) | $12.95 | $12.39 | $— | $(0.58 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $37.94 | $(0.34 ) | $8.82 | $8.48 | $— | $(1.55 ) | $— | $(1.55 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $45.14 | $(0.34 ) | $0.30 | $(0.04 ) | $— | $(7.16 ) | $— | $(7.16 ) |
Advisor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $38.14 | $(0.18 ) | $6.45 | $6.27 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $37.73 | $(0.33 ) | $0.74 | $0.41 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $56.66 | $(0.46 ) | $(9.54 ) | $(10.00 ) | $— | $(8.93 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(8.93 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $44.93 | $(0.64 ) | $12.95 | $12.31 | $— | $(0.58 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $38.05 | $(0.39 ) | $8.83 | $8.44 | $— | $(1.56 ) | $— | $(1.56 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $45.36 | $(0.40 ) | $0.29 | $(0.11 ) | $— | $(7.20 ) | $— | $(7.20 ) |
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $38.59 | $(0.09 ) | $6.54 | $6.45 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $37.99 | $(0.14 ) | $0.74 | $0.60 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $56.73 | $(0.24 ) | $(9.57 ) | $(9.81 ) | $— | $(8.93 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(8.93 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $44.74 | $(0.36 ) | $12.93 | $12.57 | $— | $(0.58 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $37.66 | $(0.20 ) | $8.80 | $8.60 | $— | $(1.52 ) | $— | $(1.52 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $44.59 | $(0.17 ) | $0.29 | $0.12 | $— | $(7.05 ) | $— | $(7.05 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $38.27 | $(0.15 ) | $6.47 | $6.32 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $37.81 | $(0.27 ) | $0.73 | $0.46 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $56.68 | $(0.39 ) | $(9.55 ) | $(9.94 ) | $— | $(8.93 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(8.93 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $44.88 | $(0.56 ) | $12.94 | $12.38 | $— | $(0.58 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $37.93 | $(0.32 ) | $8.82 | $8.50 | $— | $(1.55 ) | $— | $(1.55 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $45.10 | $(0.29 ) | $0.26 | $(0.03 ) | $— | $(7.14 ) | $— | $(7.14 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
213
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $44.90 | 16.68 %e | $66.1 | 1.33 %f | 1.01 %f | (0.57 )%f | 56 %e |
$— | $38.48 | 1.45 % | $59.7 | 1.32 % | 1.01 % | (0.49 )% | 129 % |
$— | $37.93 | (19.94 )% | $62.8 | 1.32 % | 1.01 % | (0.63 )% | 121 % |
$— | $56.71 | 27.95 % | $85.7 | 1.28 % | 1.07 % | (0.85 )% | 127 % |
$— | $44.81 | 23.20 % | $72.5 | 1.41 % | 1.18 % | (0.78 )% | 128 % |
$— | $37.83 | 4.06 % | $65.6 | 1.58 % | 1.19 % | (0.78 )% | 161 % |
$— | $44.60 | 16.54 %e | $4.0 | 1.55 %f | 1.25 %f | (0.81 )%f | 56 %e |
$— | $38.27 | 1.22 % | $3.5 | 1.50 % | 1.25 % | (0.73 )% | 129 % |
$— | $37.81 | (20.14 )% | $3.9 | 1.49 % | 1.25 % | (0.87 )% | 121 % |
$— | $56.68 | 27.70 % | $5.4 | 1.47 % | 1.27 % | (1.04 )% | 127 % |
$— | $44.87 | 23.04 % | $4.6 | 1.54 % | 1.29 % | (0.89 )% | 128 % |
$— | $37.94 | 3.99 % | $4.6 | 1.70 % | 1.29 % | (0.89 )% | 161 % |
$— | $44.41 | 16.44 %e | $2.0 | 1.77 %f | 1.40 %f | (0.95 )%f | 56 %e |
$— | $38.14 | 1.09 % | $1.9 | 1.67 % | 1.40 % | (0.88 )% | 129 % |
$— | $37.73 | (20.26 )% | $2.6 | 1.64 % | 1.40 % | (1.02 )% | 121 % |
$— | $56.66 | 27.50 % | $3.9 | 1.63 % | 1.42 % | (1.19 )% | 127 % |
$— | $44.93 | 22.86 % | $3.2 | 1.70 % | 1.44 % | (1.04 )% | 128 % |
$— | $38.05 | 3.81 % | $2.8 | 1.87 % | 1.44 % | (1.04 )% | 161 % |
$— | $45.04 | 16.71 %e | $158.3 | 1.13 %f | 0.90 %f | (0.45 )%f | 56 %e |
$— | $38.59 | 1.58 % | $156.2 | 1.13 % | 0.90 % | (0.38 )% | 129 % |
$— | $37.99 | (19.86 )% | $146.5 | 1.13 % | 0.90 % | (0.53 )% | 121 % |
$— | $56.73 | 28.18 % | $235.8 | 1.09 % | 0.90 % | (0.68 )% | 127 % |
$— | $44.74 | 23.52 % | $158.1 | 1.18 % | 0.90 % | (0.51 )% | 128 % |
$— | $37.66 | 4.38 % | $87.7 | 1.28 % | 0.90 % | (0.43 )% | 161 % |
$— | $44.59 | 16.51 %e | $18.9 | 1.53 %f | 1.26 %f | (0.82 )%f | 56 %e |
$— | $38.27 | 1.22 % | $16.9 | 1.53 % | 1.26 % | (0.73 )% | 129 % |
$— | $37.81 | (20.14 )% | $18.2 | 1.53 % | 1.26 % | (0.88 )% | 121 % |
$— | $56.68 | 27.69 % | $26.5 | 1.49 % | 1.26 % | (1.04 )% | 127 % |
$— | $44.88 | 23.09 % | $23.3 | 1.60 % | 1.26 % | (0.86 )% | 128 % |
$— | $37.93 | 4.01 % | $50.1 | 1.65 % | 1.26 % | (0.76 )% | 161 % |
214
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Small Cap Growth Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $37.60 | $(0.29 ) | $6.34 | $6.05 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $37.43 | $(0.54 ) | $0.71 | $0.17 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $56.58 | $(0.73 ) | $(9.49 ) | $(10.22 ) | $— | $(8.93 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(8.93 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $45.14 | $(0.97 ) | $12.99 | $12.02 | $— | $(0.58 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $38.45 | $(0.62 ) | $8.90 | $8.28 | $— | $(1.59 ) | $— | $(1.59 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $46.16 | $(0.63 ) | $0.27 | $(0.36 ) | $— | $(7.35 ) | $— | $(7.35 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $38.05 | $(0.20 ) | $6.43 | $6.23 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $37.68 | $(0.36 ) | $0.73 | $0.37 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $56.65 | $(0.50 ) | $(9.54 ) | $(10.04 ) | $— | $(8.93 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(8.93 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $44.97 | $(0.70 ) | $12.96 | $12.26 | $— | $(0.58 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $38.10 | $(0.43 ) | $8.86 | $8.43 | $— | $(1.56 ) | $— | $(1.56 ) |
8/31/2019o,r | $45.45 | $(0.43 ) | $0.29 | $(0.14 ) | $— | $(7.21 ) | $— | $(7.21 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $38.68 | $(0.07 ) | $6.57 | $6.50 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $38.04 | $(0.10 ) | $0.74 | $0.64 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $56.74 | $(0.18 ) | $(9.59 ) | $(9.77 ) | $— | $(8.93 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(8.93 ) |
8/31/2021o,r | $44.71 | $(0.31 ) | $12.92 | $12.61 | $— | $(0.58 ) | $— | $(0.58 ) |
8/31/2020o,r | $37.59 | $(0.15 ) | $8.79 | $8.64 | $— | $(1.52 ) | $— | $(1.52 ) |
Period from 9/7/2018j to 8/31/2019o,r | $43.68 | $0.06 | $0.88 | $0.94 | $— | $(7.03 ) | $— | $(7.03 ) |
Sustainable Equity Fund | ||||||||
Investor Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $40.54 | $0.02 | $7.15 | $7.17 | $(0.10 ) | $(3.81 ) | $— | $(3.91 ) |
8/31/2023 | $38.86 | $0.14 | $5.05 | $5.19 | $(0.01 ) | $(3.50 ) | $— | $(3.51 ) |
8/31/2022 | $49.85 | $0.18 | $(6.29 ) | $(6.11 ) | $(0.34 ) | $(4.54 ) | $— | $(4.88 ) |
8/31/2021o | $39.44 | $0.18 | $12.84 | $13.02 | $(0.26 ) | $(2.35 ) | $— | $(2.61 ) |
8/31/2020o | $37.08 | $0.22 | $5.56 | $5.78 | $(0.25 ) | $(3.17 ) | $— | $(3.42 ) |
8/31/2019o | $41.86 | $0.30 | $(1.80 ) | $(1.50 ) | $(0.16 ) | $(3.12 ) | $— | $(3.28 ) |
Trust Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $40.52 | $(0.02 ) | $7.16 | $7.14 | $(0.05 ) | $(3.81 ) | $— | $(3.86 ) |
8/31/2023 | $38.91 | $0.07 | $5.04 | $5.11 | $— | $(3.50 ) | $— | $(3.50 ) |
8/31/2022 | $49.90 | $0.10 | $(6.30 ) | $(6.20 ) | $(0.25 ) | $(4.54 ) | $— | $(4.79 ) |
8/31/2021o | $39.47 | $0.10 | $12.85 | $12.95 | $(0.17 ) | $(2.35 ) | $— | $(2.52 ) |
8/31/2020o | $37.10 | $0.15 | $5.58 | $5.73 | $(0.19 ) | $(3.17 ) | $— | $(3.36 ) |
8/31/2019o | $41.88 | $0.24 | $(1.80 ) | $(1.56 ) | $(0.10 ) | $(3.12 ) | $— | $(3.22 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
215
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $43.65 | 16.09 %e | $5.0 | 2.25 %f | 2.01 %f | (1.57 )%f | 56 %e |
$— | $37.60 | 0.45 % | $4.3 | 2.24 % | 2.01 % | (1.49 )% | 129 % |
$— | $37.43 | (20.74 )% | $4.2 | 2.25 % | 2.01 % | (1.64 )% | 121 % |
$— | $56.58 | 26.75 % | $6.6 | 2.21 % | 2.01 % | (1.79 )% | 127 % |
$— | $45.14 | 22.19 % | $4.6 | 2.30 % | 2.01 % | (1.61 )% | 128 % |
$— | $38.45 | 3.20 % | $4.2 | 2.45 % | 2.01 % | (1.60 )% | 161 % |
$— | $44.28 | 16.37 %e | $8.8 | 1.76 %f | 1.51 %f | (1.06 )%f | 56 %e |
$— | $38.05 | 0.98 % | $8.4 | 1.76 % | 1.51 % | (0.99 )% | 129 % |
$— | $37.68 | (20.35 )% | $5.4 | 1.77 % | 1.51 % | (1.13 )% | 121 % |
$— | $56.65 | 27.38 % | $6.0 | 1.74 % | 1.51 % | (1.29 )% | 127 % |
$— | $44.97 | 22.80 % | $3.7 | 1.86 % | 1.51 % | (1.11 )% | 128 % |
$— | $38.10 | 3.73 % | $2.4 | 2.01 % | 1.51 % | (1.10 )% | 161 % |
$— | $45.18 | 16.80 %e | $87.3 | 1.04 %f | 0.80 %f | (0.36 )%f | 56 %e |
$— | $38.68 | 1.68 % | $89.0 | 1.03 % | 0.80 % | (0.27 )% | 129 % |
$— | $38.04 | (19.78 )% | $77.7 | 1.05 % | 0.80 % | (0.42 )% | 121 % |
$— | $56.74 | 28.29 % | $53.1 | 0.99 % | 0.80 % | (0.58 )% | 127 % |
$— | $44.71 | 23.65 % | $37.2 | 1.08 % | 0.80 % | (0.40 )% | 128 % |
$— | $37.59 | 6.35 %e | $21.0 | 1.15 %f | 0.81 %f | 0.15 %f | 161 %k |
$— | $43.80 | 18.72 %e | $411.8 | 0.87 %f | 0.87 %f | 0.10 %f | 8 %e |
$— | $40.54 | 14.74 % | $354.8 | 0.87 % | 0.87 % | 0.36 % | 20 % |
$— | $38.86 | (13.70 )% | $346.2 | 0.85 % | 0.85 % | 0.40 % | 14 % |
$— | $49.85 | 34.45 % | $437.8 | 0.84 % | 0.84 % | 0.40 % | 16 % |
$— | $39.44 | 16.12 % | $429.6 | 0.86 % | 0.86 % | 0.59 % | 21 % |
$— | $37.08 | (2.70 )% | $446.1 | 0.86 % | 0.86 % | 0.80 % | 20 % |
$— | $43.80 | 18.64 %e | $125.5 | 1.05 %f | 1.05 %f | (0.09 )%f | 8 %e |
$— | $40.52 | 14.49 % | $108.8 | 1.05 % | 1.05 % | 0.18 % | 20 % |
$— | $38.91 | (13.85 )% | $108.5 | 1.03 % | 1.03 % | 0.22 % | 14 % |
$— | $49.90 | 34.21 % | $148.7 | 1.02 % | 1.02 % | 0.23 % | 16 % |
$— | $39.47 | 15.95 % | $122.9 | 1.03 % | 1.03 % | 0.42 % | 21 % |
$— | $37.10 | (2.86 )% | $161.3 | 1.03 % | 1.03 % | 0.65 % | 20 % |
216
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Sustainable Equity Fund (cont’d) | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $40.45 | $0.05 | $7.15 | $7.20 | $(0.16 ) | $(3.81 ) | $— | $(3.97 ) |
8/31/2023 | $38.79 | $0.20 | $5.04 | $5.24 | $(0.08 ) | $(3.50 ) | $— | $(3.58 ) |
8/31/2022 | $49.78 | $0.25 | $(6.27 ) | $(6.02 ) | $(0.43 ) | $(4.54 ) | $— | $(4.97 ) |
8/31/2021o | $39.40 | $0.26 | $12.81 | $13.07 | $(0.34 ) | $(2.35 ) | $— | $(2.69 ) |
8/31/2020o | $37.02 | $0.28 | $5.57 | $5.85 | $(0.30 ) | $(3.17 ) | $— | $(3.47 ) |
8/31/2019o | $41.84 | $0.37 | $(1.81 ) | $(1.44 ) | $(0.26 ) | $(3.12 ) | $— | $(3.38 ) |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $40.44 | $(0.02 ) | $7.15 | $7.13 | $(0.06 ) | $(3.81 ) | $— | $(3.87 ) |
8/31/2023 | $38.84 | $0.06 | $5.04 | $5.10 | $— | $(3.50 ) | $— | $(3.50 ) |
8/31/2022 | $49.84 | $0.09 | $(6.28 ) | $(6.19 ) | $(0.27 ) | $(4.54 ) | $— | $(4.81 ) |
8/31/2021o | $39.43 | $0.10 | $12.83 | $12.93 | $(0.17 ) | $(2.35 ) | $— | $(2.52 ) |
8/31/2020o | $37.08 | $0.15 | $5.57 | $5.72 | $(0.20 ) | $(3.17 ) | $— | $(3.37 ) |
8/31/2019o | $41.88 | $0.23 | $(1.81 ) | $(1.58 ) | $(0.10 ) | $(3.12 ) | $— | $(3.22 ) |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $39.30 | $(0.17 ) | $6.92 | $6.75 | $— | $(3.81 ) | $— | $(3.81 ) |
8/31/2023 | $38.11 | $(0.21 ) | $4.90 | $4.69 | $— | $(3.50 ) | $— | $(3.50 ) |
8/31/2022 | $49.19 | $(0.24 ) | $(6.17 ) | $(6.41 ) | $— | $(4.67 ) | $— | $(4.67 ) |
8/31/2021o | $39.07 | $(0.23 ) | $12.70 | $12.47 | $— | $(2.35 ) | $— | $(2.35 ) |
8/31/2020o | $36.85 | $(0.12 ) | $5.51 | $5.39 | $— | $(3.17 ) | $— | $(3.17 ) |
8/31/2019o | $41.81 | $(0.04 ) | $(1.80 ) | $(1.84 ) | $— | $(3.12 ) | $— | $(3.12 ) |
Class R3 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $40.34 | $(0.07 ) | $7.11 | $7.04 | $— | $(3.81 ) | $— | $(3.81 ) |
8/31/2023 | $38.84 | $(0.03 ) | $5.03 | $5.00 | $— | $(3.50 ) | $— | $(3.50 ) |
8/31/2022 | $49.82 | $(0.02 ) | $(6.29 ) | $(6.31 ) | $— | $(4.67 ) | $— | $(4.67 ) |
8/31/2021o | $39.41 | $(0.01 ) | $12.84 | $12.83 | $(0.07 ) | $(2.35 ) | $— | $(2.42 ) |
8/31/2020o | $37.10 | $0.06 | $5.56 | $5.62 | $(0.14 ) | $(3.17 ) | $— | $(3.31 ) |
8/31/2019o | $41.90 | $0.14 | $(1.79 ) | $(1.65 ) | $(0.03 ) | $(3.12 ) | $— | $(3.15 ) |
Class R6 | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $40.45 | $0.07 | $7.14 | $7.21 | $(0.20 ) | $(3.81 ) | $— | $(4.01 ) |
8/31/2023 | $38.80 | $0.24 | $5.03 | $5.27 | $(0.12 ) | $(3.50 ) | $— | $(3.62 ) |
8/31/2022 | $49.79 | $0.29 | $(6.27 ) | $(5.98 ) | $(0.47 ) | $(4.54 ) | $— | $(5.01 ) |
8/31/2021o | $39.41 | $0.30 | $12.82 | $13.12 | $(0.39 ) | $(2.35 ) | $— | $(2.74 ) |
8/31/2020o | $37.01 | $0.32 | $5.58 | $5.90 | $(0.33 ) | $(3.17 ) | $— | $(3.50 ) |
8/31/2019o | $41.83 | $0.40 | $(1.81 ) | $(1.41 ) | $(0.29 ) | $(3.12 ) | $— | $(3.41 ) |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
217
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $43.68 | 18.86 %e | $595.9 | 0.70 %f | 0.70 %f | 0.26 %f | 8 %e |
$— | $40.45 | 14.92 % | $561.9 | 0.70 % | 0.70 % | 0.53 % | 20 % |
$— | $38.79 | (13.55 )% | $608.2 | 0.68 % | 0.68 % | 0.57 % | 14 % |
$— | $49.78 | 34.68 % | $896.3 | 0.67 % | 0.67 % | 0.58 % | 16 % |
$— | $39.40 | 16.35 % | $689.9 | 0.68 % | 0.68 % | 0.77 % | 21 % |
$— | $37.02 | (2.52 )% | $768.3 | 0.68 % | 0.68 % | 1.00 % | 20 % |
$— | $43.70 | 18.63 %e | $166.5 | 1.06 %f | 1.06 %f | (0.10 )%f | 8 %e |
$— | $40.44 | 14.49 % | $144.8 | 1.06 % | 1.06 % | 0.17 % | 20 % |
$— | $38.84 | (13.86 )% | $133.1 | 1.04 % | 1.04 % | 0.21 % | 14 % |
$— | $49.84 | 34.17 % | $160.6 | 1.04 % | 1.04 % | 0.21 % | 16 % |
$— | $39.43 | 15.94 % | $98.0 | 1.05 % | 1.05 % | 0.41 % | 21 % |
$— | $37.08 | (2.90 )% | $95.1 | 1.05 % | 1.05 % | 0.61 % | 20 % |
$— | $42.24 | 18.19 %e | $36.8 | 1.81 %f | 1.81 %f | (0.85 )%f | 8 %e |
$— | $39.30 | 13.64 % | $33.7 | 1.82 % | 1.82 % | (0.58 )% | 20 % |
$— | $38.11 | (14.49 )% | $36.4 | 1.79 % | 1.79 % | (0.55 )% | 14 % |
$— | $49.19 | 33.19 % | $48.0 | 1.79 % | 1.79 % | (0.53 )% | 16 % |
$— | $39.07 | 15.06 % | $40.4 | 1.79 % | 1.79 % | (0.34 )% | 21 % |
$— | $36.85 | (3.62 )% | $47.4 | 1.79 % | 1.79 % | (0.12 )% | 20 % |
$— | $43.57 | 18.45 %e | $16.8 | 1.32 %f | 1.32 %f | (0.36 )%f | 8 %e |
$— | $40.34 | 14.22 % | $16.0 | 1.32 % | 1.32 % | (0.08 )% | 20 % |
$— | $38.84 | (14.08 )% | $18.6 | 1.30 % | 1.30 % | (0.05 )% | 14 % |
$— | $49.82 | 33.87 % | $23.8 | 1.29 % | 1.29 % | (0.03 )% | 16 % |
$— | $39.41 | 15.63 % | $28.0 | 1.30 % | 1.30 % | 0.16 % | 21 % |
$— | $37.10 | (3.12 )% | $31.8 | 1.29 % | 1.29 % | 0.36 % | 20 % |
$— | $43.65 | 18.89 %e | $120.5 | 0.60 %f | 0.60 %f | 0.36 %f | 8 %e |
$— | $40.45 | 15.03 % | $111.1 | 0.60 % | 0.60 % | 0.64 % | 20 % |
$— | $38.80 | (13.47 )% | $174.4 | 0.58 % | 0.58 % | 0.66 % | 14 % |
$— | $49.79 | 34.82 % | $264.3 | 0.57 % | 0.57 % | 0.68 % | 16 % |
$— | $39.41 | 16.48 % | $233.6 | 0.58 % | 0.58 % | 0.88 % | 21 % |
$— | $37.01 | (2.44 )% | $238.1 | 0.59 % | 0.59 % | 1.08 % | 20 % |
218
Financial Highlights (cont’d)
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income/ (Loss)a | Net Gains or (Losses) on Securities (both realized and unrealized) | Total From Investment Operations | Dividends from Net Investment Income | Distributions from Net Realized Capital Gains | Tax Return of Capital | Total Distributions | |
Class E | ||||||||
Period from 12/6/2023j to 2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $41.86 | $0.09 | $5.76 | $5.85 | $(0.24 ) | $(3.81 ) | $— | $(4.05 ) |
U.S. Equity Impact Fund | ||||||||
Institutional Class | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $10.05 | $0.02 | $1.06 | $1.08 | $(0.03 ) | $— | $— | $(0.03 ) |
8/31/2023 | $8.85 | $0.04 | $1.17 | $1.21 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
8/31/2022 | $11.35 | $0.01 | $(2.50 ) | $(2.49 ) | $(0.00 ) | $(0.01 ) | $— | $(0.01 ) |
Period from 3/23/2021j to 8/31/2021 | $10.00 | $(0.01 ) | $1.36 | $1.35 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Class A | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $9.97 | $0.00 | $1.06 | $1.06 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
8/31/2023 | $8.80 | $0.01 | $1.17 | $1.18 | $(0.01 ) | $— | $— | $(0.01 ) |
8/31/2022 | $11.33 | $(0.03 ) | $(2.49 ) | $(2.52 ) | $— | $(0.01 ) | $— | $(0.01 ) |
Period from 3/23/2021j to 8/31/2021 | $10.00 | $(0.02 ) | $1.35 | $1.33 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
Class C | ||||||||
2/29/2024 (Unaudited) | $9.80 | $(0.04 ) | $1.04 | $1.00 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2023 | $8.71 | $(0.06 ) | $1.15 | $1.09 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
8/31/2022 | $11.29 | $(0.10 ) | $(2.47 ) | $(2.57 ) | $— | $(0.01 ) | $— | $(0.01 ) |
Period from 3/23/2021j to 8/31/2021 | $10.00 | $(0.06 ) | $1.35 | $1.29 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
See Notes to Financial Highlights
219
Voluntary Contribution from Management | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Returnb,c | Net Assets, End of Period (in millions) | Ratio of Gross Expenses to Average Net Assetsd | Ratio of Net Expenses to Average Net Assets | Ratio of Net Investment Income/ (Loss) to Average Net Assets | Portfolio Turnover Rate |
$— | $43.66 | 15.03 %e | $24.1 | 0.55 %f | 0.06 %f | 0.89 %f | 8 %k |
$— | $11.10 | 10.81 %e | $12.1 | 3.20 %f | 0.90 %f | 0.38 %f | 9 %e |
$— | $10.05 | 13.72 % | $10.9 | 4.43 % | 0.90 % | 0.43 % | 13 % |
$— | $8.85 | (21.95 )% | $5.9 | 5.26 % | 0.90 % | 0.13 % | 28 % |
$— | $11.35 | 13.50 %e | $6.1 | 6.59 %f,s | 0.90 %f,s | (0.19 )%f,s | 7 %e |
$— | $11.02 | 10.64 %e | $0.2 | 3.71 %f | 1.26 %f | 0.01 %f | 9 %e |
$— | $9.97 | 13.36 % | $0.2 | 5.09 % | 1.26 % | 0.07 % | 13 % |
$— | $8.80 | (22.28 )% | $0.1 | 5.77 % | 1.26 % | (0.29 )% | 28 % |
$— | $11.33 | 13.30 %e | $0.2 | 9.83 %f,s | 1.26 %f,s | (0.48 )%f,s | 7 %e |
$— | $10.80 | 10.20 %e | $0.0 | 4.70 %f | 2.01 %f | (0.73 )%f | 9 %e |
$— | $9.80 | 12.51 % | $0.0 | 6.25 % | 2.01 % | (0.69 )% | 13 % |
$— | $8.71 | (22.80 )% | $0.0 | 6.76 % | 2.01 % | (0.99 )% | 28 % |
$— | $11.29 | 12.90 %e | $0.0 | 18.90 %f,s | 2.01 %f,s | (1.30 )%f,s | 7 %e |
220
Notes to Financial Highlights Equity Funds (Unaudited)
a | Calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during each fiscal period. |
b | Total return based on per share NAV reflects the effects of changes in NAV on the performance of each Fund during each fiscal period. Returns assume income dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested, but do not reflect the effect of sales charges. Results represent past performance and do not indicate future results. Current returns may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment returns and principal will fluctuate and shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than original cost. Total return would have been lower if Management had not reimbursed and/or waived certain expenses. Total return would have been higher if Management had not recouped previously reimbursed and/or waived expenses. |
c | Except for the Fund classes listed below, the class action proceeds listed in Note A of the Notes to Financial Statements, if any, had no impact on the Funds’ total returns for the six months ended February 29, 2024. Had the Fund classes listed below not received class action proceeds in 2024, total return on per share NAV for the six months ended February 29, 2024, would have been: |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Investor Class | 9.17% |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Trust Class | 9.01% |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Institutional Class | 9.18% |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class A | 8.99% |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class C | 8.62% |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class R3 | 8.88% |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class R6 | 9.22% |
221
Notes to Financial Highlights Equity Funds (Unaudited) (cont’d)
Except for the Fund classes listed below, the class action proceeds received in 2023, 2022, 2021, and/or 2019, if any, had no impact on the Funds’ total returns for the years ended August 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, and/or 2019. Had the Fund classes listed below not received class action proceeds in 2023, 2022, 2021, and/or 2019, total return based on per share NAV for the years ended August 31, 2023, 2022, 2021 and/or 2019 would have been: |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2019 | |
International Equity Investor Class | — | — | 28.10% | — |
International Equity Trust Class | — | — | 28.02% | — |
International Equity Institutional Class | — | — | 28.30% | — |
International Equity Class A | — | — | 27.90% | — |
International Equity Class C | — | — | 26.92% | — |
International Equity Class R6 | — | — | 28.42% | — |
International Select Trust Class | — | — | 27.98% | — |
International Select Institutional Class | — | — | 28.42% | — |
International Select Class A | — | — | 28.00% | — |
International Select Class C | — | — | 26.96% | — |
International Select Class R3 | — | — | 27.59% | — |
International Select Class R6 | — | — | 28.43% | — |
Large Cap Value Investor Class | — | — | 49.98% | 6.21% |
Large Cap Value Trust Class | — | — | 49.69% | 6.00% |
Large Cap Value Advisor Class | — | — | 49.41% | 5.86% |
Large Cap Value Class A | — | — | 49.63% | — |
Large Cap Value Class R3 | — | — | 49.23% | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Investor Class | 3.80% | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Trust Class | 3.57% | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Institutional Class | 3.91% | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class A | 3.56% | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class C | 2.76% | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class R3 | 3.23% | — | — | — |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class R6 | 4.03% | — | — | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Institutional Class | 12.26% | (15.17 )% | 36.16% | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Class A | 11.93% | (15.43 )% | — | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Class C | 11.17% | (16.11 )% | — | — |
Multi-Cap Opportunities Class E | 13.37% | (16.37 )% | — | — |
Small Cap Growth Investor Class | — | — | 27.90% | 3.98% |
Small Cap Growth Trust Class | — | — | 27.66% | 3.90% |
Small Cap Growth Advisor Class | — | — | 27.46% | 3.73% |
Small Cap Growth Institutional Class | — | — | 28.16% | 4.35% |
Small Cap Growth Class A | — | — | 27.64% | 3.98% |
Small Cap Growth Class C | — | — | 26.71% | 3.11% |
Small Cap Growth Class R3 | — | — | 27.36% | 3.62% |
Small Cap Growth Class R6 | — | — | 28.25% | — |
d | Represents the annualized ratios of net expenses to average daily net assets if Management had not reimbursed certain expenses and/or waived a portion of the investment management fee. |
222
Notes to Financial Highlights Equity Funds (Unaudited) (cont’d)
e | Not annualized. |
f | Annualized. |
g | Represents the annualized ratio of net expenses to average daily net assets after utilization of the line of credit by Emerging Markets Equity (2024) and International Small Cap (2020) and/or reimbursement of expenses and/or waiver of a portion of the investment management fee by Management. Had Emerging Markets Equity and International Small Cap not utilized the line of credit, the annualized ratios of net expenses to average daily net assets would have been: |
Six Months Ended February 29, | Year Ended August 31, | |
2024 | 2020 | |
Emerging Markets Equity Institutional Class | 1.40% | — |
Emerging Markets Equity Class A | 1.79% | — |
Emerging Markets Equity Class C | 2.52% | — |
Emerging Markets Equity Class R3 | 2.16% | — |
Emerging Markets Equity Class R6 | 1.26% | — |
International Small Cap Institutional Class | — | 1.05% |
International Small Cap Class A | — | 1.41% |
International Small Cap Class C | — | 2.16% |
International Small Cap Class R6 | — | 0.95% |
h | After repayment of expenses previously reimbursed and/or fees previously waived pursuant to the terms of the contractual expense limitation agreements by Management, as applicable. Had the Fund not made such repayments, the annualized ratios of net expenses to average net assets would have been: |
Six Months Ended February 29, | Year Ended August 31, | |||||
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
Emerging Markets Equity Institutional Class | — | — | — | 1.21% | 1.24% | 1.25% |
Emerging Markets Equity Class R3 | — | — | — | 1.90% | — | — |
Emerging Markets Equity Class R6 | — | — | — | 1.10% | 1.11% | 1.15% |
Focus Institutional Class | 0.75% | — | — | 0.74% | — | — |
Focus Class A | — | — | — | 1.11% | — | — |
Genesis Class R6 | — | — | — | — | 0.74% | — |
Intrinsic Value Institutional Class | — | — | 0.96% | 0.99% | — | — |
Intrinsic Value Class A | — | 1.32% | 1.33% | — | — | — |
Intrinsic Value Class C | — | 2.06% | 2.07% | 2.11% | — | — |
Intrinsic Value Class R6 | — | — | — | 0.89% | — | — |
Large Cap Growth Class R3 | — | 1.35% | 1.34% | — | 1.31% | — |
Large Cap Growth Class R6 | — | 0.59% | — | — | 0.56% | — |
Large Cap Value Class R3 | — | — | — | — | 1.33% | 1.33% |
Large Cap Value Class R6 | — | — | — | — | 0.59% | — |
Mid Cap Growth Class R3 | — | — | — | — | — | 1.33% |
Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Class R6 | — | — | — | — | 0.74% | — |
i | After the close of business on December 7, 2018, the Funds' applicable classes underwent a stock split or reverse stock split. The per share data presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this split. |
j | The date investment operations commenced. |
223
Notes to Financial Highlights Equity Funds (Unaudited) (cont’d)
k | Portfolio turnover is calculated at the Fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the period ended February 29, 2024 for Sustainable Equity, for the year ended August 31, 2019, for Intrinsic Value, Large Cap Value, Mid Cap Intrinsic Value and Small Cap Growth and for the year ended August 31, 2022, for Equity Income, Genesis, International Equity, Large Cap Value, Multi-Cap Opportunities and Real Estate. |
l | Includes tax reclaims. Without these, net investment income per share and the ratio of net investment income to average net assets for the period ended February 29, 2024 would have been: |
Net Investment Income Per Share | Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets | |
International Equity Investor Class | $0.02 | 0.33 % |
International Equity Trust Class | $0.01 | 0.26 % |
International Equity Institutional Class | $0.03 | 0.54 % |
International Equity Class A | $0.01 | 0.19 % |
International Equity Class C | $(0.03 ) | (0.57 )% |
International Equity Class R6 | $0.04 | 0.65 % |
International Equity Class E | $0.08 | 1.34 % |
m | Had International Equity not received Tax reclaim income in 2024, the total return based on per share NAV for the period ended February 29, 2024 would have been: |
Six Months Ended February 29, 2024, | |
International Equity Investor Class | 6.26 % |
International Equity Trust Class | 6.23 % |
International Equity Institutional Class | 6.31 % |
International Equity Class A | 6.12 % |
International Equity Class C | 5.70 % |
International Equity Class R6 | 6.35 % |
International Equity Class E | 6.73 % |
n | Had International Equity not received the voluntary contribution in 2020, the total return based on per share NAV for the year ended August 31, 2020 would have been: |
Year Ended August 31, 2020 | |
International Equity Investor Class | 15.31% |
International Equity Trust Class | 15.33% |
International Equity Institutional Class | 15.66% |
International Equity Class A | 15.19% |
International Equity Class C | 14.33% |
International Equity Class R6 | 15.83% |
o | This information has been audited by a different independent public accounting firm. |
p | Consolidated financial highlights. See Note A in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
q | After the close of business on August 16, 2019, Large Cap Value acquired all of the net assets of Neuberger Berman Value Fund in a tax-free exchange of shares pursuant to a Plan of Reorganization and Dissolution approved by the Board. Portfolio turnover excludes purchases of $30,333,739 of securities acquired, and there were no sales made following a purchase-of-assets transaction relative to the merger. |
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Notes to Financial Highlights Equity Funds (Unaudited) (cont’d)
r | After the close of business on July 23, 2021, the Funds’ applicable classes underwent a stock split or reverse stock split. The per share data presented here has been retroactively adjusted to reflect this split. |
s | Organization expense, which is a non-recurring expense, is included in these ratios on a non-annualized basis. |
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Directory
Investment Manager and Administrator
Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104-0002
Shareholder Services
800.877.9700 or 212.476.8800
Intermediary Client Services 800.366.6264
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104-0002
Shareholder Services
800.877.9700 or 212.476.8800
Intermediary Client Services 800.366.6264
Distributor
Neuberger Berman BD LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104-0002
Shareholder Services
800.877.9700 or 212.476.8800
Intermediary Client Services 800.366.6264
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104-0002
Shareholder Services
800.877.9700 or 212.476.8800
Intermediary Client Services 800.366.6264
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Congress Street, Suite 1
Boston, MA 02114-2016
One Congress Street, Suite 1
Boston, MA 02114-2016
Shareholder Servicing Agent
SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc.
430 West 7th Street, Suite 219189
Kansas City, MO 64105-1407
430 West 7th Street, Suite 219189
Kansas City, MO 64105-1407
For Investor, Trust, Advisor & Institutional Class Shareholders address correspondence to:
Neuberger Berman Funds
PO Box 219189
Kansas City, MO 64121-9189
Shareholder Services 800.877.9700 or 212.476.8800
Intermediary Client Services 800.366.6264
PO Box 219189
Kansas City, MO 64121-9189
Shareholder Services 800.877.9700 or 212.476.8800
Intermediary Client Services 800.366.6264
For Class A, Class C, Class R3 and Class R6 Shareholders:
Please contact your investment provider
Legal Counsel
K&L Gates LLP
1601 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006-1600
1601 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006-1600
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
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Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
A description of the policies and procedures that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, without charge, by calling 800-877-9700 (toll-free) and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is also available upon request, without charge, by calling 800-877-9700 (toll-free), on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, and on Neuberger Berman’s website at www.nb.com.
Quarterly Portfolio Schedule
The Trust files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings for each Fund with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its report on Form N-PORT. The Trust’s Form N-PORT is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The portfolio holdings information on Form N-PORT is available upon request, without charge, by calling 800-877-9700 (toll-free).
Board Consideration of the Management Agreements
On an annual basis, the Board of Trustees (the "Board" or "Trustees") of Neuberger Berman Equity Funds (the "Trust"), including the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or of Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC ("Management") (including its affiliates), as such term is defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), ("Independent Fund Trustees"), considers whether to continue the management agreements with Management (the "Agreement") with respect to each series (each a "Fund"). Throughout the process, the Independent Fund Trustees are advised by counsel that is experienced in 1940 Act matters and that is independent of Management ("Independent Counsel"). At a meeting held on October 5, 2023, the Board, including the Independent Fund Trustees, approved the continuation of the Agreement for each Fund. In reaching its determination, the Board considered all factors it believed relevant, including (i) the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided to each Fund and its shareholders; (ii) a comparison of each Fund’s performance, fees and expenses relative to various peers; (iii) the costs of the services provided by, and the estimated profit or loss by Management from its relationships with each Fund; (iv) any apparent or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services Management provides to each Fund and whether any such economies of scale are shared with Fund shareholders; and (v) any "fall-out" benefits likely to accrue to Management and its affiliates from their relationship with each Fund. In evaluating the Agreement with respect to each Fund, the Board, including the Independent Fund Trustees, reviewed extensive materials provided by Management in response to questions submitted by the Independent Fund Trustees and Independent Counsel, which the Contract Review Committee annually considers and updates. It also met with senior representatives of Management regarding its personnel, operations, and profitability as they relate to the Funds. The annual contract review extends over at least two regular meetings of the Board to ensure that Management has time to respond to any questions the Independent Fund Trustees may have on their initial review of the materials and that the Independent Fund Trustees have time to consider those responses.
In connection with its deliberations, the Board also considered the broad range of information relevant to the annual contract review that is provided to the Board (including its various standing committees) at meetings throughout the year. The Board established the Contract Review Committee, which is comprised solely of Independent Fund Trustees, to assist in its evaluation and analysis of materials for the annual contract review. The Board has also established other committees that focus throughout the year on specific areas relevant to the annual contract review, such as Fund performance or compliance matters, and that are charged with specific responsibilities regarding the annual contract review. Those committees provide reports to the full Board, including the members of the Contract Review Committee, which consider that information as part of the annual contract review process.
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The Independent Fund Trustees received from Independent Counsel a memorandum discussing the legal standards for their consideration of the proposed continuation of the Agreement. During the course of the year and during their deliberations regarding the annual contract review, the Contract Review Committee and the Independent Fund Trustees met with Independent Counsel separately from representatives of Management.
Provided below is a description of the Board’s contract approval process and material factors that the Board considered at its meetings regarding renewals of the Agreement and the compensation to be paid thereunder. In connection with its approval of the continuation of the Agreement, the Board evaluated the terms of the Agreement, the overall fairness of the Agreement to each Fund, and whether the Agreement was in the best interests of each respective Fund and its shareholders. The Board’s determination to approve the continuation of the Agreement was based on a comprehensive consideration of all information provided to the Board throughout the year and specifically in connection with the annual contract review. The Board considered each Fund’s investment management agreement separately from those of the other Funds.
This description is not intended to include all of the factors considered by the Board. The Board members did not identify any particular information or factor that was all-important or controlling, and each Trustee may have attributed different weights to the various factors. The Board focused on the costs and benefits of the Agreement to each Fund and, through the Fund, its shareholders.
Nature, Extent, and Quality of Services
With respect to the nature, extent, and quality of the services provided, the Board considered the investment philosophy and decision-making processes of, and the qualifications, experience, and capabilities of, and the resources available to, the portfolio management personnel of Management who perform services for the Funds. The Board noted that Management also provides certain administrative services, including fund accounting, compliance, and shareholder support services. The Board also considered Management’s policies and practices regarding brokerage, commissions, other trading costs, and allocation of portfolio transactions, and reviewed the quality of the execution services that Management had provided. The Board also reviewed Management’s use of brokers to execute Fund transactions that provide research services to Management. Moreover, the Board considered Management’s approach to potential conflicts of interest both generally and between the Funds’ investments and those of other funds or accounts managed by Management.
The Board recognized the extensive range of services that Management provides to the Funds beyond the investment management services. The Board noted that Management is also responsible for monitoring compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and restrictions, as well as compliance with applicable law, including implementing rulemaking initiatives of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board considered that Management assumes significant ongoing entrepreneurial and business risks as the investment adviser and sponsor for the Funds, for which it is entitled to reasonable compensation. The Trustees also considered that Management’s responsibilities include continual management of investment, operational, cybersecurity, enterprise, valuation, liquidity, legal, regulatory, and compliance risks as they relate to the Funds, and the Board considers on a regular basis information regarding Management’s processes for monitoring and managing risk. In addition, the Board also noted that when Management launches a new fund or share class, it assumes entrepreneurial risk with respect to that fund or share class, until it maintains a certain level of assets, if ever, that is profitable to Management.
The Board also reviewed and evaluated Management’s activities under its contractual obligation to oversee the Funds’ various outside service providers, including its renegotiation of certain service providers’ fees and its evaluation of service providers’ infrastructure, cybersecurity programs, compliance programs, and business continuity programs, among other matters. The Board also considered Management’s ongoing development of its own infrastructure and information technology to support the Funds through, among other things, cybersecurity, business continuity planning, and risk management. In addition, the Board noted the positive compliance history of Management, as no significant compliance problems were reported to the Board with respect to Management.
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The Board also considered the general structure of the portfolio managers’ compensation and whether this structure provides appropriate incentives to act in the best interests of the Funds. The Board also considered the ability of Management to attract and retain qualified personnel to service the Funds and the ability to plan for succession.
As in past years, the Board also considered the manner in which Management addressed various matters that arose during the year, some of them a result of developments in the broader fund industry or the regulations governing it. In addition, the Board considered actions taken by Management in response to market conditions over the past year and considered the overall performance of Management in this context.
Fund Performance
The Board requested a report from an outside consulting firm that specializes in the analysis of fund industry data that compared each Fund’s performance, along with its fees and other expenses, to various peers, including a group of industry peers ("Expense Group") and to a broader universe of funds pursuing generally similar strategies with the same investment classification and/or objective ("Performance Universe"). The Board considered each Fund’s performance and fees in light of the limitations inherent in the methodology for constructing such comparative groups and determining which investment companies should be included in the comparative groups, noting differences as compared to certain fund industry ranking and rating systems. The Board also considered any impact and inherent limitation on the comparisons due to the number of funds included in the Funds’ Expense Groups and Performance Universes.
With respect to investment performance, the Board considered information regarding each Fund’s short-, intermediate- and long-term performance, as applicable, net of the Fund’s fees and expenses, on an absolute basis, relative to a benchmark index that does not deduct the fees or expenses of investing, and compared to the performance of its Expense Group and Performance Universe, each constructed by the consulting firm. The Board also reviewed performance in relation to certain measures of the degree of investment risk undertaken by the portfolio managers.
In the case of underperformance for any of the periods reported, the Board considered the magnitude and duration of that underperformance relative to the Performance Universe and/or the benchmark (e.g., the amount by which a Fund underperformed, including, for example, whether the Fund slightly underperformed or significantly underperformed its benchmark). For those Funds that the Board identified as having underperformed their benchmark indices, Expense Group, and/or Performance Universe to an extent, or over a period of time, that the Board felt warranted additional inquiry, the Board discussed with Management each such Fund’s performance, potential reasons for the relative performance, and, if necessary, steps that Management had taken, or intended to take, to improve performance. The Board also met with the portfolio managers of certain Funds during the 12 months prior to voting on the contract renewal to discuss the Funds’ performance. The Board also considered Management’s responsiveness with respect to the relative performance. The Board recognized that the performance data reflects a snapshot of a period as of a particular date and that selecting a different performance period could produce significantly different results. The Board further acknowledged that long-term performance could be impacted by even one period of significant outperformance or underperformance. In this regard, the Board noted that performance, especially short-term performance, is only one of the factors that it deems relevant to its consideration of the Agreement and that, after considering all relevant factors, it determined to approve the continuation of the Agreement notwithstanding a Fund’s relative performance.
Fee Rates, Profitability, and Fall-out Benefits
With respect to the overall fairness of the Agreement, the Board considered the fee structure for each Fund under the Agreement as compared to the Expense Group provided by the consulting firm, as discussed above. The Board reviewed a comparison of each Fund’s management fee to its Expense Group. The Board noted that the comparative management fee analysis includes, in each Fund’s management fee, the separate administrative fees
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paid to Management. However, the Board noted that some funds in the Expense Group pay directly from fund assets for certain services that Management covers out of the administration fees for the Funds. Accordingly, the Board also considered each Fund’s total expense ratio as compared with its Expense Group as a way of taking account of these differences.
The Board compared each Fund’s contractual and actual management fees to the median of the contractual and actual management fees, respectively, of that Fund’s Expense Group. (The actual management fees are the contractual management fees reduced by any fee waivers or other adjustments.) The Board also compared each Fund’s total expenses to the median of the total expenses of that Fund’s Expense Group. Where a Fund’s management fee or total expenses were higher than the Expense Group median, the Board considered whether specific portfolio management, administration or oversight needs contributed to the Fund’s management fee or total expenses. The Board also noted that for some classes of certain Funds, the overall expense ratio is maintained through a contractual or voluntary fee cap and/or expense reimbursements by Management. The Board also considered the extent to which Management currently waives management fees and/or reimburses any Fund for other Fund-level expenses at different rates for different share classes and the process for monitoring the use of such waivers to guard against any such waiver resulting in any cross-subsidization by one share class of another share class.
In concluding that the benefits accruing to Management and its affiliates by virtue of their relationship with each Fund were reasonable in light of the costs of providing the investment advisory and other services and the benefits accruing to that Fund, the Board reviewed specific data as to Management’s estimated profit or loss on each Fund for a recent period on a pre-tax basis without regard to distribution expenses. (The Board also reviewed data on Management’s estimated profit or loss on each Fund after distribution expenses and taxes were factored in, as indicators of the health of the business and the extent to which Management is directing its profits into the growth of the business.) The Board considered the cost allocation methodology that Management used in developing its estimated profitability figures. In addition, the Board engaged an independent forensic accountant to review the profitability methodology utilized by Management when preparing this information and discussed with the consultant its conclusion that Management’s process for calculating and reporting its estimated profit or loss aligned with the consultant’s guiding principles and industry practices.
The Board further noted Management’s representation that its estimate of profitability is derived using methodology that is consistent with the methodology used to assess and/or report measures of profitability elsewhere at the firm. In addition, the Board recognized that Management’s calculations regarding its costs may not reflect all risks, including regulatory, legal, operational, cybersecurity, reputational, and, where appropriate, entrepreneurial risks, associated with offering and managing a mutual fund in the current regulatory and market environment. The Board also considered any fall-out (i.e., indirect) benefits likely to accrue to Management or its affiliates from their relationship with each Fund, such as research it may receive from broker-dealers executing the Funds’ portfolio transactions on an agency basis. The Board recognized that Management and its affiliates should be entitled to earn a reasonable level of profits for services they provide to each Fund and, based on its review, concluded that Management’s reported level of estimated profitability, if any, on each Fund was reasonable.
Information Regarding Services to Other Clients
The Board also considered whether there were other funds or separate accounts that were advised or sub-advised by Management or its affiliates with investment objectives, policies, and strategies that were similar to those of any of the Funds. In the cases where such funds or separate accounts exist, the Board compared the fees charged to the respective Fund to the fees charged to such comparable funds and/or separate accounts. The Board considered the appropriateness and reasonableness of any differences between the fees charged to a Fund and such comparable funds and/or separate accounts, and determined that differences in fees and fee structures were consistent with the differences in the management and other services provided. The Board explored with Management its assertion that although, generally, the rates of fees paid by such accounts, except other
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Neuberger Berman mutual funds, were lower than the fee rates paid by the corresponding Funds, the differences reflected Management’s greater level of responsibilities and significantly broader scope of services to the Funds, the more extensive regulatory obligations and risks associated with managing the Funds, and other financial considerations with respect to creation and sponsorship of the Funds.
Economies of Scale
The Board also evaluated apparent or anticipated economies of scale in relation to the services Management provides to each Fund. In addition, the Board considered the expense limitation and/or fee waiver arrangements that reduce many Funds’ expenses at some or all asset levels, which can have an effect similar to breakpoints in sharing economies of scale with shareholders and provide protection from an increase in expenses if a Fund’s assets decline.
The Trustees took into account that certain Funds do not have breakpoints in their fees. As to those Funds whose advisory fees do not have breakpoints, the Board discussed with Management the reasons why the Fund’s particular investment program was less likely than others to produce economies of scale. In addition, for Funds that do not have breakpoints, the Board considered that setting competitive fee rates and pricing a Fund to scale before it has actually experienced an increase in assets are other means of sharing potential economies of scale with shareholders. The Board also considered that Management has provided, at no added cost to the Funds, certain additional services, including but not limited to, services required by new regulations or regulatory interpretations, services impelled by changes in the securities markets or the business landscape, and/or services requested by the Board. The Board considered that this is a way of sharing economies of scale with the Funds and their shareholders.
Fund-by-Fund Analysis
With regard to the investment performance of each Fund and the fees charged to each Fund, the Board considered the following information. The Performance Universes referenced in this section are those identified by the consulting firm, as discussed above, and the risk/return ratios referenced are the Sharpe ratios provided by the consulting firm. With respect to performance quintile rankings for a Fund compared to its Performance Universe, the first quintile represents the highest (best) performance and the fifth quintile represents the lowest performance. With respect to the quintile rankings for fees and total expenses (net of waivers or other adjustments, if any) for a Fund compared to its Expense Group, the first quintile represents the lowest (best) fees and/or total expenses and the fifth quintile represents the highest fees and/or total expenses. Where a Fund has more than one class of shares outstanding, information for a single class has been provided as identified below. The Board reviewed the expense structures of all the other classes of shares of the Funds, some of which have higher fees and expenses that reflect their separate distribution and servicing arrangements and the differing needs of different investors. As a proxy for the class expense structure, the Board reviewed the expenses of each class for at least one Fund in the Trust in comparison to Expense Groups for those classes. The Board noted the effect of higher expenses on the performance of the other classes of shares.
• Neuberger Berman Dividend Growth Fund (Institutional Class)—The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1- and 3-year periods, and lower for the 5-year period and; (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the fifth quintile for the 1-year period, the first quintile for the 3-year period, and the third quintile for the 5-year period. The Fund was launched in 2015 and therefore does not have 10-year performance for the period. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the second quintile, and the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management and total expenses each ranked in the first quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Emerging Markets Equity Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark,
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the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the fourth quintile for the 1-year period, the fifth quintile for the 3- and 5-year periods, and the third quintile for the 10-year period. The Board discussed with Management the additional portfolio management resource that was added to the Fund in October 2022 and the steps it was taking with respect to the Fund’s performance. The Board also met with the portfolio management team in September 2022. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee, actual management fee and total expenses each ranked in the fifth quintile. In addition, the Board discussed Management’s determination to institute a voluntary management fee waiver for the Fund and reduce the Fund’s expense limitations for each class, each effective September 1, 2023.
• Neuberger Berman Equity Income Fund (Institutional Class)—The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark utilized since April 2022, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1- and 3-year periods, and lower for the 5- and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the second quintile for the 1-year period, the fourth quintile for the 3- and 5-year periods, and the fifth quintile for the 10-year period. In addition, the Board noted that the Fund changed its benchmark index in April 2022 to an index with characteristics that are more representative of the Fund’s investment strategy. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and total expenses each ranked in the second quintile, and the actual management fee ranked in the third quartile.
• Neuberger Berman Focus Fund (Investor Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods and higher for the 10-year period; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the fourth quintile for the 1- and 10-year periods, and the fifth quintile for the 3- and 5-year periods. The Board noted that for the 7-month period ending July 31, 2023, the Fund outperformed its benchmark and ranked in the third quintile of its Morningstar peer category. In addition, the Board met with the portfolio management team in December 2022. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and the actual management fee each ranked in the third quintile and total expenses, inclusive of any 12b-1/non-12b-1 service fees, ranked in the first quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Genesis Fund (Institutional Class)—The Board considered fee and performance data from two sets of peer groups: one with only small-cap growth funds and one with only small-cap core funds. The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods; (2) as compared to its small-cap growth Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the first quintile for the 1- and 3-year periods and the second quintile for the 5- and 10-year periods; and (3) as compared to its small-cap core Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the fifth quintile for the 1-year period, the second quintile for the 3-year period, and the first quintile for the 5- and 10-year periods. The Board took into account that the Fund showed a risk/return ratio that was better than the median of both its small-cap growth and small-cap core Performance Universes for the 3- and 5-year periods, meaning that per unit of risk taken versus a presumed risk-free investment, the Fund achieved a higher level of return than the median of those Performance Universes for those same periods. The Board also took into account information regarding the effect that the composition of the Fund’s peer groups had on the Fund’s performance relative to its peers, noting Management’s belief that the small-cap core peer group provides a more appropriate comparison to the Fund. The Board considered that, as compared to its small-cap growth Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and actual management fee each ranked in the third quintile and total expenses ranked in the second quintile. The Board considered that, as compared to its small-cap core Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and actual management fee each ranked in the fourth quintile and total expenses ranked in the second quintile.
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• Neuberger Berman International Equity Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the second quintile for the 1-, 3-, and 10-year periods and the third quintile for the 5-year period. The Board also took into account that the Fund showed a risk/return ratio that was better than the median of its Performance Universe for the 3- and 5-year periods, meaning that per unit of risk taken versus a presumed risk-free investment, the Fund achieved a higher level of return than the median of its Performance Universe for those same periods. In addition, the Board met with the portfolio management team in June 2023. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the fifth quintile, the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management ranked in the fourth quintile, and total expenses ranked in the third quintile.
• Neuberger Berman International Select Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1- and 10-year periods and higher for the 3- and 5-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the second quintile for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods. The Board also took into account that the Fund showed a risk/return ratio that was better than the median of its Performance Universe for the 3- and 5-year periods, meaning that per unit of risk taken versus a presumed risk-free investment, the Fund achieved a higher level of return than the median of its Performance Universe for those same periods. In addition, the Board met with the portfolio management team in June 2023. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and total expenses each ranked in the first quintile, and the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management ranked in the second quintile.
• Neuberger Berman International Small Cap Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1-year period and higher for the 3- and 5-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the third quintile for the 1-year period, the first quintile for the 3-year period, and the second quintile for the 5-year period. The Fund was launched in 2016 and therefore does not have 10-year performance. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the third quintile, the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management ranked in the first quintile, and the total expenses ranked in the second quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Intrinsic Value Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1-year period and higher for the 3-, 5-, and 10 year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the fifth quintile for the 1-year period and the first quintile for the 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods. The Board also considered that for the 7-month period ending July 31, 2023, the Fund outperformed its benchmark and it ranked in the third quintile of both its Morningstar and Lipper peer categories. The Board also took into account that the Fund showed a risk/return ratio that was better than the median of its Performance Universe for the 3- and 5-year periods, meaning that per unit of risk taken versus a presumed risk-free investment, the Fund achieved a higher level of return than the median of its Performance Universe for those same periods. In addition, the Board met with the portfolio management team in October 2023. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee, the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management, and total expenses each ranked in the fourth quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Large Cap Growth Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods and lower for the 10-year period; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the first quintile for the 1-, 3-, and
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5-year periods, and the second quintile for the 10-year period. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the second quintile, and the actual management fee and total expenses each ranked in the first quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Large Cap Value Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the first quintile for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods. The Board also took into account that the Fund showed a risk/return ratio that was better than the median of its Performance Universe for the 3- and 5-year periods, meaning that per unit of risk taken versus a presumed risk-free investment, the Fund achieved a higher level of return than the median of its Performance Universe for those same periods. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the fourth quintile, the actual management fee ranked in the third quintile, and total expenses ranked in the first quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Mid Cap Growth Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1-, 5-, and 10-year periods and higher for the 3-year period; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the third quintile for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee, the actual management fee, and total expenses each ranked in the second quintile. In addition, the Board met with members of the portfolio management team in October 2023.
• Neuberger Berman Mid Cap Intrinsic Value Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1-year period and lower for the 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the fourth quintile for the 1- and 10-year periods and the fifth quintile for the 3- and 5-year periods. The Board noted the Fund ranked in the third quintile of both its Lipper and Morningstar peer categories for the 7-month period ending July 31, 2023. In addition, the Board met with members of the portfolio management team in October 2023. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management ranked in the first quintile, and total expenses ranked in the third quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Multi-Cap Opportunities Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1-year period and lower for the 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the second quintile for the 1- and 10-year periods, the fourth quintile for the 3-year period, and the third quintile for the 5-year period. In addition, the Board met with the portfolio management team in December 2022. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the third quintile, the actual management fee ranked in the fifth quintile, and total expenses ranked in the fourth quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Real Estate Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1-year period and higher for the 3- 5-, and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the fourth quintile for the 1-year period, the second quintile for the 3-year period, and the first quintile for the 5- and 10-year periods. The Board also took into account that the Fund showed a risk/return ratio that was better than the median of its Performance Universe for the 3- and 5-year periods, meaning that per unit of risk taken versus a presumed risk-free investment, the Fund achieved a higher level of return than the median of its Performance Universe for those same periods. In addition, the Board met with the portfolio management team in October 2023.
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The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management each ranked in the fifth quintile, and total expenses ranked in the third quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Small Cap Growth Fund (Institutional Class)—The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the second quintile for the 1- and 3-year periods, and the first quintile for the 5- and 10-year periods. In addition, the Board met with members of the portfolio management team in October 2023. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee ranked in the fifth quintile, the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management ranked in the second quintile, and total expenses ranked in the first quintile.
• Neuberger Berman Sustainable Equity Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was lower for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods; and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the third quintile for the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods. The Board took into account that the Fund showed a risk/return ratio that was better than the median of its Performance Universe for the 3- and 5-year periods, meaning that per unit of risk taken versus a presumed risk-free investment, the Fund achieved a higher level of return than the median of its Performance Universe for those same periods. The Board also took into account that as of April 2022, management of the Fund is under a new portfolio manager and changes were made to the Fund’s investment strategy. In addition, the Board met with the portfolio management team in March 2023. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and actual management fee each ranked in the fourth quintile and total expenses ranked in the third quintile.
• Neuberger Berman U.S. Equity Impact Fund (Institutional Class)— The Board considered that, based on performance data for the periods ended December 31, 2022: (1) as compared to its benchmark, the Fund’s performance was higher for the 1-year period and (2) as compared to its Performance Universe, the Fund’s performance was in the third quintile for the 1-year period. The Board considered that the Fund had limited performance history as it was launched in March 2021. The Board considered that, as compared to its Expense Group, the Fund’s contractual management fee and total expenses each ranked in the third quintile and the actual management fee net of fees waived by Management ranked in the first quintile.
Conclusions
In approving the continuation of the Agreement, the Board concluded that, in its business judgment, the terms of the Agreement are fair and reasonable to each Fund and that approval of the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. In reaching this determination, the Board considered that Management could be expected to continue to provide a high level of service to each Fund; that the performance of each Fund was satisfactory over time, or, in the case of a Fund that underperformed relative to its Expense Group or Performance Universe, that the Board retained confidence in Management’s capabilities to manage each Fund; that each Fund’s fee structure appeared to the Board to be reasonable given the nature, extent, and quality of services provided; and that the benefits accruing to Management and its affiliates by virtue of their relationship with each Fund were reasonable in light of the costs of providing the investment advisory and other services and the benefits accruing to each Fund. The Board’s conclusions are based in part on its consideration of materials prepared in connection with the approval or continuance of the Agreement in prior years and on the Board’s ongoing regular review of Fund performance and operations throughout the year, in addition to material prepared specifically for the most recent annual review of the Agreement.
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Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC
1290 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10104-0002
Retail Services: 800.877.9700
Broker-Dealer and Institutional Services: 800.366.6264/888.556.9030
www.nb.com
New York, NY 10104-0002
Retail Services: 800.877.9700
Broker-Dealer and Institutional Services: 800.366.6264/888.556.9030
www.nb.com
Statistics and projections in this report are derived from sources deemed to be reliable but cannot be regarded as a representation of future results of the Funds. This report is prepared for the general information of shareholders and is not an offer of shares of the Funds. Shares are sold only through the currently effective prospectus which you can obtain by calling 877.628.2583. An investor should consider carefully a Fund’s investment objectives, risks and fees and expenses, which are described in its prospectus, before investing.
I0134 04/24
(b) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The Board of Trustees (“Board”) of Neuberger Berman Equity Funds (“Registrant”) has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions (“Code of Ethics”). During the period covered by this Form N-CSR, there were no substantive amendments to the Code of Ethics and there were no waivers from the Code of Ethics granted to the Registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions.
A copy of the Code of Ethics is incorporated by reference to Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc.’s Form N-CSR, Investment Company Act file number 811-21421 (filed June 26, 2023). The Code of Ethics is also available, without charge, by calling 1-800-877-9700 (toll-free).
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable to semi-annual reports on Form N-CSR.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
(a) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
(b) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
Item 6. Investments.
(a) | The complete schedule of investments for each series is disclosed in the Registrant’s semi-annual report, which is included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR. |
(b) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
Item 7. Reserved.
Item 8. Reserved.
Item 9. Reserved.
Item 10. Reserved.
Item 11. Reserved.
Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to the Registrant.
Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to the Registrant.
Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable to the Registrant.
Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There were no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Board.
Item 16. Controls and Procedures.
(a) | Based on an evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Act) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, the Chief Executive Officer and President and the Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of the Registrant have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are effectively designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant on Form N-CSR is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. |
(b) | There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to the Registrant.
Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
Not applicable to the Registrant.
Item 19. Exhibits.
(a)(1) |
(a)(2) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
(a)(3) |
(a)(4) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
(a)(5) | Not applicable to the Registrant. |
The certification furnished pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Registrant specifically incorporates it by reference.
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.
Neuberger Berman Equity Funds
By: | /s/ Joseph V. Amato | |
Joseph V. Amato | ||
Chief Executive Officer and President |
Date: April 25, 2024
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/ Joseph V. Amato | |
Joseph V. Amato | ||
Chief Executive Officer and President |
Date: April 25, 2024
By: | /s/ John M. McGovern | |
John M. McGovern | ||
Treasurer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer |
Date: April 29, 2024