485BPOS
Bridge
Builder Core Bond Fund
Ticker:
BBTBX
Bridge
Builder Core Plus Bond Fund
Ticker:
BBCPX
Bridge
Builder Municipal Bond Fund
Ticker: BBMUX
Bridge
Builder Municipal High-Income Bond Fund
Ticker:
BBMHX
Bridge
Builder Large Cap Growth Fund
Ticker:
BBGLX
Bridge
Builder Large Cap Value Fund
Ticker:
BBVLX
Bridge
Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund
Ticker:
BBGSX
Bridge
Builder Small/Mid Cap Value Fund
Ticker:
BBVSX
Bridge
Builder International Equity Fund
Ticker:
BBIEX
PROSPECTUS
The
Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder Core Bond Fund
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of the Bridge Builder Core Bond Fund (the “Fund” or the
“Core Bond Fund”) is to provide total return (capital appreciation plus
income).
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as annual program or
administrative fees for participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples
below.
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Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your
investment) |
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Management Fees(1) |
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| 0.32 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
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| None |
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Other Expenses(2) |
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| 0.02 |
% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
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| 0.34 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
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| (0.21 |
)% |
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Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| 0.13 |
% |
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(1) |
Olive Street Investment Advisers, LLC
(the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed, until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the
Fund. |
(2) |
Other Expenses include acquired fund
fees and expenses less than
0.01%. |
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28, 2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would
be:
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1 Year |
| 3 Years |
| 5 Years |
| 10 Years |
$13 |
| $88 |
| $170 |
| $410 |
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
151% of the average value of its
portfolio.
1
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed income
securities and other instruments, such as derivatives and certain investment
companies (see below), with economic characteristics similar to fixed income
securities. The Fund’s assets are allocated across different fixed-income market
sectors and maturities. Most of the Fund’s investments are in fixed income
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies;
corporate bonds; asset-backed securities (“ABS”), including collateralized loan
obligations (“CLOs”) and other collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”);
privately-issued securities (e.g., Rule 144A securities); floating rate
securities; and mortgage-related and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”),
including pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”),
adjustable rate mortgage securities (“ARMs”), interest-only securities (“IOs”),
principal-only securities (“POs”), inverse floaters, privately-issued MBS,
commercial MBS (“CMBS”), and mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll is a
transaction in which the Fund sells mortgage-related securities for immediate
settlement and simultaneously purchases the same type of securities for forward
settlement at a discount. The Fund may purchase or sell securities which it is
eligible to purchase or sell on a when-issued and delayed-delivery basis and may
make contracts to purchase or sell such securities for a fixed price at a future
date beyond normal settlement time (forward commitments), including to be
announced MBS (“TBA”). The purchase or sale of securities on a when-issued basis
or on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment involves the
purchase or sale of securities by the Fund at an established price with payment
and delivery taking place in the future.
The
Fund will invest primarily in securities denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund
may invest in securities issued by foreign entities, including emerging market
securities, and obligations of non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions,
agencies and government-sponsored enterprises. The Fund may also invest in other
investment companies, including other open-end or closed-end investment
companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that have characteristics that are
consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. The Fund may invest in futures,
primarily interest rate and U.S. Treasury futures, and in swaps, primarily
interest rate swaps. The Fund may buy or sell futures or swaps to gain or hedge
exposure to risk factors or to alter the Fund’s investment
characteristics.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. The Fund is designed to allow
managers to invest in various fixed income market
sectors.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, when a Sub-adviser
perceives deterioration in the credit fundamentals of the issuer, or when a
Sub-adviser believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the
asset allocation of its portion of the Fund’s investment
portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets allocated to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser allocates Fund assets to the following
Sub-advisers: Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. (“Baird”), J.P. Morgan
Investment Management Inc. (“JPMIM”), Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.
(“Loomis Sayles”), and PGIM, Inc. (“PGIM”). The Adviser may adjust allocations
to the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board with
respect to the hiring, termination or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a
summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment
strategies.
Baird’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Baird’s
strategy is based on its belief that the bond market is very efficient in
discounting risk and return over time, and bond market benchmarks accurately
reflect this relationship between risk and return across the duration curve.
Baird believes interest rates are extremely difficult to consistently forecast
over time and accordingly employs a duration-neutral, risk-controlled approach.
Baird sets the duration of its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets equal to
that of the Fund’s benchmark, thus aiming to ensure a high degree of
predictability in tracking benchmark returns. Baird then adds incremental value
through security selection, yield curve positioning, sector allocation and
competitive execution of trades.
2
Baird’s
philosophy is implemented strictly in the U.S. dollar-denominated, cash bond
market, and Baird normally invests in U.S. government and other public sector
entities, ABS and MBS of U.S. and U.S. dollar-denominated foreign issuers, and
corporate debt of U.S. and foreign
issuers.
JPMIM’s
Principal Investment Strategies
JPMIM
incorporates a bottom-up, value-oriented approach in managing its allocated
portion of the Fund’s assets. Taking a long-term approach, JPMIM looks for
individual fixed income investments that it believes will perform well over
market cycles. JPMIM is value-oriented and makes decisions to purchase and sell
individual securities and instruments after performing a risk/reward analysis
that includes an evaluation of interest rate risk, credit risk, duration,
liquidity, and the complex legal and technical structure of the
transaction.
Loomis
Sayles’ Principal Investment Strategies
Loomis
Sayles’ investment philosophy focuses on research-driven, relative value
investing on a risk-adjusted basis, seeking to add value primarily through
security selection while continually managing risk in the portfolio. Loomis
Sayles’ objective with respect to its allocated portion is to consistently
outperform, over time, a broad-based market-weighted benchmark that measures the
investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable fixed income
market, including Treasury securities, government-related and corporate
securities, MBS, ABS, and CMBS.
Under
normal circumstances, Loomis Sayles will seek to invest in U.S.
dollar-denominated, investment grade fixed income securities, including Treasury
securities; agency securities; credit; MBS (including TBAs), ABS and CMBS;
corporate bonds issued by U.S. and foreign companies; and mortgage dollar
rolls.
PGIM’s
Principal Investment Strategies
PGIM’s
strategy is based on the philosophy that research-driven security selection is
the most consistent strategy for adding value to client portfolios. PGIM
complements that base strategy with modest sector rotation, duration management,
and disciplined trade execution. PGIM uses a team approach to attempt to add
value by tilting toward fixed income sectors that it believes are attractive and
by utilizing its extensive research capabilities to choose attractive
fixed-income securities within sectors.
In
managing the Fund’s assets, PGIM uses a combination of top-down economic
analysis and bottom-up research in conjunction with proprietary quantitative
models and risk management systems. In the top-down economic analysis, PGIM
develops views on economic, policy and market trends. In its bottom-up research,
PGIM develops an internal rating and outlook on issuers. The rating and outlook
are determined based on a thorough review of the financial health and trends of
the issuer. PGIM may also consider investment factors such as expected total
return, yield, spread and potential for price appreciation as well as credit
quality, maturity and risk. PGIM may invest in a security based upon the
expected total return rather than the yield of such
security.
Principal
Risks
Since
the Fund holds securities with fluctuating market prices, the value of the
Fund’s shares varies as its portfolio securities increase or decrease in value.
Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund could go down as well as up.
You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. The principal risks affecting the Fund that can cause a
decline in value are set forth below. The risks are ordered in alphabetical
order after the first five risks, although the order of the risk factors does
not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Any additional
risks associated with the Fund’s non-principal investments are described in the
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional
information about the risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments
described herein.
| ● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other types of investments. A variety of
factors can influence underperformance and can have a significant impact
on the Fund and its investments, including regulatory events, inflation,
interest rates, government
defaults, |
3
|
government
shutdowns, war, regional conflicts, acts of terrorism, social unrest, and
substantial economic downturn or recessions. In addition, the impact of
any epidemic, pandemic, natural disaster, spread of infectious illness or
other public health issue, or widespread fear that such events may occur,
could negatively affect the global economy, as well as the economies of
individual countries, the financial performance of individual companies
and sectors, and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen
ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of
the securities and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in
turn could negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on
your investment in the Fund. |
| ● |
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Interest Rate Risk. The value of fixed
income securities may decline because of increases in interest rates or
rise because of decreases in interest rates. The value of a fixed income
security with greater duration will be more sensitive to changes in
interest rates than a similar security with shorter duration. The prices
of fixed income securities with shorter duration generally will be less
affected by changes in interest rates than the prices of fixed income
securities with greater duration. A low interest rate environment may
present greater interest rate risk because there may be a greater
likelihood of rates increasing and rates may increase more rapidly.
Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of the
fixed-income securities held by the Fund. As a result, it is possible that
the Fund would, during these conditions, maintain a substantial portion of
its assets in cash, on which it may earn little, if any, income. Changes
in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments or
changes in economic conditions may affect the level of interest rates,
which could have sudden or unpredictable effects on the markets. A sudden
or unpredictable rise or decline in interest rates may cause volatility
and reduced liquidity in the markets, which could make it more difficult
for the Fund to sell its investments at a time when it may be advantageous
to do so and could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline,
potentially suddenly and
significantly. |
| ● |
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Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that
the issuer of a bond will fail to make payments when due or default
completely. If the issuer of the bond experiences an actual or anticipated
deterioration in credit quality, the price of the bond may be negatively
impacted. The degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of
the issuer and the terms of the
bond. |
| ● |
|
Asset-Backed, Mortgage-Related, and
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. Borrowers may default on the
obligations that underlie ABS, mortgage-related securities, and MBS.
During periods of rising interest rates, the Fund may be subject to
extension risk and may receive principal later than it had expected,
causing the Fund to experience additional volatility. During periods of
falling interest rates, ABS, mortgage-related securities, and MBS may be
called or prepaid, which may result in the Fund having to reinvest
proceeds in other investments at a lower interest rate. CMOs, MBS, ARMs,
IOs, POs, and inverse floaters may be more volatile and may be more
sensitive to interest rate changes and prepayments than other
mortgage-related securities. The impairment of the value of the collateral
underlying a security in which the Fund invests (due, for example, to
non-payment of loans) may result in a reduction in the value of the
security. The risk of default, as described under “Credit Risk,” for
privately-issued and sub-prime mortgages is generally higher than for
other types of MBS. The structure of some of these securities may be
complex, and there may be less available information than other types of
debt securities. In addition, ABS such as CLOs and CDOs present credit
risks that are not presented by MBS. This is because ABS generally do not
have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable
in quality to mortgage assets. If the issuer of an ABS defaults on its
payment obligations, there is the possibility that, in some cases, the
Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that
the Fund’s recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to
support payments on the
security. |
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Active Management Risk. The Fund is
actively managed with discretion and may underperform market indices,
including relevant benchmark indices, or other mutual funds with similar
investment objectives. In addition, to the extent that a Sub-adviser’s
investment strategy uses a quantitative investment model to evaluate and
recommend investment decisions for the Fund, the Fund can perform
differently from the market as a whole based on the factors used in the
model, the weight placed on each factor and changes from the factors’
historical trends. |
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Corporate Debt Securities Risk. Corporate
debt securities respond to economic developments, especially changes in
interest rates, as well as perceptions of the creditworthiness and
business prospects of individual
issuers. |
4
| ● |
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Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
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Currency Risk. As a result of the Fund’s
investments in securities or other investments denominated in, and/or
receiving revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to
currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will
decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, adversely affecting the
value of the Fund. |
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Derivatives Risk. An investment in
derivatives (such as futures contracts, swaps, TBAs and dollar rolls) may
not perform as anticipated by the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be
closed out at a favorable time or price, or may increase the Fund’s
volatility. Derivatives may create investment leverage so that when a
derivative is used as a substitute for or alternative to a direct cash
investment, the transaction may not provide a return that corresponds
precisely with that of the cash investment, or when used for hedging
purposes, the derivative may not provide the anticipated protection,
causing the Fund to lose money on both the derivative and the exposure the
Fund sought to hedge. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund’s
portfolio may be magnified when the Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are
also subject to correlation risk, which is the risk that changes in the
value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying
asset, rate, or index. The Fund’s use of derivatives is also subject to
market risk, which is described above, and liquidity risk, which is
described below. The Fund’s use of swaps is also subject to counterparty
risk, which is described
above. |
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Floating Rate Securities Risk. The Fund
may invest in obligations with interest rates that are reset periodically.
Although the prices of floating rate securities are generally less
sensitive to interest rate changes than comparable quality fixed rate
instruments, the value of floating rate securities may decline if the
floating rate securities’ interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as
much, as general interest rates. |
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Foreign Securities Risk (including Emerging
Markets Risk). The risks of investing in foreign securities,
including those in emerging markets, can increase the potential for losses
in the Fund and may include currency risk, political and economic
instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events,
additional or fewer government regulations, the imposition of tariffs and
other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions, less publicly available
information, limited trading markets, differences in financial reporting
standards, fewer protections for passive investors, and less stringent
regulation of securities markets. Geopolitical or other events such as
nationalization or expropriation could cause the loss of the Fund’s entire
investment in one or more countries. In addition, periodic U.S. Government
prohibitions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may
require the Fund to sell such investments at inopportune times, which
could result in losses to the Fund. The risks associated with
international investing will be greater in emerging markets than in more
developed foreign markets because, among other things, emerging markets
may have less stable political and economic environments and may have
fewer resources to mitigate the effects of a pandemic or natural
disaster. |
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Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and
expenses. |
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Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
or strategies. |
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Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
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Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or
prices. |
5
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Mortgage Dollar Roll Risk. The use of
mortgage dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage and
can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money for investment
purposes. Mortgage dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the
market value of the securities the Fund is required to purchase may
decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the
broker-dealer to whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the
Fund’s right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend upon a Sub-adviser’s
ability to correctly predict interest rates and
prepayments. |
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Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management
Risk. The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers
believed to have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times,
may not be complementary and could result in more exposure to certain
types of securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by
different Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in
overlapping or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping
transactions could lead to multiple Sub-advisers purchasing the same or
similar securities at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund
holding a more concentrated position in these securities. Conversely,
certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
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Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may buy
and sell investments frequently. Such a strategy often involves higher
transaction costs, including brokerage commissions, and may increase the
amount of capital gains (in particular, short-term gains) realized by the
Fund. Shareholders may pay tax on such capital
gains. |
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Prepayment and Extension Risk. When
interest rates fall, issuers of high interest debt obligations, as well as
issuers of callable bonds, may pay off the debts earlier than expected
(prepayment risk), and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower
yields. When interest rates rise, issuers of lower interest debt
obligations may pay off the debts later than expected (extension risk),
thus keeping the Fund’s assets tied up in lower interest debt
obligations. |
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Privately Issued Securities Risk.
Investments in privately issued securities (e.g., Rule 144A securities) may be less
liquid than in publicly traded securities. Although these securities may
be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from
these sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less
than what may be considered the fair value of such securities.
Furthermore, companies with securities that are not publicly traded are
not subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements
that might be applicable if the securities were publicly
traded. |
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Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate
and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund
shareholders. |
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Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s
performance. |
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Reinvestment Risk. Cash flows from fixed
income securities are generally reinvested at current market rates. A
decline in market rates may result in less attractive reinvestment
opportunities and affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment
objective. |
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Sovereign Debt Risk. Investments in
non-U.S. sovereign debt securities can involve a high degree of risk,
including the risk that the governmental entity that controls the
repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the
principal and/or to pay the interest on its sovereign debt in a timely
manner. |
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U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S.
government obligations are affected by changes or expected changes in
interest rates, among other things. While U.S. Treasury obligations are
backed by the full faith |
6
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and
credit of the U.S. government, such obligations are still subject to
credit risk. Securities issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or
authorities or U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities or enterprises
may or may not be backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. Moreover, some securities are neither insured nor guaranteed
by the U.S. government. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has the
authority to provide financial support to certain of these debt
obligations, but no assurance can be given that the U.S. government will
do so. From time to time, uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations
in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt ceiling and/or
failure to increase the statutory debt ceiling could increase the risk
that the U.S. government may default on payments on certain U.S.
government securities (including those held by the Fund), which could have
a material adverse impact on the
Fund. |
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When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward
Commitment Transactions Risk. When-issued transactions, delayed
delivery purchases, and forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the
value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date. Therefore,
these transactions may result in a form of leverage and increase the
Fund’s overall investment exposure. When the Fund has sold a security on a
when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund does
not participate in future gains or losses with respect to the security.
These transactions are also subject to counterparty risk, which is
described above. |
Performance
The accompanying
bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s year-to-year performance and the
table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one and five years
and since inception compared to that of a broad measure of market
performance. The performance information shown here reflects
only Fund performance and does not reflect annual program or administrative fees
you may be charged for participating in an Advisory Program. See the Fund’s
website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Year-by-Year
Total Returns
Calendar
Year Ended December 31
|
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Quarterly Returns |
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Highest (quarter
ended June 30,
2020) |
|
| 4.45% |
|
Lowest (quarter ended
March 31,
2022) |
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| -5.91% |
|
The
performance information shown above is based on a calendar year. The Fund’s performance (before taxes) from
1/1/23 to 9/30/23
was -0.41%.
7
Average
Annual Total Returns
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Actual after-tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The
after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares
through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund shares may be higher than before-tax returns when
a net capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund
shares.
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| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Average Annual Total Return as of
December 31, 2022 |
|
| 1 Year |
| 5 Years |
| Since Inception (10/28/13) |
|
|
| |
Return
Before Taxes |
|
|
| -12.93 |
% |
|
|
| 0.44 |
% |
|
|
| 1.66 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
| -13.93 |
% |
|
|
| ‑0.84 |
% |
|
|
| 0.42 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
| -7.63 |
% |
|
|
| ‑0.12 |
% |
|
|
| 0.78 |
% |
Bloomberg
U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deductions for fees, expenses or
taxes) |
|
|
| -13.01 |
% |
|
|
| 0.02 |
% |
|
|
| 1.26 |
% |
The Bloomberg U.S.
Aggregate Bond Index measures the broad market for U.S. dollar-denominated
investment grade fixed-rate taxable bond market. Index returns reflect the
change in value, principal payments and interest of bonds in the index. The
Fund’s portfolio holdings may differ significantly from the securities held in
the relevant index and, unlike a mutual fund, the performance of an unmanaged
index does not reflect deductions for transaction costs, taxes, management fees
or other expenses. You cannot invest directly in an index.
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
Baird |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Baird |
|
Length
of Service to
the
Fund |
Mary
Ellen Stanek, CFA |
|
Managing Director, Chief Investment
Officer |
|
Since Inception |
Charles
B. Groeschell |
|
Managing Director, Deputy Chief Investment
Officer |
|
Since Inception |
Warren D.
Pierson, CFA |
|
Managing Director, Deputy Chief Investment
Officer |
|
Since Inception |
Jay E.
Schwister, CFA |
|
Managing Director, Director of Research,
and Senior Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
M. Sharon
deGuzman |
|
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Meghan H.
Dean, CFA |
|
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since October
2020 |
Jeffrey
L. Schrom, CFA |
|
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since October
2020 |
|
| |
JPMIM |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with JPMIM |
|
Length
of Service
to
the Fund |
Richard
Figuly |
|
Managing Director |
|
Since July 2018 |
Justin Rucker |
|
Managing
Director |
|
Since
October 2019 |
Steven
Lear* |
|
Managing Director |
|
Since April 2021 |
Andrew
Melchiorre |
|
Managing Director |
|
Since May 2023 |
Edward
Fitzpatrick III |
|
Managing Director |
|
Since May
2023 |
* |
Effective
March 1, 2024, Mr. Lear will no longer serve as a portfolio
manager to the portion of the assets of the Fund managed by JPMIM.
|
8
|
|
|
| |
Loomis
Sayles |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Position with Loomis Sayles |
|
Length
of Service
to
the Fund |
Lynne A.
Royer |
|
Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of the
Disciplined Alpha Team |
|
Since July 2015 |
Seth J.
Timen |
|
Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of the
Disciplined Alpha Team |
|
Since March 2021 |
|
| |
PGIM |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with PGIM |
|
Length
of Service
to
the Fund |
Richard
Piccirillo |
|
Managing Director and Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Gregory
Peters |
|
Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment
Officer |
|
Since March 2014 |
Michael
Collins, CFA |
|
Managing Director and Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since March
2014 |
Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to investors participating in the Advisory
Programs, each an investment advisory program sponsored by Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), as well as current and former
Trustees of the Trust. Advisory Program investors may purchase and sell or
redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones through an Advisory Program. Current
and former Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares
directly. There are no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the
Fund. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York
Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund’s distributions will normally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed
later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
9
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder Core Plus Bond Fund
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of the Bridge Builder Core Plus Bond Fund (the “Fund” or
the “Core Plus Bond Fund”) is to provide total return (capital appreciation plus
income).
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as annual program or
administrative fees for participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples
below.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
|
| |
Management Fees(1) |
|
| 0.36 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
|
| None |
|
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (AFFE)(2) |
|
| 0.03 |
% |
Other Expenses |
|
| 0.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3) |
|
| 0.42 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
|
| (0.22 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3) |
|
| 0.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed,
until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the
Fund. |
(2) |
AFFE
are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in
shares of other mutual funds, including exchange-traded
funds. |
(3) |
The Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses in
this fee table do not correlate to the expense ratios in the Fund’s
Financial Highlights because the Financial Highlights include only the
direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund and exclude
AFFE. |
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28, 2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would
be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Year |
| 3 Years |
| 5 Years |
| 10 Years |
$20 |
| $113 |
| $213 |
| $508 |
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares
10
are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund
operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the
most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 228% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed income
securities of any maturity or duration and other instruments, such as
derivatives, with economic characteristics similar to fixed income securities,
and certain investment companies that seek to track the performance of fixed
income securities. The Fund’s assets are allocated across different fixed income
market sectors and maturities. Most of the Fund’s investments are in fixed
income securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies;
corporate bonds; convertible securities; corporate commercial paper;
asset-backed securities (“ABS”), including collateralized loan obligations
(“CLOs”) and other collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”); privately-issued
securities (e.g., Rule 144A securities);
floating rate securities; inflation-linked securities (including Treasury
Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”) issued by the U.S. Treasury) and other
inflation-indexed bonds issued both by governments and corporations; structured
securities; and mortgage-related and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”),
including pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”),
adjustable rate mortgage securities (“ARMs”), interest-only securities (“IOs”),
principal-only securities (“POs”), inverse floaters, sub-prime MBS,
privately-issued MBS, commercial MBS (“CMBS”), and mortgage dollar rolls. A
mortgage dollar roll is a transaction in which the Fund sells mortgage-related
securities for immediate settlement and simultaneously purchases the same type
of securities for forward settlement at a discount. The Fund may purchase or
sell securities which it is eligible to purchase or sell on a when-issued and
delayed-delivery basis and may make contracts to purchase or sell such
securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond normal settlement time
(forward commitments), including to be announced MBS (“TBA”). The purchase or
sale of securities on a when-issued basis or on a delayed delivery basis or
through a forward commitment involves the purchase or sale of securities by the
Fund at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the
future.
The
Fund also invests, under normal market conditions, in a “plus” portfolio of high
yield securities deemed below investment grade, also known as “junk bonds,” or
in unrated securities that a sub-adviser believes are of comparable quality to
instruments that are so rated. The Fund’s investments in junk bonds may include
bonds in default. The Fund considers investment grade securities to be those
securities that are rated at or above Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
(“Moody’s”), BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”), or an
equivalent rating by another nationally recognized securities rating
organization (“NRSRO”), or securities that are unrated but deemed by a
sub-adviser to be comparable in quality to instruments that are so rated. The
Fund may also invest in convertible securities rated below investment grade,
including convertible bonds and convertible preferred
stocks.
The
Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign entities, including emerging
market securities, and obligations of non-U.S. governments or their
subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored enterprises. In addition, the
Fund may invest in a variety of loans, including bank loans, bridge loans,
debtor-in-possession loans and mezzanine loans. The Fund’s investments in bank
loans are generally acquired as a participation interest in, or assignment of,
loans originated by a lender or other financial institution. The Fund may also
invest in other investment companies, including other open-end or closed-end
investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that have
characteristics that are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. The
Fund may invest in futures, primarily interest rate, currency, and U.S. Treasury
futures, and in swaps, including interest rate, credit default, total return,
and currency swaps. In addition, the Fund may invest in forward contracts. The
Fund may buy or sell futures, swaps, or forward contracts to gain or hedge
exposure to risk factors or to alter the Fund’s investment characteristics. From
time to time, the Fund may also enter into repurchase
agreements.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. The Fund is designed to allow
managers to invest in various fixed income market
sectors.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, when a Sub-adviser
perceives deterioration in the credit
11
fundamentals
of the issuer, or when a Sub-adviser believes it would be appropriate to do so
in order to readjust the asset allocation of its portion of the Fund’s
investment portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets allocated to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser allocates Fund assets to the following
Sub-advisers: BlackRock Investment Management LLC (“BlackRock”), Loomis,
Sayles & Company, L.P. (“Loomis Sayles”), Metropolitan West Asset
Management, LLC (“MetWest”), and Pacific Investment Management Company LLC
(“PIMCO”). The Adviser may adjust allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or
make recommendations to the Board with respect to the hiring, termination or
replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal
investment strategies.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
In
managing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets, BlackRock will buy or sell
securities whenever its portfolio management team sees an appropriate
opportunity. Under normal circumstances, BlackRock invests primarily in fixed
income securities and derivatives with similar economic characteristics.
BlackRock may invest in investment grade fixed-income securities, obligations of
the U.S. Treasury or any U.S. Government agency or instrumentality, TIPS and
other inflation-linked bonds, MBS and ABS, corporate debt securities of U.S. and
foreign issuers, bank loans, and cash equivalents. BlackRock may also invest in
Rule 144A securities and other private placement transactions. BlackRock may
invest in high yield, or “junk,” securities, including convertible bonds,
convertible preferred stocks and other securities attached to bonds or other
fixed-income securities. BlackRock may also invest in foreign securities,
including in emerging markets. BlackRock may invest in derivatives such as
currency-related derivatives and swaps to obtain investment exposure, enhance
return, or “hedge” or protect its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets from an
unfavorable shift in the value or rate of a reference instrument. BlackRock may
also invest in structured securities, mortgage dollar rolls, investment
companies, forward commitments and when-issued and delayed delivery securities
and repurchase agreements.
Loomis
Sayles’ Principal Investment Strategies
Three
themes typically drive Loomis Sayles’ investment approach with respect to its
allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. First, Loomis Sayles generally seeks
fixed-income securities of issuers whose credit profiles it believes are
improving. Second, Loomis Sayles may invest significantly in securities the
prices of which Loomis Sayles believes are more sensitive to events related to
the underlying issuer than to changes in general interest rates or overall
market default rates. Loomis Sayles relies primarily on issue selection as the
key driver to investment performance. Loomis Sayles will manage the interest
rate risks in the portfolio but believes that anticipating changes in rate
levels is not the primary source of added value. Third, Loomis Sayles analyzes
different sectors of the economy and differences in the yields (“spreads”) of
various fixed-income securities in an effort to find securities that it believes
may produce attractive returns in comparison to these securities’ risks. Loomis
Sayles generally prefers securities that are protected against calls (early
redemption by the issuer).
MetWest’s
Principal Investment Strategies
MetWest
seeks to maximize current income and pursues above average total return
consistent with prudent investment management over a full market cycle. MetWest
employs a value-oriented fixed income management philosophy and an investment
process predicated on a long-term economic outlook, which is determined by the
investment team on a quarterly basis and is reviewed constantly. Investments are
characterized by diversification among the sectors of the fixed income
marketplace. The investment management team seeks to achieve the desired
outperformance through the measured and disciplined application of five fixed
income management strategies which include duration management, yield curve
positioning, sector allocation, security selection, and opportunistic
execution.
PIMCO’s
Principal Investment Strategies
In
selecting securities for its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets, PIMCO seeks
to achieve the Fund’s investment objective by investing in a multi-sector
portfolio of Fixed Income Instruments (as defined below) of varying maturities,
which may be represented by derivatives, such as forwards, futures contracts, or
swap agreements. “Fixed Income Instruments” for purposes of PIMCO’s principal
investment strategies include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or government-sponsored enterprises; corporate debt
securities of U.S. and non-U.S.
12
issuers,
including convertible securities and corporate commercial paper; MBS and other
ABS; inflation-indexed bonds issued both by governments and corporations;
structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed” securities and event-linked
bonds; bank capital and trust preferred securities; loan participations and
assignments; delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities; bank
certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits and bankers’ acceptances;
repurchase agreements on Fixed Income Instruments; obligations of non-U.S.
governments or their subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored
enterprises; and obligations of international agencies or supranational
entities, debt securities and other similar instruments issued by various U.S.
and non-U.S. public- or private-sector entities. PIMCO may seek to obtain market
exposure to these Fixed Income Instruments by entering into a series of purchase
and sale contracts or by using other investment techniques (such as buy backs or
dollar rolls). PIMCO will seek maximum total return, consistent with
preservation of capital and prudent investment management by investing in a
broad array of fixed income sectors and utilizing income efficient
implementation strategies.
Principal
Risks
Since
the Fund holds securities with fluctuating market prices, the value of the
Fund’s shares varies as its portfolio securities increase or decrease in value.
Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund could go down as well as up.
You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. The principal risks affecting the Fund that can cause a
decline in value are set forth below. The risks are ordered in alphabetical
order after the first five risks, although the order of the risk factors does
not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Any additional
risks associated with the Fund’s non-principal investments are described in the
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional
information about the risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments
described herein.
| ● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other types of investments. A variety of
factors can influence underperformance and can have a significant impact
on the Fund and its investments, including regulatory events, inflation,
interest rates, government defaults, government shutdowns, war, regional
conflicts, acts of terrorism, social unrest, and substantial economic
downturn or recessions. In addition, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic,
natural disaster, spread of infectious illness or other public health
issue, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively
affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual
countries, the financial performance of individual companies and sectors,
and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such
impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities
and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in turn could
negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on your
investment in the Fund. |
| ● |
|
Interest Rate Risk. The value of fixed
income securities may decline because of increases in interest rates or
rise because of decreases in interest rates. The value of a fixed income
security with greater duration will be more sensitive to changes in
interest rates than a similar security with shorter duration. The prices
of fixed income securities with shorter duration generally will be less
affected by changes in interest rates than the prices of fixed income
securities with greater duration. A low interest rate environment may
present greater interest rate risk, because there may be a greater
likelihood of rates increasing and rates may increase more rapidly.
Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of the
fixed-income securities held by the Fund. As a result, it is possible that
the Fund would, during these conditions, maintain a substantial portion of
its assets in cash, on which it may earn little, if any, income. Changes
in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments or
changes in economic conditions may affect the level of interest rates,
which could have sudden or unpredictable effects on the markets. A sudden
or unpredictable rise or decline in interest rates may cause volatility
and reduced liquidity in the markets, which could make it more difficult
for the Fund to sell its investments at a time when it may be advantageous
to do so and could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline,
potentially suddenly and
significantly. |
| ● |
|
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that
the issuer of a bond will fail to make payments when due or default
completely. If the issuer of the bond experiences an actual or anticipated
deterioration in credit quality, the price of the bond may be negatively
impacted. The degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of
the issuer and the terms of the bond. Credit risk for high yield
securities, or “junk” bonds, is greater than for higher-rated
securities. |
13
| ● |
|
Derivatives Risk An investment in
derivatives (such as swaps, forward contracts, futures contracts,
structured notes, TBAs and dollar rolls) may not perform as anticipated by
the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be closed out at a favorable time or
price, or may increase the Fund’s volatility. Derivatives may create
investment leverage so that when a derivative is used as a substitute for
or alternative to a direct cash investment, the transaction may not
provide a return that corresponds precisely with that of the cash
investment, or when used for hedging purposes, the derivative may not
provide the anticipated protection, causing the Fund to lose money on both
the derivative and the exposure the Fund sought to hedge. Increases and
decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio may be magnified when the
Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are also subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not
correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. The Fund’s
use of derivatives is also subject to market risk, which is described
above, and liquidity risk, which is described below. The Fund’s use of
swaps and forward contracts is also subject to the risk that the
counterparty to the swap and forward contract will default or otherwise
fail to honor its
obligations. |
| ● |
|
Active Management Risk. The Fund is
actively managed with discretion and may underperform market indices,
including relevant benchmark indices, or other mutual funds with similar
investment objectives. |
| ● |
|
Asset-Backed, Mortgage-Related, and
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. Borrowers may default on the
obligations that underlie ABS, mortgage-related securities, and MBS.
During periods of rising interest rates, the Fund may be subject to
extension risk and may receive principal later than it had expected,
causing the Fund to experience additional volatility. During periods of
falling interest rates, ABS, mortgage-related securities, and MBS may be
called or prepaid, which may result in the Fund having to reinvest
proceeds in other investments at a lower interest rate. CMOs, MBS, ARMs,
IOs, POs, and inverse floaters may be more volatile and may be more
sensitive to interest rate changes and prepayments than other
mortgage-related securities. The impairment of the value of the collateral
underlying a security in which the Fund invests (due, for example, to
non-payment of loans) may result in a reduction in the value of the
security. The risk of default, as described under “Credit Risk,” for
privately-issued and sub-prime mortgages is generally higher than for
other types of MBS. The structure of some of these securities may be
complex, and there may be less available information than other types of
debt securities. In addition, ABS such as CLOs and CDOs present credit
risks that are not presented by MBS. This is because ABS generally do not
have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable
in quality to mortgage assets. If the issuer of an ABS defaults on its
payment obligations, there is the possibility that, in some cases, the
Fund will be unable to possess and sell the underlying collateral and that
the Fund’s recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to
support payments on the
security. |
| ● |
|
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of
a convertible security will generally decline as interest rates increase
and increase as interest rates decline. Convertible securities are also
subject to credit risk. In addition, because convertible securities are
generally convertible to the issuer’s common stock, convertible security
prices will normally fluctuate as prices of the common stock increase or
decline. |
| ● |
|
Corporate Debt Securities Risk. Corporate
debt securities respond to economic developments, especially changes in
interest rates, as well as perceptions of the creditworthiness and
business prospects of individual issuers.
|
| ● |
|
Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
| ● |
|
Currency Risk. As a result of the Fund’s
investments in securities or other investments denominated in, and/or
receiving revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to
currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will
decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, adversely affecting the
value of the Fund.
|
| ● |
|
Floating Rate Securities Risk. The Fund
may invest in obligations with interest rates that are reset periodically.
Although the prices of floating rate securities are generally less
sensitive to interest rate changes than comparable quality fixed rate
instruments, the value of floating rate securities may decline if the
floating rate securities’ interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as
much, as general interest rates. |
14
| ● |
|
Foreign Securities Risk (including Emerging
Markets Risk). The risks of investing in foreign securities,
including those in emerging markets, can increase the potential for losses
in the Fund and may include currency risk, political and economic
instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events,
additional or fewer government regulations, the imposition of tariffs and
other restrictions on trade of economic sanctions, less publicly available
information, limited trading markets, differences in financial reporting
standards, fewer protections for passive investors, and less stringent
regulation of securities markets. Geopolitical or other events such as
nationalization or expropriation could cause the loss of the Fund’s entire
investment in one or more countries. In addition, periodic U.S. Government
prohibitions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may
require the Fund to sell such investments at inopportune times, which
could result in losses to the Fund. The risks associated with
international investing will be greater in emerging markets than in more
developed foreign markets because, among other things, emerging markets
may have less stable political and economic environments and may have
fewer resources to mitigate the effects of a pandemic or natural
disaster. |
| ● |
|
High Yield Securities Risk. High yield,
or “junk,” securities involve greater risks of default or downgrade and
are more volatile than investment grade securities because the prospect
for repayment of principal and interest of many of these securities is
speculative. High yield securities also may be less liquid than higher
quality investments. These securities may offer higher returns, but there
is no guarantee that an investment in these securities will result in a
high rate of return. |
| ● |
|
Inflation-Linked Securities Risk. The
value of inflation-linked securities is expected to change in response to
changes in real interest rates (the market rate of interest less the
anticipated rate of inflation). Real interest rates change over time as a
result of many factors, such as currency exchange rates, central bank
monetary policies and general economic conditions. In general, the price
of an inflation-linked security tends to decline when real interest rates
increase. Unlike conventional bonds, the principal and interest payments
of inflation-protected securities such as TIPS are adjusted periodically
to a specified rate of inflation (e.g. the Consumer Price Index (the
“CPI”)). There can be no assurance that the inflation index used will
accurately measure the actual rate of inflation. These securities may lose
value in the event that the actual rate of inflation is different than the
rate of the inflation index. Repayment of the original bond principal upon
maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of TIPS.
For bonds that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal
value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original
principal. |
| ● |
|
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and
expenses. |
| ● |
|
Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
or strategies. |
| ● |
|
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
| ● |
|
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or
prices. |
| ● |
|
Loan Risk. Bank loans (including through
both assignments and participations) often involve borrowers with low
credit ratings whose financial conditions are troubled or uncertain,
including companies that are highly leveraged or in bankruptcy
proceedings. Loans typically have less liquidity than investment grade
bonds and there may be less public information available about them as
compared to bonds. The Fund may also enter into, or acquire participations
in, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities, in which a
lender agrees to make loans up to a maximum amount upon demand by the
borrower during a specified term. These commitments may have the effect of
requiring the Fund to increase its investment in a
company |
15
|
at
a time when it might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time
when the company’s financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts
will be repaid). |
| ● |
|
Mezzanine Securities Risk. The Fund may
invest in certain high yield securities known as mezzanine securities,
which are subordinated debt securities generally issued in private
placements in connection with an equity security (e.g., with attached
warrants). Mezzanine investments may be issued with or without
registration rights. Mezzanine investments are usually unsecured and
subordinate to other obligations of the issuer.
|
| ● |
|
Mortgage Dollar Roll Risk. The use of
mortgage dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage and
can have an economic effect similar to borrowing money for investment
purposes. Mortgage dollar roll transactions involve the risk that the
market value of the securities the Fund is required to purchase may
decline below the agreed upon repurchase price of those securities. If the
broker-dealer to whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the
Fund’s right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend upon a Sub-adviser’s
ability to correctly predict interest rates and
prepayments. |
| ● |
|
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management
Risk. The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers
believed to have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times,
may not be complementary and could result in more exposure to certain
types of securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by
different Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in
overlapping or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping
transactions could lead to multiple Sub-advisers purchasing the same or
similar securities at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund
holding a more concentrated position in these securities. Conversely,
certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
| ● |
|
Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may buy
and sell investments frequently resulting in higher transaction costs,
including brokerage commissions. Frequent transactions may increase the
amount of capital gains (in particular, short-term gains) realized by the
Fund. Shareholders may pay tax on such capital
gains. |
| ● |
|
Prepayment and Extension Risk. When
interest rates fall, issuers of high interest debt obligations, as well as
issuers of callable bonds, may pay off the debts earlier than expected
(prepayment risk), and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower
yields. When interest rates rise, issuers of lower interest debt
obligations may pay off the debts later than expected (extension risk),
thus keeping the Fund’s assets tied up in lower interest debt
obligations. |
| ● |
|
Privately Issued Securities Risk.
Investments in privately issued securities (e.g., Rule 144A securities) may be less
liquid than in publicly traded securities. Although these securities may
be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from
these sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less
than what may be considered the fair value of such securities.
Furthermore, companies with securities that are not publicly traded are
not subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements
that might be applicable if the securities were publicly
traded. |
| ● |
|
Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so, and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund
shareholders. |
| ● |
|
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s
performance. |
| ● |
|
Reinvestment Risk. Cash flows from fixed
income securities are generally reinvested at current market rates. A
decline in market rates may result in less attractive reinvestment
opportunities and affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment
objective. |
16
| ● |
|
Sovereign Debt Risk. Investments in
non-U.S. sovereign debt securities can involve a high degree of risk,
including the risk that the governmental entity that controls the
repayment of sovereign debt may not be willing or able to repay the
principal and/or to pay the interest on its sovereign debt in a timely
manner. |
| ● |
|
Structured Notes Risk. Structured notes
are specially-designed derivative debt instruments in which the terms may
be structured by the purchaser and the issuer of the note. The Fund bears
the risk that the issuer of the structured note will default. Structured
notes may be leveraged, increasing the volatility of each structured
note’s value relative to the change in the reference measure. The Fund
also bears the risk of loss of its principal investment and periodic
payments expected to be received for the duration of its investment. In
addition, a liquid market may not exist for the structured
notes. |
| ● |
|
Trust Preferred and Bank Capital Securities
Risk. Trust preferred securities (and bank capital securities that
take the form of trust preferred securities) are preferred stocks issued
by a special purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the
corporate parent. Trust preferred securities are subject to unique
risks, due to the fact that dividend payments will only be paid if
interest payments on the underlying obligations are made, which interest
payments are dependent on the financial condition of the parent
corporation and may be deferred for up to 20 consecutive
quarters. Such risks include increased credit risk and market value
volatility, as well as the risk that a Fund may have to liquidate other
investments in order to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable
to regulated investment companies if the trust preferred security or the
subordinated debt is treated as an original issue discount obligation, and
thereby causes the Fund to accrue interest income without receiving
corresponding cash payments. There is also the risk that the underlying
obligations, and thus the trust preferred securities, may be prepaid after
a stated call date or as a result of certain tax or regulatory events,
resulting in a lower yield to
maturity. |
| ● |
|
U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S.
government obligations are affected by changes or expected changes in
interest rates, among other things. While U.S. Treasury obligations are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such
obligations are still subject to credit risk. Securities issued or
guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities or U.S. government sponsored
instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. government. Moreover, some securities are
neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. The U.S. Department
of the Treasury has the authority to provide financial support to certain
of these debt obligations, but no assurance can be given that the U.S.
government will do so. From time to time, uncertainty regarding the status
of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt
ceiling and/or failure to increase the statutory debt ceiling could
increase the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on
certain U.S. government securities (including those held by the Fund),
which could have a material adverse impact on the
Fund. |
| ● |
|
When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward
Commitment Transactions Risk. When-issued transactions, delayed
delivery purchases, and forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the
value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date. Therefore,
these transactions may result in a form of leverage and increase the
Fund’s overall investment exposure. When the Fund has sold a security on a
when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund does
not anticipate future gains or losses with respect to the security. These
transactions are also subject to counterparty risk, which is described
above. |
17
Performance
The accompanying
bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s year-to-year performance and the
table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one and five years
and since inception compared to that of a broad measure of market
performance. The performance information shown here reflects
only Fund performance and does not reflect annual program or administrative fees
you may be charged for participating in an Advisory Program. See the Fund’s
website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Year-by-Year
Total Returns
Calendar
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
| |
Quarterly
Returns |
| |
|
|
Highest (quarter
ended June 30,
2020) |
|
| 5.69% |
|
Lowest (quarter ended
March 31,
2022) |
|
| -5.71% |
|
The
performance information shown above is based on a calendar year. The Fund’s performance (before taxes) from
1/1/23 to 9/30/23
was -0.28%.
Average
Annual Total Returns
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Actual after-tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The
after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares
through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund shares may be higher than before-tax returns when
a net capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund
shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Average Annual Total Return as of
December 31, 2022 |
|
| 1 Year |
| 5 Years |
| Since Inception (7/13/15) |
|
|
| |
Return
Before Taxes |
|
|
| -12.67 |
% |
|
|
| 0.90 |
% |
|
|
| 1.63 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
| -13.92 |
% |
|
|
| ‑0.63 |
% |
|
|
| 0.21 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
| -7.48 |
% |
|
|
| 0.11 |
% |
|
|
| 0.68 |
% |
Bloomberg
U.S. Aggregate Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or
taxes) |
|
|
| -13.01 |
% |
|
|
| 0.02 |
% |
|
|
| 0.97 |
% |
The
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index measures the broad market for U.S.
dollar-denominated investment grade fixed-rate taxable bond market. Index
returns reflect the change in value, principal payments and interest of bonds in
the index. The Fund’s portfolio holdings may differ significantly from the
securities held in the relevant index and, unlike a mutual fund, the performance
of an unmanaged index does not reflect deductions for transaction costs, taxes,
management fees or other expenses. You cannot invest directly in an
index.
18
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
BlackRock |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with BlackRock |
|
Length
of Service
to
the Fund |
Rick
Rieder |
|
Chief Investment Officer of Fixed Income,
Fundamental Portfolios, Head of the Corporate Credit Group, and Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since October
2021 |
David
Rogal |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since October
2021 |
Chi
Chen |
|
Director and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since February
2023 |
|
| |
Loomis
Sayles |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Loomis Sayles |
|
Length
of Service
to
the Fund |
Matthew
J. Eagan, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of Full
Discretion |
|
Since Inception |
Brian P.
Kennedy |
|
Co- Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Elaine M.
Stokes* |
|
Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of Full
Discretion |
|
Since
Inception |
* |
Effective
December 31, 2023, Ms. Stokes will no longer serve as a
portfolio manager to the portion of the assets of the Fund managed by
Loomis Sayles. |
|
|
|
| |
MetWest |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with MetWest |
|
Length
of Service
to
the Fund |
Laird
Landmann* |
|
President, Generalist Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Stephen
Kane, CFA |
|
Co-Chief Investment Officer, Group
Managing Director, Generalist Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Bryan
Whalen, CFA |
|
Co-Chief Investment Officer, Group
Managing Director, Generalist Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Jerry
Cudzil |
|
Generalist Portfolio Manager |
|
Since October
2023 |
Ruben
Hovhannisyan |
|
Generalist Portfolio Manager |
|
Since October
2023 |
* |
Effective
December 31, 2023, Mr. Landmann will no longer serve as a
portfolio manager to the portion of the assets of the Fund managed by
MetWest. |
|
|
|
| |
PIMCO |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with PIMCO |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Alfred
Murata |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since May 2017 |
Daniel
Ivascyn |
|
Group Chief Investment Officer, Managing
Director and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since May
2017 |
Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to investors participating in the Advisory
Programs, each an investment advisory program sponsored by Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), as well as current and former
Trustees of the Trust. Advisory Program investors may purchase and sell or
redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones through an Advisory Program. Current
and former Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares
directly. There are no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the
Fund. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York
Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund’s distributions will normally be taxed as ordinary income or capital gains.
Distributions on investments made through tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed
later upon withdrawal of assets from those accounts.
19
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder Municipal Bond Fund
Investment
Objective
The investment objective of
the Bridge Builder Municipal Bond Fund (the “Fund” or the “Municipal Bond Fund”)
is to provide current income exempt from federal tax,
with a secondary goal of preservation of investment
principal.
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as annual program or
administrative fees for participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples below.
|
|
|
| |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your investment) |
|
|
|
|
Management Fees(1) |
|
|
0.36 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses(2) |
|
|
0.02 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.38 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
|
|
(0.23 |
)% |
| |
|
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
(1) |
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed,
until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the Fund.
|
(2) |
Other
Expenses include acquired fund fees and expenses less than 0.01%.
|
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28,2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
$15 |
|
$99 |
|
$190 |
|
$458 |
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
26% of the average value of its
portfolio.
20
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in municipal securities
of any maturity or duration whose interest is exempt from federal income tax.
These municipal securities include debt obligations issued by or on behalf of a
state or local entity or other qualifying issuer that pay interest that is, in
the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, generally excludable from gross
income for federal income tax purposes (except that the interest may be
includable in taxable income for certain taxpayers subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax (“Federal AMT”)). Municipal securities may be
obligations of a variety of issuers, including state or local entities or other
qualifying issuers. Issuers may be states, territories, and possessions of the
United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions,
agencies, and instrumentalities.
The
Fund invests in municipal securities financing projects, including but not
limited to those relating to education, health care, and transportation. The
Fund may invest in municipal securities rated below investment grade, also known
as “junk bonds,” or in unrated municipal securities that a sub-adviser of the
Fund believes are of comparable quality. Investment grade securities are those
securities that are rated at or above Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
(“Moody’s”), BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”), or an
equivalent rating by another nationally recognized securities rating
organization (“NRSRO”), or securities that are unrated but deemed by the
sub-adviser to be comparable in quality to instruments that are so rated. The
Fund may purchase or sell securities which it is eligible to purchase or sell on
a when-issued and delayed-delivery basis and may make contracts to purchase or
sell such securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond normal settlement
time (forward commitments). The purchase or sale of securities on a when-issued
basis or on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment involves
the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund at an established price with
payment and delivery taking place in the future. The Fund also invests in U.S.
Treasury futures and may buy or sell futures to hedge exposure to risk factors,
for speculative purposes or as a substitute for investing in conventional fixed
income securities. In addition, the Fund may invest in privately issued
securities (e.g., Rule 144A securities) and other investment companies,
including open-end or closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds
(“ETFs”) that have characteristics that are consistent with the Fund’s
investment objective.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, when a Sub-adviser
perceives deterioration in the credit fundamentals of the issuer, or when a
Sub-adviser believes that it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust
the duration or asset allocation of its portion of the Fund’s investment
portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets allocated to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser allocates Fund assets to the following
Sub-advisers: BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BlackRock”), FIAM LLC
(“FIAM”) and MacKay Shields LLC (“MacKay Shields”). The Adviser may adjust
allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board
with respect to the hiring, termination, or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below
is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
takes a top-down, bottom-up approach with a flexible investment framework in
managing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. The investment process
begins with setting a macro-outlook and broad strategy guidelines around credit,
duration, yield curve, structure, and liquidity. Portfolio management works
closely with BlackRock’s credit research team to determine which sectors of the
municipal market provide the most value and should be overweight and which
should be underweight. Once a sector view is established, BlackRock’s credit
research team works to identify securities that provide the best risk reward
profile. BlackRock’s security selection process is based on its relative value
outlook and the quantitative assessment of the security and portfolio. In
managing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets, BlackRock seeks total
return derived primarily from coupon interest, and secondarily, capital
appreciation.
21
FIAM’s
Principal Investment Strategies
FIAM
uses a municipal bond index as a guide in structuring and selecting its
investments for its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. This municipal bond
index represents FIAM’s view of how the portfolio’s competitive universe will
perform over time. This index is a market value-weighted index of short to
intermediate investment-grade fixed-rate municipal bonds. FIAM considers a
variety of factors when selecting investments, including the credit quality of
issuers, security-specific features, current valuations relative to alternatives
in the market, short-term trading opportunities resulting from market
inefficiencies, and potential future valuations. In managing the portfolio’s
exposure to various risks, including interest rate risk, FIAM also considers the
market’s overall risk characteristics, current pricing of those risks, and
internal views of potential future market conditions.
MacKay
Shields’ Principal Investment Strategies
MacKay
Shields’ relative-value investment strategy combines a top-down macro view with
bottom-up credit research driven security selection. MacKay Shields’ investment
discipline begins by outlining a macro view of the economy, interest rates,
inflation and both national and regional political concerns. The top-down
component guides decisions relating to the Fund’s credit distribution, sector
distribution, state exposure and yield curve positioning. The investment
strategy seeks to maintain duration neutrality, typically expressed as a range
around the duration of the relevant benchmark. MacKay Shields’ approach is
driven by fundamental bottom-up security analysis using deep credit research and
spread analysis. In doing so, the investment process seeks to identify
mispricings and opportunities for total return with an emphasis and focus on
risk management.
Principal
Risks
Since
the Fund holds securities with fluctuating market prices, the value of the
Fund’s shares varies as its portfolio securities increase or decrease in value.
Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund could go down as well as up.
You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. The principal risks affecting the Fund that can cause a
decline in value are set forth below. The risks are ordered in alphabetical
order after the first five risks, although the order of the risk factors does
not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Any additional
risks associated with the Fund’s non-principal investments are described in the
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional
information about the risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments
described herein.
|
● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other types of investments. A variety of
factors can influence underperformance and can have a significant impact
on the Fund and its investments, including regulatory events, inflation,
interest rates, government defaults, government shutdowns, war, regional
conflicts, acts of terrorism, social unrest, and substantial economic
downturn or recessions. In addition, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic,
natural disaster, spread of infectious illness or other public health
issue, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively
affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual
countries, the financial performance of individual companies and sectors,
and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such
impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities
and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in turn could
negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on your
investment in the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Interest Rate Risk. The value of fixed
income securities may decline because of increases in interest rates or
rise because of decreases in interest rates. The value of a fixed income
security with greater duration will be more sensitive to changes in
interest rates than a similar security with shorter duration.The prices of
fixed income securities with shorter duration generally will be less
affected by changes in interest rates than the prices of fixed income
securities with greater duration. A low interest rate environment may
present greater interest rate risk, because there may be a greater
likelihood of rates increasing and rates may increase more rapidly.
Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of the
fixed-income securities held by the Fund. As a result, it is possible that
the Fund would, during these conditions, maintain a substantial portion of
its assets in cash, on which it may earn little, if any, income. Changes
in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments or
changes in economic conditions may affect the level of interest rates,
|
22
|
which
could have sudden or unpredictable effects on the markets. A sudden or
unpredictable rise or decline in interest rates may cause volatility and
reduced liquidity in the markets, which could make it more difficult for
the Fund to sell its investments at a time when it may be advantageous to
do so and could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline,
potentially suddenly and significantly.
|
|
● |
|
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that
the issuer of a bond will fail to make payments when due or default
completely. If the issuer of the bond experiences an actual or anticipated
deterioration in credit quality, the price of the bond may be negatively
impacted. The degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of
the issuer and the terms of the bond.
|
|
● |
|
Municipal Securities Risk. The value of
the Fund’s investments in municipal securities may be adversely affected
by unfavorable legislative or political developments and economic
developments that impact the financial condition of municipal issuers. For
example, a credit rating downgrade, bond default, or bankruptcy involving
an issuer within a particular state or territory could affect the market
values and marketability of many or all municipal obligations of that
state or territory. Additionally, the relative amount of publicly
available information about the financial condition of municipal
securities issuers is generally less than that for corporate securities.
|
|
● |
|
Active Management Risk. The Fund is
actively managed with discretion and may underperform market indices,
including relevant benchmark indices, or other mutual funds with similar
investment objectives. In addition, to the extent that a Sub-adviser’s
investment strategy uses a quantitative investment model to evaluate and
recommend investment decisions for the Fund, the Fund can perform
differently from the market as a whole based on the factors used in the
model, the weight placed on each factor and changes from the factors’
historical trends. |
|
● |
|
Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Derivatives Risk. An investment in
derivatives (such as futures contracts) may not perform as anticipated by
the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be closed out at a favorable time or
price, or may increase the Fund’s volatility. Derivatives may create
investment leverage so that when a derivative is used as a substitute for
or alternative to a direct cash investment, the transaction may not
provide a return that corresponds precisely with that of the cash
investment, or when used for hedging purposes, the derivative may not
provide the anticipated protection, causing the Fund to lose money on both
the derivative and the exposure the Fund sought to hedge. Increases and
decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio may be magnified when the
Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are also subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not
correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. The Fund’s
use of derivatives is also subject to market risk, which is described
above, and liquidity risk, which is described below.
|
|
● |
|
High Yield Securities Risk. High yield,
or “junk,” securities involve greater risks of default or downgrade and
are more volatile than investment grade securities because the prospect
for repayment of principal and interest of these securities is
speculative. High-yield securities also may be less liquid than higher
quality investments. These securities may offer higher returns, but there
is no guarantee that an investment in these securities will result in a
high rate of return. |
|
● |
|
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and expenses.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
or strategies. |
23
|
● |
|
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
|
● |
|
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or prices.
|
|
● |
|
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management Risk.
The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers believed to
have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times, may not be
complementary and could result in more exposure to certain types of
securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by different
Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in overlapping
or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping transactions could
lead to multiple Sub- advisers purchasing the same or similar securities
at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund holding a more
concentrated position in these securities. Conversely, certain
Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
|
● |
|
Municipal Revenue Bond Risk. Municipal
revenue bonds are used to finance municipal projects that generate
revenue. These types of bonds may be more sensitive to adverse economic,
business or political developments than other types of municipal bonds. In
addition, if the specified revenues from a project do not materialize,
there is a risk that the bonds may not be repaid. As a result, the
municipal revenue bonds in which the Fund invests may entail greater
credit risk than the Fund’s investments in other types of municipal bonds.
Moreover, a change that affects one project, such as proposed legislation
on the financing of the project, a shortage of the materials needed for
the project, or a declining need for the project, would likely affect all
similar projects, thereby increasing the Fund’s market risk.
|
|
● |
|
Prepayment and Extension Risk. When
interest rates fall, issuers of high interest debt obligations, as well as
issuers of callable bonds, may pay off the debts earlier than expected
(prepayment risk), and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower
yields. When interest rates rise, issuers of lower interest debt
obligations may pay off the debts later than expected (extension risk),
thus keeping the Fund’s assets tied up in lower interest debt obligations.
|
|
● |
|
Private Activity Bonds Risk.
Municipalities and other public authorities issue private activity bonds
to finance development of industrial facilities for use by a private
enterprise. The private enterprise pays the principal and interest on the
bond and the issuing authority does not pledge its full faith, credit, and
taxing power for repayment. The private enterprise can have a
substantially different credit profile than the municipality or public
authority. The Fund’s investments in private activity bonds may subject
certain shareholders to the Federal AMT.
|
|
● |
|
Privately Issued Securities Risk.
Investments in privately issued securities (e.g., Rule 144A securities) may be less
liquid than in publicly traded securities. Although these securities may
be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from
these sales could be less than those originally paid by the Fund or less
than what may be considered the fair value of such securities.
Furthermore, companies with securities that are not publicly traded are
not subject to the disclosure and other investor protection requirements
that might be applicable if the securities were publicly traded.
|
|
● |
|
Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so, and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund shareholders.
|
|
● |
|
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.
|
24
|
● |
|
Reinvestment Risk. Cash flows from fixed
income securities are generally reinvested at current market rates. A
decline in market rates may result in less attractive reinvestment
opportunities and affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment
objective. |
|
● |
|
Tax and Federal AMT Risk. The Fund will
rely on the opinion of issuers’ bond counsel and, in the case of
derivative securities, sponsors’ counsel, on the tax-exempt status of
interest on municipal bond obligations and payments under tax-exempt
derivative securities. Neither the Fund nor its Adviser or Sub-advisers
will independently review the bases for those tax opinions, which may
ultimately be determined to be incorrect and subject the Fund and its
shareholders to substantial tax liabilities. Certain shareholders subject
to the Federal AMT may be required to report the Fund’s exempt interest
distributions in determining their Federal AMT. Exempt-interest dividends
may affect the federal corporate alternative minimum tax for certain
corporations. The Fund may also not be a suitable investment for
individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred arrangements.
|
|
● |
|
When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward
Commitment Transactions Risk. When-issued transactions, delayed
delivery purchases, and forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the
value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date. Therefore,
these transactions may result in a form of leverage and increase the
Fund’s overall investment exposure. When the Fund has sold a security on a
when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund does
not participate in future gains or losses with respect to the security.
These transactions are also subject to counterparty risk, which is
described above. |
|
● |
|
U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S.
government obligations are affected by changes or expected changes in
interest rates, among other things. While U.S. Treasury obligations are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such
obligations are still subject to credit risk. Securities issued or
guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities or U.S. government sponsored
instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. government. Moreover, some securities are
neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. The U.S. Department
of the Treasury has the authority to provide financial support to certain
of these debt obligations, but no assurance can be given that the U.S.
government will do so. From time to time, uncertainty regarding the status
of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt
ceiling and/or failure to increase the statutory debt ceiling could
increase the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on
certain U.S. government securities (including those held by the Fund),
which could have a material adverse impact on the Fund.
|
25
Performance
The accompanying
bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s year-to-year performance and the
table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one and five years
and since inception compared to that of a broad measure of market
performance. The performance information shown here reflects
only Fund performance and does not reflect annual program or administrative fees
you may be charged for participating in an Advisory Program. See the Fund’s
website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Year-by-Year
Total Returns
Calendar
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
| |
Quarterly Returns |
|
Highest (quarter
ended December 31,
2022) |
|
|
3.39% |
|
Lowest (quarter ended
March 31,
2022) |
|
|
-5.51% |
|
The
performance information shown above is based on a calendar year. The Fund’s performance (before taxes) from
1/1/23 to 9/30/23
was 0.11%.
Average
Annual Total Returns
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Actual after-tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The
after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares
through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund shares may be higher than before-tax returns when
a net capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Average Annual Total Return as of
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
1 Year |
|
5 Years |
|
Since Inception (9/14/15) |
|
|
| |
Return
Before Taxes |
|
|
|
‑7.71 |
% |
|
|
|
1.29 |
% |
|
|
|
1.80 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
|
‑7.73 |
% |
|
|
|
1.28 |
% |
|
|
|
1.77 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
|
‑3.69 |
% |
|
|
|
1.54 |
% |
|
|
|
1.89 |
% |
Bloomberg
Municipal 1-15 Year Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or
taxes) |
|
|
|
‑5.95 |
% |
|
|
|
1.44 |
% |
|
|
|
1.84 |
% |
The
Bloomberg Municipal 1-15 Year Index is a subset of the Bloomberg Municipal Bond
Index covering only maturities between 1 and 17 years. The Bloomberg
Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index composed of tax-exempt bonds with
maturities greater than one year and a minimum
26
credit
rating of Baa. Index returns reflect the change in value, principal payments and
interest of bonds in the index. The Fund’s portfolio holdings may differ
significantly from the securities held in the relevant index and, unlike a
mutual fund, the performance of an unmanaged index does not reflect deductions
for transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other expenses. You cannot
invest directly in an index.
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
BlackRock |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with BlackRock |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Walter
O’Connor, CFA |
|
Managing Director |
|
Since October
2018 |
Michael
Kalinoski, CFA |
|
Director |
|
Since October
2018 |
Kevin
Maloney, CFA |
|
Director |
|
Since October
2018 |
|
| |
FIAM |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with FIAM |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Cormac
Cullen |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since October
2017 |
Elizah
McLaughlin, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since September
2018 |
Michael
Maka, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since March 2020 |
|
| |
MacKay
Shields |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with MacKay Shields |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Robert
DiMella, CFA |
|
Senior
Portfolio Manager and
Executive
Managing Director |
|
Since January
2021 |
David
Dowden |
|
Senior
Portfolio Manager and
Managing
Director |
|
Since January
2021 |
Michael
Denlinger, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager, Trader, and Managing
Director |
|
Since January
2021 |
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to investors participating in the Advisory
Programs, each an investment advisory program sponsored by Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), as well as current and former
Trustees of the Trust. Advisory Program investors may purchase and sell or
redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones through an Advisory Program. Current
and former Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares
directly. There are no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the
Fund. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York
Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund generally intends to distribute income that is exempt from federal income
tax; however, the Fund’s distributions may be subject to the Federal AMT,
federal income, or capital gains taxation. The Fund may not be a suitable
investment for individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred
arrangements.
27
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder Municipal High-Income Bond Fund
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of the Bridge Builder Municipal High-Income Bond Fund (the
“Fund” or the “Municipal High-Income Bond Fund”) is to provide current income
exempt from federal tax.
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as annual program or
administrative fees for participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples below.
|
|
|
| |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your
investment) |
|
Management Fees(1) |
|
|
0.36 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses(2) |
|
|
0.05 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.41 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
|
|
(0.23 |
)% |
| |
|
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.18 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
(1) |
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed,
until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the Fund.
|
(2) |
Other Expenses are based on
estimated amounts for the current fiscal
year. |
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28, 2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
For the fiscal period from April 13, 2023 (commencement of Fund operations)
to June 30, 2023, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 6% of the average value of its portfolio.
28
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in municipal securities
of any maturity or duration whose interest is exempt from federal income tax.
These municipal securities include debt obligations issued by or on behalf of a
state or local entity or other qualifying issuer that pay interest that is, in
the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, generally excludable from gross
income for federal income tax purposes (except that the interest may be
includable in taxable income for certain taxpayers subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax (“Federal AMT”)). Municipal securities may be
obligations of a variety of issuers, including state or local entities or other
qualifying issuers. Issuers may be states, territories, and possessions of the
United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions,
agencies, and instrumentalities.
The
Fund invests at least 50% of its assets in municipal securities rated Baa1 or
lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), BBB+ or lower by
Standard & Poor’s Corporation (“S&P”), or an equivalent rating by
another nationally recognized securities rating organization (“NRSRO”), or in
unrated securities that a sub-adviser of the Fund believes are of comparable
quality. Such investments include municipal securities rated below investment
grade, also known as “junk bonds,” which are municipal securities rated Ba1 or
lower by Moody’s, BB+ or lower by S&P, or an equivalent rating by another
NRSRO, or in unrated securities that a sub-adviser believes are of comparable
quality.
The
Fund invests in municipal securities including, but not limited to, municipal
bonds related to financing projects such as those relating to education, health
care, and transportation. The Fund may purchase or sell securities which it is
eligible to purchase or sell on a when-issued and delayed-delivery basis and may
make contracts to purchase or sell such securities for a fixed price at a future
date beyond normal settlement time (forward commitments). The purchase or sale
of securities on a when-issued basis or on a delayed delivery basis or through a
forward commitment involves the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund at an
established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The Fund
also invests in futures and may buy or sell futures to hedge exposure to risk
factors, for speculative purposes or as a substitute for investing in
conventional fixed income securities. In addition, the Fund may invest in
privately issued securities (e.g., Rule 144A securities) and other investment
companies, including open-end or closed-end investment companies and
exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that have characteristics that are consistent
with the Fund’s investment objective.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, when a Sub-adviser
perceives deterioration in the credit fundamentals of the issuer, or when a
Sub-adviser believes that it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust
the duration or asset allocation of its portion of the Fund’s investment
portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets allocated to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser may allocate Fund assets to the following
Sub-advisers: Capital International, Inc. (“Capital International”) and T. Rowe
Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”). The Adviser may adjust allocations to
the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board with respect
to the hiring, termination, or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary
of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
Capital
International’s Principal Investment Strategies
Capital
International’s investment philosophy is to seek to invest in attractively
priced securities that, in its opinion, represent good, long-term investment
opportunities. Capital International uses a system of multiple portfolio
managers in managing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. Under this
approach, its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets is divided into segments
managed by individual portfolio managers. With respect to its allocated portion
of the Fund’s assets, Capital International primarily invests in municipal
securities that provide income exempt from federal personal income tax and may
subject certain taxpayers to Federal AMT. In selecting securities for its
allocated portion of the Fund’s assets, Capital International may accept risks
to capital value that it deems prudent to take advantage of opportunities for
higher current income on municipal securities in which it invests. Capital
International may sell securities when it believes that they no longer represent
relatively attractive investment opportunities.
29
T.
Rowe Price’s Principal Investment Strategies
T.
Rowe Price’s active investment management approach emphasizes the value of
in-depth fundamental credit research, diversification and risk management
practices. By using fundamental research, T. Rowe Price seeks to add value
through sector weights (emphasizing higher yielding revenue bonds at the expense
of state and local general obligation debt) and issue selection over a full
market cycle. The goal of this approach is to build a yield advantage into the
portfolio while still taking a risk-conscious approach. Risk management includes
managing the portfolio’s duration (which is a measurement of the price
sensitivity of a bond or bond fund to changes in interest rates), while also
focusing on striking a balance between (i) having conviction (and an
overweight allocation) in certain sectors and (ii) not being
disproportionately dependent on any one sector or portfolio exposure. T. Rowe
Price will invest in investment grade bonds, as well as below investment grade
bonds.
Principal Risks
Since the Fund holds securities with
fluctuating market prices, the value of the Fund’s shares varies as its
portfolio securities increase or decrease in value. Therefore, the value of your
investment in the Fund could go down as well as up. You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. The principal risks affecting the Fund that can cause a
decline in value are set forth below. The risks are ordered in alphabetical
order after the first six risks, although the order of the risk factors does not
indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Any additional risks
associated with the Fund’s non-principal investments are described in the
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional
information about the risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments
described herein.
|
● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other types of investments. A variety of
factors can influence underperformance and can have a significant impact
on the Fund and its investments, including regulatory events, inflation,
interest rates, government defaults, government shutdowns, war, regional
conflicts, acts of terrorism, social unrest, and substantial economic
downturn or recessions. In addition, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic,
natural disaster, spread of infectious illness or other public health
issue, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively
affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual
countries, the financial performance of individual companies and sectors,
and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such
impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities
and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in turn could
negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on your
investment in the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Interest Rate Risk. The value of fixed
income securities may decline because of increases in interest rates or
rise because of decreases in interest rates. The value of a fixed income
security with greater duration will be more sensitive to changes in
interest rates than a similar security with shorter duration. The prices
of fixed income securities with shorter duration generally will be less
affected by changes in interest rates than the prices of fixed income
securities with greater duration. A low interest rate environment may
present greater interest rate risk, because there may be a greater
likelihood of rates increasing and rates may increase more rapidly.
Fluctuations in interest rates may also affect the liquidity of the
fixed-income securities held by the Fund. As a result, it is possible that
the Fund would, during these conditions, maintain a substantial portion of
its assets in cash, on which it may earn little, if any, income. Changes
in monetary policy made by central banks and/or their governments or
changes in economic conditions may affect the level of interest rates,
which could have sudden or unpredictable effects on the markets. A sudden
or unpredictable rise or decline in interest rates may cause volatility
and reduced liquidity in the markets, which could make it more difficult
for the Fund to sell its investments at a time when it may be advantageous
to do so and could cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline,
potentially suddenly and significantly.
|
|
● |
|
Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that
the issuer of a bond will fail to make payments when due or default
completely. If the issuer of the bond experiences an actual or anticipated
deterioration in credit quality, the price of the bond may be negatively
impacted. The degree of credit risk depends on the financial condition of
the issuer and the terms of the bond.
|
30
|
● |
|
Municipal Securities Risk. The value of
the Fund’s investments in municipal securities may be adversely affected
by unfavorable legislative or political developments and economic
developments that impact the financial condition of municipal issuers. For
example, a credit rating downgrade, bond default, or bankruptcy involving
an issuer within a particular state or territory could affect the market
values and marketability of many or all municipal obligations of that
state or territory. Additionally, the relative amount of publicly
available information about the financial condition of municipal
securities issuers is generally less than that for corporate securities.
|
|
● |
|
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or prices.
|
|
● |
|
Active Management Risk. The Fund is
actively managed with discretion and may underperform market indices,
including relevant benchmark indices, or other mutual funds with similar
investment objectives. In addition, to the extent that a Sub-adviser’s
investment strategy uses a quantitative investment model to evaluate and
recommend investment decisions for the Fund, the Fund can perform
differently from the market as a whole based on the factors used in the
model, the weight placed on each factor and changes from the factors’
historical trends. |
|
● |
|
Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Derivatives Risk. An investment in
derivatives (such as futures contracts) may not perform as anticipated by
the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be closed out at a favorable time or
price, or may increase the Fund’s volatility. Derivatives may create
investment leverage so that when a derivative is used as a substitute for
or alternative to a direct cash investment, the transaction may not
provide a return that corresponds precisely with that of the cash
investment, or when used for hedging purposes, the derivative may not
provide the anticipated protection, causing the Fund to lose money on both
the derivative and the exposure the Fund sought to hedge. Increases and
decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio may be magnified when the
Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are also subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not
correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. The Fund’s
use of derivatives is also subject to market risk and liquidity risk,
which are described above. |
|
● |
|
High Yield Securities Risk. High yield,
or “junk,” securities involve greater risks of default or downgrade and
are more volatile than investment grade securities because the prospect
for repayment of principal and interest of these securities is
speculative. High-yield securities also may be less liquid than higher
quality investments. These securities may offer higher returns, but there
is no guarantee that an investment in these securities will result in a
high rate of return. |
|
● |
|
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and expenses.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
or strategies. |
|
● |
|
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
|
● |
|
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management Risk.
The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers believed to
have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times, may not be
complementary and could result in more exposure to certain types of
securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are
|
31
|
managed
by different Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in
overlapping or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping
transactions could lead to multiple Sub-advisers purchasing the same or
similar securities at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund
holding a more concentrated position in these securities. Conversely,
certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
|
● |
|
Municipal Revenue Bond Risk. Municipal
revenue bonds are used to finance municipal projects that generate
revenue. These types of bonds may be more sensitive to adverse economic,
business or political developments than other types of municipal bonds. In
addition, if the specified revenues from a project do not materialize,
there is a risk that the bonds may not be repaid. As a result, the
municipal revenue bonds in which the Fund invests may entail greater
credit risk than the Fund’s investments in other types of municipal bonds.
Moreover, a change that affects one project, such as proposed legislation
on the financing of the project, a shortage of the materials needed for
the project, or a declining need for the project, would likely affect all
similar projects, thereby increasing the Fund’s market risk.
|
|
● |
|
New Fund Risk – Because the Fund is
new, investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be
successful in implementing its investment strategy, may not employ a
successful investment strategy, or may fail to attract sufficient assets
under management to realize economies of scale, any of which could result
in the Fund being liquidated at any time without shareholder approval and
at a time that may not be favorable for all shareholders. Such liquidation
could have negative tax consequences for shareholders and will cause
shareholders to incur expenses of liquidation.
|
|
● |
|
Prepayment and Extension Risk. When
interest rates fall, issuers of high interest debt obligations, as well as
issuers of callable bonds, may pay off the debts earlier than expected
(prepayment risk), and the Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower
yields. When interest rates rise, issuers of lower interest debt
obligations may pay off the debts later than expected (extension risk),
thus keeping the Fund’s assets tied up in lower interest debt obligations.
|
|
● |
|
Private Activity Bonds Risk.
Municipalities and other public authorities issue private activity bonds
to finance development of industrial facilities for use by a private
enterprise. The private enterprise pays the principal and interest on the
bond and the issuing authority does not pledge its full faith, credit, and
taxing power for repayment. The private enterprise can have a
substantially different credit profile than the municipality or public
authority. The Fund’s investments in private activity bonds may subject
certain shareholders to the Federal AMT.
|
|
● |
|
Privately Issued Securities Risk.
Investments in privately issued securities (e.g., Rule 144A
securities) may be less liquid than in publicly traded securities.
Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated
transactions, the prices realized from these sales could be less than
those originally paid by the Fund or less than what may be considered the
fair value of such securities. Furthermore, companies with securities that
are not publicly traded are not subject to the disclosure and other
investor protection requirements that might be applicable if the
securities were publicly traded.
|
|
● |
|
Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so, and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund shareholders.
|
|
● |
|
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.
|
|
● |
|
Reinvestment Risk. Cash flows from fixed
income securities are generally reinvested at current market rates. A
decline in market rates may result in less attractive reinvestment
opportunities and affect the Fund’s ability to meet its investment
objective. |
32
|
● |
|
Tax and Federal AMT Risk. The Fund will
rely on the opinion of issuers’ bond counsel and, in the case of
derivative securities, sponsors’ counsel, on the tax-exempt status of
interest on municipal bond obligations and payments under tax-exempt
derivative securities. Neither the Fund nor its Adviser or Sub-advisers
will independently review the bases for those tax opinions, which may
ultimately be determined to be incorrect and subject the Fund and its
shareholders to substantial tax liabilities. Certain shareholders subject
to the Federal AMT may be required to report the Fund’s exempt interest
distributions in determining their Federal AMT. Exempt-interest dividends
may affect the federal corporate alternative minimum tax for certain
corporations. The Fund may also not be a suitable investment for
individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred arrangements.
|
|
● |
|
U.S. Government Securities Risk. U.S.
government obligations are affected by changes or expected changes in
interest rates, among other things. While U.S. Treasury obligations are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such
obligations are still subject to credit risk. Securities issued or
guaranteed by federal agencies or authorities or U.S. government sponsored
instrumentalities or enterprises may or may not be backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. government. Moreover, some securities are
neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. The U.S. Department
of the Treasury has the authority to provide financial support to certain
of these debt obligations, but no assurance can be given that the U.S.
government will do so. From time to time, uncertainty regarding the status
of negotiations in the U.S. government to increase the statutory debt
ceiling and/or failure to increase the statutory debt ceiling could
increase the risk that the U.S. government may default on payments on
certain U.S. government securities (including those held by the Fund),
which could have a material adverse impact on the Fund.
|
|
● |
|
When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward
Commitment Transactions Risk. When-issued transactions, delayed
delivery purchases, and forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the
value of the securities declines prior to the settlement date. Therefore,
these transactions may result in a form of leverage and increase the
Fund’s overall investment exposure. When the Fund has sold a security on a
when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund does
not participate in future gains or losses with respect to the security.
These transactions are also subject to counterparty risk, which is
described above. |
Performance
The Fund does not have performance history
for a full calendar year. Once the Fund
has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be
included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund
by showing the variability of the Fund’s returns and comparing the Fund’s
performance to a broad measure of market performance. See the
Fund’s website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser may allocate Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
Capital
International |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Capital International |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Chad M.
Rach |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Jerome H.
Solomon |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Courtney
K. Wolf |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since
Inception |
33
|
|
|
| |
T. Rowe
Price |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Position with T. Rowe Price |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
James M.
Murphy, CFA |
|
Vice President, Portfolio Manager,
Chairman of Investment Advisory Committee |
|
Since
Inception |
Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to investors participating in the Advisory
Programs, each an investment advisory program sponsored by Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), as well as current and former
Trustees of the Trust. Advisory Program investors may purchase and sell or
redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones through an Advisory Program. Current
and former Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares
directly. There are no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the
Fund. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York
Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund generally intends to distribute income that is exempt from federal income
tax; however, the Fund’s distributions may be subject to the Federal AMT,
federal income, or capital gains taxation. The Fund may not be a suitable
investment for individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred
arrangements.
34
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder Large Cap Growth Fund
Investment Objective
The
investment objective of Bridge Builder Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund” or the
“Large Cap Growth Fund”) is to provide capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as annual program or
administrative fees for participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples below.
|
|
|
| |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your
investment) |
|
|
|
|
Management Fees(1) |
|
|
0.44 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses(2) |
|
|
0.02 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.46 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
|
|
(0.27 |
)% |
| |
|
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.19 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
(1) |
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed,
until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the Fund.
|
(2) |
Other
Expenses include acquired fund fees and expenses less than 0.01%.
|
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28, 2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
$19 |
|
$120 |
|
$231 |
|
$553 |
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
21% of the average value of its
portfolio.
35
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in the securities of
large capitalization companies and other instruments, such as certain investment
companies (see below) that seek to track the performance of securities of large
capitalization companies. The Fund defines large capitalization companies as
companies whose market capitalizations at the time of purchase typically fall
within the range of the Russell 1000® Index (as of April 28, 2023,
companies with capitalizations greater than $2.4 billion). The market
capitalization of the companies included in the Russell 1000® Index will change with
market conditions. While the Fund primarily invests in equity securities of
large capitalization companies, it may also invest in securities of medium and
small capitalization companies. The Fund may invest in securities issued by U.S.
and foreign entities, including emerging market securities. The Fund may invest
in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) or Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”).
The Fund may also invest in other investment companies, including other open-end
or closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that have
characteristics that are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. The
Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in securities of real estate
investment trusts (“REITs”), which are companies that own and/or manage real
estate properties. From time to time, the Fund may also buy or sell derivatives,
principally futures contracts for cash equitization purposes. The Fund may, from
time to time, invest a significant portion of its total assets in securities of
companies in certain sectors. As of September 29, 2023, the Fund had
significant exposure to securities of companies in the information technology
sector. The Fund follows an investing style that favors growth investments.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets to allocate to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy
to the following Sub-advisers: BlackRock Investment Management, LLC
(“BlackRock”), Jennison Associates LLC (“Jennison”), Lazard Asset Management LLC
(“Lazard”), and Sustainable Growth Advisers, LP (“SGA”). The Adviser may adjust
allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board
with respect to the hiring, termination, or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below
is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in equity securities with the objective of approximating as closely as
practicable the capitalization weighted total rate of return of the segment of
the United States market for publicly traded equity securities represented by
the 1,000 largest capitalized companies. The criterion for the selection of
investments is the Russell 1000® Growth Index.
Jennison’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Jennison
seeks to invest in large capitalization securities whose price will increase
over the long term. It invests in equity and equity-related securities of
companies that it believes have strong capital appreciation potential. In
deciding which equities to buy, Jennison follows a highly disciplined investment
selection and management process of identifying companies that show superior
absolute and relative earnings growth and also are believed to be attractively
valued. Jennison’s confidence in potential issuer earnings is an important part
of the selection process. Jennison evaluates a company’s value by examining
fundamental metrics such as price to forward earnings, price to book value,
price to sales, and enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization.
Lazard’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Lazard
invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of U.S.
companies that Lazard believes have strong and/or improving financial
productivity and are undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow or asset
values.
36
Although
Lazard generally focuses on large capitalization companies, the market
capitalizations of issuers in which Lazard invests may vary with market
conditions, and Lazard also may invest in medium capitalization and small
capitalization companies.
SGA’s
Principal Investment Strategies
SGA
uses an investment process to identify large capitalization companies that it
believes have a high degree of predictability, strong profitability and above
average earnings and cash flow growth. SGA seeks to identify companies that
exhibit characteristics such as pricing power, repeat revenue streams, and
global reach that, in SGA’s judgment, have the potential for long-term earnings
growth within the context of low business risk. SGA employs an intensive
internal research and a bottom-up stock selection approach. SGA selects
investments that it believes have superior long-term earnings prospects and
attractive valuation. SGA seeks to sell a portfolio holding when it believes the
security’s fundamentals deteriorate, its valuation is no longer attractive, or a
better investment opportunity arises.
Principal
Risks
Since
the Fund holds securities with fluctuating market prices, the value of the
Fund’s shares varies as its portfolio securities increase or decrease in value.
Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund could go down as well as up.
You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. The principal risks affecting the Fund that can cause a
decline in value are set forth below. The risks are ordered in alphabetical
order after the first five risks, although the order of the risk factors does
not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Any additional
risks associated with the Fund’s non-principal investments are described in the
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional
information about the risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments
described herein.
|
● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other types of investments. A variety of
factors can influence underperformance and can have a significant impact
on the Fund and its investments, including regulatory events, inflation,
interest rates, government defaults, government shutdowns, war, regional
conflicts, acts of terrorism, social unrest, and substantial economic
downturn or recessions. In addition, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic,
natural disaster, spread of infectious illness or other public health
issue, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively
affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual
countries, the financial performance of individual companies and sectors,
and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such
impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities
and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in turn could
negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on your
investment in the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Equity Securities Risk. The value of
equity securities will rise and fall over short or extended periods of
time in response to the activities of the company that issued them,
general market conditions, and/or economic conditions.
|
|
● |
|
Active Management Risk. A significant
portion of the Fund is actively managed with discretion and may
underperform market indices, including relevant benchmark indices, or
other mutual funds with similar investment objectives.
|
|
● |
|
Larger Company Risk. Larger
capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new
competitive challenges such as changes in technology. They may also not be
able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies,
especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
|
|
● |
|
Growth Style Risk. The Fund is managed
primarily in a growth investment style. Growth stocks can perform
differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks and may
underperform other types of investments or investment styles, as different
market styles tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market
conditions and other factors. Growth stocks are stocks of companies
expected to increase revenues and earnings at a faster rate than their
peers. |
37
|
● |
|
American Depositary Receipts or Global
Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and GDRs have the same currency and
economic risks as the underlying non-U.S. securities they represent. They
are affected by the risks associated with non-U.S. securities, such as
changes in political or economic conditions of other countries and changes
in the exchange rates of foreign currencies.
|
|
● |
|
Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Currency Risk. As a result of the Fund’s
investments in securities or other investments denominated in, and/or
receiving revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to
currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will
decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, adversely affecting the
value of the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Derivatives Risk. An investment in
derivatives (such as futures contracts) may not perform as anticipated by
the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be closed out at a favorable time or
price, or may increase the Fund’s volatility. Derivatives may create
investment leverage so that when a derivative is used as a substitute for
or alternative to a direct cash investment, the transaction may not
provide a return that corresponds precisely with that of the cash
investment or when used for hedging purposes, the derivative may not
provide the anticipated protection, causing the Fund to lose money on both
the derivative and the exposure the Fund sought to hedge. Increases and
decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio may be magnified when the
Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are also subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not
correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate, or index. The Fund’s
use of derivatives is also subject to market risk, which is described
above, and liquidity risk, which is described below.
|
|
● |
|
Foreign Securities Risk (including Emerging
Markets Risk). The risks of investing in foreign securities,
including those in emerging markets, can increase the potential for losses
in the Fund and may include currency risk, political and economic
instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events,
additional or fewer government regulations, the imposition of tariffs and
other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions, less publicly available
information, limited trading markets, differences in financial reporting
standards, fewer protections for passive investors, and less stringent
regulation of securities markets. Geopolitical or other events such as
nationalization or expropriation could cause the loss of the Fund’s entire
investment in one or more countries. In addition, periodic U.S. Government
prohibitions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may
require the Fund to sell such investments at inopportune times, which
could result in losses to the Fund. The risks associated with
international investing will be greater in emerging markets than in more
developed foreign markets because, among other things, emerging markets
may have less stable political and economic environments and may have
fewer resources to mitigate the effects of a pandemic or natural disaster.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and expenses.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
and strategies. |
|
● |
|
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
|
● |
|
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities
or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or prices.
|
38
|
● |
|
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management
Risk. The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers
believed to have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times,
may not be complementary and could result in more exposure to certain
types of securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by
different Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in
overlapping or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping
transactions could lead to multiple Sub-advisers purchasing the same or
similar securities at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund
holding a more concentrated position in these securities. Conversely,
certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
|
● |
|
Passive Management Risk. Because the
portion of the Fund allocated to BlackRock is managed so that its total
return closely corresponds with that of the Russell 1000® Growth Index, the Fund
faces a risk of poor performance if the Russell 1000® Growth Index declines
generally or performs poorly relative to other U.S. equity indexes or
individual stocks, the stocks of companies which comprise the Russell
1000® Growth Index
fall out of favor with investors, or an adverse company specific event,
such as an unfavorable earnings report, negatively affects the stock price
of one of the larger companies in the Russell 1000® Growth Index.
|
|
● |
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts Risk. REITs
may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned
by the REITs and by the quality of tenants’ credit.
|
|
● |
|
Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate
and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund shareholders.
|
|
● |
|
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.
|
|
● |
|
Sector Focus Risk. Because the Fund may
invest a significant portion of its assets in a particular sector of the
market, the Fund may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks
that specifically affect that sector. As a result, the Fund’s share price
may fluctuate more widely than the share price of a fund that is more
diversified across numerous sectors.
|
|
○ |
|
Information Technology Sector Risk. From
time to time, the Fund may focus its investments in the information
technology sector. Information technology companies face intense
competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an
adverse effect on profit margins, and may be subject to extensive
regulatory requirements causing considerable expense and delay. In
addition, information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent
and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights
may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
|
|
● |
|
Smaller Company Risk. Investments in
smaller capitalization companies (including medium capitalization and
small capitalization companies) may have greater risks, as these companies
may have less operating history, narrower product or customer markets, and
fewer managerial and financial resources than more established companies.
Smaller capitalization stocks may be more volatile and have less
liquidity. |
39
Performance
The accompanying
bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s year-to-year performance and the
table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one and five years
and since inception compared to that of a broad measure of market
performance. The performance information shown here reflects
only Fund performance and does not reflect annual program or administrative fees
you may be charged for participating in an Advisory Program. See the Fund’s
website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Year-by-Year
Total Returns
Calendar
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
| |
Quarterly Returns |
|
Highest (quarter
ended June 30,
2020) |
|
|
26.46% |
|
Lowest (quarter ended
June 30,
2022) |
|
|
-19.54% |
|
The
performance information shown above is based on a calendar year. The Fund’s performance (before taxes) from
1/1/23 to 9/30/23
was 16.33%.
Average
Annual Total Returns
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Actual after-tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The
after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares
through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund shares may be higher than before-tax returns when
a net capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Average Annual Total Return as of
December 31, 2022 |
|
|
1 Year |
|
5 Years |
|
Since Inception (4/27/15) |
|
|
| |
Return
Before Taxes |
|
|
|
-26.82 |
% |
|
|
|
10.18 |
% |
|
|
|
10.23 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
|
-26.94 |
% |
|
|
|
9.02 |
% |
|
|
|
9.39 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
|
-15.79 |
% |
|
|
|
7.91 |
% |
|
|
|
8.17 |
% |
Russell
1000® Growth Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
-29.14 |
% |
|
|
|
10.96 |
% |
|
|
|
11.66 |
% |
The
Russell 1000® Growth
Index measures the performance of the large- cap growth segment of the U.S.
equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® Index companies with higher
price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Fund’s
40
portfolio
holdings may differ significantly from the securities held in the relevant index
and, unlike a mutual fund, the performance of an unmanaged index does not
reflect deductions for transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other
expenses. You cannot invest directly in an index.
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
BlackRock |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with BlackRock |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Jennifer
Hsui |
|
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since October
2019 |
Peter
Sietsema |
|
Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
Paul
Whitehead |
|
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
|
| |
Jennison |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Jennison |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Kathleen
A. McCarragher |
|
Managing Director |
|
Since Inception |
Blair A.
Boyer |
|
Managing Director |
|
Since Inception |
Natasha
Kuhlkin, CFA |
|
Managing Director |
|
Since April
2023 |
|
|
|
| |
Lazard |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Lazard |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Andrew
Lacey |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio
Manager/Analyst |
|
Since Inception |
Martin
Flood |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio
Manager/Analyst |
|
Since Inception |
H. Ross
Seiden |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio
Manager/Analyst |
|
Since September
2015 |
Louis
Florentin-Lee |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio
Manager/Analyst |
|
Since December
2018 |
|
| |
SGA |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with SGA |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Robert L.
Rohn |
|
Portfolio Manager/Analyst |
|
Since Inception |
Kishore
Rao |
|
Portfolio Manager/Analyst |
|
Since December
2019 |
Hrishikesh (HK) Gupta |
|
Portfolio Manager/Analyst |
|
Since July
2022 |
Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to investors participating in the Advisory
Programs, each an investment advisory program sponsored by Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), as well as current and former
Trustees of the Trust. Advisory Program investors may purchase and sell or
redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones through an Advisory Program. Current
and former Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares
directly. There are no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the
Fund. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York
Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund’s distributions will normally be taxed as qualified dividend income,
ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on investments made through
tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from
those accounts.
41
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder Large Cap Value Fund
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of Bridge Builder Large Cap Value Fund (the “Fund” or the
“Large Cap Value Fund”) is to provide capital appreciation.
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund.
You
may pay other fees, such as annual program or administrative fees for
participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples below.
|
|
|
| |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your
investment) |
|
|
|
|
Management Fees(1) |
|
|
0.44 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses(2) |
|
|
0.01 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.45 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
|
|
(0.22 |
)% |
| |
|
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.23 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
(1) |
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed,
until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the Fund.
|
(2) |
Other
Expenses include acquired fund fees and expenses less than 0.01%.
|
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28, 2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
$24 |
|
$122 |
|
$230 |
|
$545 |
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
21% of the average value of its
portfolio.
42
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in the securities of
large capitalization companies and other instruments, such as certain investment
companies (see below), with economic characteristics that seek to track the
performance of securities of large capitalization companies. The Fund defines
large capitalization companies as companies whose market capitalizations at the
time of purchase typically fall within the range of the Russell 1000® Index (as of April 28, 2023,
companies with capitalizations greater than $2.4 billion). The market
capitalization of the companies included in the Russell 1000® Index will change with
market conditions. While the Fund primarily invests in equity securities of
large capitalization companies, it may also invest in securities of medium and
small capitalization companies. The Fund may invest in securities issued by U.S.
and foreign entities. The Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts
(“ADRs”) or Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”). The Fund may also invest in
other investment companies, including other open-end or closed-end investment
companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that have characteristics that are
consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. The Fund may also invest a
portion of its assets in securities of real estate investment trusts (“REITs”),
which are companies that own and/or manage real estate properties. From time to
time, the Fund may also buy or sell derivatives, principally futures contracts
for cash equitization purposes. The Fund follows an investing style that favors
value investments.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets to allocate to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy
to the following Sub-advisers: Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (“Artisan
Partners”), Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC (“Barrow Hanley”),
BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BlackRock”), LSV Asset Management
(“LSV”), T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”), and Wellington
Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”). The Adviser may adjust
allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board
with respect to the hiring, termination, or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below
is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
Artisan
Partners’ Principal Investment Strategies
Artisan
Partners employs a fundamental investment process to construct a diversified
portfolio of equity securities across a broad capitalization range. Artisan
Partners seeks to invest in companies that are undervalued, in solid financial
condition, and have attractive business economics. Artisan Partners believes
that companies with these characteristics are less likely to experience eroding
values over the long term.
Artisan
Partners values a business using what it believes are reasonable expectations
for the long-term earnings power and capitalization rates of that business.
Artisan Partners prefers companies with an acceptable level of debt and positive
cash flow. At a minimum, Artisan Partners seeks to avoid companies that have so
much debt that management may be unable to make decisions that would be in the
best interest of the companies’ shareholders. Artisan Partners favors
cash-producing businesses that it believes are capable of earning acceptable
returns on capital over the company’s business cycle.
Barrow
Hanley’s Principal Investment Strategies
Barrow
Hanley invests primarily in large capitalization securities. As a traditional
value manager, Barrow Hanley searches for companies that are temporarily
undervalued for reasons Barrow Hanley can identify, understand, and believe will
improve over time. In its valuation framework, Barrow Hanley strives to
construct portfolios that trade at levels below the market across multiple
metrics, such as the price-to-earnings and the price-to-book ratios, while
43
simultaneously
delivering an above-market dividend yield. Barrow Hanley’s goal is to generate
alpha by building a high active share portfolio with an asymmetrical risk/return
profile that maximizes upside potential while minimizing risk.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in equity securities with the objective of approximating as closely as
practicable the capitalization weighted total rate of return of the segment of
the United States market for publicly traded equity securities represented by
the 1,000 largest capitalized companies. The criterion for the selection of
investments is the Russell 1000® Value Index.
LSV’s
Principal Investment Strategies
LSV
primarily invests in large and medium capitalization U.S. companies. LSV uses a
bottom-up investment style, seeking to identify companies that are trading at
prices substantially below their intrinsic value. LSV follows an active
investment strategy, focusing on using data and financial information and
combining such information with the rigor of a quantitative model.
T.
Rowe Price’s Principal Investment Strategies
T.
Rowe Price’s active investment approach emphasizes the value of
large-capitalization stocks that have a strong track record of paying dividends
or that are believed to be undervalued. T. Rowe Price typically employs a
“value” approach in selecting investments. T. Rowe Price’s in-house research
team seeks companies that appear to be undervalued by various measures and may
be temporarily out of favor but have good prospects for capital appreciation and
dividend growth. In selecting investments for its allocated portion of the Fund,
T. Rowe Price generally looks for companies in the aggregate with one or more of
the following: an established operating history; above-average dividend yield
relative to the broader equity market; low price/earnings ratio relative to the
broader equity market; a sound balance sheet and other positive financial
characteristics; or low stock price relative to a company’s underlying value as
measured by assets, cash flow, or business franchises. T. Rowe Price typically
invests in U.S. common stocks and may invest in foreign stocks. The portion of
the Fund managed by T. Rowe Price may also at times invest significantly in
certain sectors, such as the financials sector.
Wellington
Management’s Principal Investment Strategies
Wellington
Management normally invests a significant portion of its assets in the equity
securities of large-capitalization companies, though it may invest in the
securities of companies with any market capitalization.
Wellington
Management uses substantial proprietary, fundamental research resources to
identify companies with superior prospects for dividend growth and capital
appreciation that sell at reasonable valuation levels. Wellington Management
believes that above average growth in dividends is an effective and often
overlooked indicator of higher quality, shareholder-oriented companies that have
the ability to produce consistent, above-average returns over the long term.
Principal
Risks
Since
the Fund holds securities with fluctuating market prices, the value of the
Fund’s shares varies as its portfolio securities increase or decrease in value.
Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund could go down as well as up.
You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. The principal risks affecting the Fund that can cause a
decline in value are set forth below. The risks are ordered in alphabetical
order after the first five risks, although the order of the risk factors does
not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Any additional
risks associated with the Fund’s non-principal investments are described in the
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional
information about the risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments
described herein.
|
● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other
|
44
|
types
of investments. A variety of factors can influence underperformance and
can have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments, including
regulatory events, inflation, interest rates, government defaults,
government shutdowns, war, regional conflicts, acts of terrorism, social
unrest, and substantial economic downturn or recessions. In addition, the
impact of any epidemic, pandemic, natural disaster, spread of infectious
illness or other public health issue, or widespread fear that such events
may occur, could negatively affect the global economy, as well as the
economies of individual countries, the financial performance of individual
companies and sectors, and the markets in general in significant and
unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the prices and
liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which the Fund
invests, which in turn could negatively impact the Fund’s performance and
cause losses on your investment in the Fund.
|
|
● |
|
Equity Securities Risk. The value of
equity securities will rise and fall over short or extended periods of
time in response to the activities of the company that issued them,
general market conditions, and/or economic conditions.
|
|
● |
|
Active Management Risk. A significant
portion of the Fund is actively managed with discretion and may
underperform market indices, including relevant benchmark indices, or
other mutual funds with similar investment objectives. In addition, to the
extent that a Sub-adviser’s investment strategy uses a quantitative
investment model to evaluate and recommend investment decisions for the
Fund, the Fund can perform differently from the market as a whole based on
the factors used in the model, the weight placed on each factor and
changes from the factors’ historical trends.
|
|
● |
|
Larger Company Risk. Larger
capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new
competitive challenges such as changes in technology. They may also not be
able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies,
especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
|
|
● |
|
Value Style Risk. The Fund is managed
primarily in a value investment style. Value stocks can perform
differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks and may
underperform other types of investments or investment styles, as different
market styles tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market
conditions and other factors. Value stocks are believed to be undervalued
relative to their projected underlying profitability.
|
|
● |
|
American Depositary Receipts or Global
Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and GDRs have the same currency and
economic risks as the underlying non-U.S. securities they represent. They
are affected by the risks associated with non-U.S. securities, such as
changes in political or economic conditions of other countries and changes
in the exchange rates of foreign currencies.
|
|
● |
|
Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Currency Risk. As a result of the Fund’s
investments in securities or other investments denominated in, and/or
receiving revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to
currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will
decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, adversely affecting the
value of the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Derivatives Risk. An investment in
derivatives (such as futures contracts) may not perform as anticipated by
the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be closed out at a favorable time or
price, or may increase the Fund’s volatility. Derivatives may create
investment leverage so that when a derivative is used as a substitute for
or alternative to a direct cash investment, the transaction may not
provide a return that corresponds precisely with that of the cash
investment or when used for hedging purposes, the derivative may not
provide the anticipated protection, causing the Fund to lose money on both
the derivative and the exposure the Fund sought to hedge. Increases and
decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio may be magnified when the
Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are also subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not
correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate, or index. The Fund’s
use of derivatives is also subject to market risk, which is described
above, and liquidity risk, which is described below.
|
45
|
● |
|
Foreign Securities Risk. The risks of
investing in foreign securities can increase the potential for losses in
the Fund and may include currency risk, political and economic
instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events,
additional or fewer government regulations, the imposition of tariffs and
other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions, less publicly available
information, limited trading markets, differences in financial reporting
standards, fewer protections for passive investors, and less stringent
regulation of securities markets. Geopolitical or other events such as
nationalization or expropriation could cause the loss of the Fund’s entire
investment in one or more countries. In addition, periodic U.S. Government
prohibitions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may
require the Fund to sell such investments at inopportune times, which
could result in losses to the Fund.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and expenses.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
and strategies. |
|
● |
|
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
|
● |
|
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities
or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or prices.
|
|
● |
|
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management
Risk. The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers
believed to have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times,
may not be complementary and could result in more exposure to certain
types of securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by
different Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in
overlapping or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping
transactions could lead to multiple Sub-advisers purchasing the same or
similar securities at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund
holding a more concentrated position in these securities. Conversely,
certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
|
● |
|
Passive Management Risk. Because the
portion of the Fund allocated to BlackRock is managed so that its total
return closely corresponds with that of the Russell 1000® Value Index, the Fund
faces a risk of poor performance if the Russell 1000® Value Index declines
generally or performs poorly relative to other U.S. equity indexes or
individual stocks, the stocks of companies which comprise the Russell
1000® Value Index
fall out of favor with investors, or an adverse company specific event,
such as an unfavorable earnings report, negatively affects the stock price
of one of the larger companies in the Russell 1000® Value Index.
|
|
● |
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts Risk. REITs
may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned
by the REITs and by the quality of tenants’ credit.
|
|
● |
|
Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate
and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund shareholders.
|
|
● |
|
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.
|
46
|
● |
|
Smaller Company Risk. Investments in
smaller capitalization companies (including medium capitalization and
small capitalization companies) may have greater risks, as these companies
may have less operating history, narrower product or customer markets, and
fewer managerial and financial resources than more established companies.
Smaller capitalization stocks may be more volatile and have less
liquidity. |
Performance
The accompanying
bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s year-to-year performance and the
table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one and five years
and since inception compared to that of a broad measure of market
performance. The performance information shown here reflects
only Fund performance and does not reflect annual program or administrative fees
you may be charged for participating in an Advisory Program. See the Fund’s
website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Year-by-Year
Total Returns
Calendar
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
| |
Quarterly Returns |
|
Highest (quarter
ended December 31,
2020) |
|
|
18.11% |
|
Lowest (quarter ended
March 31,
2020) |
|
|
-26.31% |
|
The
performance information shown above is based on a calendar year. The Fund’s performance (before taxes) from
1/1/23 to 9/30/23
was 3.36%.
47
Average
Annual Total Returns
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Actual after-tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The
after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares
through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund shares may be higher than before-tax returns when
a net capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Average
Annual Total Return as of December 31,
2022 |
|
|
1 Year |
|
5 Years |
|
Since Inception (4/27/15) |
|
|
| |
Return
Before Taxes |
|
|
|
‑5.25 |
% |
|
|
|
9.10 |
% |
|
|
|
9.39 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
|
-7.23 |
% |
|
|
|
7.87 |
% |
|
|
|
8.40 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
|
‑1.80 |
% |
|
|
|
7.04 |
% |
|
|
|
7.42 |
% |
Russell
1000® Value Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
‑7.54 |
% |
|
|
|
6.67 |
% |
|
|
|
7.63 |
% |
The
Russell 1000® Value Index
measures the performance of the large-cap value segment of the U.S. equity
universe. It includes those Russell 1000® Index companies with lower
price-to-book ratios and lower expected growth values. The Fund’s portfolio
holdings may differ significantly from the securities held in the relevant index
and, unlike a mutual fund, the performance of an unmanaged index does not
reflect deductions for transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other
expenses. You cannot invest directly in an index.
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
Artisan
Partners |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Artisan Partners |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Daniel L.
Kane |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Thomas A.
Reynolds IV |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since October
2017 |
Craig
Inman |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since February
2019 |
|
| |
Barrow
Hanley |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Barrow Hanley |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Mark
Giambrone |
|
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Michael
Nayfa, CFA |
|
Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Terry
Pelzel, CFA |
|
Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
|
| |
BlackRock |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with BlackRock |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Jennifer
Hsui |
|
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since October
2019 |
Peter
Sietsema |
|
Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
Paul
Whitehead |
|
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
48
|
|
|
| |
LSV |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with LSV |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Josef
Lakonishok, Ph.D. |
|
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment
Officer, Portfolio Manager and Founding Partner |
|
Since May 2020 |
Menno
Vermeulen, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager, Systems Development,
and Partner |
|
Since May 2020 |
Puneet
Mansharamani, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Partner |
|
Since May 2020 |
Greg
Sleight |
|
Portfolio Manager and Partner |
|
Since May 2020 |
Guy
Lakonishok, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Partner |
|
Since May 2020 |
|
| |
T. Rowe
Price |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Position with T. Rowe Price |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
John D.
Linehan, CFA |
|
Vice President, Portfolio Manager, and
Chairman of Investment Advisory Committee |
|
Since May 2020 |
|
| |
Wellington
Management |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Position with Wellington Management |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Donald J.
Kilbride* |
|
Senior Managing Director, Equity Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Peter C.
Fisher |
|
Senior Managing Director, Equity Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since April
2021 |
* |
Effective
January 1, 2024, Mr. Kilbride will no longer serve as a
portfolio manager to the portion of the assets of the Fund managed by
Wellington Management. |
Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to investors participating in the Advisory
Programs, each an investment advisory program sponsored by Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), as well as current and former
Trustees of the Trust. Advisory Program investors may purchase and sell or
redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones through an Advisory Program. Current
and former Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares
directly. There are no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the
Fund. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York
Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund’s distributions will normally be taxed as qualified dividend income,
ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on investments made through
tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from
those accounts.
49
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of Bridge Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund (the “Fund” or
the “Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund”) is to provide capital appreciation.
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as annual program or
administrative fees for participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples below.
|
|
|
| |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your
investment) |
|
|
|
|
Management Fees(1) |
|
|
0.64 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
|
|
None |
|
Other Expenses(2) |
|
|
0.02 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.66 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
|
|
(0.28 |
)% |
| |
|
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
0.38 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
(1) |
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed,
until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the Fund.
|
(2) |
Other
Expenses include acquired fund fees and expenses less than 0.01%.
|
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28, 2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
$39 |
|
$183 |
|
$340 |
|
$796 |
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
63% of the average value of its
portfolio.
50
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in the securities of
small and mid-capitalization companies and other instruments, such as certain
investment companies (see below), that seek to track the performance of
securities of small and mid-capitalization companies. The Fund defines small and
mid-capitalization companies as companies whose market capitalizations at the
time of purchase typically fall within the range of the Russell MidCap® Index and the Russell
2000® Index (as of April
28, 2023, companies with capitalizations between approximately $159.5 million
and $47 billion). The market capitalization of the companies included in the
Russell MidCap® Index and
the Russell 2000® Index
will change with market conditions.
While
the Fund primarily invests in equity securities of small and mid-capitalization
companies, it may also invest in securities of large capitalization companies.
The Fund may invest in securities issued by U.S. and foreign entities. The Fund
may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) or Global Depositary
Receipts (“GDRs”). The Fund may also invest in other investment companies,
including other open-end or closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded
funds (“ETFs”) that have characteristics that are consistent with the Fund’s
investment objective. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in
futures contracts, principally for cash equitization purposes. The Fund may also
invest a portion of its assets in securities of real estate investment trusts
(“REITs”), which are companies that own and/or manage real estate properties.
The Fund may, from time to time, invest a significant portion of its total
assets in securities of companies in certain sectors. As of September 29,
2023, the Fund had significant exposure to securities of companies in the
information technology sector. The Fund follows an investing style that favors
growth investments.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets to allocate to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy
to the following Sub-advisers: Artisan Partners Limited Partnership (“Artisan
Partners”), BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BlackRock”), Champlain
Investment Partners, LLC (“Champlain”), Driehaus Capital Management LLC
(“Driehaus”), Eagle Asset Management, Inc. (“Eagle”), Stephens Investment
Management Group, LLC (“SIMG”), and Victory Capital Management Inc. (“Victory
Capital”). The Adviser may adjust allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or
make recommendations to the Board with respect to the hiring, termination, or
replacement of the Sub-advisers. Below is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s
principal investment strategies.
Artisan
Partners’ Principal Investment Strategies
Artisan
Partners’ investment team employs a fundamental investment process to construct
a diversified portfolio of U.S. mid-capitalization growth companies. The team
seeks to invest in companies that it believes possess franchise characteristics,
are benefiting from an accelerating profit cycle and are trading at a discount
to its estimate of private market value. The team’s investment process focuses
on two distinct elements – security selection and capital allocation. The team
overlays its investment process with broad knowledge of the global economy.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in equity securities with the objective of approximating as closely as
practicable the capitalization weighted total rate of return of the segments of
the United States market for publicly traded equity securities as represented by
the Russell Midcap®
Growth Index, which tracks the performance of mid-capitalization companies, and
the Russell 2000® Growth
Index, which tracks the performance of small capitalization companies.
51
Champlain’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Champlain
principally invests in equity securities of mid-capitalization companies.
Champlain seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that it believes
have strong long-term fundamentals, superior capital appreciation potential, and
attractive valuations. Through the consistent execution of a fundamental
bottom-up investment process, which focuses on an analysis of individual
companies, Champlain expects to identify a diversified universe of mid-sized
companies that trade at a discount to their estimated or intrinsic fair values.
Driehaus’
Principal Investment Strategies
Driehaus
primarily invests in the equity securities of U.S. small capitalization and U.S.
medium capitalization companies which will generally be, at the time of
investment, within the capitalization range of those companies included in the
Russell 2500® Growth
Index without regard to the index’s float adjustment. Investment decisions are
based on Driehaus’ belief that fundamentally strong companies are more likely to
generate superior earnings growth on a sustained basis and are more likely to
experience positive earnings revisions. These decisions involve evaluating
a company’s competitive position, evaluating industry dynamics, identifying
potential growth catalysts and assessing the financial position of the company.
An investment decision is also based on the evaluation by Driehaus of relative
valuation, macroeconomic and behavioral factors affecting the company and its
stock price. Driehaus sells holdings for a variety of reasons, including to take
profits, changes to the fundamental investment thesis, changes in the
risk/reward assessment of the holding, an assessment that the holding is
efficiently priced, to make room for more attractive ideas or for other
portfolio or risk management considerations. Driehaus frequently and actively
trades its portfolio securities.
Eagle’s
Principal Investment Strategies
During
normal market conditions, Eagle primarily invests in the equity securities of
small capitalization companies. When making investment decisions, Eagle
generally focuses on investing in the securities of small capitalization
companies that demonstrate growth potential at a price that does not appear to
reflect the company’s true underlying value. Eagle uses a three-pronged
investment philosophy when evaluating potential additions to the portfolio –
quality, valuation, and balance. Eagle seeks quality by investing in companies
with superior cash-flow generation, management teams with a successful record of
business strategy execution, sustainable growth, and a defensive business model.
It seeks attractive valuation using market fluctuations as opportunistic entry
points. Finally, it attempts to balance the allocated portion of the Fund’s
portfolio through sector-weight policies that provide diversification across
major economic sectors.
SIMG’s
Principal Investment Strategies
SIMG
evaluates and selects securities of both mid-capitalization and small
capitalization companies. When making its investment decisions, SIMG employs a
disciplined, bottom-up investment selection process that combines rigorous
fundamental analysis with quantitative screening in an effort to identify
companies that exhibit potential for superior earnings growth that is
unrecognized by the markets. SIMG has two screens—one for core growth stocks and
one for catalyst stocks. Core growth stocks have strong growth franchises,
recurring revenue, and above-average growth rates; catalyst stocks, in
comparison, are experiencing change that could lead to accelerated earnings
growth.
Victory
Capital’s Principal Investment Strategies
Victory
Capital primarily invests in the equity securities of small capitalization
companies. Victory Capital employs both fundamental analysis and quantitative
screening in seeking to identify companies that it believes will produce
sustainable earnings growth over a multi-year horizon. Valuation is an integral
part of the growth investment process and purchase decisions are based on the
team’s expectation of the potential reward relative to risk of each security
based in part on the investment team’s proprietary earnings calculations.
Victory
Capital regularly reviews the investments held in Victory Capital’s allocated
portion of the Fund’s assets and will sell securities when the team believes the
securities are no longer attractive because (1) of a deterioration in rank
of the security in accordance with the team’s process, (2) of price
appreciation, (3) of a change in the fundamental outlook of the company or
(4) other investments available are considered to be more attractive.
52
Principal
Risks
Since
the Fund holds securities with fluctuating market prices, the value of the
Fund’s shares varies as its portfolio securities increase or decrease in value.
Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund could go down as well as up.
You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. The principal risks affecting the Fund that can cause a
decline in value are set forth below. The risks are ordered in alphabetical
order after the first five risks, although the order of the risk factors does
not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Any additional
risks associated with the Fund’s non-principal investments are described in the
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional
information about the risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments
described herein.
|
● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other types of investments. A variety of
factors can influence underperformance and can have a significant impact
on the Fund and its investments, including regulatory events, inflation,
interest rates, government defaults, government shutdowns, war, regional
conflicts, acts of terrorism, social unrest, and substantial economic
downturn or recessions. In addition, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic,
natural disaster, spread of infectious illness or other public health
issue, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively
affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual
countries, the financial performance of individual companies and sectors,
and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such
impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities
and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in turn could
negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on your
investment in the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Equity Securities Risk. The value of
equity securities will rise and fall over short or extended periods of
time in response to the activities of the company that issued them,
general market conditions, and/or economic conditions.
|
|
● |
|
Active Management Risk. A significant
portion of the Fund is actively managed with discretion and may
underperform market indices, including relevant benchmark indices, or
other mutual funds with similar investment objectives. In addition, to the
extent that a Sub-adviser’s investment strategy uses a quantitative
investment model to evaluate and recommend investment decisions for the
Fund, the Fund can perform differently from the market as a whole based on
the factors used in the model, the weight placed on each factor and
changes from the factors’ historical trends.
|
|
● |
|
Smaller Company Risk. Investments in
smaller capitalization companies (including medium capitalization and
small capitalization companies) may have greater risks, as these companies
may have less operating history, narrower product or customer markets, and
fewer managerial and financial resources than more established companies.
Smaller capitalization stocks may be more volatile and have less
liquidity. |
|
● |
|
Growth Style Risk. The Fund is managed
primarily in a growth investment style. Growth stocks can perform
differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks and may
underperform other types of investments or investment styles, as different
market styles tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market
conditions and other factors. Growth stocks are stocks of companies
expected to increase revenues and earnings at a faster rate than their
peers. |
|
● |
|
American Depositary Receipts or Global
Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and GDRs have the same currency and
economic risks as the underlying non-U.S. securities they represent. They
are affected by the risks associated with non-U.S. securities, such as
changes in political or economic conditions of other countries and changes
in the exchange rates of foreign currencies.
|
|
● |
|
Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
53
|
● |
|
Currency Risk. As a result of the Fund’s
investments in securities or other investments denominated in, and/or
receiving revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to
currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will
decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, adversely affecting the
value of the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Derivatives Risk. An investment in
derivatives (such as futures contracts) may not perform as anticipated by
the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be closed out at a favorable time or
price, or may increase the Fund’s volatility. Derivatives may create
investment leverage so that when a derivative is used as a substitute for
or alternative to a direct cash investment, the transaction may not
provide a return that corresponds precisely with that of the cash
investment or when used for hedging purposes, the derivative may not
provide the anticipated protection, causing the Fund to lose money on both
the derivative and the exposure the Fund sought to hedge. Increases and
decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio may be magnified when the
Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are also subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not
correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. The Fund’s
use of derivatives is also subject to market risk, which is described
above, and liquidity risk, which is described below.
|
|
● |
|
Foreign Securities Risk. The risks of
investing in foreign securities can increase the potential for losses in
the Fund and may include currency risk, political and economic
instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events,
additional or fewer government regulations, the imposition of tariffs and
other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions, less publicly available
information, limited trading markets, differences in financial reporting
standards, fewer protections for passive investors, and less stringent
regulation of securities markets. Geopolitical or other events such as
nationalization or expropriation could cause the loss of the Fund’s entire
investment in one or more countries. In addition, periodic U.S. Government
prohibitions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may
require the Fund to sell such investments at inopportune times, which
could result in losses to the Fund.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and expenses.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
and strategies. |
|
● |
|
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
|
● |
|
Larger Company Risk. Larger
capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new
competitive challenges such as changes in technology. They may also not be
able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies,
especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
|
|
● |
|
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities
or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or prices.
|
|
● |
|
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management
Risk. The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers
believed to have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times,
may not be complementary and could result in more exposure to certain
types of securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by
different Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in
overlapping or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping
transactions could lead to multiple Sub-advisers purchasing the same or
similar securities at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund
holding a more concentrated position in these securities. Conversely,
certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
54
|
● |
|
Passive Management Risk. Because the
portion of the Fund allocated to BlackRock is managed so that its total
return closely corresponds with that of the Russell Midcap® Growth Index and the
Russell 2000®
Growth Index, the Fund faces a risk of poor performance if either index
declines generally or performs poorly relative to other U.S. equity
indexes or individual stocks, the stocks of companies which comprise
either index fall out of favor with investors, or an adverse company
specific event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, negatively affects
the stock price of one of the larger companies in either index.
|
|
● |
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts Risk. REITs
may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned
by the REITs and by the quality of tenants’ credit.
|
|
● |
|
Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so, and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund shareholders.
|
|
● |
|
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.
|
|
● |
|
Sector Focus Risk. Because the Fund may
invest a significant portion of its assets in a particular sector of the
market, the Fund may be especially sensitive to factors and economic risks
that specifically affect that sector. As a result, the Fund’s share price
may fluctuate more widely than the share price of a fund that is more
diversified across numerous sectors.
|
|
○ |
|
Information Technology Sector Risk. From
time to time, the Fund may focus its investments in the information
technology sector. Information technology companies face intense
competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an
adverse effect on profit margins, and may be subject to extensive
regulatory requirements causing considerable expense and delay. In
addition, information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent
and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights
may adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
|
55
Performance
The accompanying
bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s year-to-year performance and the
table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one and five years
and since inception compared to that of a broad measure of market
performance. The performance information shown here reflects
only Fund performance and does not reflect annual program or administrative fees
you may be charged for participating in an Advisory Program. See the Fund’s
website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Year-by-Year
Total Returns
Calendar
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
| |
Quarterly
Returns |
|
|
|
|
Highest (quarter
ended June 30,
2020) |
|
|
29.32% |
|
Lowest (quarter ended
March 31,
2020) |
|
|
-20.63% |
|
The
performance information shown above is based on a calendar year. The Fund’s performance (before taxes) from
1/1/23 to 9/30/23
was 8.60%.
Average
Annual Total Returns
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Actual after-tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The
after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares
through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund shares may be higher than before-tax returns when
a net capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Average
Annual Total Return as of December 31,
2022 |
|
|
1 Year |
|
5 Years |
|
Since Inception (4/27/15) |
|
|
| |
Return
Before Taxes |
|
|
|
-29.84 |
% |
|
|
|
6.75 |
% |
|
|
|
7.70 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
|
-29.87 |
% |
|
|
|
4.58 |
% |
|
|
|
6.21 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
|
-17.64 |
% |
|
|
|
5.24 |
% |
|
|
|
6.12 |
% |
Russell
2500® Growth Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
-26.21 |
% |
|
|
|
5.97 |
% |
|
|
|
7.07 |
% |
The
Russell 2500® Growth
Index measures the performance of the small to mid-cap growth segment of the
U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500® Index companies with higher
price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The Fund’s portfolio
holdings may differ significantly from the securities held in the relevant index
and, unlike a mutual fund, the performance of an unmanaged index does not
reflect deductions for transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other
expenses. You cannot invest directly in an index.
56
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
Artisan
Partners |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Artisan Partners |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Craigh A.
Cepukenas, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Managing Director |
|
Since June 2020 |
James D.
Hamel, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Managing Director |
|
Since June 2020 |
Matthew
H. Kamm, CFA |
|
Lead Portfolio Manager and Managing
Director |
|
Since June 2020 |
Jason L.
White, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Managing Director |
|
Since June 2020 |
Jay C.
Warner, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Managing Director |
|
Since January
2022 |
|
| |
BlackRock |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with BlackRock |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Jennifer
Hsui |
|
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since October
2019 |
Peter
Sietsema |
|
Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
Paul
Whitehead |
|
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
|
| |
Champlain |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Champlain |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Scott
Brayman, CFA |
|
Chief Investment Officer and Managing
Partner |
|
Since Inception |
Corey
Bronner, CFA |
|
Deputy Chief Investment Officer and
Partner |
|
Since October
2017 |
Joseph
Caligiuri, CFA |
|
Deputy Chief Investment Officer and
Partner |
|
Since October
2017 |
Joseph
Farley |
|
Analyst and Partner |
|
Since October
2017 |
Robert
Hallisey |
|
Analyst and Partner |
|
Since October
2017 |
|
| |
Driehaus |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Driehaus |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Jeff
James |
|
Lead Portfolio Manager |
|
Since September
2021 |
Michael
Buck |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since September
2021 |
Prakash
Vijayan, CFA |
|
Assistant Portfolio Manager |
|
Since September
2021 |
|
| |
Eagle |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Eagle |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Matt
McGeary, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
E.G.
Woods, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since March 2022 |
Jason
Wulff, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since March 2022 |
Matthew
Spitznagle, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since March 2022 |
|
| |
SIMG |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Position with SIMG |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Ryan
Crane, CFA |
|
Chief Investment Officer |
|
Since August
2015 |
57
|
|
|
| |
Victory
Capital |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Victory Capital |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
D. Scott
Tracy, CFA |
|
Chief Investment Officer and Managing
Partner |
|
Since September
2021 |
Stephen
J. Bishop |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since September
2021 |
Melissa
Chadwick-Dunn |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since September
2021 |
Christopher W. Clark, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since September
2021 |
Paul
Leung, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since September
2021 |
Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to:
(i) |
investors
participating in Advisory Solutions, an investment advisory program
sponsored by Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), who
purchase shares of the Fund through their Advisory Solutions account, and
investors participating in Guided Solutions or FAMS, each an investment
advisory program sponsored by Edward Jones, who purchase shares of the
Fund under the specific circumstances described below through their Guided
Solutions or FAMS account, as applicable; |
(ii) |
investors
participating in Guided Solutions or FAMS whose Fund shares
were transferred into their Guided Solutions or FAMS account, as
applicable, directly from an Advisory Solutions account (which,
following such transfer, shall be referred to herein as an “Eligible
Guided Solutions Account” or “Eligible FAMS Account”, as applicable);
|
(iii) |
investors
participating in Guided Solutions whose Fund shares were transferred
directly from an Eligible FAMS Account to their Guided Solutions account;
|
(iv) |
investors
participating in FAMS whose Fund shares were transferred directly
from an Eligible Guided Solutions Account to their FAMS account; and
|
(v) |
current
and former Trustees of the Trust. |
Edward
Jones, in its sole discretion, may make exceptions regarding the eligibility
requirements of the Fund with respect to Guided Solutions and FAMS investors
based on the particular facts and circumstances of an investor’s situation.
Eligible
investors may purchase and sell or redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones
through an eligible Advisory Program described above. Current and former
Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares directly. There are
no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the Fund. You may purchase
or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is
open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund’s distributions will normally be taxed as qualified dividend income,
ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on investments made through
tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from
those accounts.
58
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder Small/Mid Cap Value Fund
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of Bridge Builder Small/Mid Cap Value Fund (the “Fund” or
the “Small/Mid Cap Value Fund”) is to provide capital appreciation.
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as annual program or
administrative fees for participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples below.
|
|
|
| |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your
investment) |
|
|
|
|
Management Fees(1) |
|
|
0.64 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
|
|
None |
|
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses (AFFE)(2) |
|
|
0.01 |
% |
Other Expenses |
|
|
0.02 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3) |
|
|
0.67 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
|
|
(0.26 |
)% |
| |
|
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3) |
|
|
0.41 |
% |
| |
|
|
|
(1) |
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed,
until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the Fund.
|
(2) |
AFFE
are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in
shares of other mutual funds, including exchange-traded funds.
|
(3) |
The Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses and Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses in
this fee table do not correlate to the expense ratios in the Fund’s
Financial Highlights because the Financial Highlights include only the
direct operating expenses incurred by the Fund and exclude
AFFE. |
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28, 2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
$42 |
|
$188 |
|
$347 |
|
$810 |
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares
59
are
held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund
operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the
most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 41% of the average value of its portfolio.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in the securities of
small and mid-capitalization companies and other instruments, such as certain
investment companies (see below), that seek to track the performance of
securities of small and mid-capitalization companies. The Fund defines small and
mid-capitalization companies as companies whose market capitalizations at the
time of purchase typically fall within the range of the Russell MidCap® Index and the Russell
2000® Index (as of April
28, 2023, companies with capitalizations between approximately $159.5 million
and $47 billion). The market capitalization of the companies included in the
Russell MidCap® Index and
the Russell 2000® Index
will change with market conditions.
While
the Fund primarily invests in equity securities of small and mid-capitalization
companies, it may also invest in securities of large capitalization companies.
The Fund may invest in securities issued by U.S. and foreign entities. The Fund
may invest in American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) or Global Depositary
Receipts (“GDRs”). The Fund may also invest in other investment companies,
including other open-end or closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded
funds (“ETFs”) that have characteristics that are consistent with the Fund’s
investment objective. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in
futures contracts, principally for cash equitization purposes. The Fund may also
invest a portion of its assets in securities of real estate investment trusts
(“REITs”), which are companies that own and/or manage real estate properties.
The Fund follows an investing style that favors value investments.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets to allocate to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy
to the following Sub-advisers: American Century Investment Management, Inc.
(“American Century”), BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BlackRock”), Boston
Partners Global Investors, Inc. (“Boston Partners”), Diamond Hill Capital
Management, Inc. (“Diamond Hill”), LSV Asset Management (“LSV”), Massachusetts
Financial Services Company (d/b/a MFS Investment Management) (“MFS”),
Silvercrest Asset Management Group LLC (“Silvercrest”), and Vaughan Nelson
Investment Management, L.P. (“Vaughan Nelson”). The Adviser may adjust
allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board
with respect to the hiring, termination, or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below
is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
American
Century’s Principal Investment Strategies
Under
normal market conditions, American Century will invest at least 80% of the
portion of the Fund’s net assets that it manages in small capitalization
companies. American Century considers small capitalization companies to include
those with market capitalizations no larger than that of the largest company in
the S&P Small Cap 600® Index or the Russell
2000® Index. In selecting
stocks for the Fund, the portfolio managers of American Century look for equity
securities of smaller companies whose stock price may not reflect the company’s
value. The portfolio managers attempt to purchase the stocks of these
undervalued companies and hold each stock until the price has increased to, or
is higher than, a level the portfolio managers believe more accurately reflects
the value of the company.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in equity securities with the objective of approximating as closely as
practicable the capitalization weighted total rate of return of the segments of
the United States market for publicly traded equity securities as
60
represented
by the Russell Midcap®
Value Index, which tracks the performance of mid-capitalization companies, and
the Russell 2000® Value
Index, which tracks the performance of small capitalization companies.
Boston
Partners’ Principal Investment Strategies
Boston
Partners primarily invests in mid-capitalization companies. Boston Partners uses
bottom-up fundamental analysis to make investment decisions. Boston Partners’
strategy is designed to identify companies with attractive valuation, sound
business fundamentals, and improving business momentum. Boston Partners’
strategy seeks to add value through bottom-up stock selection.
Diamond
Hill’s Principal Investment Strategies
Diamond
Hill typically invests in U.S. equity securities of small- to mid-market
capitalization companies. Diamond Hill seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing in companies selling for less than Diamond Hill’s estimate of
intrinsic value. Diamond Hill focuses on estimating a company’s value
independent of its current stock price primarily focusing on a “bottom-up”
analysis. If Diamond Hill’s estimate of a company’s value differs sufficiently
from the current market price, the company may be an attractive investment
opportunity. In constructing a portfolio of securities, Diamond Hill is not
constrained by the sector or industry weights in the benchmark.
LSV’s
Principal Investment Strategies
LSV
primarily invests in mid-capitalization companies. LSV uses a bottom-up
investment style, seeking to identify companies that are trading at prices
substantially below their intrinsic value. LSV follows an active investment
strategy, focusing on using data and financial information and combining such
information with the rigor of a quantitative model.
MFS’
Principal Investment Strategies
MFS
primarily invests in securities of companies with small capitalizations. MFS
focuses on investing in the stocks of companies it believes are undervalued
compared to their perceived worth (value companies). MFS normally invests across
different industries and sectors, but MFS may invest a significant percentage of
the portion of the Fund’s assets allocated to MFS in issuers in a single
industry or sector. MFS uses an active bottom-up investment approach to buying
and selling investments. Investments are selected by MFS primarily based on
fundamental analysis of individual issuers. Quantitative screening tools that
systematically evaluate issuers may also be considered.
Silvercrest’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Silvercrest
primarily invests in small capitalization companies. These companies typically
possess, in the opinion of the portfolio manager, one or more of the following
attributes:
|
● |
|
Business
that results in relatively consistent longer-term earning and cash flow
growth; |
|
● |
|
Franchise/asset
value that may make the company attractive to potential acquirers;
|
|
● |
|
Cyclically
depressed earnings and/or cash flow that has potential for improvement; or
|
|
● |
|
A
catalyst that will promote recognition of the company’s undervalued
status. |
Vaughan
Nelson’s Principal Investment Strategies
Vaughan
Nelson primarily invests in mid-capitalization companies with a focus on those
companies meeting Vaughan Nelson’s return expectations. Vaughan Nelson uses a
bottom-up value-oriented investment process in constructing the Fund’s
portfolio. Vaughan Nelson seeks companies with the following characteristics,
although not all of the companies selected will have these attributes:
|
● |
|
Companies
earning a positive return on capital with stable-to-improving returns;
|
|
● |
|
Companies
valued at a discount to their asset value; and
|
|
● |
|
Companies
with an attractive and sustainable dividend level.
|
61
Principal
Risks
Since
the Fund holds securities with fluctuating market prices, the value of the
Fund’s shares varies as its portfolio securities increase or decrease in value.
Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund could go down as well as up.
You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency. The principal risks affecting the Fund that can cause a
decline in value are set forth below. The risks are ordered in alphabetical
order after the first five risks, although the order of the risk factors does
not indicate the significance of any particular risk factor. Any additional
risks associated with the Fund’s non-principal investments are described in the
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional
information about the risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments
described herein.
|
● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other types of investments. A variety of
factors can influence underperformance and can have a significant impact
on the Fund and its investments, including regulatory events, inflation,
interest rates, government defaults, government shutdowns, war, regional
conflicts, acts of terrorism, social unrest, and substantial economic
downturn or recessions. In addition, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic,
natural disaster, spread of infectious illness or other public health
issue, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively
affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual
countries, the financial performance of individual companies and sectors,
and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such
impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities
and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in turn could
negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on your
investment in the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Equity Securities Risk. The value of
equity securities will rise and fall over short or extended periods of
time in response to the activities of the company that issued them,
general market conditions, and/or economic conditions.
|
|
● |
|
Active Management Risk. A significant
portion of the Fund is actively managed with discretion and may
underperform market indices, including relevant benchmark indices, or
other mutual funds with similar investment objectives. In addition, to the
extent that a Sub-adviser’s investment strategy uses a quantitative
investment model to evaluate and recommend investment decisions for the
Fund, the Fund can perform differently from the market as a whole based on
the factors used in the model, the weight placed on each factor and
changes from the factors’ historical trends.
|
|
● |
|
Smaller Company Risk. Investments in
smaller capitalization companies (including medium capitalization and
small capitalization companies) may have greater risks, as these companies
may have less operating history, narrower product or customer markets, and
fewer managerial and financial resources than more established companies.
Smaller capitalization stocks may be more volatile and have less
liquidity. |
|
● |
|
Value Style Risk. The Fund is managed
primarily in a value investment style. Value stocks can perform
differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks and may
underperform other types of investments or investment styles, as different
market styles tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market
conditions and other factors. Value stocks are believed to be undervalued
relative to their projected underlying profitability
|
|
● |
|
American Depositary Receipts or Global
Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and GDRs have the same currency and
economic risks as the underlying non-U.S. securities they represent. They
are affected by the risks associated with non-U.S. securities, such as
changes in political or economic conditions of other countries and changes
in the exchange rates of foreign currencies.
|
|
● |
|
Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
|
● |
|
Currency Risk. As a result of the Fund’s
investments in securities or other investments denominated in, and/or
receiving revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to
currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will
decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, adversely affecting the
value of the Fund. |
62
|
● |
|
Derivatives Risk. An investment in
derivatives (such as futures contracts) may not perform as anticipated by
the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be closed out at a favorable time or
price, or may increase the Fund’s volatility. Derivatives may create
investment leverage so that when a derivative is used as a substitute for
or alternative to a direct cash investment, the transaction may not
provide a return that corresponds precisely with that of the cash
investment or when used for hedging purposes, the derivative may not
provide the anticipated protection, causing the Fund to lose money on both
the derivative and the exposure the Fund sought to hedge. Increases and
decreases in the value of the Fund’s portfolio may be magnified when the
Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are also subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not
correlate perfectly with the underlying asset, rate or index. The Fund’s
use of derivatives is also subject to market risk, which is described
above, and liquidity risk, which is described below.
|
|
● |
|
Foreign Securities Risk. The risks of
investing in foreign securities can increase the potential for losses in
the Fund and may include currency risk, political and economic
instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and other geopolitical events,
additional or fewer government regulations, the imposition of tariffs and
other restrictions on trade or economic sanctions, less publicly available
information, limited trading markets, differences in financial reporting
standards, fewer protections for passive investors, and less stringent
regulation of securities markets. Geopolitical or other events such as
nationalization or expropriation could cause the loss of the Fund’s entire
investment in one or more countries. In addition, periodic U.S. Government
prohibitions on investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may
require the Fund to sell such investments at inopportune times, which
could result in losses to the Fund.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and expenses.
|
|
● |
|
Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
and strategies. |
|
● |
|
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
|
● |
|
Larger Company Risk. Larger
capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new
competitive challenges such as changes in technology. They may also not be
able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies,
especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
|
|
● |
|
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities
or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or prices.
|
|
● |
|
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management
Risk. The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers
believed to have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times,
may not be complementary and could result in more exposure to certain
types of securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by
different Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in
overlapping or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping
transactions could lead to multiple Sub-advisers purchasing the same or
similar securities at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund
holding a more concentrated position in these securities. Conversely,
certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
|
● |
|
Passive Management Risk. Because the
portion of the Fund allocated to BlackRock is managed so that its total
return closely corresponds with that of the Russell Midcap® Value Index and the
Russell 2000® Value
Index, the Fund faces a risk of poor performance if either index declines
generally or performs poorly relative to other U.S. equity indexes or
individual stocks, the stocks of companies which comprise either index
fall out of favor with investors, or an adverse company specific event,
such as an unfavorable earnings report, negatively affects the stock price
of one of the larger companies in either index.
|
63
|
● |
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts Risk. REITs
may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned
by the REITs and by the quality of tenants’ credit.
|
|
● |
|
Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so, and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund shareholders.
|
|
● |
|
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.
|
Performance
The accompanying
bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s year-to-year performance and the
table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one and five years
and since inception compared to that of a broad measure of market
performance. The performance information shown here reflects
only Fund performance and does not reflect annual program or administrative fees
you may be charged for participating in an Advisory Program. See the Fund’s
website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Year-by-Year
Total Returns
Calendar
Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
| |
Quarterly Returns |
|
Highest (quarter
ended December 31,
2020) |
|
|
25.39% |
|
Lowest (quarter ended
March 31,
2020) |
|
|
-32.28% |
|
The
performance information shown above is based on a calendar year. The Fund’s performance (before taxes) from
1/1/23 to 9/30/23
was 1.62%.
64
Average
Annual Total Returns
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Actual after-tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The
after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares
through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund shares may be higher than before-tax returns when
a net capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Average
Annual Total Return as of December 31,
2022 |
|
|
1 Year |
|
5 Years |
|
Since Inception (4/27/15) |
|
|
| |
Return
Before Taxes |
|
|
|
‑9.68 |
% |
|
|
|
5.83 |
% |
|
|
|
6.61 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
|
‑11.22 |
% |
|
|
|
4.47 |
% |
|
|
|
5.63 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
|
‑4.65 |
% |
|
|
|
4.38 |
% |
|
|
|
5.13 |
% |
Russell
2500® Value Index
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
|
‑13.08 |
% |
|
|
|
4.75 |
% |
|
|
|
6.31 |
% |
The
Russell 2500® Value Index
measures the performance of the small to mid-cap value segment of the U.S.
equity universe. It includes those Russell 2500® Index companies with lower
price-to-book and lower forecasted growth values. The Fund’s portfolio holdings
may differ significantly from the securities held in the relevant index and,
unlike a mutual fund, the performance of an unmanaged index does not reflect
deductions for transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other expenses. You
cannot invest directly in an index.
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
American
Century |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with American Century |
|
Length of Service to the
Fund |
Jeff
John, CFA |
|
Vice President and Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since June 2021 |
Ryan
Cope |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since June 2021 |
|
| |
BlackRock |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with BlackRock |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Jennifer
Hsui |
|
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since October
2019 |
Peter
Sietsema |
|
Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
Paul
Whitehead |
|
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
|
| |
Boston
Partners |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Position with Boston Partners |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Steven
Pollack, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Timothy
Collard |
|
Assistant Portfolio Manager |
|
Since February
2023 |
65
|
|
|
| |
Diamond
Hill |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Diamond Hill |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Christopher Welch, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2019 |
Christopher Bingaman, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2019 |
|
| |
LSV |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with LSV |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Josef
Lakonishok, Ph.D. |
|
Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment
Officer, Portfolio Manager and Founding Partner |
|
Since November
2016 |
Menno
Vermeulen, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager, Systems Development,
and Partner |
|
Since November
2016 |
Puneet
Mansharamani, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Partner |
|
Since November
2016 |
Greg
Sleight |
|
Portfolio Manager and Partner |
|
Since November
2016 |
Guy
Lakonishok, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Partner |
|
Since November
2016 |
|
| |
MFS |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with MFS |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Kevin
Schmitz* |
|
Investment Officer and Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since January
2019 |
Richard
Offen |
|
Investment Officer and Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since December
2019 |
* |
Effective
December 31, 2023, Mr. Schmitz will no longer serve as a
portfolio manager to the portion of the assets of the Fund managed by MFS.
|
|
|
|
| |
Silvercrest |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Position with Silvercrest |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Roger W.
Vogel, CFA |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
|
| |
Vaughan
Nelson |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Vaughan Nelson |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Dennis G.
Alff, CFA |
|
Senior Portfolio Manager (Lead) |
|
Since Inception |
Chad D.
Fargason, Ph.D. |
|
Senior Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Chris D.
Wallis, CFA |
|
CEO and Senior Portfolio Manager |
|
Since
Inception |
Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to:
(i) |
investors
participating in Advisory Solutions, an investment advisory program
sponsored by Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), who
purchase shares of the Fund through their Advisory Solutions account, and
investors participating in Guided Solutions or FAMS, each an investment
advisory program sponsored by Edward Jones, who purchase shares of the
Fund under the specific circumstances described below through their Guided
Solutions or FAMS account, as applicable; |
(ii) |
investors
participating in Guided Solutions or FAMS whose Fund shares
were transferred into their Guided Solutions or FAMS account, as
applicable, directly from an Advisory Solutions account (which,
following such transfer, shall be referred to herein as an “Eligible
Guided Solutions Account” or “Eligible FAMS Account”, as applicable);
|
(iii) |
investors
participating in Guided Solutions whose Fund shares were transferred
directly from an Eligible FAMS Account to their Guided Solutions account;
|
66
(iv) |
investors
participating in FAMS whose Fund shares were transferred directly
from an Eligible Guided Solutions Account to their FAMS account; and
|
(v) |
current
and former Trustees of the Trust. |
Edward
Jones, in its sole discretion, may make exceptions regarding the eligibility
requirements of the Fund with respect to Guided Solutions and FAMS investors
based on the particular facts and circumstances of an investor’s situation.
Eligible
investors may purchase and sell or redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones
through an eligible Advisory Program described above. Current and former
Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares directly. There are
no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the Fund. You may purchase
or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is
open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund’s distributions will normally be taxed as qualified dividend income,
ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on investments made through
tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from
those accounts.
67
SUMMARY
SECTION
Bridge
Builder International Equity Fund
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of the Bridge Builder International Equity Fund (the “Fund”
or the “International Equity Fund”) is to provide capital
appreciation.
Fees
and Expenses of the Fund
The
following table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund. You may pay other fees, such as annual program or
administrative fees for participating in Edward Jones Advisory Solutions® (“Advisory Solutions”),
Edward Jones Guided Solutions® (“Guided Solutions”) or
Financial Advisor Managed Solutions™ (“FAMS”) (collectively, the “Advisory
Programs”), which are not reflected in the table and examples
below.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Annual
Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that you pay each year as a
percentage of the value of your
investment) |
|
|
| |
Management Fees(1) |
|
| 0.60 |
% |
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees |
|
| None |
|
Other Expenses(2) |
|
| 0.03 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| 0.63 |
% |
Less Waivers(1) |
|
| (0.27 |
)% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
|
| 0.36 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser”) has contractually agreed,
until at least October 28,
2024, to waive its management fees to the extent
management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the management fees the
Fund is required to pay the Fund’s sub-advisers (i.e., the Adviser does
not receive any management fees from the Fund as a result of its waivers).
This contractual agreement may not be terminated by the Adviser without
the consent of the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Bridge Builder Trust
(the “Trust”), except that the Adviser may terminate the agreement upon
written notice to the Trust, effective as of the end of the expense
limitation period ending October 28, 2024, if written notice is
provided to the Trust by or before April 15, 2024. Such waivers are
not subject to reimbursement by the
Fund. |
(2) |
Other
Expenses include acquired fund fees and expenses less than
0.01%. |
Example
This
Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same (taking into account the Adviser’s agreement to waive management
fees until October 28, 2024). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would
be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
1 Year |
| 3 Years |
| 5 Years |
| 10 Years |
$37 |
| $175 |
| $324 |
| $761 |
Portfolio
Turnover
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the Example, affect the Fund’s performance.
During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was
19% of the average value of its
portfolio.
68
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets
(plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities and
other instruments, such as derivative instruments (see below), with economic
characteristics similar to equity securities, and certain investment companies
that seek to track the performance of equity securities. The Fund primarily
invests in non-U.S. companies. A non-U.S. company is a company economically tied
to a country other than the United States. In determining whether a company is
economically tied to a country other than the United States, the Adviser or a
Sub-adviser will consider whether the company:
| ● |
|
Is
organized under the laws of a country other than the United
States; |
| ● |
|
Has
a class of securities whose principal securities market is in a country
other than the United States; |
| ● |
|
Has
its principal office in a country other than the United
States; |
| ● |
|
Derives
50% or more of its total revenue or profit from goods produced, sales made
or services provided in one or more countries other than the United
States; or |
| ● |
|
Maintains
50% or more of its assets in one or more countries other than the United
States. |
Such
a determination can also be based on the classifications assigned to a company
by the Fund’s benchmark index provider.
The
Fund may invest in companies of any capitalization. The Fund invests principally
in equity securities issued by companies in developed countries but may also
invest in companies in emerging markets or developing countries. The Fund may
also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated securities issued by foreign entities,
American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), or Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”).
The Fund may also invest in other investment companies, including other open-end
or closed-end investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), that have
characteristics that are consistent with the Fund’s investment objective. The
Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in securities of real estate
investment trusts (“REITs”) that own and/or manage properties. From time to
time, the Fund may also buy or sell derivatives, principally futures contracts
for cash equitization purposes, and forward contracts and options for currency
hedging. From time to time, the Fund may also focus its investments in a
particular country or geographic region, such as the United Kingdom or
Japan.
The
Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser (each a “Sub-adviser”). Each Sub-adviser may use both its own
proprietary and external research and securities selection processes to manage
its allocated portion of the Fund’s
assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Fund’s investment
portfolio.
The
Adviser is responsible for determining the amount of Fund assets to allocate to
each Sub-adviser. The Adviser allocates Fund assets to the following
Sub-advisers: Baillie Gifford Overseas Limited (“Baillie Gifford Overseas”),
BlackRock Investment Management, LLC (“BlackRock”), Marathon Asset Management
Limited (“Marathon-London”), Mondrian Investment Partners Limited (“Mondrian”),
Pzena Investment Management, LLC (“Pzena”), and WCM Investment Management
(“WCM”). The Adviser may adjust allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or
make recommendations to the Board with respect to the hiring, termination, or
replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal
investment strategies.
Baillie
Gifford Overseas’ Principal Investment
Strategies
In
the Fund, Baillie Gifford Overseas primarily invests in non-U.S.
dollar-denominated securities that derive a majority of their revenues or
profits from a country or countries other than the United States. Baillie
Gifford Overseas aims to add value through active management, by making
long-term investments in well managed, quality businesses that enjoy sustainable
competitive advantages in their marketplace.
69
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in international equity securities with the objective of approximating
as closely as practicable the capitalization weighted total rates of return of
the markets in certain countries for equity securities traded outside the United
States, as represented by the MSCI EAFE Growth and MSCI EAFE Value Indices. The
MSCI EAFE Growth and MSCI EAFE Value Indices measure the performance of large
and mid-capitalization companies across developed markets, excluding the United
States and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Growth Index focuses on companies exhibiting
overall growth style characteristics, while the MSCI EAFE Value Index focuses on
companies exhibiting overall value style
characteristics.
Marathon-London’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Marathon-London
invests primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers in developed and
emerging market countries. In selecting investments for the Fund,
Marathon-London employs a bottom-up, fundamental investment philosophy focused
on identifying attractive long-term investment opportunities that can arise as a
result of certain “capital cycle” conditions. Capital cycle investing is based
on the concept that the prospect of high returns will attract excessive capital
and competition and the prospect of low returns will excessively depress new
capital investments and discourage competition. This “capital cycle” approach to
investing guides Marathon-London to invest in stocks in industries where
consolidation has occurred and return on investment is expected to rise and/or
where barriers to entry exist that may allow elevated return on investment to
persist for longer than the market expects. Marathon-London’s long-term approach
is often considered to be contrarian and its portfolio is expected to have low
turnover, will seek to be well-diversified and will have a bias towards the
smaller capitalization segments of the
market.
Mondrian’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Mondrian
invests primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. large capitalization issuers,
including the securities of emerging market companies, that in Mondrian’s
opinion, are undervalued at the time of purchase based on fundamental value
analysis employed by Mondrian. Mondrian employs a long-only, value investment
philosophy. Portfolio construction is primarily driven by detailed bottom-up
stock selection, based on rigorous dividend discount valuation
analysis.
Pzena’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Pzena
focuses on deep value investing, seeking to identify international securities
that are trading at prices substantially below their intrinsic value but have
solid long-term prospects. Pzena may also invest in emerging markets securities.
Pzena performs intensive fundamental research using a bottom-up security
selection process.
WCM’s
Principal Investment Strategies
WCM
uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies with attractive
fundamentals, such as long-term growth in revenue and earnings, and that show a
high probability for superior future growth. WCM’s investment process focuses on
seeking industry leading companies that WCM believes possess growing competitive
advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality, and experienced
management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. WCM also
considers other factors in selecting securities, including political risk,
monetary policy risk, and regulatory
risk.
Although
WCM may invest in securities of companies of any size, WCM will generally invest
in large, established multinational companies. WCM generally will invest in
securities of companies located in different regions and in at least three
different countries. From time to time, however, WCM may have a significant
portion of its allocated assets invested in the securities of companies in one
or a few countries or regions.
Principal
Risks
Since
the Fund holds securities with fluctuating market prices, the value of the
Fund’s shares varies as its portfolio securities increase or decrease in value.
Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund could go down as well as up.
You may lose money by investing in the Fund.
An
investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the
70
Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency. The principal
risks affecting the Fund that can cause a decline in value are set forth below.
The risks are ordered in alphabetical order after the first six risks, although
the order of the risk factors does not indicate the significance of any
particular risk factor. Any additional risks associated with the Fund’s
non-principal investments are described in the Statement of Additional
Information (“SAI”). The SAI also provides additional information about the
risks associated with the Fund’s principal investments described herein.
| ● |
|
Market Risk. The overall market may
perform poorly or the returns from the securities in which the Fund
invests may underperform returns from the general securities markets, a
particular securities market, or other types of investments. A variety of
factors can influence underperformance and can have a significant impact
on the Fund and its investments, including regulatory events, inflation,
interest rates, government defaults, government shutdowns, war, regional
conflicts, acts of terrorism, social unrest, and substantial economic
downturn or recessions. In addition, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic,
natural disaster, spread of infectious illness or other public health
issue, or widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively
affect the global economy, as well as the economies of individual
countries, the financial performance of individual companies and sectors,
and the markets in general in significant and unforeseen ways. Any such
impact could adversely affect the prices and liquidity of the securities
and other instruments in which the Fund invests, which in turn could
negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause losses on your
investment in the Fund. |
| ● |
|
Equity Securities Risk. The value of
equity securities will rise and fall over short or extended periods of
time in response to the activities of the company that issued them,
general market conditions, and/or economic
conditions. |
| ● |
|
Active Management Risk. A significant
portion of the Fund is actively managed with discretion and may
underperform market indices, including relevant benchmark indices, or
other mutual funds with similar investment
objectives. |
| ● |
|
Foreign Securities Risk. The risks of
investing in foreign securities, including through ADRs and GDRs, can
increase the potential for losses in the Fund and may include currency
risk, political and economic instability, terrorism, armed conflicts and
other geopolitical events, additional or fewer government regulations, the
imposition of tariffs and other restrictions on trade or economic
sanctions, less publicly available information, limited trading markets,
differences in financial reporting standards, fewer protections for
passive investors and less stringent regulation of securities markets.
Geopolitical or other events such as nationalization or expropriation
could cause the loss of the Fund’s entire investment in one or more
countries. In addition, periodic U.S. Government prohibitions on
investments in issuers from certain foreign countries may require the Fund
to sell such investments at inopportune times, which could result in
losses to the Fund. |
| ● |
|
Currency Risk. As a result of the Fund’s
investments in securities or other investments denominated in, and/or
receiving revenues in, foreign currencies, the Fund will be subject to
currency risk. Currency risk is the risk that foreign currencies will
decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar or, in the case of hedging
positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline in value relative to the
currency hedged. |
| ● |
|
Geographic Focus Risk. To the extent that
a significant portion of the Fund’s portfolio is invested in the
securities of companies in a particular country or region, the Fund will
be subject to greater risk of loss and price volatility than a fund
holding more geographically diverse investments. The Fund may invest
significant portions of its assets in the United Kingdom (the “UK”) and
Japan, and therefore, the economic, political, social and environmental
conditions of the UK and Japan generally will have a greater effect on the
Fund’s performance than they would in a more geographically diversified
fund. |
| ● |
|
American Depositary Receipts or Global
Depositary Receipts Risk. ADRs and GDRs have the same currency and
economic risks as the underlying non-U.S. securities they represent. They
are affected by the risks associated with non-U.S. securities, such as
changes in political or economic conditions of other countries and changes
in the exchange rates of foreign
currencies. |
| ● |
|
Counterparty Risk. When the Fund enters
into an investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase
agreement, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the other party may be
unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations, which could adversely
impact the value of the Fund. |
71
| ● |
|
Derivatives Risk. An investment in
derivatives (such as futures contracts, forward contracts or options) may
not perform as anticipated by the Sub-advisers, may not be able to be
closed out at a favorable time or price, or may increase the Fund’s
volatility. Derivatives may create investment leverage so that when a
derivative is used as a substitute for or alternative to a direct cash
investment, the transaction may not provide a return that corresponds
precisely with that of the cash investment or when used for hedging
purposes, the derivative may not provide the anticipated protection,
causing the Fund to lose money on both the derivative and the exposure the
Fund sought to hedge. Increases and decreases in the value of the Fund’s
portfolio may be magnified when the Fund uses leverage. Derivatives are
also subject to correlation risk, which is the risk that changes in the
value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the underlying
asset, rate or index. The Fund’s use of derivatives is also subject to
market risk, which is described above, and liquidity risk, which is
described below. The Fund’s use of forward contracts is also subject to
the risk that the counterparty to the forward contract will default or
otherwise fail to honor its
obligation. |
| ● |
|
Emerging Markets Securities Risk. A fund
that invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of
issuers based in countries with “emerging market” economies is subject to
greater levels of foreign investment risk than a fund investing primarily
in more-developed foreign markets since emerging market securities may
present market, credit, currency, liquidity, legal, political and other
risks greater than, or in addition to, the risks of investing in developed
foreign countries. |
| ● |
|
Growth Style Risk. The Fund is managed
partially in a growth investment style. Growth stocks can perform
differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks and may
underperform other types of investments or investment styles, as different
market styles tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market
conditions and other factors. Growth stocks are stocks of companies
expected to increase revenues and earnings at a faster rate than their
peers. |
| ● |
|
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. An investment company, including an ETF, in which the Fund
invests may not achieve its investment objective or execute its investment
strategies effectively. Large purchase or redemption activity by
shareholders of such an investment company might negatively affect the
value of the investment company’s shares. The Fund must also pay its pro
rata portion of an investment company’s fees and
expenses. |
| ● |
|
Investment Strategy Risk. There is no
assurance the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved. Investment
decisions may not produce the expected results. The value of the Fund may
decline, and the Fund may underperform other funds with similar objectives
and strategies. |
| ● |
|
Issuer-Specific Risk. The value of an
individual security or particular type of security can be more volatile
than, and can perform differently from, the market as a whole or other
similar securities. |
| ● |
|
Larger Company Risk. Larger
capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new
competitive challenges such as changes in technology. They may also not be
able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller companies,
especially during extended periods of economic
expansion. |
| ● |
|
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a
lack of a market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit the
Fund’s ability to value securities or prevent the Fund from selling
securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or
prices. |
| ● |
|
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management
Risk. The Fund allocates its assets to multiple Sub-advisers
believed to have complementary styles. These investment styles, at times,
may not be complementary and could result in more exposure to certain
types of securities. Because portions of the Fund’s assets are managed by
different Sub-advisers using different styles, the Fund could engage in
overlapping or conflicting securities transactions. Overlapping
transactions could lead to multiple Sub-advisers purchasing the same or
similar securities at the same time, potentially leading to the Fund
holding a more concentrated position in these securities. Conversely,
certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing securities at the same time other
Sub-advisers may be selling those same securities, which may lead to
higher transaction expenses compared to a fund using a single investment
management style. |
72
| ● |
|
Passive Management Risk. Because the
portion of the Fund allocated to BlackRock is managed so that its total
return closely corresponds with that of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index and the
MSCI EAFE Value Index, the Fund faces a risk of poor performance if either
index declines generally or performs poorly relative to U.S. equity
indexes, other international equity indexes or individual stocks, the
stocks of companies which comprise either index fall out of favor with
investors, or an adverse company specific event, such as an unfavorable
earnings report, negatively affects the stock price of one of the larger
companies in either index. |
| ● |
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts Risk. REITs
may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned
by the REITs and by the quality of tenants’
credit. |
| ● |
|
Redemption Risk. The Fund may experience
losses or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption
requests. This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or
redemption requests during adverse market conditions. Large redemptions of
the Fund’s shares may force the Fund to sell securities at times when it
would not otherwise do so, and may cause the Fund’s portfolio turnover
rate and transaction costs to rise, which may negatively affect the Fund’s
performance and have adverse tax consequences for Fund
shareholders. |
| ● |
|
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The
regulation of security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is
subject to change. Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have
a substantial adverse effect on the Fund’s
performance. |
| ● |
|
Smaller Company Risk. Investments in
smaller capitalization companies (including medium capitalization and
small capitalization companies) may have greater risks, as these companies
may have less operating history, narrower product or customer markets, and
fewer managerial and financial resources than more established companies.
Smaller capitalization stocks may be more volatile and have less
liquidity. |
| ● |
|
Value Style Risk. Value stocks can
perform differently from the market as a whole and other types of stocks
and may underperform other types of investments or investment styles, as
different market styles tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon
market conditions and other factors. Value stocks are believed to be
undervalued relative to their projected underlying
profitability. |
73
Performance
The accompanying
bar chart and table provide some indication of the risks of investing in the
Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the Fund’s year-to-year performance and the
table shows how the Fund’s average annual total returns for one and five years
and since inception compared to that of a broad measure of market
performance. The performance information shown here reflects
only Fund performance and does not reflect annual program or administrative fees
you may be charged for participating in an Advisory Program. See the Fund’s
website www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature
for updated performance information. The Fund’s past performance
(before and after taxes) is not necessarily an indication of how the Fund will
perform in the future.
Year-by-Year
Total Returns
Calendar Year Ended
December 31
|
|
|
| |
Quarterly
Returns |
| |
|
|
Highest (quarter
ended June 30,
2020) |
|
| 17.96% |
|
Lowest (quarter ended
March 31,
2020) |
|
| -22.44% |
|
The
performance information shown above is based on a calendar year. The Fund’s performance (before taxes) from
1/1/23 to 9/30/23
was 6.81%.
Average
Annual Total Returns
After-tax returns are
calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax
rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes.
Actual after-tax returns
depend on the investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown. The
after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their shares
through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement
accounts. Returns after taxes on
distributions and sale of Fund shares may be higher than before-tax returns when
a net capital loss occurs upon the redemption of Fund
shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Average
Annual Total Return as of December 31,
2022 |
|
| 1 Year |
| 5 Years |
| Since Inception (7/6/15) |
|
|
| |
Return
Before Taxes |
|
|
| ‑18.01 |
% |
|
|
| 1.89 |
% |
|
|
| 4.15 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions |
|
|
| ‑18.34 |
% |
|
|
| 0.98 |
% |
|
|
| 3.44 |
% |
|
|
| |
Return
After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares |
|
|
| ‑10.22 |
% |
|
|
| 1.52 |
% |
|
|
| 3.33 |
% |
MSCI
EAFE Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
| ‑14.45 |
% |
|
|
| 1.54 |
% |
|
|
| 3.53 |
% |
74
The
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Europe, Australasia, Far East Index
(EAFE) is an unmanaged index of over 900 companies, and is a generally accepted
benchmark for major overseas markets. The Fund’s portfolio holdings may differ
significantly from the securities held in the relevant index and, unlike a
mutual fund, the performance of an unmanaged index does not reflect deductions
for transaction costs, taxes, management fees or other expenses. You cannot
invest directly in an index.
Fund
Management
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC is the investment adviser for the Fund.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser allocates Fund assets for each investment strategy to the following
Sub-advisers, which allocations may be adjusted at any time:
|
|
|
| |
Baillie
Gifford Overseas |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Baillie Gifford Overseas |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Joe
Faraday |
|
Investment Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Iain
Campbell |
|
Investment Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Sophie
Earnshaw |
|
Investment Manager |
|
Since September
2018 |
Milena
Mileva |
|
Investment Manager |
|
Since May 2022 |
Stephen
Paice |
|
Investment Manager |
|
Since July 2022 |
|
| |
BlackRock |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with BlackRock |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Jennifer
Hsui |
|
Managing Director, Senior Portfolio
Manager |
|
Since October
2019 |
Peter
Sietsema |
|
Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
Paul
Whitehead |
|
Managing Director, Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2022 |
|
| |
Marathon-London |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Marathon-London |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Neil M.
Ostrer |
|
Founder and Portfolio Manager – Europe |
|
Since June 2021 |
Charles
Carter |
|
Managing Director and Portfolio Manager –
Europe |
|
Since June 2021 |
Nick
Longhurst |
|
Portfolio Manager – Europe |
|
Since June 2021 |
William
J. Arah |
|
Founder and Portfolio Manager – Japan |
|
Since June 2021 |
Simon
Somerville |
|
Portfolio Manager – Japan |
|
Since June 2021 |
|
| |
Mondrian |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Mondrian |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Elizabeth
Desmond, CFA |
|
Deputy CEO, CIO – International Equities,
Founding Partner |
|
Since Inception |
Nigel
Bliss |
|
Senior Portfolio Manager, Partner |
|
Since Inception |
Alex
Simcox, CFA |
|
Head of ESG Investment, Senior Portfolio
Manager, Partner |
|
Since Inception |
Steven
Dutaut, CFA |
|
Head of Research – Europe and Asia, Senior
Portfolio Manager, Partner |
|
Since April 2016 |
|
| |
Pzena |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Pzena |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Caroline
Cai |
|
Managing Principal, Chief Executive
Officer and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since November
2016 |
75
|
|
|
| |
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Baillie Gifford Overseas |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with BlackRock |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Marathon-London |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Mondrian |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with Pzena |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Allison
Fisch |
|
Managing Principal, President and
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since November
2016 |
John
Goetz |
|
Managing Principal, Co-Chief Investment
Officer and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since November
2016 |
Rakesh
Bordia |
|
Principal and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since January
2023 |
|
| |
WCM |
|
| |
|
Portfolio Managers |
|
Position with WCM |
|
Length of Service to the Fund |
Paul R.
Black |
|
CEO and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Michael
B. Trigg |
|
President and Portfolio Manager |
|
Since Inception |
Sanjay
Ayer, CFA |
|
Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst |
|
Since June 2020 |
Jon
Tringale |
|
Portfolio Manager |
|
Since May
2022 |
Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to investors participating in the Advisory
Programs, each an investment advisory program sponsored by Edward D.
Jones & Co., L.P. (“Edward Jones”), as well as current and former
Trustees of the Trust. Advisory Program investors may purchase and sell or
redeem Fund shares only from Edward Jones through an Advisory Program. Current
and former Trustees of the Trust may purchase and sell or redeem shares
directly. There are no initial or subsequent minimum purchase amounts for the
Fund. You may purchase or redeem shares of the Fund on any day the New York
Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open.
Tax
Information
The
Fund’s distributions will normally be taxed as qualified dividend income,
ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions on investments made through
tax-deferred arrangements may be taxed later upon withdrawal of assets from
those accounts.
76
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION REGARDING THE FUNDS’ INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES
BRIDGE
BUILDER CORE BOND FUND
Investment
Objective
The
Core Bond Fund’s investment objective is to provide total return (capital
appreciation plus income). The Core Bond Fund’s investment objective is
non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board alone and
without a shareholder vote upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Core Bond Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net
assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed income
securities and other instruments, such as derivatives and certain investment
companies (see below), with economic characteristics similar to fixed income
securities. This investment policy may be changed by the Board without
shareholder approval, but shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice
if any change occurs.
The
Core Bond Fund’s assets are allocated across different fixed-income market
sectors and maturities. Most of the Core Bond Fund’s investments are in fixed
-income securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies;
corporate bonds; ABS, including CLOs and other CDOs; privately-issued securities
(e.g., Rule 144A securities); floating rate securities; and mortgage-related and
MBS, including pass-through securities, ARMs, CMOs, IOs, POs, inverse floaters,
privately-issued MBS, CMBS, and mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll is
a transaction in which the Fund sells mortgage-related securities for immediate
settlement and simultaneously purchases the same type of securities for forward
settlement at a discount. The Fund may purchase or sell securities which it is
eligible to purchase or sell on a when-issued and delayed-delivery basis and may
make contracts to purchase or sell such securities for a fixed price at a future
date beyond normal settlement time (forward commitments), including TBA
commitments. The purchase or sale of securities on a when-issued basis or on a
delayed delivery basis or through a forward commitment involves the purchase or
sale of securities by the Core Bond Fund at an established price with payment
and delivery taking place in the future.
The
Core Bond Fund will invest primarily in securities denominated in U.S. dollars.
The Core Bond Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign entities,
including emerging market securities, and obligations of non-U.S. governments or
their subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored enterprises. The Core Bond
Fund may also invest in other investment companies, including other open-end or
closed-end investment companies and ETFs that have characteristics that are
consistent with the Core Bond Fund’s investment objective. The other investment
companies in which the Core Bond Fund may invest have similar investment
objectives to that of the Core Bond Fund or otherwise are permitted to invest in
the same or similar investments as the Core Bond Fund.
The
Core Bond Fund may invest in futures, primarily interest rate and U.S. Treasury
futures, and in swaps, primarily interest rate swaps. The Core Bond Fund may buy
or sell these derivative securities to gain or hedge exposure to risk factors or
to alter the portfolio’s investment characteristics. Futures and swaps are each
a type of derivative, which are instruments that have a value based on another
instrument, exchange rate or index. The Core Bond Fund may also use derivatives,
primarily futures and swaps, as substitutes for securities in which the Core
Bond Fund can invest.
The
Core Bond Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that
are inconsistent with the Core Bond Fund’s principal investment strategies in
attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other
conditions. For example, during such period, 100% of the Core Bond Fund’s assets
may be invested in short-term, high-quality fixed income securities, cash or
cash equivalents. In addition, during such periods, the Core Bond Fund may
invest up to 15% of its net assets in certain other derivatives, primarily
forward contracts, interest rate swaps, total return swaps, and credit default
swaps, measured at notional value. Temporary defensive positions may be
initiated by the individual Sub-advisers or by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser
and/or the Adviser judges that market conditions make pursuing the Core Bond
Fund’s investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of its
shareholders. A Sub-adviser and/or the Adviser then may temporarily use these
alternative strategies that are mainly designed to limit the Core Bond Fund’s
losses or to create liquidity in anticipation of redemptions. When the Core Bond
Fund takes temporary defensive positions, it may not achieve its investment
objective.
77
From
time to time, the Core Bond Fund may invest in short-term, high-quality
investments, including, for example, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances,
certificates of deposit, bank time deposits, repurchase agreements, and
investments in money market mutual funds or similar pooled investments.
The
Core Bond Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment styles and
strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will be retained by the
Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary and external research
and securities selection processes to manage its allocated portion of the Core
Bond Fund’s assets. The Core Bond Fund is designed to allow Sub-advisers to
invest in various fixed income market sectors.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, or when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities. A Sub-adviser may also
sell portfolio securities because of deterioration in the credit fundamentals of
the issuer or to readjust the asset allocation of its portion of the Core Bond
Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser allocates assets of the Core Bond Fund to the following Sub-advisers:
Baird, JPMIM, Loomis Sayles, and PGIM. The Adviser may adjust allocations to the
Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board with respect to
the hiring, termination or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of
each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
Baird’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Baird’s
risk-controlled approach to active bond management emphasizes the value of
bottom-up security selection with a disciplined duration neutral approach.
Permissible securities are evaluated based on the credit fundamentals for
corporate issues, the underlying collateral and structure of MBS and ABS, any
additional structural risks of the security itself, and market liquidity risk.
This risk identification process is facilitated by the use of multiple
quantitative models coupled with highly experienced portfolio managers
interpreting the output from these models and providing an additional
qualitative assessment of the inherent risk in the security. After the risks of
a security are quantified, the valuation is compared to securities with a
similar risk profile within and across various sectors. This relative value
analysis helps Baird select the securities it believes are undervalued and that
have the best risk-adjusted expected return potential within the permissible
universe of bonds.
Baird’s
portfolio construction process assembles those securities with above-average
risk-adjusted expected returns focusing on risk control relative to the
benchmark and the discipline of diversification. Baird generally will sell a
security when, on a relative basis and in Baird’s opinion, it will no longer
help its allocated portion attain its objectives.
JPMIM’s
Principal Investment Strategies
JPMIM
invests principally in corporate bonds, U.S. treasury obligations and other U.S.
government and agency securities, ABS, mortgage-related securities and MBS, and
cash and cash equivalents. Mortgage-related securities and MBS may be structured
as collateralized mortgage obligations (agency and non-agency), stripped MBS,
commercial MBS, or mortgage pass-through securities. These securities may be
structured such that payments consist of only principal payments, only interest
payments or both principal and interest payments.
JPMIM
invests its allocated portion of the Core Bond Fund in bonds which generally
have intermediate to long maturities. The average weighted maturity of its
allocated portion will ordinarily range between four and twelve years but may be
shorter than four years or longer than twelve years if deemed appropriate.
Because of its holdings in ABS, MBS, and similar securities, its allocated
portion’s average weighted maturity is equivalent to the average weighted
maturity of the cash flows in the securities held within its allocated portion,
given certain prepayment assumptions (also known as weighted average life).
Securities
within JPMIM’s allocated portion may be U.S. dollar-denominated issues of a
foreign corporation or a U.S. affiliate of a foreign corporation or foreign
government or its agencies and instrumentalities. JPMIM may, in its sole
discretion, invest a significant portion or all of its allocated portion in
mortgage-related securities and MBS.
JPMIM
buys and sells securities and investments for its allocated portion based on its
view of individual securities and market sectors. Taking a long-term approach,
JPMIM looks for individual fixed income investments that it believes
78
will
perform well over market cycles. JPMIM is value-oriented and makes decisions to
purchase and sell individual securities and instruments after performing a
risk/reward analysis that includes an evaluation of interest rate risk, credit
risk, duration, liquidity, and the complex legal and technical structure of the
transaction.
Loomis
Sayles’ Principal Investment Strategies
Loomis
Sayles invests principally in U.S. dollar-denominated investment grade fixed
income securities, including Treasury securities, agency securities, credit, MBS
(including TBAs), ABS and CMBS, corporate bonds issued by U.S. and foreign
companies, and mortgage dollar rolls. Loomis Sayles’ objective with respect to
its allocated portion of the Core Bond Fund’s assets is to outperform the
benchmark consistently over time while maintaining the portfolio’s risk close to
the benchmark.
In
the view of Loomis Sayles, the fixed income markets are inefficient, often
mispricing risk and reacting to news, corporate, and market events as well as
technical supply and demand factors. These inefficiencies may provide effective,
active investors with opportunities to generate risk-adjusted performance in
excess of the benchmark. Loomis Sayles’ investment philosophy focuses on
relative value investing on a risk-adjusted basis, seeking to add value for
clients primarily through security selection while continually managing top-down
risks in the portfolio.
Loomis
Sayles’ investment strategy has a bias for fixed income securities that are
liquid, or can be traded readily in the markets. Typically, Loomis Sayles sells
fixed income securities when they reach a target level of valuation, there has
been a change in fundamental credit quality that is not reflected in the current
price, or Loomis Sayles is trimming overall risk in the portfolio.
PGIM’s
Principal Investment Strategies
PGIM’s
strategy is based on the philosophy that research-driven security selection is
the most consistent strategy for adding value to client portfolios. PGIM
complements that base strategy with modest sector rotation, duration management,
and disciplined trade execution. PGIM uses a team approach to seek to add value
by tilting toward fixed income sectors that it believes are attractive and by
utilizing its extensive research capabilities to choose attractive fixed-income
securities within sectors. Fixed-income securities include corporate and
non-corporate debt obligations, such as U.S. Government securities. The weighted
average maturity of the debt obligations held by its allocated portion will
normally be between three and thirty years but may be shorter than three years
or longer than thirty years if deemed appropriate.
PGIM
may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by an
agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government. PGIM may also invest in
commercial and residential mortgage-related securities issued or guaranteed by
U.S. governmental entities or by private issuers. Mortgage-related securities
include CMOs, multi-class pass-through securities and stripped MBS. PGIM may
also invest in ABS. PGIM may also invest in U.S. dollar-denominated securities
of non-U.S. issuers, including emerging market securities (which PGIM refers to
as foreign securities), money market instruments and other investment-grade
fixed-income securities of foreign issuers.
In
managing the Fund’s assets, PGIM uses a combination of top-down economic
analysis and bottom up research in conjunction with proprietary quantitative
models and risk management systems. In the top down economic analysis, PGIM
develops views on economic, policy and market trends by continually evaluating
economic data that affect the movement of markets and securities prices. This
top-down macroeconomic analysis is integrated into PGIM’s bottom-up research,
which informs security selection. In its bottom up research, PGIM develops an
internal rating and outlook on issuers. The rating and outlook are determined
based on a thorough review of the financial health and trends of the issuer,
which includes a review of the composition of revenue, profitability, cash flow
margin, and leverage.
PGIM
may also consider investment factors such as expected total return, yield,
spread and potential for price appreciation as well as credit quality, maturity
and risk. PGIM may invest in a security based upon the expected total return
rather than the yield of such security. PGIM may also utilize proprietary
quantitative tools to support relative value trading and asset allocation for
portfolio management as well as various risk models to support risk management.
79
BRIDGE
BUILDER CORE PLUS BOND FUND
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of the Core Plus Bond Fund is to provide total return
(capital appreciation plus income). The Core Plus Bond Fund’s investment
objective is non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board
alone and without a shareholder vote upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice
to shareholders.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Core Plus Bond Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its
net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in fixed
income securities of any maturity or duration and other instruments, such as
derivatives, with economic characteristics similar to fixed income securities,
and certain investment companies that seek to track the performance of fixed
income securities. This investment policy may be changed by the Board without
shareholder approval, but shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ notice
if any change occurs.
The
Core Plus Bond Fund’s assets are allocated across different fixed-income market
sectors and maturities. Most of the Core Plus Bond Fund’s investments are in
fixed-income securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, or its
agencies; corporate bonds; convertible securities; corporate commercial paper;
ABS, including CLOs and other CDOs; privately-issued securities (e.g., Rule 144A
securities); floating rate securities; inflation-linked securities (including
Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (“TIPS”) issued by the U.S. Treasury)
and inflation-indexed bonds issued both by governments and corporations;
structured securities; and mortgage-related and MBS, including pass-through
securities, CMOs, ARMs, IOs, POs, inverse floaters, sub-prime MBS,
privately-issued MBS, CMBS, and mortgage dollar rolls. A mortgage dollar roll is
a transaction in which the Core Plus Bond Fund sells mortgage-related securities
for immediate settlement and simultaneously purchases the same type of
securities for forward settlement at a discount. The Core Plus Bond Fund may
purchase or sell securities which it is eligible to purchase or sell on a
when-issued and delayed-delivery basis and may make contracts to purchase or
sell such securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond normal settlement
time (forward commitments), including TBAs. The purchase or sale of securities
on a when-issued basis or on a delayed delivery basis or through a forward
commitment involves the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund at an
established price with payment and delivery taking place in the future. The Core
Plus Bond Fund also invests, under normal market conditions, in a “plus”
portfolio of high yield securities deemed below investment grade, also known as
“junk bonds,” or in unrated securities that a Sub-adviser believes are of
comparable quality to instruments that are so rated. The Core Plus Bond Fund’s
investments in junk bonds may include bonds in default. Investment grade
securities are those securities that are rated at or above Baa3 by Moody’s, BBB-
by S&P, or an equivalent rating by another NRSRO, or securities that are
unrated but deemed by the Sub-adviser to be comparable in quality to instruments
that are so rated. The Fund may also invest in convertible securities rated
below investment grade, including convertible bonds and convertible preferred
stocks.
The
Core Plus Bond Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign entities,
including emerging market securities, and obligations of non-U.S. governments or
their subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored enterprises. In addition,
the Core Plus Bond Fund may invest in a variety of loans, including bank loans,
bridge loans, debtor-in-possession loans and mezzanine loans. The Core Plus Bond
Fund’s investments in bank loans are generally acquired as a participation
interest in, or assignment of, loans originated by a lender or other financial
institution. The Core Plus Bond Fund may also invest in other investment
companies, including other open-end or closed-end investment companies and ETFs
that have characteristics that are consistent with the Core Plus Bond Fund’s
investment objective. The Core Plus Bond Fund may invest in futures contracts,
primarily interest rate, currency, and U.S. Treasury futures contracts, and in
swaps, including interest rate, credit default, total return, and currency
swaps. In addition, the Core Plus Bond Fund may invest in forward contracts. The
Core Plus Bond Fund may buy or sell futures, swaps or forward contracts to gain
or hedge exposure to risk factors or to alter the Fund’s investment
characteristics.
The
Core Plus Bond Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions
that are inconsistent with the Core Plus Bond Fund’s principal investment
strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, liquidity,
political or other conditions. For example, during such period, 100% of the Core
Plus Bond Fund’s assets may be invested in short-term, high-quality fixed income
securities, cash or cash equivalents. Temporary defensive positions may be
initiated by the individual Sub-advisers or by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser
and/or the Adviser judges that market conditions make pursuing the Fund’s
investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of its
80
shareholders.
A Sub-adviser and/or the Adviser then may temporarily use these alternative
strategies that are mainly designed to limit the Core Plus Bond Fund’s losses or
to create liquidity in anticipation of redemptions. When the Core Plus Bond Fund
takes temporary defensive positions, it may not achieve its investment
objective.
From
time to time, the Core Plus Bond Fund may invest in short-term, high-quality
investments, including, for example, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances,
certificates of deposit, bank time deposits, repurchase agreements, and
investments in money market funds or similar pooled investments.
The
Core Plus Bond Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment
styles and strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will be
retained by the Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary and
external research and securities selection processes to manage its allocated
portion of the Core Plus Bond Fund’s assets. The Core Plus Bond Fund is designed
to allow Sub-advisers to invest in various fixed income market sectors.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, or when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities. A Sub-adviser may also
sell portfolio securities because of deterioration in the credit fundamentals of
the issuer or to readjust the asset allocation of its portion of the Core Plus
Bond Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser allocates assets of the Core Plus Bond Fund to the following
Sub-advisers: BlackRock, Loomis Sayles, PIMCO, and MetWest. The Adviser may
adjust allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to
the Board with respect to the hiring, termination or replacement of a
Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment
strategies.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
In
selecting securities for its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets, BlackRock
will buy or sell securities whenever its portfolio management team sees an
appropriate opportunity. BlackRock invests, under normal circumstances,
primarily in fixed income securities and derivatives with similar economic
characteristics. BlackRock may invest in investment grade fixed-income
securities, obligations of the U.S. Treasury or any U.S. Government agency or
instrumentality, TIPS and other inflation-linked bonds, MBS (including CMOs),
ABS (including CLOs and other CDOs), corporate debt securities of U.S. and
foreign issuers, bank loans, and cash equivalents. BlackRock may also invest in
securities issued pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and
other private placement transactions. BlackRock may invest in high yield
securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”). In addition to bonds, the Fund’s
high yield securities may include convertible bonds, convertible preferred
stocks and other securities attached to bonds or other fixed-income securities.
BlackRock may also invest in foreign securities, including in emerging markets.
BlackRock may invest in derivatives to obtain investment exposure, enhance
return, or “hedge” or protect its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets from an
unfavorable shift in the value or rate of a reference instrument. BlackRock may
use such derivatives as currency-related derivatives and swaps for these
purposes. BlackRock may also invest in structured securities, mortgage dollar
rolls, investment companies, forward commitments and when-issued and delayed
delivery securities and repurchase agreements. BlackRock has no stated minimum
holding period for investments.
Loomis
Sayles’ Principal Investment Strategies
Three
themes typically drive Loomis Sayles’ investment approach with respect to its
allocated portion of the Core Plus Bond Fund’s assets. First, Loomis Sayles
generally seeks fixed-income securities of issuers whose credit profiles it
believes are improving. Second, Loomis Sayles may invest significantly in
securities the prices of which Loomis Sayles believes are more sensitive to
events related to the underlying issuer than to changes in general interest
rates or overall market default rates. Loomis Sayles relies primarily on issue
selection as the key driver to investment performance. Loomis Sayles will manage
the interest rate risks in its allocated portion of the Core Plus Bond Fund but
believes that anticipating changes in rate levels is not the primary source of
added value. Third, Loomis Sayles analyzes different sectors of the economy and
spreads of various fixed-income securities in an effort to find securities that
it believes may produce attractive returns in comparison to these securities’
risk. Loomis Sayles generally prefers securities that are protected against
calls (early redemption by the issuer).
81
In
deciding which securities to buy and sell, Loomis Sayles will consider, among
other things, the financial strength of the issuer, current interest rates,
current valuations, Loomis Sayles’ expectations regarding future changes in
interest rates, and comparisons of the level of risk associated with particular
investments with Loomis Sayles’ expectations concerning the potential return of
those investments.
MetWest’s
Principal Investment Strategies
MetWest
seeks to maximize current income and pursues above average total return
consistent with prudent investment management over a full market cycle. MetWest
employs a value-oriented fixed income management philosophy and an investment
process predicated on a long-term economic outlook, which is determined by its
investment team on a quarterly basis and is reviewed constantly. Investments are
characterized by diversification among the sectors of the fixed income
marketplace. The investment management team seeks to achieve the desired
outperformance through the measured and disciplined application of five fixed
income management strategies which include duration management, yield curve
positioning, sector allocation, security selection, and opportunistic execution.
The
first three strategies are top-down in orientation. MetWest starts by
establishing its duration target and then determines its preferred yield curve
strategy which could be concentrated or distributed across a range of maturities
or concentrated at a particular point. Sector overweight or underweight
decisions reflect MetWest’s view of the current relative value environment.
Security selection is a bottom-up process involving the day-to-day fundamental
analysis of available bond market opportunities. MetWest’s execution approach is
characterized by the aggressive and informed negotiation of the prices at which
transactions take place.
PIMCO’s
Principal Investment Strategies
In
selecting securities for its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets, PIMCO seeks
to achieve the Fund’s investment objectives by investing in a multi-sector
portfolio of Fixed Income Instruments (as defined below) of varying maturities,
which may be represented by forwards or derivatives such as futures contracts or
swap agreements. “Fixed Income Instruments” for purposes of PIMCO’s principal
investment strategies include securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or government-sponsored enterprises; corporate debt
securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers, including convertible securities and
corporate commercial paper; MBS and ABS; inflation-indexed bonds issued both by
governments and corporations; structured notes, including hybrid or “indexed”
securities and event-linked bonds; bank capital and trust preferred securities;
loan participations and assignments; delayed funding loans and revolving credit
facilities; bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits and bankers’
acceptances; repurchase agreements on Fixed Income Instruments; obligations of
non-U.S. governments or their subdivisions, agencies and government-sponsored
enterprises; and obligations of international agencies or supranational
entities, debt securities and other similar instruments issued by various U.S.
and non-U.S. public- or private-sector entities. PIMCO will seek maximum total
return, consistent with preservation of capital and prudent investment
management by investing in a broad array of fixed income sectors and utilizing
income efficient implementation strategies.
PIMCO
will generally allocate its portion of the Fund’s assets among several
investment sectors, which may include: (i) high yield securities (“junk
bonds”) and investment grade corporate bonds of issuers located in the United
States and non-U.S. countries, including emerging market countries;
(ii) fixed income securities issued by U.S. and non-U.S. governments
(including emerging market governments), their agencies and instrumentalities;
(iii) mortgage-related and other asset backed securities; and
(iv) foreign currencies, including those of emerging market countries.
PIMCO
may invest in derivative instruments, such as futures contracts or swap
agreements, or in mortgage- or asset-backed securities, subject to applicable
law and any other restrictions described in the Fund’s prospectus or Statement
of Additional Information. PIMCO may purchase or sell securities on a
when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment basis and may engage in
short sales. PIMCO may seek to obtain market exposure to the securities in which
it primarily invests by entering into a series of purchase and sale contracts or
by using other investment techniques (such as buy backs or dollar rolls).
82
BRIDGE
BUILDER MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of the Municipal Bond Fund is to provide current income
exempt from federal tax, with a secondary goal of preservation of investment
principal. This investment objective is non-fundamental; that is, it can be
changed by a vote of the Board alone and without a shareholder vote.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Municipal Bond Fund will invest, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of
its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in
municipal securities of any maturity or duration whose interest is exempt from
federal income tax. This policy is a fundamental policy of the Municipal Bond
Fund and may not be changed without approval of the Municipal Bond Fund’s
shareholders. These municipal securities include debt obligations issued by or
on behalf of a state or local entity or other qualifying issuer that pay
interest that is, in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, generally
excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes (except that the
interest may be includable in taxable income for certain taxpayers subject to
the Federal AMT). Municipal securities may be obligations of a variety of
issuers, including state or local entities or other qualifying issuers. Issuers
may be states, territories, and possessions of the United States and the
District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies, and
instrumentalities. Certain municipal securities are either pre-refunded or
escrowed-to-maturity, meaning that U.S. government obligations are placed in an
escrow account with principal and interest payments from the U.S. government
bonds used to secure the payment of principal and interest payments due to the
holders of the municipal securities.
The
Municipal Bond Fund invests in municipal securities financing projects,
including but not limited to those relating to education, health care, and
transportation. The Municipal Bond Fund also invests in U.S. Treasury futures
and buys or sells futures to gain or hedge exposure to risk factors, for
speculative purposes or as a substitute for investing in conventional fixed
income securities. In addition, the Municipal Bond Fund may invest in privately
issued securities (e.g., Rule 144A
securities) and other investment companies, including open-end or closed-end
investment companies and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that have
characteristics that are consistent with the Municipal Bond Fund’s investment
objective. The Municipal Bond Fund may purchase or sell securities which it is
eligible to purchase or sell on a when-issued and delayed-delivery basis and may
make contracts to purchase or sell such securities for a fixed price at a future
date beyond normal settlement time (forward commitments). The purchase or sale
of securities on a when-issued basis or on a delayed delivery basis or through a
forward commitment involves the purchase or sale of securities by the Municipal
Bond Fund at an established price with payment and delivery taking place in the
future.
Additionally,
the Municipal Bond Fund may invest in securities rated below investment grade,
also known as “junk bonds,” or in unrated securities that a Sub-adviser believes
are of comparable quality. Investment grade securities are those securities that
are rated at or above Baa3 by Moody’s, BBB- by S&P, or an equivalent rating
by another NRSRO, or securities that are unrated but deemed by the Sub-adviser
to be comparable in quality to instruments that are so rated.
The
Municipal Bond Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions
that are inconsistent with the Municipal Bond Fund’s principal investment
strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, liquidity,
political or other conditions. For example, during such period, 100% of the
Municipal Bond Fund’s assets may be invested in short-term, high-quality fixed
income securities, cash or cash equivalents. Temporary defensive positions may
be initiated by the individual Sub-advisers or by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser
and/or the Adviser judges that market conditions make pursuing the Municipal
Bond Fund’s investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of its
shareholders. A Sub-adviser and/or the Adviser then may temporarily use these
alternative strategies that are mainly designed to limit the Municipal Bond
Fund’s losses or to create liquidity in anticipation of redemptions. When the
Municipal Bond Fund takes temporary defensive positions, it may not achieve its
investment objective. For the avoidance of doubt, the Municipal Bond Fund may
invest without limitation in taxable securities as a temporary measure for
defensive purposes and these investments may prevent the Municipal Bond Fund
from meeting its investment objective.
From
time to time, the Municipal Bond Fund may invest in short-term, high quality
investments, including, for example, commercial paper, bankers’ acceptances,
certificates of deposit, bank time deposits, repurchase agreements, and
investments in money market funds or similar pooled investments.
83
The
Municipal Bond Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment
styles and strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will be
retained by the Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary and
external research and securities selection processes to manage its allocated
portion of the Municipal Bond Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser
determines to take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better
investment opportunity, or when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities
no longer represent relatively attractive investment opportunities. A
Sub-adviser may also sell portfolio securities because of deterioration in the
credit fundamentals of the issuer or to readjust the duration or asset
allocation of its portion of the Municipal Bond Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser allocates assets of the Municipal Bond fund to the following
Sub-advisers: BlackRock, FIAM, MacKay Shields, and T. Rowe Price. The Adviser
may adjust allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations
to the Board with respect to the hiring, termination or replacement of a
Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment
strategies.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
takes a top-down, bottom-up approach with a flexible investment framework in
managing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets. The investment process
begins with setting a macro outlook and broad strategy guidelines around credit,
duration, yield curve, structure, and liquidity. Portfolio management works
closely with BlackRock’s credit research team to determine which sectors of the
municipal market provide the most value and should be overweight and which
should be underweight. Once a sector view is established, BlackRock’s credit
research team works to identify securities that provide the best risk reward
profile. BlackRock’s security selection process is based on its relative value
outlook and the quantitative assessment of the security and portfolio. In
managing its allocated portion of the Fund’s assets, BlackRock seeks total
return derived primarily from coupon interest, and secondarily, capital
appreciation.
FIAM’s
Principal Investment Strategies
FIAM
uses a municipal bond index as a guide in structuring and selecting its
investments for its allocated portion of the Municipal Bond Fund’s assets. This
municipal bond index represents FIAM’s view of how the portfolio’s competitive
universe will perform over time. This index, a market value-weighted index of
short to intermediate investment-grade fixed-rate municipal bonds with a certain
maturity range, is designed to represent FIAM’ view of its intermediate
municipal investment mandate. From time to time, FIAM may change the index or
the characteristics of the index in response to changes in the market.
Normally,
FIAM invests in investment-grade municipal securities. FIAM considers multiple
factors when selecting investments, including the credit quality of the issuer,
security-specific features, current valuation relative to alternatives in the
market, short-term trading opportunities resulting from market inefficiencies,
and potential future valuation. FIAM allocates assets among different market
sectors (for example, general obligation bonds of a state or bonds financing a
specific project) and different maturities based on its view of the relative
value of each sector or maturity.
In
managing exposure to various risks, including interest rate risk, FIAM
considers, among other things, the market’s overall risk characteristics, the
market’s current pricing of those risks, and internal views of potential future
market conditions.
MacKay
Shields’ Principal Investment Strategies
MacKay
Shields’ investment philosophy is centered on the belief that strong long-term
performance can be achieved through an actively managed, research-driven,
relative-value approach. MacKay Shields’ investment strategy combines a top-down
macro view with bottom-up credit research driven security selection. MacKay
Shields’ investment discipline begins by outlining a macro view of the economy,
interest rates, inflation and both national and regional political concerns. The
top-down component guides decisions relating to the Fund’s credit distribution,
sector distribution, state exposure and yield curve positioning. The investment
strategy seeks to maintain duration neutrality, typically expressed as a range
around the duration of the relevant benchmark. MacKay Shields’ approach is
driven by fundamental bottom-up security analysis using deep credit research and
spread analysis. In doing so, the investment process seeks to identify
mispricings and opportunities for total return with an emphasis and focus on
risk management.
84
BRIDGE
BUILDER MUNICIPAL HIGH-INCOME BOND FUND
Investment
Objective
The
investment objective of the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund is to provide
current income exempt from federal tax. This investment objective is
non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board alone and
without a shareholder vote.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund will invest, under normal market conditions, at
least 80% of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment
purposes) in municipal securities of any maturity or duration whose interest is
exempt from federal income tax. This policy is a fundamental policy of the
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund and may not be changed without approval of the
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s shareholders. These municipal securities
include debt obligations issued by or on behalf of a state or local entity or
other qualifying issuer that pay interest that is, in the opinion of bond
counsel to the issuer, generally excludable from gross income for federal income
tax purposes (except that the interest may be includable in taxable income for
certain taxpayers subject to the Federal AMT). Municipal securities may be
obligations of a variety of issuers, including state or local entities or other
qualifying issuers. Issuers may be states, territories, and possessions of the
United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions,
agencies, and instrumentalities. Certain municipal securities are either
pre-refunded or escrowed-to-maturity, meaning that U.S. government obligations
are placed in an escrow account with principal and interest payments from the
U.S. government bonds used to secure the payment of principal and interest
payments due to the holders of the municipal securities.
The
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund invests at least 50% of its assets in municipal
securities rated Baa1 or lower by Moody’s, BBB+ or lower by S&P, or an
equivalent rating by another NRSRO, or in unrated securities that a Sub-adviser
of the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund believes are of comparable quality. Such
investments include municipal securities rated below investment grade, also
known as “junk bonds,” which are municipal securities rated Ba1 or lower by
Moody’s, BB+ or lower by S&P, or an equivalent rating by another NRSRO, or
in unrated securities that the Sub-adviser believes are of comparable quality.
The
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund invests in municipal securities including, but
not limited to, municipal bonds related to financing projects such as those
relating to education, health care, and transportation. The Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund also invests in futures and buys or sells futures to gain
or hedge exposure to risk factors, for speculative purposes or as a substitute
for investing in conventional fixed income securities. In addition, the
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund may invest in privately issued securities (e.g.,
Rule 144A securities) and other investment companies, including open-end or
closed-end investment companies and ETFs that have characteristics that are
consistent with the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s investment objective. The
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund may purchase or sell securities which it is
eligible to purchase or sell on a when-issued and delayed-delivery basis and may
make contracts to purchase or sell such securities for a fixed price at a future
date beyond normal settlement time (forward commitments). The purchase or sale
of securities on a when-issued basis or on a delayed delivery basis or through a
forward commitment involves the purchase or sale of securities by the Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund at an established price with payment and delivery taking
place in the future.
The
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive
positions that are inconsistent with the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s
principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market,
economic, liquidity, political or other conditions. For example, during such
period, 100% of the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s assets may be invested in
short-term, high-quality fixed income securities, cash or cash equivalents.
Temporary defensive positions may be initiated by the individual Sub-advisers or
by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser and/or the Adviser judges that market
conditions make pursuing the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s investment
strategies inconsistent with the best interests of its shareholders. A
Sub-adviser and/or the Adviser then may temporarily use these alternative
strategies that are mainly designed to limit the Municipal High-Income Bond
Fund’s losses or to create liquidity in anticipation of redemptions. When the
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund takes temporary defensive positions, it may not
achieve its investment objective. For the avoidance of doubt, the Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund may invest without limitation in taxable securities as a
temporary measure for defensive purposes and these investments may prevent the
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund from meeting its investment objective.
85
From
time to time, the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund may invest in short-term, high
quality investments, including, for example, commercial paper, bankers’
acceptances, certificates of deposit, bank time deposits, repurchase agreements,
and investments in money market funds or similar pooled investments.
The
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the
investment styles and strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will
be retained by the Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary
and external research and securities selection processes to manage its allocated
portion of the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser
determines to take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better
investment opportunity, or when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities
no longer represent relatively attractive investment opportunities. A
Sub-adviser may also sell portfolio securities because of deterioration in the
credit fundamentals of the issuer or to readjust the duration or asset
allocation of its portion of the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s investment
portfolio.
The
Adviser may allocate assets of the Fund to the following Sub-advisers: Capital
International and T. Rowe Price. The Adviser may adjust allocations to the
Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board with respect to
the hiring, termination or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of
each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
Capital
International’s Principal Investment Strategies
Capital
International’s investment philosophy is to seek to invest in attractively
priced securities that, in its opinion, represent good, long-term investment
opportunities. Capital International uses a system of multiple portfolio
managers in managing its allocated portion of the Municipal High-Income Bond
Fund’s assets. Under this approach, its allocated portion of the Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund’s assets is divided into segments managed by individual
portfolio managers. With respect to its allocated portion of the Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund’s assets, Capital International primarily invests in
municipal securities that provide income exempt from federal personal income tax
and may subject certain taxpayers to the Federal AMT. Under normal
circumstances, Capital International invests at least 50% of its allocated
portion of the Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s assets in municipal securities
rated BBB+ or below or Baa1 or below by an NRSRO, or unrated but determined by
Capital International to be of equivalent quality. Such investments may include
junk bonds. In selecting securities for its allocated portion of the Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund’s assets, Capital International may accept risks to
capital value that it deems prudent to take advantage of opportunities for
higher current income on municipal securities in which it invests. Capital
International may sell securities when it believes that they no longer represent
relatively attractive investment opportunities.
T.
Rowe Price’s Principal Investment Strategies
T.
Rowe Price’s active investment management approach emphasizes the value of
in-depth fundamental credit research, diversification and risk management
practices. By using fundamental research, T. Rowe Price seeks to add value
through sector weights (emphasizing higher yielding revenue bonds at the expense
of state and local general obligation debt) and issue selection over a full
market cycle. The goal of this approach is to build a yield advantage into the
portfolio while still taking a risk-conscious approach. Risk management includes
managing the portfolio’s duration (which is a measurement of the price
sensitivity of a bond or bond fund to changes in interest rates), while also
focusing on striking a balance between (i) having conviction (and an
overweight allocation) in certain sectors and (ii) not being
disproportionately dependent on any one sector or portfolio exposure. T. Rowe
Price will invest in investment grade bonds, as well as below investment grade
bonds.
86
BRIDGE
BUILDER LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
Investment
Objective
The
Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment objective is to provide capital appreciation.
The Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental; that is, it
can be changed by a vote of the Board alone and without a shareholder vote upon
at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Large Cap Growth Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of
its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in the
securities of large capitalization companies and other instruments, such as
certain investment companies (see below) that seek to track the performance of
securities of large capitalization companies. This investment policy may be
changed by the Board without shareholder approval, but shareholders would be
given at least 60 days’ prior notice of such change.
The
Large Cap Growth Fund defines large capitalization companies as companies whose
market capitalizations at the time of purchase typically fall within the range
of the Russell 1000®
Index (as of July 1, 2023, companies with capitalizations greater than $2.4
billion). The market capitalization of companies included in the Russell
1000® Index will change
with market conditions. While the Large Cap Growth Fund primarily invests in
equity securities of large capitalization companies, it may also invest in
securities of medium or small capitalization companies. The Large Cap Growth
Fund may invest in securities issued by U.S. and foreign entities, including
emerging market securities. The Large Cap Growth Fund may invest in ADRs or
GDRs. The Large Cap Growth Fund may also invest in other investment companies,
including other open-end or closed-end investment companies and ETFs that have
characteristics that are consistent with the Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment
objective. The Large Cap Growth Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in
futures contracts, principally for cash equitization purposes, and in securities
of REITs, which are companies that own and/or manage real estate properties. The
Fund may, from time to time, invest a significant portion of its total assets in
securities of companies in certain sectors. As of September 29, 2023, the
Fund had significant exposure to securities of companies in the information
technology sector. The Large Cap Growth Fund follows an investing style that
favors growth investments.
The
Large Cap Growth Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are
inconsistent with its principal investment strategies in attempting to respond
to unusual and adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. For
example, during such a period, up to 100% of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s assets
may be invested in short-term, high-quality fixed income securities, cash, or
cash equivalents. Temporary defensive positions may be initiated by the
individual Sub-advisers or by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser or the Adviser
judges that market conditions make pursuing the Large Cap Growth Fund’s
investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of shareholders. A
Sub-adviser or the Adviser may then temporarily use these alternative strategies
that are mainly designed to limit the Large Cap Growth Fund’s losses or to
create liquidity in anticipation of redemption. When the Large Cap Growth Fund
takes temporary defensive positions, it may not achieve its investment
objective.
The
Large Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment
styles and strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will be
retained by the Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary and
external research and securities selection processes to manage its allocated
portion of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser allocates assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund to the following
Sub-advisers: BlackRock, Jennison, Lazard, and SGA. The Adviser may adjust
allocations to the Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board
with respect to the hiring, termination or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below
is a summary of each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
87
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in equity securities with the objective of approximating as closely as
practicable the capitalization weighted total rate of return of the segment of
the United States market for publicly traded equity securities represented by
the 1,000 largest capitalized companies. Of those 1,000 companies, the Russell
1000® Growth Index
represents those with a greater-than-median orientation towards growth.
Companies in this index generally have higher forecasted growth values than more
value-oriented securities. The criterion for the selection of investments is the
Russell 1000® Growth
Index. When deemed appropriate by BlackRock, BlackRock may invest a portion of
the assets allocated to it by the Adviser in futures contracts for the purpose
of acting as a temporary substitute for investment in equity securities included
in the Russell 1000®
Growth Index. Derivatives may be used as a means to invest small liquidity
balances and accruals.
Jennison’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Jennison
seeks to invest in large capitalization securities whose price will increase
over the long term. It invests in equity and equity-related securities of
companies that it believes have strong capital appreciation potential. In
deciding which equities to buy, Jennison follows a highly disciplined investment
selection and management process of identifying companies that show superior
absolute and relative earnings growth and also are believed to be attractively
valued. Jennison’s confidence in potential issuer earnings is an important part
of the selection process. Jennison evaluates a company’s value by examining
fundamental metrics such as price to forward earnings, price to book value,
price to sales, and enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization.
Lazard’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Lazard
invests primarily in equity securities, principally common stocks, of companies
that Lazard believes have strong and/or improving financial productivity and are
undervalued based on their earnings, cash flow, or asset values. Although Lazard
generally focuses on large capitalization companies, the market capitalizations
of issuers in which Lazard invests may vary with market conditions, and Lazard
also may invest in medium capitalization and small capitalization companies.
SGA’s
Principal Investment Strategies
SGA
uses an investment process to identify large capitalization companies that it
believes have a high degree of predictability, strong profitability, and above
average earnings and cash flow growth. SGA seeks to identify companies that
exhibit characteristics such as pricing power, repeat revenue streams, and
global reach that, in SGA’s judgment, have the potential for long-term earnings
growth within the context of low business risk. SGA employs an intensive
internal research and a bottom-up stock selection approach. SGA selects
investments that it believes have superior long-term earnings prospects and
attractive valuation. SGA seeks to sell a portfolio holding when it believes the
security’s fundamentals deteriorate, its valuation is no longer attractive, or a
better investment opportunity arises.
88
BRIDGE
BUILDER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
Investment
Objective
The
Large Cap Value Fund’s investment objective is to provide capital appreciation.
The Large Cap Value Fund’s investment objective is non-fundamental; that is, it
can be changed by a vote of the Board alone and without a shareholder vote upon
at least 60 days’ prior written notice to shareholders.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Large Cap Value Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of
its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in the
securities of large capitalization companies and other instruments, such as
certain investment companies (see below), that seek to track the performance of
securities of large capitalization companies. This investment policy may be
changed by the Board without shareholder approval, but shareholders would be
given at least 60 days’ prior notice of such change.
The
Large Cap Value Fund defines large capitalization companies as companies whose
market capitalizations at the time of purchase typically fall within the range
of the Russell 1000®
Index (as of July 1, 2023, companies with capitalizations greater than $2.4
billion). The market capitalization of the companies included in the Russell
1000® Index will change
with market conditions. While the Large Cap Value Fund primarily invests in
equity securities of large capitalization companies, it may also invest in
securities of medium and small capitalization companies. The Large Cap Value
Fund may invest in securities issued by U.S. and foreign entities. The Large Cap
Value Fund may invest in ADRs or GDRs. The Large Cap Value Fund may also invest
in other investment companies, including other open-end or closed-end investment
companies and ETFs that have characteristics that are consistent with the Large
Cap Value’s Fund’s investment objective. The Large Cap Value Fund may also
invest a portion of its assets in futures contracts, principally for cash
equitization purposes, and in securities of REITs, which are companies that own
and/or manage real estate properties. The Large Cap Value Fund follows an
investing style that favors value investments.
The
Large Cap Value Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are
inconsistent with its principal investment strategies in attempting to respond
to unusual and adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. For
example, during such a period, up to 100% of the Large Cap Value Fund’s assets
may be invested in short-term, high-quality fixed income securities, cash, or
cash equivalents. Temporary defensive positions may be initiated by the
individual Sub-advisers or by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser or the Adviser
judges that market conditions make pursuing the Large Cap Value Fund’s
investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of shareholders. A
Sub-adviser or the Adviser may then temporarily use these alternative strategies
that are mainly designed to limit the Large Cap Value Fund’s losses or to create
liquidity in anticipation of redemptions. When the Large Cap Value Fund takes
temporary defensive positions, it may not achieve its investment objective.
The
Large Cap Value Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment
styles and strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will be
retained by the Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary and
external research and securities selection processes to manage its allocated
portion of the Large Cap Value Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Large Cap Value Fund’s investment portfolio.
The
Adviser allocates assets of the Large Cap Value Fund to the following
Sub-advisers: Artisan Partners, Barrow Hanley, BlackRock, LSV, T. Rowe Price,
and Wellington Management. The Adviser may adjust allocations to the
Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board with respect to
the hiring, termination or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of
each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
Artisan
Partners’ Principal Investment Strategies
Artisan
Partners employs a fundamental investment process to construct a diversified
portfolio of equity securities across a broad capitalization range. It seeks to
invest in companies that are undervalued, in solid financial condition, and have
attractive business economics. Artisan Partners believes that companies with
these characteristics are less likely to experience eroding values over the long
term.
89
Artisan
Partners values a business using what it believes are reasonable expectations
for the long-term earnings power and capitalization rates of that business. This
results in a range of values for the company that Artisan Partners believes
would be reasonable. Artisan Partners generally will purchase a security if the
stock price falls below or toward the lower end of that range.
Artisan
Partners prefers companies with an acceptable level of debt and positive cash
flow. At a minimum, Artisan Partners seeks to avoid companies that have so much
debt that management may be unable to make decisions that would be in the best
interest of the companies’ shareholders. Artisan Partners favors cash-producing
businesses that it believes are capable of earning acceptable returns on capital
over the company’s business cycle.
Barrow
Hanley’s Principal Investment Strategies
Barrow
Hanley invests primarily in large capitalization securities. As a traditional
value manager, Barrow Hanley searches for companies that are temporarily
undervalued for reasons Barrow Hanley can identify, understand, and believe will
improve over time. In its valuation framework, Barrow Hanley strives to
construct portfolios that trade at levels below the market across multiple
metrics, such as the price-to-earnings and the price-to-book ratios, while
simultaneously delivering an above-market dividend yield. Barrow Hanley’s goal
is to generate alpha by building a high active share portfolio with an
asymmetrical risk/return profile that maximizes upside potential while
minimizing risk.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in equity securities with the objective of approximating as closely as
practicable the capitalization weighted total rate of return of the segment of
the United States market for publicly traded equity securities represented by
the 1,000 largest capitalized companies. Of those 1,000 companies, the Russell
1000® Value Index
represents those with a less-than-median orientation towards growth. Companies
in this index generally have low price-to-book and price-to-earnings ratios,
higher dividend yields, and lower forecasted growth values than more
growth-oriented securities. The criterion for the selection of investments is
the Russell 1000® Value
Index. When deemed appropriate by BlackRock, BlackRock may invest a portion of
the assets allocated to it in futures contracts for the purpose of acting as a
temporary substitute for investment in equity securities included in the Russell
1000® Value Index.
Derivatives may be used as a means to invest small liquidity balances and
accruals.
LSV’s
Principal Investment Strategies
LSV
uses a deep value, bottom-up investment approach, employing fundamental and
qualitative criteria to evaluate and select securities of large and medium
capitalization companies that it feels are trading at a substantial discount to
their intrinsic value. LSV follows an active investment strategy, focusing on
using data and financial information and combining such information with the
rigor of a quantitative model.
LSV’s
active investment strategy uses a quantitative investment model to evaluate and
recommend investment decisions for the Large Cap Value Fund in a bottom-up,
contrarian value approach.
The
primary components of the quantitative model are:
|
● |
|
traditional
value measures, such as price-to-earnings, price-to-cash flow, and
price-to-book ratios; |
|
● |
|
indicators
that rank companies on long-term past performance using a combination of
market indicators and fundamentals; |
|
● |
|
focus
on short-term signs of improvement to help identify whether the market is
beginning to change its assessment of an undervalued stock in a positive
position; and |
|
● |
|
control
of incremental risk relative to the benchmark index.
|
All
such indicators are measured relative to the overall universe of large and
medium capitalization companies.
T.
Rowe Price’s Principal Investment Strategies
T.
Rowe Price’s active investment approach emphasizes the value of
large-capitalization stocks that have a strong track record of paying dividends
or that are believed to be undervalued. T. Rowe Price typically employs a
“value” approach
90
in
selecting investments. T. Rowe Price’s in-house research team seeks companies
that appear to be undervalued by various measures and may be temporarily out of
favor but have good prospects for capital appreciation and dividend growth. In
selecting investments for its allocated portion of the Large Cap Value Fund, T.
Rowe Price generally looks for companies in the aggregate with one or more of
the following: an established operating history; above-average dividend yield
relative to the broader equity market; low price/earnings ratio relative to the
broader equity market; a sound balance sheet and other positive financial
characteristics; or low stock price relative to a company’s underlying value as
measured by assets, cash flow, or business franchises. T. Rowe Price typically
invests in U.S. common stocks and may invest in foreign stocks. The portion of
the Large Cap Value Fund managed by T. Rowe Price may also at times invest
significantly in certain sectors, such as the financials sector.
Wellington
Management’s Principal Investment Strategies
Wellington
Management invests primarily in equity securities. Although Wellington
Management may invest in the securities of companies with any market
capitalization, Wellington Management normally invests a significant portion of
its assets in the equity securities of large capitalization companies.
Wellington Management may invest in REITs and foreign securities, including
ADRs.
Wellington
Management seeks to provide total returns in excess of the broader market over
the long term by identifying companies that Wellington Management expects to
consistently return cash to shareholders in the form of a growing dividend.
Wellington Management uses substantial proprietary, fundamental research
resources to identify companies with superior prospects for dividend growth and
capital appreciation that sell at reasonable valuation levels. Wellington
Management believes that above average growth in dividends is an effective and
often overlooked indicator of higher quality, shareholder-oriented companies
that have the ability to produce consistent, above-average returns over the long
term.
Wellington
Management’s investment philosophy rests on the belief that the best investments
over long periods of time are in companies that balance value creation and value
distribution. Wellington Management seeks companies that are good stewards of
capital with a long history of growing and paying dividends and a proven ability
to innovate over many market cycles. Wellington Management looks for companies
with good profitability, strong cash flow generation, and moderate payout
ratios.
91
BRIDGE
BUILDER SMALL/MID CAP GROWTH FUND
Investment
Objective
The
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment objective is to provide capital
appreciation. The Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment objective is
non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board alone and
without a shareholder vote upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80%
of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in the
securities of small and mid-capitalization companies and other instruments, such
as certain investment companies (see below), that seek to track the performance
of securities of small and mid-capitalization companies. The investment policy
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval, but shareholders would
be given at least 60 days’ prior notice of such change.
The
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund defines small and mid-capitalization companies as
companies whose market capitalizations at the time of purchase typically fall
within the range of the Russell MidCap® Index and the Russell
2000® Index (as of April
28, 2023, companies with capitalizations between approximately $159.5 million
and $47 billion). The market capitalization of the companies included in
the Russell MidCap® Index
and the Russell 2000®
Index will change with market conditions.
While
the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund primarily invests in equity securities of small
and mid-capitalization companies, it may also invest in securities of large
capitalization companies. The Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund may invest in securities
issued by U.S. and foreign entities. The Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund may invest in
ADRs or GDRs. The Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund may also invest in other investment
companies, including other open-end or closed-end investment companies and ETFs
that have characteristics that are consistent with the Small/Mid Cap Growth
Fund’s investment objective. The Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund may also invest a
portion of its assets in futures contracts, principally for cash equitization
purposes. The Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund may also invest a portion of its assets
in securities of REITs, which are companies that own and/or manage real estate
properties. The Fund may, from time to time, invest a significant portion of its
total assets in securities of companies in certain sectors. As of
September 29, 2023, the Fund had significant exposure to securities of
companies in the information technology sector. The Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund
follows an investing style that favors growth investments.
The
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are
inconsistent with its principal investment strategies in attempting to respond
to unusual and adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. For
example, during such a period, up to 100% of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s
assets may be invested in short-term, high-quality fixed income securities,
cash, or cash equivalents. Temporary defensive positions may be initiated by the
individual Sub-advisers or by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser or the Adviser
judges that market conditions make pursuing the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s
investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of shareholders. A
Sub-adviser or the Adviser may then temporarily use these alternative strategies
that are mainly designed to limit the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s losses or to
create liquidity in anticipation of redemption. When the Small/Mid Cap Growth
Fund takes temporary defensive positions, it may not achieve its investment
objective.
The
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment
styles and strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will be
retained by the Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary and
external research and securities selection processes to manage its allocated
portion of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s investment
portfolio.
The
Adviser allocates assets of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund to the following
Sub-advisers: Artisan Partners, BlackRock, Champlain, Driehaus, Eagle, SIMG, and
Victory Capital. The Adviser may adjust allocations to the Sub-
92
advisers
at any time or make recommendations to the Board with respect to the hiring,
termination or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of each
Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
Artisan
Partners’ Principal Investment Strategies
Artisan
Partners’ investment team employs a fundamental investment process to construct
a diversified portfolio of U.S. mid-capitalization growth companies. The team
seeks to invest in companies that it believes possess franchise characteristics,
are benefiting from an accelerating profit cycle and are trading at a discount
to its estimate of private market value. The team’s investment process focuses
on two distinct elements – security selection and capital allocation. The team
overlays its investment process with broad knowledge of the global economy.
Security Selection—The team seeks to identify
companies that have franchise characteristics (e.g., low cost production
capability, possession of a proprietary asset, dominant market share or a
defensible brand name), are benefiting from an accelerating profit cycle and are
trading at a discount to the team’s estimate of private market value. The team
looks for companies that are well positioned for long-term growth, which is
driven by demand for their products and services at an early enough stage in
their profit cycle to benefit from the increased cash flows produced by the
emerging profit cycle.
Capital Allocation—Based on the team’s
fundamental analysis of a company’s profit cycle, it divides the portfolio into
three parts. GardenSM
investments are small positions in the early part of their profit cycle that may
warrant more sizeable allocations as their profit cycle accelerates. CropSM investments are positions
that are being increased to a full weight because the team believes they are
moving through the strongest part of their profit cycles. HarvestSM investments are positions
that are being reduced as they near the team’s estimates of full valuation or
their profit cycles begin to decelerate.
Broad Knowledge—The team overlays the security
selection and capital allocation elements of its investment process with a
desire to invest opportunistically in U.S. mid-capitalization growth companies
with exposure to the global economy. The team seeks broad knowledge of the
global economy in order to position it to find growth.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in equity securities with the objective of approximating as closely as
practicable the capitalization weighted total rate of return of the segments of
the United States market for publicly traded equity securities as represented by
the Russell Midcap®
Growth Index and the Russell 2000® Growth Index. The Russell
Midcap® Growth Index
measures the performance of mid-capitalization companies represented in the
Russell Midcap® Index
with higher price/book ratios and higher predicted and historical growth rates.
The Russell 2000® Growth
Index measures the performance of small capitalization companies represented in
the Russell 2000® Index
with higher price/book ratios and higher predicted and historical growth rates.
When deemed appropriate by BlackRock, BlackRock may invest assets of its
allocated portion of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund in futures contracts for the
purpose of acting as a temporary substitute for investment in equity securities
included in the Russell Midcap® Growth Index and the Russell
2000® Growth Index.
BlackRock may use derivatives as a means to invest small liquidity balances and
accruals.
Champlain’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Champlain
seeks capital appreciation by investing mainly in common stocks of medium-sized
companies that it believes have strong long-term fundamentals, superior capital
appreciation potential, and attractive valuations. Through the consistent
execution of a fundamental bottom-up investment process, which focuses on an
analysis of individual companies, Champlain expects to identify a diversified
universe of medium-sized companies that trade at a discount to their estimated
intrinsic or fair values.
Driehaus’
Principal Investment Strategies
Driehaus
primarily invests in the equity securities of U.S. small capitalization and U.S.
medium capitalization companies which will generally be, at the time of
investment, within the capitalization range of those companies
93
included
in the Russell 2500®
Growth Index without regard to the index’s float adjustment. For the avoidance
of doubt, while the reference index is “float-adjusted,” meaning it excludes
closely held and other shares unavailable to investors, Driehaus does not
consider a float-adjustment when determining the market capitalization of a
company. Securities of companies whose market capitalization no longer meets
this definition after purchase may continue to be held by the Small/Mid Cap
Growth Fund. Driehaus may also invest in companies with limited or no operating
histories. Driehaus does not employ any industry or sector focus but may from
time to time have greater exposure to the securities of issuers within the same
industry or sector. Driehaus frequently and actively trades its portfolio
securities.
Investment
decisions for Driehaus’ growth style of investing are based on Driehaus’ belief
that fundamentally strong companies are more likely to generate superior
earnings growth on a sustained basis and are more likely to experience positive
earnings revisions. These decisions involve evaluating a company’s competitive
position, evaluating industry dynamics, identifying potential growth catalysts
and assessing the financial position of the company. An investment decision is
also based on the evaluation by Driehaus of relative valuation, macroeconomic
and behavioral factors affecting the company and its stock price. Driehaus sells
holdings for a variety of reasons, including to take profits, changes to the
fundamental investment thesis, changes in the risk/reward assessment of the
holding, an assessment that the holding is efficiently priced, to make room for
more attractive ideas or for other portfolio or risk management considerations.
Eagle’s
Principal Investment Strategies
During
normal market conditions, Eagle primarily invests in the equity securities of
small capitalization companies. When making investment decisions, Eagle
generally focuses on investing in the securities of small capitalization
companies that demonstrate growth potential at a price that does not appear to
reflect the company’s true underlying value.
Eagle
uses a three-pronged investment philosophy when evaluating potential additions
to the portfolio – quality, valuation, and balance. Eagle seeks quality by
investing in companies with superior cash-flow generation, management teams with
a successful record of business strategy execution, sustainable growth, and a
defensive business model. It seeks attractive valuation using market
fluctuations as opportunistic entry points. Finally, Eagle attempts to balance
the portfolio through sector-weight policies that provide diversification across
major economic sectors.
SIMG’s
Principal Investment Strategies
SIMG
evaluates and selects securities of both mid-capitalization and small
capitalization companies. SIMG believes that securities of mid-capitalization
and small capitalization companies have the opportunity to appreciate more
quickly than larger capitalization companies due to greater market
inefficiencies. SIMG attributes these inefficiencies primarily to lower levels
of research coverage in this area of the market.
SIMG
believes that earnings growth drives stock performance. SIMG uses a disciplined,
bottom-up investment selection process that combines both fundamental analysis
and the use of proprietary quantitative tools and screens to identify companies
that exhibit potential for superior earnings growth that is unrecognized by the
markets. SIMG has two screens – one for core growth stocks and one for catalyst
stocks. Core growth stocks have strong growth franchises, recurring revenue, and
above-average growth rates; catalyst stocks, in comparison, are experiencing
change that could lead to accelerated earnings growth. There are common elements
in both types of stocks, such as higher forward growth rates, above-median
price/earnings ratios, higher return on equity, and positive earnings revisions.
Victory
Capital’s Principal Investment Strategies
Victory
Capital primarily invests in the equity securities of small capitalization
companies. Victory Capital employs both fundamental analysis and quantitative
screening in seeking to identify companies that the investment team believes
will produce sustainable earnings growth over a multi-year horizon. Investment
candidates typically exhibit some or all of the following key criteria: strong
organic revenue growth, expanding margins and profitability, innovative products
or services, defensible competitive advantages, growing market share, and
experienced management teams. Victory Capital seeks to categorize each potential
investment based on its view of a company’s
94
stage
of development on a spectrum that identifies companies as promising, developing,
or proven. Valuation is an integral part of the growth investment process.
Purchase decisions are based on Victory Capital’s expectation of the potential
reward relative to risk of each security based in part on its proprietary
earnings calculations.
Victory
Capital regularly reviews the investments held in Victory Capital’s allocated
portion of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s assets allocated to Victory Capital
and will sell securities when it believes the securities are no longer
attractive because (1) of a deterioration in rank of the security in
accordance with its process, (2) of price appreciation, (3) of a
change in the fundamental outlook of the company or (4) other investments
available are considered to be more attractive.
As
a result of this investment process, the investments in the portion of the
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s assets allocated to Victory Capital may from time to
time be focused in one or more economic sectors from time to time, including the
information technology and health care sectors, and may from time to time
generate portfolio turnover, with respect to Victory Capital’s allocated portion
of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s assets, in excess of 100%.
95
BRIDGE
BUILDER SMALL/MID CAP VALUE FUND
Investment
Objective
The
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s investment objective is to provide capital
appreciation. The Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s investment objective is
non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board alone and
without a shareholder vote upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80%
of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in the
securities of small and mid-capitalization companies and other instruments, such
as certain investment companies (see below), that seek to track the performance
of securities of small and mid-capitalization companies. The investment policy
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval, but shareholders would
be given at least 60 days’ prior notice of such change.
The
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund defines small and mid-capitalization companies as
companies whose market capitalizations at the time of purchase typically fall
within the range of the Russell MidCap® Index and the Russell
2000® Index (as of April
28, 2023, companies with capitalizations between approximately $159.5 million
and $47 billion). The market capitalization of the companies included in
the Russell MidCap® Index
and the Russell 2000®
Index will change with market conditions.
The
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund primarily invests in equity securities of small and
mid-capitalization companies but may also invest in securities of large
capitalization companies. The Small/Mid Cap Value Fund may invest in securities
issued by U.S. and foreign entities. The Small/Mid Cap Value Fund may invest in
ADRs or GDRs. The Small/Mid Cap Value Fund may also invest in other investment
companies, including other open-end or closed-end investment companies and ETFs
that have characteristics that are consistent with the Small/Mid Cap Value
Fund’s investment objective. The Small/Mid Cap Value Fund may also invest a
portion of its assets in futures contracts, principally for cash equitization
purposes, and in securities of REITs, which are companies that own and/or manage
real estate properties. The Small/Mid Cap Value Fund follows an investing style
that favors value investments.
The
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are
inconsistent with its principal investment strategies in attempting to respond
to unusual and adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. For
example, during such a period, up to 100% of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s
assets may be invested in short-term, high-quality fixed income securities,
cash, or cash equivalents. Temporary defensive positions may be initiated by the
individual Sub-advisers or by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser or the Adviser
judges that market conditions make pursuing the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s
investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of shareholders. A
Sub-adviser or the Adviser may then temporarily use these alternative strategies
that are mainly designed to limit the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s losses or to
create liquidity in anticipation of redemptions. When the Small/Mid Cap Value
Fund takes temporary defensive positions, it may not achieve its investment
objective.
The
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment
styles and strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will be
retained by the Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary and
external research and securities selection processes to manage its allocated
portion of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s assets.
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s investment
portfolio.
The
Adviser allocates assets of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund to the following
Sub-advisers: American Century, BlackRock, Boston Partners, Diamond Hill, LSV,
MFS, Silvercrest, and Vaughan Nelson. The Adviser may adjust allocations to the
Sub-advisers at any time or make recommendations to the Board with respect to
the hiring, termination or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of
each Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
96
American
Century’s Principal Investment Strategies
Under
normal market conditions, American Century will invest at least 80% of the
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s net assets in equity securities of small
capitalization companies. American Century considers small capitalization
companies to include those with market capitalizations no larger than that of
the largest company in either the S&P Small Cap 600® Index or the Russell
2000® Index. American
Century considers equity securities to include common stock, preferred stock,
and equity-equivalent securities, such as convertible securities, stock futures
contracts or stock index futures contracts. The portfolio managers of American
Century look for stocks of companies that they believe are undervalued at the
time of purchase. The managers use a value investment strategy that looks for
companies that are temporarily out of favor in the market. The managers attempt
to purchase the stocks of these undervalued companies and hold each stock until
it has returned to favor in the market and the price has increased to, or is
higher than, a level the managers believe more accurately reflects the value of
the company. American Century believes that companies may be undervalued due to
market declines, poor economic conditions, actual or anticipated bad news
regarding the issuer or its industry, or because they have been overlooked by
the market. To identify these companies, the portfolio managers look for
companies with earnings, cash flows and/or assets that may not be reflected
accurately in the companies’ stock prices or may be outside the companies’
historical ranges. The managers also may consider whether the companies’
securities have a favorable income-paying history and whether income payments
are expected to continue or increase.
American
Century’s portfolio managers may sell stocks from the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s
portfolio if they believe:
|
● |
|
a
stock no longer meets their valuation criteria; |
|
● |
|
a
stock’s risk parameters outweigh its return opportunity;
|
|
● |
|
more
attractive alternatives are identified; or |
|
● |
|
specific
events alter a stock’s prospects. |
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in equity securities with the objective of approximating as closely as
practicable the capitalization weighted total rate of return of the segments of
the United States market for publicly traded equity securities as represented by
the Russell Midcap® Value
Index and the Russell 2000 Value® Growth Index. The Russell
Midcap® Value Index
measures the performance of mid-capitalization companies represented in the
Russell Midcap® Index
with lower price/book ratios and lower predicted and historical growth rates.
The Russell 2000® Value
Index measures the performance of the small capitalization companies represented
in the Russell 2000®
Index with lower price/book ratios and lower predicted and historical growth
rates. When deemed appropriate by BlackRock, BlackRock may invest assets of its
allocated portion of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund in futures contracts for the
purpose of acting as a temporary substitute for investment in equity securities
included in the Russell Midcap® Value Index and the Russell
2000® Value Index.
BlackRock may use derivatives as a means to invest small liquidity balances and
accruals.
Boston
Partners’ Principal Investment Strategies
Boston
Partners primarily invests in medium capitalization companies. The strategy of
Boston Partners is grounded in bottom-up fundamental analysis. Boston Partners
seeks to identify companies with attractive valuation, sound business
fundamentals, and improving business momentum. Boston Partners’ strategy seeks
to add value through bottom-up stock selection. Boston Partners’ investment
philosophy is that (1) low valuation stocks outperform high valuation
stocks; (2) companies with strong fundamentals, e.g. high and sustainable
returns on invested capital, outperform companies with weak fundamentals; and
(3) stocks with positive business momentum, e.g. rising earnings estimates,
outperform stocks with negative business momentum.
Boston
Partners seeks to construct a well-diversified portfolio that consistently
possesses these three characteristics; Boston Partners aims to limit downside
risk, preserve capital, and maximize the power of compounding.
97
Diamond
Hill’s Principal Investment Strategies
Diamond
Hill typically invests in U.S. equity securities of small to medium market
capitalization companies measured at the time of purchase. Diamond Hill’s
objective with respect to its allocated portion is to seek long-term capital
appreciation by investing in companies selling for less than Diamond Hill’s
estimate of intrinsic value. Diamond Hill focuses on estimating a company’s
value independent of its current stock price. To estimate a company’s value,
Diamond Hill concentrates on the fundamental economic drivers of the business.
The primary focus is on “bottom-up” analysis, which takes into consideration
earnings, revenue growth, operating margins, and other economic factors. Diamond
Hill also considers the level of industry competition, regulatory factors, the
potential for newer technology to make a product or service obsolete, and a
variety of other industry factors. If Diamond Hill’s estimate of a company’s
value differs sufficiently from the current market price, the company may be an
attractive investment opportunity. In constructing a portfolio of securities,
Diamond Hill is not constrained by the sector or industry weights in the
benchmark. Diamond Hill relies on individual stock selection and discipline in
the investment process to add value. The highest portfolio security weights are
assigned to companies where Diamond Hill has the highest level of conviction.
Once a stock is selected, Diamond Hill continues to monitor the company’s
strategies, financial performance, and competitive environment. Diamond Hill may
sell a security as it reaches Diamond Hill’s estimate of the company’s value if
it believes that the company’s earnings, revenue growth, operating margin or
other economic factors are deteriorating; or, if it identifies a stock that it
believes offers a better investment opportunity.
LSV’s
Principal Investment Strategies
LSV
uses a deep value, bottom-up investment approach, employing fundamental and
qualitative criteria to evaluate and select securities of mid-capitalization
companies that it feels are trading at a substantial discount to their intrinsic
value. LSV follows an active investment strategy, focusing on using data and
financial information and combining such information with the rigor of a
quantitative model.
LSV’s
active investment strategy uses a quantitative investment model to evaluate and
recommend investment decisions for the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund in a bottom-up,
contrarian value approach. The primary components of the quantitative model are:
|
● |
|
traditional
value measures, such as price-to-earnings, price-to-cash flow, and
price-to-book ratios; |
|
● |
|
indicators
that rank companies on long-term past performance using a combination of
market indicators and fundamentals; |
|
● |
|
focus
on short-term signs of improvement to help identify whether the market is
beginning to change its assessment of an undervalued stock in a positive
position; and |
|
● |
|
control
of incremental risk relative to the benchmark index.
|
All
such indicators are measured relative to the overall universe of mid cap
companies.
MFS’
Principal Investment Strategies
MFS
primarily invests in securities of companies with small capitalizations. MFS
focuses on investing in the stocks of companies that it believes are undervalued
compared to their perceived worth (value companies). Value companies tend to
have stock prices that are low relative to their earnings, dividends, assets, or
other financial measures. MFS normally invests across different industries and
sectors, but MFS may invest a significant percentage of the portion of the
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund’s assets allocated to MFS in issuers in a single
industry or sector. MFS uses an active bottom-up investment approach to buying
and selling investments. Investments are selected by MFS primarily based on
fundamental analysis of individual issuers and their potential in light of their
financial condition, and market, economic, political, and regulatory conditions.
Factors considered may include analysis of an issuer’s earnings, cash flows,
competitive position, and management ability. MFS may also consider
environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) factors in its fundamental
investment analysis, where MFS believes such factors could materially impact the
economic value of an issuer. ESG factors considered may include, but are not
limited to, climate change, resource depletion, an issuers governance structure
and practices, data protection and privacy issues, and diversity and labor
practices. Quantitative screening tools that systematically evaluate an issuer’s
valuation, price and earnings momentum, earnings quality, and other factors, may
also be considered.
98
Silvercrest’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Silvercrest
primarily invests in small capitalization companies. Silvercrest seeks to invest
in companies that it believes to be undervalued at the time of purchase. These
companies typically possess, in the opinion of the portfolio manager, one or
more of the following attributes:
|
● |
|
Business
that results in relatively consistent longer-term earnings and cash flow
growth; |
|
● |
|
Franchise/asset
value that may make the company attractive to potential acquirers;
|
|
● |
|
Cyclically
depressed earnings and/or cash flow that has potential for improvement; or
|
|
● |
|
A
catalyst that will promote recognition of the company’s undervalued
status. |
Vaughan
Nelson’s Principal Investment Strategies
Vaughan
Nelson primarily invests in mid-capitalization companies with a focus on those
companies meeting Vaughan Nelson’s return expectations. Vaughan Nelson uses a
bottom-up value-oriented investment process in constructing the Small/Mid Cap
Value Fund’s portfolio. Vaughan Nelson seeks companies with the following
characteristics, although not all of the companies selected will have these
attributes:
|
● |
|
Companies
earning a positive return on capital with stable-to-improving returns;
|
|
● |
|
Companies
valued at a discount to their asset value; and |
|
● |
|
Companies
with an attractive and sustainable dividend level.
|
Vaughan
Nelson employs a value-driven investment philosophy that selects stocks selling
at a relatively low value based on business fundamentals, economic margin
analysis, and discounted cash flow models. Vaughan Nelson selects companies that
it believes are out of favor or misunderstood. Vaughan Nelson narrows its
investment universe by using value-driven screens to create a research universe
of companies in its desired market capitalization range. Vaughan Nelson uses
fundamental analysis to construct a portfolio that, in its opinion, is made up
of quality companies with the potential to provide significant increases in
share price over a three-year period. Vaughan Nelson will generally sell a
security when it reaches Vaughan Nelson’s price target or when the issuer shows
a change in financial condition, competitive pressures, poor management
decisions, or internal or external forces reducing future expected returns from
the investment thesis.
99
BRIDGE
BUILDER INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
Investment
Objective
The
International Equity Fund’s investment objective is to provide capital
appreciation. The International Equity Fund’s investment objective is
non-fundamental; that is, it can be changed by a vote of the Board alone and
without a shareholder vote upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to
shareholders.
Principal
Investment Strategies
The
International Equity Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at least 80%
of its net assets (plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes) in
equity securities and other instruments, such as derivative instruments (see
below), with economic characteristics similar to equity securities, and certain
investment companies that seek to track the performance of equity securities.
This investment policy may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval,
but shareholders would be given at least 60 days’ prior notice of such change.
The
International Equity Fund primarily invests in non-U.S. companies. A non-U.S.
company is a company economically tied to a country other than the United
States. In determining whether a company is economically tied to a country other
than the United States, the Adviser or a Sub-adviser will consider whether the
company:
|
● |
|
Is
organized under the laws of a country other than the United States;
|
|
● |
|
Has
a class of securities whose principal securities market is in a country
other than the United States; |
|
● |
|
Has
its principal office in a country other than the United States;
|
|
● |
|
Derives
50% or more of its total revenue or profit from goods produced, sales made
or services provided in one or more countries other than the United
States; or |
|
● |
|
Maintains
50% or more of its assets in one or more countries other than the United
States. |
Such
a determination can also be based on the classifications assigned to a company
by the Fund’s benchmark index provider.
The
International Equity Fund may invest in companies of any capitalization. The
International Equity Fund invests principally in equity securities issued by
companies in developed countries, but may also invest in emerging markets or
developing countries. The International Equity Fund may also invest in U.S.
dollar-denominated securities issued by foreign entities, ADRs, or GDRs. The
International Equity Fund may also invest in other investment companies,
including other open-end or closed-end investment companies and ETFs, that have
characteristics that are consistent with the International Equity Fund’s
investment objective. The International Equity Fund may also invest a portion of
its assets in securities REITs that own and/or manage properties. From time to
time, the International Equity Fund may also buy or sell derivatives,
principally futures contracts for cash equitization purposes, and forward
contracts and options for currency hedging. From time to time, the International
Equity Fund may also focus its investments in a particular country or geographic
region, such as the United Kingdom or Japan
The
International Equity Fund may take temporary defensive positions that are
inconsistent with its principal investment strategies in attempting to respond
to unusual and adverse market, economic, liquidity, political, or other
conditions. For example, during such period, 100% of the International Equity
Fund’s assets may be invested in short-term, high-quality fixed income
securities, cash or cash equivalents. Temporary defensive positions may be
initiated by the individual Sub-advisers or by the Adviser when a Sub-adviser
and/or the Adviser judges that market conditions make pursuing the International
Equity Fund’s investment strategies inconsistent with the best interests of its
shareholders. A Sub-adviser and/or the Adviser then may temporarily use these
alternative strategies that are mainly designed to limit the International
Equity Fund’s losses or to create liquidity in anticipation of redemptions. When
the International Equity Fund takes temporary defensive positions, it may not
achieve its investment objective.
The
International Equity Fund’s portfolio is constructed by combining the investment
styles and strategies of multiple Sub-advisers that have been or will be
retained by the Adviser. Each Sub-adviser may use both its own proprietary and
external research and securities selection processes to manage its allocated
portion of the International Equity Fund’s assets.
100
Portfolio
securities may be sold at any time. Sales may occur when a Sub-adviser seeks to
take advantage of what a Sub-adviser considers to be a better investment
opportunity, when a Sub-adviser believes the portfolio securities no longer
represent relatively attractive investment opportunities, or when a Sub-adviser
believes it would be appropriate to do so in order to readjust the asset
allocation of its portion of the International Equity Fund’s investment
portfolio.
The
Adviser allocates assets of the International Equity Fund to the following
Sub-advisers: Baillie Gifford Overseas, BlackRock, Marathon-London, Mondrian,
Pzena and WCM. The Adviser may adjust allocations to the Sub-advisers at any
time or make recommendations to the Board with respect to the hiring,
termination or replacement of a Sub-adviser. Below is a summary of each
Sub-adviser’s principal investment strategies.
Baillie
Gifford Overseas’ Principal Investment Strategies
In
the International Equity Fund, Baillie Gifford Overseas’ primarily invests in
non-U.S. dollar‑denominated securities that derive a majority of their revenues
or profits from a country or countries other than the United States. Baillie
Gifford Overseas primarily uses proprietary, fundamental research to seek to
identify companies for investment that exhibit sustained, above-average growth
with attractive financial characteristics, such as superior profit margins on
invested capital. Baillie Gifford Overseas normally evaluates these
characteristics over a five-year time horizon. When evaluating individual
companies for investment, Baillie Gifford Overseas normally focuses on the
following: growth/quality, management, valuation, and sell discipline.
BlackRock’s
Principal Investment Strategies
BlackRock
invests in international equity securities with the objective of approximating
as closely as practicable the capitalization weighted total rates of return of
the markets in certain countries for equity securities traded outside the United
States, as represented by the MSCI EAFE Growth and MSCI EAFE Value Indices. The
MSCI EAFE Growth and MSCI EAFE Value Indices measure the performance of large
and mid-capitalization companies across developed markets, excluding the United
States and Canada. The MSCI EAFE Growth Index focuses on companies exhibiting
overall growth style characteristics, while the MSCI EAFE Value Index focuses on
companies exhibiting overall value style characteristics. Growth style
characteristics include long-term forward earnings per share (“EPS”) growth
rate, short-term forward EPS growth rate, current internal growth rate,
long-term historical EPS growth trend, and long-term historical sales per share
growth trend. Value style characteristics include book value to price, 12-month
forward earnings to price, and dividend yield.
Marathon-London’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Marathon-London
invests primarily in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers in developed and
emerging market countries. In selecting investments for the International Equity
Fund, Marathon-London employs a bottom-up, fundamental investment philosophy
focused on identifying attractive long-term investment opportunities that can
arise as a result of certain “capital cycle” conditions. Capital cycle investing
is based on the concept that the prospect of high returns will attract excessive
capital and competition and the prospect of low returns will excessively depress
new capital investments and discourage competition. This “capital cycle”
approach to investing guides Marathon-London to invest in stocks in industries
where consolidation has occurred and return on investment is expected to rise
and/or where barriers to entry exist that may allow elevated return on
investment to persist for longer than the market expects. In addition,
Marathon-London believes that its assessments of how management responds to the
forces of the capital cycle through its capital allocation strategy and how it
is incentivized are both critical to performance of a company’s stock.
Marathon-London’s
long-term approach is often considered to be contrarian and its international
(EAFE-benchmarked) equity portfolio is expected to have low turnover, will seek
to be well-diversified and will have a bias towards the smaller capitalisation
segments of the market as compared to the International Equity Fund’s benchmark
index.
101
Mondrian’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Mondrian
pursues its investment objective primarily by investing in equity securities of
non-U.S. large capitalization issuers, including the securities of emerging
market companies, that, in Mondrian’s opinion, are undervalued at the time of
purchase based on fundamental value analysis employed by Mondrian. Mondrian
reviews the definition of large capitalization each year. Typically, Mondrian’s
portfolio will be invested in securities of approximately 30-40 companies.
Mondrian’s
approach in selecting investments is primarily oriented to individual stock
selection and is value driven. In selecting stocks, Mondrian identifies those
stocks that it believes will provide capital appreciation over a market cycle,
taking into consideration movements in the price of the individual security and
the impact of currency fluctuation on a United States domiciled, dollar-based
investor. Mondrian conducts fundamental research on a global basis in order to
identify securities that, in Mondrian’s opinion, have the potential for
long-term capital appreciation. This research effort generally centers on a
value-oriented dividend discount methodology with respect to individual
securities and market analysis that isolates value across country boundaries.
The approach focuses on future anticipated dividends and discounts the value of
those dividends back to what they would be worth if they were being received
today.
In
addition, the analysis typically includes a comparison of the values and current
market prices of different possible investments. Mondrian’s general management
strategy emphasizes long term holding of securities, although securities may be
sold at Mondrian’s discretion without regard to the length of time they have
been held.
Pzena’s
Principal Investment Strategies
Pzena
employs a deep value investment approach, emphasizing larger capitalization
equity securities in international developed markets. Pzena may also invest in
emerging markets when valuations are perceived as sufficiently discounting
additional risks. Pzena does intensive fundamental research utilizing a
bottom-up security selection process prior to recommending a security. Pzena
invests in stocks that trade at a significant discount to the issuers’
normalized long-term earnings power. This research process looks for
businesses with tangible downside protection where management has a sound plan
for earnings recovery.
WCM’s
Principal Investment Strategies
WCM
uses a bottom-up approach that seeks to identify companies with attractive
fundamentals, such as long-term growth in revenue and earnings, and that show a
high probability for superior future growth. WCM’s investment process focuses on
seeking industry leading companies that WCM believes possess growing competitive
advantages; corporate cultures emphasizing strong, quality, and experienced
management; low or no debt; and attractive relative valuations. WCM also
considers other factors in selecting securities, including political risk,
monetary policy risk, and regulatory risk.
Although
WCM may invest in securities of companies of any size, it will generally invest
in large established multinational companies. WCM generally will invest in
securities of companies located in different regions and in at least three
different countries. From time to time, WCM may have a significant portion of
its assets invested in the securities of companies in one or a few countries or
regions.
WCM
will reduce position size in the portfolio as deemed necessary to adhere to
portfolio construction guidelines regarding maximum individual holding size,
industry/sector weight, as well as other relevant factors. When performing a
fundamental analysis, WCM views valuation as the most significant factor in
managing position size. The key factors WCM considers when determining whether
to sell out of a position completely are: that a company’s competitive advantage
is deteriorating or no longer expanding; that there are more attractive
companies in an essentially similar industry; that a company’s leadership is not
performing as expected; that a company’s culture is challenged; that valuation
is deemed excessive; and/or that there is material geopolitical or currency
risk.
102
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION REGARDING PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
Principal
Risks of Investing in the Funds
The
Funds are subject to the principal investment risks listed in the table below.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Core Bond Fund |
|
Core Plus Bond Fund |
|
Municipal Bond Fund |
|
Municipal
High- Income Bond
Fund |
|
Large Cap Growth Fund |
|
Large Cap Value Fund |
|
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund |
|
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund |
|
International Equity Fund |
Active Management Risk |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
Adjustable Rate Mortgages Risk |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Depositary Receipts or Global Depositary
Receipts Risk |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
Asset-Backed, Mortgage-Related, and Mortgage-Backed
Securities Risk |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
Convertible Securities Risk |
|
|
|
✓ |
|
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|
Corporate Debt Securities Risk |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
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|
|
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|
|
|
Counterparty Risk |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
|
✓ |
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Credit Risk |
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Currency Risk |
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Cyber Security Risk |
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Derivatives Risk |
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Emerging Markets Securities Risk |
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Equity Securities Risk |
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ESG Criteria Risk |
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Floating Rate Securities Risk |
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Foreign Securities Risk |
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Forward Contracts Risk |
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Futures Contracts Risk |
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Geographic Focus Risk |
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Growth Style Risk |
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High Yield Securities Risk |
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Inflation-Linked Securities Risk |
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Information Technology Sector Risk |
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Interest Rate Risk |
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Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk |
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Investment Strategy Risk |
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Core Bond Fund |
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Core Plus Bond Fund |
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Municipal Bond Fund |
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Municipal
High- Income Bond
Fund |
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Large Cap Growth Fund |
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Large Cap Value Fund |
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Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund |
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Small/Mid Cap Value Fund |
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International Equity Fund |
Issuer-Specific Risk |
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Larger Company Risk |
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Leverage Risk |
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Liquidity Risk |
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Loan Risk |
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Market Risk |
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Mezzanine Securities Risk |
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Mortgage Dollar Roll Risk |
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Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management
Risk |
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Municipal Revenue Bond Risk |
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Municipal Securities Risk |
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New Fund Risk |
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Options Risk |
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Passive Management Risk |
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Portfolio Turnover Risk |
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Prepayment and Extension Risk |
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Private Activity Bonds Risk |
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Privately Issued Securities Risk |
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Real Estate Investment Trusts Risk |
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Redemption Risk |
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Regulatory and Judicial Risk |
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Reinvestment Risk |
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Sector Focus Risk |
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Smaller Company Risk |
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Sovereign Debt Risk |
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Structured Notes Risk |
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Swap Agreement Risk |
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Tax and Federal AMT Risk |
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Trust Preferred and Bank Capital Securities
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U.S. Government Securities Risk |
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Value Style Risk |
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When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward
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104
The
principal risks of investing in each Fund that may adversely affect such Fund’s
net asset value (“NAV”) or total return have previously been summarized in the
“Summary Section.” These risks are discussed in more detail below. An investment
in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other government agency.
Active Management Risk. The Core Bond Fund,
Core Plus Bond Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and Municipal High-Income Bond Fund are
actively managed and their performance therefore will reflect in part the
ability of the Sub-advisers to select securities and to make investment
decisions that are suited to achieving each Fund’s investment objective.
Significant portions of the Large Cap Growth Fund, Large Cap Value Fund,
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund, Small/Mid Cap Value Fund, and International Equity
Fund are actively managed and their performance therefore will reflect in part
the ability of the Sub-advisers to select securities and to make investment
decisions that are suited to achieving each Fund’s investment objective. Due to
their active management, the Funds could underperform relevant benchmark
indices, or other mutual funds with similar investment objectives. In addition,
to the extent that a Sub-adviser’s investment strategy uses a quantitative
investment model to evaluate and recommend investment decisions for a Fund, the
Fund can perform differently from the market as a whole based on the factors
used in the model, the weight placed on each factor and changes from the
factors’ historical trends. Due to the significant role technology plays in a
quantitative model, use of a quantitative model carries the risk of potential
issues with the design, coding, implementation or maintenance of the computer
programs, data and/or other technology used in the quantitative model.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages Risk. ARMs contain
maximum and minimum rates beyond which the mortgage interest rate may not vary
over the lifetime of the security. In addition, many ARMs provide for additional
limitations on the maximum amount by which the mortgage interest rate may adjust
for any single adjustment period. Alternatively, certain ARMs contain
limitations on changes in the required monthly payment. In the event that a
monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the interest accruing on an ARM, any
excess interest is added to the principal balance of the mortgage loan, which is
repaid through future monthly payments. If the monthly payment for such an
instrument exceeds the sum of the interest accrued at the applicable mortgage
interest rate and the principal payment required at such point to amortize the
outstanding principal balance over the remaining term of the loan, the excess is
used to reduce the then-outstanding principal balance of the ARM.
In
addition, certain ARMs may provide for an initial fixed, below-market or teaser
interest rate. During this initial fixed-rate period, the payment due from the
related mortgagor may be less than that of a traditional loan. However, after
the teaser rate expires, the monthly payment required to be made by the
mortgagor may increase dramatically when the interest rate on the mortgage loan
adjusts. This increased burden on the mortgagor may increase the risk of
delinquency or default on the mortgage loan and in turn, losses on the MBS into
which that loan has been bundled.
American Depositary Receipts or Global Depositary
Receipts Risk. ADRs are U.S. dollar-denominated depositary receipts
typically issued by a U.S. financial institution that evidence an ownership
interest in a security or pool of securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs
are listed and traded in the United States. GDRs are similar to ADRs but
represent shares of foreign-based corporations generally issued by international
banks in one or more markets around the world. ADRs and GDRs are subject to the
risks associated with investing directly in foreign securities, which are
described below. In addition, investments in ADRs and GDRs may be less liquid
than the underlying shares in their primary trading markets, and GDRs, many of
which represent shares issued by companies in emerging markets, may be more
volatile. Depositary receipts may be sponsored or unsponsored. Holders of
unsponsored depositary receipts generally bear all the costs associated with
establishing unsponsored depositary receipts. In addition, the issuers of the
securities underlying unsponsored depositary receipts are not obligated to
disclose material information in the United States, and, therefore, there may be
less information available regarding such issuers, and there may not be a
correlation between such information and the market value of the depositary
receipts.
Asset-Backed, Mortgage-Related, and Mortgage-Backed
Securities Risk. ABS, mortgage-related securities and MBS are subject to
certain risks. The value of these securities will be influenced by the factors
affecting the housing market and the assets underlying such securities. As a
result, during periods of difficult or frozen credit markets, significant
changes in interest rates, or deteriorating economic conditions,
mortgage-related securities and ABS may decline in value, face valuation
difficulties, become more volatile, and/or become illiquid. Additionally, during
such periods and also under normal conditions, these securities are subject to
prepayment and call risk. Gains and losses associated with prepayments will
increase or decrease a Fund’s yield and the income available for distribution by
a Fund. When mortgages and other obligations are prepaid and when securities are
called, a Fund may have to reinvest
105
in
securities with a lower yield or fail to recover additional amounts (i.e., premiums) paid for securities with
higher interest rates, resulting in an unexpected capital loss and/or a decrease
in the amount of dividends and yield. In periods of declining interest rates, a
Fund may be subject to increased prepayment risk, which is the risk that
borrowers will increase the rate at which they prepay the principal value of
mortgages and other obligations resulting in faster rates of principal repayment
on MBS. In periods of rising interest rates, a Fund may be subject to extension
risk, which is the risk that the expected maturity of an obligation will
lengthen in duration due to a decrease in prepayments of the underlying
mortgages. As a result, in certain interest rate environments, a Fund may
exhibit additional volatility. Some of these securities may receive little or no
collateral protection from the underlying assets and are thus subject to the
risk of default described under “Credit Risk.” The risk of such defaults is
generally higher in the case of mortgage-backed investments that include
so-called “sub-prime” mortgages. The structure of some of these securities may
be complex and there may be less available information than other types of fixed
income securities. Inverse floaters, a type of mortgage-backed derivative, are
fixed income securities structured with interest rates that reset in the
opposite direction from the market rate to which the security is indexed.
Because an inverse floater inherently carries financial leverage in its coupon
rate, it can change very substantially in value in response to changes in
interest rates. Interest-only and principal-only securities may also be backed
by or related to MBS. Holders of interest-only securities are entitled to
receive only the interest on the underlying obligations but none of the
principal, while holders of principal-only securities are entitled to receive
the principal but none of the interest on the underlying obligations. As a
result, interest-only and principal-only securities are highly sensitive to
actual or anticipated changes in prepayment rates on the underlying obligations.
CMOs, IOs, POs, and inverse floaters may be more volatile and may be more
sensitive to interest rate changes and prepayments than other mortgage-related
securities. The risk of default, as described below under “Credit Risk,” for
privately-issued and sub-prime mortgages is generally higher than other types of
MBS. The structure of some of these securities may be complex and there may be
less available information than other types of debt securities.
ABS
in which a Fund may invest may include CLOs, CDOs and other similarly structured
securities. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which
may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior
unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be
rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Other CDOs are trusts
backed by other types of assets representing obligations of various parties.
Repayment depends largely on the cash flows generated by the assets backing the
securities. ABS entail prepayment risk, which may vary depending on the type of
asset, but is generally less than the prepayment risk associated with
mortgage-backed securities. ABS present credit risks that are not presented by
mortgage-backed securities. This is because ABS generally do not have the
benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable in quality to
mortgage assets. If the issuer of an ABS defaults on its payment obligations,
there is the possibility that, in some cases, a Fund will be unable to possess
and sell the underlying collateral and that a Fund’s recoveries on repossessed
collateral may not be available to support payments on the security. In the
event of a default, a Fund may suffer a loss if it cannot sell collateral
quickly and receive the amount it is owed.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a
convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates (with investment
value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates
decline) and the credit standing of the issuer. The price of a convertible
security will also normally vary in some proportion to changes in the price of
the underlying common stock because of the conversion or exercise feature.
Corporate Debt Securities Risk. Corporate debt
securities respond to economic developments, especially changes in interest
rates, as well as perceptions of the creditworthiness and business prospects of
individual issuers. Therefore, corporate debt securities are subject to interest
rate risk, market risk, and credit risk, as described herein.
Counterparty Risk. When a Fund enters into an
investment contract, such as a derivative or a repurchase agreement, the Fund is
exposed to the risk that the other party will not fulfill its contractual
obligations. For example, in a repurchase agreement, there exists the risk that
a Fund buys a security from a seller (counterparty) that agrees to repurchase
the security at an agreed upon price and time, but the counterparty later fails
to repurchase the security. Even though the Fund’s investments in repurchase
agreements are collateralized at all times, there is some risk to the Fund if
the other party should default on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or
prevented from recovering or disposing of the collateral.
Credit Risk. There is a risk that issuers and
counterparties will not make payments on securities, repurchase agreements or
other investments held by a Fund. Such defaults could result in losses to a
Fund. In addition, the credit
106
quality
of securities held by a Fund may be lowered if an issuer’s financial condition
changes. Lower credit quality may lead to greater volatility in the price of a
security and in shares of a Fund. Lower credit quality also may affect liquidity
and make it difficult for the Fund to sell the security. A Fund may invest in
securities that are rated in the lowest investment grade category. Such
securities may exhibit speculative characteristics similar to high yield
securities, and issuers of such securities may be more vulnerable to changes in
economic conditions than issuers of higher grade securities.
Currency Risk. While the Funds’ net assets are
valued in U.S. dollars, the securities of foreign companies are frequently
denominated in foreign currencies. Thus, a change in the value of a foreign
currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding change in value
of securities denominated in that currency. Some of the factors that may impair
the investments denominated in a foreign currency are: (1) it may be
expensive to convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars and vice versa;
(2) complex political and economic factors may significantly affect the
values of various currencies, including U.S. dollars, and their exchange rates;
(3) government intervention may increase risks involved in purchasing or
selling foreign currency options, forward contracts, and futures contracts,
since exchange rates may not be free to fluctuate in response to other market
forces; (4) there may be no systematic reporting of last sale information
for foreign currencies or no regulatory requirement that quotations available
through dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis;
(5) available quotation information is generally representative of very
large round-lot transactions in the inter-bank market and thus may not reflect
exchange rates for smaller odd-lot transactions (less than $1 million) where
rates may be less favorable; and (6) the inter-bank market in foreign
currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the extent that a market is
closed while the markets for the underlying currencies remain open, certain
markets may not always reflect significant price and rate movements.
Cyber Security Risk. A Fund and its service
providers may be subject to operational and information security risks resulting
from cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks include, among other behaviors, stealing or
corrupting data maintained online or digitally, denial of service attacks on
websites, the unauthorized release of confidential information or various other
forms of cyber security breaches. Cyber-attacks affecting a Fund or its service
providers may adversely impact the Fund. For instance, cyber-attacks may
interfere with the processing of shareholder transactions, impact a Fund’s
ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder
information or confidential company information, impede redemptions, subject a
Fund to regulatory fines or financial losses, and cause reputational damage. A
Fund may also incur additional costs for cyber security risk management
purposes. Similar types of cyber security risks are also present for issuers of
securities in which a Fund invests, which could result in material adverse
consequences for such issuers and may cause the Fund’s investment in such
portfolio companies to lose value.
Derivatives Risk. The Funds may use derivatives
in connection with their investment strategies. Derivatives may be riskier than
other types of investments because derivatives may be more sensitive to changes
in economic or market conditions than other types of investments and could
result in losses that significantly exceed a Fund’s original investment.
Derivatives are subject to the risk that changes in the value of a derivative
may not correlate with the underlying asset, rate, or index. The use of
derivatives may not be successful, resulting in losses to a Fund, and the cost
of such strategies may reduce a Fund’s returns. Certain derivatives also expose
the Fund to counterparty risk, which is described above. Certain derivatives are
synthetic instruments that attempt to replicate the performance of certain
reference assets. With regard to such derivatives, a Fund does not have a claim
on the reference assets, which may increase the extent of a Fund’s exposure to
counterparty risk. In addition, a Fund may use derivatives for non-hedging
purposes, which increases a Fund’s potential for loss. Certain of a Fund’s
transactions in derivatives could also affect the amount, timing, and character
of distributions to shareholders, which may result in a Fund realizing more
short-term capital gain and ordinary income subject to tax at ordinary income
tax rates than it would if it did not engage in such transactions, which may
adversely affect a Fund’s after-tax returns. Investing in derivatives may result
in a form of leverage and subject a Fund to leverage risk, which is described
below. Regulation relating to a Fund’s use of derivatives and related
instruments, including Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the “1940 Act”), could potentially limit or impact the Fund’s ability
to invest in derivatives, limit the Fund’s ability to employ certain strategies
that use derivatives and/or adversely affect the value of derivatives and the
Fund’s performance. The risks of a Fund’s use of futures contracts, swap
agreements, forward contracts and options are discussed in further detail below.
Emerging Markets Securities Risk. A Fund that
invests a significant portion of its assets in the securities of issuers based
in countries with “emerging market” economies is subject to greater levels of
foreign investment risk than a fund investing primarily in more-developed
foreign markets, since emerging market securities may present market, credit,
107
currency,
liquidity, legal, political, and other risks greater than, or in addition to,
the risks of investing in developed foreign countries. These risks include high
currency exchange-rate fluctuations; increased risk of default (including both
government and private issuers); greater social, economic, and political
uncertainty and instability (including the risk of war); more substantial
governmental involvement in the economy; less governmental supervision and
regulation of the securities markets and participants in those markets; controls
on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital and on
a fund’s ability to exchange local currencies for U.S. dollars; unavailability
of currency hedging techniques in certain emerging market countries; the fact
that companies in emerging market countries may be newly organized, smaller and
less seasoned; the difference in, or lack of, auditing and financial reporting
standards, which may result in the unavailability of material information about
issuers; different clearance and settlement procedures, which may be unable to
keep pace with the volume of securities transactions or otherwise make it
difficult to engage in such transactions; difficulties in obtaining and/or
enforcing legal judgments in foreign jurisdictions; and significantly smaller
market capitalizations of emerging market issuers.
Equity Securities Risk. Since certain Funds
purchase equity securities, those Funds are subject to equity securities risk.
This is the risk that stock prices will fall over short or extended periods of
time. Although the stock market has historically outperformed other asset
classes over the long term, the stock market tends to move in cycles. Individual
stock prices may fluctuate drastically from day-to-day and may underperform
other asset classes over an extended period of time. Individual companies may
report poor results or be negatively affected by industry and/or economic trends
and developments. The prices of securities issued by such companies may suffer a
decline in response. These price movements may result from factors affecting
individual companies, industries or the securities market as a whole.
ESG Criteria Risk. To the extent a Sub-adviser
considers ESG factors as part of its decision to buy and sell securities with
respect to its allocated portion of the Fund, the Fund may forgo some market
opportunities available to funds that do not use these criteria. Securities of
companies with ESG practices may shift into and out of favor depending on market
and economic conditions, and the Fund’s performance may at times be better or
worse than the performance of funds that do not use ESG criteria.
Floating Rate Securities Risk. Certain Funds
may invest in obligations with interest rates that are reset periodically.
Although floating rate securities are generally less sensitive to interest rate
changes than fixed rate instruments, the value of floating rate securities may
decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general
interest rates. Floating rate securities are issued by a wide variety of issuers
and may be issued for a wide variety of purposes, including as a method of
reconstructing cash flows. Issuers of floating rate securities may include, but
are not limited to, financial companies, merchandising entities, bank holding
companies, and other entities. In addition to the risks associated with the
floating nature of interest payments, investors remain exposed to other
underlying risks associated with the issuer of the floating rate security, such
as credit risk.
Foreign Securities Risk. The securities of
foreign issuers, including ADRs and GDRs, may be less liquid and more volatile
than securities of comparable U.S. issuers. The costs associated with securities
transactions are often higher in foreign countries than the United States.
Additionally, investments in securities of foreign issuers, even those publicly
traded in the United States, may involve additional risks to those inherent in
domestic investments. Foreign companies may not be subject to the same
regulatory requirements of U.S. companies, and as a consequence, there may be
less publicly available information about such companies. Also, foreign
companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing, and financial
reporting standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S.
companies. Foreign governments and foreign economies, particularly in emerging
markets, may be less stable than the U.S. Government and the U.S. economy. In
addition, periodic U.S. Government prohibitions on investments in issuers from
certain foreign countries may require the Fund to sell such investments at
inopportune times, which could result in losses to the Fund.
Forward Contracts Risk. A forward contract
involves a negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific security or
currency at a future date (with or without delivery required), which may be any
fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties,
at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are not traded on
exchanges; rather, a bank or dealer will act as agent or as principal in order
to make or take future delivery of a specified lot of a particular security or
currency for a Fund’s account. Risks associated with forwards may include:
(i) an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of forward
contracts and the securities or currencies underlying them; (ii) an
illiquid market for forwards; (iii) difficulty in obtaining an accurate
value for the forwards; and (iv) the risk that the counterparty to the
forward contract will default or otherwise fail to honor its obligation. Because
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forward
contracts require only a small initial investment in the form of a deposit or
margin, forwards involve a high degree of leverage. Forward contracts are also
subject to counterparty risk, market risk, liquidity risk, and leverage risk,
each of which is further described elsewhere in this section.
Futures Contracts Risk. Futures contracts
provide for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a
specified amount of a specific security or asset at a specified future time and
at a specified price (with or without delivery required). The risks of futures
include: (i) leverage risk, which is described below; (ii) correlation
or tracking risk; (iii) liquidity risk, which is described below; and
(iv) market risk, which is described below. Because futures require only a
small initial investment in the form of a deposit or margin, futures involve a
high degree of leverage. Accordingly, the fluctuation of the value of futures in
relation to the underlying assets upon which the futures are based is magnified.
Thus, a Fund may experience losses that exceed losses experienced by funds that
do not use futures contracts. There may be imperfect correlation, or even no
correlation, between price movements of a futures contract and price movements
of investments for which futures are used as a substitute, or which futures are
intended to hedge.
Geographic Focus Risk. To the extent that a
significant portion of a Fund’s portfolio is invested in the securities of
companies in a particular country or region, a Fund may be more susceptible to
economic, political, regulatory or other events or conditions affecting issuers
within that country or region. As a result, a Fund may be subject to greater
price volatility and risk of loss than a fund holding more geographically
diverse investments. For example, on January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom
(the “UK”) formally withdrew from the European Union (the “EU”) (commonly
referred to as “Brexit”) and, after a transition period, left the EU single
market and customs union under the terms of a new trade agreement that became
effective on a provisional basis on January 1, 2021 and was formally
entered into force on May 1, 2021. While the full impact of Brexit is
unknown, Brexit has already resulted in volatility in European and global
markets. There remains significant market uncertainty regarding Brexit’s
ramifications, and the range and potential implications of possible political,
regulatory, economic, and market outcomes are difficult to predict. In addition,
to the extent a Fund is invested significantly in Japan, the Fund may be subject
to greater price volatility than a fund holding more geographically diverse
investments because the Japanese economy is heavily dependent upon international
trade and is particularly exposed to the risks of currency fluctuation, foreign
trade policy and regional and global economic disruption.
Growth Style Risk. Certain Funds follow an
investing style that favors growth investments. Such Funds may invest in equity
securities of companies that a Fund believes will increase their earnings at a
certain rate that is generally higher than the rate expected for non-growth
companies. If a growth company does not meet these expectations, the price of
its stock may decline significantly, even if it has increased earnings. Many
growth companies do not pay dividends. Companies that pay dividends often have
lower stock price declines during market downturns. Over time, a growth
investing style may go in and out of favor, causing a Fund to sometimes
underperform other equity funds that use differing investing styles.
High Yield Securities Risk. Below investment
grade securities (junk bonds) involve greater risks of default or downgrade and
are more volatile than investment grade securities. Junk bonds involve greater
risk of price declines than investment grade securities due to actual or
perceived changes in an issuer’s creditworthiness. In addition, issuers of junk
bonds may be more susceptible than other issuers to economic downturns. Junk
bonds are subject to the risk that the issuer may not be able to pay interest or
dividends and ultimately to repay principal upon maturity. Discontinuation of
these payments could substantially adversely affect the market value of the
security. The volatility of junk bonds, particularly those issued by foreign
governments, is even greater since the prospect for repayment of principal and
interest of many of these securities is speculative. Some may even be in
default. Junk bonds may offer higher returns, but there is no guarantee that an
investment in these securities will result in a high rate of return.
Inflation-Linked Securities Risk. The value of
inflation-linked securities is expected to change in response to changes in real
interest rates (the market rate of interest less the anticipated rate of
inflation). Real interest rates change over time as a result of many factors,
such as currency exchange rates, central bank monetary policies and general
economic conditions. In general, the price of an inflation-linked security tends
to decrease when real interest rates increase and can increase when real
interest rates decrease. Interest payments on inflation-linked securities are
unpredictable and will fluctuate as the principal and interest are adjusted for
inflation. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-linked debt
security will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though the Fund will
not receive the principal until maturity. Repayment of the original bond
principal upon maturity (as adjusted for inflation) is guaranteed in the case of
TIPS. For bonds that do not provide a similar guarantee, the adjusted principal
value of the bond repaid at maturity may be less than the original
principal.
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There
can also be no assurance that the inflation index used will accurately measure
the real rate of inflation in the prices of goods and services. The Fund’s
investments in inflation-linked securities may lose value in the event that the
actual rate of inflation is different than the rate of the inflation index. In
addition, inflation-linked securities are subject to the risk that the CPI or
other relevant pricing index may be discontinued, fundamentally altered in a
manner materially adverse to the interests of an investor in the securities,
altered by legislation or Executive Order in a materially adverse manner to the
interests of an investor in the securities or substituted with an alternative
index.
Information Technology Sector Risk. A Fund that
focuses in the information technology sector may be subject to greater risks
than a portfolio without such a focus. Information technology companies face
intense competition, both domestically and internationally, which may have an
adverse effect on profit margins. Like other technology companies, information
technology companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial
resources or personnel. The products of information technology companies may
face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new
product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for
the services of qualified personnel. Information technology companies may be
subject to extensive regulatory requirements causing considerable expense and
delay. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and
intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights may
adversely affect the profitability of these companies.
Interest Rate Risk. Certain Funds invest in
fixed income securities that change in value based on changes in interest rates.
If rates increase, the value of these investments generally declines. On the
other hand, if rates fall, the value of these investments generally increases.
The value of a fixed income security with greater duration will be more
sensitive to changes in interest rates than a similar security with shorter
duration. Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price of a fixed
income security (or a portfolio of fixed income securities) to changes in
interest rates. The prices of fixed income securities with shorter duration
generally will be less affected by changes in interest rates than the prices of
fixed income securities with greater duration. For example, a five-year duration
means the fixed income security is expected to decrease in value by 5% if
interest rates rise 1% and increase in value by 5% if interest rates fall 1%,
holding other factors constant. Usually, the changes in the value of fixed
income securities will not affect cash income generated, but may affect the
value of an investment in the Fund. A low or negative interest rate environment
may present greater interest rate risk, because there may be a greater
likelihood of rates increasing and rates may increase more rapidly. Floating
rate instruments also react to interest rate changes in a similar manner,
although generally to a lesser degree (depending, however, on the
characteristics of the reset terms, including the benchmark rate chosen,
frequency of reset, and reset caps or floors, among other things). Zero coupon
bonds have longer durations than coupon-bearing bonds with comparable maturities
and generally experience greater volatility in response to changing interest
rates. In certain interest rate environments, such as when real interest rates
are rising faster than nominal interest rates, inflation-indexed bonds may
experience greater losses than other fixed income securities with similar
durations. Interest rate changes can be sudden and unpredictable, and a wide
variety of factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including
government and/or central bank policy and action, inflationary or deflationary
pressures, supply of and demand for debt securities, and changes in general
market and economic conditions. A sudden or unpredictable rise or decline in
interest rates may cause volatility and reduced liquidity in the money market
securities markets, which could make it more difficult for the Fund to sell its
investments at a time when it may be advantageous to do so and could cause the
value of the Fund’s investments to decline, potentially suddenly and
significantly.
Investment Company and Exchange-Traded Fund
Risk. Investments in open-end and closed-end investment companies,
including any ETFs, involve substantially the same risks as investing directly
in the instruments held by these entities. However, the total return from such
investments will be reduced by the operating expenses and fees of the investment
company or ETF. The Funds must also pay their pro rata portion of an investment
company’s fees and expenses. An investment company or ETF may not achieve its
investment objective or execute its investment strategy effectively, which may
adversely affect each Fund’s performance. Shares of a closed-end investment
company or ETF may expose the Funds to risks associated with leverage and may
trade at a premium or discount to the NAV of the closed-end funds or the ETF’s
portfolio securities depending on a variety of factors, including market supply
and demand. Additionally, large purchase or redemption activity by shareholders
of an investment company might negatively affect the value of the investment
company’s shares.
Investment Strategy Risk. Each Fund’s portfolio
is constructed by combining the investment styles and strategies of multiple
Sub-advisers; there is no assurance each Fund’s investment objective will be
achieved. Investment decisions may not produce the expected results. The value
of the Funds may decline, and, the Funds may underperform other funds with
similar objectives and strategies.
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Issuer-Specific Risk. Changes in the financial
condition of an issuer or counterparty, changes in specific economic or
political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and
changes in general economic or political conditions can increase the risk of
default by an issuer or counterparty, which can affect a security’s or
instrument’s value.
Larger Company Risk. Certain Funds may invest
in securities of large capitalization companies. While large cap companies have
certain competitive advantages, they may be unable to respond quickly to new
competitive challenges such as changes in technology or consumer preferences.
They may also not be able to attain the high growth rate of successful smaller
companies, especially during extended periods of economic expansion.
Leverage Risk. Certain Fund transactions, such
as the use of futures, forward contracts, swaps, or mortgage rolls, may give
rise to a form of leverage. These transactions may expose the Funds to greater
risk and increase its costs. As an open-end investment company registered with
the SEC, each Fund is subject to the federal securities laws, including the 1940
Act and the rules thereunder. Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act requires, among
other things, that a Fund either use derivatives in a limited manner or comply
with an outer limit on fund leverage risk based on value-at-risk. The use of
leverage may cause a Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been
leveraged because leverage tends to exaggerate the effect of any increase or
decrease in the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. A Fund cannot assure
that the use of leverage will result in a higher return on investment, and using
leverage could result in a net loss. In addition, use of leverage by a Fund may
cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous
to do so to satisfy its obligations or to meet the applicable requirements of
the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Increases and decreases in the value of
the Fund’s portfolio may be magnified when the Fund uses leverage.
Liquidity Risk. Low trading volume, a lack of a
market maker, or contractual or legal restrictions may limit or prevent a Fund
from selling securities or closing derivative positions at desirable times or
prices. During times of significant market or economic turmoil, usually liquid
markets for certain of a Fund’s investments may experience extreme reductions in
buy-side demand, which may result in values of a Fund’s portfolio securities
declining significantly over short or extended periods of time. These reductions
in value may occur regardless of whether there has been a change in interest
rates or a change in the credit rating of the issuer of the security. Under
certain adverse market or economic conditions, Fund investments previously
determined to be liquid may be deemed to be illiquid, and, because of regulatory
limitations on investments in illiquid securities, a Fund may not be able to
make or gain the desired level of exposure to certain investments that it
otherwise would.
Loan Risk. Bank loans (including through both
assignments and participations) often involve borrowers with low credit ratings
whose financial conditions are troubled or uncertain, including companies that
are highly leveraged or in bankruptcy proceedings. The Fund’s investments in
bank loans are generally acquired as a participation interest in, or assignment
of, loans originated by a lender or other financial institution. These
investments may include institutionally-traded floating and fixed-rate debt
securities. The bank loans underlying these securities often involve borrowers
with low credit ratings whose financial conditions are troubled or uncertain,
including companies that are highly leveraged or in bankruptcy proceedings.
Participation interests and assignments involve credit, interest rate, and
liquidity risk. Bridge loans involve certain risks in addition to those
associated with bank loans including the risk that the borrower may be unable to
locate permanent financing to replace the bridge loan, which may impair the
borrower’s perceived creditworthiness. Debtor-in-possession loans are subject to
the risk that the entity will not emerge from bankruptcy and will be forced to
liquidate its assets. Mezzanine loans generally are rated below investment grade
and frequently are unrated. Investment in mezzanine loans is a specialized
practice that depends more heavily on independent credit analysis than
investments in other fixed-income securities. Loans typically have less
liquidity than investment grade bonds and there may be less public information
available about them as compared to bonds. In addition, bank loans may not be
considered “securities,” and purchasers, such as a Fund, therefore may not be
entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Market Risk. Various market risks can affect
the price or liquidity of an issuer’s securities in which a Fund may invest.
Returns from the securities in which a Fund invests may underperform returns
from the various general securities markets or different asset classes.
Different types of securities tend to go through cycles of outperformance and
underperformance in comparison to the general securities markets. Adverse events
occurring with respect to an issuer’s performance or financial position can
depress the value of the issuer’s securities. The liquidity in a market for a
particular security will affect its value and may be affected by factors
relating to the issuer, as well as the depth of the
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market
for that security. Declines in dealer market-making capacity as a result of
structural or regulatory changes could decrease liquidity and/or increase
volatility in the fixed income markets. As a result, a Fund’s value may
fluctuate and/or a Fund may experience increased redemptions from shareholders,
which may impact the Fund’s liquidity or force the Fund to sell securities into
a declining or illiquid market.
The
interconnection of international markets means that events in one country or
region may affect the markets in other countries and regions, increasing the
likelihood that inflation, interest rates, government defaults, government
shutdowns, wars, regional conflicts, acts of terrorism, or social unrest, could
affect the securities market. Other market risks that can affect value include a
market’s current attitudes about types of securities, market reactions to
political or economic events, including litigation, and tax and regulatory
effects (including lack of adequate regulations for a market or particular type
of instrument). Similarly, the impact of any epidemic, pandemic, natural
disaster, spread of infectious illness or other public health issue, or
widespread fear that such events may occur, could negatively affect the global
economy, as well as the economies of individual countries, the financial
performance of individual companies and sectors, and the markets in general in
significant and unforeseen ways. Any such impact could adversely affect the
prices and liquidity of the securities and other instruments in which a Fund
invests, which in turn could negatively impact the Fund’s performance and cause
losses on your investment in the Fund. Recent examples include pandemic risks
related to an outbreak of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel
strain of coronavirus (known as COVID-19) and aggressive measures taken
worldwide in response by governments, including closing borders, restricting
international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines
of large populations, and by businesses, including changes to operations and
reducing staff. The duration of the outbreak and its effects cannot be
determined with certainty. In addition, the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by
Russia in February 2022 and resulting responses, including economic sanctions by
the U.S. and other countries against certain Russian individuals and companies
could negatively impact a Fund’s performance and cause losses on your investment
in the Fund. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine and
other similar events that may arise in the future may affect the financial
markets in general ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen. The impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine, and other similar events may be
short term or may last for an extended period of time, and in either case could
result in a substantial economic downturn or recession. Governmental and
quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have in the
past often responded to major economic disruptions with a variety of significant
fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital
infusions into companies, new monetary programs and lower interest rates. An
unexpected or sudden reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of these
policies, could increase volatility in securities markets, which could adversely
affect a Fund’s investments.
Additionally,
in March 2023, several financial institutions experienced a larger than expected
decline in deposits and two regional banks, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature
Bank, were placed into receivership in response to their rapidly declining
financial condition. Although the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Department of
Treasury, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have taken measures to
stabilize the financial system, uncertainty and liquidity concerns for small and
regional banks remain. Additionally, the events related to regional banks could
in the future lead to further rules and regulations for public companies, banks,
financial institutions and other participants in the U.S. and global capital
markets, and complying with the requirements of any such rules or regulations
may be burdensome. These and any related events could have a significant impact
on certain sectors in which the Fund may have holdings.
Mezzanine Securities Risk. The Fund may invest
in certain high yield securities known as mezzanine securities, which are
subordinated debt securities generally issued in private placements in
connection with an equity security (e.g., with attached warrants). Mezzanine
investments may be issued with or without registration rights. Mezzanine
investments are usually unsecured and subordinate to other obligations of the
issuer.
Mortgage Dollar Roll Risk. The use of mortgage
dollar rolls is a speculative technique involving leverage and can have an
economic effect similar to borrowing money for investment purposes. Mortgage
roll transactions involve the risk that the market value of the securities the
Fund is required to purchase may decline below the agreed upon repurchase price
of those securities. If the broker-dealer to whom a Fund sells securities
becomes insolvent, the Fund’s right to purchase or repurchase securities may be
restricted. Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls may depend upon a
Sub-adviser’s ability to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments. A
Fund’s use of mortgage dollar rolls may increase its portfolio turnover rate and
may lead to higher transaction costs and increased capital gains for the Fund.
Multi-Manager and Multi-Style Management Risk.
Fund performance is dependent upon the success of the Adviser and the
Sub-advisers in implementing a Fund’s investment strategies in pursuit of its
objective. To a
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significant
extent, a Fund’s performance will depend on the success of the Adviser’s
methodology in allocating the Fund’s assets to Sub-advisers and its selection
and oversight of the Sub-advisers and on a Sub-adviser’s skill in executing the
relevant strategy and selecting investments for the Fund. There can be no
assurance that the Adviser or Sub-advisers will be successful in this regard.
In
addition, because portions of each Fund’s assets are managed by different
Sub-advisers using different styles/strategies, a Fund could experience
overlapping security transactions. Certain Sub-advisers may be purchasing
securities at the same time that other Sub-advisers may be selling those same
securities, which may lead to higher transaction expenses compared to a fund
using a single investment management style. The Adviser’s and the Sub-advisers’
judgments about the attractiveness, value, and potential appreciation of a
particular asset class or individual security in which a Fund invests may prove
to be incorrect, and there is no guarantee that the Adviser’s or a Sub-adviser’s
judgment will produce the desired results. In addition, a Fund may allocate its
assets so as to under- or over-emphasize certain strategies or investments under
market conditions that are not optimal, in which case a Fund’s value may be
adversely affected.
Municipal Revenue Bond Risk. Municipal revenue
bonds are used to finance municipal projects that generate revenue. These types
of bonds may be more sensitive to adverse economic, business or political
developments than other types of municipal bonds. In addition, if the specified
revenues from a project do not materialize, there is a risk that the bonds may
not be repaid. As a result, the municipal revenue bonds in which the Fund
invests may entail greater credit risk than the Fund’s investments in other
types of municipal bonds. Moreover, a change that affects one project, such as
proposed legislation on the financing of the project, a shortage of the
materials needed for the project, or a declining need for the project, would
likely affect all similar projects, thereby increasing the Fund’s market risk.
Municipal Securities Risk. Municipal securities
rely on the creditworthiness or revenue production of issuers or auxiliary
credit enhancement features. Municipal securities may be difficult to obtain
because of limited supply, which may increase the cost of such securities and
effectively reduce their yield. A Fund may own different obligations that pay
interest based on the revenue of similar projects potentially resulting in
greater exposure to the risk of a decline in credit quality in that sector of
the municipal market. In addition, certain municipal securities are special
revenue obligations, which are payable from revenue generated by a particular
project or other revenue source rather than the revenue of a state or local
government authority. The Fund may take advantage of tax laws that allow the
income from certain investments to be exempted from federal income tax and, in
some cases, state individual income tax. There is no guarantee that such federal
laws will remain the same. In addition, tax authorities are paying increased
attention to whether interest on municipal obligations is properly exempt from
taxation under existing laws, and the Fund cannot assure that a tax authority
will not successfully challenge the tax exemption of a bond held by the Fund.
Capital gains, whether declared by the Fund or realized by the shareholder
through the selling of Fund shares, are generally taxable as either short or
long-term capital gains depending upon the holding period. The economic and
revenue performance of states and their agencies and municipalities may be
significantly impacted by trends in the national economy, particularly by
factors such as unemployment and the housing market, as well as trends in each
state’s economy. The performance of the national economy and of the economy of
each state may directly impact revenue production of certain issuers of
municipal securities. Poor economic performance may increase the likelihood that
issuers of securities in which the Fund may invest will be unable to meet
obligations to make timely payments of principal and interest, that the values
of securities in which the Fund invests will decline significantly, and that the
liquidity of such securities will be impaired. From time to time, a Fund may
invest a substantial amount of its assets in municipal securities whose interest
is paid solely from revenues of similar projects. If a Fund concentrates its
investments in this manner, it assumes the legal and economic risks relating to
such projects and this may have a significant impact on the Fund’s investment
performance.
New Fund Risk. Because the Fund is new,
investors in the Fund bear the risk that the Fund may not be successful in
implementing its investment strategy, may not employ a successful investment
strategy, or may fail to attract sufficient assets under management to realize
economies of scale, any of which could result in the Fund being liquidated at
any time without shareholder approval and at a time that may not be favorable
for all shareholders. Such liquidation could have negative tax consequences for
shareholders and will cause shareholders to incur expenses of liquidation.
Options Risk. Options involve the payment or
receipt of a premium by the investor and the corresponding right or obligation,
as the case may be, to either purchase or sell the underlying security for a
specific price at a specified date. Purchasing options involves the risk that
the underlying instrument will not change price in the manner expected, so
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that
the investor loses its premium. Selling options involves potentially greater
risk because the investor is exposed to the extent of the actual price movement
in the underlying security rather than only the premium payment received (which
could result in a potentially unlimited loss).
Passive Management Risk. Because the portions
of certain Funds allocated to BlackRock are managed so that their total return
closely corresponds with the total return of an index, these Funds face a risk
of poor performance if the index being tracked declines generally or performs
poorly relative to other indexes or individual stocks, the stocks of companies
which comprise the index fall out of favor with investors, or an adverse company
specific event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, negatively affects the
stock price of one of the larger companies in the index.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. The
Funds may buy and sell investments frequently. A higher portfolio turnover may
enhance returns by capturing and holding portfolio gains. However, it also may
result in correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses and may result
in the distribution to shareholders of additional dividends and capital gains
for tax purposes. These factors may negatively affect a Fund’s performance.
Prepayment and Extension Risk. When interest
rates fall, issuers of high interest debt obligations, as well as issuers of
callable bonds, may pay off the debts earlier than expected (prepayment risk),
and a Fund may have to reinvest the proceeds at lower yields. When interest
rates rise, issuers of lower interest debt obligations may pay off the debts
later than expected (extension risk), thus keeping a Fund’s assets tied up in
lower interest debt obligations.
Private Activity Bonds Risk. Municipalities and
other public authorities issue private activity bonds to finance development of
industrial facilities for use by a private enterprise. The private enterprise
pays the principal and interest on the bond and the issuing authority does not
pledge its full faith, credit and taxing power for repayment. The private
enterprise can have a substantially different credit profile than the
municipality or public authority. The Fund’s investments in private activity
bonds may subject certain shareholders to the Federal AMT. Such shareholders
will be required to report that portion of the Fund’s distributions attributable
to income from the bonds as a tax preference item in determining their Federal
AMT, if any.
Privately Issued Securities Risk. Investments
in privately issued securities may be less liquid than in publicly traded
securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated
transactions, the prices realized from these sales could be less than those
originally paid by a Fund or less than what may be considered the fair value of
such securities. In certain cases, privately placed securities may need to be
priced at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser’s Valuation
Committee, subject to Board oversight. Despite such good faith efforts, a Fund’s
privately placed securities are subject to the risk that the securities’ fair
value prices may differ from the actual prices that a Fund may ultimately
realize upon the securities’ sale or disposition. Furthermore, companies whose
securities are not publicly traded are not subject to the more extensive
disclosure and other investor protection requirements that might be applicable
if the securities were publicly traded. Recipients of certain information from
the issuer, including the Fund and the Sub-adviser, may be contractually
obligated to keep the information confidential, which could adversely affect the
Fund’s ability to dispose of a privately issued security.
Real Estate Investment Trusts Risk. REITs are
trusts that invest primarily in commercial real estate or real estate-related
loans. By investing in REITs indirectly through the Funds, shareholders will not
only bear the proportionate share of the expenses of the Funds, but will also
indirectly bear similar expenses of underlying REITs. The Funds may be subject
to certain risks associated with the direct investments of the REITs, such as
including losses from casualty or condemnation, changes in local and general
economic conditions, supply and demand, interest rates, zoning laws, regulatory
limitations on rents, property taxes, and operating expenses in addition to
terrorist attacks, war, or other acts that destroy real property. REITs may be
affected by changes in the value of their underlying properties and by defaults
by borrowers or tenants. Some REITs may have limited diversification and may be
subject to risks inherent in financing a limited number of properties. REITs
generally depend on their ability to generate cash flow to make distributions to
shareholders or unit holders and may be subject to defaults by borrowers and to
self-liquidations. In addition, a U.S. REIT may be affected by its failure to
qualify for tax-free pass-through of income under the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the “Code”), or its failure to maintain exemption from
registration under the 1940 Act.
Redemption Risk. A Fund may experience losses
or realize taxable gains when selling securities to meet redemption requests.
This risk is greater for larger redemption requests or redemption requests
during adverse market conditions.
114
Because
the Funds currently are only available to participants in the Advisory Programs,
a reduction in the allocation of an Advisory Program’s assets to the Funds could
result in one or more large redemption requests. Moreover, as a result of the
requirement that a Fund satisfy redemption requests even during times of
significant market or economic turmoil, a Fund may be forced to sell portfolio
securities during periods of reduced liquidity when prices are rapidly
declining. This may require a Fund to realize investment losses at times that a
Sub-adviser believes that it would have been advisable to hold a particular
investment until a more orderly sale could occur or the market recovers. These
transactions could also have tax consequences for shareholders if sales of
securities result in gains, and could also increase transaction costs or
portfolio turnover. In addition, a large redemption could result in a Fund’s
expenses being allocated over a smaller asset base, leading to an increase in
the Fund’s expense ratio.
Regulatory and Judicial Risk. The regulation of
security markets, transactions and portfolio companies is subject to change.
Such regulatory changes and judicial actions could have a substantial adverse
effect on a Fund’s performance. Judicial actions may impact specific issuing
entities such as in relation to bankruptcy rulings. Legislative or regulatory
changes may have a broader impact to a range of municipal issuers, such as a
change in tax status.
A
Fund could be affected not just by regulation in the United States but also by
the regulation of foreign governments. Foreign governments could impose capital
or currency controls, nationalize a company or industry of which a Fund owns
securities, or impose punitive taxes that could have an adverse effect on
security prices. Some foreign governments impose less governmental supervision
and regulation of the securities markets and participants in those markets,
which could make some markets more volatile or increase the difficulty of
valuing certain securities.
Reinvestment Risk. Cash
flows from fixed income securities are generally reinvested at interest rates
available under then-prevailing market conditions. Consequently, declining
market rates may cause a Fund to reinvest the proceeds at lower yields and
adversely affect a Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective.
Sector Focus Risk. To the extent a Fund invests
a relatively high percentage of its assets in the securities of companies in the
same or related businesses (market sectors), the Fund will have greater exposure
to the risks associated with those sectors, including the risk that the
securities of companies within the sectors will underperform due to adverse
economic conditions, regulatory or legislative changes, or increased competition
affecting the sectors. To the extent a Fund is underweight other sectors, the
Fund may be unable to take advantage of progress or advances in those sectors. A
fund that is more diversified across numerous sectors may perform better than a
Fund if the sectors in which the Fund is overweight perform poorly or the
sectors in which the Fund is underweight perform well.
Smaller Company Risk. Certain Funds may invest
in securities of small and medium capitalization companies. While these
investments may provide potential for appreciation, these securities can present
higher risks than investments in securities of larger companies. This increased
risk may be due to the greater business risks of smaller size companies, limited
markets and financial resources, narrow product lines, and the frequent lack of
depth of management. Additionally, the securities of smaller companies may be
less liquid, may have limited market stability and may be subject to more
severe, abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more
established companies or the market averages in general. Further, less publicly
available information may be available for smaller companies and, when
available, such information may be inaccurate or incomplete.
Sovereign Debt Risk. Investments in non-U.S.
sovereign debt can involve a high degree of risk, including the risk that the
governmental entity that controls the repayment of sovereign debt may not be
willing or able to repay the principal and/or to pay the interest on its
sovereign debt in a timely manner. A sovereign debtor’s willingness or ability
to satisfy its debt obligation may be affected by various factors including, but
not limited to, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency
reserves, the availability of foreign exchange when a payment is due, and the
relative size of its debt position in relation to its economy as a whole. In the
event of default, there may be limited or no legal remedies for collecting
sovereign debt and there may be no bankruptcy proceedings through which a Fund
may collect all or part of the sovereign debt that a governmental entity has not
repaid. In addition, to the extent a Fund invests in non-U.S. sovereign debt, it
may be subject to currency risk which is discussed above.
Structured Notes Risk. Structured notes are
specially-designed derivative debt instruments in which the terms may be
structured by the purchaser and the issuer of the note. The Fund bears the risk
that the issuer of the structured note will default. In addition, the interest
rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may increase or
decrease, depending upon changes in the value of the reference measure. The
terms of a structured note may provide
115
that,
in certain circumstances, no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, may
result in a loss of invested capital by the Fund. The interest and/or principal
payments that may be made on a structured product may vary widely, depending on
a variety of factors, including the volatility of the reference measure. In
addition, a liquid market may not exist for the structured notes.
Swap Agreement Risk. Swaps are agreements
whereby two parties agree to exchange payment streams calculated in relation to
a rate, index, instrument or certain securities and a predetermined amount.
Total return swaps are contracts that obligate a party to pay or receive
interest in exchange for payment by the other party of the total return
generated by a security, a basket of securities, an index or an index component.
Total return swaps give a Fund the right to receive the appreciation in the
value of a specified security, index or other instrument in return for a fee
paid to the counterparty, which will typically be an agreed upon interest rate.
If the underlying asset in a total return swap declines in value over the term
of the swap, a Fund may also be required to pay the dollar value of that decline
to the counterparty.
A
credit default swap enables a Fund to buy or sell protection against a defined
credit event of an issuer or a basket of securities. Swap agreements involve the
risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on
its obligation to pay the Fund and the risk that the Fund will not be able to
meet its obligations to the other party to the agreement. The buyer of a credit
default swap is generally obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of
payments over the term of the contract in return for a contingent payment upon
the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference
obligation. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs (as
defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement), the Fund will
generally either: (i) pay to the buyer an amount equal to the notional
amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other
deliverable obligations, or underlying securities comprising a referenced index
or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal
to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced
obligation or underlying securities comprising a referenced index. If the Fund
is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs (as defined under the terms
of that particular swap agreement), the Fund will either: (i) receive from
the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and
deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying
securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement
amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the
swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying
securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are assumed by
market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity
specific factors and other considerations until a credit event occurs. If a
credit event has occurred, the recovery value is determined by a facilitated
auction whereby a minimum number of allowable broker bids, together with a
specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value.
Credit
default swaps involve special risks in addition to those mentioned above because
they are difficult to value, are highly susceptible to liquidity and
counterparty risk, and generally pay a return to the party that has paid the
premium only in the event of an actual default by the issuer of the underlying
obligation (as opposed to a credit downgrade or other indication of financial
difficulty). Like a long or short position in a physical security, credit
default swaps are subject to the same factors that cause changes in the market
value of the underlying asset it is attempting to replicate and are subject to
market risk, which is discussed above.
Interest
rate swaps are an agreement between two parties where one stream of future
interest rate payments is exchanged for another based on a specified principal
amount. Interest rate swaps often exchange a fixed payment for a floating
payment that is linked to a particular interest rate. Interest rate swap futures
are instruments that provide a way to gain swap exposure and the structure
features of a futures contract in a single instrument. Interest rate swap
futures are futures contracts on interest rate swaps that enable purchasers to
cash settle at a future date at the price determined by the benchmark rate at
the end of a fixed period. Interest rate swaps can be based on various measures
of interest rates, including swap rates, treasury rates and other foreign
interest rates. An investment in an interest rate swap could result in losses to
a Fund if the underlying asset or reference does not perform as anticipated or
if the counterparty fails to meet its obligations.
Tax and Federal AMT Risk. The Municipal Bond
Fund will rely on the opinion of issuers’ bond counsel and, in the case of
derivative securities, sponsors’ counsel, on the tax-exempt status of interest
on municipal bond obligations and payments under tax-exempt derivative
securities. Neither the Fund nor its Adviser or Sub-advisers will independently
review the bases for those tax opinions, which may ultimately be determined to
be incorrect and subject the Fund and its shareholders to substantial tax
liabilities. Certain shareholders subject to the Federal AMT may be required to
report
116
the
Fund’s exempt interest distributions in determining their Federal AMT.
Exempt-interest dividends may affect the federal corporate alternative minimum
tax for certain corporations. The Fund may also not be a suitable investment for
individual retirement accounts and other tax-deferred arrangements.
Trust Preferred and Bank Capital Securities Risk.
Trust preferred securities (and bank capital securities that take the
form of trust preferred securities) are preferred stocks issued by a special
purpose trust subsidiary backed by subordinated debt of the corporate
parent. Trust preferred securities are subject to unique risks, due to the
fact that dividend payments will only be paid if interest payments on the
underlying obligations are made, which interest payments are dependent on the
financial condition of the parent corporation and may be deferred for up to 20
consecutive quarters. Such risks include increased credit risk and market
value volatility, as well as the risk that a Fund may have to liquidate other
investments in order to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to
regulated investment companies if the trust preferred security or the
subordinated debt is treated as an original issue discount obligation, and
thereby causes a Fund to accrue interest income without receiving corresponding
cash payments. There is also the risk that the underlying obligations, and thus
the trust preferred securities, may be prepaid after a stated call date or as a
result of certain tax or regulatory events, resulting in a lower yield to
maturity.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. Certain Funds
may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its
agencies and instrumentalities (such as the Government National Mortgage
Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie
Mae”), or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”)
securities). Certain municipal securities are either pre-refunded or
escrowed-to-maturity, meaning that U.S. government obligations are placed in an
escrow account with principal and interest payments from the U.S. government
bonds used to secure the payment of principal and interest payments due to the
holders of the municipal securities. Securities issued or guaranteed by Ginnie
Mae, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac are not issued directly by the U.S. government.
Ginnie Mae is a wholly-owned U.S. corporation that is authorized to guarantee,
with the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, the timely payment of
principal and interest of its securities. By contrast, securities issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government sponsored organizations such as Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial
support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so by law.
Therefore, U.S. government-related organizations such as Fannie Mae or Freddie
Mac may not have the funds to meet payment obligations in the future.
From
time to time, uncertainty regarding the status of negotiations in the U.S.
government to increase the statutory debt ceiling and/or failure to increase the
statutory debt ceiling could increase the risk that the U.S. government may
default on payments on certain U.S. government securities, including those held
by a Fund, which could have a material adverse impact on the Fund. The failure,
or potential failure, to increase the statutory debt ceiling could adversely
affect a Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. For example, a
downgrade of the long-term sovereign credit rating of the U.S. could increase
volatility in both stock and bond markets, result in higher interest rates and
lower Treasury prices and increase the costs of certain kinds of debt. These
events and similar events could have significant adverse effects on the economy
generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on issuers of
securities held by the Fund and the Fund itself.
Value Style Risk. Certain Funds follow an
investing style that favors value investments. The price of equity securities
rises and falls in response to many factors, including the historical and
prospective earnings of the issuer of the stock, the value of its assets,
general economic conditions, interest rates, investor perceptions, and market
liquidity. Favoring stocks with a value orientation means the Fund will invest
in of companies whose securities are believed to be undervalued relative to
their projected underlying profitability, but there can be no assurance that the
shares of the companies selected for a Fund will appreciate in value. In
addition, many of the stocks in a Fund with a value orientation are more
volatile than the general market.
When-Issued, Delayed Delivery and Forward Commitment
Transactions Risk. When-issued transactions, delayed delivery purchases,
and forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the securities
declines prior to the settlement date. This risk is in addition to a risk that a
Fund’s other assets will decline in value. Therefore, these transactions may
result in a form of leverage and increase a Fund’s overall investment exposure.
When a Fund has sold a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward
commitment basis, the Fund does not participate in future gains or losses with
respect to the security. If the other party to a transaction fails to pay for
the securities, a Fund could
117
realize
a loss. Additionally, when selling a security on a when-issued, delayed
delivery, or forward commitment basis without owning the security, the Fund will
incur a loss if the security’s price appreciates in value such that the
security’s price is above the agreed-upon price on the settlement date.
118
PORTFOLIO
HOLDINGS INFORMATION
A
complete description of each Fund’s policies and procedures with respect to the
disclosure of the Funds’ portfolio holdings is available in the SAI.
MANAGEMENT
OF THE FUNDS
Investment
Adviser
Olive
Street Investment Advisers, LLC (the “Adviser” or “Olive Street”), 12555
Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63131, serves as investment adviser to each
Fund under an investment advisory agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the
Trust, on behalf of the Funds. Olive Street is registered as an investment
adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and was
formed in Missouri in 2012. As the Adviser, Olive Street has overall supervisory
responsibility for the general management and investment of each Fund’s
securities portfolio, and subject to review and approval by the Board, sets each
Fund’s overall investment strategies. The Adviser is also responsible for the
oversight and evaluation of each Fund’s Sub-advisers.
Advisory
Fees
For
its investment services, the Adviser receives the annual management fees, set
forth below, calculated daily and payable monthly as a percentage of the
relevant Fund’s average daily net assets.
|
| |
Fund |
|
Management Fee |
Core Bond Fund |
|
0.32% |
Core Plus Bond Fund |
|
0.36% |
Municipal Bond Fund |
|
0.36% |
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund |
|
0.36% |
Large Cap Growth Fund |
|
0.44% |
Large Cap Value Fund |
|
0.44% |
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund |
|
0.64% |
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund |
|
0.64% |
International Equity Fund |
|
0.60% |
During
the most recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the Funds are considered
to have paid Olive Street net management fees in the amount of $234.9 million.
Olive Street is deemed to have waived $289.3 million in management fees during
the most recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, as part of the contractual
agreement to waive its management fees to the extent management fees to be paid
to the Adviser exceed the aggregate management fees payable by a Fund to the
Fund’s Sub-advisers. Based on this contractual agreement to waive management
fees to the extent management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the
sub-advisory fees, the annual management fee paid to the Adviser during the most
recent fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, was 0.00% of average daily net
assets of each Fund. For avoidance of doubt, management fees waived pursuant to
this agreement are not subject to reimbursement by the Funds.
Pursuant
to an operating expense limitation agreement between the Adviser and the Funds,
the Adviser has also contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse
Fund expenses (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses, portfolio transaction
expenses, interest expense in connection with investment activities, taxes and
extraordinary or non-routine expenses) through at least October 28, 2024 to
the extent necessary to limit total annual Fund operating expenses after fee
waivers and/or expense reimbursement to the amount set below as a percentage of
the relevant Fund’s average daily net assets.
|
| |
Fund |
|
Expense Cap |
Core Bond Fund |
|
0.48% |
Core Plus Bond Fund |
|
0.42% |
Municipal Bond Fund |
|
0.48% |
119
|
| |
Fund |
|
Expense Cap |
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund |
|
0.48% |
Large Cap Growth Fund |
|
0.51% |
Large Cap Value Fund |
|
0.51% |
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund |
|
0.73% |
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund |
|
0.73% |
International Equity Fund |
|
0.67% |
Any
fee reductions or expense payments made by the Adviser pursuant to the operating
expense limitation agreement are subject to reimbursement by a Fund, if
requested by the Adviser, in the thirty six (36) month period following
such fee waiver and/or expense payment, if the aggregate amount actually paid by
a Fund toward operating expenses, as accrued each month (taking into account any
reimbursements) does not exceed the Fund’s expense cap accrued for such month
(i) at the time of the fee waiver and/or expense payment and (ii) at
the time of the reimbursement. A Fund must pay its current ordinary operating
expenses before the Adviser is entitled to any reimbursement of expenses.
A
discussion regarding the Board’s considerations in connection with the approval
of the Advisory Agreement for the Funds is available in the Funds’ annual report
to shareholders for the period ended June 30, 2023.
Fund
Expenses
In
addition to the management fees discussed above, each Fund incurs other expenses
such as custodian, transfer agency, and interest.
Sub-adviser
Evaluation
The
Adviser is responsible for hiring, terminating, and replacing Sub-advisers,
subject to the Board’s oversight. Before hiring a Sub-adviser, Olive Street
performs due diligence on the Sub-adviser, including (but not limited to),
quantitative and qualitative analysis of the Sub-adviser’s investment process,
risk management, and historical performance. It is Olive Street’s goal to hire
Sub-advisers who it believes are skilled and can deliver appropriate
risk-adjusted returns over a full market cycle. Olive Street selects
Sub-advisers who it believes will be able to add value through security
selection or allocations to securities, markets, or strategies. Olive Street is
responsible for the general overall supervision of the Sub-advisers along with
allocating a Fund’s assets among the Sub-advisers and rebalancing a Fund’s
portfolio as necessary from time to time.
More on Multi-Style Management. The investment
methods used by the Sub-advisers in selecting securities and other investments
for the Funds vary. The allocation of a Fund’s portfolio managed by one
Sub-adviser will, under normal circumstances, differ from the allocations
managed by the other Sub-advisers of the Fund with respect to, among other
things, portfolio composition, turnover, issuer capitalization, and issuer
financials. Because selections are made independently by each Sub-adviser, it is
possible that one or more Sub-advisers could purchase the same security or that
several Sub-advisers may simultaneously favor the same industry or sector.
The
Adviser is responsible for establishing the target allocation of each Fund’s
assets to each Sub-adviser and may adjust the target allocations at its
discretion. Market performance may result in allocation drift among the
Sub-advisers of a Fund. The Adviser is also responsible for periodically
reallocating the portfolio among the Sub-advisers, the timing and degree of
which will be determined by the Adviser at its discretion. Each Sub-adviser
independently selects the brokers and dealers to execute transactions for the
allocation of the Fund being managed by that Sub-adviser.
At
times, allocation adjustments among Sub-advisers may be considered tactical with
over- or under-allocations to certain Sub-advisers based on the Adviser’s
assessment of the risk and return potential of each Sub-adviser’s strategy.
Sub-adviser allocations are also influenced by each Sub-adviser’s historical
returns and volatility, which are assessed by examining the performance of
strategies managed by the Sub-advisers in other accounts that the Adviser
believes to be similar to those that will be used for a Fund.
In
the event a Sub-adviser ceases to manage an allocation of a Fund’s portfolio,
the Adviser will select a replacement Sub-adviser or allocate the assets among
the remaining Sub-advisers. The securities that were held in the departing
Sub-adviser’s allocation of the Fund’s portfolio may be allocated to and
retained by another Sub-adviser of the Fund or
120
will
be liquidated, taking into account various factors, which may include but are
not limited to the market for the security and the potential tax consequences.
The Adviser may also add additional Sub-advisers in order to increase a Fund’s
diversification or capacity or as otherwise determined by the Adviser to be in
the best interests of the Fund.
The
Funds and the Adviser have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC that permits
the Adviser to act as the manager of managers of the Funds and be responsible
for the investment performance of the Funds, since it will allocate the Funds’
assets to the Sub-advisers and recommend hiring or changing Sub-advisers to the
Board. The “manager of managers” structure enables the Funds to operate with
greater efficiency by not incurring the expense and delays associated with
obtaining shareholder approval of sub-advisory agreements. The structure does
not permit investment management fees paid by the Funds to be increased or to
materially change the Adviser’s obligations under the Advisory Agreement,
including the Adviser’s responsibility to monitor and oversee sub-advisory
services furnished to the Funds, without shareholder approval. Furthermore, any
sub-advisory agreements with affiliates of the Funds or the Adviser will require
shareholder approval.
Multi-Manager Exemptive Orders. As referenced
above, the Trust and the Adviser have obtained an exemptive order from the SEC,
which permits the Adviser, subject to certain conditions, to select new
Sub-advisers with the approval of the Board but without obtaining shareholder
approval. The order also permits the Adviser to change the terms of agreements
with the Sub-advisers and to continue the employment of a Sub-adviser after an
event that would otherwise cause the automatic termination of services. The
order also permits the Funds to disclose Sub-advisers’ fees only in the
aggregate in the SAI. This arrangement has been approved by the Board and each
Fund’s initial shareholder. Within 90 days of retaining a new Sub-adviser,
shareholders of the affected Fund(s) will receive notification of any such
change. In accordance with a separate exemptive order that the Trust and the
Adviser have obtained from the SEC, the Board may approve a new sub-advisory
agreement or a material amendment to an existing sub-advisory agreement at a
meeting that is not in person, subject to certain conditions, including that the
Trustees are able to participate in the meeting using a means of communication
that allows them to hear each other simultaneously during the meeting.
Sub-advisers
and Portfolio Managers
The
Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, have entered into a sub-advisory
agreement with each Sub-adviser (each, a “Sub-advisory Agreement”). For the
services provided pursuant to its Sub-advisory Agreement, each Sub-adviser
receives an annual fee directly from each Fund it serves. For the purposes of
determining compensation under the Advisory Agreement, each Fund will be deemed
to have paid the Adviser, and the Adviser will be deemed to have received an
amount equal to any payment made pursuant to the Sub-advisory Agreements. As
stated above, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive its management fees
for each Fund to the extent management fees to be paid to the Adviser exceed the
aggregate management fees payable to the Fund’s Sub-advisers. Each Sub-adviser
makes investment decisions for the assets it has been allocated to manage. The
Adviser oversees the Sub-advisers for compliance with the Funds’ investment
objectives, policies, strategies, and restrictions, and monitors each
Sub-adviser’s adherence to its investment style. The Board oversees the Adviser
and the Sub-advisers, establishes policies that they must follow in their
management activities, and oversees the hiring, termination, and replacement of
Sub-advisers recommended by the Adviser.
A
discussion regarding the Board’s considerations in connection with the approvals
of the Sub-advisory Agreements for the Funds are available in the Funds’ annual
report to shareholders for the period ending June 30, 2023.
The
following provides additional information about each Sub-adviser and the
portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of each
Sub-adviser’s allocated portion of a Fund. The SAI provides additional
information about the portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed
by the portfolio managers and their ownership of securities in the Funds.
Baird
Baird,
777 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202, serves as a Sub-adviser
to the Core Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on behalf
of the Core Bond Fund. Baird is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC
and was founded in 1919. As of June 30, 2023, Baird had assets under
management of approximately $120.8 billion.
121
Portfolio
Managers:
Mary Ellen Stanek, CFA, Charles B. Groeschell, Warren D. Pierson, CFA,
Jay E. Schwister, CFA, and M. Sharon deGuzman have served as portfolio
managers of the Core Bond Fund since its inception. Meghan H. Dean,
CFA, and Jeffrey L. Schrom, CFA,
have served as portfolio managers of the Core Bond Fund since October
2020.
Ms. Stanek
is a Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at Baird with over 44 years
of investment experience managing various types of fixed income portfolios.
Prior to joining Baird in 2000, Ms. Stanek was President and Chief
Executive Officer of Firstar Investment Research and Management Company (FIRMCO)
and was Director of Fixed Income. She is responsible for the formulation of
fixed income strategy as well as the development and portfolio management of all
fixed income services.
Mr. Groeschell
is a Managing Director and Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Baird with over 40
years of investment experience managing various types of fixed income
portfolios. Prior to joining Baird in 2000, Mr. Groeschell was a Senior
Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager with Firstar Investment
Research & Management Company (FIRMCO) where he played a lead role in
the overall management of major fixed income client relationships. His
responsibilities include setting investment policy with a major portion of his
time allocated to security analysis, credit research, and implementing the
long-term investment strategy of the firm.
Mr. Pierson
is a Managing Director and the Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Baird with
over 37 years of investment experience managing various types of fixed income
portfolios. Prior to joining Baird in 2000, Mr. Pierson was a Senior Vice
President and Senior Portfolio Manager with Firstar Investment Research and
Management Company (FIRMCO) where he managed municipal bond portfolios and
intermediate taxable bond portfolios. A major portion of his time is allocated
to yield curve analysis and credit research. He plays a lead role in
coordinating and implementing all fixed income strategies at the firm.
Mr. Schwister
is a Managing Director and the Director of Research and a Senior Portfolio
Manager at Baird with over 39 years of investment experience managing various
types of fixed income portfolios. Prior to joining Baird in late 2004,
Mr. Schwister was a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager for
15 years with Putnam Investments in Boston. At Putnam, he was responsible for
strategy formulation and portfolio construction across a wide variety of
multi-sector fixed income mandates.
Ms. deGuzman
is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Baird with over 27 years
of investment experience managing various types of fixed income portfolios.
Prior to joining Baird in 2000, Ms. deGuzman was an Assistant Vice
President and Portfolio Manager with Firstar Investment Research and Management
Company (FIRMCO) where she did quantitative fixed income analysis and portfolio
management. She currently focuses on managing short and intermediate taxable
portfolios and tax-exempt portfolios.
Ms. Dean
is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Baird with more than 23
years of investment experience managing a broad range of fixed income
portfolios. She co-leads research and strategy development in the mortgage and
asset-backed sectors. Prior to rejoining Baird Advisors in 2007, Ms. Dean
was a Vice President and Portfolio Manager with Deerfield Capital Management in
Chicago where she was a member of the asset-backed securities team focusing on
collateralized debt obligations.
Mr. Schrom
is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Baird with more than 29
years of investment experience managing a broad range of fixed income
portfolios. He plays a lead role in overseeing credit research and developing
and implementing investment strategies within the credit sector. Prior to
joining Baird Advisors, Mr. Schrom was the Director of Corporate Bonds at
Clarica Life Insurance and began his career as an auditor at the Chicago Board
of Trade.
JPMIM
JPMIM,
383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179, serves as a Sub-adviser to the
Core Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the
Core Bond Fund. JPMIM is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and
was formed in 1984. As of June 30, 2023, JPMIM had assets under management
of approximately $2.75 trillion.
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Portfolio
Managers:
Richard Figuly, Managing Director, has served
as a portfolio manager of the Core Bond Fund since July 2018. Justin Rucker, Managing Director, has served as
a portfolio manager of the Core Bond Fund since October 2019. Steven Lear, Managing Director, has served as a
portfolio manager of the Core Bond Fund since April 2021. Effective
March 1, 2024, Mr. Lear will no longer serve as a portfolio manager to
the portion of the assets of the Core Bond Fund managed by JPMIM. Andrew Melchiorre, Managing Director, and Edward Fitzpatrick III, Managing Director, have
been portfolio managers of the Core Bond Fund since May 2023. All of the
portfolio managers are based in Columbus, Ohio except Mr. Fitzpatrick, who
is based in New York, NY.
Mr. Figuly
is a portfolio manager for the U.S. Value Driven team and has been an employee
of JPMIM or predecessor firms since 1993. He is a member of the GFICC group and
is responsible for managing institutional taxable bond portfolios.
Mr. Lear
is the U.S. Chief Investment Officer within the GFICC group, responsible for all
fixed income investment strategies of JPMIM in the U.S. Mr. Lear co-chairs
the firm’s Investment Strategy Review Group and is a member of the firm’s Asset
Management Investment Committee. He has been an employee of JPMIM since 2008.
Mr. Rucker
has been an employee of JPMIM since 2006. He is a member of the GFICC group and
a portfolio manager responsible for managing long duration and core bond
institutional taxable bond portfolios.
Mr. Melchiorre
has been an employee of JPMIM since 2012. He is a member of the GFICC group and
is a portfolio manager on the firm’s Core Bond strategy. He is responsible for
managing institutional taxable bond portfolios and fund vehicles.
Mr. Fitzpatrick
has been an employee of JPMIM since 2013. He is a member of the GFICC group and
is the Head of the U.S. Rates Team, responsible for managing government bond
portfolios for institutional clients as well as recommending U.S. rates and
derivatives strategies across GFICC portfolios. He is a CFA charterholder.
Loomis
Sayles
Loomis
Sayles, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Core Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the
Adviser on behalf of the Core Bond Fund. Loomis Sayles is registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1926. As of June 30,
2023, Loomis Sayles had assets under management of approximately
$310.3 billion.
Portfolio
Manager:
Lynne A. Royer has served as portfolio manager
of the Core Bond Fund since July 2015. Seth J.
Timen has served as portfolio manager of the Core Bond Fund since March
2021.
Ms. Royer
is a Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of the Disciplined Alpha Team at Loomis
Sayles. Ms. Royer began her investment industry career in 1985 and joined
Loomis Sayles in 2010 from Wells Capital Management, where she was senior
portfolio manager and co-head of the Montgomery core fixed income investment
team. Previously, Ms. Royer was a lending officer with Morgan Guaranty
Trust Company (J.P.Morgan). Earlier, she was a financial analyst in the equity
research department at Barclays de Zoete Wedd and an analyst in the corporate
finance department at Drexel Burnham Lambert. Ms. Royer is a Phi Beta Kappa
graduate of Gettysburg College and earned an MBA from the Anderson Graduate
School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles and has over
36 years of investment industry experience.
Mr. Timen
is a Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of the Disciplined Alpha Team at Loomis
Sayles. Mr. Timen began his investment industry career in 2001 and joined
Loomis Sayles as a credit trader in 2010, from Pequot Capital Management, where
he was responsible for trading fixed income risk across investment grade, high
yield, and structured products. Mr. Timen was promoted to senior credit
trader in 2014 and credit portfolio manager in 2016. Previously, Mr. Timen
was an associate at Credit Suisse, where he assisted with corporate bond
investment and strategy execution for institutional clients. Mr. Timen
earned a BA from the University of Michigan and has over 22 years of investment
industry experience.
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PGIM
PGIM
(formerly Prudential Investment Management, Inc.), 655 Broad Street, Newark, New
Jersey 07102, serves as a Sub-adviser to the Fund under a sub-advisory agreement
with the Adviser on behalf of the Core Bond Fund. PGIM is registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC and was formed in 1984. As of June 30,
2023, PGIM had assets under management of approximately $1.27 trillion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Richard Piccirillo has served as a portfolio
manager of the Core Bond Fund since its inception. Gregory Peters and Michael Collins, CFA, have served as portfolio
managers of the Core Bond Fund since March 2014.
Mr. Piccirillo
is a Managing Director and senior portfolio manager for PGIM Fixed Income’s
Core, Long Government/Credit, Core Plus, Absolute Return, and other multi-sector
Fixed Income strategies. Mr. Piccirillo had specialized in mortgage-and
asset-backed securities since joining the firm in 1993. Before joining the firm,
Mr. Piccirillo was a fixed income analyst with Fischer Francis
Trees & Watts. Mr. Piccirillo started his career as a financial
analyst at Smith Barney. He received a BBA in Finance from George Washington
University and an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York
University.
Mr. Peters
is a Managing Director and Co-Chief Investment Officer of PGIM Fixed Income.
Mr. Peters is also a senior portfolio manager for U.S. and Global
Multi-Sector Fixed Income strategies. Prior to joining the firm in 2014,
Mr. Peters was Morgan Stanley’s Global Director of Fixed Income &
Economic Research and Chief Global Cross Asset Strategist, responsible for the
firm’s macro research and asset allocation strategy. Earlier, he worked at
Salomon Smith Barney and the Department of U.S. Treasury. He received a BA in
Finance from The College of New Jersey and an MBA from Fordham University.
Mr. Peters is a member of the Fixed Income Analyst Society and the Bond
Market Association.
Mr. Collins,
CFA, is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager for Core, Core Plus,
Absolute Return, and other Multi-Sector Fixed Income strategies. Previously,
Mr. Collins was a High Yield Portfolio Manager and Fixed Income Investment
Strategist. Earlier he was a credit research analyst, covering investment grade
and high yield corporate credits. Additionally, he developed proprietary
quantitative international interest rate and currency valuation models for the
global bond unit. Mr. Collins began his career at the firm in 1986 as a
software applications designer. He received a BS in Mathematics and Computer
Science from Binghamton University and an MBA in Finance from New York
University. Mr. Collins holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
designation and is a Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI).
BlackRock
BlackRock,
1 University Square Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, serves as a Sub-adviser
to the Core Plus Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the Core Plus Bond Fund. BlackRock is registered as an investment
adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1988. BlackRock has entered into a
sub-sub-advisory agreement with each of BlackRock International Limited (“BIL”),
a U.K.-based affiliate of BlackRock, and BlackRock (Singapore) Limited (“BRS”),
a Singapore-based affiliate of BlackRock, to facilitate the provision of advice
and trading out of non-U.S. jurisdictions. BIL and BRS, each registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC, organized in 1995 and 2000, respectively. As of
June 30, 2023, BlackRock had assets under management of approximately
$9.1 trillion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Rick Rieder and David
Rogal have been portfolio managers of the Core Plus Bond Fund since
October 2021. Chi Chen has been a
portfolio manager of the Core Plus Bond Fund since February 2023. Messrs. Rieder
and Rogal and Ms. Chen are members of BlackRock’s Fundamental Fixed Income
Portfolio Management Group (the “Group”), which leverages the individual
expertise of the Group’s members.
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Mr. Rieder
has been Chief Investment Officer of Fixed Income-Fundamental Portfolios, and
Head of the Corporate Credit Group and the Multi-Sector and Mortgages Group
since 2010 and a Managing Director of BlackRock since 2009.
Mr. Rogal
has been a member of the US Multi-Sector Fixed Income team within BlackRock’s
Global Fixed Income Group since 2009. Previously, he was a member of BlackRock’s
Multi-Asset Portfolio Strategies group, where he focused on various research and
analytical projects, and was responsible for asset allocation analysis and
liability-based portfolio structuring for taxable clients and prospects.
Mr. Rogal joined BlackRock in 2006 as an analyst in the Financial
Institutions Group.
Ms. Chen
is a portfolio manager in BlackRock’s Global Fixed Income Investment Group,
focusing on US multi-sector fixed income mandates and global government bond
mandates. She is co-manager of BlackRock’s Total Return Fund, Core Bond Fund, US
Dollar Bond Fund and Global Government Bond Fund. Ms. Chen joined BlackRock
as an analyst in the Global Fixed Income Investment Group in 2012. She has been
a Director of BlackRock since 2012. She earned a BA degree, magna cum laude, in
Economics and Statistics from Mount Holyoke College.
Loomis
Sayles
Loomis
Sayles, One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Core Plus Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the
Adviser on behalf of the Core Plus Bond Fund. Loomis Sayles is registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1926. As of June 30,
2023, Loomis Sayles had assets under management of approximately $310.3 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Matthew J. Eagan, CFA, Brian P.
Kennedy, and Elaine M. Stokes have
been portfolio managers of the Core Plus Bond Fund since its inception.
Effective December 31, 2023, Ms. Stokes will no longer serve as a
portfolio manager to the portion of the assets of the Fund managed by Loomis
Sayles.
Mr. Eagan,
Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of Full Discretion, has been employed by Loomis
Sayles since 1997 and has 33 years of investment industry experience. He earned
his B.A. from Northeastern University and an M.B.A. from Boston University.
Mr. Kennedy,
Co-Portfolio Manager, joined Loomis Sayles in 1994 and has 33 years of
investment experience. He earned a B.S. from Providence College, an M.B.A. from
Babson College.
Ms. Stokes,
Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of Full Discretion, has been employed by Loomis
Sayles since 1988 and has 36 years of investment industry experience. She earned
her B.S. from St. Michael’s College.
MetWest
MetWest,
865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017, serves as
a Sub-adviser to the Core Plus Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the
Adviser on behalf of the Core Plus Bond Fund. MetWest, a California limited
liability company, is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and was
founded in 1996. MetWest is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of TCW Asset Management
Company LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc. (“TCW
Group”). As of June 30, 2023, MetWest, together with TCW Group and its
other subsidiaries, which provides investment management and investment advisory
services, had approximately $210.0 billion under management or committed to
management, including $179.6 billion of U.S. fixed income investments.
Portfolio
Managers:
Laird Landmann, Stephen M. Kane, CFA, and Bryan T. Whalen, CFA, have been portfolio
managers of the Core Plus Bond Fund since its inception. Effective
December 31, 2023, Mr. Landmann will no longer serve as a portfolio
manager for the Core Plus Bond Fund. Jerry
Cudzil and Ruben Hovhannisyan have
been portfolio managers of the Core Plus Bond Fund since October 2023. They are
all Generalist Portfolio Managers at MetWest. Messrs. Landmann, and Kane
co-founded MetWest in 1996.
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Mr. Landmann
currently serves on the boards of TCW, LLC and Metropolitan West Funds and leads
the fixed income group’s risk management efforts. Prior to founding MetWest in
1996, Mr. Landmann was a principal and the co-director of fixed income at
Hotchkis and Wiley. He also served as a portfolio manager and vice president at
PIMCO.
Prior
to MetWest, Mr. Kane was a fixed income portfolio manager at Hotchkis and
Wiley. He also served as a Vice President at PIMCO.
Mr. Whalen
has been employed by MetWest since 2004. Prior to joining MetWest,
Mr. Whalen was a director in the fixed income department at Credit Suisse
First Boston in New York.
Mr. Cudzil
has been with MetWest since 2012. Prior to joining MetWest, he was a High Yield
Bond Trader for Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank.
Mr. Hovhannisyan
has been employed by MetWest since 2007. He was previously with KPMG’s
Structured Finance Group.
PIMCO
PIMCO,
650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660, serves as a Sub-adviser to
the Core Plus Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the Core Plus Bond Fund. PIMCO is registered as an investment adviser
with the SEC. As of June 30, 2023, PIMCO managed $1.79 trillion in assets,
including $1.42 trillion in third-party client assets.
Portfolio
Managers:
Alfred T. Murata and Daniel J. Ivascyn have been portfolio managers
of the Core Plus Bond Fund since May 2017.
Mr. Murata
is a managing director and portfolio manager in the Newport Beach office,
managing income-oriented, multi-sector credit, opportunistic and securitized
strategies. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2001, he researched and implemented exotic
equity and interest rate derivatives at Nikko Financial Technologies. He has 22
years of investment experience and holds a Ph.D. in engineering-economic systems
and operations research from Stanford University. He also earned a J.D. from
Stanford Law School and is a member of the State Bar of California.
Mr. Ivascyn
is Group Chief Investment Officer and a managing director in the Newport Beach
office. He is lead portfolio manager for the firm’s income, credit hedge fund
and mortgage opportunistic strategies, and is also a portfolio manager for total
return strategies. He is a member of PIMCO’s Executive Committee and a member of
the Investment Committee. Prior to joining PIMCO in 1998, he worked at Bear
Stearns in the asset-backed securities group, as well as T. Rowe Price and
Fidelity Investments. He has been in the investment industry since 1992 and
holds an MBA in analytic finance from the University of Chicago Graduate School
of Business and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Occidental College.
BlackRock
BlackRock,
1 University Square Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, serves as a Sub-adviser
to the Municipal Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the Municipal Bond Fund. BlackRock is registered as an investment
adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1988. As of June 30, 2023,
BlackRock had assets under management of approximately $9.1 trillion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Walter O’Connor, CFA, Michael Kalinoski, CFA,
and Kevin Maloney, CFA, have been
portfolio managers of the Municipal Bond Fund since October 2018.
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Michael
Kalinoski, CFA, Director, is a portfolio manager on the Municipal Mutual Fund
Desk within BlackRock’s Municipal Fixed Income business in BlackRock’s Portfolio
Management Group. Mr. Kalinoski’s service with the firm dates back to 1999,
including his years with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM), which merged
with BlackRock in 2006. At MLIM, he was a member of the tax-exempt fixed income
team responsible for managing a number of national and state funds. Prior to
joining MLIM in 1999, Mr. Kalinoski was a municipal trader with Strong
Capital Management. Mr. Kalinoski earned a BS degree in accounting from
Marquette University in 1992.
Walter
O’Connor, CFA, Managing Director and Co-Head of the Municipal Funds team within
the Municipal Fixed Income business in BlackRock’s Portfolio Management Group.
He is also a member of the Municipal Bond Operating Committee, which oversees
all municipal bond portfolio management, research and trading activities.
Mr. O’Connor’s service with the firm dates back to 1991, including his
years with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers (MLIM), which merged with BlackRock
in 2006. At MLIM, he was a portfolio manager for municipal bond retail mutual
funds. Prior to joining MLIM, Mr. O’Connor was with Prudential Securities,
where he was involved in trading, underwriting, and arbitrage for municipal
securities and financial futures. Mr. O’Connor earned a BA degree in
finance and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in 1984.
Kevin
Maloney, CFA, Director and Co-Head of the Municipal Funds team, is a Portfolio
Manager within the Municipal Fixed Income business in BlackRock’s Portfolio
Management Group. He is also a member of the Municipal Management Committee,
which oversees all municipal bond portfolio management, research, and trading
activities. Mr. Maloney began his career at BlackRock in 2011 as a research
analyst on the Municipal Credit Research Team. He graduated from Drexel
University in 2011 with a BS degree in Finance.
FIAM
FIAM,
900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917, serves as a Sub-adviser to the Municipal
Bond Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the
Municipal Bond Fund. FIAM is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC
and was founded in 2005. FIAM is an indirectly held, wholly owned subsidiary of
FMR LLC (“Fidelity”). As of June 30, 2023, FIAM had assets under management
of approximately $201.9 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Cormac Cullen has been a portfolio manager of
the Municipal Bond Fund since October 2017.
Michael Maka, CFA, has been a portfolio manager of the Municipal Bond
Fund since March 2020. Elizah McLaughlin,
CFA, has been a portfolio manager of the Municipal Bond Fund since
September 2018.
Since
joining Fidelity in 2007, Mr. Cullen has worked as a senior legal counsel,
an analyst, and portfolio manager.
Since
joining Fidelity in 1997, Ms. McLaughlin has worked as an analyst and
portfolio manager.
Since
joining Fidelity in 2000, Mr. Maka has worked as a research associate,
municipal bond trader, and portfolio manager.
MacKay
Shields
MacKay
Shields, with its principal office at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New
York 10105, serves as a Sub-adviser to the Municipal Bond Fund under a
sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the Municipal Bond Fund.
MacKay Shields is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. MacKay
Shields was privately held until 1984 when it became indirectly wholly-owned by
New York Life Insurance Company. As of June 30, 2023, MacKay Shields
managed approximately $134 billion in assets.
Portfolio
Managers:
Robert DiMella, CFA, David Dowden, and Michael Denlinger, CFA, have served as
portfolio managers of the Municipal Bond Fund since January 2021.
127
Mr. DiMella
is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Executive Managing Director of MacKay Shields.
Mr. DiMella joined MacKay Shields in July 2009 when the firm acquired the
assets of Mariner Municipal Managers LLC. He was the President and co-founder of
Mariner Municipal Managers from 2007 to 2009. He has been a municipal portfolio
manager since 1992, with a broad range of trading and portfolio management
experience in the municipal markets. Mr. DiMella is a member of the firm’s
Senior Leadership Team. He earned his Master’s degree at Rutgers University
Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance at the University of
Connecticut. He is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Dowden
is a Senior Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of MacKay Shields.
Mr. Dowden joined MacKay Shields in 2009. Before joining the firm, he was
Chief Investment Officer at Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.
Mr. Dowden was previously with Alliance Capital Management as a Senior
Portfolio Manager and at Merrill Lynch & Co. as a Municipal Strategist.
Mr. Dowden has an AB from Brown University and an MBA from Columbia
University. He has been in the investment management industry since 1989.
Mr. Denlinger
is a Portfolio Manager, Trader, and Managing Director of MacKay Shields.
Mr. Denlinger joined MacKay Shields in 2019. Before joining the firm, he
was an institutional municipal credit trader at Bank of America Merrill Lynch
with a primary focus on taxable and healthcare securities. Prior to trading
credit, he was a high grade municipal trader. He started at Bank of America
Merrill Lynch in 2014. Mr. Denlinger earned a Bachelor’s degree in
Economics from Johns Hopkins University in 2014. He is a CFA Charterholder. He
has been in the financial services industry since 2014.
|
Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund |
Capital
International
Capital
International, 333 S. Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the Fund. Capital International is registered as an investment adviser
with the SEC. Capital International, incorporated in California in 1987, is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital Group International, Inc., which is owned by
Capital Research and Management Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Capital Group Companies, Inc. (collectively, “Capital Group”). As of
June 30, 2023, Capital International had approximately $37.1 billion in
assets under management.
Portfolio
Managers:
Chad M. Rach, Jerome H. Solomon, and Courtney K. Wolf, have been portfolio managers
of the Fund since its inception.
Mr. Rach
is a portfolio manager at Capital International. He has 29 years of investment
experience and has been with Capital Group for 17 years.
Mr. Solomon
is a portfolio manager at Capital International. He has 29 years of investment
experience and has been with Capital Group for 13 years.
Ms. Wolf
is a portfolio manager at Capital International. She has 16 years of investment
experience, all with Capital Group.
T.
Rowe Price
T.
Rowe Price, 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the Fund. T. Rowe Price is registered as an investment adviser with
the SEC and was founded in 1937. T. Rowe Price is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. As of June 30, 2023, T. Rowe Price had
approximately $1.4 trillion in assets under management.
128
Portfolio
Manager:
James M. Murphy, CFA, has been the portfolio
manager of the Fund since its inception.
Mr. Murphy,
who joined the firm in 2000, is a Vice President of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.
and T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., and Portfolio Manager in the Fixed Income
Division managing the firm’s tax-free high-yield strategy. He is chairman of the
Investment Advisory Committees for the T. Rowe Price Tax-Free High Yield Fund.
Mr. Murphy received a B.S. in finance from the University of Delaware and
an M.B.A. in finance from Seton Hall University. He has also earned the CFA® designation.
Jennison
Jennison,
466 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017, serves as a Sub-adviser to the
Large Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on behalf
of the Large Cap Growth Fund. Jennison (including its predecessor, Jennison
Associates Capital Corp.) is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC
and was founded in 1969. As of June 30, 2023, Jennison had assets under
management in excess of $186.4 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Kathleen A. McCarragher and Blair A. Boyer have been portfolio managers of
the Large Cap Growth Fund since its inception. Natasha Kuhlkin, CFA has been a portfolio
manager of the Large Cap Growth Fund since April 2023.
Kathleen
A. McCarragher is a Managing Director, the Head of Growth Equity, and a large
cap growth equity portfolio manager at Jennison. She joined Jennison in May
1998. Prior to joining Jennison, Ms. McCarragher spent six years with
Weiss, Peck & Greer LLC where she was a Managing Director and the
Director of Large Cap Growth Equities. Prior to that, Ms. McCarragher spent
10 years with State Street Research & Management. Ms. McCarragher
earned a BBA, summa cum laude, in finance and economics from the University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Blair
A. Boyer is a Managing Director and Co-Head of Large Cap Growth Equity and a
large cap growth equity portfolio manager at Jennison. He joined Jennison in
March 1993 as an international equity analyst and joined the large cap growth
team as a portfolio manager in 2003. Prior to joining Jennison, he managed
international equity portfolios at Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder for five years.
Prior to that, he was a research analyst and then a senior portfolio manager at
Verus Capital. Mr. Boyer earned a BA in economics from Bucknell University
and an MBA from The New York University Stern School of Business.
Natasha
Kuhlkin, CFA, is a Managing Director and a large cap growth equity portfolio
manager at Jennison. She joined Jennison in May 2004. Prior to joining Jennison,
Ms. Kuhlkin was an equity research analyst at Evergreen Investment
Management and Palisade Capital Management. Ms. Kuhlkin earned a BS, magna
cum laude, in accounting from Binghamton University and she holds the Chartered
Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
Lazard
Lazard,
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, New York 10112, serves as a Sub-adviser to the
Large Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on behalf
of the Large Cap Growth Fund. Lazard is registered as an investment adviser with
the SEC and was founded in 1970. As of June 30, 2023, Lazard had assets
under management of approximately $203.3 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Andrew Lacey and Martin Flood have been portfolio managers of the Large Cap
Growth Fund since its inception. H. Ross
Seiden has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since September 2015.
Louis Florentin-Lee has been a portfolio
manager of the Fund since December 2018.
Mr. Lacey
is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst at Lazard, and is a member
of various US and global equity teams. He joined Lazard in 1995 as a Research
Analyst.
129
Mr. Seiden
is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst at Lazard, and is a member
of various US equity teams at Lazard. Prior to joining Lazard in 2010, he was an
Equity Research Associate covering the financials sector at Credit Suisse.
Mr. Seiden began working in the investment field in 2006.
Mr. Florentin-Lee
is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst at Lazard, and is a member
of various global equity teams at Lazard. Prior to joining Lazard in 2004, he
was an equity research analyst at Soros Funds Limited and Schroder Investment
Management. Mr. Florentin-Lee began working in the investment field in
1996.
Mr. Flood
is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager/Analyst at Lazard. He joined Lazard
in 1996 and is a member of various US and global equity teams at Lazard.
SGA
SGA,
301 Tresser Blvd., Suite 1310, Stamford, Connecticut 06901, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Large Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the
Adviser on behalf of the Large Cap Growth Fund. SGA is registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in July 2003. SGA is an
independent affiliate of Virtus Investment Partners Inc., (“Virtus”), a U.S.
publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ that utilizes a multi-boutique
structure. Virtus owns a 69% majority equity interest in SGA, with the remaining
31% equity interest held by SGA’s 20 individual equity owners. As of
June 30, 2023, SGA had total assets under management of approximately
$24.4 billion, of which $21.9 billion represents regulatory assets
under management and $2.5 billion represents model emulation assets under
contract.
Portfolio
Managers:
Robert L. Rohn has been a portfolio manager of
the Large Cap Growth Fund since its inception. Kishore Rao has been a portfolio manager of the
Large Cap Growth Fund since December 2019. Hrishikesh (HK) Gupta has been a portfolio
manager of the Large Cap Growth Fund since July 2022.
Mr. Rohn
is a principal and portfolio manager of SGA. He is also a member of the
Investment Committee and co-founder of the firm. Prior to founding SGA in 2003,
Mr. Rohn managed over $1 billion of large capitalization, high-quality
growth stock portfolios at W.P. Stewart & Co. During his 12-year tenure
with W.P. Stewart, he was an analyst and portfolio manager, held the positions
of chairman of the board and chief executive officer of W.P. Stewart Inc., the
company’s core U.S. investment business, and served as chairman of the firm’s
management committee. From 1988 through 1991, Mr. Rohn was with Yeager,
Wood & Marshall, where he served as vice president and a member of the
Investment Policy Committee, with responsibilities in equity analysis and
portfolio management. He began his career in 1983 at Morgan Guarantee Trust
Company, where he was an officer of the bank in Corporate Finance.
Mr. Rao
is a principal and portfolio manager of SGA. He is also a member of the
Investment Committee. Prior to joining SGA in 2004, Mr. Rao was a member of
the investment team at Trident Capital, a venture capital firm managing a
portfolio of software, technology, and business service companies. He had been
Founder and General Manager of the Street Events division of CCBN, which was a
Trident Capital portfolio company before it was sold to Thomson Reuters.
Previously, Mr. Rao was an investment analyst at Tiger Management following
healthcare services and software companies and an analyst at Wellington
Management following semiconductor equipment.
Mr. Gupta
is a principal and portfolio manager at SGA. He is also a member of the
Investment Committee. Prior to joining SGA in 2014, Mr. Gupta was a senior
analyst at MDR Capital Management (“MDR”) and an associate managing director at
Iridian Asset Management (“Iridian”). Mr. Gupta followed the Technology,
Telecommunications, Industrials, Basic Commodity and Refiners sectors while at
MDR and Iridian. He also worked as an investment banking associate at Bank of
America Merrill Lynch, and advised industrials and financials’ clients on
private placements and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to beginning his career
in the investment industry, Mr. Gupta was a product and program manager at
Amazon.com and, as part of their strategic executive division, led the launch of
Amazon’s Japanese and German merchant platforms.
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Artisan
Partners
Artisan
Partners, 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202,
serves as a Sub-adviser to the Large Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory
agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the Large Cap Value Fund. Artisan
Partners is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in
March 2009 and succeeded the investment management business of Artisan Partners
Holdings LP during 2009. Artisan Partners Holdings LP was founded in December
1994 and began providing investment management services in March 1995. As of
June 30, 2023, Artisan Partners had total assets under management of
approximately $142.99 billion, of which $142.93 billion are regulatory assets
under management and $56 million are assets for which Artisan Partners provides
investment models to managed account sponsors (reported on a one-month lag).
Portfolio
Managers:
Thomas A. Reynolds IV has been a portfolio
manager of the Large Cap Value Fund since October 2017. Daniel L. Kane, CFA, has been a portfolio
manager of the Large Cap Value Fund since its inception. Craig Inman, CFA, has been a portfolio
manager of the Large Cap Value Fund since February 2019.
Mr. Reynolds
is a Managing Director of Artisan Partners. He joined Artisan Partners in
October 2017 as a portfolio manager on Artisan Partners’ Value team. Prior to
joining Artisan Partners, Mr. Reynolds was a portfolio manager for Perkins
Investment Management at Janus Henderson since April 2013. He has been in the
investment industry since 2005.
Mr. Kane
is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager of Artisan Partners. Mr. Kane
was an Associate Portfolio Manager from February 2012 to September 2013 and was
an Analyst prior to February 2012. Before joining Artisan Partners in March
2008, Mr. Kane was a senior small cap investment analyst at BB&T Asset
Management, Inc. He has been in the investment industry since 2005.
Mr. Inman
is a Managing Director of Artisan Partners. He joined Artisan Partners in
February 2012 as an analyst working on the U.S. Value team and has been
Portfolio Manager of the Artisan Mid Cap Value Fund and Artisan Value Fund, in
addition to the Large Cap Value Fund, since February 2019.
Barrow
Hanley
Barrow
Hanley, 2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201,
serves as a Sub-adviser to the Large Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory
agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the Large Cap Value Fund. Barrow Hanley
is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1979. As
of June 30, 2023, Barrow Hanley had assets under management of
approximately $46.1 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Mark Giambrone, Michael Nayfa, CFA, and Terry Pelzel, CFA, have been portfolio managers
of the Large Cap Value Fund since its inception.
Mr. Giambrone
has been a Portfolio Manager at Barrow Hanley since 2002. Before joining Barrow
Hanley in 1999, he served as a portfolio consultant at HOLT Value Associates.
Mr. Giambrone has 31 years of professional experience.
Mr. Nayfa
has been a Portfolio Manager for this strategy since 2014 and was an Equity
Analyst from 2008 to 2014. He continues to serve as an Equity Analyst on other
strategies. Before joining Barrow Hanley in 2008, he worked as an analyst at HBK
and in the institutional equity sales group at Natexis Bleichroeder.
Mr. Nayfa has 19 years of professional experience.
Mr. Pelzel
has been a Portfolio Manager for this strategy since 2014 and was an Equity
Analyst from 2010 to 2014. He continues to serve as an Equity Analyst on other
strategies. Before joining Barrow Hanley in 2010, he served as a senior
portfolio analyst for Highland Capital Management, LP. He has 18 years of
professional experience.
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LSV
LSV,
155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606, serves as a Sub-adviser
to the Large Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the Large Cap Value Fund. LSV is registered as an investment adviser
with the SEC. As of June 30, 2023, LSV had assets under management of
approximately $93.6 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Josef Lakonishok, Menno Vermeulen, Puneet Mansharamani, Greg Sleight, and Guy Lakonishok have served as portfolio
managers of the Large Cap Value Fund since May 2020.
Dr. Josef
Lakonishok has served as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer,
Partner and Portfolio Manager for LSV since its founding in 1994. He has been in
the investment industry since 1978.
Mr. Vermeulen,
CFA, has served as a Portfolio Manager of LSV since 1995 and a Portfolio Manager
and Partner since 1998. He has previously served as a Senior Quantitative
Analyst. Mr. Vermeulen has been in the investment industry since 1993.
Mr. Mansharamani,
CFA, has served as a Partner and Portfolio Manager since 2006 and had previously
served as a Senior Quantitative Analyst upon joining LSV in 2000.
Mr. Sleight
has served as a Partner since 2012 and Portfolio Manager since 2014 and
previously served as a Quantitative Analyst upon joining LSV in 2006.
Mr. Guy
Lakonishok, CFA, has served as a Partner since 2013 and Portfolio Manager since
2014 and previously served as a Quantitative Analyst upon joining LSV in 2009.
He has been in the investment industry since 2002.
T.
Rowe Price
T.
Rowe Price, 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Large Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the
Adviser on behalf of the Large Cap Value Fund. T. Rowe Price is registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1937. As of June 30,
2023, T. Rowe Price and its affiliates had assets under management of
approximately $1.4 trillion.
Portfolio
Manager:
John D. Linehan, CFA, has served as a portfolio
manager of the Large Cap Value Fund since May 2020.
Mr. Linehan
is a portfolio manager, the chief investment officer of Equity, and a member of
the firm’s U.S. Equity Steering and Equity Brokerage and Trading Control
Committees. He is a vice president of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and T. Rowe
Price Associates, Inc. From February 2009 to June 2014, Mr. Linehan was
head of U.S. Equity and chairman of the U.S. Equity Steering Committee. He
joined T. Rowe Price in 1998 as an equity analyst, covering the paper and forest
products and airline industries. Prior to joining T. Rowe Price, between 1990
and 1996, he was an executive in the oil trading and consulting industry.
Mr. Linehan began his investment career in 1987 in mortgage-backed
securities trading. He earned a B.A. in economics from Amherst College and an
M.B.A. from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Wellington
Management
Wellington
Management, 280 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Large Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the
Adviser on behalf of the Large Cap Value Fund. Wellington Management is a
Delaware limited liability partnership with principal offices at 280 Congress
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. Wellington Management is a professional
investment counseling firm which provides investment services to investment
companies, employee benefit plans, endowments, foundations, and other
institutions. As of June 30, 2023, Wellington Management and its investment
advisory affiliates had investment management authority with respect to
approximately $1.2 trillion in assets.
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Portfolio
Manager:
Donald J. Kilbride has been a portfolio manager
of the Large Cap Value Fund since its inception. Effective January 1, 2024,
Mr. Kilbride will no longer serve as a portfolio manager to the portion of
the assets of the Large Cap Value Fund. Peter C.
Fisher has been a portfolio manager of the Large Cap Value Fund since
April 2021.
Mr. Kilbride
is a Senior Managing Director and an Equity Portfolio Manager at Wellington
Management. Mr. Kilbride has been in the investment industry since 1987 and
has been with Wellington Management since 2002.
Mr. Fisher
is a Senior Managing Director and an Equity Portfolio Manager at Wellington
Management. Mr. Fisher has been in the investment industry since 1994 and
has been with Wellington Management since 2005.
|
Small/Mid
Cap Growth Fund |
Artisan
Partners
Artisan
Partners, 875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202,
serves as a Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory
agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund. Artisan
Partners is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in
March 2009 and succeeded the investment management business of Artisan Partners
Holdings LP during 2009. Artisan Partners Holdings LP was founded in December
1994 and began providing investment management services in March 1995. As of
June 30, 2023, Artisan Partners had total assets under management of
approximately $142.99 billion, of which $142.93 billion are regulatory assets
under management and $56 million are assets for which Artisan Partners provides
investment models to managed account sponsors (reported on a one-month lag).
Portfolio
Managers:
Craigh A. Cepukenas, CFA, James D. Hamel, CFA, Matthew
H. Kamm, CFA, and Jason White, CFA,
have served as portfolio managers of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since
June 2020. Jay C. Warner, CFA has served
as portfolio manager of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since January 2022.
Mr. Cepukenas
is a Managing Director of Artisan Partners. He joined Artisan Partners in 1995
as an analyst. He became a Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners in 2004.
Mr. Cepukenas holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Graduate School
of Business.
Mr. Hamel,
CFA, is a Managing Director of Artisan Partners. He joined Artisan Partners in
1997 as an analyst. He became a Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners in 2006
and an Associate Portfolio Manager in 2001. Mr. Hamel holds a B.S. in
Finance from the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis.
Mr. Kamm,
CFA, is a Managing Director of Artisan Partners. He joined Artisan Partners in
2003 as an analyst. Prior to becoming a Lead Portfolio Manager for Artisan
Partners in 2013, Mr. Kamm had been a Portfolio Manager for Artisan
Partners since 2012 and an Associate Portfolio Manager since 2010. Mr. Kamm
holds a B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and an M.B.A. in Finance and
Operations Management from New York University.
Mr. White,
CFA, is a Managing Director of Artisan Partners. He joined Artisan Partners in
2000 as an analyst. He became a Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners in 2016
and an Associate Portfolio Manager in 2011. Mr. White holds a B.S. in
History from the United States Naval Academy.
Mr. Warner,
CFA, is a Managing Director of Artisan Partners. He joined Artisan Partners in
2003 as an analyst. He became a Portfolio Manager for Artisan Partners in 2022
and Associate Portfolio Manager in 2019. Mr. Warner holds a B.B.A. in
accounting and an M.S. in finance, investment and banking from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison. Mr. Warner is a licensed Certified Public Accountant.
133
Champlain
Champlain,
180 Battery Street, Suite 400, Burlington, Vermont 05401, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with
the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund. Champlain is registered
as an investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 2004. As of
June 30, 2023, Champlain had assets under management of approximately
$17.2 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Scott Brayman, CFA, has been a portfolio
manager of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since its inception. Corey Bronner, CFA, Joseph Caligiuri, CFA, Joseph
Farley, and Robert Hallisey have
managed the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since October 2017.
Mr. Brayman
is the Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at Champlain.
Mr. Brayman has been in the investment industry since 1985. Before joining
Champlain, he was a Senior Vice President at NL Capital Management, Inc. and
served as a portfolio manager with Sentinel Advisors, Inc.
Mr. Bronner
is a Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Champlain. He joined Champlain in April
2010 and has been in the investment industry since 2008. He leads the consumer
and financials sectors on the firm’s investment team. Prior to joining
Champlain, Mr. Bronner was an analyst focusing primarily on the financial
services industry at Duff & Phelps Corporation. Mr. Bronner was a
credit analyst with the commercial lending group at Merchants Bank, a subsidiary
of Merchant Bancshares, Inc., before joining Duff & Phelps.
Mr. Caligiuri
is a Deputy Chief Investment Officer at Champlain. He joined Champlain in 2008
as an Operations Analyst and moved to the small and mid-capitalization
investment team in 2010. He leads the industrials and energy sectors on the
firm’s investment team. Prior to joining Champlain, Mr. Caligiuri held
internships at Sheaffer & Roland Consulting Engineers as a business
operations analyst and Sopher Investment Management as a research assistant. He
has been in the investment industry since 2008.
Mr. Farley
joined Champlain in August 2014 and has been in the investment industry since
1993. He leads technology sector research on the firm’s investment team. Prior
to joining Champlain, Mr. Farley was a founder and portfolio manager of
Kelvingrove Partners, LLC, an investment management firm focused on technology,
media, and telecommunications. His investment management career began at Private
Capital Management, where he was the managing director of investment research
and a portfolio manager. Mr. Farley spent over 10 years as a securities
analyst on Wall Street and held senior investment research and management roles
at Morgan Stanley, Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, and UBS. He began his
career as a market analyst with AT&T.
Mr. Hallisey
joined Champlain in August 2016 and has been in the investment industry since
1994. He is an Analyst for the health care sector on the firm’s investment team.
Prior to joining Champlain, Mr. Hallisey was a member of Fidelity’s fund
manager due diligence team beginning in 2013. Mr. Hallisey’s experience
includes coverage of the small and mid-cap health care sector at BlackRock,
Sirios Capital, and John Hancock Funds.
Driehaus
Driehaus,
25 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611, serves as a Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid
Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund. Driehaus is registered as an investment adviser with
the SEC and was founded in 1982. As of June 30, 2023, Driehaus had
approximately $14.4 billion in assets under management.
Portfolio
Managers:
Jeff James, Michael Buck, and Prakash Vijayan, CFA, have served as portfolio
managers of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since September 2021.
Mr. James,
Lead Portfolio Manager, joined Driehaus in March 1997. He has held portfolio
management responsibilities for the investment strategy used to manage the
portion of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s assets allocated to Driehaus since
January 2012 and has over 20 years of portfolio management experience at
Driehaus. He is also a Portfolio Manager for other Driehaus strategies.
Mr. James received his B.S. in finance from Indiana University in 1990 and
his M.B.A. from DePaul University in 1995.
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Mr. Buck,
Portfolio Manager, joined Driehaus in February 2002. He has held portfolio
management responsibilities for the investment strategy used to manage the
portion of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s assets allocated to Driehaus since
January 2012 and has over 10 years of portfolio management experience at
Driehaus. He is also a Portfolio Manager for other Driehaus strategies.
Mr. Buck received his B.A. and B.M. in economics and cello performance from
Northwestern University in 2000.
Mr. Vijayan,
CFA, Assistant Portfolio Manager, joined Driehaus in November 2010. He has held
assistant portfolio management responsibilities for the investment strategy used
to manage the portion of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund’s assets allocated to
Driehaus since January 2020. He is also an Assistant Portfolio Manager for other
Driehaus strategies. Mr. Vijayan received his Bachelors of Technology
degree in mechanical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology in 2003 and
a Masters of Science in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University in
2005. Mr. Vijayan is a CFA charterholder.
Eagle
Eagle,
880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, serves as a Sub-adviser to
the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund. Eagle is registered as an investment
adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1984. As of June 30, 2023, Eagle
had assets under management of approximately $30.2 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Matt McGeary,
CFA has been a portfolio manager
of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since its inception. E.G. Woods, CFA, Jason Wulff, CFA and Matthew Spitznagle, CFA, have been portfolio
managers of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since March 2022.
Mr. McGeary
has been a Portfolio Manager with Eagle since 2012. He was a Portfolio Manager
at Sentinel Investments from 2011 to 2012.
Mr. Woods
has been a Portfolio Manager with Eagle since 2020. He was a Portfolio Manager
at Taylor, Cottril, Erickson & Associates from 2018-2019 and a Senior
Equity Analyst at Sentinel Investments from 2013-2018.
Mr. Wulff
has been a Portfolio Manager with Eagle since 2015. He was a Portfolio Manager
at Sentinel Investments from 2007-2015.
Mr. Spitznagle
has been a Portfolio Manager with Eagle since 2012. He was a Portfolio Manager
with Sentinel Investments from 2005-2012.
SIMG
SIMG,
111 Center Street, Suite 2110, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with
the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund. SIMG is registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 2005. As of June 30,
2023, SIMG had assets under management of approximately $6.6 billion.
Portfolio
Manager:
Ryan Crane has been a portfolio manager of the
Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since August 2015. He is also Chief Investment Officer
of SIMG and serves as the Lead Portfolio Manager for several strategies. Before
joining SIMG, Mr. Crane had been at AIM Capital Management since 1994,
where he was a Senior Portfolio Manager and the team leader for the
small/mid-cap growth complex.
135
Victory
Capital
Victory
Capital, 15935 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78256, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with
the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund. Victory Capital is
registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. As of June 30, 2023,
Victory Capital managed and advised assets totaling in excess of $161.6 billion
for individual and institutional clients.
Portfolio
Managers:
D. Scott Tracy, Stephen J. Bishop, Melissa
Chadwick-Dunn, Christopher W. Clark, and Paul Leung have served as portfolio managers of
the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund since September 2021.
Mr. Tracy
is the Chief Investment Officer of Victory Capital’s RS Growth team and has been
a co-portfolio manager and analyst since 2007, prior to the 2016 acquisition of
RS Investment Management Co. LLC (“RSIM”) by Victory Capital. He joined RSIM in
2001. Mr. Tracy is a CFA charterholder.
Mr. Bishop
has been a member Victory Capital’s RS Growth team since 1996, prior to Victory
Capital’s acquisition of RSIM in 2016. From 1996 to 2007, Mr. Bishop was a
research analyst primarily covering the technology sector with RSIM. He became a
portfolio manager in 2007.
Ms. Chadwick-Dunn
has been a member of Victory Capital’s RS Growth team since 2001, prior to
Victory Capital’s acquisition of RSIM in 2016. She became a portfolio manager in
2007.
Mr. Clark
has been a portfolio manager of Victory Capital’s RS Growth team since 2014,
prior to Victory Capital’s acquisition of RSIM in 2016. From 2007 to 2014, he
was an analyst with RSIM. Mr. Clark is a CFA charterholder.
Mr. Leung
has been a member of Victory Capital’s RS Growth team since 2012, prior to
Victory Capital’s acquisition of RSIM in 2016. He became a portfolio manager in
2018. Mr. Leung is a CFA charterholder.
American
Century
American
Century serves as a Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund under a
sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Value
Fund. American Century is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Century Companies, Inc. (“ACC”), a
privately held corporation. The Stowers Institute for Medical Research (“SIMR”)
controls ACC by virtue of its beneficial ownership of more than 25% of the
voting securities of ACC. American Century and ACC are located at 4500 Main
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64111, and SIMR is located at 1000 E. 50th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64110. As of June 30, 2023, assets under management
were approximately $214.8 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Jeff John, CFA, and Ryan Cope, CFA, have been portfolio managers
of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since June 2021.
Jeff
John is a Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at American Century. He
joined American Century in 2008 as an Analyst and became a Portfolio Manager in
2012. He has a bachelor of science degree in business from the University of
Colorado in Boulder and an MBA in finance and accounting from Vanderbilt
University, Owen Graduate School of Management. He is a CFA charterholder.
Ryan
Cope is a Portfolio Manager at American Century. He joined American Century in
2009 and became a Portfolio Research Analyst in 2010, an Investment Analyst in
2012, and a Portfolio Manager in April 2020. Mr. Cope has a bachelor’s
degree in business administration from Truman State University and an MBA from
Kansas State University. He is a CFA charterholder.
136
Boston
Partners
Boston
Partners, One Beacon Street, 30th Floor, Boston, MA 02108,
serves as a Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory
agreement with the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund. Boston
Partners is an autonomous subsidiary of ORIX Corporation, a financial services
holding company based in Japan. Boston Partners is registered as an investment
adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1995. As of June 30, 2023, Boston
Partners had assets under management of approximately $89.6 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Steve Pollack, CFA, has been a portfolio
manager of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since its inception and Timothy Collard has been a portfolio manager of
the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since February 2023.
Mr. Pollack
has been a portfolio manager at Boston Partners since 2005. Before joining
Boston Partners, he spent 12 years as an equity portfolio manager at Hughes
Investments. Mr. Pollack has been in the investment industry since 1990.
Mr. Collard
is an assistant portfolio manager for the Boston Partners Mid Cap Value Equity
product. He began his investment career in 2004 and joined Boston Partners in
2018 as an equity analyst.
Diamond
Hill
Diamond
Hill, 325 John H. McConnell Blvd, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with
the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund. Diamond Hill is
registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 2000.
Diamond Hill is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc.
As of June 30, 2023, Diamond Hill had assets under management of
approximately $26.06 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Christopher Welch, CFA, and Christopher Bingaman, CFA, have been portfolio
managers of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since January 2019.
Mr. Welch,
CFA, serves as Portfolio Manager for Diamond Hill. Mr. Welch has been with
Diamond Hill since 2005.
Mr. Bingaman,
CFA, serves as Portfolio Manager for Diamond Hill. Mr. Bingaman has been
with Diamond Hill since 2001.
LSV
LSV,
155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4600, Chicago, IL 60606, serves as a sub-adviser
to the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser
on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund. LSV is registered as an investment
adviser with the SEC. As of June 30, 2023, LSV had assets under management
of approximately $93.5 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Josef Lakonishok, Menno Vermeulen, CFA, Puneet Mansharamani, CFA, Greg Sleight, and Guy Lakonishok, CFA have served as portfolio
managers of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since November 2016.
Dr. Josef
Lakonishok has served as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer,
Partner and Portfolio Manager for LSV since its founding in 1994. He has been in
the investment industry since 1978.
Mr. Vermeulen,
CFA, has served as a Portfolio Manager of LSV since 1995 and a Portfolio Manager
and Partner since 1998. He has previously served as a Senior Quantitative
Analyst. Mr. Vermeulen has been in the investment industry since 1993.
137
Mr. Mansharamani,
CFA, has served as a Partner and Portfolio Manager since 2006 and had previously
served as a Senior Quantitative Analyst upon joining LSV in 2000.
Mr. Sleight
has served as a Partner since 2012 and Portfolio Manager since 2014 and
previously served as a Quantitative Analyst upon joining LSV in 2006.
Mr. Guy
Lakonishok, CFA, has served as a Partner since 2013 and Portfolio Manager since
2014 and previously served as a Quantitative Analyst upon joining LSV in 2009.
He has been in the investment industry since 2002.
MFS
MFS,
111 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02199, serves as a Sub-adviser to
the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund. MFS is registered as an investment
adviser with the SEC. MFS and its predecessor organizations have a history of
money management dating back to 1924. MFS is a majority-owned subsidiary of
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., which in turn is an
indirect majority-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Financial Inc., a diversified
financial services company. As of June 30, 2023, MFS had assets under
management of approximately $589 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Kevin Schmitz, has been a portfolio manager of
the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since January 2019 and Richard Offen has been a portfolio manager of
the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since December 2019. Effective December 31,
2023, Mr. Schmitz will no longer serve as a portfolio manager to the
portion of the assets of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund managed by MFS.
Mr. Schmitz
serves as Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager of MFS and has been employed
in the investment area of MFS since 2002.
Mr. Offen
serves as Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager of MFS and has been employed
in the investment area of MFS since 2011.
Silvercrest
Silvercrest,
1330 Avenue of the Americas, 38th Floor, New York, New York 10019, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with
the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund. Silvercrest is registered
as an investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 2002. As of
June 30, 2023, Silvercrest had assets under management of approximately
$31.9 billion.
Portfolio
Manager:
Roger W. Vogel, CFA has been a portfolio
manager of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since its inception. He is a Managing
Director and lead portfolio manager at Silvercrest. Prior to joining
Silvercrest, Mr. Vogel was Managing Director at Credit Suisse Asset
Management, where he co-managed both small cap and large cap portfolios.
Vaughan
Nelson
Vaughan
Nelson, 600 Travis Street, Suite 3800, Houston, Texas 77002, serves as a
Sub-adviser to the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with
the Adviser on behalf of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund. Vaughan Nelson is
registered as an investment adviser with the SEC and was founded in 1970. As of
June 30, 2023, Vaughan Nelson had assets under management of approximately
$15.2 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Dennis G. Alff, CFA, Chad D. Fargason, Ph.D.,
and Chris D. Wallis, CFA, have
been portfolio managers of the Small/Mid Cap Value Fund since its inception.
138
Mr. Alff
has been a Senior Portfolio Manager at Vaughan Nelson since 2006. He has been in
the investment industry since 1997. Mr. Alff has also served as Vice
President, Credit Arbitrage and Asset Investments at Koch Capital Markets and
Project Leader at The Boston Consulting Group.
Dr. Fargason
has been a Senior Portfolio Manager at Vaughan Nelson since 2013. Before joining
Vaughan Nelson, he was a Director at KKR&Co. from 2003 to 2013. He has been
in the investment industry since 2000. Dr. Fargason also served as a Senior
Vice President at El Paso Corp. and Project Leader at The Boston Consulting
Group.
Mr. Wallis
has been Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer at Vaughan Nelson
since 1999. He has been in the investment industry since 1992. Prior to joining
Vaughan Nelson, he was an Associate at Simmons & Company International
and a Manager at Coopers & Lybrand, LLP.
|
International
Equity Fund |
Baillie
Gifford Overseas
Baillie
Gifford Overseas, Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh, Scotland serves as
a Sub-adviser to the International Equity Fund under a sub-advisory agreement
with the Adviser on behalf of the International Equity Fund. Baillie Gifford
Overseas is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. Baillie Gifford
Overseas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Baillie Gifford & Co., which
was founded in 1908. As of June 30, 2023, Baillie Gifford & Co.
had assets under management of approximately $293 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Iain Campbell and Joe Faraday have been
portfolio managers of the International Equity Fund since its inception. Sophie Earnshaw has been a portfolio manager
of the International Equity Fund since September 2018. Milena Mileva has been a portfolio manager of
the International Equity Fund since May 2022.
Stephen Paice has been a portfolio manager of the International Equity
Fund since July 2022.
Mr. Faraday
is an Investment Manager at Baillie Gifford Overseas and has been with Baillie
Gifford Overseas since 2002. He is a member of the International Focus Portfolio
Construction Group.
Mr. Campbell
is an Investment Manager at Baillie Gifford Overseas and has been with Baillie
Gifford Overseas since 2004. He is a Partner and also a member of the
International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group.
Ms. Earnshaw
is an Investment Manager at Baillie Gifford Overseas and has been with Baillie
Gifford Overseas since 2010. She is also a member of the International All Cap
Portfolio Construction Group.
Ms. Mileva
is an Investment Manager at Baillie Gifford Overseas and has been with Baillie
Gifford Overseas since 2009. She is a Partner and also a member of the
International All Cap Portfolio Construction Group.
Mr. Paice
is an Investment Manager at Baillie Gifford Overseas and has been with Baillie
Gifford Overseas since 2005. He is a member of the International All Cap
Portfolio Construction Group.
Marathon-London
Marathon
Asset Management Limited (“Marathon-London”), Orion House, 5 Upper St Martin’s
Lane, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9EA serves as a Sub-adviser to the
International Equity Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the International Equity Fund. Marathon-London is predominantly owned
by its founders, with the remaining equity shared between a number of key
employees. Marathon-London was founded in London in 1986 and is registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC. As of June 30, 2023, Marathon-London had
assets under management of approximately $39.9 billion.
139
Portfolio
Managers:
Neil M. Ostrer, William J. Arah, Charles Carter, Nick
Longhurst and Simon Somerville have served as portfolio managers of the
International Equity Fund since June 2021.
Mr. Ostrer
co-founded Marathon-London in 1986 and is a Portfolio Manager focusing on
investments in Europe. Prior to Marathon-London, he worked at Carnegie
International as a Director of International Sales. Mr. Ostrer began his
investment career at G.T. Management, where he began managing the G.T. European
Unit Trust before he was appointed Director, G.T. Management UK. Mr. Ostrer
began his investment career in 1981.
Mr. Carter
joined Marathon-London in 1998 and is Managing Director and a Portfolio Manager
focusing on investments in Europe. Previously, he worked for Olivetti S.p.A. as
part of an internal merger and acquisition team involved in restructuring the
firm’s business. Prior to that he worked for Lazard Brothers in Investment
Banking. Mr. Carter began his investment career 1989.
Mr. Longhurst
joined Marathon-London in 2003 and is a Portfolio Manager focusing on
investments in Europe. Previously, he worked for American Express Asset
Management as Senior Pan-European Investment Analyst. Prior to that he worked
for Schroder Investment Management as Senior Pan-European Analyst managing the
Schroder International Eurotech Fund. Mr. Longhurst began his investment
career in 1994.
Mr. Arah
co-founded Marathon-London in 1986 and is a Portfolio Manager focusing on
investments in Japan. He has managed assets at Marathon-London since 1987.
Previously, he was employed at Rowe and Pitman and at Goldman Sachs based in
Tokyo. Mr. Arah began his investment career in 1982.
Mr. Somerville
joined Marathon-London in 2016 and is a Portfolio Manager focusing on investment
in Japan. Previously, he worked for Jupiter Asset Management as strategy head,
Head of Pan-Asian Equities and Co-Head of Asian Equities. Prior to that he
worked for Cazenove Fund Management as Head of Global and Japan Equities.
Mr. Somerville began his investment career in 1990.
Mondrian
Mondrian,
Sixty London Wall, Floor 10, London, United Kingdom EC2M 5TQ serves as a
Sub-adviser to the International Equity Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with
the Adviser on behalf of the International Equity Fund. Mondrian has managed
assets since the firm’s founding in 1990. As of June 30, 2023, Mondrian had
total assets under management and advisement of approximately $49.8 billion, of
which $45.6 billion represents regulatory assets under management and $4.2
billion represents non-regulatory model assets under advisement.
Portfolio
Managers:
Elizabeth Desmond, Nigel Bliss, and Alex Simcox have been portfolio managers of the
International Equity Fund since its inception. Steven Dutaut has been a portfolio manager of
the International Equity Fund since April 2016.
Ms. Desmond
is Deputy CEO, Chief Investment Officer of International Equities, and member of
the International Equity Strategy Committee at Mondrian. Prior to joining
Mondrian in 1991, she was a Pacific Basin equity analyst and senior portfolio
manager at Hill Samuel Investment Advisers Ltd. Ms. Desmond began her
investment career as a Pacific Basin investment manager at Shearson Lehman
Global Asset Management. Ms. Desmond is a CFA Charterholder, and a member
of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of the UK.
Mr. Bliss
is a Senior Portfolio Manager and member of the International Equity Strategy
Committee at Mondrian and has been with the firm since 1995. Prior to joining
Mondrian, Mr. Bliss began his career at Cazenove & Co.
Mr. Simcox
is Head of ESG Investment and a Senior Portfolio Manager at Mondrian and is a
member of the firm’s International Equity Strategy Committee at Mondrian. Prior
to joining Mondrian in 2007, Mr. Simcox worked at Ernst and Young LLP for
four years, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Mr. Simcox is a
CFA Charterholder, and a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of the
UK.
140
Mr. Dutaut
is Head of Research – Europe and Asia and a Senior Portfolio Manager and member
of the International Equity Strategy Committee at Mondrian and has been with the
firm since 2007. Prior to joining Mondrian, Mr. Dutaut was an investment
analyst for Baillie Gifford Overseas and began his career in Bank of America’s
investment banking division. Mr. Dutaut is a CFA Charterholder, and a
member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of the UK.
Pzena
Pzena,
320 Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10022, serves as a Sub-adviser to
the International Equity Fund under a sub-advisory agreement with the Adviser on
behalf of the International Equity Fund. Pzena is registered as an investment
adviser with the SEC. As of June 30, 2023, Pzena had approximately $56
billion in assets under management.
Portfolio
Managers:
Caroline Cai, Allison Fisch, and John Goetz have been portfolio managers of the
International Equity Fund since November 2016.
Rakesh Bordia has been a portfolio manager of the International Equity
Fund since January 2023.
Ms. Cai
joined Pzena in 2004 and currently serves as a Managing Principal, Chief
Executive Officer and Portfolio Manager for Pzena. Ms. Cai holds a B.A.,
summa cum laude, in Mathematics and Economics from Bryn Mawr College and is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
Ms. Fisch
joined Pzena in 2001 and currently serves as a Managing Principal, President and
Portfolio Manager for Pzena. Ms. Fisch holds a B.A., summa cum laude, in
Psychology and a minor in Drama from Dartmouth College.
Mr. Goetz
joined Pzena in 1996 and currently serves as Co-Chief Investment Officer,
Managing Principal and Portfolio Manager for Pzena. Mr. Goetz holds a B.A.,
summa cum laude, in Mathematics and Economics from Wheaton College and an M.B.A.
from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Mr. Bordia
joined Pzena in 2007 and currently serves as a Principal and Portfolio Manager
for Pzena. Mr. Bordia holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering
from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India and an M.B.A. from the
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India.
WCM
WCM,
281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651, serves as a Sub-adviser to
the International Equity Fund under an investment sub-advisory agreement with
the Adviser on behalf of the International Equity Fund. WCM is registered as an
investment adviser with the SEC and was formed in California in 1976. As of
June 30, 2023, WCM had assets under management of approximately
$80.4 billion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Paul R. Black and Michael B. Trigg, have been portfolio managers
of the International Equity Fund since its inception. Sanjay Ayer has been a portfolio manager
of the International Equity Fund since June 2020. Jon Tringale has been a portfolio manager of
the International Equity Fund since May 2022.
Mr. Black
is the CEO and a Portfolio Manager at WCM. Prior to joining WCM in 1989, he
served as a portfolio manager with Wells Fargo Private Banking Group and Bank of
America.
Mr. Trigg
is the President and a Portfolio Manager at WCM. Before joining WCM in 2005, he
was an equity analyst at Morningstar, Inc.
Mr. Ayer
is a Portfolio Manager and Business Analyst at WCM, where his primary
responsibilities are portfolio management and equity research. Before joining
WCM in 2007, he was an equity analyst at Morningstar, Inc.
Mr. Tringale
is a Portfolio Manager at WCM, where his primary responsibilities are portfolio
management and equity research. Before joining WCM in 2015, he was an analyst as
a vice president at Gerson Lehrman Group and on the trading floor at Wedbush
Securities.
141
|
Large
Cap Growth Fund, Large Cap Value Fund, Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund,
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund and International Equity
Fund |
BlackRock
BlackRock,
1 University Square Drive, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, serves as a Sub-adviser
to the Large Cap Growth Fund, Large Cap Value Fund, Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund,
Small/Mid Cap Value Fund, and International Equity Fund under a sub-advisory
agreement with the Adviser on behalf of each of the Large Cap Growth Fund, Large
Cap Value Fund, Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund, Small/Mid Cap Value Fund, and
International Equity Fund. BlackRock is registered as an investment adviser with
the SEC and was founded in 1988. As of June 30, 2023, BlackRock had assets
under management of approximately $9.1 trillion.
Portfolio
Managers:
Jennifer Hsui, CFA, has been
a portfolio manager of the Funds since October 2019. Peter Sietsema and Paul Whitehead have been portfolio managers of
the Funds since January 2022.
Jennifer
Hsui, CFA, Managing Director, is Chief Investment Officer of Global Portfolio
Engineering within BlackRock’s EII team. She is responsible for overseeing the
management of investment strategies for institutional index and ETF clients.
Ms. Hsui’s service with the firm dates back to 2006, including her years
with BGI. Prior to her current role, Ms. Hsui was a senior portfolio
manager and led the Emerging Markets Portfolio Engineering teams in the Americas
within EII. At BGI, she led the team responsible for the domestic institutional
equity index funds. Prior to joining BGI, she worked as an equity research
analyst covering the medical devices industry at RBC Capital Markets.
Ms. Hsui earned a BS degree in economics and biology from the University of
California, Berkeley.
Peter
Sietsema, Director, is a member of BlackRock’s Index Equity Portfolio Management
Group. He is responsible for BlackRock’s sub-advised vehicles. Mr. Sietsema
was previously responsible for the management of a broad range of U.S. equity
portfolios. Mr. Sietsema’s service with the firm dates back to 2007,
including his years with BGI. At BGI, he was a portfolio manager within the US
Index Portfolio Management group in San Francisco. Mr. Sietsema began his
career as Senior Manager of Alternative Investments at State Street.
Mr. Sietsema earned a BS degree in business administration from California
State University, Sacramento, in 2000.
Paul
Whitehead, Managing Director, is Co-Head of BlackRock’s Index Equity Portfolio
Management Group and Co-Head of EII. He is responsible for overseeing the
management of institutional index and ETF clients. Mr. Whitehead was
previously the Global Head of Equity Trading and the Global Head of Transition
Management within BlackRock’s Global Trading Group. Mr. Whitehead
represents BlackRock on the board of Luminex, a buy-side owned alternative
trading system launched in 2015. Mr. Whitehead’s service with the firm
dates back to 1996, including his years with BGI. Prior to assuming his current
role, Mr. Whitehead was Head of Americas Equity Trading. Previously, he
managed the trading team responsible for all institutional index funds, ETFs,
and transition management mandates. Mr. Whitehead earned a BS degree in
economics at the University of Colorado in 1993.
SHAREHOLDER
INFORMATION
Pricing
of Fund Shares
Each
Fund sells its shares at NAV. NAV is determined by dividing the value of the
Fund’s securities, cash and other assets, minus all liabilities, by the number
of shares outstanding (assets – liabilities / number of shares = NAV). NAV takes
into account the expenses and fees of the Fund, including management,
administration and other fees, which are accrued daily. Each Fund’s share price
is calculated as of the close of regular trading (generally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business.
142
The
value of the portfolio securities held by each Fund are determined pursuant to
the Adviser’s valuation policy and procedures. The Adviser has been designated
by the Board as the valuation designee for the Funds pursuant to Rule 2a‑5 under
the 1940 Act.
When
valuing portfolio securities, each Fund values securities listed on a securities
exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily
available (as defined by Rule 2a-5) at market value, which is generally
determined, other than for securities traded on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”), at the last quoted sale
price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which the
securities are traded. Each Fund values securities traded on NASDAQ at the
NASDAQ Official Closing Price. A security’s valuation is considered a readily
available market quotation only when that quotation is an unadjusted quoted
price in an active market for an identical investment that a Fund may access on
the measurement date. A quotation is not considered readily available if it is
not reliable as determined by the Adviser. If a quotation is deemed to be
unreliable or is not a quoted price in an active market, the fair value of the
security shall be determined by the Adviser as set forth in the Adviser’s
valuation policy and procedures, as discussed below under “Fair Value Pricing.”
If
a Fund invests in securities that are primarily listed on foreign exchanges that
trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not price its shares, the NAV
of the Fund’s shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to
purchase or redeem Fund shares.
Fair
Value Pricing
If
readily available market quotations are unavailable or deemed unreliable for a
Fund’s investments, such as in the case of a security value that has been
materially affected by events occurring after the close of a securities market
on which the security principally trades but before a Fund calculates its NAV,
such investments will be valued at fair value. The Board has designated the
Adviser as the valuation designee of the Funds to make all fair value
determinations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio investments, subject to the
Board’s oversight. The Adviser has adopted, and the Board has approved, policies
and procedures that allow for the use of fair value pricing in appropriate
circumstances, and it has established a Valuation Committee to assist the
Adviser in making fair value determinations.
Generally,
the fair value of a portfolio security or other asset shall be the amount that
the owner of the security or asset might reasonably expect to receive upon its
sale under current market conditions. Attempts to determine the fair value of
securities introduce an element of subjectivity to the pricing of securities.
This fair value may be higher or lower than any available market price or
quotation for such security and, because this process necessarily depends upon
judgment, this value also may vary from valuations determined by other funds
using their own valuation procedures. While the Funds’ use of fair value pricing
is intended to result in calculation of an NAV that fairly reflects security
values as of the time of pricing, the Adviser cannot guarantee that any fair
value price will, in fact, approximate the amount a Fund would realize upon the
sale of the securities in question. If a reliable market quotation becomes
available for a security formerly valued through fair valuation techniques, the
Adviser would compare the new market quotation to the fair value price to
evaluate the effectiveness of its fair valuation procedures. If any significant
discrepancies are found, the Adviser may adjust its fair valuation procedures.
When
valuing fixed income securities, the Adviser may use the value of the security
provided by pricing services. The values provided by a pricing service may be
based upon market quotations for the same security, securities expected to trade
in a similar manner or a pricing matrix. For certain fixed income securities
with remaining maturities of 60 days or less, the Adviser may use the security’s
amortized cost under certain circumstances. Amortized cost and the use of a
pricing matrix in valuing fixed income securities are forms of fair value
pricing.
For
foreign securities traded on foreign exchanges, the Adviser has selected ICE
Data Services (“ICE”) to provide pricing and fair value adjustment data with
respect to foreign security holdings held by the Funds. The use of this
third-party pricing service is designed to capture events occurring after a
foreign exchange closes that may affect the value of certain holdings of Fund
securities traded on those foreign exchanges. In providing pricing data, ICE
provides the Funds a confidence level for each security for which it provides a
price. The confidence level is a measure of the historical relationship that
each foreign exchange-traded security has to movements in various indices and
the price of the security’s corresponding ADR, if one exists. The Adviser uses
the ICE provided confidence level in determining whether to use the ICE provided
prices. If the ICE provided confidence level is at or above a certain threshold,
as
143
determined
by the Adviser’s valuation committee from time to time, the Adviser will value
the particular security at that price. If the ICE provided confidence level
falls below the threshold, the particular security will be valued at the
preceding closing price on its respective foreign exchange, or if there were no
transactions on such day, at the mean between the bid and asked prices.
How
to Buy Shares
Fund
shares are currently available to:
|
(i) |
investors
participating in Advisory Solutions, an investment advisory program
sponsored by Edward Jones, who purchase shares of a Fund through their
Advisory Solutions account; |
|
(ii) |
investors
participating in Guided Solutions or FAMS, each an investment advisory
program sponsored by Edward Jones, who purchase shares of a Fund through
their Guided Solutions or FAMS account; provided that, solely with respect
to the Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund and Small/Mid Cap Value Fund, Fund shares
currently are only available to the following investors:
|
|
(a) |
investors
participating in Guided Solutions or FAMS whose Fund shares
were transferred into their Guided Solutions or FAMS account, as
applicable, directly from an Advisory Solutions account (which,
following such transfer, shall be referred to herein as an “Eligible
Guided Solutions Account” or “Eligible FAMS Account”, as applicable);
|
|
(b) |
investors
participating in Guided Solutions whose Fund shares were transferred
directly from an Eligible FAMS Account to their Guided Solutions account;
or |
|
(c) |
investors
participating in FAMS whose Fund shares were transferred directly
from an Eligible Guided Solutions Account to their FAMS account; and
|
|
(iii) |
current
and former Trustees of the Trust. |
Edward
Jones, in its sole discretion, may make exceptions regarding the eligibility
requirements of the Funds with respect to Guided Solutions and FAMS investors
based on the particular facts and circumstances of an investor’s situation.
Orders
by investors participating in an eligible Advisory Program to purchase shares
must be placed directly with Edward Jones, which is registered with the SEC as a
broker-dealer and investment adviser, or your local Edward Jones financial
advisor. Current and former Trustees of the Trust may purchase shares directly.
Payment for shares must be received by the transfer agent within three business
days after the order is placed in good order. Each Fund reserves the right to
reject purchase orders or to stop offering shares without notice. There are no
minimum initial or subsequent investment amount requirements for the Funds. The
Funds do not issue share certificates. If you discontinue your participation in
an Advisory Program or for any other reason are no longer an eligible
shareholder, your shares in any of the Funds may be subject to compulsory
redemption by such Funds (or their agents).
Shares
of the Funds have not been registered for sale outside of the United States. The
Funds generally do not sell shares to investors residing outside of the United
States, even if they are United States citizens or lawful permanent residents,
except to investors with United States military APO or FPO addresses.
Purchases In-Kind
In
limited circumstances, Advisory Solutions’ investors may acquire shares of a
Fund with in-kind redemption proceeds they receive from a mutual fund that is
not sponsored by Edward Jones (a “third party fund”). The Funds’ Board has
adopted procedures that require the relevant Fund and the Adviser to meet
certain conditions prior to the Fund’s acceptance of a contribution of
securities in exchange for shares of the Fund. These procedures require,
among other things, that (a) the Adviser, in consultation with the relevant
Fund’s Sub-advisers, determines that the securities to be contributed to the
Fund are appropriate for investment by the Fund in light of its investment
objective, strategies and policies; (b) the valuation procedures utilized
by the Funds will be used when determining the value of the securities to be
contributed to the Fund; and (c) the Adviser and the Board reasonably
determine that the particular contribution in-kind transaction, when considered
as a whole, is expected to be in the best interests of the Fund and its
shareholders.
144
Although
the contributed securities will be appropriate for investment by a Fund in light
of its investment objective, strategies and policies, the Adviser, in
consultation with the Sub-advisers, may nonetheless determine that it is
consistent with the best interests of the Fund to liquidate a portion of the
contributed securities. In the event of such determination, the Adviser, in
its discretion and in consultation with the Sub-advisers, will determine which
of the contributed securities will be liquidated and will allocate the resulting
cash proceeds to one or more of the Fund’s Sub-advisers. The Fund will pay
both the explicit transaction costs and any implicit transaction costs,
including market impact and any markup built into the price of fixed income
securities and other instruments, incurred in the sale of the contributed
securities. The Adviser will seek to minimize the transaction costs,
including market impact, to the Fund, generally by engaging one or more
third-party transition management service providers that specialize in executing
portfolio transactions on a large scale. However, the Adviser’s use of a
transition manager does not guarantee that the Fund will experience better
executions or reduced costs associated with the liquidation of the Fund’s
securities.
A
contribution of in-kind securities to purchase shares of a Fund will be
permitted only if the Adviser reasonably determines that the overall benefits to
the relevant Fund and its shareholders of the in-kind transaction, when
considered as a whole, are expected to materially outweigh the costs of
liquidating the securities. In making such determination, the Adviser will
review and document the specific facts and circumstances of the particular
in-kind transaction taking into account all relevant factors, including, but not
limited to: (a) the transaction costs, including market impact, expected to
be incurred by the Fund in liquidating a portion of the contributed securities,
versus the transaction costs, including market impact, expected to be saved by
the Fund in connection with receiving and retaining contributed securities;
(b) the benefit the Fund is expected to receive, if any, by allowing the
Fund to acquire certain contributed securities that the Fund may not otherwise
be able to obtain with cash due to the fact that such securities may not be
available, or are of limited supply, in the open market; and (c) the
benefit the Fund’s shareholders are expected to receive, if any, as a result of
the increase in the Fund’s assets that is associated with the transaction (e.g., a reduction in the Fund’s total annual
operating expenses).
The
valuation procedures utilized by the Funds may differ from the valuation
procedures utilized by the third party fund. In such instances, Advisory
Solutions’ investors who acquire Fund shares with in-kind redemption proceeds
may receive fewer or more shares of the relevant Fund than they would have
received if the Fund used the same valuation procedures as the applicable third
party fund.
USA PATRIOT Act. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001
requires financial institutions, including the Funds, the Adviser, and Edward
Jones to adopt certain policies and programs to prevent money laundering
activities, including procedures to verify the identity of customers opening new
accounts. When setting up an Advisory Program account, you will be required to
supply Edward Jones with your full name, date of birth, social security number
and permanent street address. Mailing addresses containing only a P.O. Box will
not be accepted. Until such verification is made, Edward Jones may temporarily
limit any security purchases, including in the Funds. In addition, Edward Jones
may close an account if it is unable to verify a shareholder’s identity. As
required by law, Edward Jones may employ various procedures, such as comparing
the information to fraud databases or requesting additional information or
documentation from you, to ensure that the information supplied by you is
correct. Corporate, trust and other entity accounts require further
documentation.
If
Edward Jones does not have a reasonable belief of the identity of an account
holder, the account will be rejected or the account holder will not be allowed
to perform a transaction in the account until such information is received. The
Funds also reserve the right to close the account within five business days if
clarifying information/ documentation is not received. Accounts may only be
opened by persons with a valid social security number or tax identification
number and permanent U.S. street address. Any exceptions are reviewed on a
case-by-case basis.
How
to Sell Shares
Orders
to sell or redeem shares must be placed directly with Edward Jones or your local
Edward Jones financial advisor. All redemption requests accepted by the transfer
agent before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on any business day the NYSE is open will be
executed at that day’s share price. Orders accepted after 4:00 p.m. or on a day
the NYSE is closed will be executed at the next day’s price. If the NYSE closes
early, the Funds may accelerate transaction deadlines accordingly. All
redemption orders must be in good form, which may require a signature guarantee
(available from most banks, dealers, brokers, credit unions and federal savings
and loan associations, but not from a notary public) to assure the safety of
your account. If you discontinue your participation in an Advisory Program or
for
145
any
other reason are no longer an eligible shareholder, your shares in any of the
Funds may be subject to compulsory redemption by such Funds (or their agents). A
Fund has the right to suspend redemptions of shares and to postpone the
transmission of redemption proceeds to a shareholder for up to seven days, as
permitted by law. Redemption proceeds held in an investor’s brokerage account
generally will not earn any income, and Edward Jones may benefit from the use of
temporarily uninvested funds.
ACCOUNT
AND TRANSACTION POLICIES
Payment of Redemption Proceeds. Proceeds will
generally be sent no later than seven calendar days after a Fund receives your
redemption request. The Funds typically expect to pay sale proceeds to redeeming
shareholders within 1 to 3 business days following receipt of a redemption
order. A Fund may suspend your right to redeem your shares for (1) any
period (a) during which the NYSE is closed other than customary weekend and
holiday closings or (b) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted;
(2) any period during which the SEC determines that an emergency exists as
a result of which (a) disposal by a Fund of securities owned by it is not
reasonably practicable or (b) it is not reasonably practicable for a Fund
to determine the value of its net assets; or (3) such other periods as the
SEC may by order permit. More information about redeeming shares and the
circumstances under which redemptions may be suspended is in the SAI.
Your
redemption proceeds will be deposited in your Advisory Program account unless
you instruct otherwise. A Fund will not be responsible for interest lost on
redemption amounts due to lost or misdirected mail. If the proceeds of
redemption are requested to be sent to an address other than the address of
record, or if the address of record has been changed within 15 days of the
redemption request, the request must be in writing with your signature
guaranteed.
The
Funds generally pay sale (redemption) proceeds in cash. The Funds expect to meet
redemption requests by using holdings of cash or cash equivalents and/or
proceeds from the sale of portfolio holdings. Under unusual conditions, such as
upon a particularly large redemption request in highly stressed market
conditions, a Fund may utilize any overdraft protection afforded by its
custodian or rely upon an interfund loan to meet redemption requests. In a
highly unusual situation that would make the payment of cash unwise, a Fund
might pay all or part of your redemption proceeds in securities with a market
value equal to the redemption price (redemption in kind) in order to protect the
Fund’s remaining shareholders. It is unlikely that your shares would ever be
redeemed in kind, but if they were, you would have to pay transaction costs to
sell the securities distributed to you, as well as taxes on any capital gains
from the sale as with any redemption. In addition, you would continue to be
subject to the risks of any market fluctuation in the value of the securities
you receive in kind until they are sold. Under unusual conditions, a redemption
in kind may include illiquid securities. Investors may not be able to sell such
securities and may be required to hold such securities indefinitely.
Electronic Delivery. It is the Funds’ policy to
deliver documents electronically whenever possible. You may choose to receive
Fund documents electronically rather than hard copy by signing up for e-delivery
for your Advisory Program account with Edward Jones at
www.edwardjones.com/edelivery.
Unclaimed Property. Each state has unclaimed
property rules that generally provide for escheatment (or transfer) to the state
of unclaimed property, including mutual fund shares, under various
circumstances. Such circumstances include inactivity (i.e., no owner-initiated
contact for a certain period), returned mail (i.e., when mail sent to a
shareholder is returned by the post office, or “RPO,” as undeliverable), or a
combination of both inactivity and returned mail. More information on unclaimed
property and how to maintain an active account is available through your state.
If you are a resident of certain states, you may designate a representative to
receive notice of the potential escheatment of your property. The designated
representative would not have any rights to your shares.
Payments to Edward Jones. Every Advisory
Program account pays asset-based fees to Edward Jones for investment advisory
services which varies based on the amount of money in the Advisory Program
account. Please refer to your updated Advisory Program Brochure for more
information about payments to Edward Jones for investment advisory services
related to your Advisory Program account. These fees and payments are not
reflected in the fees and expenses described elsewhere in this Prospectus.
146
TOOLS
TO COMBAT FREQUENT TRANSACTIONS
Frequent
purchases and redemptions of Fund shares may interfere with the efficient
management of a Fund’s portfolio by its portfolio managers, increase portfolio
transaction costs, and have a negative effect on a Fund’s long-term
shareholders. For example, in order to handle large flows of cash into and out
of a Fund, the portfolio managers may need to allocate more assets to cash or
other short-term investments or sell securities, rather than maintaining full
investment in securities selected to achieve a Fund’s investment objective.
Frequent trading may cause a Fund to sell securities at less favorable prices.
Transaction costs, such as brokerage commissions and market spreads, can detract
from a Fund’s performance. In addition, the return received by long-term
shareholders may be reduced when trades by other shareholders are made in an
effort to take advantage of certain pricing discrepancies, when, for example, it
is believed that a Fund’s share price, which is determined at the close of the
NYSE on each trading day, does not accurately reflect the value of a Fund’s
portfolio securities.
Because
of the potential harm to a Fund and its long-term shareholders, the Board has
approved policies and procedures that are intended to discourage and prevent
excessive trading and market timing abuses through the use of various
surveillance and other techniques. Under these policies and procedures, a Fund
may place restrictions on additional purchases of Fund shares by shareholders
whom the Adviser reasonably believes to be engaged in these excessive trading
activities. The Funds define “excessive trading” as a purchase into a Fund
followed or preceded by a redemption out of the same Fund within a rolling
30-day period (a “round trip”), where each side of the round trip is in an
amount the Adviser reasonably believes would be harmful or disruptive to the
Fund.
Certain
transactions are excluded when determining whether trading activity is
excessive, including (i) systematic withdrawal and/or contribution
programs; (ii) scheduled rebalancing model trading;
(iii) tax-efficient management (e.g., tax loss harvesting); and
(iv) liquidations of Fund shares due to the termination of an Advisory
Program.
If
a shareholder is identified as having engaged in excessive trading, the
shareholder will be sent a warning that another sale of the same Fund within 30
days of the beginning of the prior round trip will result in a six-month
suspension of the shareholder’s ability to initiate Fund purchases and
redemptions (including purchases and redemptions via transfers or reallocations)
through the Internet, facsimile, telephone calls to their financial adviser or
branch, or other electronic trading medium that the Trust, Fund, Edward Jones
and/or the Adviser may make available from time to time (collectively referred
to herein as “Expedited Trading Privileges”). If a shareholder is identified as
having engaged in a second instance of excessive trading following this warning,
the shareholder’s Expedited Trading Privileges will then be suspended for a
period of six months. During this time period any purchases or redemptions by
the shareholder of Fund shares (including Funds that were not involved in the
prior round trips) can be initiated by the shareholder only by providing written
instructions to Edward Jones via regular U.S. mail. The Funds reserve the right
to send additional warnings to a shareholder before imposing the trading or
other restrictions set forth herein if the Funds believe such additional
warnings are appropriate based on the facts and circumstances surrounding the
trading activity.
If,
following the six-month suspension period, no additional round trips have been
identified, the shareholder’s Expedited Trading Privileges may again be
restored. However, any additional instances of excessive trading by such
shareholder will result in the indefinite suspension of the shareholder’s
Expedited Trading Privileges. Excessive trading during the six-month suspension
period described above will also result in an indefinite suspension of the
shareholder’s Expedited Trading Privileges.
In
addition to the suspension of a shareholder’s Expedited Trading Privileges as
described above, the Funds reserve the right to reject, limit or cancel as
permitted by law, any purchase of Fund shares with or without prior notice to
the account holder, including, in particular, if a Fund reasonably believes that
the trading activity would be disruptive to the Fund, regardless of whether the
trading activity falls within the definition of “excessive trading” set forth
above. The Funds, at any time, may also impose constraints or conditions that
are more restrictive on excessive trading than those described herein. Although
the Funds’ policies and procedures are designed to deter excessive trading, none
of the above measures alone nor all of them taken together eliminate the
possibility that excessive trading will occur.
The
policies and procedures apply to any account, whether an individual account or
accounts with financial intermediaries, such as investment advisers, introducing
brokers and retirement plan administrators, commonly called omnibus accounts,
where the intermediary holds Fund shares for a number of its customers in one
account. The Funds and their service providers will use reasonable efforts to
work with financial intermediaries to identify excessive short-
147
term
trading in omnibus accounts that may be detrimental to a Fund. However, there
can be no assurance that the monitoring of omnibus account level trading will
enable a Fund to identify or prevent all such trading by a financial
intermediary’s customers. The Funds may consider trading effected through
multiple accounts that are under common ownership, control, or influence to be
trading out of a single account for purposes of evaluating potential excessive
trading.
DIVIDENDS
AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each
Fund will make distributions of dividends and capital gains, if any, at least
annually. A Fund may make an additional payment of dividends or other
distributions if it deems it to be desirable or necessary at other times during
any year.
All
distributions will be reinvested in shares of the relevant Fund. Generally,
distributions are taxable events for shareholders whether the distributions are
received in cash or reinvested.
TAX
CONSEQUENCES
You
should always consult your tax advisor for specific guidance regarding the
federal, state and local tax effects of your investment in the Funds. The
following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of
investing in the Funds. This summary does not apply to shares held in an
individual retirement account or other tax-qualified plans, which are generally
not subject to current tax. Transactions relating to shares held in such
accounts may, however, be taxable at some time in the future. This summary is
based on current tax laws, which may change.
You
are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding your investment in the
Funds.
Each
Fund has elected or will elect and intends to continue to qualify each year to
be taxed as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under Subchapter M of the
Code. As a RIC, each Fund is generally not subject to U.S. federal income tax if
it timely distributes its income as required by the tax law and satisfies
certain other requirements that are described in the SAI.
Each
Fund generally intends to operate in a manner such that it will not be liable
for federal income or excise taxes.
The
Funds intend to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and
net realized capital gains, if any. The Municipal Bond Fund and Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund each intends to make distributions, the majority of which
are expected to be exempt from federal income taxes by satisfying the
requirement that at the close of each quarter of its taxable year at least 50%
of the value of its total assets consist of obligations, the interest on which
is exempt from regular federal income tax. As long as this and certain other
requirements are met, dividends derived from the Municipal Bond Fund’s and
Municipal High-Income Bond Fund’s net tax-exempt interest income will be
“exempt-interest dividends” that may be excluded from shareholders’ gross income
for federal income tax purposes to the extent they are not subject to the
Federal AMT. However, a portion of the Municipal Bond Fund’s and Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund’s distributions from “private activity bonds” may be
taxable to certain shareholders as an “item of tax preference” for purposes of
the Federal AMT. The Municipal Bond Fund and Municipal High-Income Bond Fund may
also invest a portion of its assets in securities that generate taxable income
for federal or state income tax purposes. Exempt-interest dividends may affect
the federal corporate alternative minimum tax for certain corporations. Income
exempt from federal tax may also be subject to state or local income taxes.
Income from municipal bonds held by the Municipal Bond Fund and Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes
in tax laws, adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or
state tax authorities, or noncompliant conduct of a bond issuer. Interest paid
on a municipal bond issued after December 31, 2017 to advance refund
another municipal bond is subject to federal income tax. Distributions of
capital gains and any investment income that is not exempt from federal income
tax are generally taxable to you regardless of whether you reinvest them in
additional shares of the funds or receive them in cash in the same manner as
described above. Some distributions from the Municipal Bond Fund and Municipal
High-Income Bond Fund may also include nontaxable returns of capital. Return of
capital distributions reduce your tax basis in your fund shares and are treated
as gain from the sale of the shares to the extent your basis would be reduced
below zero.
148
You
will generally be taxed on a Fund’s distributions that are not exempt from
federal income tax, regardless of whether you reinvest them or receive them in
cash. Each Fund’s distributions of net investment income (other than
distributions of exempt-interest dividends) and short-term capital gains are
generally taxable to you at ordinary income tax rates or at the lower capital
gains rates that apply to individuals receiving qualified dividend income.
Distributions that are reported by a Fund as qualified dividend income are
generally taxable at the rates applicable to long-term capital gains and
currently set at a maximum tax rate for individuals at 20% (lower rates apply to
individuals in lower tax brackets). Qualified dividend income is, in general,
dividend income from taxable domestic corporations and certain foreign
corporations (e.g., foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the
United States or in certain countries with a comprehensive tax treaty with the
United States, or the stock of which is readily tradable on an established
securities market in the United States). Certain Funds’ investment strategies
may limit their ability to make distributions eligible for the reduced rates
applicable to qualified dividend income. Distributions that are reported by each
Fund as long-term capital gain, if any, are taxable to you as long-term capital
gain, regardless of how long you have held your shares. Distributions may also
be subject to certain state and local taxes. Some Fund distributions may also
include nontaxable returns of capital. Return of capital distributions reduce
your tax basis in your Fund shares and are treated as gain from the sale of the
shares to the extent your basis would be reduced below zero. Corporate
shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction for the portion
of dividends they receive that are attributable to dividends received by a Fund
(directly or in some cases indirectly) from U.S. corporations, subject to
certain limitations. Certain of the Funds’ investment strategies may limit their
ability to report distributions as eligible for the dividends received
deduction.
Distributions
of capital gain and distributions of net investment income received shortly
after the purchase of shares reduce the NAV of a Fund’s shares by the amount of
the distribution. If you purchase shares just prior to a distribution, the
purchase price would reflect the amount of the upcoming distribution. In this
case, you are taxed on the distribution even though, as an economic matter, the
distribution represents a return of your investment. This is known as “buying a
dividend” and should be avoided by taxable investors.
A
RIC that receives business interest income may pass through its net business
interest income for purposes of the tax rules applicable to the interest expense
limitations under Section 163(j) of the Code. A RIC’s total “Section 163(j)
Interest Dividend” for a tax year is limited to the excess of the RIC’s business
interest income over the sum of its business interest expense and its other
deductions properly allocable to its business interest income. A RIC may, in its
discretion, designate all or a portion of ordinary dividends as
Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, which would allow the recipient
shareholder to treat the designated portion of such dividends as interest income
for purposes of determining such shareholder’s interest expense deduction
limitation under Section 163(j). This can potentially increase the amount
of a shareholder’s interest expense deductible under Section 163(j). In
general, to be eligible to treat a Section 163(j) Interest Dividend as
interest income, you must have held your shares in a Fund for more than 180 days
during the 361-day period beginning on the date that is 180 days before the date
on which the share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend.
Section 163(j) Interest Dividends, if so designated by a Fund, will be
reported to your financial intermediary or otherwise in accordance with the
requirements specified by the IRS.
The
sale or exchange of a Fund’s shares is a taxable transaction for federal income
tax purposes. You will recognize a gain or loss on such transactions equal to
the difference, if any, between the amount of your net sales proceeds and your
tax basis in the Fund shares. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss if
you held your Fund shares as capital assets. Any capital gain or loss will
generally be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if you held the Fund
shares for more than twelve months at the time of the sale or exchange, and
otherwise as short-term capital gain or loss. Any capital loss arising from the
sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less, however, will be treated
as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of net long-term capital
gain distributions with respect to those shares. In addition, any capital loss
arising from the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be
disallowed to the extent of the amount of exempt-interest dividends received
with respect to those shares. For tax purposes, an exchange of Fund shares for
shares of a different fund is the same as a sale.
A
Fund may be required to withhold federal income tax at the federal backup
withholding rate of 24% on all taxable distributions and redemption proceeds
otherwise payable to you if you fail to provide the Fund with your correct
taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or if you
have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding. Backup
withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, any amounts withheld may be
credited against your federal income tax liability, so long as you provide the
required information or certification.
149
After
December 31 of each year, the Funds will mail you, or provide Edward Jones
as sponsor of each Advisory Program, reports containing information about the
income tax classification of distributions paid during the year. Distributions
declared in October, November or December to shareholders of record on a
specified date in such a month, but paid in January, are taxable as if they were
paid on December 31 of the calendar year in which declared. Under this
rule, therefore, a shareholder may be taxed in one year on dividends or
distributions actually received in January of the following year.
U.S.
individuals with income exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing
jointly), are subject to a 3.8% tax that applies to “net investment income,”
including interest, dividends and capital gains received from the Fund
(including capital gains realized on the sale or exchange of shares of the
Fund). Exempt-interest dividends do not constitute “net investment income” for
this purpose.
The
Funds (or their administrative agent) must report to the IRS and furnish to Fund
shareholders the cost basis information for purchases of Fund shares. In
addition to reporting the gross proceeds from the sale of Fund shares, each Fund
(or its administrative agent) is required to report the cost basis information
for such shares and report whether these shares had a short-term or long-term
holding period. For each sale of Fund shares, a Fund will permit its
shareholders to elect from among several IRS-accepted cost basis methods,
including the average cost basis method. In the absence of an election, a Fund
will use the default cost basis method which, if applicable, will be provided to
you by your financial adviser in a separate communication. The cost basis method
elected by the Fund shareholder (or the cost basis method applied by default)
for each sale of Fund shares may not be changed after the settlement date of
each such sale of Fund shares. Fund shareholders should consult their tax
advisors to determine the best IRS-accepted cost basis method for their tax
situation and to obtain more information about how cost basis reporting applies
to them. Shareholders also should carefully review the cost basis information
provided to them by the Funds and make any additional basis, holding period, or
other adjustments that are required when reporting these amounts on their
federal income tax returns.
Each
Fund (other than the Municipal Bond Fund and Municipal High-Income Bond Fund)
may invest in foreign securities and therefore may be subject to foreign
withholding taxes with respect to dividends or interest the Fund received from
sources in foreign countries. If more than 50% of the total assets of a Fund
consist of foreign securities, the Fund will be eligible to elect to treat some
of those taxes as a distribution to shareholders, which would allow shareholders
to offset some of their U.S. federal income tax. A Fund (or its administrative
agent) will notify you if it makes such an election and provide you with the
information necessary to reflect foreign taxes paid on your income tax return.
A
Fund may invest in U.S. REITs. Investments in REIT equity securities may require
the Fund to accrue and distribute income not yet received. To generate
sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions, the Fund may be required to
sell securities in its portfolio (including when it is not advantageous to do
so) that it otherwise would have continued to hold. A Fund’s investments in REIT
equity securities may at other times result in the Fund’s receipt of cash in
excess of the REIT’s earnings; if the Fund distributes these amounts, these
distributions could constitute a return of capital to the Fund’s shareholders
for federal income tax purposes. Dividends paid by a REIT, other than capital
gain distributions, will be taxable as ordinary income up to the amount of the
REIT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Capital gain dividends paid
by a REIT to a Fund will be treated as long-term capital gains by the Fund and,
in turn, may be distributed by the Fund to its shareholders as a capital gain
distribution. Dividends received by a Fund from a REIT generally will not
constitute qualified dividend income and will not qualify for the dividends
received deduction. If a REIT is operated in a manner such that it fails to
qualify as a REIT, an investment in the REIT would become subject to double
taxation, meaning the taxable income of the REIT would be subject to federal
income tax at the regular corporate rate without any deduction for dividends
paid to shareholders and the dividends would be taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income (or possibly as qualified dividend income) to the extent of the
REIT’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.
“Qualified
REIT dividends” (i.e., ordinary REIT dividends other than capital gain dividends
and portions of REIT dividends designated as qualified dividend income eligible
for capital gain tax rates) are eligible for a 20% deduction by non-corporate
taxpayers. This deduction, if allowed in full, equates to a maximum effective
tax rate of 29.6% (37% top rate applied to income after 20% deduction).
Distributions by a Fund to its shareholders that are attributable to qualified
REIT dividends received by the Fund and which the Fund properly reports as
“section 199A dividends,” are treated as “qualified REIT dividends” in the hands
of non-corporate shareholders. A section 199A dividend is treated
150
as
a qualified REIT dividend only if the shareholder receiving such dividend holds
the dividend-paying RIC shares for at least 46 days of the 91-day period
beginning 45 days before the shares become ex-dividend, and is not under an
obligation to make related payments with respect to a position in substantially
similar or related property. A Fund is permitted to report such part of its
dividends as section 199A dividends as are eligible, but is not required to do
so. Unless later extended or made permanent, this 20% deduction will no longer
be available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Because
each shareholder’s tax situation is different, you should consult your tax
advisor about the tax implications of an investment in the Funds.
For
further information about the tax effects of investing in the Funds, including
state and local tax matters, please see the SAI.
151
TRADEMARKS
The
Russell 1000® Index,
Russell 1000® Growth
Index, Russell 1000®
Value Index, Russell Midcap® Index, Russell Midcap® Growth Index, Russell
Midcap® Value Index,
Russell 2000® Index,
Russell 2000® Growth
Index, and Russell 2000®
Value Index, Russell 2500® Index, Russell 2500® Growth Index, and Russell
2500® Value Index (each,
an “Index” and collectively, the “Indices”) are trademarks of Frank Russell
Company (“Russell”) and have been licensed for use by the Trust.
The
Trust and the Funds are not in any way connected, sponsored, endorsed, sold or
promoted by Russell or the London Stock Exchange Group companies (“LSEG”), or by
Research Affiliates LLC (“RA”) (together the “Licensor Parties”) and none of the
Licensor Parties make any warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or
impliedly, either as to the results to be obtained from the use of an Index
(upon which a portion of a Fund based) and/or the figure at which the said Index
stands at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise. The Indices
are calculated by Russell in conjunction with RA. None of the Licensor Parties
shall be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error
in an Index and none of the Licensor Parties shall be under any obligation to
advise any person of any error therein. All rights in an Index vest in the
relevant LSEG which owns the Index.
THE
FUNDS ARE NOT SPONSORED, ENDORSED, SOLD OR PROMOTED BY MSCI, INC. (“MSCI”), ANY
OF ITS AFFILIATES, ANY OF ITS INFORMATION PROVIDERS OR ANY OTHER THIRD PARTY
INVOLVED IN, OR RELATED TO, COMPILING, COMPUTING OR CREATING ANY MSCI INDEX
(COLLECTIVELY, THE “MSCI PARTIES”). THE MSCI INDEXES ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OF MSCI. MSCI AND THE MSCI INDEX NAMES ARE SERVICE MARK(S) OF MSCI OR ITS
AFFILIATES AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR USE FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES BY THE TRUST.
NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, TO THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE FUNDS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY
REGARDING THE ADVISABILITY OF INVESTING IN FUNDS GENERALLY OR IN THESE FUNDS
PARTICULARLY OR THE ABILITY OF ANY MSCI INDEX TO TRACK CORRESPONDING STOCK
MARKET PERFORMANCE. MSCI OR ITS AFFILIATES ARE THE LICENSORS OF CERTAIN
TRADEMARKS, SERVICE MARKS AND TRADE NAMES AND OF THE MSCI INDEXES WHICH ARE
DETERMINED, COMPOSED AND CALCULATED BY MSCI WITHOUT REGARD TO THESE FUNDS OR THE
ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THIS FUND OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY. NONE OF THE MSCI
PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION TO TAKE THE NEEDS OF THE ISSUER OR OWNERS OF THE
FUNDS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY INTO CONSIDERATION IN DETERMINING, COMPOSING
OR CALCULATING THE MSCI INDEXES. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OR
HAS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE TIMING OF, PRICES AT, OR
QUANTITIES OF THE FUNDS TO BE ISSUED OR IN THE DETERMINATION OR CALCULATION OF
THE EQUATION BY OR THE CONSIDERATION INTO WHICH THE FUNDS ARE REDEEMABLE.
FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES HAS ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY TO THE ISSUER
OR OWNERS OF THE FUNDS OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE
ADMINISTRATION, MARKETING OR OFFERING OF THE FUNDS.
ALTHOUGH
MSCI SHALL OBTAIN INFORMATION FOR INCLUSION IN OR FOR USE IN THE CALCULATION OF
THE MSCI INDEXES FROM SOURCES THAT MSCI CONSIDERS RELIABLE, NONE OF THE MSCI
PARTIES WARRANTS OR GUARANTEES THE ORIGINALITY, ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS
OF ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES MAKES
ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY THE ISSUER OF
THE FUNDS, OWNERS OF THE FUNDS, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, FROM THE USE OF
ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. NONE OF THE MSCI PARTIES SHALL HAVE
ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS OR INTERRUPTIONS OF OR IN CONNECTION
WITH ANY MSCI INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. FURTHER, NONE OF THE MSCI
PARTIES MAKES ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, AND THE MSCI
PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO EACH MSCI INDEX AND ANY DATA INCLUDED
THEREIN. WITHOUT LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL ANY OF THE
MSCI PARTIES HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR ANY OTHER DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS) EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF
THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
152
FINANCIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
The
tables that follow present performance information about each of the Funds. The
information is intended to help you understand each Fund’s financial performance
for the past five fiscal years or for the period of the Fund’s operations.
Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share. The
total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned (or
lost) on an investment in a Fund, assuming you reinvested all of your dividends
and distributions. The information provided below has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of the
Funds, whose report along with the Funds’ financial statements, are included in
the 2023 Annual Report of the Funds, which is available upon request by calling
the Funds at 1-855-823-3611 or online at
www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature.
153
Bridge
Builder Trust
Financial
Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Per Share Operating
Performance |
|
|
|
Change in Net Assets Resulting
from Operations |
|
|
Less Distributions |
|
|
|
Net
asset value, beginning of period |
|
|
Net investment income(2) |
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) |
|
|
Net increase/ (decrease) in net asset value
from operations |
|
|
Distributions from
net investment income |
|
|
Distributions from
net realized gains |
|
|
Total Distributions |
|
Bridge
Builder Core Bond Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the year ended June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
9.23 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
(0.34 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(0.31 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.31 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
10.55 |
|
|
|
0.21 |
|
|
|
(1.28 |
) |
|
|
(1.07 |
) |
|
|
(0.23 |
) |
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
10.91 |
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
(0.10 |
) |
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
(0.26 |
) |
|
|
(0.23 |
) |
|
|
(0.49 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2020 |
|
$ |
10.34 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
0.61 |
|
|
|
0.92 |
|
|
|
(0.32 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(0.35 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2019 |
|
$ |
9.87 |
|
|
|
0.31 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.79 |
|
|
|
(0.32 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.32 |
) |
Bridge
Builder Core Plus Bond Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the year ended June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
9.10 |
|
|
|
0.33 |
|
|
|
(0.28 |
) |
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
(0.37 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.37 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
10.43 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
(1.28 |
) |
|
|
(1.08 |
) |
|
|
(0.22 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
10.56 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
|
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
|
|
(0.22 |
) |
|
|
(0.47 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2020 |
|
$ |
10.27 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
|
|
|
0.79 |
|
|
|
(0.36 |
) |
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
(0.50 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2019 |
|
$ |
9.81 |
|
|
|
0.35 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
|
0.83 |
|
|
|
(0.37 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.37 |
) |
Bridge
Builder Municipal Bond Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the year ended June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
9.78 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
(0.27 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.27 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
10.81 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
(1.03 |
) |
|
|
(0.83 |
) |
|
|
(0.20 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.20 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
10.49 |
|
|
|
0.22 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
0.54 |
|
|
|
(0.22 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.22 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2020 |
|
$ |
10.46 |
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
(0.26 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.26 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2019 |
|
$ |
10.09 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
|
|
|
(0.27 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.27 |
) |
Bridge
Builder Municipal High-Income Bond Fund |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the period 4/13/23(6) - 6/30/23 |
|
$ |
10.00 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
(0.09 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.09 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.09 |
) |
Bridge
Builder Large Cap Growth Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the year ended June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
17.13 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
3.37 |
|
|
|
3.53 |
|
|
|
(0.12 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.12 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
23.32 |
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
(4.51 |
) |
|
|
(4.38 |
) |
|
|
(0.12 |
) |
|
|
(1.69 |
) |
|
|
(1.81 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
17.11 |
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
|
|
6.83 |
|
|
|
6.96 |
|
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
(0.64 |
) |
|
|
(0.75 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2020 |
|
$ |
14.64 |
|
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
2.65 |
|
|
|
2.79 |
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
(0.32 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2019 |
|
$ |
13.53 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
|
|
1.60 |
|
|
|
1.75 |
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
(0.50 |
) |
|
|
(0.64 |
) |
Bridge
Builder Large Cap Value Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the year ended June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
15.20 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
|
|
1.63 |
|
|
|
1.95 |
|
|
|
(0.32 |
) |
|
|
(1.05 |
) |
|
|
(1.37 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
17.24 |
|
|
|
0.30 |
|
|
|
(1.10 |
) |
|
|
(0.80 |
) |
|
|
(0.30 |
) |
|
|
(0.94 |
) |
|
|
(1.24 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
11.77 |
|
|
|
0.26 |
|
|
|
5.48 |
|
|
|
5.74 |
|
|
|
(0.27 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.27 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2020 |
|
$ |
12.71 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
(0.94 |
) |
|
|
(0.70 |
) |
|
|
(0.23 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
(0.24 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2019 |
|
$ |
12.12 |
|
|
|
0.24 |
|
|
|
0.74 |
|
|
|
0.98 |
|
|
|
(0.23 |
) |
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
(0.39 |
) |
Bridge
Builder Small/Mid Cap Growth Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the year ended June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
11.60 |
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
|
|
1.78 |
|
|
|
1.81 |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.02 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
19.02 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
(4.42 |
) |
|
|
(4.40 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
(3.01 |
) |
|
|
(3.02 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
14.73 |
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
6.42 |
|
|
|
6.44 |
|
|
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
(2.11 |
) |
|
|
(2.15 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2020 |
|
$ |
14.25 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
1.01 |
|
|
|
1.06 |
|
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.53 |
) |
|
|
(0.58 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2019 |
|
$ |
13.52 |
|
|
|
0.05 |
|
|
|
1.39 |
|
|
|
1.44 |
|
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.66 |
) |
|
|
(0.71 |
) |
Bridge
Builder Small/Mid Cap Value Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the year ended June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
12.56 |
|
|
|
0.20 |
|
|
|
1.21 |
|
|
|
1.41 |
|
|
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
|
(0.79 |
) |
|
|
(0.94 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
15.55 |
|
|
|
0.19 |
|
|
|
(1.57 |
) |
|
|
(1.38 |
) |
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
(1.45 |
) |
|
|
(1.61 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
9.92 |
|
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
5.64 |
|
|
|
5.78 |
|
|
|
(0.15 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.15 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2020 |
|
$ |
11.55 |
|
|
|
0.16 |
|
|
|
(1.63 |
) |
|
|
(1.47 |
) |
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.16 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2019 |
|
$ |
11.97 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
(0.10 |
) |
|
|
0.07 |
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
(0.35 |
) |
|
|
(0.49 |
) |
Bridge
Builder International Equity Fund |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
For
the year ended June 30, 2023 |
|
$ |
10.55 |
|
|
|
0.27 |
|
|
|
1.52 |
|
|
|
1.79 |
|
|
|
(0.20 |
) |
|
|
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2022 |
|
$ |
14.73 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
(3.11 |
) |
|
|
(2.82 |
) |
|
|
(0.32 |
) |
|
|
(1.04 |
) |
|
|
(1.36 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2021 |
|
$ |
10.97 |
|
|
|
0.29 |
|
|
|
3.72 |
|
|
|
4.01 |
|
|
|
(0.25 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.25 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2020 |
|
$ |
11.38 |
|
|
|
0.23 |
|
|
|
(0.36 |
) |
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
(0.28 |
) |
|
|
— |
| |
|
(0.28 |
) |
For
the year ended June 30, 2019 |
|
$ |
11.60 |
|
|
|
0.28 |
|
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
0.14 |
|
|
|
(0.22 |
) |
|
|
(0.14 |
) |
|
|
(0.36 |
) |
|
(1) |
Annualized
for periods less than one year. |
|
(2) |
Per
share amounts based on average number of shares outstanding during the
year/period. |
|
(3) |
Total
return is calculated assuming an initial investment made at the net asset
value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions at net asset value during the period and redemption on the
last day of the period and is not annualized. |
|
(4) |
Includes
adjustments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America and as such, the net asset value for
financial reporting purposes and the returns based upon those net asset
values may differ from the net asset value and returns for shareholder
transactions. |
|
(5) |
Ratios
do not include the impact of the expenses of the underlying funds in which
the fund invests. |
|
(7) |
Since
inception return. |
|
(8) |
Portfolio
turnover rate does not include securities received as part of an in-kind
capital contribution. |
154
Bridge
Builder Trust
Financial
Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental
Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios to Average Net
Assets of:(1) |
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, end of period |
|
|
Total return(3)(4) |
|
|
Net assets, end of period (millions) |
|
|
Expenses, before waivers(5) |
|
|
Expenses, net of waivers(5) |
|
|
Net investment income/ (loss) |
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
8.89 |
|
|
|
(0.30 |
)% |
|
$ |
16,431 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
0.13 |
% |
|
|
3.40 |
% |
|
|
151 |
% |
$ |
9.23 |
|
|
|
(10.36 |
)% |
|
$ |
17,105 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
0.13 |
% |
|
|
2.12 |
% |
|
|
157 |
% |
$ |
10.55 |
|
|
|
1.18 |
% |
|
$ |
17,891 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
0.13 |
% |
|
|
2.19 |
% |
|
|
153 |
% |
$ |
10.91 |
|
|
|
9.01 |
% |
|
$ |
14,140 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
0.13 |
% |
|
|
2.91 |
% |
|
|
137 |
% |
$ |
10.34 |
|
|
|
8.18 |
% |
|
$ |
15,160 |
|
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
0.14 |
% |
|
|
3.15 |
% |
|
|
153 |
% |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
8.78 |
|
|
|
0.55 |
% |
|
$ |
30,225 |
|
|
|
0.39 |
% |
|
|
0.17 |
% |
|
|
3.72 |
% |
|
|
228 |
% |
$ |
9.10 |
|
|
|
(10.59 |
)% |
|
$ |
31,334 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
2.00 |
% |
|
|
283 |
% |
$ |
10.43 |
|
|
|
3.18 |
% |
|
$ |
32,690 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
2.06 |
% |
|
|
281 |
% |
$ |
10.56 |
|
|
|
7.94 |
% |
|
$ |
19,434 |
|
|
|
0.39 |
% |
|
|
0.16 |
% |
|
|
3.08 |
% |
|
|
164 |
% |
$ |
10.27 |
|
|
|
8.66 |
% |
|
$ |
17,963 |
|
|
|
0.47 |
% |
|
|
0.24 |
% |
|
|
3.50 |
% |
|
|
242 |
% |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
9.80 |
|
|
|
3.03 |
% |
|
$ |
11,708 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
2.79 |
% |
|
|
26 |
% |
$ |
9.78 |
|
|
|
(7.73 |
)% |
|
$ |
10,813 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
1.96 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
$ |
10.81 |
|
|
|
5.19 |
% |
|
$ |
9,889 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.16 |
% |
|
|
2.03 |
% |
|
|
18 |
% |
$ |
10.49 |
|
|
|
2.80 |
% |
|
$ |
6,520 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.16 |
% |
|
|
2.47 |
% |
|
|
41 |
% |
$ |
10.46 |
|
|
|
6.42 |
% |
|
$ |
5,253 |
|
|
|
0.39 |
% |
|
|
0.17 |
% |
|
|
2.64 |
% |
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
9.91 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
%(7) |
|
$ |
2,398 |
|
|
|
0.41 |
% |
|
|
0.18 |
% |
|
|
4.48 |
% |
|
|
6 |
%(8) |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
20.54 |
|
|
|
20.76 |
% |
|
$ |
22,860 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
0.19 |
% |
|
|
0.88 |
% |
|
|
21 |
% |
$ |
17.13 |
|
|
|
(20.83 |
)% |
|
$ |
15,381 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
0.19 |
% |
|
|
0.60 |
% |
|
|
23 |
% |
$ |
23.32 |
|
|
|
41.44 |
% |
|
$ |
17,606 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
|
|
0.19 |
% |
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
31 |
% |
$ |
17.11 |
|
|
|
19.28 |
% |
|
$ |
13,464 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
0.22 |
% |
|
|
0.90 |
% |
|
|
42 |
% |
$ |
14.64 |
|
|
|
13.76 |
% |
|
$ |
6,998 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
0.22 |
% |
|
|
1.07 |
% |
|
|
31 |
% |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
15.78 |
|
|
|
13.52 |
% |
|
$ |
17,053 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
|
|
0.23 |
% |
|
|
2.06 |
% |
|
|
21 |
% |
$ |
15.20 |
|
|
|
(5.27 |
)% |
|
$ |
17,033 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
0.23 |
% |
|
|
1.76 |
% |
|
|
24 |
% |
$ |
17.24 |
|
|
|
49.10 |
% |
|
$ |
17,397 |
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
|
|
0.24 |
% |
|
|
1.80 |
% |
|
|
26 |
% |
$ |
11.77 |
|
|
|
(5.55 |
)% |
|
$ |
12,499 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
0.24 |
% |
|
|
1.94 |
% |
|
|
36 |
%(8) |
$ |
12.71 |
|
|
|
8.46 |
% |
|
$ |
8,731 |
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
0.25 |
% |
|
|
1.95 |
% |
|
|
24 |
% |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
13.39 |
|
|
|
15.65 |
% |
|
$ |
7,116 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.25 |
% |
|
|
63 |
% |
$ |
11.60 |
|
|
|
(27.88 |
)% |
|
$ |
5,332 |
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.12 |
% |
|
|
84 |
% |
$ |
19.02 |
|
|
|
46.08 |
% |
|
$ |
5,976 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
0.37 |
% |
|
|
0.13 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
$ |
14.73 |
|
|
|
7.63 |
% |
|
$ |
4,794 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
65 |
% |
$ |
14.25 |
|
|
|
11.66 |
% |
|
$ |
4,024 |
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
0.39 |
% |
|
|
0.41 |
% |
|
|
23 |
% |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
13.03 |
|
|
|
11.65 |
% |
|
$ |
6,772 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
0.40 |
% |
|
|
1.54 |
% |
|
|
41 |
% |
$ |
12.56 |
|
|
|
(10.21 |
)% |
|
$ |
6,045 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
0.40 |
% |
|
|
1.26 |
% |
|
|
33 |
% |
$ |
15.55 |
|
|
|
58.63 |
% |
|
$ |
7,008 |
|
|
|
0.65 |
% |
|
|
0.40 |
% |
|
|
1.12 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
$ |
9.92 |
|
|
|
(12.98 |
)% |
|
$ |
5,101 |
|
|
|
0.66 |
% |
|
|
0.42 |
% |
|
|
1.44 |
% |
|
|
50 |
% |
$ |
11.55 |
|
|
|
1.22 |
% |
|
$ |
4,810 |
|
|
|
0.67 |
% |
|
|
0.43 |
% |
|
|
1.47 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
$ |
12.09 |
|
|
|
17.27 |
% |
|
$ |
16,404 |
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
0.36 |
% |
|
|
2.45 |
% |
|
|
19 |
% |
$ |
10.55 |
|
|
|
(21.02 |
)% |
|
$ |
13,609 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
0.37 |
% |
|
|
2.18 |
% |
|
|
23 |
% |
$ |
14.73 |
|
|
|
36.84 |
% |
|
$ |
15,213 |
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
0.32 |
% |
|
|
2.21 |
% |
|
|
52 |
% |
$ |
10.97 |
|
|
|
(1.40 |
)% |
|
$ |
11,345 |
|
|
|
0.63 |
% |
|
|
0.33 |
% |
|
|
2.10 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
$ |
11.38 |
|
|
|
1.57 |
% |
|
$ |
10,645 |
|
|
|
0.64 |
% |
|
|
0.36 |
% |
|
|
2.49 |
% |
|
|
16 |
% |
155
Bridge
Builder Trust
You
can find more information about the Funds in the following documents:
Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”):
The SAI provides additional details about the investments and techniques
of each Fund and certain other additional information. A current SAI is on file
with the SEC and is herein incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. It is
legally considered a part of this Prospectus.
Annual/Semiannual Reports: Additional
information about the Funds’ investments is available in the Funds’ annual and
semiannual reports to shareholders. A Fund’s annual report contains a discussion
of market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the
Fund’s performance during the Fund’s prior fiscal year.
You
can obtain free copies of these documents, request other information and discuss
your questions about the Funds by contacting your Edward Jones Financial Adviser
or by contacting the Funds at:
Mailing
Address:
Bridge
Builder Trust
P.O.
Box 219062
Kansas
City, MO 64121-9062
Overnight
Address:
Bridge
Builder Trust
430
W 7th Street Suite 219062
Kansas
City, MO 64105-1407
www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com
Shareholder
reports and other information about the Funds are also available:
◾ |
Free
of charge from the Funds’ website at
www.bridgebuildermutualfunds.com/literature or by contacting
1‑855‑823‑3611. |
◾ |
Free
of charge from the SEC’s EDGAR database on the SEC’s website at
http://www.sec.gov. |
The
Trust’s SEC Investment Company Act file number is 811-22811.