UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
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Investment Company Act file number | 811-05188 |
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AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
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4500 MAIN STREET, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI | 64111 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
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JOHN PAK 4500 MAIN STREET, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI 64111 |
(Name and address of agent for service) |
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: | 816-531-5575 |
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Date of fiscal year end: | 12-31 |
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Date of reporting period: | 06-30-2021 |
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
(a) Provided under separate cover.
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| Semiannual Report |
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| June 30, 2021 |
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| VP Balanced Fund |
| Class I (AVBIX) |
| Class II (AVBTX) |
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Fund Characteristics | 2 |
Shareholder Fee Example | 3 |
Schedule of Investments | 4 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 25 |
Statement of Operations | 26 |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | 27 |
Notes to Financial Statements | 28 |
Financial Highlights | 35 |
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Approval of Management Agreement | 37 |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | 41 |
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Additional Information | 42 |
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Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
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JUNE 30, 2021 |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 59.1% |
U.S. Treasury Securities | 16.8% |
Corporate Bonds | 9.9% |
U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | 5.9% |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | 2.7% |
Asset-Backed Securities | 1.9% |
Collateralized Loan Obligations | 1.7% |
Municipal Securities | 0.6% |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 0.4% |
U.S. Government Agency Securities | 0.2% |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | 0.1% |
Bank Loan Obligations | 0.1% |
Sovereign Governments and Agencies | —* |
Temporary Cash Investments | 3.4% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | (2.8)% |
*Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.
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Top Five Common Stocks Industries* | % of net assets |
Software | 6.1% |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment | 5.3% |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals | 4.1% |
IT Services | 3.9% |
Health Care Providers and Services | 3.5% |
*Exposure indicated excludes Exchange-Traded Funds. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund's portfolio holdings. |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,084.30 | $4.39 | 0.85% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,082.90 | $5.68 | 1.10% |
Hypothetical | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,020.58 | $4.26 | 0.85% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,019.34 | $5.51 | 1.10% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
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| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 59.1% | | |
Aerospace and Defense — 1.3% | | |
Boeing Co. (The)(1) | 2,898 | | $ | 694,245 | |
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | 4,782 | | 1,007,807 | |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | 5,315 | | 1,931,630 | |
Textron, Inc. | 14,842 | | 1,020,684 | |
| | 4,654,366 | |
Air Freight and Logistics — 0.8% | | |
FedEx Corp. | 9,372 | | 2,795,949 | |
Auto Components — 0.4% | | |
Magna International, Inc. | 15,517 | | 1,437,495 | |
Automobiles — 1.7% | | |
Ford Motor Co.(1) | 178,379 | | 2,650,712 | |
General Motors Co.(1) | 17,788 | | 1,052,516 | |
Tesla, Inc.(1) | 4,014 | | 2,728,316 | |
| | 6,431,544 | |
Banks — 1.9% | | |
Bank of America Corp. | 66,129 | | 2,726,499 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | 12,552 | | 888,054 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 8,499 | | 1,321,934 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | 49,106 | | 2,224,011 | |
| | 7,160,498 | |
Biotechnology — 2.3% | | |
AbbVie, Inc. | 23,422 | | 2,638,254 | |
Exelixis, Inc.(1) | 51,479 | | 937,947 | |
Incyte Corp.(1) | 9,937 | | 836,000 | |
Moderna, Inc.(1) | 9,465 | | 2,224,086 | |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) | 8,732 | | 1,760,633 | |
| | 8,396,920 | |
Building Products — 1.0% | | |
AO Smith Corp. | 12,928 | | 931,592 | |
Masco Corp. | 14,051 | | 827,744 | |
Owens Corning | 19,192 | | 1,878,897 | |
| | 3,638,233 | |
Capital Markets — 1.4% | | |
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. | 8,187 | | 974,662 | |
Charles Schwab Corp. (The) | 15,926 | | 1,159,572 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | 2,248 | | 853,184 | |
Morgan Stanley | 24,122 | | 2,211,746 | |
| | 5,199,164 | |
Chemicals — 1.0% | | |
Chemours Co. (The) | 28,718 | | 999,386 | |
Eastman Chemical Co. | 11,336 | | 1,323,478 | |
Sherwin-Williams Co. (The) | 4,591 | | 1,250,818 | |
| | 3,573,682 | |
Commercial Services and Supplies — 0.3% | | |
Waste Management, Inc. | 8,551 | | 1,198,081 | |
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| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
Communications Equipment — 0.5% | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 27,034 | | $ | 1,432,802 | |
Motorola Solutions, Inc. | 2,120 | | 459,722 | |
| | 1,892,524 | |
Construction and Engineering — 0.6% | | |
EMCOR Group, Inc. | 6,599 | | 812,931 | |
MasTec, Inc.(1) | 14,606 | | 1,549,696 | |
| | 2,362,627 | |
Consumer Finance — 0.5% | | |
Synchrony Financial | 34,418 | | 1,669,961 | |
Containers and Packaging — 0.3% | | |
WestRock Co. | 19,930 | | 1,060,675 | |
Distributors — 0.2% | | |
LKQ Corp.(1) | 13,167 | | 648,080 | |
Diversified Financial Services — 0.7% | | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(1) | 9,722 | | 2,701,938 | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.3% | | |
Lumen Technologies, Inc. | 71,906 | | 977,203 | |
Electrical Equipment — 1.1% | | |
Eaton Corp. plc | 13,211 | | 1,957,606 | |
nVent Electric plc | 29,161 | | 910,990 | |
Regal Beloit Corp. | 7,600 | | 1,014,676 | |
| | 3,883,272 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.3% | | |
SYNNEX Corp. | 10,229 | | 1,245,483 | |
Entertainment — 0.8% | | |
Electronic Arts, Inc. | 7,315 | | 1,052,117 | |
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(1) | 5,164 | | 914,131 | |
Walt Disney Co. (The)(1) | 5,508 | | 968,141 | |
| | 2,934,389 | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.0% | | |
Iron Mountain, Inc. | 1,895 | | 80,197 | |
Prologis, Inc. | 19,606 | | 2,343,505 | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | 9,213 | | 1,202,112 | |
| | 3,625,814 | |
Food and Staples Retailing — 0.3% | | |
Walmart, Inc. | 7,528 | | 1,061,599 | |
Food Products — 0.7% | | |
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A | 36,011 | | 2,656,171 | |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 0.7% | | |
Danaher Corp. | 8,999 | | 2,414,972 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 3.5% | | |
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.(1) | 15,009 | | 1,455,573 | |
CVS Health Corp. | 13,953 | | 1,164,238 | |
HCA Healthcare, Inc. | 14,476 | | 2,992,768 | |
Humana, Inc. | 4,191 | | 1,855,440 | |
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(1) | 134 | | 36,964 | |
McKesson Corp. | 9,384 | | 1,794,596 | |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.(1) | 5,302 | | 1,341,724 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 5,791 | | 2,318,948 | |
| | 12,960,251 | |
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| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
Health Care Technology — 0.2% | | |
Cerner Corp. | 10,587 | | $ | 827,480 | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 0.2% | | |
Yum! Brands, Inc. | 6,943 | | 798,653 | |
Household Durables — 0.5% | | |
Mohawk Industries, Inc.(1) | 8,879 | | 1,706,455 | |
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.5% | | |
3M Co. | 10,012 | | 1,988,684 | |
Interactive Media and Services — 3.4% | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) | 3,031 | | 7,401,066 | |
Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) | 15,148 | | 5,267,111 | |
| | 12,668,177 | |
Internet and Direct Marketing Retail — 1.9% | | |
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) | 2,053 | | 7,062,648 | |
IT Services — 3.9% | | |
Accenture plc, Class A | 15,693 | | 4,626,140 | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(1) | 19,158 | | 2,233,823 | |
Amdocs Ltd. | 19,370 | | 1,498,463 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A | 13,342 | | 924,067 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | 14,887 | | 2,182,285 | |
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(1) | 9,880 | | 2,879,822 | |
| | 14,344,600 | |
Leisure Products — 0.2% | | |
Polaris, Inc. | 4,065 | | 556,742 | |
Machinery — 0.5% | | |
AGCO Corp. | 6,042 | | 787,756 | |
Timken Co. (The) | 14,721 | | 1,186,365 | |
| | 1,974,121 | |
Media — 2.2% | | |
Altice USA, Inc., Class A(1) | 57,989 | | 1,979,744 | |
AMC Networks, Inc., Class A(1) | 7,895 | | 527,386 | |
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A(1) | 3,152 | | 2,274,010 | |
Comcast Corp., Class A | 58,982 | | 3,363,154 | |
| | 8,144,294 | |
Multiline Retail — 0.8% | | |
Target Corp. | 12,685 | | 3,066,472 | |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 0.7% | | |
Chevron Corp. | 23,948 | | 2,508,314 | |
Paper and Forest Products — 0.1% | | |
Louisiana-Pacific Corp. | 6,432 | | 387,785 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 1.5% | | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 43,087 | | 2,879,073 | |
Johnson & Johnson | 5,411 | | 891,408 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | 44,246 | | 1,732,674 | |
| | 5,503,155 | |
Professional Services — 0.2% | | |
Robert Half International, Inc. | 6,131 | | 545,475 | |
Road and Rail — 0.4% | | |
Landstar System, Inc. | 2,427 | | 383,514 | |
Ryder System, Inc. | 16,312 | | 1,212,471 | |
| | 1,595,985 | |
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| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 5.3% | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | 20,377 | | $ | 2,901,685 | |
Broadcom, Inc. | 6,076 | | 2,897,280 | |
Intel Corp. | 35,306 | | 1,982,079 | |
Micron Technology, Inc.(1) | 25,004 | | 2,124,840 | |
NVIDIA Corp. | 1,501 | | 1,200,950 | |
NXP Semiconductors NV | 12,285 | | 2,527,270 | |
Qorvo, Inc.(1) | 9,172 | | 1,794,502 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | 16,411 | | 2,345,624 | |
STMicroelectronics NV, (New York) | 18,407 | | 669,647 | |
Synaptics, Inc.(1) | 6,847 | | 1,065,256 | |
| | 19,509,133 | |
Software — 6.1% | | |
Adobe, Inc.(1) | 386 | | 226,057 | |
Autodesk, Inc.(1) | 3,169 | | 925,031 | |
Dropbox, Inc., Class A(1) | 39,364 | | 1,193,123 | |
Fortinet, Inc.(1) | 5,653 | | 1,346,488 | |
HubSpot, Inc.(1) | 1,507 | | 878,159 | |
Microsoft Corp. | 47,295 | | 12,812,215 | |
Oracle Corp. (New York) | 32,976 | | 2,566,852 | |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(1) | 2,213 | | 821,134 | |
salesforce.com, Inc.(1) | 7,679 | | 1,875,749 | |
| | 22,644,808 | |
Specialty Retail — 2.7% | | |
AutoNation, Inc.(1) | 6,771 | | 641,958 | |
Best Buy Co., Inc. | 17,096 | | 1,965,698 | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | 9,389 | | 2,994,058 | |
L Brands, Inc. | 8,794 | | 633,696 | |
Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A | 2,324 | | 798,619 | |
Lowe's Cos., Inc. | 10,611 | | 2,058,216 | |
RH(1) | 841 | | 571,039 | |
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. | 2,640 | | 421,476 | |
| | 10,084,760 | |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 4.1% | | |
Apple, Inc. | 77,226 | | 10,576,873 | |
HP, Inc. | 34,440 | | 1,039,744 | |
Logitech International SA | 6,934 | | 838,459 | |
NetApp, Inc. | 11,100 | | 908,202 | |
Seagate Technology Holdings plc | 20,324 | | 1,787,089 | |
| | 15,150,367 | |
Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 0.1% | | |
Crocs, Inc.(1) | 4,419 | | 514,902 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $166,652,521) | | 218,163,901 | |
U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES — 16.8% |
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U.S. Treasury Bonds, 5.00%, 5/15/37 | $ | 100,000 | | 145,773 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.50%, 2/15/39 | 500,000 | | 625,605 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 4.625%, 2/15/40 | 600,000 | | 861,469 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 1.875%, 2/15/41 | 1,900,000 | | 1,860,516 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.25%, 5/15/41 | 400,000 | | 416,313 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.125%, 11/15/41 | 100,000 | | 119,242 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.00%, 5/15/42 | 1,700,000 | | 1,990,594 | |
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| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.75%, 11/15/42 | $ | 550,000 | | $ | 619,545 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.875%, 5/15/43 | 300,000 | | 345,117 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.625%, 2/15/44 | 100,000 | | 129,285 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.50%, 2/15/45 | 1,400,000 | | 1,515,172 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.00%, 5/15/45 | 200,000 | | 235,922 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.00%, 11/15/45 | 200,000 | | 236,523 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.50%, 2/15/46 | 100,000 | | 108,359 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.25%, 8/15/46 | 400,000 | | 413,719 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.75%, 8/15/47 | 100,000 | | 113,781 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 3.375%, 11/15/48 | 1,160,000 | | 1,481,538 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.25%, 8/15/49 | 400,000 | | 414,500 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.375%, 11/15/49 | 550,000 | | 585,836 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.00%, 2/15/50 | 200,000 | | 196,547 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 1.875%, 2/15/51 | 100,000 | | 95,469 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds, 2.375%, 5/15/51 | 1,500,000 | | 1,601,836 | |
U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes, 0.125%, 10/15/25 | 1,337,999 | | 1,456,592 | |
U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes, 0.25%, 7/15/29 | 835,216 | | 929,858 | |
U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes, 0.125%, 7/15/30 | 2,708,134 | | 2,989,971 | |
U.S. Treasury Inflation Indexed Notes, 0.125%, 1/15/31 | 1,641,408 | | 1,807,934 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.125%, 2/28/23 | 700,000 | | 699,207 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.50%, 3/15/23 | 4,600,000 | | 4,623,988 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.25%, 4/15/23 | 100,000 | | 100,068 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.125%, 5/31/23 | 700,000 | | 698,551 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 9/30/23 | 1,300,000 | | 1,331,586 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.25%, 11/15/23 | 2,000,000 | | 1,997,031 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.875%, 11/30/23 | 3,400,000 | | 3,608,648 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.125%, 12/15/23 | 2,500,000 | | 2,487,305 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.125%, 1/15/24 | 1,000,000 | | 994,102 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.375%, 2/29/24 | 400,000 | | 421,156 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.25%, 3/15/24 | 4,500,000 | | 4,482,773 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.375%, 4/15/24 | 1,000,000 | | 998,906 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.125%, 2/28/25 | 2,200,000 | | 2,240,648 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.25%, 5/31/25 | 200,000 | | 196,680 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.25%, 8/31/25 | 2,200,000 | | 2,156,258 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 2.625%, 12/31/25 | 900,000 | | 973,125 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.375%, 1/31/26 | 300,000 | | 294,035 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.50%, 2/28/26 | 500,000 | | 492,510 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.375%, 8/31/26 | 1,300,000 | | 1,331,129 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 10/31/26(2) | 1,300,000 | | 1,346,770 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.75%, 12/31/26 | 700,000 | | 729,750 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.50%, 1/31/27 | 100,000 | | 102,824 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.125%, 2/28/27 | 1,900,000 | | 1,914,027 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.625%, 3/31/27 | 1,300,000 | | 1,272,172 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.50%, 4/30/27 | 1,500,000 | | 1,455,176 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.50%, 6/30/27 | 200,000 | | 193,484 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.50%, 8/31/27 | 800,000 | | 771,625 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 0.625%, 12/31/27 | 1,600,000 | | 1,547,188 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.25%, 4/30/28 | 900,000 | | 902,953 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.125%, 2/15/31 | 200,000 | | 194,188 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes, 1.625%, 5/15/31 | 300,000 | | 304,641 | |
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY SECURITIES (Cost $60,745,437) | | 62,159,520 | |
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| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
CORPORATE BONDS — 9.9% |
Aerospace and Defense — 0.2% | | |
Boeing Co. (The), 2.20%, 2/4/26 | $ | 150,000 | | $ | 151,458 | |
Boeing Co. (The), 5.81%, 5/1/50 | 80,000 | | 107,907 | |
Lockheed Martin Corp., 3.80%, 3/1/45 | 20,000 | | 23,325 | |
Raytheon Technologies Corp., 4.125%, 11/16/28 | 210,000 | | 241,783 | |
Teledyne Technologies, Inc., 2.25%, 4/1/28 | 100,000 | | 101,891 | |
| | 626,364 | |
Airlines — 0.1% | | |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. / SkyMiles IP Ltd., 4.50%, 10/20/25(3) | 204,000 | | 219,319 | |
Southwest Airlines Co., 5.125%, 6/15/27 | 166,000 | | 195,403 | |
| | 414,722 | |
Automobiles — 0.2% | | |
General Motors Co., 5.15%, 4/1/38 | 100,000 | | 122,253 | |
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.75%, 6/20/25 | 274,000 | | 288,630 | |
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.70%, 8/20/27 | 156,000 | | 162,286 | |
General Motors Financial Co., Inc., 2.70%, 6/10/31 | 81,000 | | 81,464 | |
Toyota Motor Credit Corp., MTN, 1.90%, 4/6/28 | 140,000 | | 142,727 | |
| | 797,360 | |
Banks — 1.2% | | |
Banco Santander SA, 2.96%, 3/25/31 | 200,000 | | 206,219 | |
Bank of America Corp., MTN, 4.18%, 11/25/27 | 90,000 | | 100,887 | |
Bank of America Corp., MTN, VRN, 2.09%, 6/14/29 | 225,000 | | 227,040 | |
Bank of America Corp., MTN, VRN, 2.68%, 6/19/41 | 375,000 | | 364,495 | |
Bank of America Corp., VRN, 3.42%, 12/20/28 | 255,000 | | 277,908 | |
Barclays plc, 5.20%, 5/12/26 | 200,000 | | 228,953 | |
BNP Paribas SA, VRN, 4.375%, 3/1/33(3) | 200,000 | | 221,250 | |
Citigroup, Inc., VRN, 1.46%, 6/9/27 | 210,000 | | 209,344 | |
Citigroup, Inc., VRN, 3.52%, 10/27/28 | 346,000 | | 379,121 | |
Citigroup, Inc., VRN, 2.57%, 6/3/31 | 225,000 | | 231,532 | |
FNB Corp., 2.20%, 2/24/23 | 140,000 | | 142,269 | |
HSBC Holdings plc, VRN, 1.59%, 5/24/27 | 200,000 | | 200,536 | |
HSBC Holdings plc, VRN, 2.80%, 5/24/32 | 80,000 | | 82,160 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., VRN, 1.58%, 4/22/27 | 105,000 | | 105,593 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., VRN, 2.18%, 6/1/28 | 180,000 | | 184,445 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., VRN, 2.07%, 6/1/29 | 150,000 | | 151,325 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., VRN, 3.16%, 4/22/42 | 255,000 | | 265,730 | |
PNC Bank N.A., 4.05%, 7/26/28 | 250,000 | | 289,578 | |
SVB Financial Group, 2.10%, 5/15/28 | 170,000 | | 172,598 | |
Truist Financial Corp., MTN, VRN, 1.89%, 6/7/29 | 70,000 | | 70,280 | |
Wells Fargo & Co., MTN, VRN, 2.39%, 6/2/28 | 140,000 | | 145,290 | |
Wells Fargo & Co., VRN, 2.19%, 4/30/26 | 19,000 | | 19,734 | |
Wells Fargo & Co., VRN, 3.07%, 4/30/41 | 210,000 | | 215,805 | |
| | 4,492,092 | |
Beverages — 0.1% | | |
Anheuser-Busch Cos. LLC / Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 4.90%, 2/1/46 | 155,000 | | 196,535 | |
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc., 4.75%, 1/23/29 | 240,000 | | 286,151 | |
| | 482,686 | |
Biotechnology — 0.2% | | |
AbbVie, Inc., 3.20%, 11/21/29 | 145,000 | | 157,598 | |
AbbVie, Inc., 4.55%, 3/15/35 | 10,000 | | 12,156 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
AbbVie, Inc., 4.40%, 11/6/42 | $ | 80,000 | | $ | 97,270 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 3.65%, 3/1/26 | 250,000 | | 275,747 | |
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 1.20%, 10/1/27 | 40,000 | | 39,021 | |
| | 581,792 | |
Building Products† | | |
Lennox International, Inc., 1.70%, 8/1/27 | 50,000 | | 50,036 | |
Capital Markets — 0.8% | | |
Ares Capital Corp., 2.875%, 6/15/28 | 132,000 | | 134,189 | |
Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc., 2.95%, 3/10/26 | 200,000 | | 204,950 | |
Blackstone Secured Lending Fund, 2.75%, 9/16/26(3) | 140,000 | | 141,973 | |
Blue Owl Finance LLC, 3.125%, 6/10/31(3) | 150,000 | | 149,184 | |
CI Financial Corp., 4.10%, 6/15/51 | 170,000 | | 178,007 | |
FS KKR Capital Corp., 3.40%, 1/15/26 | 250,000 | | 258,639 | |
FS KKR Capital Corp., 2.625%, 1/15/27 | 60,000 | | 59,394 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), VRN, 1.43%, 3/9/27 | 470,000 | | 468,877 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The), VRN, 3.21%, 4/22/42 | 80,000 | | 83,803 | |
Golub Capital BDC, Inc., 2.50%, 8/24/26 | 145,000 | | 145,913 | |
Macquarie Group Ltd., VRN, 1.63%, 9/23/27(3) | 60,000 | | 59,619 | |
Morgan Stanley, VRN, 1.59%, 5/4/27 | 410,000 | | 413,080 | |
Morgan Stanley, VRN, 3.22%, 4/22/42 | 46,000 | | 48,815 | |
Owl Rock Capital Corp., 3.40%, 7/15/26 | 110,000 | | 114,752 | |
Owl Rock Technology Finance Corp., 4.75%, 12/15/25(3) | 111,000 | | 122,169 | |
Owl Rock Technology Finance Corp., 3.75%, 6/17/26(3) | 70,000 | | 73,676 | |
Owl Rock Technology Finance Corp., 2.50%, 1/15/27 | 180,000 | | 177,935 | |
Prospect Capital Corp., 3.71%, 1/22/26 | 145,000 | | 149,095 | |
| | 2,984,070 | |
Chemicals — 0.1% | | |
Dow Chemical Co. (The), 3.60%, 11/15/50 | 140,000 | | 151,547 | |
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc., 1.83%, 10/15/27(3) | 59,000 | | 58,888 | |
| | 210,435 | |
Commercial Services and Supplies — 0.2% | | |
Republic Services, Inc., 2.30%, 3/1/30 | 115,000 | | 116,920 | |
Sodexo, Inc., 2.72%, 4/16/31(3) | 310,000 | | 316,555 | |
Waste Connections, Inc., 2.60%, 2/1/30 | 100,000 | | 103,444 | |
Waste Management, Inc., 2.50%, 11/15/50 | 50,000 | | 46,971 | |
| | 583,890 | |
Construction and Engineering† | | |
Quanta Services, Inc., 2.90%, 10/1/30 | 61,000 | | 63,332 | |
Construction Materials† | | |
Eagle Materials, Inc., 2.50%, 7/1/31(4) | 76,000 | | 75,392 | |
Consumer Finance — 0.1% | | |
Avolon Holdings Funding Ltd., 4.25%, 4/15/26(3) | 150,000 | | 162,679 | |
Avolon Holdings Funding Ltd., 4.375%, 5/1/26(3) | 150,000 | | 163,211 | |
| | 325,890 | |
Containers and Packaging — 0.1% | | |
Amcor Flexibles North America, Inc., 2.69%, 5/25/31 | 110,000 | | 112,428 | |
Berry Global, Inc., 1.57%, 1/15/26(3) | 160,000 | | 160,256 | |
WRKCo, Inc., 3.00%, 9/15/24 | 72,000 | | 76,307 | |
| | 348,991 | |
Diversified Consumer Services — 0.1% | | |
Duke University, 3.30%, 10/1/46 | 110,000 | | 122,179 | |
Novant Health, Inc., 3.17%, 11/1/51 | 85,000 | | 89,430 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
Pepperdine University, 3.30%, 12/1/59 | $ | 105,000 | | $ | 105,779 | |
| | 317,388 | |
Diversified Financial Services — 0.2% | | |
Block Financial LLC, 2.50%, 7/15/28 | 120,000 | | 120,678 | |
Deutsche Bank AG, VRN, 3.04%, 5/28/32 | 300,000 | | 305,705 | |
GE Capital Funding LLC, 4.40%, 5/15/30 | 200,000 | | 233,232 | |
| | 659,615 | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.4% | | |
AT&T, Inc., 2.55%, 12/1/33(3) | 192,000 | | 190,409 | |
AT&T, Inc., 3.55%, 9/15/55(3) | 344,000 | | 345,654 | |
Telefonica Emisiones SA, 4.90%, 3/6/48 | 320,000 | | 384,219 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc., 4.33%, 9/21/28 | 103,000 | | 119,917 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc., 1.75%, 1/20/31 | 235,000 | | 225,377 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc., 2.65%, 11/20/40 | 201,000 | | 193,788 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc., 2.99%, 10/30/56 | 80,000 | | 75,332 | |
| | 1,534,696 | |
Electric Utilities — 0.7% | | |
AEP Texas, Inc., 2.10%, 7/1/30 | 130,000 | | 127,622 | |
Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., 2.25%, 6/15/31 | 81,000 | | 81,877 | |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., 3.50%, 2/1/25 | 190,000 | | 205,340 | |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., 3.80%, 7/15/48 | 40,000 | | 45,919 | |
Commonwealth Edison Co., 3.20%, 11/15/49 | 115,000 | | 122,282 | |
DTE Electric Co., 2.25%, 3/1/30 | 110,000 | | 113,043 | |
Duke Energy Carolinas LLC, 2.55%, 4/15/31 | 54,000 | | 56,116 | |
Duke Energy Corp., 2.55%, 6/15/31 | 150,000 | | 152,114 | |
Duke Energy Florida LLC, 1.75%, 6/15/30 | 120,000 | | 117,699 | |
Duke Energy Florida LLC, 3.85%, 11/15/42 | 30,000 | | 34,745 | |
Duke Energy Progress LLC, 4.15%, 12/1/44 | 115,000 | | 139,427 | |
Entergy Arkansas LLC, 2.65%, 6/15/51 | 60,000 | | 57,036 | |
Exelon Corp., 4.45%, 4/15/46 | 60,000 | | 72,967 | |
Florida Power & Light Co., 4.125%, 2/1/42 | 69,000 | | 84,588 | |
Indiana Michigan Power Co., 3.25%, 5/1/51 | 57,000 | | 59,858 | |
MidAmerican Energy Co., 4.40%, 10/15/44 | 110,000 | | 136,400 | |
NextEra Energy Capital Holdings, Inc., 3.55%, 5/1/27 | 50,000 | | 55,293 | |
Northern States Power Co., 3.20%, 4/1/52 | 90,000 | | 96,310 | |
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., 4.20%, 6/1/41 | 55,000 | | 54,314 | |
PacifiCorp, 3.30%, 3/15/51 | 100,000 | | 106,333 | |
Public Service Co. of Colorado, 1.875%, 6/15/31 | 108,000 | | 107,548 | |
Southern Co. Gas Capital Corp., 1.75%, 1/15/31 | 120,000 | | 113,731 | |
Southern Co. Gas Capital Corp., 3.95%, 10/1/46 | 25,000 | | 27,888 | |
Virginia Electric and Power Co., 2.45%, 12/15/50 | 146,000 | | 134,821 | |
Xcel Energy, Inc., 3.40%, 6/1/30 | 120,000 | | 131,744 | |
| | 2,435,015 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components† | | |
Vontier Corp., 1.80%, 4/1/26(3) | 65,000 | | 64,721 | |
Energy Equipment and Services† | | |
Baker Hughes a GE Co. LLC / Baker Hughes Co-Obligor, Inc., 3.14%, 11/7/29 | 42,000 | | 45,276 | |
Entertainment† | | |
Netflix, Inc., 4.875%, 4/15/28 | 99,000 | | 115,214 | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.9% | | |
Agree LP, 2.00%, 6/15/28 | 200,000 | | 198,572 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
American Homes 4 Rent LP, 2.375%, 7/15/31(4) | $ | 40,000 | | $ | 39,563 | |
American Homes 4 Rent LP, 3.375%, 7/15/51(4) | 30,000 | | 30,009 | |
Corporate Office Properties LP, 2.75%, 4/15/31 | 57,000 | | 57,504 | |
Crown Castle International Corp., 3.80%, 2/15/28 | 196,000 | | 217,930 | |
EPR Properties, 4.75%, 12/15/26 | 94,000 | | 102,021 | |
EPR Properties, 4.95%, 4/15/28 | 243,000 | | 262,692 | |
Federal Realty Investment Trust, 3.625%, 8/1/46 | 150,000 | | 155,800 | |
GLP Capital LP / GLP Financing II, Inc., 5.375%, 4/15/26 | 120,000 | | 138,425 | |
Host Hotels & Resorts LP, 4.00%, 6/15/25 | 155,000 | | 167,888 | |
Hudson Pacific Properties LP, 3.25%, 1/15/30 | 133,000 | | 140,518 | |
Lexington Realty Trust, 2.70%, 9/15/30 | 175,000 | | 178,155 | |
National Health Investors, Inc., 3.00%, 2/1/31 | 305,000 | | 295,586 | |
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc., 3.375%, 2/1/31 | 245,000 | | 252,136 | |
Spirit Realty LP, 3.20%, 1/15/27 | 51,000 | | 54,340 | |
Spirit Realty LP, 4.00%, 7/15/29 | 237,000 | | 263,453 | |
Spirit Realty LP, 3.20%, 2/15/31 | 40,000 | | 41,779 | |
STORE Capital Corp., 4.50%, 3/15/28 | 255,000 | | 288,616 | |
Sun Communities Operating LP, 2.70%, 7/15/31 | 72,000 | | 72,150 | |
Vornado Realty LP, 3.40%, 6/1/31 | 160,000 | | 165,603 | |
Welltower, Inc., 2.80%, 6/1/31 | 220,000 | | 227,547 | |
| | 3,350,287 | |
Food and Staples Retailing — 0.1% | | |
Kroger Co. (The), 3.875%, 10/15/46 | 100,000 | | 110,460 | |
Sysco Corp., 5.95%, 4/1/30 | 153,000 | | 196,426 | |
Walmart, Inc., 4.05%, 6/29/48 | 110,000 | | 138,382 | |
| | 445,268 | |
Food Products — 0.1% | | |
Mondelez International, Inc., 2.75%, 4/13/30 | 152,000 | | 160,254 | |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies† | | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., 3.55%, 3/20/30 | 65,000 | | 71,204 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 0.4% | | |
Centene Corp., 2.45%, 7/15/28(4) | 90,000 | | 91,328 | |
Centene Corp., 3.375%, 2/15/30 | 136,000 | | 142,348 | |
Cigna Corp., 2.40%, 3/15/30 | 130,000 | | 132,745 | |
CVS Health Corp., 4.30%, 3/25/28 | 130,000 | | 149,465 | |
CVS Health Corp., 1.75%, 8/21/30 | 100,000 | | 96,526 | |
CVS Health Corp., 4.78%, 3/25/38 | 30,000 | | 36,962 | |
DaVita, Inc., 4.625%, 6/1/30(3) | 150,000 | | 154,420 | |
Duke University Health System, Inc., 3.92%, 6/1/47 | 30,000 | | 36,203 | |
HCA, Inc., 2.375%, 7/15/31 | 240,000 | | 237,483 | |
HCA, Inc., 3.50%, 7/15/51 | 120,000 | | 120,167 | |
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, 3.00%, 6/1/51 | 105,000 | | 108,686 | |
Universal Health Services, Inc., 2.65%, 10/15/30(3) | 150,000 | | 151,017 | |
| | 1,457,350 | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 0.1% | | |
Marriott International, Inc., 2.85%, 4/15/31 | 80,000 | | 81,317 | |
Marriott International, Inc., 3.50%, 10/15/32 | 180,000 | | 191,450 | |
| | 272,767 | |
Household Durables† | | |
D.R. Horton, Inc., 5.75%, 8/15/23 | 35,000 | | 38,405 | |
D.R. Horton, Inc., 2.50%, 10/15/24 | 90,000 | | 94,383 | |
| | 132,788 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
Industrial Conglomerates† | | |
General Electric Co., 4.35%, 5/1/50 | $ | 90,000 | | $ | 109,005 | |
Insurance — 0.5% | | |
American International Group, Inc., 6.25%, 5/1/36 | 105,000 | | 145,990 | |
American International Group, Inc., 4.50%, 7/16/44 | 120,000 | | 145,861 | |
Athene Global Funding, 2.67%, 6/7/31(3) | 300,000 | | 304,251 | |
Athene Holding Ltd., 3.95%, 5/25/51 | 122,000 | | 131,107 | |
Brighthouse Financial Global Funding, 2.00%, 6/28/28(3) | 215,000 | | 215,358 | |
Equitable Financial Life Global Funding, 1.80%, 3/8/28(3) | 100,000 | | 99,559 | |
Global Atlantic Fin Co., 3.125%, 6/15/31(3) | 82,000 | | 82,664 | |
Nippon Life Insurance Co., VRN, 2.75%, 1/21/51(3) | 200,000 | | 196,250 | |
Sammons Financial Group, Inc., 3.35%, 4/16/31(3) | 192,000 | | 197,819 | |
SBL Holdings, Inc., 5.00%, 2/18/31(3) | 105,000 | | 113,247 | |
Security Benefit Global Funding, 1.25%, 5/17/24(3) | 190,000 | | 190,393 | |
| | 1,822,499 | |
Internet and Direct Marketing Retail — 0.1% | | |
Amazon.com, Inc., 2.10%, 5/12/31 | 200,000 | | 203,494 | |
Amazon.com, Inc., 2.875%, 5/12/41 | 165,000 | | 170,448 | |
| | 373,942 | |
IT Services† | | |
International Business Machines Corp., 2.85%, 5/15/40 | 114,000 | | 116,123 | |
Life Sciences Tools and Services — 0.1% | | |
Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2.30%, 3/12/31 | 256,000 | | 256,226 | |
Illumina, Inc., 2.55%, 3/23/31 | 193,000 | | 196,107 | |
| | 452,333 | |
Machinery† | | |
Cummins, Inc., 2.60%, 9/1/50 | 90,000 | | 86,209 | |
Media — 0.4% | | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital, 4.91%, 7/23/25 | 124,000 | | 140,561 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital, 3.50%, 6/1/41 | 133,000 | | 134,119 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital, 5.125%, 7/1/49 | 210,000 | | 250,548 | |
Comcast Corp., 3.40%, 4/1/30 | 264,000 | | 291,674 | |
Comcast Corp., 3.75%, 4/1/40 | 40,000 | | 45,162 | |
Cox Communications, Inc., 2.60%, 6/15/31(3) | 93,000 | | 94,498 | |
Omnicom Group, Inc., 2.60%, 8/1/31 | 80,000 | | 81,390 | |
Time Warner Cable LLC, 4.50%, 9/15/42 | 205,000 | | 228,500 | |
ViacomCBS, Inc., 4.375%, 3/15/43 | 90,000 | | 104,388 | |
| | 1,370,840 | |
Metals and Mining — 0.1% | | |
Newcrest Finance Pty Ltd., 4.20%, 5/13/50(3) | 50,000 | | 57,419 | |
Steel Dynamics, Inc., 3.45%, 4/15/30 | 70,000 | | 76,342 | |
Teck Resources Ltd., 3.90%, 7/15/30 | 50,000 | | 53,948 | |
Teck Resources Ltd., 6.25%, 7/15/41 | 120,000 | | 157,087 | |
| | 344,796 | |
Multi-Utilities — 0.2% | | |
Ameren Corp., 3.50%, 1/15/31 | 150,000 | | 164,432 | |
CenterPoint Energy, Inc., 4.25%, 11/1/28 | 126,000 | | 145,019 | |
CenterPoint Energy, Inc., 2.65%, 6/1/31 | 58,000 | | 59,149 | |
Dominion Energy, Inc., 4.90%, 8/1/41 | 90,000 | | 114,004 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
NiSource, Inc., 5.65%, 2/1/45 | $ | 105,000 | | $ | 145,187 | |
Sempra Energy, 3.25%, 6/15/27 | 30,000 | | 32,576 | |
WEC Energy Group, Inc., 1.375%, 10/15/27 | 170,000 | | 166,225 | |
| | 826,592 | |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 0.6% | | |
Aker BP ASA, 3.75%, 1/15/30(3) | 150,000 | | 162,025 | |
BP Capital Markets America, Inc., 3.06%, 6/17/41 | 90,000 | | 90,880 | |
Chevron Corp., 2.00%, 5/11/27 | 70,000 | | 72,297 | |
Diamondback Energy, Inc., 3.50%, 12/1/29 | 150,000 | | 160,714 | |
Energy Transfer LP, 3.60%, 2/1/23 | 30,000 | | 31,137 | |
Energy Transfer LP, 4.25%, 3/15/23 | 110,000 | | 115,466 | |
Energy Transfer LP, 3.75%, 5/15/30 | 120,000 | | 130,469 | |
Energy Transfer LP, 4.90%, 3/15/35 | 95,000 | | 110,161 | |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, 4.85%, 3/15/44 | 150,000 | | 183,706 | |
Equinor ASA, 3.25%, 11/18/49 | 70,000 | | 74,581 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp., 1.57%, 4/15/23 | 120,000 | | 122,699 | |
Flex Intermediate Holdco LLC, 3.36%, 6/30/31(3) | 150,000 | | 152,149 | |
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP, 6.50%, 9/1/39 | 85,000 | | 118,723 | |
MPLX LP, 4.50%, 4/15/38 | 38,000 | | 43,660 | |
Petroleos Mexicanos, 3.50%, 1/30/23 | 80,000 | | 81,779 | |
Plains All American Pipeline LP / PAA Finance Corp., 3.80%, 9/15/30 | 130,000 | | 139,288 | |
Sabine Pass Liquefaction LLC, 5.625%, 3/1/25 | 230,000 | | 263,065 | |
Suncor Energy, Inc., 3.75%, 3/4/51 | 100,000 | | 108,371 | |
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC, 3.25%, 5/15/30 | 80,000 | | 86,691 | |
| | 2,247,861 | |
Paper and Forest Products† | | |
Georgia-Pacific LLC, 2.10%, 4/30/27(3) | 130,000 | | 134,225 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 0.1% | | |
Astrazeneca Finance LLC, 1.75%, 5/28/28 | 35,000 | | 35,023 | |
Astrazeneca Finance LLC, 2.25%, 5/28/31 | 50,000 | | 50,827 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 2.55%, 11/13/50 | 113,000 | | 108,327 | |
Royalty Pharma plc, 2.20%, 9/2/30(3) | 75,000 | | 73,626 | |
Viatris, Inc., 2.70%, 6/22/30(3) | 124,000 | | 125,487 | |
Viatris, Inc., 4.00%, 6/22/50(3) | 43,000 | | 45,553 | |
| | 438,843 | |
Real Estate Management and Development — 0.1% | | |
Essential Properties LP, 2.95%, 7/15/31 | 160,000 | | 160,207 | |
Realogy Group LLC / Realogy Co-Issuer Corp., 5.75%, 1/15/29(3) | 80,000 | | 83,743 | |
| | 243,950 | |
Road and Rail — 0.3% | | |
Ashtead Capital, Inc., 4.125%, 8/15/25(3) | 200,000 | | 205,125 | |
Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 4.15%, 4/1/45 | 105,000 | | 127,944 | |
Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC, 3.30%, 9/15/51 | 70,000 | | 76,607 | |
CSX Corp., 3.25%, 6/1/27 | 120,000 | | 131,757 | |
DAE Funding LLC, 3.375%, 3/20/28(3) | 215,000 | | 220,464 | |
Norfolk Southern Corp., 2.30%, 5/15/31 | 53,000 | | 53,644 | |
Union Pacific Corp., 2.40%, 2/5/30 | 80,000 | | 82,760 | |
Union Pacific Corp., 2.375%, 5/20/31 | 57,000 | | 58,284 | |
Union Pacific Corp., MTN, 3.55%, 8/15/39 | 160,000 | | 178,204 | |
| | 1,134,789 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 0.1% | | |
Broadcom Corp. / Broadcom Cayman Finance Ltd., 3.875%, 1/15/27 | $ | 130,000 | | $ | 143,723 | |
Microchip Technology, Inc., 4.25%, 9/1/25 | 269,000 | | 282,494 | |
| | 426,217 | |
Software — 0.1% | | |
Oracle Corp., 3.60%, 4/1/40 | 220,000 | | 232,411 | |
salesforce.com, Inc., 1.50%, 7/15/28(4) | 140,000 | | 139,820 | |
salesforce.com, Inc., 2.70%, 7/15/41(4) | 105,000 | | 105,833 | |
| | 478,064 | |
Specialty Retail — 0.2% | | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The), 2.50%, 4/15/27 | 140,000 | | 149,278 | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The), 2.375%, 3/15/51 | 270,000 | | 250,253 | |
Lowe's Cos., Inc., 1.30%, 4/15/28 | 130,000 | | 126,949 | |
Lowe's Cos., Inc., 2.625%, 4/1/31 | 130,000 | | 134,475 | |
| | 660,955 | |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 0.3% | | |
Apple, Inc., 2.65%, 2/8/51 | 300,000 | | 293,896 | |
Dell International LLC / EMC Corp., 4.90%, 10/1/26 | 185,000 | | 213,712 | |
EMC Corp., 3.375%, 6/1/23 | 285,000 | | 296,689 | |
HP, Inc., 2.65%, 6/17/31(3) | 100,000 | | 100,040 | |
Western Digital Corp., 4.75%, 2/15/26 | 130,000 | | 144,625 | |
| | 1,048,962 | |
Thrifts and Mortgage Finance† | | |
PennyMac Financial Services, Inc., 4.25%, 2/15/29(3) | 51,000 | | 49,206 | |
Trading Companies and Distributors — 0.1% | | |
Aircastle Ltd., 5.25%, 8/11/25(3) | 128,000 | | 143,863 | |
Transportation Infrastructure† | | |
GXO Logistics, Inc., 2.65%, 7/15/31(3)(4) | 75,000 | | 74,491 | |
Water Utilities — 0.1% | | |
Essential Utilities, Inc., 2.70%, 4/15/30 | 150,000 | | 155,906 | |
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.2% | | |
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 4.75%, 2/1/28 | 192,000 | | 205,920 | |
T-Mobile USA, Inc., 3.50%, 4/15/31 | 191,000 | | 197,838 | |
Vodafone Group plc, 4.375%, 2/19/43 | 115,000 | | 134,532 | |
Vodafone Group plc, VRN, 4.125%, 6/4/81 | 315,000 | | 314,921 | |
| | 853,211 | |
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $35,600,489) | | 36,691,777 | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — 5.9% |
Adjustable-Rate U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 0.1% |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.26%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.87%), 7/1/36 | 4,642 | | 4,922 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.34%, (1-year H15T1Y plus 2.14%), 10/1/36 | 12,303 | | 13,172 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.43%, (1-year H15T1Y plus 2.26%), 4/1/37 | 15,255 | | 16,257 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.17%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.78%), 2/1/38 | 6,286 | | 6,676 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.23%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.87%), 6/1/38 | 3,603 | | 3,763 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.30%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.78%), 9/1/40 | 2,887 | | 3,007 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.15%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.88%), 5/1/41 | 2,279 | | 2,379 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.85%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.86%), 7/1/41 | 7,056 | | 7,503 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.02%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.64%), 2/1/43 | 1,990 | | 2,043 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 1.87%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.62%), 6/1/43 | 54 | | 54 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.46%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.65%), 6/1/43 | 1,623 | | 1,631 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.87%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.63%), 1/1/44 | $ | 15,144 | | $ | 15,805 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.59%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.60%), 6/1/45 | 28,411 | | 29,741 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 2.24%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.63%), 8/1/46 | 74,536 | | 77,604 | |
FHLMC, VRN, 3.05%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.64%), 9/1/47 | 57,921 | | 60,396 | |
FNMA, VRN, 1.82%, (6-month LIBOR plus 1.57%), 6/1/35 | 8,639 | | 9,013 | |
FNMA, VRN, 1.82%, (6-month LIBOR plus 1.57%), 6/1/35 | 9,702 | | 10,121 | |
FNMA, VRN, 2.36%, (1-year H15T1Y plus 2.16%), 3/1/38 | 12,595 | | 13,436 | |
FNMA, VRN, 2.07%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.69%), 1/1/40 | 1,485 | | 1,546 | |
FNMA, VRN, 2.29%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.86%), 3/1/40 | 2,277 | | 2,420 | |
FNMA, VRN, 2.32%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.77%), 10/1/40 | 3,943 | | 4,168 | |
FNMA, VRN, 2.06%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.58%), 3/1/43 | 1,333 | | 1,368 | |
FNMA, VRN, 3.18%, (12-month LIBOR plus 1.61%), 3/1/47 | 36,210 | | 37,886 | |
| | 324,911 | |
Fixed-Rate U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities — 5.8% |
FHLMC, 6.50%, 1/1/28 | 1,172 | | 1,315 | |
FHLMC, 6.50%, 6/1/29 | 1,942 | | 2,177 | |
FHLMC, 8.00%, 7/1/30 | 1,241 | | 1,488 | |
FHLMC, 5.50%, 12/1/33 | 36,737 | | 41,821 | |
FHLMC, 5.50%, 1/1/38 | 4,958 | | 5,764 | |
FHLMC, 6.00%, 8/1/38 | 6,853 | | 7,793 | |
FHLMC, 3.50%, 12/1/47 | 115,700 | | 122,841 | |
FNMA, 6.50%, 1/1/29 | 3,198 | | 3,629 | |
FNMA, 7.50%, 7/1/29 | 3,885 | | 3,930 | |
FNMA, 7.50%, 9/1/30 | 1,708 | | 1,989 | |
FNMA, 6.50%, 1/1/32 | 2,222 | | 2,491 | |
FNMA, 5.50%, 6/1/33 | 11,193 | | 12,912 | |
FNMA, 5.50%, 8/1/33 | 28,204 | | 32,581 | |
FNMA, 5.50%, 1/1/34 | 15,293 | | 17,554 | |
FNMA, 3.50%, 3/1/34 | 23,617 | | 25,435 | |
FNMA, 5.50%, 1/1/37 | 34,970 | | 40,549 | |
FNMA, 5.50%, 2/1/37 | 8,202 | | 9,525 | |
FNMA, 6.00%, 7/1/37 | 49,106 | | 58,134 | |
FNMA, 6.50%, 8/1/37 | 6,227 | | 7,133 | |
FNMA, 3.50%, 1/1/41 | 141,782 | | 153,222 | |
FNMA, 4.00%, 1/1/41 | 258,867 | | 288,310 | |
FNMA, 4.00%, 5/1/41 | 46,232 | | 50,497 | |
FNMA, 4.50%, 9/1/41 | 15,893 | | 17,552 | |
FNMA, 4.00%, 1/1/42 | 91,667 | | 100,353 | |
FNMA, 3.50%, 5/1/42 | 197,019 | | 213,558 | |
FNMA, 3.50%, 6/1/42 | 42,876 | | 46,531 | |
FNMA, 6.50%, 8/1/47 | 2,285 | | 2,475 | |
FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/47 | 4,603 | | 4,967 | |
FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/47 | 222 | | 240 | |
FNMA, 6.50%, 9/1/47 | 2,434 | | 2,625 | |
FNMA, 3.50%, 3/1/48 | 457,196 | | 483,514 | |
FNMA, 4.00%, 6/1/48 | 191,077 | | 204,078 | |
FNMA, 4.50%, 7/1/48 | 655,005 | | 708,771 | |
FNMA, 4.00%, 8/1/48 | 496,156 | | 529,509 | |
FNMA, 3.50%, 4/1/49 | 343,511 | | 361,663 | |
FNMA, 3.50%, 5/1/49 | 126,312 | | 132,969 | |
FNMA, 4.00%, 6/1/49 | 979,659 | | 1,043,398 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
FNMA, 3.50%, 9/1/49 | $ | 308,539 | | $ | 324,841 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 12/1/49 | 1,693,162 | | 1,769,816 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 3/1/50 | 294,088 | | 307,315 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 3/1/50 | 825,373 | | 868,201 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 6/1/50 | 173,814 | | 181,500 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 6/1/50 | 186,889 | | 195,289 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 6/1/50 | 1,906,598 | | 1,988,613 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 6/1/50 | 176,397 | | 186,121 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 8/1/50 | 671,783 | | 700,173 | |
FNMA, 2.50%, 10/1/50 | 1,336,107 | | 1,383,646 | |
FNMA, 2.50%, 6/1/51 | 299,466 | | 310,121 | |
FNMA, 3.00%, 6/1/51 | 79,750 | | 84,296 | |
GNMA, 2.50%, TBA | 3,835,000 | | 3,968,926 | |
GNMA, 3.00%, TBA | 1,000,000 | | 1,043,457 | |
GNMA, 7.00%, 4/20/26 | 4,087 | | 4,509 | |
GNMA, 7.50%, 8/15/26 | 2,908 | | 3,240 | |
GNMA, 7.00%, 2/15/28 | 812 | | 815 | |
GNMA, 7.50%, 2/15/28 | 103 | | 103 | |
GNMA, 6.50%, 5/15/28 | 214 | | 238 | |
GNMA, 6.50%, 5/15/28 | 710 | | 792 | |
GNMA, 7.00%, 5/15/31 | 10,270 | | 12,037 | |
GNMA, 5.50%, 11/15/32 | 19,991 | | 22,961 | |
GNMA, 4.50%, 1/15/40 | 14,968 | | 16,903 | |
GNMA, 4.50%, 5/20/41 | 46,277 | | 51,208 | |
GNMA, 4.50%, 6/15/41 | 30,526 | | 35,018 | |
GNMA, 3.50%, 3/15/46 | 251,946 | | 270,832 | |
GNMA, 2.50%, 8/20/46 | 54,558 | | 56,907 | |
GNMA, 3.00%, 4/20/50 | 1,147,135 | | 1,201,711 | |
UMBS, 3.00%, TBA | 1,650,000 | | 1,720,028 | |
| | 21,452,910 | |
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (Cost $21,618,499) | 21,777,821 | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS — 2.7% |
Private Sponsor Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 1.5% |
ABN Amro Mortgage Corp., Series 2003-4, Class A4, 5.50%, 3/25/33 | 1,094 | | 1,122 | |
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust, Series 2004-4, Class 4A1, VRN, 2.66%, 3/25/35 | 18,246 | | 18,569 | |
Agate Bay Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2016-3, Class A3, VRN, 3.50%, 8/25/46(3) | 27,768 | | 28,291 | |
Banc of America Mortgage Trust, Series 2004-E, Class 2A6 SEQ, VRN, 2.76%, 6/25/34 | 12,620 | | 12,902 | |
Bellemeade Re Ltd., Series 2019-3A, Class B1, VRN, 2.59%, (1-month LIBOR plus 2.50%), 7/25/29(3) | 130,000 | | 130,238 | |
Bellemeade Re Ltd., Series 2018-2A, Class B1, VRN, 2.74%, (1-month LIBOR plus 2.65%), 8/25/28(3) | 500,765 | | 500,793 | |
Bellemeade Re Ltd., Series 2019-3A, Class M1C, VRN, 2.04%, (1-month LIBOR plus 1.95%), 7/25/29(3) | 120,000 | | 120,196 | |
Bellemeade Re Ltd., Series 2020-2A, Class M1C, VRN, 4.09%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.00%), 8/26/30(3) | 170,000 | | 173,513 | |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Inc., Series 2004-UST1, Class A5, VRN, 2.02%, 8/25/34 | 11,860 | | 12,148 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
COLT Funding LLC, Series 2021-3R, Class A2, VRN, 1.26%, 12/25/64(3) | $ | 486,611 | | $ | 486,944 | |
Countrywide Home Loan Mortgage Pass-Through Trust, Series 2005-17, Class 1A11, 5.50%, 9/25/35 | 427 | | 414 | |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust, Series 2020-NQM1, Class A2 SEQ, 1.41%, 5/25/65(3) | 254,535 | | 256,398 | |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust, Series 2021-NQM2, Class A2 SEQ, VRN, 1.38%, 2/25/66(3) | 185,415 | | 185,636 | |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust, Series 2021-NQM3, Class A3 SEQ, VRN, 1.63%, 4/25/66(3) | 145,621 | | 145,530 | |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust, Series 2021-NQM4, Class A3, SEQ, VRN, 1.56%, 5/25/66(3) | 134,000 | | 133,997 | |
Credit Suisse Mortgage Trust, Series 2021-RPL3, Class A1 SEQ, VRN, 2.00%, 1/25/60(3) | 183,424 | | 186,225 | |
First Horizon Alternative Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2004-AA4, Class A1, VRN, 2.37%, 10/25/34 | 4,083 | | 4,227 | |
GCAT Trust, Series 2021-NQM1, Class A3 SEQ, VRN, 1.15%, 1/25/66(3) | 213,266 | | 212,623 | |
GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-7, Class 3A1, VRN, 2.34%, 6/25/34 | 6,676 | | 6,693 | |
GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-AR5, Class 3A3, VRN, 2.55%, 5/25/34 | 8,057 | | 7,921 | |
GSR Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2005-AR1, Class 3A1, VRN, 2.87%, 1/25/35 | 12,287 | | 12,580 | |
Home RE Ltd., Series 2020-1, Class M1B, VRN, 3.34%, (1-month LIBOR plus 3.25%), 10/25/30(3) | 325,000 | | 328,615 | |
Home RE Ltd., Series 2021-1 Class M1B, VRN, 1.64%, (1-month LIBOR plus 1.55%), 7/25/33(3) | 140,000 | | 139,712 | |
JPMorgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2013-1, Class 2A2 SEQ, VRN, 2.50%, 3/25/43(3) | 9,379 | | 9,499 | |
JPMorgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2017-1, Class A2, VRN, 3.50%, 1/25/47(3) | 53,239 | | 54,121 | |
JPMorgan Mortgage Trust, Series 2020-3, Class A15, VRN, 3.50%, 8/25/50(3) | 141,309 | | 144,149 | |
MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust, Series 2004-13, Class 3A7, VRN, 2.88%, 11/21/34 | 37,526 | | 37,939 | |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2005-3, Class 2A, VRN, 2.17%, 11/25/35 | 20,836 | | 20,830 | |
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2005-A2, Class A1, VRN, 2.81%, 2/25/35 | 15,360 | | 15,503 | |
New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2017-1A, Class A1, VRN, 4.00%, 2/25/57(3) | 181,426 | | 193,503 | |
Newrez Warehouse Securitization Trust, Series 2021-1, Class A, VRN, 0.84%, (1-month LIBOR plus 0.75%), 5/25/55(3) | 250,000 | | 250,624 | |
Oaktown Re V Ltd., Series 2020-2A, Class M1A, VRN, 2.49%, (1-month LIBOR plus 2.40%), 10/25/30(3) | 89,441 | | 89,856 | |
PRMI Securitization Trust, Series 2021-1, Class A5, VRN, 2.50%, 4/25/51(3) | 344,769 | | 343,484 | |
PSMC Trust, Series 2021-1, Class A11 SEQ, VRN, 2.50%, 3/25/51(3) | 267,475 | | 274,718 | |
PSMC Trust, Series 2021-2, Class A3 SEQ, VRN, 2.50%, 5/25/51(3) | 150,000 | | 153,984 | |
Sequoia Mortgage Trust, Series 2021-5, Class A4 SEQ, VRN, 2.50%, 7/25/51(3) | 180,000 | | 183,713 | |
Sofi Mortgage Trust, Series 2016-1A, Class 1A4 SEQ, VRN, 3.00%, 11/25/46(3) | 11,196 | | 11,442 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
Starwood Mortgage Residential Trust, Series 2020-2, Class B1E, VRN, 3.00%, 4/25/60(3) | $ | 156,000 | | $ | 156,076 | |
Structured Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004-8, Class 2A1, VRN, 2.45%, 7/25/34 | 21,552 | | 22,187 | |
Verus Securitization Trust, Series 2021-R2, Class A2, VRN, 1.12%, 2/25/64(3) | 188,527 | | 189,376 | |
Verus Securitization Trust, Series 2021-R2, Class A3, VRN, 1.23%, 2/25/64(3) | 226,232 | | 227,249 | |
| | 5,483,540 | |
U.S. Government Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations — 1.2% |
FHLMC, Series 2014-DN3, Class M3, VRN, 4.09%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.00%), 8/25/24 | 55,776 | | 56,949 | |
FHLMC, Series 2014-DN4, Class M3, VRN, 4.64%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.55%), 10/25/24 | 26,531 | | 27,031 | |
FHLMC, Series 2014-HQ1, Class M3, VRN, 4.19%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.10%), 8/25/24 | 84,987 | | 85,999 | |
FHLMC, Series 2014-HQ3, Class M3, VRN, 4.84%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.75%), 10/25/24 | 455,257 | | 459,018 | |
FHLMC, Series 2015-DNA3, Class M3F, VRN, 3.79%, (1-month LIBOR plus 3.70%), 4/25/28 | 94,660 | | 97,115 | |
FHLMC, Series 2015-HQ2, Class M3, VRN, 3.34%, (1-month LIBOR plus 3.25%), 5/25/25 | 35,080 | | 35,625 | |
FHLMC, Series 2016-DNA1, Class M3, VRN, 5.64%, (1-month LIBOR plus 5.55%), 7/25/28 | 311,288 | | 326,575 | |
FHLMC, Series 2016-DNA2, Class M3, VRN, 4.74%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.65%), 10/25/28 | 157,051 | | 164,209 | |
FHLMC, Series 2016-DNA3, Class M3, VRN, 5.09%, (1-month LIBOR plus 5.00%), 12/25/28 | 234,751 | | 245,652 | |
FHLMC, Series 2016-HQA4, Class M3, VRN, 3.99%, (1-month LIBOR plus 3.90%), 4/25/29 | 174,893 | | 182,346 | |
FHLMC, Series 2017-DNA1, Class M2, VRN, 3.34%, (1-month LIBOR plus 3.25%), 7/25/29 | 282,545 | | 293,003 | |
FHLMC, Series 2017-DNA2, Class M2, VRN, 3.54%, (1-month LIBOR plus 3.45%), 10/25/29 | 70,000 | | 73,210 | |
FHLMC, Series 2018-HQA2, Class M2, VRN, 2.39%, (1-month LIBOR plus 2.30%), 10/25/48(3) | 50,000 | | 50,510 | |
FHLMC, Series 2019-DNA2, Class M2, VRN, 2.54%, (1-month LIBOR plus 2.45%), 3/25/49(3) | 89,177 | | 90,657 | |
FHLMC, Series 2020-DNA3, Class M2, VRN, 3.09%, (1-month LIBOR plus 3.00%), 6/25/50(3) | 131,802 | | 132,651 | |
FHLMC, Series 2020-DNA5, Class M2, VRN, 2.82%, (SOFR plus 2.80%), 10/25/50(3) | 250,000 | | 253,968 | |
FHLMC, Series 2020-HQA3, Class M2, VRN, 3.69%, (1-month LIBOR plus 3.60%), 7/25/50(3) | 79,489 | | 80,533 | |
FHLMC, Series 5123, Class HI, IO, 5.00%, 1/25/42 | 275,000 | | 42,109 | |
FNMA, Series 2013-C01, Class M2, VRN, 5.34%, (1-month LIBOR plus 5.25%), 10/25/23 | 272,314 | | 285,074 | |
FNMA, Series 2014-C02, Class 2M2, VRN, 2.69%, (1-month LIBOR plus 2.60%), 5/25/24 | 61,200 | | 61,860 | |
FNMA, Series 2014-C03, Class 2M2, VRN, 2.99%, (1-month LIBOR plus 2.90%), 7/25/24 | 90,980 | | 91,970 | |
FNMA, Series 2014-C04, Class 1M2, VRN, 4.99%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.90%), 11/25/24 | 88,275 | | 91,383 | |
FNMA, Series 2014-C04, Class 2M2, VRN, 5.09%, (1-month LIBOR plus 5.00%), 11/25/24 | 36,150 | | 37,135 | |
FNMA, Series 2015-C03, Class 2M2, VRN, 5.09%, (1-month LIBOR plus 5.00%), 7/25/25 | 113,313 | | 114,900 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
FNMA, Series 2015-C04, Class 1M2, VRN, 5.79%, (1-month LIBOR plus 5.70%), 4/25/28 | $ | 154,229 | | $ | 163,625 | |
FNMA, Series 2015-C04, Class 2M2, VRN, 5.64%, (1-month LIBOR plus 5.55%), 4/25/28 | 355,660 | | 376,979 | |
FNMA, Series 2016-C01, Class 2M2, VRN, 7.04%, (1-month LIBOR plus 6.95%), 8/25/28 | 209,175 | | 222,028 | |
FNMA, Series 2016-C04, Class 1M2, VRN, 4.34%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.25%), 1/25/29 | 160,630 | | 167,823 | |
FNMA, Series 2016-C06, Class 1M2, VRN, 4.34%, (1-month LIBOR plus 4.25%), 4/25/29 | 87,479 | | 91,028 | |
| | 4,400,965 | |
TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (Cost $9,803,272) | | 9,884,505 | |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES — 1.9% |
|
|
Blackbird Capital Aircraft, Series 2021-1A, Class A SEQ, 2.44%, 7/15/46(3)(4) | 300,000 | | 299,947 | |
BRE Grand Islander Timeshare Issuer LLC, Series 2017-1A, Class A SEQ, 2.94%, 5/25/29(3) | 71,692 | | 73,505 | |
BRE Grand Islander Timeshare Issuer LLC, Series 2019-A, Class A SEQ, 3.28%, 9/26/33(3) | 291,390 | | 305,939 | |
CLI Funding VI LLC, Series 2020-1A, Class A SEQ, 2.08%, 9/18/45(3) | 183,000 | | 184,837 | |
Diamond Resorts Owner Trust, Series 2021-1A, Class A SEQ, 1.51%, 11/21/33(3) | 373,601 | | 375,592 | |
FirstKey Homes Trust, Series 2021-SER1, Class D, 2.19%, 8/17/28(3)(4) | 300,000 | | 299,994 | |
FirstKey Homes Trust, Series 2021-SER1, Class E1, 2.39%, 8/17/28(3)(4) | 400,000 | | 399,991 | |
FirstKey Homes Trust, Series 2020-SFR2, Class D, 1.97%, 10/19/37(3) | 400,000 | | 398,985 | |
Goodgreen Trust, Series 2018-1A, Class A, VRN, 3.93%, 10/15/53(3) | 109,387 | | 116,322 | |
Goodgreen Trust, Series 2020-1A, Class A SEQ, 2.63%, 4/15/55(3) | 273,134 | | 282,107 | |
Goodgreen Trust, Series 2021-1A, Class A SEQ, 2.66%, 10/15/56(3) | 195,370 | | 197,303 | |
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust, Series 2018-AA, Class B, 3.70%, 2/25/32(3) | 196,080 | | 205,356 | |
Mosaic Solar Loan Trust, Series 2021-1A, Class B, 2.05%, 12/20/46(3) | 277,527 | | 278,339 | |
Progress Residential Trust, Series 2018-SFR3, Class A SEQ, 3.88%, 10/17/35(3) | 349,401 | | 353,341 | |
Progress Residential Trust, Series 2018-SFR3, Class B, 4.08%, 10/17/35(3) | 625,000 | | 630,602 | |
Progress Residential Trust, Series 2021-SFR2, Class D, 2.20%, 4/19/38(3) | 225,000 | | 225,002 | |
Progress Residential Trust, Series 2021-SFR3, Class B, 1.89%, 5/17/26(3) | 400,000 | | 402,106 | |
Progress Residential Trust, Series 2021-SFR3, Class C, 2.09%, 5/17/26(3) | 200,000 | | 201,143 | |
Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2018-2A, Class A SEQ, 3.50%, 6/20/35(3) | 77,064 | | 79,711 | |
Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2018-2A, Class B, 3.65%, 6/20/35(3) | 83,486 | | 85,735 | |
Sierra Timeshare Receivables Funding LLC, Series 2021-1A, Class C, 1.79%, 11/20/37(3) | 172,156 | | 173,044 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
TAL Advantage VII LLC, Series 2020-1A, Class A SEQ, 2.05%, 9/20/45(3) | $ | 184,250 | | $ | 186,091 | |
Towd Point Mortgage Trust, Series 2018-2, Class A1, VRN, 3.25%, 3/25/58(3) | 267,494 | | 277,479 | |
VSE VOI Mortgage LLC, Series 2016-A, Class A SEQ, 2.54%, 7/20/33(3) | 167,506 | | 167,941 | |
VSE VOI Mortgage LLC, Series 2018-A, Class B, 3.72%, 2/20/36(3) | 80,909 | | 84,734 | |
Wendy's Funding LLC, Series 2021-1A, Class A2I SEQ, 2.37%, 6/15/51(3) | 300,000 | | 303,935 | |
Wingstop Funding LLC, Series 2020-1A, Class A2 SEQ, 2.84%, 12/5/50(3) | 389,025 | | 405,439 | |
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (Cost $6,912,414) | | 6,994,520 | |
COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS — 1.7% |
Anchorage Credit Opportunities CLO Ltd., Series 2019-1A, Class A1, VRN, 2.14%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.95%), 1/20/32(3) | 275,000 | | 275,684 | |
Ares LV CLO Ltd., Series 2020-55A, Class BR, VRN, 1.85%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.70%), 7/15/34(3)(4) | 375,000 | | 375,000 | |
Bean Creek CLO Ltd., Series 2015-1A, Class AR, VRN, 1.21%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.02%), 4/20/31(3) | 200,000 | | 200,037 | |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd., Series 2013-1A, Class BRR, VRN, 2.31%, (3-month LIBOR plus 2.20%), 8/14/30(3)(4) | 225,000 | | 225,000 | |
CBAM Ltd., Series 2017-3A, Class CR, VRN, 2.60%, (3-month LIBOR plus 2.45%), 7/17/34(3)(4) | 275,000 | | 275,000 | |
Cerberus Loan Funding XXXIII LP, Series 2021-3A, Class A, VRN, 1.71%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.56%), 7/23/33(3)(4) | 275,000 | | 275,003 | |
Elmwood CLO II Ltd., Series 2019-2A, Class DR, VRN, 3.19%, (3-month LIBOR plus 3.00%), 4/20/34(3) | 175,000 | | 176,191 | |
Elmwood CLO V Ltd., Series 2020-2A, Class BR, VRN, 1.80%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.65%), 10/20/34(3)(4) | 150,000 | | 150,000 | |
Goldentree Loan Management US CLO Ltd., Series 2017-1A, Class CR2, VRN, 2.00%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.80%), 4/20/34(3) | 275,000 | | 271,371 | |
KKR CLO Ltd., Series 2022A, Class A, VRN, 1.34%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.15%), 7/20/31(3) | 175,000 | | 175,121 | |
Madison Park Funding XXII Ltd., Series 2016-22A, Class A1R, VRN, 1.44%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.26%), 1/15/33(3) | 125,000 | | 125,279 | |
Magnetite CLO Ltd., Series 2021-31 A, Class B, VRN, 1.80%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.65%), 7/15/34(3)(4) | 200,000 | | 200,000 | |
Oak Hill Credit Partners X-R Ltd., Series 2014-10RA, Class CR, VRN, 2.19%, (3-month LIBOR plus 2.00%), 4/20/34(3) | 325,000 | | 325,812 | |
Octagon Investment Partners 42 Ltd., Series 2019-3A, Class BR, VRN, 1.80%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.65%), 7/15/34(3)(4) | 400,000 | | 400,000 | |
Octagon Investment Partners 51 Ltd., Series 2021-1A, Class C, VRN, 2.08%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.95%), 7/20/34(3) | 100,000 | | 99,849 | |
Octagon Investment Partners 51 Ltd., Series 2021-1A, Class D, VRN, 3.18%, (3-month LIBOR plus 3.05%), 7/20/34(3) | 100,000 | | 100,816 | |
Parallel Ltd., Series 2020-1A, Class A1, VRN, 2.01%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.83%), 7/20/31(3) | 375,000 | | 375,561 | |
Park Avenue Institutional Advisers CLO Ltd., Series 2018-1A, Class BR, VRN, 2.29%, (3-month LIBOR plus 2.10%), 10/20/31(3) | 275,000 | | 274,322 | |
Rockford Tower CLO Ltd., Series 2021-2A, Class B, VRN, 1.90%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.75%), 7/20/34(3)(4) | 400,000 | | 400,000 | |
Rockford Tower CLO Ltd., Series 2017-1A, Class CR2, VRN, 2.28%, (3-month LIBOR plus 2.10%), 4/20/34(3) | 325,000 | | 326,624 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
Rockford Tower CLO Ltd., Series 2017-3A, Class A, VRN, 1.38%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.19%), 10/20/30(3) | $ | 300,000 | | $ | 300,335 | |
Symphony CLO XXII Ltd., Series 2020-22A, Class A1A, VRN, 1.48%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.29%), 4/18/33(3) | 200,000 | | 200,236 | |
Symphony CLO XXV Ltd., Series 2021-25A, Class C, VRN, 2.24%, (3-month LIBOR plus 2.05%), 4/19/34(3) | 325,000 | | 323,890 | |
Voya CLO Ltd., Series 2013-2A, Class A1R, VRN, 1.15%, (3-month LIBOR plus 0.97%), 4/25/31(3) | 250,000 | | 250,309 | |
Voya CLO Ltd., Series 2016-4A, Class B2R, VRN, 1.63%, (3-month LIBOR plus 1.55%), 7/20/29(3) | 350,000 | | 350,000 | |
TOTAL COLLATERALIZED LOAN OBLIGATIONS (Cost $6,442,996) | | 6,451,440 | |
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES — 0.6% |
Bay Area Toll Authority Rev., 6.92%, 4/1/40 | 70,000 | | 105,336 | |
California State University Rev., 2.98%, 11/1/51 | 200,000 | | 205,163 | |
Dallas Area Rapid Transit Rev., 6.00%, 12/1/44 | 25,000 | | 38,005 | |
Foothill-Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency Rev., 4.09%, 1/15/49 | 85,000 | | 90,179 | |
Grand Parkway Transportation Corp. Rev., 3.24%, 10/1/52 | 70,000 | | 71,629 | |
Houston GO, 3.96%, 3/1/47 | 25,000 | | 30,027 | |
Los Angeles Department of Airports Rev., 6.58%, 5/15/39 | 25,000 | | 33,598 | |
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Rev., 6.81%, 11/15/40 | 15,000 | | 22,056 | |
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago GO, 5.72%, 12/1/38 | 200,000 | | 281,738 | |
Michigan Strategic Fund Rev., (Flint Water Advocacy Fund), 3.23%, 9/1/47(4) | 200,000 | | 203,171 | |
Missouri Highway & Transportation Commission Rev., 5.45%, 5/1/33 | 20,000 | | 25,661 | |
New Jersey Turnpike Authority Rev., 7.41%, 1/1/40 | 65,000 | | 106,849 | |
New Jersey Turnpike Authority Rev., 7.10%, 1/1/41 | 85,000 | | 136,160 | |
New York City Water & Sewer System Rev., 5.95%, 6/15/42 | 45,000 | | 68,918 | |
Ohio Turnpike & Infrastructure Commission Rev., 3.22%, 2/15/48 | 100,000 | | 102,841 | |
Ohio Water Development Authority Water Pollution Control Loan Fund Rev., 4.88%, 12/1/34 | 30,000 | | 35,912 | |
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Rev., 4.93%, 10/1/51 | 40,000 | | 55,532 | |
Regents of the University of California Medical Center Pooled Rev., 3.26%, 5/15/60 | 100,000 | | 106,470 | |
Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Rev., 5.67%, 5/1/40 | 45,000 | | 61,483 | |
Sacramento Municipal Utility District Rev., 6.16%, 5/15/36 | 25,000 | | 34,917 | |
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Rev., 5.88%, 4/1/32 | 30,000 | | 37,668 | |
State of California GO, 4.60%, 4/1/38 | 120,000 | | 140,380 | |
State of California GO, 7.55%, 4/1/39 | 70,000 | | 119,491 | |
State of California GO, 7.30%, 10/1/39 | 15,000 | | 24,032 | |
State of California GO, 7.60%, 11/1/40 | 20,000 | | 34,972 | |
TOTAL MUNICIPAL SECURITIES (Cost $1,926,592) | | 2,172,188 | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 0.4% |
SPDR Bloomberg Barclays Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (Cost $1,387,375) | 51,100 | | 1,409,338 | |
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES — 0.2% |
|
|
FNMA, 0.75%, 10/8/27 | $ | 600,000 | | 585,507 | |
FNMA, 6.625%, 11/15/30 | 100,000 | | 144,790 | |
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES (Cost $719,811) | | 730,297 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares/ Principal Amount | Value |
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES — 0.1% |
BXMT, Ltd., Series 2020-FL2, Class C, VRN, 1.77%, (1-month LIBOR plus 1.65%), 2/15/38(3) (Cost $386,238) | $ | 386,000 | | $ | 386,130 | |
BANK LOAN OBLIGATIONS — 0.1% |
Pharmaceuticals — 0.1% | | |
Horizon Therapeutics USA Inc., 2021 Term Loan B, 2.50%, (1-month LIBOR plus 2.00%), 3/15/28 (Cost $184,224) | 184,000 | | 183,080 | |
SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND AGENCIES† |
|
|
Peru† | | |
Peruvian Government International Bond, 5.625%, 11/18/50 | 30,000 | | 41,382 | |
Poland† | | |
Republic of Poland Government International Bond, 3.00%, 3/17/23 | 10,000 | | 10,453 | |
Uruguay† | | |
Uruguay Government International Bond, 4.125%, 11/20/45 | 20,000 | | 23,710 | |
TOTAL SOVEREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND AGENCIES (Cost $61,219) | | 75,545 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 3.4% |
|
|
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class (Cost $12,647,862) | 12,647,862 | | 12,647,862 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 102.8% (Cost $325,088,949) |
| 379,727,924 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (2.8)% |
| (10,431,745) | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
| $ | 369,296,179 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED |
Reference Entity | Contracts | Expiration Date | Notional Amount | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)^ |
S&P 500 E-Mini | 9 | September 2021 | $ | 1,929,870 | | $ | 10,005 | |
U.S. Treasury Long Bonds | 12 | September 2021 | 1,929,000 | | 15,662 | |
U.S. Treasury Ultra Bonds | 1 | September 2021 | 192,688 | | 3,144 | |
| | | $ | 4,051,558 | | $ | 28,811 | |
^Amount represents value and unrealized appreciation (depreciation).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FUTURES CONTRACTS SOLD |
Reference Entity | Contracts | Expiration Date | Notional Amount | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)^ |
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Ultra Notes | 6 | September 2021 | $ | 883,219 | | $ | (4,074) | |
^Amount represents value and unrealized appreciation (depreciation).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP AGREEMENTS |
Reference Entity | Type | Fixed Rate Received (Paid) Quarterly | Termination Date | Notional Amount | Premiums Paid (Received) | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | Value^ |
Markit CDX North America High Yield Index Series 36 | Buy | (5.00)% | 6/20/26 | $ | 3,300,000 | | $ | (314,024) | | $ | (25,280) | | $ | (339,304) | |
^The value for credit default swap agreements serves as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability or profit at the period end. Increasing values in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the credit default swap agreement represent a deterioration of the referenced entity's credit soundness and an increased likelihood or risk of a credit event occurring as defined in the agreement.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CENTRALLY CLEARED TOTAL RETURN SWAP AGREEMENTS |
Floating Rate Index | Pay/Receive Floating Rate Index at Termination | Fixed Rate | Termination Date | Notional Amount | Premiums Paid (Received) | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | Value |
CPURNSA | Receive | 1.78% | 8/5/24 | $ | 1,000,000 | | $ | (508) | | $ | 43,814 | | $ | 43,306 | |
CPURNSA | Receive | 2.34% | 2/5/26 | $ | 1,500,000 | | 509 | | 40,671 | | 41,180 | |
CPURNSA | Receive | 2.33% | 2/8/26 | $ | 1,500,000 | | 509 | | 40,799 | | 41,308 | |
CPURNSA | Receive | 2.30% | 2/24/26 | $ | 1,500,000 | | 510 | | 41,822 | | 42,332 | |
CPURNSA | Receive | 2.40% | 2/9/31 | $ | 750,000 | | 508 | | 16,011 | | 16,519 | |
| | | | | $ | 1,528 | | $ | 183,117 | | $ | 184,645 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
CDX | - | Credit Derivatives Indexes |
CPURNSA | - | U.S. Consumer Price Index Urban Consumers Not Seasonally Adjusted Index |
FHLMC | - | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation |
FNMA | - | Federal National Mortgage Association |
GNMA | - | Government National Mortgage Association |
GO | - | General Obligation |
H15T1Y | - | Constant Maturity U.S. Treasury Note Yield Curve Rate Index |
IO | - | Interest Only |
LIBOR | - | London Interbank Offered Rate |
MTN | - | Medium Term Note |
SEQ | - | Sequential Payer |
SOFR | - | Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
TBA | - | To-Be-Announced. Security was purchased on a forward commitment basis with an approximate principal amount and maturity date. Actual principal amount and maturity date will be determined upon settlement. |
UMBS | - | Uniform Mortgage-Backed Securities |
VRN | - | Variable Rate Note. The rate adjusts periodically based upon the terms set forth in the security’s offering documents. The rate shown is effective at the period end and the reference rate and spread, if any, is indicated. The security's effective maturity date may be shorter than the final maturity date shown. |
†Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.
(1)Non-income producing.
(2)Security, or a portion thereof, has been pledged at the custodian bank or with a broker for collateral requirements on forward commitments, futures contracts and/or swap agreements. At the period end, the aggregate value of securities pledged was $450,446.
(3)Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A or Section 4(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 and may be sold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional investors. The aggregate value of these securities at the period end was $25,627,369, which represented 6.9% of total net assets.
(4)When-issued security. The issue price and yield are fixed on the date of the commitment, but payment and delivery are scheduled for a future date.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Assets | |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $325,088,949) | $ | 379,727,924 | |
Cash | 1,128 | |
Deposits with broker for futures contracts | 110,000 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 5,507,307 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 66,945 | |
Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts | 5,936 | |
Receivable for variation margin on swap agreements | 4,461 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | 609,552 | |
| 386,033,253 | |
| |
Liabilities | |
Payable for investments purchased | 16,432,288 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 10,446 | |
Payable for variation margin on futures contracts | 7,969 | |
Payable for variation margin on swap agreements | 603 |
Accrued management fees | 255,021 | |
Distribution fees payable | 30,747 | |
| 16,737,074 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 369,296,179 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 285,231,097 | |
Distributable earnings | 84,065,082 | |
| $ | 369,296,179 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $218,870,390 | 24,381,181 | $8.98 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $150,425,789 | 16,756,591 | $8.98 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | |
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Investment Income (Loss) | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,715) | $ | 1,520,283 | |
Interest | 1,217,804 | |
| 2,738,087 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 1,568,592 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 180,064 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 4,475 | |
Other expenses | 90 | |
| 1,753,221 | |
Fees waived(1) | (70,900) | |
| 1,682,321 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | 1,055,766 | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions | 30,036,481 | |
Futures contract transactions | 203,726 | |
Swap agreement transactions | (32,095) | |
| 30,208,112 | |
| |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | (2,702,283) | |
Futures contracts | 14,152 | |
Swap agreements | 151,952 | |
| (2,536,179) | |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 27,671,933 | |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 28,727,699 | |
(1)Amount consists of $42,089 and $28,811 for Class I and Class II, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | | | | | | |
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | 1,055,766 | | $ | 2,795,736 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 30,208,112 | | 17,174,829 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (2,536,179) | | 16,651,319 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 28,727,699 | | 36,621,884 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (10,905,822) | | (8,182,728) | |
Class II | (7,236,130) | | (5,078,102) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (18,141,952) | | (13,260,830) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | 17,764,935 | | 30,652,420 | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 28,350,682 | | 54,013,474 | |
| | |
Net Assets | | |
Beginning of period | 340,945,497 | | 286,932,023 | |
End of period | $ | 369,296,179 | | $ | 340,945,497 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP Balanced Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth and current income by investing approximately 60% of its assets in equity securities and the remainder in bonds and other fixed-income securities. The fund offers Class I and Class II.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price.
Fixed income securities are valued at the evaluated mean as provided by independent pricing services or at the mean of the most recent bid and asked prices as provided by investment dealers. Corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury and Government Agency securities, convertible bonds, bank loan obligations, municipal securities, and sovereign governments and agencies are valued using market models that consider trade data, quotations from dealers and active market makers, relevant yield curve and spread data, creditworthiness, trade data or market information on comparable securities, and other relevant security specific information. Mortgage-related and asset-backed securities are valued based on models that consider trade data, prepayment and default projections, benchmark yield and spread data and estimated cash flows of each tranche of the issuer. Collateralized loan obligations are valued based on discounted cash flow models that consider trade and economic data, prepayment assumptions and default projections.
Hybrid securities are valued at the evaluated mean as provided by independent pricing services or at the mean of the most recent bid and asked prices as provided by investment dealers. Preferred stocks and convertible preferred stocks with perpetual maturities are valued using market models that consider trade data, quotations from dealers and active market makers, relevant yield curve and spread data, creditworthiness, trade data or market information on comparable securities, and other relevant security specific information.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued at the settlement price as provided by the appropriate exchange. Swap agreements are valued at an evaluated mean as provided by independent pricing services or independent brokers.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes paydown gain (loss) and accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Inflation adjustments related to inflation-linked debt securities are reflected as interest income.
Forward Commitments — The fund may engage in securities transactions on a forward commitment basis. In these transactions, the securities’ prices and yields are fixed on the date of the commitment. The fund may sell a to-be-announced (TBA) security and at the same time make a commitment to purchase the same security at a future date at a specified price. Conversely, the fund may purchase a TBA security and at the same time make a commitment to sell the same security at a future date at a specified price. These types of transactions are known as “TBA roll” transactions and are accounted for as purchases and sales. The fund will segregate cash, cash equivalents or other appropriate liquid securities on its records in amounts sufficient to meet the purchase price.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover certain types of investment securities and other financial instruments. American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to
ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for collateral requirements.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid quarterly. Distributions from net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund's assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that use very similar investment teams and strategies (strategy assets). The management fee schedule ranges from 0.80% to 0.90% for each class. From January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to waive 0.04% of the fund’s management fee. Effective August 1, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to increase the amount of the waiver from 0.04% to 0.07% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until July 31, 2022 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors. The effective annual management fee for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 was 0.89% before waiver and 0.85% after waiver.
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the period, the interfund purchases and sales were $1,191,615 and $1,437,333, respectively. The effect of interfund transactions on the Statement of Operations was $227,570 in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 totaled $335,300,387, of which $90,785,930 represented U.S. Treasury and Government Agency obligations.
Sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 totaled $345,932,730, of which $95,771,936 represented U.S. Treasury and Government Agency obligations.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 150,000,000 | | | 150,000,000 | | |
Sold | 1,432,681 | | $ | 12,733,755 | | 3,608,958 | | $ | 29,012,147 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 1,267,115 | | 10,905,822 | | 1,159,946 | | 8,182,728 | |
Redeemed | (1,388,741) | | (12,336,085) | | (3,394,452) | | (27,050,942) | |
| 1,311,055 | | 11,303,492 | | 1,374,452 | | 10,143,933 | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 75,000,000 | | | 75,000,000 | | |
Sold | 851,189 | | 7,536,465 | | 3,454,204 | | 27,693,286 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 841,136 | | 7,236,130 | | 723,855 | | 5,078,102 | |
Redeemed | (935,195) | | (8,311,152) | | (1,549,473) | | (12,262,901) | |
| 757,130 | | 6,461,443 | | 2,628,586 | | 20,508,487 | |
Net increase (decrease) | 2,068,185 | | $ | 17,764,935 | | 4,003,038 | | $ | 30,652,420 | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 218,163,901 | | — | | — | |
U.S. Treasury Securities | — | | $ | 62,159,520 | | — | |
Corporate Bonds | — | | 36,691,777 | | — | |
U.S. Government Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | — | | 21,777,821 | | — | |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | — | | 9,884,505 | | — | |
Asset-Backed Securities | — | | 6,994,520 | | — | |
Collateralized Loan Obligations | — | | 6,451,440 | | — | |
Municipal Securities | — | | 2,172,188 | | — | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 1,409,338 | | — | | — | |
U.S. Government Agency Securities | — | | 730,297 | | — | |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities | — | | 386,130 | | — | |
Bank Loan Obligations | — | | 183,080 | | — | |
Sovereign Governments and Agencies | — | | 75,545 | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments | 12,647,862 | | — | | — | |
| $ | 232,221,101 | | $ | 147,506,823 | | — | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Futures Contracts | $ | 28,811 | | — | | — | |
Swap Agreements | — | | $ | 184,645 | | — | |
| $ | 28,811 | | $ | 184,645 | | — | |
| | | |
Liabilities | | | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Futures Contracts | $ | 4,074 | | — | | — | |
Swap Agreements | — | | $ | 339,304 | | — | |
| $ | 4,074 | | $ | 339,304 | | — | |
7. Derivative Instruments
Credit Risk — The fund is subject to credit risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of a bond generally declines as the credit quality of its issuer declines. Credit default swap agreements enable a fund to buy/sell protection against a credit event of a specific issuer or index. A fund may attempt to enhance returns by selling protection or attempt to mitigate credit risk by buying protection. The buyer/seller of credit protection against a security or basket of securities may pay/receive an up-front or periodic payment to compensate for/against potential default events. Changes in value, including the periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received on swap agreements, are recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap, a fund is required to deposit cash or securities (initial margin) with a financial intermediary in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the notional amount. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the value and is a component of unrealized gains and losses. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon receipt or payment of a periodic settlement or termination of swap agreements. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of swap agreements are a component of net realized gain (loss) on swap agreement transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements, respectively. The risks of entering into swap agreements include the possible lack of liquidity, failure of the counterparty to meet its obligations, and that there may be unfavorable changes in the underlying investments or instruments. The fund's average notional amount held during the period was $2,950,000.
Equity Price Risk — The fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A fund may enter into futures contracts based on an equity index in order to manage its exposure to changes in market conditions. A fund may purchase futures contracts to gain exposure to increases in market value or sell futures contracts to protect against a decline in market value. Upon entering into a futures
contract, a fund is required to deposit either cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (initial margin). Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the contract value and is recorded as unrealized gains and losses. A fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of futures contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts, respectively. One of the risks of entering into futures contracts is the possibility that the change in value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in value of the underlying securities. The fund's average notional exposure to equity price risk derivative instruments held during the period was $1,210,840 futures contracts purchased.
Interest Rate Risk — The fund is subject to interest rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of bonds generally declines as interest rates rise. A fund may enter into futures contracts based on a bond index or a specific underlying security. A fund may purchase futures contracts to gain exposure to increases in market value or sell futures contracts to protect against a decline in market value. Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund will segregate cash, cash equivalents or other appropriate liquid securities on its records in amounts sufficient to meet requirements. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the contract value and is recorded as unrealized gains and losses. A fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the futures contract is closed or expires. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of futures contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts, respectively. One of the risks of entering into futures contracts is the possibility that the change in value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in value of the underlying securities. The fund's average notional exposure to interest rate risk derivative instruments held during the period was $11,616,138 futures contracts purchased and $3,345,500 futures contracts sold.
Other Contracts — A fund may enter into total return swap agreements in order to attempt to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets or gain exposure to certain markets in the most economical way possible. A fund will segregate cash, cash equivalents or other appropriate liquid securities on its records in amounts sufficient to meet requirements. Changes in value, including the periodic amounts of interest to be paid or received on swap agreements, are recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements. Upon entering into a centrally cleared swap, a fund is required to deposit cash or securities (initial margin) with a financial intermediary in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the notional amount. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the value and is a component of unrealized gains and losses. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon receipt or payment of a periodic settlement or termination of swap agreements. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of swap agreements are a component of net realized gain (loss) on swap agreement transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements, respectively. The risks of entering into swap agreements include the possible lack of liquidity, failure of the counterparty to meet its obligations, and that there may be unfavorable changes in the underlying investments or instruments, including inflationary risk. The fund's average notional amount held during the period was $5,375,000.
Value of Derivative Instruments as of June 30, 2021
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Asset Derivatives | | Liability Derivatives |
Type of Risk Exposure | Location on Statement of Assets and Liabilities | Value | Location on Statement of Assets and Liabilities | Value |
Credit Risk | Receivable for variation margin on swap agreements* | — | | Payable for variation margin on swap agreements* | $ | 603 | |
Equity Price Risk | Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts* | — | | Payable for variation margin on futures contracts* | 7,969 | |
Interest Rate Risk | Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts* | $ | 5,936 | | Payable for variation margin on futures contracts* | — | |
Other Contracts | Receivable for variation margin on swap agreements* | 4,461 | | Payable for variation margin on swap agreements* | — | |
| | $ | 10,397 | | | $ | 8,572 | |
*Included in the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts or centrally cleared swap agreements, as applicable, as reported in the Schedule of Investments.
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Realized Gain (Loss) | Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
Type of Risk Exposure | Location on Statement of Operations | Value | Location on Statement of Operations | Value |
Credit Risk | Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreement transactions | $ | (31,951) | | Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements | $ | (25,280) | |
Equity Price Risk | Net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions | 215,146 | | Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts | (3,123) | |
Interest Rate Risk | Net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions | (11,420) | | Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts | 17,275 | |
Other Contracts | Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreement transactions | (144) | | Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on swap agreements | 177,232 | |
| | $ | 171,631 | | | $ | 166,104 | |
8. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
The fund may invest in instruments that have variable or floating coupon rates based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). LIBOR is a benchmark interest rate intended to be representative of the rate at which certain major international banks lend to one another over short-terms. However, LIBOR is expected to be phased out and the transition process may lead to increased volatility or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR. This could result in a change to the value of such instruments.
The fund’s investment process may result in high portfolio turnover, which could mean high transaction costs, affecting both performance and capital gains tax liabilities to investors.
9. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | |
Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 325,566,503 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 57,317,924 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | (3,156,503) | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 54,161,421 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | | | | | | Ratios and Supplemental Data | |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $8.73 | 0.03 | 0.69 | 0.72 | (0.04) | (0.43) | (0.47) | $8.98 | 8.43% | 0.85%(4) | 0.89%(4) | 0.69%(4) | 0.65%(4) | 94% | $218,870 | |
2020 | $8.18 | 0.08 | 0.84 | 0.92 | (0.09) | (0.28) | (0.37) | $8.73 | 12.53% | 0.85% | 0.89% | 1.03% | 0.99% | 189% | $201,325 | |
2019 | $7.09 | 0.11 | 1.27 | 1.38 | (0.12) | (0.17) | (0.29) | $8.18 | 19.85% | 0.79% | 0.90% | 1.48% | 1.37% | 115% | $177,510 | |
2018 | $7.53 | 0.12 | (0.40) | (0.28) | (0.11) | (0.05) | (0.16) | $7.09 | (3.83)% | 0.76% | 0.90% | 1.55% | 1.41% | 120% | $142,595 | |
2017 | $6.97 | 0.11 | 0.84 | 0.95 | (0.11) | (0.28) | (0.39) | $7.53 | 13.91% | 0.80% | 0.91% | 1.52% | 1.41% | 114% | $136,993 | |
2016 | $6.93 | 0.10 | 0.36 | 0.46 | (0.11) | (0.31) | (0.42) | $6.97 | 6.99% | 0.82% | 0.90% | 1.53% | 1.45% | 101% | $119,724 | |
Class II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $8.73 | 0.02 | 0.69 | 0.71 | (0.03) | (0.43) | (0.46) | $8.98 | 8.29% | 1.10%(4) | 1.14%(4) | 0.44%(4) | 0.40%(4) | 94% | $150,426 | |
2020 | $8.18 | 0.06 | 0.85 | 0.91 | (0.08) | (0.28) | (0.36) | $8.73 | 12.27% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 0.78% | 0.74% | 189% | $139,620 | |
2019 | $7.10 | 0.09 | 1.26 | 1.35 | (0.10) | (0.17) | (0.27) | $8.18 | 19.39% | 1.04% | 1.15% | 1.23% | 1.12% | 115% | $109,422 | |
2018 | $7.53 | 0.10 | (0.39) | (0.29) | (0.09) | (0.05) | (0.14) | $7.10 | (3.93)% | 1.01% | 1.15% | 1.30% | 1.16% | 120% | $74,928 | |
2017 | $6.97 | 0.09 | 0.85 | 0.94 | (0.10) | (0.28) | (0.38) | $7.53 | 13.63% | 1.05% | 1.16% | 1.27% | 1.16% | 114% | $54,363 | |
2016(5) | $6.72 | 0.05 | 0.26 | 0.31 | (0.06) | — | (0.06) | $6.97 | 4.67% | 1.06%(4) | 1.15%(4) | 1.13%(4) | 1.04%(4) | 101%(6) | $19,677 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
(5)May 2, 2016 (commencement of sale) through December 31, 2016.
(6)Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended December 31, 2016.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal.. The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor, including steps being taken to address underperformance, and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services
provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe. In addition, the Board reviewed the Fund’s position relative to the narrower set of its expense group peers. The Board and the Advisor agreed to a temporary reduction of the Fund's annual unified management fee of 0.07% (e.g., the Class I unified fee will be reduced from 0.89% to 0.82%) for at
least one year, beginning August 1, 2021. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
| | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92976 2108 | |
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| Semiannual Report |
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| June 30, 2021 |
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| VP Capital Appreciation Fund |
| Class I (AVCIX) |
| Class II (AVCWX) |
| Class Y (AVCYX) |
| | | | | |
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Fund Characteristics | |
Shareholder Fee Example | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
| |
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Approval of Management Agreement | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | |
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Additional Information | |
Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
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JUNE 30, 2021 |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 99.5% |
Temporary Cash Investments | 0.2% |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | 0.6% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | (0.3)% |
| |
Top Five Industries | % of net assets |
Software | 17.0% |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment | 5.7% |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies | 5.4% |
IT Services | 5.2% |
Specialty Retail | 4.6% |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,090.20 | $4.77 | 0.92% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,089.90 | $5.54 | 1.07% |
Class Y | $1,000 | $1,092.30 | $2.96 | 0.57% |
Hypothetical | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,020.23 | $4.61 | 0.92% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,019.49 | $5.36 | 1.07% |
Class Y | $1,000 | $1,021.97 | $2.86 | 0.57% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 99.5% |
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|
Auto Components — 1.7% | | |
Aptiv plc(1) | 73,168 | | $ | 11,511,521 | |
Beverages — 1.0% | | |
Boston Beer Co., Inc. (The), Class A(1) | 7,031 | | 7,177,245 | |
Biotechnology — 3.9% | | |
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) | 39,450 | | 6,687,564 | |
Argenx SE, ADR(1) | 15,512 | | 4,670,198 | |
Horizon Therapeutics plc(1) | 80,382 | | 7,526,971 | |
Natera, Inc.(1) | 47,946 | | 5,443,309 | |
Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc.(1) | 40,111 | | 3,129,460 | |
| | 27,457,502 | |
Building Products — 1.5% | | |
Trane Technologies plc | 57,522 | | 10,592,101 | |
Capital Markets — 4.1% | | |
LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. | 87,385 | | 11,795,227 | |
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc. | 12,218 | | 5,664,143 | |
MSCI, Inc. | 20,366 | | 10,856,707 | |
| | 28,316,077 | |
Chemicals — 1.5% | | |
Albemarle Corp. | 21,096 | | 3,553,832 | |
Element Solutions, Inc. | 281,491 | | 6,581,260 | |
| | 10,135,092 | |
Communications Equipment — 3.9% | | |
Arista Networks, Inc.(1) | 41,165 | | 14,914,491 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.(1) | 66,063 | | 12,331,320 | |
| | 27,245,811 | |
Containers and Packaging — 2.7% | | |
Avery Dennison Corp. | 64,301 | | 13,518,642 | |
Ball Corp. | 67,132 | | 5,439,035 | |
| | 18,957,677 | |
Electrical Equipment — 4.2% | | |
AMETEK, Inc. | 76,774 | | 10,249,329 | |
Generac Holdings, Inc.(1) | 13,977 | | 5,802,552 | |
nVent Electric plc | 208,334 | | 6,508,354 | |
Plug Power, Inc.(1) | 61,227 | | 2,093,351 | |
Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 15,770 | | 4,510,535 | |
| | 29,164,121 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 3.4% | | |
Cognex Corp. | 136,825 | | 11,500,141 | |
Keysight Technologies, Inc.(1) | 80,178 | | 12,380,285 | |
| | 23,880,426 | |
Entertainment — 3.9% | | |
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.(1) | 53,859 | | 4,717,510 | |
ROBLOX Corp., Class A(1) | 23,046 | | 2,073,679 | |
Roku, Inc.(1) | 28,056 | | 12,884,718 | |
Zynga, Inc., Class A(1) | 667,738 | | 7,098,055 | |
| | 26,773,962 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 5.4% | | |
Align Technology, Inc.(1) | 11,374 | | $ | 6,949,514 | |
DexCom, Inc.(1) | 21,508 | | 9,183,916 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(1) | 21,745 | | 13,733,055 | |
Teleflex, Inc. | 18,536 | | 7,447,579 | |
| | 37,314,064 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 2.8% | | |
Amedisys, Inc.(1) | 28,621 | | 7,010,142 | |
Encompass Health Corp. | 121,878 | | 9,510,140 | |
R1 RCM, Inc.(1) | 141,658 | | 3,150,474 | |
| | 19,670,756 | |
Health Care Technology — 2.7% | | |
Teladoc Health, Inc.(1) | 36,952 | | 6,144,748 | |
Veeva Systems, Inc., Class A(1) | 40,656 | | 12,641,983 | |
| | 18,786,731 | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 3.2% | | |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(1) | 5,251 | | 8,140,835 | |
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.(1) | 54,701 | | 6,598,035 | |
Las Vegas Sands Corp.(1) | 146,065 | | 7,696,165 | |
| | 22,435,035 | |
Insurance — 0.6% | | |
SelectQuote, Inc.(1) | 221,719 | | 4,270,308 | |
Interactive Media and Services — 3.0% | | |
Match Group, Inc.(1) | 68,192 | | 10,995,960 | |
Pinterest, Inc., Class A(1) | 128,691 | | 10,160,154 | |
| | 21,156,114 | |
Internet and Direct Marketing Retail — 1.9% | | |
Chewy, Inc., Class A(1)(2) | 67,155 | | 5,352,925 | |
Etsy, Inc.(1) | 38,521 | | 7,929,163 | |
| | 13,282,088 | |
IT Services — 5.2% | | |
EPAM Systems, Inc.(1) | 16,650 | | 8,507,484 | |
Okta, Inc.(1) | 41,224 | | 10,086,688 | |
Square, Inc., Class A(1) | 28,504 | | 6,949,275 | |
Twilio, Inc., Class A(1) | 26,809 | | 10,567,036 | |
| | 36,110,483 | |
Leisure Products — 0.5% | | |
Peloton Interactive, Inc., Class A(1) | 27,809 | | 3,448,872 | |
Life Sciences Tools and Services — 4.3% | | |
10X Genomics, Inc., Class A(1) | 26,948 | | 5,276,957 | |
Bio-Techne Corp. | 18,061 | | 8,132,146 | |
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.(1) | 8,499 | | 11,774,005 | |
Repligen Corp.(1) | 23,815 | | 4,753,950 | |
| | 29,937,058 | |
Machinery — 3.9% | | |
Graco, Inc. | 77,153 | | 5,840,482 | |
Parker-Hannifin Corp. | 40,298 | | 12,375,919 | |
Rexnord Corp. | 111,188 | | 5,563,848 | |
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. | 39,467 | | 3,248,134 | |
| | 27,028,383 | |
Personal Products — 1.0% | | |
Shiseido Co. Ltd. | 91,900 | | 6,778,431 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Professional Services — 3.2% | | |
CoStar Group, Inc.(1) | 70,080 | | $ | 5,804,026 | |
Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. | 51,858 | | 6,918,895 | |
TransUnion | 38,504 | | 4,228,124 | |
Verisk Analytics, Inc. | 30,056 | | 5,251,384 | |
| | 22,202,429 | |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 5.7% | | |
Enphase Energy, Inc.(1) | 60,538 | | 11,116,593 | |
Marvell Technology, Inc. | 172,445 | | 10,058,717 | |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | 63,591 | | 12,193,574 | |
Teradyne, Inc. | 48,690 | | 6,522,512 | |
| | 39,891,396 | |
Software — 17.0% | | |
Atlassian Corp. plc, Class A(1) | 44,761 | | 11,497,311 | |
Autodesk, Inc.(1) | 23,149 | | 6,757,193 | |
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.(1) | 131,283 | | 17,962,140 | |
Cloudflare, Inc., Class A(1) | 37,111 | | 3,927,828 | |
Coupa Software, Inc.(1) | 18,321 | | 4,802,117 | |
DocuSign, Inc.(1) | 61,640 | | 17,232,695 | |
HubSpot, Inc.(1) | 31,370 | | 18,279,926 | |
Manhattan Associates, Inc.(1) | 98,141 | | 14,214,743 | |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(1) | 42,722 | | 15,851,998 | |
RingCentral, Inc., Class A(1) | 26,121 | | 7,590,240 | |
| | 118,116,191 | |
Specialty Retail — 4.6% | | |
Burlington Stores, Inc.(1) | 39,175 | | 12,613,958 | |
Carvana Co.(1) | 21,398 | | 6,458,345 | |
Five Below, Inc.(1) | 30,159 | | 5,828,830 | |
Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., Class A(1) | 65,840 | | 6,959,288 | |
| | 31,860,421 | |
Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 1.6% | | |
lululemon athletica, Inc.(1) | 29,854 | | 10,895,814 | |
Trading Companies and Distributors — 1.1% | | |
W.W. Grainger, Inc. | 17,644 | | 7,728,072 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $456,780,610) | | 692,124,181 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.2% |
|
|
Repurchase Agreement, BMO Capital Markets Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 0.125% - 2.75%, 5/15/23 - 10/31/27, valued at $519,182), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $508,982) | | 508,982 | |
Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 2.75%, 11/15/42, valued at $863,970), at 0.02%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $847,000) | | 847,000 | |
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class | 279,330 | | 279,330 | |
TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,635,312) | | 1,635,312 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS - SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL(3) — 0.6% |
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio (Cost $4,291,790) | 4,291,790 | 4,291,790 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.3% (Cost $462,707,712) |
| 698,051,283 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.3)% |
| (2,427,673) | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
| $ | 695,623,610 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS | | |
Currency Purchased | Currency Sold | Counterparty | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
USD | 5,745,682 | | JPY | 635,460,930 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | $ | 21,329 | |
USD | 200,068 | | JPY | 22,166,280 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 390 | |
USD | 208,898 | | JPY | 23,076,090 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 1,024 | |
| | | | | | $ | 22,743 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
ADR | - | American Depositary Receipt |
JPY | - | Japanese Yen |
USD | - | United States Dollar |
(1)Non-income producing.
(2)Security, or a portion thereof, is on loan. At the period end, the aggregate value of securities on loan was $4,197,529. The amount of securities on loan indicated may not correspond with the securities on loan identified because securities with pending sales are in the process of recall from the brokers.
(3)Investment of cash collateral from securities on loan. At the period end, the aggregate value of the collateral held by the fund was $4,291,790.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
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JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Assets |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $458,415,922) — including $4,197,529 of securities on loan | $ | 693,759,493 | |
Investment made with cash collateral received for securities on loan, at value (cost of $4,291,790) | 4,291,790 | |
Total investment securities, at value (cost of $462,707,712) | 698,051,283 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 1,962,544 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 246,949 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 22,743 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | 59,913 | |
Securities lending receivable | 341 |
| 700,343,773 | |
| |
Liabilities | |
Payable for collateral received for securities on loan | 4,291,790 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 78,065 | |
Accrued management fees | 349,300 | |
Distribution fees payable | 1,008 | |
| 4,720,163 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 695,623,610 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 416,897,205 | |
Distributable earnings | 278,726,405 | |
| $ | 695,623,610 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $127,427,355 | 6,947,464 | $18.34 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $4,837,578 | 268,347 | $18.03 |
Class Y, $0.01 Par Value | $563,358,677 | 30,241,676 | $18.63 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) |
Investment Income (Loss) |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $1,665) | $ | 922,270 | |
Securities lending, net | 1,712 | |
Interest | 404 | |
| 924,386 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 2,362,581 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 4,427 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 8,513 | |
Other expenses | 388 | |
| 2,375,909 | |
Fees waived(1) | (236,169) | |
| 2,139,740 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | (1,215,354) | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions | 45,560,049 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions | 542,119 | |
Foreign currency translation transactions | (1,339) | |
| 46,100,829 | |
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Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | 14,321,582 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 69,705 | |
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | (220) | |
| 14,391,067 | |
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Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 60,491,896 | |
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Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 59,276,542 | |
(1)Amount consists of $42,319, $1,240 and $192,610 for Class I, Class II and Class Y, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
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SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | (1,215,354) | | $ | (616,522) | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 46,100,829 | | 81,835,893 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 14,391,067 | | 118,630,088 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 59,276,542 | | 199,849,459 | |
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Distributions to Shareholders | | |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (14,793,552) | | (10,198,085) | |
Class II | (282,053) | | (167,591) | |
Class Y | (66,710,745) | | (46,364,992) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (81,786,350) | | (56,730,668) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | 45,429,902 | | 10,955,847 | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 22,920,094 | | 154,074,638 | |
| | |
Net Assets | | |
Beginning of period | 672,703,516 | | 518,628,878 | |
End of period | $ | 695,623,610 | | $ | 672,703,516 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP Capital Appreciation Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund’s investment objective is to seek capital growth. The fund offers Class I, Class II and Class Y.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Securities lending income is net of fees and rebates earned by the lending agent for its services.
Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.
Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.
Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.
Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover certain types of investment securities and other financial instruments. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for collateral requirements.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
Securities Lending — Securities are lent to qualified financial institutions and brokers. State Street Bank & Trust Co. serves as securities lending agent to the fund pursuant to a Securities Lending Agreement. The lending of securities exposes the fund to risks such as: the borrowers may fail to return the loaned securities, the borrowers may not be able to provide additional collateral, the fund may experience delays in recovery of the loaned securities or delays in access to collateral, or the fund may experience losses related to the investment collateral. To minimize certain risks, loan counterparties pledge collateral in the form of cash and/or securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the fund in the case of default of any securities borrowed. Cash collateral received is invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, a money market mutual fund registered under the 1940 Act. The loans may also be secured by U.S. government securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted accordingly. By lending securities, the fund seeks to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest and fees. Such income is reflected separately within the Statement of Operations. The value of loaned securities and related collateral outstanding at period end, if any, are shown on a gross basis within the Schedule of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of June 30, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Remaining Contractual Maturity of Agreements |
| Overnight and Continuous | <30 days | Between 30 & 90 days | >90 days | Total |
Securities Lending Transactions(1) | | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 4,291,790 | | — | | — | | — | | $ | 4,291,790 | |
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions | $ | 4,291,790 | |
(1)Amount represents the payable for cash collateral received for securities on loan. This will generally be in the Overnight and Continuous column as the securities are typically callable on demand.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The difference in the fee among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that use very similar investment teams and strategies (strategy assets). From January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to waive 0.07% of the fund's management fee. Effective August 1, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to increase the amount of the waiver from 0.07% to 0.08% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until July 31, 2022 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors.
The management fee schedule range and the effective annual management fee before and after waiver for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Effective Annual Management Fee |
| Management Fee Schedule Range | Before Waiver | After Waiver |
Class I | 0.90% to 1.00% | 0.99% | 0.92% |
Class II | 0.80% to 0.90% | 0.89% | 0.82% |
Class Y | 0.55% to 0.65% | 0.64% | 0.57% |
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the period, the interfund sales were $155,690 and there were no interfund purchases. The effect of interfund transactions on the Statement of Operations was $23,460 in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 were $166,652,864 and $202,506,015, respectively.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 195,000,000 | | | 195,000,000 | | |
Sold | 244,481 | | $ | 4,547,141 | | 656,017 | | $ | 9,888,174 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 891,178 | | 14,793,552 | | 996,880 | | 10,198,085 | |
Redeemed | (391,286) | | (7,305,451) | | (1,098,568) | | (16,803,198) | |
| 744,373 | | 12,035,242 | | 554,329 | | 3,283,061 | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 25,000,000 | | | 25,000,000 | | |
Sold | 256,398 | | 4,484,050 | | 31,386 | | 485,471 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 17,283 | | 282,053 | | 16,610 | | 167,591 | |
Redeemed | (123,029) | | (2,103,662) | | (19,719) | | (284,819) | |
| 150,652 | | 2,662,441 | | 28,277 | | 368,243 | |
Class Y/Shares Authorized | 180,000,000 | | | 180,000,000 | | |
Sold | 248,298 | | 4,914,410 | | 1,409,658 | | 23,526,949 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 3,959,095 | | 66,710,745 | | 4,492,732 | | 46,364,992 | |
Redeemed | (2,212,821) | | (40,892,936) | | (4,194,963) | | (62,587,398) | |
| 1,994,572 | | 30,732,219 | | 1,707,427 | | 7,304,543 | |
Net increase (decrease) | 2,889,597 | | $ | 45,429,902 | | 2,290,033 | | $ | 10,955,847 | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 685,345,750 | | $ | 6,778,431 | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments | 279,330 | | 1,355,982 | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | 4,291,790 | | — | | — | |
| $ | 689,916,870 | | $ | 8,134,413 | | — | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | — | | $ | 22,743 | | — | |
7. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon settlement of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $11,696,746.
The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of June 30, 2021, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $22,743 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $542,119 in net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and $69,705 in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
8. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
The fund invests in common stocks of small companies. Because of this, the fund may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuations than a fund investing in larger, more established companies.
9. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | |
Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 463,930,678 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 239,580,164 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | (5,459,559) | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 234,120,605 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) | | | | | | | |
Per-Share Data | | | | | | | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I |
2021(3) | $19.27 | (0.06) | 1.54 | 1.48 | — | (2.41) | (2.41) | $18.34 | 9.02% | 0.92%(4) | 0.99%(4) | (0.65)%(4) | (0.72)%(4) | 25% | $127,427 | |
2020 | $15.96 | (0.06) | 5.21 | 5.15 | — | (1.84) | (1.84) | $19.27 | 42.46% | 0.90% | 1.00% | (0.41)% | (0.51)% | 83% | $119,549 | |
2019 | $14.17 | (0.03) | 4.65 | 4.62 | — | (2.83) | (2.83) | $15.96 | 35.56% | 0.88% | 1.00% | (0.18)% | (0.30)% | 94% | $90,134 | |
2018 | $15.03 | (0.05) | (0.73) | (0.78) | — | (0.08) | (0.08) | $14.17 | (5.20)% | 0.93% | 1.00% | (0.29)% | (0.36)% | 103% | $145,373 | |
2017 | $13.98 | (0.02) | 2.97 | 2.95 | — | (1.90) | (1.90) | $15.03 | 21.79% | 0.99% | 1.01% | (0.15)% | (0.17)% | 58% | $157,356 | |
2016 | $15.02 | (0.02) | 0.40 | 0.38 | — | (1.42) | (1.42) | $13.98 | 3.23% | 0.99% | 1.00% | (0.14)% | (0.15)% | 68% | $459,443 | |
Class II |
2021(3) | $18.99 | (0.07) | 1.52 | 1.45 | — | (2.41) | (2.41) | $18.03 | 8.99% | 1.07%(4) | 1.14%(4) | (0.80)%(4) | (0.87)%(4) | 25% | $4,838 | |
2020 | $15.78 | (0.08) | 5.13 | 5.05 | — | (1.84) | (1.84) | $18.99 | 42.29% | 1.05% | 1.15% | (0.56)% | (0.66)% | 83% | $2,235 | |
2019 | $14.06 | (0.05) | 4.60 | 4.55 | — | (2.83) | (2.83) | $15.78 | 35.32% | 1.03% | 1.15% | (0.33)% | (0.45)% | 94% | $1,411 | |
2018 | $14.94 | (0.07) | (0.73) | (0.80) | — | (0.08) | (0.08) | $14.06 | (5.36)% | 1.08% | 1.15% | (0.44)% | (0.51)% | 103% | $1,053 | |
2017 | $13.92 | (0.04) | 2.96 | 2.92 | — | (1.90) | (1.90) | $14.94 | 21.67% | 1.14% | 1.16% | (0.30)% | (0.32)% | 58% | $1,697 | |
2016 | $14.98 | (0.04) | 0.40 | 0.36 | — | (1.42) | (1.42) | $13.92 | 3.08% | 1.14% | 1.15% | (0.29)% | (0.30)% | 68% | $1,350 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) | | | | | | | |
Per-Share Data | | | | | | | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class Y |
2021(3) | $19.50 | (0.03) | 1.57 | 1.54 | — | (2.41) | (2.41) | $18.63 | 9.23% | 0.57%(4) | 0.64%(4) | (0.30)%(4) | (0.37)%(4) | 25% | $563,359 | |
2020 | $16.09 | (0.01) | 5.28 | 5.27 | (0.02) | (1.84) | (1.86) | $19.50 | 43.00% | 0.55% | 0.65% | (0.06)% | (0.16)% | 83% | $550,919 | |
2019 | $14.23 | 0.03 | 4.67 | 4.70 | (0.01) | (2.83) | (2.84) | $16.09 | 36.02% | 0.53% | 0.65% | 0.17% | 0.05% | 94% | $427,083 | |
2018 | $15.05 | 0.01 | (0.75) | (0.74) | — | (0.08) | (0.08) | $14.23 | (4.92)% | 0.58% | 0.65% | 0.06% | (0.01)% | 103% | $318,830 | |
2017(5) | $15.19 | 0.01 | 1.03 | 1.04 | — | (1.18) | (1.18) | $15.05 | 6.78% | 0.62%(4) | 0.66%(4) | 0.25%(4) | 0.21%(4) | 58%(6) | $366,900 | |
| | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
(5)September 22, 2017 (commencement of sale) through December 31, 2017.
(6)Portfolio turnover is calculated at the fund level. Percentage indicated was calculated for the year ended December 31, 2017.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal . The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such
results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods, and below its benchmark for the ten-year period reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders
of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe. In addition, the Board reviewed the Fund’s position relative to the narrower set of its expense group peers. The Board and the Advisor agreed to a temporary reduction of the Fund's annual unified management fee of 0.08% (e.g., the Class I unified fee will be reduced from 0.99% to 0.91%) for at least one year, beginning August 1, 2021. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
| | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92979 2108 | |
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| Semiannual Report |
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| June 30, 2021 |
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| VP Disciplined Core Value Fund |
| Class I (AVGIX) |
| Class II (AVPGX) |
| | | | | |
| |
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Fund Characteristics | |
Shareholder Fee Example | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
| |
| |
Approval of Management Agreement | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | |
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Additional Information | |
Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
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JUNE 30, 2021 |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 95.0% |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 2.0% |
Temporary Cash Investments | 1.9% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | 1.1% |
| |
Top Five Industries* | % of net assets |
Health Care Providers and Services | 6.8% |
Banks | 6.4% |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment | 6.0% |
IT Services | 5.1% |
Software | 5.1% |
*Exposure indicated excludes Exchange-Traded Funds. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund's portfolio holdings. |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,164.30 | $3.76 | 0.70% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,162.90 | $5.09 | 0.95% |
Hypothetical |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,021.32 | $3.51 | 0.70% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,020.08 | $4.76 | 0.95% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 95.0% |
|
|
Aerospace and Defense — 2.2% | | |
Boeing Co. (The)(1) | 16,443 | | $ | 3,939,085 | |
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. | 6,984 | | 1,471,878 | |
Northrop Grumman Corp. | 12,106 | | 4,399,684 | |
| | 9,810,647 | |
Air Freight and Logistics — 1.1% | | |
FedEx Corp. | 16,257 | | 4,849,951 | |
Auto Components — 0.7% | | |
BorgWarner, Inc. | 17,648 | | 856,634 | |
Magna International, Inc. | 26,239 | | 2,430,781 | |
| | 3,287,415 | |
Automobiles — 2.5% | | |
Ford Motor Co.(1) | 563,327 | | 8,371,039 | |
General Motors Co.(1) | 46,247 | | 2,736,435 | |
| | 11,107,474 | |
Banks — 6.4% | | |
Bank of America Corp. | 141,038 | | 5,814,997 | |
Citigroup, Inc. | 67,134 | | 4,749,730 | |
Citizens Financial Group, Inc. | 39,642 | | 1,818,379 | |
First Horizon Corp. | 121,047 | | 2,091,692 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 53,545 | | 8,328,389 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | 121,434 | | 5,499,746 | |
| | 28,302,933 | |
Beverages — 0.7% | | |
Molson Coors Beverage Co., Class B(1) | 57,505 | | 3,087,443 | |
Biotechnology — 3.1% | | |
AbbVie, Inc. | 85,151 | | 9,591,409 | |
Exelixis, Inc.(1) | 30,558 | | 556,767 | |
Moderna, Inc.(1) | 16,037 | | 3,768,374 | |
| | 13,916,550 | |
Building Products — 1.4% | | |
Owens Corning | 64,972 | | 6,360,759 | |
Capital Markets — 5.0% | | |
Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. | 11,587 | | 1,786,831 | |
Blackstone Group, Inc. (The), Class A | 70,305 | | 6,829,428 | |
Cboe Global Markets, Inc. | 31,460 | | 3,745,313 | |
Charles Schwab Corp. (The) | 21,143 | | 1,539,422 | |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) | 9,402 | | 3,568,341 | |
Morgan Stanley | 39,358 | | 3,608,735 | |
MSCI, Inc. | 2,053 | | 1,094,413 | |
| | 22,172,483 | |
Chemicals — 2.7% | | |
Celanese Corp. | 21,807 | | 3,305,941 | |
Chemours Co. (The) | 77,317 | | 2,690,632 | |
Dow, Inc. | 61,230 | | 3,874,634 | |
Eastman Chemical Co. | 19,050 | | 2,224,088 | |
| | 12,095,295 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Communications Equipment — 0.6% | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 50,531 | | $ | 2,678,143 | |
Construction and Engineering — 1.6% | | |
MasTec, Inc.(1) | 43,654 | | 4,631,689 | |
Quanta Services, Inc. | 25,661 | | 2,324,117 | |
| | 6,955,806 | |
Consumer Finance — 1.4% | | |
OneMain Holdings, Inc. | 42,113 | | 2,522,990 | |
Synchrony Financial | 76,598 | | 3,716,535 | |
| | 6,239,525 | |
Containers and Packaging — 0.7% | | |
WestRock Co. | 55,920 | | 2,976,062 | |
Distributors — 0.4% | | |
LKQ Corp.(1) | 35,844 | | 1,764,242 | |
Diversified Financial Services — 1.4% | | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(1) | 22,812 | | 6,339,911 | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 0.8% | | |
Lumen Technologies, Inc. | 249,551 | | 3,391,398 | |
Electric Utilities — 0.3% | | |
NRG Energy, Inc. | 33,753 | | 1,360,246 | |
Electrical Equipment — 2.5% | | |
Acuity Brands, Inc. | 9,268 | | 1,733,394 | |
Eaton Corp. plc | 26,428 | | 3,916,101 | |
Hubbell, Inc. | 11,082 | | 2,070,561 | |
nVent Electric plc | 49,364 | | 1,542,131 | |
Regal Beloit Corp. | 12,784 | | 1,706,792 | |
| | 10,968,979 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.5% | | |
SYNNEX Corp. | 16,666 | | 2,029,252 | |
Energy Equipment and Services — 0.9% | | |
Schlumberger NV | 122,753 | | 3,929,324 | |
Entertainment — 0.5% | | |
Walt Disney Co. (The)(1) | 11,524 | | 2,025,573 | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.8% | | |
Iron Mountain, Inc. | 3,822 | | 161,747 | |
Prologis, Inc. | 45,601 | | 5,450,688 | |
Simon Property Group, Inc. | 18,584 | | 2,424,840 | |
| | 8,037,275 | |
Food and Staples Retailing — 1.6% | | |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. | 68,285 | | 3,592,474 | |
Walmart, Inc. | 25,400 | | 3,581,908 | |
| | 7,174,382 | |
Food Products — 2.0% | | |
General Mills, Inc. | 70,662 | | 4,305,436 | |
Tyson Foods, Inc., Class A | 61,562 | | 4,540,813 | |
| | 8,846,249 | |
Gas Utilities — 0.5% | | |
UGI Corp. | 46,224 | | 2,140,633 | |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 0.6% | | |
Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc. | 22,821 | | 2,592,237 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 6.8% | | |
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.(1) | 14,272 | | 1,384,099 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
CVS Health Corp. | 31,834 | | $ | 2,656,229 | |
HCA Healthcare, Inc. | 43,491 | | 8,991,329 | |
Humana, Inc. | 5,614 | | 2,485,430 | |
Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings(1) | 12,068 | | 3,328,958 | |
McKesson Corp. | 32,959 | | 6,303,079 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 12,449 | | 4,985,077 | |
| | 30,134,201 | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 1.0% | | |
Bloomin' Brands, Inc.(1) | 40,192 | | 1,090,811 | |
Brinker International, Inc.(1) | 18,586 | | 1,149,544 | |
Yum! Brands, Inc. | 19,006 | | 2,186,260 | |
| | 4,426,615 | |
Household Durables — 0.8% | | |
Mohawk Industries, Inc.(1) | 15,029 | | 2,888,424 | |
PulteGroup, Inc. | 12,250 | | 668,482 | |
| | 3,556,906 | |
Household Products — 0.3% | | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | 5,772 | | 772,178 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | 5,585 | | 753,584 | |
| | 1,525,762 | |
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.4% | | |
3M Co. | 23,252 | | 4,618,545 | |
Carlisle Cos., Inc. | 8,415 | | 1,610,462 | |
| | 6,229,007 | |
Insurance — 1.3% | | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | 12,369 | | 1,613,412 | |
Mercury General Corp. | 7,188 | | 466,861 | |
Progressive Corp. (The) | 39,613 | | 3,890,393 | |
| | 5,970,666 | |
Interactive Media and Services — 0.8% | | |
Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) | 9,801 | | 3,407,906 | |
IT Services — 5.1% | | |
Accenture plc, Class A | 17,802 | | 5,247,852 | |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.(1) | 30,304 | | 3,533,446 | |
Amdocs Ltd. | 32,222 | | 2,492,694 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp., Class A | 47,714 | | 3,304,672 | |
DXC Technology Co.(1) | 58,788 | | 2,289,205 | |
International Business Machines Corp. | 40,799 | | 5,980,725 | |
| | 22,848,594 | |
Life Sciences Tools and Services — 0.6% | | |
PerkinElmer, Inc. | 11,132 | | 1,718,892 | |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. | 1,495 | | 754,183 | |
| | 2,473,075 | |
Machinery — 2.4% | | |
AGCO Corp. | 20,915 | | 2,726,898 | |
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. | 19,140 | | 760,624 | |
Cummins, Inc. | 16,752 | | 4,084,305 | |
Timken Co. (The) | 38,331 | | 3,089,095 | |
| | 10,660,922 | |
Media — 3.3% | | |
Altice USA, Inc., Class A(1) | 90,483 | | 3,089,090 | |
AMC Networks, Inc., Class A(1) | 14,316 | | 956,309 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Charter Communications, Inc., Class A(1) | 5,072 | | $ | 3,659,194 | |
Comcast Corp., Class A | 103,393 | | 5,895,469 | |
Interpublic Group of Cos., Inc. (The) | 28,564 | | 928,044 | |
| | 14,528,106 | |
Metals and Mining — 1.4% | | |
Nucor Corp. | 36,862 | | 3,536,172 | |
Steel Dynamics, Inc. | 45,610 | | 2,718,356 | |
| | 6,254,528 | |
Multiline Retail — 1.6% | | |
Target Corp. | 30,355 | | 7,338,018 | |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 3.2% | | |
Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. | 46,323 | | 808,800 | |
Chevron Corp. | 47,347 | | 4,959,125 | |
Diamondback Energy, Inc. | 18,220 | | 1,710,676 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 42,840 | | 2,702,347 | |
Marathon Oil Corp. | 96,086 | | 1,308,691 | |
Marathon Petroleum Corp. | 26,883 | | 1,624,271 | |
Williams Cos., Inc. (The) | 40,601 | | 1,077,956 | |
| | 14,191,866 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 3.7% | | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. | 61,690 | | 4,122,126 | |
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc(1) | 8,869 | | 1,575,489 | |
Johnson & Johnson | 33,626 | | 5,539,547 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | 135,976 | | 5,324,820 | |
| | 16,561,982 | |
Professional Services — 0.2% | | |
Leidos Holdings, Inc. | 8,504 | | 859,754 | |
Real Estate Management and Development — 0.2% | | |
Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc.(1) | 3,867 | | 755,844 | |
Road and Rail — 1.2% | | |
Landstar System, Inc. | 17,537 | | 2,771,197 | |
Ryder System, Inc. | 36,172 | | 2,688,665 | |
| | 5,459,862 | |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 6.0% | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | 26,264 | | 3,739,994 | |
Broadcom, Inc. | 8,654 | | 4,126,573 | |
Intel Corp. | 97,789 | | 5,489,874 | |
Micron Technology, Inc.(1) | 23,896 | | 2,030,682 | |
NXP Semiconductors NV | 16,601 | | 3,415,158 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | 32,058 | | 4,582,050 | |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. | 9,990 | | 1,915,582 | |
Synaptics, Inc.(1) | 9,713 | | 1,511,149 | |
| | 26,811,062 | |
Software — 5.1% | | |
j2 Global, Inc.(1) | 4,679 | | 643,596 | |
Microsoft Corp. | 33,481 | | 9,070,003 | |
Oracle Corp. (New York) | 52,911 | | 4,118,592 | |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.(1) | 5,914 | | 2,194,390 | |
salesforce.com, Inc.(1) | 12,951 | | 3,163,541 | |
VMware, Inc., Class A(1) | 21,028 | | 3,363,849 | |
| | 22,553,971 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Specialty Retail — 3.0% | | |
Best Buy Co., Inc. | 49,726 | | $ | 5,717,496 | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | 5,685 | | 1,812,890 | |
Lithia Motors, Inc., Class A | 5,550 | | 1,907,202 | |
Lowe's Cos., Inc. | 11,153 | | 2,163,347 | |
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. | 10,925 | | 1,744,176 | |
| | 13,345,111 | |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 1.4% | | |
HP, Inc. | 81,250 | | 2,452,937 | |
Seagate Technology Holdings plc | 44,315 | | 3,896,618 | |
| | 6,349,555 | |
Thrifts and Mortgage Finance — 0.3% | | |
Radian Group, Inc. | 69,034 | | 1,536,007 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $370,290,398) | | 422,219,507 | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 2.0% |
|
|
iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (Cost $8,260,736) | 55,354 | 8,780,251 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 1.9% |
|
|
Repurchase Agreement, BMO Capital Markets Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 0.125% - 2.75%, 5/15/23 - 10/31/27, valued at $2,742,231), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $2,688,356) | | 2,688,355 | |
Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 2.875%, 5/15/43, valued at $4,571,726), at 0.02%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $4,482,002) | | 4,482,000 | |
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class | 1,342,091 | | 1,342,091 | |
TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (Cost $8,512,446) | | 8,512,446 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 98.9% (Cost $387,063,580) |
| 439,512,204 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 1.1% |
| 4,845,973 | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
| $ | 444,358,177 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FUTURES CONTRACTS PURCHASED |
Reference Entity | Contracts | Expiration Date | Notional Amount | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)^ |
S&P 500 E-Mini | 31 | September 2021 | $ | 6,647,330 | | $ | 113,105 | |
^Amount represents value and unrealized appreciation (depreciation).
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
(1)Non-income producing.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Assets |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $387,063,580) | $ | 439,512,204 | |
Cash | 52,185 | |
Deposits with broker for futures contracts | 341,000 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 21,457,545 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 382,109 | |
Receivable for variation margin on futures contracts | 10,231 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | 243,563 | |
| 461,998,837 | |
| |
Liabilities |
Payable for investments purchased | 17,223,438 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 150,799 | |
Accrued management fees | 258,605 | |
Distribution fees payable | 7,818 | |
| 17,640,660 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 444,358,177 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 321,140,892 | |
Distributable earnings | 123,217,285 | |
| $ | 444,358,177 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $406,041,129 | 40,007,628 | $10.15 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $38,317,048 | 3,774,487 | $10.15 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | |
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) |
Investment Income (Loss) | |
Income: | |
Dividends | $ | 3,675,990 | |
Interest | 544 | |
| 3,676,534 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 1,497,571 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 42,779 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 5,366 | |
Other expenses | 554 | |
| 1,546,270 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | 2,130,264 | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions | 72,228,775 | |
Futures contract transactions | 357,812 | |
| 72,586,587 | |
| |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | (10,275,645) | |
Futures contracts | 53,866 | |
| (10,221,779) | |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 62,364,808 | |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 64,495,072 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | | | | | | |
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | 2,130,264 | | $ | 7,061,949 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 72,586,587 | | 63,633,820 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (10,221,779) | | (31,433,570) | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 64,495,072 | | 39,262,199 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (61,151,557) | | (22,814,371) | |
Class II | (5,182,959) | | (1,701,714) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (66,334,516) | | (24,516,085) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | 54,157,869 | | (6,112,240) | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 52,318,425 | | 8,633,874 | |
| | |
Net Assets | | |
Beginning of period | 392,039,752 | | 383,405,878 | |
End of period | $ | 444,358,177 | | $ | 392,039,752 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP Disciplined Core Value Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund’s investment objective is to seek capital growth by investing in common stocks. Income is a secondary objective. The fund offers Class I and Class II.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Exchange-traded futures contracts are valued at the settlement price as provided by the appropriate exchange.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.
Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.
Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.
Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover certain types of investment securities and other financial instruments. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for collateral requirements.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid quarterly. Distributions from net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that use very similar investment teams and strategies (strategy assets). The management fee schedule ranges from 0.65% to 0.70% for each class. The effective annual management fee for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 was 0.70%.
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the period, the interfund purchases and sales were $5,016,061 and $2,683,261, respectively. The effect of interfund transactions on the Statement of Operations was $1,145,423 in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 were $544,757,370 and $560,671,826, respectively.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 300,000,000 | |
| 300,000,000 | | |
Sold | 2,467,862 | | $ | 25,767,098 | | 3,616,992 | | $ | 32,755,485 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 6,274,203 | | 61,151,557 | | 3,043,495 | | 22,814,371 | |
Redeemed | (3,952,714) | | (41,261,769) | | (6,535,034) | | (59,404,857) | |
| 4,789,351 | | 45,656,886 | | 125,453 | | (3,835,001) | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 50,000,000 | |
| 50,000,000 | | |
Sold | 642,427 | | 6,693,397 | | 739,646 | | 6,874,542 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 531,829 | | 5,182,959 | | 227,833 | | 1,701,714 | |
Redeemed | (319,961) | | (3,375,373) | | (1,201,206) | | (10,853,495) | |
| 854,295 | | 8,500,983 | | (233,727) | | (2,277,239) | |
Net increase (decrease) | 5,643,646 | | $ | 54,157,869 | | (108,274) | | $ | (6,112,240) | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 422,219,507 | | — | | — | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 8,780,251 | | — | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments | 1,342,091 | | $ | 7,170,355 | | — | |
| $ | 432,341,849 | | $ | 7,170,355 | | — | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Futures Contracts | $ | 113,105 | | — | | — | |
7. Derivative Instruments
Equity Price Risk — The fund is subject to equity price risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. A fund may enter into futures contracts based on an equity index in order to manage its exposure to changes in market conditions. A fund may purchase futures contracts to gain exposure to increases in market value or sell futures contracts to protect against a decline in market value. Upon entering into a futures contract, a fund is required to deposit either cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (initial margin). Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or received daily, in cash, by a fund. The variation margin is equal to the daily change in the contract value and is recorded as unrealized gains and losses. A fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed or expires. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of futures contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts, respectively. One of the risks of entering into futures contracts is the possibility that the change in value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in value of the underlying securities. The fund's average notional exposure to equity price risk derivative instruments held during the period was $4,907,570 futures contracts purchased.
The value of equity price risk derivative instruments as of June 30, 2021, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $10,231 in receivable for variation margin on futures contracts.* For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the effect of equity price risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $357,812 in net realized gain (loss) on futures contract transactions and $53,866 in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts.
*Included in the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments.
8. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
The fund’s investment process may result in high portfolio turnover, which could mean high transaction costs, affecting both performance and capital gains tax liabilities to investors.
9. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | |
Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 387,839,952 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 55,965,007 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | (4,292,755) | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 51,672,252 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I |
2021(3) | $10.28 | 0.05 | 1.57 | 1.62 | (0.06) | (1.69) | (1.75) | $10.15 | 16.43% | 0.70%(4) | 1.02%(4) | 130% | $406,041 | |
2020 | $10.02 | 0.19 | 0.73 | 0.92 | (0.18) | (0.48) | (0.66) | $10.28 | 11.81% | 0.70% | 2.03% | 163% | $362,015 | |
2019 | $9.02 | 0.20 | 1.85 | 2.05 | (0.20) | (0.85) | (1.05) | $10.02 | 23.95% | 0.70% | 2.07% | 83% | $351,774 | |
2018 | $10.71 | 0.22 | (0.90) | (0.68) | (0.20) | (0.81) | (1.01) | $9.02 | (6.87)% | 0.70% | 2.11% | 70% | $315,041 | |
2017 | $9.32 | 0.24 | 1.62 | 1.86 | (0.24) | (0.23) | (0.47) | $10.71 | 20.49% | 0.71% | 2.47% | 76% | $378,295 | |
2016 | $8.57 | 0.21 | 0.91 | 1.12 | (0.21) | (0.16) | (0.37) | $9.32 | 13.48% | 0.70% | 2.38% | 78% | $358,600 | |
Class II |
2021(3) | $10.28 | 0.04 | 1.56 | 1.60 | (0.04) | (1.69) | (1.73) | $10.15 | 16.29% | 0.95%(4) | 0.77%(4) | 130% | $38,317 | |
2020 | $10.03 | 0.16 | 0.73 | 0.89 | (0.16) | (0.48) | (0.64) | $10.28 | 11.45% | 0.95% | 1.78% | 163% | $30,024 | |
2019 | $9.02 | 0.17 | 1.87 | 2.04 | (0.18) | (0.85) | (1.03) | $10.03 | 23.75% | 0.95% | 1.82% | 83% | $31,632 | |
2018 | $10.72 | 0.19 | (0.91) | (0.72) | (0.17) | (0.81) | (0.98) | $9.02 | (7.19)% | 0.95% | 1.86% | 70% | $26,938 | |
2017 | $9.32 | 0.22 | 1.62 | 1.84 | (0.21) | (0.23) | (0.44) | $10.72 | 20.30% | 0.96% | 2.22% | 76% | $26,833 | |
2016 | $8.57 | 0.18 | 0.92 | 1.10 | (0.19) | (0.16) | (0.35) | $9.32 | 13.20% | 0.95% | 2.13% | 78% | $23,511 | |
| | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal . The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor, including steps being taken to address underperformance, and was satisfied with the
efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was below the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe.
The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
| | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92975 2108 | |
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| Semiannual Report |
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| June 30, 2021 |
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| VP Growth Fund |
| Class I (AWRIX) |
| Class II (AWREX) |
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Fund Characteristics | |
Shareholder Fee Example | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
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Approval of Management Agreement | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | |
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Additional Information | |
Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
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JUNE 30, 2021 |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 98.2% |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 1.2% |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | 0.1% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | 0.5% |
| |
Top Five Industries* | % of net assets |
Software | 16.2% |
Interactive Media and Services | 10.6% |
IT Services | 9.3% |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment | 8.3% |
Internet and Direct Marketing Retail | 8.3% |
*Exposure indicated excludes Exchange-Traded Funds. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund's portfolio holdings. |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,142.50 | $4.20 | 0.79% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,141.40 | $4.99 | 0.94% |
Hypothetical | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,020.88 | $3.96 | 0.79% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,020.13 | $4.71 | 0.94% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 98.2% | | |
Air Freight and Logistics — 1.7% | | |
United Parcel Service, Inc., Class B | 474 | | $ | 98,578 | |
Auto Components — 1.7% | | |
Aptiv plc(1) | 619 | | 97,387 | |
Automobiles — 2.6% | | |
Tesla, Inc.(1) | 221 | | 150,214 | |
Beverages — 1.7% | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | 647 | | 95,866 | |
Biotechnology — 2.0% | | |
Amgen, Inc. | 171 | | 41,682 | |
CRISPR Therapeutics AG(1) | 144 | | 23,312 | |
Natera, Inc.(1) | 83 | | 9,423 | |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) | 194 | | 39,116 | |
| | 113,533 | |
Building Products — 1.1% | | |
Masco Corp. | 657 | | 38,704 | |
Trex Co., Inc.(1) | 211 | | 21,566 | |
| | 60,270 | |
Capital Markets — 1.7% | | |
S&P Global, Inc. | 233 | | 95,635 | |
Chemicals — 0.8% | | |
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. | 150 | | 43,152 | |
Electrical Equipment — 2.4% | | |
Ballard Power Systems, Inc.(1)(2) | 876 | | 15,873 | |
Generac Holdings, Inc.(1) | 111 | | 46,082 | |
Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 268 | | 76,653 | |
| | 138,608 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 2.1% | | |
CDW Corp. | 192 | | 33,533 | |
Cognex Corp. | 496 | | 41,689 | |
Keysight Technologies, Inc.(1) | 299 | | 46,168 | |
| | 121,390 | |
Entertainment — 1.9% | | |
Liberty Media Corp.-Liberty Formula One, Class C(1) | 421 | | 20,296 | |
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.(1) | 160 | | 28,323 | |
Walt Disney Co. (The)(1) | 331 | | 58,180 | |
| | 106,799 | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.1% | | |
SBA Communications Corp. | 191 | | 60,872 | |
Food Products — 1.3% | | |
Beyond Meat, Inc.(1) | 35 | | 5,512 | |
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | 1,015 | | 63,377 | |
Vital Farms, Inc.(1) | 390 | | 7,784 | |
| | 76,673 | |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 2.5% | | |
DexCom, Inc.(1) | 89 | | 38,003 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(1) | 219 | | 22,681 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(1) | 47 | | $ | 29,683 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(1) | 56 | | 51,500 | |
| | 141,867 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 1.5% | | |
Guardant Health, Inc.(1) | 38 | | 4,719 | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 206 | | 82,491 | |
| | 87,210 | |
Health Care Technology — 0.3% | | |
Teladoc Health, Inc.(1) | 101 | | 16,795 | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 1.3% | | |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(1) | 29 | | 44,960 | |
Expedia Group, Inc.(1) | 160 | | 26,193 | |
| | 71,153 | |
Household Products — 0.5% | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | 217 | | 29,280 | |
Insurance — 0.3% | | |
SelectQuote, Inc.(1) | 964 | | 18,567 | |
Interactive Media and Services — 10.6% | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) | 164 | | 400,453 | |
Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) | 498 | | 173,160 | |
Twitter, Inc.(1) | 446 | | 30,689 | |
| | 604,302 | |
Internet and Direct Marketing Retail — 8.3% | | |
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) | 125 | | 430,020 | |
Chewy, Inc., Class A(1)(2) | 244 | | 19,449 | |
Wayfair, Inc., Class A(1)(2) | 74 | | 23,363 | |
| | 472,832 | |
IT Services — 9.3% | | |
Fastly, Inc., Class A(1)(2) | 253 | | 15,079 | |
Okta, Inc.(1) | 89 | | 21,776 | |
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(1) | 642 | | 187,130 | |
Shopify, Inc., Class A(1) | 11 | | 16,071 | |
Twilio, Inc., Class A(1) | 60 | | 23,650 | |
Visa, Inc., Class A | 1,134 | | 265,152 | |
| | 528,858 | |
Life Sciences Tools and Services — 1.6% | | |
10X Genomics, Inc., Class A(1) | 127 | | 24,869 | |
Agilent Technologies, Inc. | 359 | | 53,064 | |
Repligen Corp.(1) | 51 | | 10,181 | |
| | 88,114 | |
Personal Products — 0.7% | | |
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A | 129 | | 41,032 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 1.5% | | |
Novo Nordisk A/S, B Shares | 316 | | 26,452 | |
Zoetis, Inc. | 328 | | 61,126 | |
| | 87,578 | |
Road and Rail — 1.3% | | |
Lyft, Inc., Class A(1) | 533 | | 32,236 | |
Union Pacific Corp. | 177 | | 38,927 | |
| | 71,163 | |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 8.3% | | |
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.(1) | 927 | | 87,073 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Analog Devices, Inc. | 274 | | $ | 47,172 | |
ASML Holding NV | 161 | | 111,141 | |
NVIDIA Corp. | 285 | | 228,029 | |
| | 473,415 | |
Software — 16.2% | | |
Datadog, Inc., Class A(1) | 225 | | 23,418 | |
DocuSign, Inc.(1) | 134 | | 37,462 | |
Microsoft Corp. | 2,481 | | 672,103 | |
PagerDuty, Inc.(1) | 640 | | 27,251 | |
salesforce.com, Inc.(1) | 155 | | 37,862 | |
Splunk, Inc.(1) | 219 | | 31,663 | |
Workday, Inc., Class A(1) | 169 | | 40,347 | |
Zendesk, Inc.(1) | 381 | | 54,994 | |
| | 925,100 | |
Specialty Retail — 2.2% | | |
Home Depot, Inc. (The) | 386 | | 123,092 | |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 8.0% | | |
Apple, Inc. | 3,329 | | 455,940 | |
Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 1.7% | | |
NIKE, Inc., Class B | 621 | | 95,938 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $2,408,767) | | 5,591,213 | |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 1.2% | | |
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (Cost $70,926) | 261 | | 71,034 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS - SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL(3) — 0.1% |
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio (Cost $4,727) | 4,727 | 4,727 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 99.5% (Cost $2,484,420) | | 5,666,974 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.5% | | 29,316 | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% | | $ | 5,696,290 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS | | |
Currency Purchased | Currency Sold | Counterparty | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
USD | 92,028 | | EUR | 77,156 | | Credit Suisse AG | 9/30/21 | $ | 372 | |
USD | 2,994 | | EUR | 2,504 | | Credit Suisse AG | 9/30/21 | 19 | |
| | | | | | $ | 391 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
EUR | - | Euro |
USD | - | United States Dollar |
(1)Non-income producing.
(2)Security, or a portion thereof, is on loan. At the period end, the aggregate value of securities on loan was $58,938. The amount of securities on loan indicated may not correspond with the securities on loan identified because securities with pending sales are in the process of recall from the brokers.
(3)Investment of cash collateral from securities on loan. At the period end, the aggregate value of the collateral held by the fund was $60,286, which includes securities collateral of $55,559.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Assets | |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $2,479,693) — including $58,938 of securities on loan | $ | 5,662,247 | |
Investment made with cash collateral received for securities on loan, at value (cost of $4,727) | 4,727 | |
Total investment securities, at value (cost of $2,484,420) | 5,666,974 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 167,694 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 24,999 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 391 | |
Dividends receivable | 916 | |
Securities lending receivable | 13 | |
| 5,860,987 | |
| |
Liabilities | |
Disbursements in excess of demand deposit cash | 84,594 | |
Payable for collateral received for securities on loan | 4,727 | |
Payable for investments purchased | 70,927 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 189 | |
Accrued management fees | 3,141 | |
Distribution fees payable | 1,119 | |
| 164,697 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 5,696,290 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 2,050,405 | |
Distributable earnings | 3,645,885 | |
| $ | 5,696,290 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $189,497 | 9,688 | $19.56 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $5,506,793 | 282,481 | $19.49 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | |
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) |
Investment Income (Loss) | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $203) | $ | 17,186 | |
Securities lending, net | 98 | |
| 17,284 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 23,865 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 6,593 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 67 | |
| 30,525 | |
Fees waived(1) | (5,566) | |
| 24,959 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | (7,675) | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions | 485,393 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions | 2,291 | |
Foreign currency translation transactions | (51) | |
| 487,633 | |
| |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | 249,704 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 175 | |
| 249,879 | |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 737,512 | |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 729,837 | |
(1)Amount consists of $27 and $5,539 for Class I and Class II, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
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SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | (7,675) | | $ | (5,594) | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 487,633 | | 953,019 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 249,879 | | 600,984 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 729,837 | | 1,548,409 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (2,122) | | (597) | |
Class II | (934,935) | | (377,935) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (937,057) | | (378,532) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | 648,009 | | (1,502,276) | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 440,789 | | (332,399) | |
| | |
Net Assets |
Beginning of period | 5,255,501 | | 5,587,900 | |
End of period | $ | 5,696,290 | | $ | 5,255,501 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP Growth Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. The fund offers Class I and Class II.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Securities lending income is net of fees and rebates earned by the lending agent for its services.
Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.
Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.
Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.
Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover certain types of investment securities and other financial instruments. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for collateral requirements.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
Securities Lending — Securities are lent to qualified financial institutions and brokers. State Street Bank & Trust Co. serves as securities lending agent to the fund pursuant to a Securities Lending Agreement. The lending of securities exposes the fund to risks such as: the borrowers may fail to return the loaned securities, the borrowers may not be able to provide additional collateral, the fund may experience delays in recovery of the loaned securities or delays in access to collateral, or the fund may experience losses related to the investment collateral. To minimize certain risks, loan counterparties pledge collateral in the form of cash and/or securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the fund in the case of default of any securities borrowed. Cash collateral received is invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, a money market mutual fund registered under the 1940 Act. The loans may also be secured by U.S. government securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted accordingly. By lending securities, the fund seeks to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest and fees. Such income is reflected separately within the Statement of Operations. The value of loaned securities and related collateral outstanding at period end, if any, are shown on a gross basis within the Schedule of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of June 30, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Remaining Contractual Maturity of Agreements |
| Overnight and Continuous | <30 days | Between 30 & 90 days | >90 days | Total |
Securities Lending Transactions(1) | | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 4,727 | | — | | — | | — | | $ | 4,727 | |
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions | $ | 4,727 | |
(1)Amount represents the payable for cash collateral received for securities on loan. This will generally be in the Overnight and Continuous column as the securities are typically callable on demand.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The difference in the fee among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. From January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to waive 0.21% of the fund's management fee. Effective August 1, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to decrease the amount of the waiver from 0.21% to 0.10% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until July 31, 2022 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors.
The annual management fee and the effective annual management fee after waiver for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| Annual Management Fee* | Effective Annual Management Fee After Waiver |
Class I | 1.00% | 0.79% |
Class II | 0.90% | 0.69% |
*Effective August 1, 2021 the annual management fee will be 0.90% for Class I and 0.80% for Class II.
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the period, the interfund purchases were $1,299 and there were no interfund sales.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 were $1,350,167 and $1,669,085, respectively.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 50,000,000 | | | 50,000,000 | | |
Sold | 9,006 | | $ | 170,479 | | 41 | | $ | 800 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 124 | | 2,122 | | 47 | | 597 | |
Redeemed | (1) | | (19) | | — | | — | |
| 9,129 | | 172,582 | | 88 | | 1,397 | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 50,000,000 | | | 50,000,000 | | |
Sold | 9,845 | | 195,717 | | 19,373 | | 346,969 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 54,707 | | 934,935 | | 29,735 | | 377,935 | |
Redeemed | (33,337) | | (655,225) | | (125,695) | | (2,228,577) | |
| 31,215 | | 475,427 | | (76,587) | | (1,503,673) | |
Net increase (decrease) | 40,344 | | $ | 648,009 | | (76,499) | | $ | (1,502,276) | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 5,453,620 | | $ | 137,593 | | — | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 71,034 | | — | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | 4,727 | | — | | — | |
| $ | 5,529,381 | | $ | 137,593 | | — | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | — | | $ | 391 | | — | |
7. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon settlement of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $105,670.
The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of June 30, 2021, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $391 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $2,291 in net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and $175 in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
8. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
9. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | |
Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 2,496,491 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 3,193,054 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | (22,571) | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 3,170,483 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) | | | |
Per-Share Data | | | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I |
2021(3) | $20.91 | (0.01) | 2.46 | 2.45 | — | (3.80) | (3.80) | $19.56 | 14.25% | 0.79%(4) | 1.00%(4) | (0.14)%(4) | (0.35)%(4) | 25% | $189 | |
2020 | $17.05 | 0.01 | 5.11 | 5.12 | (0.07) | (1.19) | (1.26) | $20.91 | 34.87% | 0.81% | 1.01% | 0.04% | (0.16)% | 48% | $12 | |
2019 | $14.34 | 0.07 | 4.66 | 4.73 | (0.06) | (1.96) | (2.02) | $17.05 | 35.48% | 0.81% | 1.00% | 0.43% | 0.24% | 52% | $8 | |
2018 | $14.87 | 0.05 | (0.24) | (0.19) | (0.04) | (0.30) | (0.34) | $14.34 | (1.36)% | 0.82% | 1.00% | 0.28% | 0.10% | 63% | $6 | |
2017 | $13.27 | 0.05 | 3.84 | 3.89 | (0.12) | (2.17) | (2.29) | $14.87 | 30.38% | 0.84% | 1.01% | 0.35% | 0.18% | 60% | $150 | |
2016 | $12.76 | 0.09 | 0.46 | 0.55 | — | (0.04) | (0.04) | $13.27 | 4.35% | 0.85% | 1.01% | 0.76% | 0.60% | 69% | $191 | |
Class II |
2021(3) | $20.87 | (0.03) | 2.45 | 2.42 | — | (3.80) | (3.80) | $19.49 | 14.14% | 0.94%(4) | 1.15%(4) | (0.29)%(4) | (0.50)%(4) | 25% | $5,507 | |
2020 | $17.02 | (0.02) | 5.12 | 5.10 | (0.06) | (1.19) | (1.25) | $20.87 | 34.67% | 0.96% | 1.16% | (0.11)% | (0.31)% | 48% | $5,244 | |
2019 | $14.31 | 0.04 | 4.67 | 4.71 | (0.04) | (1.96) | (2.00) | $17.02 | 35.33% | 0.96% | 1.15% | 0.28% | 0.09% | 52% | $5,580 | |
2018 | $14.85 | 0.02 | (0.24) | (0.22) | (0.02) | (0.30) | (0.32) | $14.31 | (1.59)% | 0.97% | 1.15% | 0.13% | (0.05)% | 63% | $4,688 | |
2017 | $13.25 | 0.03 | 3.84 | 3.87 | (0.10) | (2.17) | (2.27) | $14.85 | 30.22% | 0.99% | 1.16% | 0.20% | 0.03% | 60% | $5,363 | |
2016 | $12.76 | 0.08 | 0.45 | 0.53 | — | (0.04) | (0.04) | $13.25 | 4.20% | 1.00% | 1.16% | 0.61% | 0.45% | 69% | $5,018 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal. The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe. In addition, the Board reviewed the Fund’s position relative to the narrower set of its expense group peers. The Board and the Advisor agreed to both a permanent change to the Fund's fee schedule that should have the effect of lowering the Fund's annual unified management fee by approximately 0.10%, beginning August 1, 2021, and a temporary reduction of the Fund's annual unified management fee of 0.10% (e.g., the Class I unified fee will be reduced from 1.00% to 0.80%) for at least one year, beginning August 1, 2021. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by
the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
| | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92984 2108 | |
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| Semiannual Report |
| |
| June 30, 2021 |
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| VP International Fund |
| Class I (AVIIX) |
| Class II (ANVPX) |
| | | | | |
| |
| |
Fund Characteristics | |
Shareholder Fee Example | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
| |
| |
Approval of Management Agreement | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | |
| |
Additional Information | |
Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 | |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 99.9% |
Temporary Cash Investments | 0.1% |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | 1.7% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | (1.7)% |
| |
Top Five Countries | % of net assets |
France | 16.6% |
Japan | 12.1% |
United Kingdom | 11.3% |
Netherlands | 6.6% |
Switzerland | 6.2% |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,067.70 | $5.38 | 1.05% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,067.70 | $6.15 | 1.20% |
Hypothetical | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,019.59 | $5.26 | 1.05% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,018.84 | $6.01 | 1.20% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 99.9% |
|
|
Australia — 2.2% | | |
Atlassian Corp. plc, Class A(1) | 5,510 | | $ | 1,415,298 | |
CSL Ltd. | 17,210 | | 3,680,676 | |
| | 5,095,974 | |
Belgium — 1.3% | | |
KBC Group NV | 38,850 | | 2,966,249 | |
Brazil — 0.7% | | |
Magazine Luiza SA | 356,048 | | 1,514,017 | |
Canada — 4.4% | | |
Canada Goose Holdings, Inc.(1)(2) | 41,220 | | 1,801,629 | |
Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. | 33,780 | | 2,597,539 | |
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. | 54,080 | | 1,246,423 | |
GFL Environmental, Inc. | 47,005 | | 1,500,400 | |
Shopify, Inc., Class A(1) | 930 | | 1,360,091 | |
Toronto-Dominion Bank (The) | 23,620 | | 1,655,267 | |
| | 10,161,349 | |
China — 3.4% | | |
ANTA Sports Products Ltd. | 70,000 | | 1,642,950 | |
GDS Holdings Ltd., ADR(1) | 14,990 | | 1,176,565 | |
Huazhu Group Ltd., ADR(1) | 24,070 | | 1,271,137 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | 12,400 | | 933,627 | |
Tencent Music Entertainment Group, ADR(1) | 51,150 | | 791,802 | |
Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.(1) | 116,500 | | 2,133,148 | |
| | 7,949,229 | |
Denmark — 4.3% | | |
Carlsberg A/S, B Shares | 16,340 | | 3,049,304 | |
DSV Panalpina A/S | 7,697 | | 1,796,772 | |
Novo Nordisk A/S, B Shares | 41,200 | | 3,448,795 | |
Orsted AS | 6,510 | | 913,753 | |
Pandora A/S | 5,930 | | 800,039 | |
| | 10,008,663 | |
Finland — 1.2% | | |
Neste Oyj | 46,120 | | 2,829,095 | |
France — 16.6% | | |
Air Liquide SA | 18,620 | | 3,265,016 | |
Airbus SE(1) | 16,490 | | 2,124,782 | |
Capgemini SE | 18,550 | | 3,567,413 | |
Dassault Systemes SE | 9,300 | | 2,257,074 | |
Edenred | 50,347 | | 2,870,621 | |
Iliad SA(2) | 5,850 | | 857,132 | |
L'Oreal SA | 3,170 | | 1,415,702 | |
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE | 7,420 | | 5,836,993 | |
Pernod Ricard SA | 9,420 | | 2,093,711 | |
Safran SA | 24,900 | | 3,455,695 | |
Schneider Electric SE | 26,230 | | 4,135,016 | |
Teleperformance | 7,700 | | 3,126,891 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Valeo SA | 69,970 | | $ | 2,110,540 | |
Vivendi SE(2) | 37,970 | | 1,275,759 | |
| | 38,392,345 | |
Germany — 5.9% | | |
Brenntag SE | 11,080 | | 1,031,242 | |
Daimler AG | 31,840 | | 2,845,177 | |
Infineon Technologies AG | 68,023 | | 2,736,107 | |
Knorr-Bremse AG | 6,882 | | 791,819 | |
Muenchener Rueckversicherungs-Gesellschaft AG | 6,710 | | 1,838,947 | |
Puma SE | 26,910 | | 3,211,733 | |
Zalando SE(1) | 8,880 | | 1,073,947 | |
| | 13,528,972 | |
Hong Kong — 3.3% | | |
AIA Group Ltd. | 330,200 | | 4,096,321 | |
Sands China Ltd.(1) | 227,200 | | 956,320 | |
Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. | 153,000 | | 2,666,326 | |
| | 7,718,967 | |
India — 1.1% | | |
HDFC Bank Ltd. | 128,690 | | 2,599,261 | |
Indonesia — 0.5% | | |
Bank Central Asia Tbk PT | 562,100 | | 1,169,001 | |
Ireland — 4.2% | | |
CRH plc | 52,370 | | 2,648,420 | |
ICON plc(1) | 9,670 | | 1,998,886 | |
Kerry Group plc, A Shares | 18,170 | | 2,540,358 | |
Ryanair Holdings plc, ADR(1) | 23,960 | | 2,592,711 | |
| | 9,780,375 | |
Israel — 0.4% | | |
Kornit Digital Ltd.(1) | 7,910 | | 983,450 | |
Italy — 2.6% | | |
Ferrari NV | 9,940 | | 2,052,075 | |
Prysmian SpA | 25,850 | | 927,655 | |
Stellantis NV | 152,686 | | 3,002,840 | |
| | 5,982,570 | |
Japan — 12.1% | | |
FANUC Corp. | 11,200 | | 2,685,735 | |
Hoya Corp. | 20,200 | | 2,671,861 | |
Keyence Corp. | 7,800 | | 3,928,260 | |
Kobe Bussan Co. Ltd. | 37,600 | | 1,184,642 | |
MonotaRO Co. Ltd. | 74,900 | | 1,764,989 | |
Obic Co. Ltd. | 11,900 | | 2,213,152 | |
Olympus Corp. | 77,900 | | 1,549,503 | |
Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp. | 83,400 | | 1,734,301 | |
Recruit Holdings Co. Ltd. | 96,300 | | 4,722,433 | |
Sony Group Corp. | 35,900 | | 3,481,123 | |
Terumo Corp. | 48,100 | | 1,948,169 | |
| | 27,884,168 | |
Mexico — 1.0% | | |
Cemex SAB de CV, ADR(1) | 286,240 | | 2,404,416 | |
Netherlands — 6.6% | | |
Adyen NV(1) | 1,598 | | 3,918,822 | |
Akzo Nobel NV | 10,910 | | 1,350,885 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
ASML Holding NV | 9,940 | | $ | 6,861,774 | |
ING Groep NV(1) | 239,810 | | 3,183,322 | |
| | 15,314,803 | |
Singapore — 1.1% | | |
Sea Ltd., ADR(1) | 8,880 | | 2,438,448 | |
Spain — 4.8% | | |
Amadeus IT Group SA(1) | 32,076 | | 2,261,249 | |
CaixaBank SA | 640,260 | | 1,971,172 | |
Cellnex Telecom SA | 56,596 | | 3,609,763 | |
Iberdrola SA | 259,471 | | 3,164,160 | |
| | 11,006,344 | |
Sweden — 3.4% | | |
Epiroc AB, A Shares | 79,490 | | 1,809,483 | |
Hexagon AB, B Shares | 202,660 | | 3,002,686 | |
Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, B Shares | 245,550 | | 3,087,522 | |
| | 7,899,691 | |
Switzerland — 6.2% | | |
Lonza Group AG | 5,470 | | 3,877,992 | |
Partners Group Holding AG | 2,170 | | 3,289,604 | |
SIG Combibloc Group AG(1) | 20,998 | | 571,743 | |
Sika AG | 9,731 | | 3,188,242 | |
Zur Rose Group AG(1) | 3,950 | | 1,512,601 | |
Zurich Insurance Group AG | 4,930 | | 1,980,209 | |
| | 14,420,391 | |
Taiwan — 0.9% | | |
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. | 93,000 | | 2,003,037 | |
Thailand — 0.4% | | |
Kasikornbank PCL | 227,900 | | 844,346 | |
United Kingdom — 11.3% | | |
Ashtead Group plc | 55,870 | | 4,152,721 | |
ASOS plc(1) | 45,018 | | 3,093,789 | |
Associated British Foods plc | 57,190 | | 1,755,552 | |
AstraZeneca plc | 43,800 | | 5,262,313 | |
Barratt Developments plc | 123,330 | | 1,187,506 | |
Burberry Group plc(1) | 48,820 | | 1,396,212 | |
Carnival plc(1) | 25,990 | | 596,571 | |
Halma plc | 30,730 | | 1,144,853 | |
HSBC Holdings plc | 702,400 | | 4,050,720 | |
Ocado Group plc(1) | 24,025 | | 665,682 | |
Whitbread plc(1) | 63,970 | | 2,765,289 | |
| | 26,071,208 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $148,439,129) | | 230,966,369 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.1% |
|
|
Repurchase Agreement, BMO Capital Markets Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 0.125% - 2.75%, 5/15/23 - 10/31/27, valued at $120,960), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $118,583) | | 118,583 | |
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class | 59,200 | | 59,200 | |
TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (Cost $177,783) | | 177,783 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS - SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL(3) — 1.7% |
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio (Cost $3,973,721) | 3,973,721 | $ | 3,973,721 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 101.7% (Cost $152,590,633) |
| 235,117,873 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (1.7)% |
| (3,868,821) | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
| $ | 231,249,052 | |
| | | | | |
MARKET SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION | |
(as a % of net assets) | |
Information Technology | 18.9% |
Consumer Discretionary | 18.6% |
Industrials | 18.6% |
Financials | 12.8% |
Health Care | 11.6% |
Materials | 6.2% |
Consumer Staples | 5.8% |
Communication Services | 4.4% |
Utilities | 1.8% |
Energy | 1.2% |
Temporary Cash Investments | 0.1% |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | 1.7% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | (1.7)% |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
ADR | - | American Depositary Receipt |
(1)Non-income producing.
(2)Security, or a portion thereof, is on loan. At the period end, the aggregate value of securities on loan was $3,916,450. The amount of securities on loan indicated may not correspond with the securities on loan identified because securities with pending sales are in the process of recall from the brokers.
(3)Investment of cash collateral from securities on loan. At the period end, the aggregate value of the collateral held by the fund was $4,112,255, which includes securities collateral of $138,534.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Assets | |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $148,616,912) — including $3,916,450 of securities on loan | $ | 231,144,152 | |
Investment made with cash collateral received for securities on loan, at value (cost of $3,973,721) | 3,973,721 | |
Total investment securities, at value (cost of $152,590,633) | 235,117,873 | |
Foreign currency holdings, at value (cost of $11,230) | 11,174 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 1,202,226 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 112,943 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | 447,215 | |
Securities lending receivable | 8,558 | |
Other assets | 10,890 | |
| 236,910,879 | |
| |
Liabilities | |
Payable for collateral received for securities on loan | 3,973,721 | |
Payable for investments purchased | 1,176,035 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 200,107 | |
Accrued management fees | 202,747 | |
Distribution fees payable | 10,542 | |
Accrued foreign taxes | 98,675 | |
| 5,661,827 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 231,249,052 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 132,654,098 | |
Distributable earnings | 98,594,954 | |
| $ | 231,249,052 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $180,442,595 | 12,366,405 | $14.59 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $50,806,457 | 3,485,192 | $14.58 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | |
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) |
Investment Income (Loss) | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $198,472) | $ | 1,818,880 | |
Securities lending, net | 12,346 | |
Interest | 111 | |
| 1,831,337 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 1,560,920 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 61,616 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 2,867 | |
Other expenses | 13,142 | |
| 1,638,545 | |
Fees waived(1) | (407,530) | |
| 1,231,015 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | 600,322 | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions (net of foreign tax expenses paid (refunded) of $2,097) | 16,105,931 | |
Foreign currency translation transactions | (26,452) | |
| 16,079,479 | |
| |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments (includes (increase) decrease in accrued foreign taxes of $11,959) | (1,645,826) |
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | (12,535) | |
| (1,658,361) | |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 14,421,118 | |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 15,021,440 | |
(1)Amount consists of $318,802 and $88,728 for Class I and Class II, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | | | | | | |
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | 600,322 | | $ | 329,085 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 16,079,479 | | 6,052,265 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | (1,658,361) | | 39,146,084 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 15,021,440 | | 45,527,434 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (5,364,716) | | (2,664,308) | |
Class II | (1,428,046) | | (743,306) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (6,792,762) | | (3,407,614) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | (736,993) | | (2,683,549) | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 7,491,685 | | 39,436,271 | |
| | |
Net Assets | | |
Beginning of period | 223,757,367 | | 184,321,096 | |
End of period | $ | 231,249,052 | | $ | 223,757,367 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP International Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund’s investment objective is to seek capital growth. The fund offers Class I and Class II.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes. Certain countries impose taxes on realized gains on the sale of securities registered in their country. The fund records the foreign tax expense, if any, on an accrual basis. The foreign tax expense on realized gains and unrealized appreciation reduces the net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Securities lending income is net of fees and rebates earned by the lending agent for its services.
Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.
Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.
Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.
Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover certain types of investment securities and other financial instruments. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for collateral requirements.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
Securities Lending — Securities are lent to qualified financial institutions and brokers. State Street Bank & Trust Co. serves as securities lending agent to the fund pursuant to a Securities Lending Agreement. The lending of securities exposes the fund to risks such as: the borrowers may fail to return the loaned securities, the borrowers may not be able to provide additional collateral, the fund may experience delays in recovery of the loaned securities or delays in access to collateral, or the fund may experience losses related to the investment collateral. To minimize certain risks, loan counterparties pledge collateral in the form of cash and/or securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the fund in the case of default of any securities borrowed. Cash collateral received is invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, a money market mutual fund registered under the 1940 Act. The loans may also be secured by U.S. government securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted accordingly. By lending securities, the fund seeks to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest and fees. Such income is reflected separately within the Statement of Operations. The value of loaned securities and related collateral outstanding at period end, if any, are shown on a gross basis within the Schedule of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of June 30, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Remaining Contractual Maturity of Agreements |
| Overnight and Continuous | <30 days | Between 30 & 90 days | >90 days | Total |
Securities Lending Transactions(1) | | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 3,973,721 | | — | | — | | — | | $ | 3,973,721 | |
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions | $ | 3,973,721 | |
(1)Amount represents the payable for cash collateral received for securities on loan. This will generally be in the Overnight and Continuous column as the securities are typically callable on demand.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The difference in the fee among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund's assets, which do not vary by class. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund's assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that use very similar investment teams and strategies (strategy assets). From January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to waive 0.36% of the fund’s management fee. Effective August 1, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to decrease the amount of the waiver from 0.36% to 0.10% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until July 31, 2022 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors.
The management fee schedule range and the effective annual management fee before and after waiver for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Effective Annual Management Fee |
| Management Fee Schedule Range* | Before Waiver | After Waiver |
Class I | 1.00% to 1.50% | 1.40% | 1.04% |
Class II | 0.90% to 1.40% | 1.30% | 0.94% |
*Effective August 1, 2021, the annual management fee schedule will range from 1.00% to 1.06% for Class I and 0.90% to 0.96% for Class II.
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the period, the interfund sales were $4,383 and there were no interfund purchases. The effect of interfund transactions on the Statement of Operations was $(77) in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 were $45,895,756 and $52,232,918, respectively.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 200,000,000 | |
| 200,000,000 | | |
Sold | 394,918 | | $ | 5,669,022 | | 2,026,375 | | $ | 23,101,939 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 390,729 | | 5,364,716 | | 316,051 | | 2,664,308 | |
Redeemed | (876,005) | | (12,622,014) | | (2,327,313) | | (26,433,902) | |
| (90,358) | | (1,588,276) | | 15,113 | | (667,655) | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 100,000,000 | |
| 100,000,000 | | |
Sold | 158,242 | | 2,269,884 | | 319,855 | | 3,756,589 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 104,085 | | 1,428,046 | | 88,174 | | 743,306 | |
Redeemed | (198,481) | | (2,846,647) | | (576,948) | | (6,515,789) | |
| 63,846 | | 851,283 | | (168,919) | | (2,015,894) | |
Net increase (decrease) | (26,512) | | $ | (736,993) | | (153,806) | | $ | (2,683,549) | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | | | |
Australia | $ | 1,415,298 | | $ | 3,680,676 | | — | |
Canada | 1,500,400 | | 8,660,949 | | — | |
China | 3,239,504 | | 4,709,725 | | — | |
Ireland | 4,591,597 | | 5,188,778 | | — | |
Israel | 983,450 | | — | | — | |
Mexico | 2,404,416 | | — | | — | |
Singapore | 2,438,448 | | — | | — | |
Other Countries | — | | 192,153,128 | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments | 59,200 | | 118,583 | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | 3,973,721 | | — | | — | |
| $ | 20,606,034 | | $ | 214,511,839 | | — | |
7. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
There are certain risks involved in investing in foreign securities. These risks include those resulting from political events (such as civil unrest, national elections and imposition of exchange controls), social and economic events (such as labor strikes and rising inflation), and natural disasters. Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile. Investing in emerging markets or a significant portion of assets in one country or region may accentuate these risks.
8. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | |
Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 153,094,605 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 83,150,821 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | (1,127,553) | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 82,023,268 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | | | | | | Ratios and Supplemental Data | |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $14.10 | 0.04 | 0.88 | 0.92 | (0.02) | (0.41) | (0.43) | $14.59 | 6.77% | 1.05%(4) | 1.41%(4) | 0.57%(4) | 0.21%(4) | 20% | $180,443 | |
2020 | $11.50 | 0.02 | 2.81 | 2.83 | (0.06) | (0.17) | (0.23) | $14.10 | 25.88% | 1.00% | 1.36% | 0.21% | (0.15)% | 59% | $175,606 | |
2019 | $9.54 | 0.05 | 2.56 | 2.61 | (0.09) | (0.56) | (0.65) | $11.50 | 28.42% | 1.03% | 1.37% | 0.52% | 0.18% | 65% | $143,094 | |
2018 | $12.18 | 0.09 | (1.79) | (1.70) | (0.15) | (0.79) | (0.94) | $9.54 | (15.22)% | 1.04% | 1.37% | 0.78% | 0.45% | 66% | $117,384 | |
2017 | $9.37 | 0.09 | 2.81 | 2.90 | (0.09) | — | (0.09) | $12.18 | 31.21% | 1.09% | 1.35% | 0.81% | 0.55% | 58% | $153,123 | |
2016 | $10.02 | 0.08 | (0.63) | (0.55) | (0.10) | — | (0.10) | $9.37 | (5.50)% | 1.10% | 1.37% | 0.87% | 0.60% | 71% | $160,668 | |
Class II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $14.07 | 0.03 | 0.89 | 0.92 | —(5) | (0.41) | (0.41) | $14.58 | 6.77% | 1.20%(4) | 1.56%(4) | 0.42%(4) | 0.06%(4) | 20% | $50,806 | |
2020 | $11.48 | 0.01 | 2.79 | 2.80 | (0.04) | (0.17) | (0.21) | $14.07 | 25.65% | 1.15% | 1.51% | 0.06% | (0.30)% | 59% | $48,151 | |
2019 | $9.53 | 0.04 | 2.55 | 2.59 | (0.08) | (0.56) | (0.64) | $11.48 | 28.14% | 1.18% | 1.52% | 0.37% | 0.03% | 65% | $41,227 | |
2018 | $12.16 | 0.07 | (1.78) | (1.71) | (0.13) | (0.79) | (0.92) | $9.53 | (15.29)% | 1.19% | 1.52% | 0.63% | 0.30% | 66% | $36,919 | |
2017 | $9.36 | 0.06 | 2.82 | 2.88 | (0.08) | — | (0.08) | $12.16 | 30.93% | 1.24% | 1.50% | 0.66% | 0.40% | 58% | $46,223 | |
2016 | $10.00 | 0.07 | (0.62) | (0.55) | (0.09) | — | (0.09) | $9.36 | (5.55)% | 1.25% | 1.52% | 0.72% | 0.45% | 71% | $38,746 | |
| | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
(5)Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal. The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe. In addition, the Board reviewed the Fund’s position relative to the narrower set of its expense group peers. The Board and the Advisor agreed to both a permanent change to the Fund's fee schedule that should have the effect of lowering the Fund's annual unified management fee by approximately 0.29%, beginning August 1, 2021, and a temporary reduction of the Fund's annual unified
management fee of 0.10% (e.g., the Class I unified fee will be reduced from 1.35% to 0.96%) for at least one year, beginning August 1, 2021. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
| | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92978 2108 | |
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| Semiannual Report |
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| June 30, 2021 |
| |
| VP Large Company Value Fund |
| Class I (AVVIX) |
| Class II (AVVTX) |
| | | | | |
| |
| |
Fund Characteristics | |
Shareholder Fee Example | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
| |
| |
Approval of Management Agreement | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | |
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Additional Information | |
Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
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JUNE 30, 2021 |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 97.1% |
Temporary Cash Investments | 2.8% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | 0.1% |
| | | | | |
Top Five Industries | % of net assets |
Pharmaceuticals | 8.0% |
Banks | 7.7% |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies | 7.3% |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels | 5.4% |
Electric Utilities | 5.3% |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,137.20 | $3.66 | 0.69% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,136.50 | $4.45 | 0.84% |
Hypothetical | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,021.37 | $3.46 | 0.69% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,020.63 | $4.21 | 0.84% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 97.1% |
|
|
Aerospace and Defense — 2.8% | | |
General Dynamics Corp. | 5,158 | | $ | 971,045 | |
Raytheon Technologies Corp. | 16,920 | | 1,443,445 | |
| | 2,414,490 | |
Airlines — 0.5% | | |
Southwest Airlines Co.(1) | 9,050 | | 480,465 | |
Automobiles — 0.7% | | |
Honda Motor Co. Ltd., ADR | 20,310 | | 653,576 | |
Banks — 7.7% | | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 18,286 | | 2,844,205 | |
Truist Financial Corp. | 35,784 | | 1,986,012 | |
U.S. Bancorp | 33,756 | | 1,923,079 | |
| | 6,753,296 | |
Beverages — 1.6% | | |
PepsiCo, Inc. | 9,626 | | 1,426,284 | |
Building Products — 0.6% | | |
Johnson Controls International plc | 7,168 | | 491,940 | |
Capital Markets — 5.3% | | |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 3,472 | | 864,111 | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) | 55,854 | | 2,861,401 | |
Northern Trust Corp. | 8,141 | | 941,262 | |
| | 4,666,774 | |
Commercial Services and Supplies — 0.9% | | |
Republic Services, Inc. | 6,808 | | 748,948 | |
Communications Equipment — 3.8% | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 45,626 | | 2,418,178 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.(1) | 4,919 | | 918,181 | |
| | 3,336,359 | |
Containers and Packaging — 1.0% | | |
Sonoco Products Co. | 13,511 | | 903,886 | |
Diversified Financial Services — 3.8% | | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(1) | 12,058 | | 3,351,159 | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 3.5% | | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | 54,639 | | 3,061,423 | |
Electric Utilities — 5.3% | | |
Duke Energy Corp. | 9,860 | | 973,379 | |
Eversource Energy | 9,299 | | 746,152 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | 19,891 | | 1,630,465 | |
Xcel Energy, Inc. | 20,094 | | 1,323,793 | |
| | 4,673,789 | |
Electrical Equipment — 3.5% | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | 22,811 | | 2,195,331 | |
nVent Electric plc | 27,871 | | 870,690 | |
| | 3,066,021 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.8% | | |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | 4,979 | | 673,211 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Energy Equipment and Services — 0.8% | | |
Baker Hughes Co. | 28,833 | | $ | 659,411 | |
Entertainment — 1.1% | | |
Walt Disney Co. (The)(1) | 5,266 | | 925,605 | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.1% | | |
Healthpeak Properties, Inc. | 28,643 | | 953,525 | |
Food and Staples Retailing — 2.1% | | |
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV | 24,031 | | 715,632 | |
Walmart, Inc. | 8,048 | | 1,134,929 | |
| | 1,850,561 | |
Food Products — 2.8% | | |
Conagra Brands, Inc. | 23,143 | | 841,942 | |
Danone SA | 6,449 | | 453,719 | |
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | 19,059 | | 1,190,044 | |
| | 2,485,705 | |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 7.3% | | |
Becton Dickinson and Co. | 5,509 | | 1,339,734 | |
Medtronic plc | 31,181 | | 3,870,498 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 7,636 | | 1,228,021 | |
| | 6,438,253 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 4.7% | | |
Cigna Corp. | 4,262 | | 1,010,392 | |
CVS Health Corp. | 11,640 | | 971,242 | |
McKesson Corp. | 3,457 | | 661,117 | |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 5,016 | | 661,961 | |
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B | 5,531 | | 809,904 | |
| | 4,114,616 | |
Health Care Technology — 1.8% | | |
Cerner Corp. | 19,997 | | 1,562,966 | |
Household Products — 2.5% | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | 9,243 | | 751,918 | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | 5,660 | | 757,195 | |
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | 5,219 | | 704,200 | |
| | 2,213,313 | |
Industrial Conglomerates — 1.5% | | |
Siemens AG | 8,253 | | 1,310,400 | |
Insurance — 5.1% | | |
Aflac, Inc. | 23,408 | | 1,256,073 | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | 6,965 | | 908,514 | |
Chubb Ltd. | 9,967 | | 1,584,155 | |
MetLife, Inc. | 12,576 | | 752,674 | |
| | 4,501,416 | |
IT Services — 1.0% | | |
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. | 4,355 | | 864,990 | |
Multiline Retail — 1.5% | | |
Dollar Tree, Inc.(1) | 13,321 | | 1,325,440 | |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 5.4% | | |
Chevron Corp. | 19,548 | | 2,047,458 | |
ConocoPhillips | 23,502 | | 1,431,272 | |
TotalEnergies SE, ADR | 28,570 | | 1,293,078 | |
| | 4,771,808 | |
Paper and Forest Products — 0.7% | | |
Mondi plc | 22,802 | | 600,337 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Personal Products — 2.5% | | |
Unilever plc, ADR | 36,859 | | $ | 2,156,251 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 8.0% | | |
Johnson & Johnson | 24,340 | | 4,009,772 | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | 22,559 | | 1,754,413 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | 16,757 | | 656,204 | |
Roche Holding AG | 1,620 | | 610,477 | |
| | 7,030,866 | |
Road and Rail — 0.8% | | |
Norfolk Southern Corp. | 2,788 | | 739,963 | |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 1.5% | | |
Texas Instruments, Inc. | 6,857 | | 1,318,601 | |
Software — 1.5% | | |
Oracle Corp. (New York) | 17,212 | | 1,339,782 | |
Specialty Retail — 1.6% | | |
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. | 7,006 | | 1,437,211 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $68,118,312) | | 85,302,641 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 2.8% |
|
|
Repurchase Agreement, BMO Capital Markets Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 0.125% - 2.75%, 5/15/23 - 10/31/27, valued at $808,727), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $792,838) | | 792,838 | |
Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 2.875%, 5/15/43, valued at $1,347,437), at 0.02%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $1,321,001) | | 1,321,000 | |
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class | 395,804 | | 395,804 | |
TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,509,642) | | 2,509,642 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 99.9% (Cost $70,627,954) |
| 87,812,283 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.1% |
| 71,850 | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
| $ | 87,884,133 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS |
Currency Purchased | Currency Sold | Counterparty | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
CHF | 32,280 | | USD | 35,188 | | Morgan Stanley | 9/30/21 | $ | (218) | |
USD | 552,670 | | CHF | 507,069 | | Morgan Stanley | 9/30/21 | 3,340 | |
USD | 3,201,969 | | EUR | 2,684,527 | | Credit Suisse AG | 9/30/21 | 12,939 | |
GBP | 60,649 | | USD | 84,489 | | JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. | 9/30/21 | (576) | |
USD | 2,487,593 | | GBP | 1,787,141 | | JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. | 9/30/21 | 14,945 | |
USD | 545,233 | | JPY | 60,301,666 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 2,024 | |
USD | 16,153 | | JPY | 1,784,392 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 79 | |
| | | | | | $ | 32,533 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
ADR | - | American Depositary Receipt |
CHF | - | Swiss Franc |
EUR | - | Euro |
GBP | - | British Pound |
JPY | - | Japanese Yen |
USD | - | United States Dollar |
(1)Non-income producing.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Assets | |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $70,627,954) | $ | 87,812,283 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 280,402 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 29,604 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 33,327 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | 152,390 | |
| 88,308,006 | |
| |
Liabilities | |
Payable for investments purchased | 359,763 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 5,013 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 794 | |
Accrued management fees | 43,435 | |
Distribution fees payable | 14,868 | |
| 423,873 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 87,884,133 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 68,259,408 | |
Distributable earnings | 19,624,725 | |
| $ | 87,884,133 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $15,245,017 | 830,579 | $18.35 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $72,639,116 | 3,891,651 | $18.67 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | |
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) |
Investment Income (Loss) | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $25,461) | $ | 967,465 | |
Interest | 108 | |
| 967,573 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 304,440 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 82,269 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 973 | |
| 387,682 | |
Fees waived(1) | (66,419) | |
| 321,263 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | 646,310 | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions | 4,025,365 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions | 69,644 | |
Foreign currency translation transactions | 934 | |
| 4,095,943 | |
| |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | 4,825,108 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 62,740 | |
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | (297) | |
| 4,887,551 | |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 8,983,494 | |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 9,629,804 | |
(1)Amount consists of $10,476 and $55,943 for Class I and Class II, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | | | | | | |
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | 646,310 | | $ | 1,130,820 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 4,095,943 | | (1,214,152) | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 4,887,551 | | 2,814,929 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 9,629,804 | | 2,731,597 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (88,841) | | (274,197) | |
Class II | (394,051) | | (1,145,260) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (482,892) | | (1,419,457) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | 8,678,081 | | 8,353,706 | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 17,824,993 | | 9,665,846 | |
| | |
Net Assets | | |
Beginning of period | 70,059,140 | | 60,393,294 | |
End of period | $ | 87,884,133 | | $ | 70,059,140 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP Large Company Value Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. Income is a secondary objective. The fund offers Class I and Class II.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.
Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.
Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.
Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid quarterly. Distributions from net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The difference in the fee among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that use very similar investment teams and strategies (strategy assets). From January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to waive 0.17% of the fund's management fee. Effective August 1, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to decrease the amount of the waiver from 0.17% to 0.10% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until July 31, 2022 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors.
The management fee schedule range and the effective annual management fee before and after waiver for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Effective Annual Management Fee |
| Management Fee Schedule Range* | Before Waiver | After Waiver |
Class I | 0.70% to 0.90% | 0.86% | 0.69% |
Class II | 0.60% to 0.80% | 0.76% | 0.59% |
*Effective August 1, 2021, the annual management fee schedule will range from 0.70% to 0.83% for Class I and 0.60% to 0.73% for Class II.
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the period, the interfund purchases were $76,241 and there were no interfund sales.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 were $25,797,156 and $18,429,474, respectively.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 50,000,000 | | | 50,000,000 | | |
Sold | 231,534 | | $ | 4,292,457 | | 255,420 | | $ | 3,708,366 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 4,896 | | 88,841 | | 21,116 | | 274,197 | |
Redeemed | (109,181) | | (1,884,756) | | (280,051) | | (4,009,123) | |
| 127,249 | | 2,496,542 | | (3,515) | | (26,560) | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 50,000,000 | | | 50,000,000 | | |
Sold | 526,653 | | 9,491,759 | | 897,950 | | 13,064,952 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 21,370 | | 394,051 | | 86,784 | | 1,145,260 | |
Redeemed | (206,448) | | (3,704,271) | | (386,595) | | (5,829,946) | |
| 341,575 | | 6,181,539 | | 598,139 | | 8,380,266 | |
Net increase (decrease) | 468,824 | | $ | 8,678,081 | | 594,624 | | $ | 8,353,706 | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 81,612,076 | | $ | 3,690,565 | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments | 395,804 | | 2,113,838 | | — | |
| $ | 82,007,880 | | $ | 5,804,403 | | — | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | — | | $ | 33,327 | | — | |
| | | |
Liabilities | | | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | — | | $ | 794 | | — | |
7. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon settlement of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $6,957,494.
The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of June 30, 2021, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $33,327 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts and a liability of $794 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $69,644 in net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and $62,740 in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
8. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
There are certain risks involved in investing in foreign securities. These risks include those resulting from political events (such as civil unrest, national elections and imposition of exchange controls), social and economic events (such as labor strikes and rising inflation), and natural disasters. Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile. Investing a significant portion of assets in one country or region may accentuate these risks.
9. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | |
Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 71,678,256 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 16,183,518 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | (49,491) | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 16,134,027 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
As of December 31, 2020, the fund had accumulated short-term capital losses of $(446,990) and accumulated long-term capital losses of $(99,084), which represent net capital loss carryovers that may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes. The capital loss carryovers may be carried forward for an unlimited period. Future capital loss carryover utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations.
As of December 31, 2020, the fund had late-year ordinary loss deferrals of $(176,463), which represent certain qualified losses that the fund has elected to treat as having been incurred in the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) | |
Per-Share Data | | | | | | Ratios and Supplemental Data | |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $16.24 | 0.15 | 2.08 | 2.23 | (0.12) | — | (0.12) | $18.35 | 13.72% | 0.69%(4) | 0.86%(4) | 1.79%(4) | 1.62%(4) | 24% | $15,245 | |
2020 | $16.29 | 0.30 | 0.02 | 0.32 | (0.25) | (0.12) | (0.37) | $16.24 | 2.62% | 0.74% | 0.90% | 2.07% | 1.91% | 77% | $11,424 | |
2019 | $13.38 | 0.28 | 3.31 | 3.59 | (0.31) | (0.37) | (0.68) | $16.29 | 27.48% | 0.76% | 0.90% | 1.82% | 1.68% | 59% | $11,514 | |
2018 | $15.77 | 0.28 | (1.49) | (1.21) | (0.27) | (0.91) | (1.18) | $13.38 | (8.04)% | 0.78% | 0.90% | 1.86% | 1.74% | 51% | $6,644 | |
2017 | $15.25 | 0.31 | 1.31 | 1.62 | (0.27) | (0.83) | (1.10) | $15.77 | 11.07% | 0.80% | 0.91% | 2.02% | 1.91% | 64% | $8,083 | |
2016 | $14.39 | 0.29 | 1.75 | 2.04 | (0.31) | (0.87) | (1.18) | $15.25 | 15.25% | 0.79% | 0.90% | 2.03% | 1.92% | 77% | $9,984 | |
Class II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $16.52 | 0.15 | 2.10 | 2.25 | (0.10) | — | (0.10) | $18.67 | 13.65% | 0.84%(4) | 1.01%(4) | 1.64%(4) | 1.47%(4) | 24% | $72,639 | |
2020 | $16.56 | 0.28 | 0.03 | 0.31 | (0.23) | (0.12) | (0.35) | $16.52 | 2.49% | 0.89% | 1.05% | 1.92% | 1.76% | 77% | $58,635 | |
2019 | $13.59 | 0.25 | 3.38 | 3.63 | (0.29) | (0.37) | (0.66) | $16.56 | 27.31% | 0.91% | 1.05% | 1.67% | 1.53% | 59% | $48,879 | |
2018 | $16.00 | 0.26 | (1.51) | (1.25) | (0.25) | (0.91) | (1.16) | $13.59 | (8.19)% | 0.93% | 1.05% | 1.71% | 1.59% | 51% | $24,144 | |
2017 | $15.45 | 0.29 | 1.33 | 1.62 | (0.24) | (0.83) | (1.07) | $16.00 | 10.96% | 0.95% | 1.06% | 1.87% | 1.76% | 64% | $13,971 | |
2016 | $14.57 | 0.27 | 1.77 | 2.04 | (0.29) | (0.87) | (1.16) | $15.45 | 15.02% | 0.94% | 1.05% | 1.88% | 1.77% | 77% | $9,676 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal. The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services. The Board also noted that economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders through management fee breakpoints that serve to reduce the effective management fee as the assets of the Fund grow.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe. In addition, the Board reviewed the Fund’s position relative to the narrower set of its expense group peers. The Board and the Advisor agreed to both a permanent change to the Fund's fee schedule that should have the effect of lowering the Fund's annual unified management fee by approximately 0.07%, beginning August 1, 2021, and a temporary reduction of the Fund's annual unified management fee of 0.10% (e.g., the Class I unified fee will be reduced from 0.90% to 0.73%) for at
least one year, beginning August 1, 2021. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients and, where expressly provided, these other client assets may be included with the assets of the Fund to determine breakpoints in the management fee schedule.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
| | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92982 2108 | |
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| |
| Semiannual Report |
| |
| June 30, 2021 |
| |
| VP Mid Cap Value Fund |
| Class I (AVIPX) |
| Class II (AVMTX) |
| | | | | |
| |
| |
Fund Characteristics | |
Shareholder Fee Example | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
| |
| |
Approval of Management Agreement | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | |
Additional Information | |
Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 98.3% |
Temporary Cash Investments | 1.6% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | 0.1% |
| | | | | |
Top Five Industries | % of net assets |
Health Care Providers and Services | 8.8% |
Capital Markets | 7.8% |
Insurance | 6.8% |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies | 5.5% |
Electrical Equipment | 5.2% |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,157.70 | $4.49 | 0.84% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,156.40 | $5.29 | 0.99% |
Hypothetical | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,020.63 | $4.21 | 0.84% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,019.89 | $4.96 | 0.99% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 98.3% |
|
|
Aerospace and Defense — 2.7% | | |
BAE Systems plc | 1,042,458 | | $ | 7,532,820 | |
General Dynamics Corp. | 50,981 | | 9,597,683 | |
Textron, Inc. | 35,078 | | 2,412,314 | |
| | 19,542,817 | |
Airlines — 1.6% | | |
Southwest Airlines Co.(1) | 219,182 | | 11,636,372 | |
Auto Components — 1.6% | | |
BorgWarner, Inc. | 161,979 | | 7,862,461 | |
Bridgestone Corp. | 80,000 | | 3,636,189 | |
| | 11,498,650 | |
Automobiles — 1.0% | | |
Honda Motor Co. Ltd., ADR | 229,371 | | 7,381,159 | |
Banks — 4.3% | | |
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. | 24,269 | | 1,809,497 | |
Eastern Bankshares, Inc. | 41,173 | | 846,928 | |
First Hawaiian, Inc. | 137,476 | | 3,896,070 | |
M&T Bank Corp. | 48,100 | | 6,989,411 | |
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. | 54,630 | | 3,922,434 | |
Truist Financial Corp. | 170,998 | | 9,490,389 | |
Westamerica Bancorporation | 71,363 | | 4,141,195 | |
| | 31,095,924 | |
Building Products — 0.6% | | |
Johnson Controls International plc | 60,758 | | 4,169,822 | |
Capital Markets — 7.8% | | |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc. | 36,116 | | 8,988,550 | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) | 354,408 | | 18,156,322 | |
Northern Trust Corp. | 135,418 | | 15,657,029 | |
State Street Corp. | 57,086 | | 4,697,036 | |
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | 42,084 | | 8,331,370 | |
| | 55,830,307 | |
Chemicals — 0.9% | | |
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd.(1) | 198,703 | | 6,058,454 | |
Commercial Services and Supplies — 1.3% | | |
Republic Services, Inc. | 83,170 | | 9,149,532 | |
Communications Equipment — 1.7% | | |
F5 Networks, Inc.(1) | 38,790 | | 7,240,541 | |
Juniper Networks, Inc. | 174,617 | | 4,775,775 | |
| | 12,016,316 | |
Containers and Packaging — 3.0% | | |
Amcor plc | 321,061 | | 3,679,359 | |
Packaging Corp. of America | 35,223 | | 4,769,899 | |
Sonoco Products Co. | 194,894 | | 13,038,408 | |
| | 21,487,666 | |
Distributors — 0.4% | | |
Genuine Parts Co. | 21,872 | | 2,766,152 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Electric Utilities — 4.7% | | |
Edison International | 210,197 | | $ | 12,153,590 | |
Evergy, Inc. | 64,085 | | 3,872,657 | |
Eversource Energy | 52,124 | | 4,182,430 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | 138,466 | | 11,350,058 | |
Xcel Energy, Inc. | 27,660 | | 1,822,241 | |
| | 33,380,976 | |
Electrical Equipment — 5.2% | | |
Emerson Electric Co. | 156,246 | | 15,037,115 | |
Hubbell, Inc. | 49,851 | | 9,314,161 | |
nVent Electric plc | 410,149 | | 12,813,055 | |
| | 37,164,331 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.5% | | |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | 27,890 | | 3,771,007 | |
Energy Equipment and Services — 0.8% | | |
Baker Hughes Co. | 252,087 | | 5,765,230 | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 5.1% | | |
Equinix, Inc. | 6,412 | | 5,146,271 | |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. | 21,860 | | 6,558,219 | |
Healthcare Trust of America, Inc., Class A | 221,644 | | 5,917,895 | |
Healthpeak Properties, Inc. | 269,594 | | 8,974,784 | |
MGM Growth Properties LLC, Class A | 209,248 | | 7,662,662 | |
Weyerhaeuser Co. | 66,050 | | 2,273,441 | |
| | 36,533,272 | |
Food and Staples Retailing — 2.3% | | |
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV | 430,511 | | 12,820,424 | |
Sysco Corp. | 50,337 | | 3,913,702 | |
| | 16,734,126 | |
Food Products — 4.8% | | |
Conagra Brands, Inc. | 380,582 | | 13,845,573 | |
General Mills, Inc. | 71,373 | | 4,348,757 | |
J.M. Smucker Co. (The) | 45,785 | | 5,932,362 | |
Kellogg Co. | 73,327 | | 4,717,126 | |
Orkla ASA | 531,758 | | 5,419,222 | |
| | 34,263,040 | |
Gas Utilities — 1.5% | | |
Atmos Energy Corp. | 57,855 | | 5,560,444 | |
Spire, Inc. | 75,860 | | 5,482,402 | |
| | 11,042,846 | |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 5.5% | | |
Baxter International, Inc. | 48,481 | | 3,902,720 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co. | 30,911 | | 7,517,246 | |
Envista Holdings Corp.(1) | 84,198 | | 3,638,196 | |
Koninklijke Philips NV | 62,686 | | 3,115,494 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 133,697 | | 21,501,152 | |
| | 39,674,808 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 8.8% | | |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | 203,327 | | 11,607,938 | |
Centene Corp.(1) | 72,890 | | 5,315,868 | |
Henry Schein, Inc.(1) | 143,454 | | 10,642,852 | |
McKesson Corp. | 44,030 | | 8,420,297 | |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. | 102,175 | | 13,484,035 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B | 91,972 | | $ | 13,467,460 | |
| | 62,938,450 | |
Health Care Technology — 1.9% | | |
Cerner Corp. | 173,822 | | 13,585,927 | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 1.0% | | |
Sodexo SA(1) | 77,821 | | 7,273,122 | |
Household Products — 0.9% | | |
Kimberly-Clark Corp. | 47,951 | | 6,414,885 | |
Insurance — 6.8% | | |
Aflac, Inc. | 209,114 | | 11,221,057 | |
Allstate Corp. (The) | 45,114 | | 5,884,670 | |
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. | 20,275 | | 2,840,122 | |
Chubb Ltd. | 90,073 | | 14,316,203 | |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | 55,580 | | 3,444,293 | |
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. | 95,722 | | 10,912,308 | |
| | 48,618,653 | |
IT Services — 1.0% | | |
Amdocs Ltd. | 52,777 | | 4,082,829 | |
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.(1) | 22,670 | | 3,068,384 | |
| | 7,151,213 | |
Leisure Products — 0.7% | | |
Polaris, Inc. | 34,946 | | 4,786,204 | |
Machinery — 3.2% | | |
Crane Co. | 48,076 | | 4,440,780 | |
Cummins, Inc. | 14,733 | | 3,592,053 | |
IMI plc | 148,249 | | 3,528,269 | |
Oshkosh Corp. | 49,725 | | 6,197,724 | |
PACCAR, Inc. | 57,581 | | 5,139,104 | |
| | 22,897,930 | |
Media — 1.3% | | |
Fox Corp., Class B | 267,198 | | 9,405,370 | |
Multi-Utilities — 1.4% | | |
NorthWestern Corp. | 167,675 | | 10,097,388 | |
Multiline Retail — 1.3% | | |
Dollar Tree, Inc.(1) | 96,776 | | 9,629,212 | |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 3.8% | | |
Cimarex Energy Co. | 47,660 | | 3,452,967 | |
ConocoPhillips | 209,699 | | 12,770,669 | |
Devon Energy Corp. | 128,382 | | 3,747,471 | |
Pioneer Natural Resources Co. | 42,453 | | 6,899,461 | |
| | 26,870,568 | |
Paper and Forest Products — 1.5% | | |
Mondi plc | 397,783 | | 10,472,939 | |
Road and Rail — 0.7% | | |
Heartland Express, Inc. | 275,503 | | 4,719,366 | |
Software — 1.5% | | |
CDK Global, Inc. | 90,652 | | 4,504,498 | |
Open Text Corp. | 118,200 | | 6,004,560 | |
| | 10,509,058 | |
Specialty Retail — 2.0% | | |
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. | 69,202 | | 14,196,098 | |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 1.1% | | |
HP, Inc. | 266,985 | | 8,060,277 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Thrifts and Mortgage Finance — 0.3% | | |
Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. | 195,831 | | $ | 2,306,889 | |
Trading Companies and Distributors — 1.8% | | |
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.(1) | 42,228 | | 2,248,641 | |
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A | 117,396 | | 10,533,943 | |
| | 12,782,584 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $547,020,155) | | 703,678,940 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 1.6% |
|
|
Repurchase Agreement, BMO Capital Markets Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 0.125% - 2.75%, 5/15/23 - 10/31/27, valued at $3,745,099), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $3,671,521) | | 3,671,520 | |
Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 2.875%, 5/15/43, valued at $6,242,465), at 0.02%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $6,120,003) | | 6,120,000 | |
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class | 1,832,911 | | 1,832,911 | |
TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (Cost $11,624,431) | | 11,624,431 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 99.9% (Cost $558,644,586) |
| 715,303,371 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — 0.1% |
| 980,496 | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
| $ | 716,283,867 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS |
Currency Purchased | Currency Sold | Counterparty | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
USD | 19,229,195 | | EUR | 16,121,732 | | Credit Suisse AG | 9/30/21 | $ | 77,706 | |
USD | 465,932 | | EUR | 390,022 | | Credit Suisse AG | 9/30/21 | 2,613 | |
GBP | 453,791 | | USD | 628,599 | | JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. | 9/30/21 | (744) | |
USD | 19,008,476 | | GBP | 13,656,103 | | JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. | 9/30/21 | 114,199 | |
USD | 6,573,312 | | JPY | 726,995,158 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 24,401 | |
NOK | 1,093,586 | | USD | 128,791 | | UBS AG | 9/30/21 | (1,739) | |
USD | 4,840,054 | | NOK | 41,545,258 | | UBS AG | 9/30/21 | 13,351 | |
| | | | | | $ | 229,787 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
ADR | - | American Depositary Receipt |
EUR | - | Euro |
GBP | - | British Pound |
JPY | - | Japanese Yen |
NOK | - | Norwegian Krone |
USD | - | United States Dollar |
(1)Non-income producing.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) |
Assets | |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $558,644,586) | $ | 715,303,371 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 993,759 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 306,503 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 232,270 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | 1,280,472 | |
| 718,116,375 | |
| |
Liabilities | |
Payable for investments purchased | 721,832 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 541,930 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 2,483 | |
Accrued management fees | 455,107 | |
Distribution fees payable | 111,156 | |
| 1,832,508 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 716,283,867 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 512,073,578 | |
Distributable earnings | 204,210,289 | |
| $ | 716,283,867 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $180,732,598 | 7,627,322 | $23.70 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $535,551,269 | 22,582,250 | $23.72 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | |
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) |
Investment Income (Loss) | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $110,647) | $ | 7,682,644 | |
Securities lending, net | 22,329 | |
Interest | 1,062 | |
| 7,706,035 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 3,129,237 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 629,790 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 8,479 | |
Other expenses | 43 | |
| 3,767,549 | |
Fees waived(1) | (540,984) | |
| 3,226,565 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | 4,479,470 | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions | 65,766,349 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions | 67,706 | |
Foreign currency translation transactions | 11,206 | |
| 65,845,261 | |
| |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | 24,446,622 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 542,764 | |
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | (961) | |
| 24,988,425 | |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 90,833,686 | |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 95,313,156 | |
(1)Amount consists of $137,919 and $403,065 for Class I and Class II, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | | | | | | |
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | 4,479,470 | | $ | 8,951,292 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 65,845,261 | | (5,022,995) | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 24,988,425 | | 336,371 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 95,313,156 | | 4,264,668 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (599,032) | | (2,633,517) | |
Class II | (1,507,941) | | (7,121,162) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (2,106,973) | | (9,754,679) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | (1,780,042) | | (40,681,619) | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 91,426,141 | | (46,171,630) | |
| | |
Net Assets | | |
Beginning of period | 624,857,726 | | 671,029,356 | |
End of period | $ | 716,283,867 | | $ | 624,857,726 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP Mid Cap Value Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. Income is a secondary objective. The fund offers Class I and Class II.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Securities lending income is net of fees and rebates earned by the lending agent for its services.
Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.
Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.
Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.
Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover certain types of investment securities and other financial instruments. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for collateral requirements.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid quarterly. Distributions from net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
Securities Lending — Securities are lent to qualified financial institutions and brokers. State Street Bank & Trust Co. serves as securities lending agent to the fund pursuant to a Securities Lending Agreement. The lending of securities exposes the fund to risks such as: the borrowers may fail to return the loaned securities, the borrowers may not be able to provide additional collateral, the fund may experience delays in recovery of the loaned securities or delays in access to collateral, or the fund may experience losses related to the investment collateral. To minimize certain risks, loan counterparties pledge collateral in the form of cash and/or securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the fund in the case of default of any securities borrowed. Cash collateral received is invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, a money market mutual fund registered under the 1940 Act. The loans may also be secured by U.S. government securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted accordingly. By lending securities, the fund seeks to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest and fees. Such income is reflected separately within the Statement of Operations. The value of loaned securities and related collateral outstanding at period end, if any, are shown on a gross basis within the Schedule of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The difference in the fee among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. From January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to waive 0.16% of the fund's management fee. Effective August 1, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to decrease the amount of the waiver from 0.16% to 0.10% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until July 31, 2022 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors.
The annual management fee and the effective annual management fee after waiver for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| Annual Management Fee* | Effective Annual Management Fee After Waiver |
Class I | 1.00% | 0.84% |
Class II | 0.90% | 0.74% |
*Effective August 1, 2021 the annual management fee will be 0.85% for Class I and 0.75% for Class II.
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the period, the interfund purchases and sales were $352 and $1,009,349, respectively. The effect of interfund transactions on the Statement of Operations was $174,222 in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 were $232,911,679 and $231,753,759, respectively.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 130,000,000 | |
| 130,000,000 | | |
Sold | 602,733 | | $ | 13,734,738 | | 1,747,991 | | $ | 30,163,897 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 24,818 | | 585,347 | | 145,981 | | 2,560,459 | |
Redeemed | (737,357) | | (16,607,630) | | (2,529,209) | | (45,495,197) | |
| (109,806) | | (2,287,545) | | (635,237) | | (12,770,841) | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 225,000,000 | |
| 225,000,000 | | |
Sold | 1,820,294 | | 42,941,845 | | 2,587,598 | | 43,552,804 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 63,842 | | 1,507,941 | | 405,401 | | 7,121,162 | |
Redeemed | (1,952,580) | | (43,942,283) | | (4,398,140) | | (78,584,744) | |
| (68,444) | | 507,503 | | (1,405,141) | | (27,910,778) | |
Net increase (decrease) | (178,250) | | $ | (1,780,042) | | (2,040,378) | | $ | (40,681,619) | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | | | |
Aerospace and Defense | $ | 12,009,997 | | $ | 7,532,820 | | — | |
Auto Components | 7,862,461 | | 3,636,189 | | — | |
Food and Staples Retailing | 3,913,702 | | 12,820,424 | | — | |
Food Products | 28,843,818 | | 5,419,222 | | — | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure | — | | 7,273,122 | | — | |
Machinery | 19,369,661 | | 3,528,269 | | — | |
Paper and Forest Products | — | | 10,472,939 | | — | |
Other Industries | 580,996,316 | | — | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments | 1,832,911 | | 9,791,520 | | — | |
| $ | 654,828,866 | | $ | 60,474,505 | | — | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | — | | $ | 232,270 | | — | |
| | | |
Liabilities | | | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | — | | $ | 2,483 | | — | |
7. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon settlement of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $53,423,333.
The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of June 30, 2021, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $232,270 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts and a liability of $2,483 in unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $67,706 in net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and $542,764 in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
8. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
There are certain risks involved in investing in foreign securities. These risks include those resulting from political events (such as civil unrest, national elections and imposition of exchange controls), social and economic events (such as labor strikes and rising inflation), and natural disasters. Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile. Investing a significant portion of assets in one country or region may accentuate these risks.
9. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | |
Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 568,789,706 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 149,506,921 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | (2,993,256) | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 146,513,665 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
As of December 31, 2020, the fund had accumulated short-term capital losses of $(6,813,337), which represent net capital loss carryovers that may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes. The capital loss carryovers may be carried forward for an unlimited period. Future capital loss carryover utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations.
As of December 31, 2020, the fund had late-year ordinary loss deferrals of $(1,954,737), which represent certain qualified losses that the fund has elected to treat as having been incurred in the following fiscal year for federal income tax purposes.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) | | | | | | | | |
Per-Share Data | Ratios and Supplemental Data | | | |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $20.55 | 0.16 | 3.07 | 3.23 | (0.08) | — | (0.08) | $23.70 | 15.77% | 0.84%(4) | 1.00%(4) | 1.44%(4) | 1.28%(4) | 35% | $180,733 | |
2020 | $20.68 | 0.30 | (0.10) | 0.20 | (0.33) | — | (0.33) | $20.55 | 1.21% | 0.85% | 1.00% | 1.69% | 1.54% | 72% | $158,968 | |
2019 | $18.31 | 0.35 | 4.62 | 4.97 | (0.41) | (2.19) | (2.60) | $20.68 | 29.15% | 0.85% | 1.00% | 1.66% | 1.51% | 41% | $173,105 | |
2018 | $22.75 | 0.29 | (3.04) | (2.75) | (0.31) | (1.38) | (1.69) | $18.31 | (12.84)% | 0.84% | 1.00% | 1.31% | 1.15% | 72% | $424,234 | |
2017 | $21.12 | 0.37 | 2.03 | 2.40 | (0.34) | (0.43) | (0.77) | $22.75 | 11.69% | 0.86% | 1.01% | 1.68% | 1.53% | 45% | $457,104 | |
2016 | $18.39 | 0.30 | 3.71 | 4.01 | (0.33) | (0.95) | (1.28) | $21.12 | 22.85% | 0.87% | 1.00% | 1.59% | 1.46% | 49% | $359,606 | |
Class II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $20.57 | 0.15 | 3.07 | 3.22 | (0.07) | — | (0.07) | $23.72 | 15.64% | 0.99%(4) | 1.15%(4) | 1.29%(4) | 1.13%(4) | 35% | $535,551 | |
2020 | $20.70 | 0.28 | (0.10) | 0.18 | (0.31) | — | (0.31) | $20.57 | 1.11% | 1.00% | 1.15% | 1.54% | 1.39% | 72% | $465,890 | |
2019 | $18.32 | 0.30 | 4.65 | 4.95 | (0.38) | (2.19) | (2.57) | $20.70 | 28.99% | 1.00% | 1.15% | 1.51% | 1.36% | 41% | $497,924 | |
2018 | $22.76 | 0.24 | (3.03) | (2.79) | (0.27) | (1.38) | (1.65) | $18.32 | (12.96)% | 0.99% | 1.15% | 1.16% | 1.00% | 72% | $424,219 | |
2017 | $21.13 | 0.33 | 2.03 | 2.36 | (0.30) | (0.43) | (0.73) | $22.76 | 11.47% | 1.01% | 1.16% | 1.53% | 1.38% | 45% | $922,737 | |
2016 | $18.40 | 0.28 | 3.70 | 3.98 | (0.30) | (0.95) | (1.25) | $21.13 | 22.72% | 1.02% | 1.15% | 1.44% | 1.31% | 49% | $841,525 | |
| | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal. The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such
results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-year period, at its benchmark for the three-year period, and above its benchmark for the five- and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe. In addition, the Board reviewed the Fund’s position relative to the narrower set of its expense group
peers. The Board and the Advisor agreed to both a permanent change to the Fund's fee schedule that should have the effect of lowering the Fund's annual unified management fee by approximately 0.15%, beginning August 1, 2021, and a temporary reduction of the Fund's annual unified management fee of 0.10% (e.g., the Class I unified fee will be reduced from 1.00% to 0.75%) for at least one year, beginning August 1, 2021. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
| | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92983 2108 | |
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| Semiannual Report |
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| June 30, 2021 |
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| VP Ultra® Fund |
| Class I (AVPUX) |
| Class II (AVPSX) |
| | | | | |
| |
| |
Fund Characteristics | |
Shareholder Fee Example | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
| |
| |
Approval of Management Agreement | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | |
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Additional Information | |
Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
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JUNE 30, 2021 |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 99.8% |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 0.5% |
Temporary Cash Investments | 0.1% |
Other Assets and Liabilities | (0.4)% |
| |
Top Five Industries* | % of net assets |
IT Services | 17.1% |
Interactive Media and Services | 12.8% |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals | 11.6% |
Software | 10.8% |
Internet and Direct Marketing Retail | 7.3% |
*Exposure indicated excludes Exchange-Traded Funds. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund's portfolio holdings. |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
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| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,124.40 | $4.16 | 0.79% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,123.70 | $4.95 | 0.94% |
Hypothetical | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,020.88 | $3.96 | 0.79% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,020.13 | $4.71 | 0.94% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 99.8% | | |
Automobiles — 3.6% | | |
Tesla, Inc.(1) | 16,530 | | $ | 11,235,441 | |
Banks — 1.1% | | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 16,150 | | 2,511,971 | |
U.S. Bancorp | 15,510 | | 883,605 | |
| | 3,395,576 | |
Beverages — 1.1% | | |
Constellation Brands, Inc., Class A | 14,590 | | 3,412,455 | |
Biotechnology — 2.8% | | |
Biogen, Inc.(1) | 10,050 | | 3,480,013 | |
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.(1) | 9,700 | | 5,417,838 | |
| | 8,897,851 | |
Capital Markets — 1.3% | | |
MSCI, Inc. | 7,910 | | 4,216,663 | |
Chemicals — 0.3% | | |
Ecolab, Inc. | 5,130 | | 1,056,626 | |
Commercial Services and Supplies — 0.5% | | |
Copart, Inc.(1) | 10,740 | | 1,415,854 | |
Electrical Equipment — 0.7% | | |
Acuity Brands, Inc. | 5,280 | | 987,519 | |
Rockwell Automation, Inc. | 4,410 | | 1,261,348 | |
| | 2,248,867 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.6% | | |
Cognex Corp. | 10,470 | | 880,004 | |
Keyence Corp. | 2,000 | | 1,007,246 | |
| | 1,887,250 | |
Entertainment — 3.1% | | |
Netflix, Inc.(1) | 8,820 | | 4,658,812 | |
Roku, Inc.(1) | 4,550 | | 2,089,587 | |
Walt Disney Co. (The)(1) | 16,980 | | 2,984,575 | |
| | 9,732,974 | |
Food and Staples Retailing — 1.5% | | |
Costco Wholesale Corp. | 11,970 | | 4,736,170 | |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 5.6% | | |
ABIOMED, Inc.(1) | 1,680 | | 524,345 | |
DexCom, Inc.(1) | 3,720 | | 1,588,440 | |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(1) | 34,910 | | 3,615,628 | |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.(1) | 5,080 | | 3,208,274 | |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.(1) | 9,220 | | 8,479,081 | |
| | 17,415,768 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 2.7% | | |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. | 21,320 | | 8,537,381 | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 3.5% | | |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.(1) | 3,620 | | 5,612,231 | |
Starbucks Corp. | 33,120 | | 3,703,147 | |
Wingstop, Inc. | 10,200 | | 1,607,826 | |
| | 10,923,204 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Household Products — 1.0% | | |
Colgate-Palmolive Co. | 38,670 | | $ | 3,145,804 | |
Interactive Media and Services — 12.8% | | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class A(1) | 4,320 | | 10,548,533 | |
Alphabet, Inc., Class C(1) | 5,290 | | 13,258,433 | |
Facebook, Inc., Class A(1) | 40,870 | | 14,210,907 | |
Tencent Holdings Ltd. | 28,000 | | 2,108,189 | |
| | 40,126,062 | |
Internet and Direct Marketing Retail — 7.3% | | |
Amazon.com, Inc.(1) | 6,640 | | 22,842,662 | |
IT Services — 17.1% | | |
Adyen NV(1) | 1,880 | | 4,610,379 | |
Mastercard, Inc., Class A | 35,200 | | 12,851,168 | |
Okta, Inc.(1) | 6,890 | | 1,685,845 | |
PayPal Holdings, Inc.(1) | 39,470 | | 11,504,716 | |
Shopify, Inc., Class A(1) | 3,280 | | 4,792,015 | |
Square, Inc., Class A(1) | 22,180 | | 5,407,484 | |
Visa, Inc., Class A | 53,660 | | 12,546,781 | |
| | 53,398,388 | |
Machinery — 1.7% | | |
Donaldson Co., Inc. | 11,040 | | 701,371 | |
Nordson Corp. | 5,330 | | 1,169,989 | |
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp. | 21,060 | | 1,733,238 | |
Yaskawa Electric Corp. | 32,300 | | 1,577,380 | |
| | 5,181,978 | |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 0.6% | | |
EOG Resources, Inc. | 24,090 | | 2,010,070 | |
Personal Products — 1.6% | | |
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The), Class A | 15,270 | | 4,857,082 | |
Road and Rail — 0.8% | | |
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. | 15,600 | | 2,542,020 | |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 3.1% | | |
Analog Devices, Inc. | 19,990 | | 3,441,478 | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | 21,450 | | 3,054,480 | |
Xilinx, Inc. | 21,600 | | 3,124,224 | |
| | 9,620,182 | |
Software — 10.8% | | |
DocuSign, Inc.(1) | 22,040 | | 6,161,723 | |
Fair Isaac Corp.(1) | 2,600 | | 1,306,968 | |
Microsoft Corp. | 68,500 | | 18,556,650 | |
Paycom Software, Inc.(1) | 4,820 | | 1,751,925 | |
salesforce.com, Inc.(1) | 18,480 | | 4,514,110 | |
Zscaler, Inc.(1) | 7,580 | | 1,637,735 | |
| | 33,929,111 | |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 11.6% | | |
Apple, Inc. | 265,800 | | 36,403,968 | |
Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 3.0% | | |
lululemon athletica, Inc.(1) | 11,110 | | 4,054,817 | |
NIKE, Inc., Class B | 34,350 | | 5,306,731 | |
| | 9,361,548 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $69,029,414) | | 312,530,955 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS — 0.5% |
|
|
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (Cost $1,483,705) | 5,790 | $ | 1,571,869 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 0.1% |
|
|
Repurchase Agreement, BMO Capital Markets Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 0.125% - 2.75%, 5/15/23 - 10/31/27, valued at $99,418), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $97,465) | | 97,465 | |
Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 2.875%, 5/15/43, valued at $165,328), at 0.02%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $162,000) | | 162,000 | |
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class | 48,657 | | 48,657 | |
TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (Cost $308,122) | | 308,122 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.4% (Cost $70,821,241) |
| 314,410,946 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.4)% |
| (1,358,862) | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
| $ | 313,052,084 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS |
Currency Purchased | Currency Sold | Counterparty | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
USD | 2,819,466 | | EUR | 2,363,837 | | Credit Suisse AG | 9/30/21 | $ | 11,394 | |
USD | 126,531 | | EUR | 105,825 | | Credit Suisse AG | 9/30/21 | 818 | |
USD | 897,985 | | JPY | 99,315,300 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 3,333 | |
| | | | | | $ | 15,545 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
EUR | - | Euro |
JPY | - | Japanese Yen |
USD | - | United States Dollar |
(1)Non-income producing.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Assets | |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $70,821,241) | $ | 314,410,946 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 320,017 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 47,282 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 15,545 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | 19,496 | |
| 314,813,286 | |
| |
Liabilities | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 1,538,335 | |
Accrued management fees | 180,313 | |
Distribution fees payable | 42,554 | |
| 1,761,202 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 313,052,084 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 53,325,866 | |
Distributable earnings | 259,726,218 | |
| $ | 313,052,084 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $100,211,035 | 3,498,333 | $28.65 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $212,841,049 | 7,652,798 | $27.81 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | |
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Investment Income (Loss) | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $142) | $ | 666,363 | |
Interest | 137 |
| 666,500 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 1,377,443 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 252,348 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 3,727 | |
Other expenses | 752 |
| 1,634,270 | |
Fees waived(1) | (310,460) | |
| 1,323,810 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | (657,310) | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions | 17,256,105 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions | 127,989 | |
Foreign currency translation transactions | 780 |
| 17,384,874 | |
| |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | 18,445,166 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 16,223 | |
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | (5) | |
| 18,461,384 | |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 35,846,258 | |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 35,188,948 | |
(1)Amount consists of $98,488 and $211,972 for Class I and Class II, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | | | | | | |
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | (657,310) | | $ | (681,942) | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 17,384,874 | | 21,691,667 | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 18,461,384 | | 80,057,806 | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 35,188,948 | | 101,067,531 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (6,448,663) | | (5,711,976) | |
Class II | (14,540,645) | | (15,862,119) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (20,989,308) | | (21,574,095) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | 1,076,422 | | 2,167,599 | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 15,276,062 | | 81,661,035 | |
| | |
Net Assets | | |
Beginning of period | 297,776,022 | | 216,114,987 | |
End of period | $ | 313,052,084 | | $ | 297,776,022 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP Ultra Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund’s investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. The fund offers Class I and Class II.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums.
Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.
Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.
Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class’s daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The difference in the fee among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that use very similar investment teams and strategies (strategy assets). From January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to waive 0.21% of the fund's management fee. Effective August 1, 2021, the stepped annual management fee schedule will be terminated, and the investment advisor agreed to decrease the amount of the waiver from 0.21% to 0.10% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until July 31, 2022 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors.
The management fee schedule range and the effective annual management fee before and after waiver for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
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| | Effective Annual Management Fee |
| Management Fee Schedule Range* | Before Waiver | After Waiver |
Class I | 0.90% to 1.00% | 1.00% | 0.79% |
Class II | 0.80% to 0.90% | 0.90% | 0.69% |
*Effective August 1, 2021 the annual management fee will be 0.89% for Class I and 0.79% for Class II.
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. There were no interfund transactions during the period.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 were $24,552,232 and $43,044,812, respectively.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
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| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 100,000,000 | | | 100,000,000 | | |
Sold | 401,800 | | $ | 10,993,750 | | 1,566,604 | | $ | 35,506,039 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 256,204 | | 6,448,663 | | 374,065 | | 5,711,976 | |
Redeemed | (662,567) | | (18,211,106) | | (1,276,486) | | (27,787,644) | |
| (4,563) | | (768,693) | | 664,183 | | 13,430,371 | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 120,000,000 | | | 120,000,000 | | |
Sold | 364,974 | | 9,684,866 | | 1,221,694 | | 24,919,128 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 594,709 | | 14,540,645 | | 1,065,287 | | 15,862,119 | |
Redeemed | (839,168) | | (22,380,396) | | (2,405,689) | | (52,044,019) | |
| 120,515 | | 1,845,115 | | (118,708) | | (11,262,772) | |
Net increase (decrease) | 115,952 | | $ | 1,076,422 | | 545,475 | | $ | 2,167,599 | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
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| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 303,227,761 | | $ | 9,303,194 | | — | |
Exchange-Traded Funds | 1,571,869 | | — | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments | 48,657 | | 259,465 | | — | |
| $ | 304,848,287 | | $ | 9,562,659 | | — | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | — | | $ | 15,545 | | — | |
7. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon settlement of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $3,448,469.
The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of June 30, 2021, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $15,545 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $127,989 in net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and $16,223 in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
8. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
9. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
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Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 71,313,767 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 243,097,179 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | — | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 243,097,179 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
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For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) | |
Per-Share Data | | | | | | Ratios and Supplemental Data | |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $27.48 | (0.05) | 3.20 | 3.15 | — | (1.98) | (1.98) | $28.65 | 12.44% | 0.79%(4) | 1.00%(4) | (0.34)%(4) | (0.55)%(4) | 8% | $100,211 | |
2020 | $20.93 | (0.04) | 8.75 | 8.71 | — | (2.16) | (2.16) | $27.48 | 49.85% | 0.80% | 1.00% | (0.18)% | (0.38)% | 22% | $96,249 | |
2019 | $17.40 | —(5) | 5.67 | 5.67 | — | (2.14) | (2.14) | $20.93 | 34.58% | 0.82% | 1.00% | (0.01)% | (0.19)% | 23% | $59,427 | |
2018 | $19.34 | —(5) | 0.17 | 0.17 | (0.05) | (2.06) | (2.11) | $17.40 | 0.76% | 0.83% | 1.00% | 0.01% | (0.16)% | 29% | $42,081 | |
2017 | $15.46 | 0.05 | 4.73 | 4.78 | (0.07) | (0.83) | (0.90) | $19.34 | 32.22% | 0.84% | 1.00% | 0.26% | 0.10% | 22% | $44,607 | |
2016 | $15.47 | 0.05 | 0.60 | 0.65 | (0.05) | (0.61) | (0.66) | $15.46 | 4.45% | 0.85% | 1.00% | 0.34% | 0.19% | 30% | $38,701 | |
Class II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $26.76 | (0.06) | 3.09 | 3.03 | — | (1.98) | (1.98) | $27.81 | 12.37% | 0.94%(4) | 1.15%(4) | (0.49)%(4) | (0.70)%(4) | 8% | $212,841 | |
2020 | $20.48 | (0.07) | 8.51 | 8.44 | — | (2.16) | (2.16) | $26.76 | 49.55% | 0.95% | 1.15% | (0.33)% | (0.53)% | 22% | $201,527 | |
2019 | $17.08 | (0.03) | 5.57 | 5.54 | — | (2.14) | (2.14) | $20.48 | 34.46% | 0.97% | 1.15% | (0.16)% | (0.34)% | 23% | $156,688 | |
2018 | $19.02 | (0.03) | 0.17 | 0.14 | (0.02) | (2.06) | (2.08) | $17.08 | 0.60% | 0.98% | 1.15% | (0.14)% | (0.31)% | 29% | $143,249 | |
2017 | $15.22 | 0.02 | 4.65 | 4.67 | (0.04) | (0.83) | (0.87) | $19.02 | 32.00% | 0.99% | 1.15% | 0.11% | (0.05)% | 22% | $160,964 | |
2016 | $15.24 | 0.03 | 0.59 | 0.62 | (0.03) | (0.61) | (0.64) | $15.22 | 4.35% | 1.00% | 1.15% | 0.19% | 0.04% | 30% | $138,411 | |
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Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
(5)Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal. The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such
results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was above its benchmark for the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year periods reviewed by the Board. The Board found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe. In addition, the Board reviewed the Fund’s position relative to the narrower set of its expense group
peers. The Board and the Advisor agreed to both a permanent change to the Fund's fee schedule that should have the effect of lowering the Fund's annual unified management fee by approximately 0.11%, beginning August 1, 2021, and a temporary reduction of the Fund's annual unified management fee of 0.10% (e.g., the Class I unified fee will be reduced from 1.00% to 0.79%) for at least one year, beginning August 1, 2021. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
| | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92980 2108 | |
| | | | | |
| |
| Semiannual Report |
| |
| June 30, 2021 |
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| VP Value Fund |
| Class I (AVPIX) |
| Class II (AVPVX) |
| | | | | |
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| |
Fund Characteristics | |
Shareholder Fee Example | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
| |
| |
Approval of Management Agreement | |
Liquidity Risk Management Program | |
| |
Additional Information | |
Any opinions expressed in this report reflect those of the author as of the date of the report, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of American Century Investments® or any other person in the American Century Investments organization. Any such opinions are subject to change at any time based upon market or other conditions and American Century Investments disclaims any responsibility to update such opinions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice and, because investment decisions made by American Century Investments funds are based on numerous factors, may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any American Century Investments fund. Security examples are used for representational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations to purchase or sell securities. Performance information for comparative indices and securities is provided to American Century Investments by third party vendors. To the best of American Century Investments’ knowledge, such information is accurate at the time of printing.
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 |
Types of Investments in Portfolio | % of net assets |
Common Stocks | 97.8% |
Temporary Cash Investments | 2.4% |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | —* |
Other Assets and Liabilities | (0.2)% |
*Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.
| | | | | |
Top Five Industries | % of net assets |
Banks | 12.4% |
Pharmaceuticals | 8.3% |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels | 7.4% |
Diversified Telecommunication Services | 5.0% |
Food Products | 4.6% |
Fund shareholders may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments and redemption/exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other fund expenses. This example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example is based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
Actual Expenses
The table provides information about actual account values and actual expenses for each class. You may use the information, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. First, identify the share class you own. Then simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The table also provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the actual expense ratio of each class of your fund and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the actual return of a fund’s share class. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in your fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.
Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads) or redemption/exchange fees. Therefore, the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Beginning Account Value 1/1/21 | Ending Account Value 6/30/21 | Expenses Paid During Period(1) 1/1/21 - 6/30/21 | Annualized Expense Ratio(1) |
Actual | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,186.50 | $3.96 | 0.73% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,185.30 | $4.77 | 0.88% |
Hypothetical | | | | |
Class I | $1,000 | $1,021.18 | $3.66 | 0.73% |
Class II | $1,000 | $1,020.43 | $4.41 | 0.88% |
(1)Expenses are equal to the class's annualized expense ratio listed in the table above, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 181, the number of days in the most recent fiscal half-year, divided by 365, to reflect the one-half year period. Annualized expense ratio reflects actual expenses, including any applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements and excluding any acquired fund fees and expenses.
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
COMMON STOCKS — 97.8% | | |
Aerospace and Defense — 1.3% | | |
BAE Systems plc | 704,190 | | $ | 5,088,489 | |
Raytheon Technologies Corp. | 89,020 | | 7,594,296 | |
| | 12,682,785 | |
Airlines — 0.7% | | |
Southwest Airlines Co.(1) | 126,997 | | 6,742,271 | |
Auto Components — 0.8% | | |
BorgWarner, Inc. | 149,169 | | 7,240,663 | |
Automobiles — 1.2% | | |
General Motors Co.(1) | 93,234 | | 5,516,656 | |
Honda Motor Co. Ltd. | 174,500 | | 5,612,484 | |
| | 11,129,140 | |
Banks — 12.4% | | |
Bank of America Corp. | 475,510 | | 19,605,277 | |
Comerica, Inc. | 44,232 | | 3,155,511 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. | 178,299 | | 27,732,627 | |
M&T Bank Corp. | 31,674 | | 4,602,549 | |
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (The) | 32,592 | | 6,217,250 | |
Royal Bank of Canada | 66,220 | | 6,709,075 | |
Truist Financial Corp. | 161,670 | | 8,972,685 | |
U.S. Bancorp | 432,942 | | 24,664,706 | |
Wells Fargo & Co. | 394,732 | | 17,877,412 | |
| | 119,537,092 | |
Capital Markets — 3.9% | | |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (The) | 308,110 | | 15,784,475 | |
Franklin Resources, Inc. | 67,061 | | 2,145,281 | |
Invesco Ltd. | 199,486 | | 5,332,261 | |
Northern Trust Corp. | 55,247 | | 6,387,658 | |
State Street Corp. | 94,480 | | 7,773,815 | |
| | 37,423,490 | |
Communications Equipment — 3.5% | | |
Cisco Systems, Inc. | 483,733 | | 25,637,849 | |
F5 Networks, Inc.(1) | 41,300 | | 7,709,058 | |
| | 33,346,907 | |
Containers and Packaging — 0.9% | | |
Sonoco Products Co. | 135,401 | | 9,058,327 | |
Diversified Financial Services — 3.5% | | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class A(1) | 50 | | 20,930,050 | |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Class B(1) | 44,354 | | 12,326,864 | |
| | 33,256,914 | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 5.0% | | |
AT&T, Inc. | 903,934 | | 26,015,220 | |
Verizon Communications, Inc. | 387,661 | | 21,720,646 | |
| | 47,735,866 | |
Electric Utilities — 1.3% | | |
Edison International | 114,410 | | 6,615,186 | |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp. | 75,320 | | 6,173,981 | |
| | 12,789,167 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Electrical Equipment — 3.6% | | |
Atkore, Inc.(1) | 49,599 | | $ | 3,521,529 | |
Emerson Electric Co. | 100,129 | | 9,636,415 | |
Hubbell, Inc. | 61,975 | | 11,579,409 | |
nVent Electric plc | 322,308 | | 10,068,902 | |
| | 34,806,255 | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments and Components — 0.5% | | |
TE Connectivity Ltd. | 35,810 | | 4,841,870 | |
Energy Equipment and Services — 2.7% | | |
Baker Hughes Co. | 383,566 | | 8,772,154 | |
Halliburton Co. | 236,430 | | 5,466,262 | |
NOV, Inc.(1) | 67,212 | | 1,029,688 | |
Schlumberger NV | 345,920 | | 11,072,899 | |
| | 26,341,003 | |
Entertainment — 1.6% | | |
Walt Disney Co. (The)(1) | 85,220 | | 14,979,119 | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.6% | | |
Equinix, Inc. | 4,270 | | 3,427,102 | |
Healthpeak Properties, Inc. | 169,600 | | 5,645,984 | |
Weyerhaeuser Co. | 185,120 | | 6,371,831 | |
| | 15,444,917 | |
Food and Staples Retailing — 1.9% | | |
Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV | 332,360 | | 9,897,531 | |
Walmart, Inc. | 61,898 | | 8,728,856 | |
| | 18,626,387 | |
Food Products — 4.6% | | |
Conagra Brands, Inc. | 301,390 | | 10,964,568 | |
Danone SA | 123,470 | | 8,686,720 | |
J.M. Smucker Co. (The) | 17,970 | | 2,328,373 | |
Kellogg Co. | 106,397 | | 6,844,519 | |
Mondelez International, Inc., Class A | 175,786 | | 10,976,078 | |
Orkla ASA | 461,390 | | 4,702,091 | |
| | 44,502,349 | |
Gas Utilities — 0.5% | | |
Atmos Energy Corp. | 45,674 | | 4,389,728 | |
Health Care Equipment and Supplies — 3.5% | | |
Medtronic plc | 145,417 | | 18,050,612 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 94,793 | | 15,244,611 | |
| | 33,295,223 | |
Health Care Providers and Services — 4.6% | | |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | 292,480 | | 16,697,683 | |
Cigna Corp. | 22,410 | | 5,312,739 | |
CVS Health Corp. | 114,890 | | 9,586,422 | |
McKesson Corp. | 39,010 | | 7,460,272 | |
Universal Health Services, Inc., Class B | 34,570 | | 5,062,085 | |
| | 44,119,201 | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure — 0.7% | | |
Sodexo SA(1) | 71,290 | | 6,662,737 | |
Household Products — 0.9% | | |
Procter & Gamble Co. (The) | 63,216 | | 8,529,735 | |
Industrial Conglomerates — 3.3% | | |
General Electric Co. | 1,580,574 | | 21,274,526 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Siemens AG | 68,900 | | $ | 10,939,851 | |
| | 32,214,377 | |
Insurance — 3.6% | | |
Aflac, Inc. | 92,090 | | 4,941,550 | |
Chubb Ltd. | 92,029 | | 14,627,089 | |
MetLife, Inc. | 116,159 | | 6,952,116 | |
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. | 71,941 | | 8,201,274 | |
| | 34,722,029 | |
Leisure Products — 0.4% | | |
Mattel, Inc.(1) | 189,283 | | 3,804,588 | |
Machinery — 0.9% | | |
IMI plc | 351,016 | | 8,354,044 | |
Metals and Mining — 0.7% | | |
BHP Group Ltd. | 177,750 | | 6,466,600 | |
Multi-Utilities — 0.5% | | |
CMS Energy Corp. | 89,420 | | 5,282,934 | |
Multiline Retail — 0.8% | | |
Dollar Tree, Inc.(1) | 74,130 | | 7,375,935 | |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels — 7.4% | | |
Chevron Corp. | 231,127 | | 24,208,242 | |
Cimarex Energy Co. | 46,731 | | 3,385,661 | |
ConocoPhillips | 118,174 | | 7,196,797 | |
Devon Energy Corp. | 293,637 | | 8,571,264 | |
EQT Corp.(1) | 223,351 | | 4,971,793 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 115,610 | | 7,292,679 | |
Royal Dutch Shell plc, B Shares | 304,000 | | 5,901,486 | |
TotalEnergies SE(2) | 217,679 | | 9,861,248 | |
| | 71,389,170 | |
Paper and Forest Products — 0.8% | | |
Mondi plc | 295,920 | | 7,791,062 | |
Personal Products — 1.2% | | |
Unilever plc | 196,980 | | 11,544,791 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 8.3% | | |
Johnson & Johnson | 163,352 | | 26,910,609 | |
Merck & Co., Inc. | 245,912 | | 19,124,576 | |
Pfizer, Inc. | 500,279 | | 19,590,926 | |
Roche Holding AG | 22,790 | | 8,588,134 | |
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., ADR(1) | 610,016 | | 6,039,158 | |
| | 80,253,403 | |
Road and Rail — 1.0% | | |
Heartland Express, Inc. | 550,139 | | 9,423,881 | |
Semiconductors and Semiconductor Equipment — 2.8% | | |
Applied Materials, Inc. | 12,814 | | 1,824,714 | |
Intel Corp. | 325,975 | | 18,300,236 | |
QUALCOMM, Inc. | 47,030 | | 6,721,998 | |
| | 26,846,948 | |
Software — 1.5% | | |
Open Text Corp. | 130,130 | | 6,610,604 | |
Oracle Corp. (New York) | 96,543 | | 7,514,907 | |
| | 14,125,511 | |
Specialty Retail — 1.0% | | |
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. | 48,101 | | 9,867,439 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Shares | Value |
Technology Hardware, Storage and Peripherals — 0.4% | | |
HP, Inc. | 143,727 | | $ | 4,339,118 | |
Textiles, Apparel and Luxury Goods — 1.1% | | |
Ralph Lauren Corp. | 36,460 | | 4,295,352 | |
Tapestry, Inc.(1) | 140,264 | | 6,098,679 | |
| | 10,394,031 | |
Trading Companies and Distributors — 0.9% | | |
MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., Class A | 100,752 | | 9,040,477 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $648,008,870) | | 940,717,484 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS — 2.4% |
|
|
Repurchase Agreement, BMO Capital Markets Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 0.125% - 2.75%, 5/15/23 - 10/31/27, valued at $7,518,027), in a joint trading account at 0.01%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $7,370,324) | | 7,370,322 | |
Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., (collateralized by various U.S. Treasury obligations, 3.125%, 2/15/43, valued at $12,531,763), at 0.02%, dated 6/30/21, due 7/1/21 (Delivery value $12,286,007) | | 12,286,000 | |
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class | 3,679,443 | | 3,679,443 | |
TOTAL TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS (Cost $23,335,765) | | 23,335,765 | |
TEMPORARY CASH INVESTMENTS - SECURITIES LENDING COLLATERAL(3)† |
State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio (Cost $206,245) | 206,245 | 206,245 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES — 100.2% (Cost $671,550,880) |
| 964,259,494 | |
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES — (0.2)% |
| (1,870,281) | |
TOTAL NET ASSETS — 100.0% |
| $ | 962,389,213 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS |
Currency Purchased | Currency Sold | Counterparty | Settlement Date | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) |
USD | 4,572,022 | | AUD | 6,080,383 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | $ | 10,358 | |
USD | 156,824 | | AUD | 206,634 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 1,802 | |
USD | 5,060,835 | | CAD | 6,270,703 | | Morgan Stanley | 9/30/21 | 2,347 | |
USD | 6,504,536 | | CHF | 5,967,846 | | Morgan Stanley | 9/30/21 | 39,312 | |
USD | 43,739,506 | | EUR | 36,671,143 | | Credit Suisse AG | 9/30/21 | 176,752 | |
USD | 20,557,049 | | GBP | 14,768,632 | | JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. | 9/30/21 | 123,503 | |
USD | 132,635 | | JPY | 14,658,000 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 593 | |
USD | 4,018,621 | | JPY | 444,451,500 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 14,918 | |
USD | 145,294 | | JPY | 16,097,625 | | Bank of America N.A. | 9/30/21 | 283 | |
USD | 3,507,337 | | NOK | 30,105,698 | | UBS AG | 9/30/21 | 9,675 | |
| | | | | | $ | 379,543 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NOTES TO SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS |
ADR | - | American Depositary Receipt |
AUD | - | Australian Dollar |
CAD | - | Canadian Dollar |
CHF | - | Swiss Franc |
EUR | - | Euro |
GBP | - | British Pound |
JPY | - | Japanese Yen |
NOK | - | Norwegian Krone |
USD | - | United States Dollar |
†Category is less than 0.05% of total net assets.
(1)Non-income producing.
(2)Security, or a portion thereof, is on loan. At the period end, the aggregate value of securities on loan was $196,700. The amount of securities on loan indicated may not correspond with the securities on loan identified because securities with pending sales are in the process of recall from the brokers.
(3)Investment of cash collateral from securities on loan. At the period end, the aggregate value of the collateral held by the fund was $206,245.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
| | | | | |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Assets | |
Investment securities, at value (cost of $671,344,635) — including $196,700 of securities on loan | $ | 964,053,249 | |
Investment made with cash collateral received for securities on loan, at value (cost of $206,245) | 206,245 | |
Total investment securities, at value (cost of $671,550,880) | 964,259,494 | |
Receivable for investments sold | 3,726,063 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | 146,824 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 379,543 | |
Dividends and interest receivable | 1,354,630 | |
Securities lending receivable | 1,039 | |
| 969,867,593 | |
| |
Liabilities | |
Payable for collateral received for securities on loan | 206,245 | |
Payable for investments purchased | 5,859,799 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | 766,192 | |
Accrued management fees | 534,757 | |
Distribution fees payable | 111,387 | |
| 7,478,380 | |
| |
Net Assets | $ | 962,389,213 | |
| |
Net Assets Consist of: | |
Capital (par value and paid-in surplus) | $ | 677,906,868 | |
Distributable earnings | 284,482,345 | |
| $ | 962,389,213 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net Assets | Shares Outstanding | Net Asset Value Per Share |
Class I, $0.01 Par Value | $423,443,923 | 32,226,050 | $13.14 |
Class II, $0.01 Par Value | $538,945,290 | 40,967,774 | $13.16 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | |
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) | |
Investment Income (Loss) | |
Income: | |
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $297,773) | $ | 11,411,087 | |
Securities lending, net | 26,033 | |
Interest | 2,505 | |
| 11,439,625 | |
| |
Expenses: | |
Management fees | 4,198,334 | |
Distribution fees - Class II | 624,831 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | 11,419 | |
Other expenses | 5,015 | |
| 4,839,599 | |
Fees waived(1) | (1,138,159) | |
| 3,701,440 | |
| |
Net investment income (loss) | 7,738,185 | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | |
Net realized gain (loss) on: | |
Investment transactions | 53,877,125 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions | 1,053,493 | |
Foreign currency translation transactions | 1,461 | |
| 54,932,079 | |
| |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: | |
Investments | 87,338,380 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 651,925 | |
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies | (7,019) | |
| 87,983,286 | |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | 142,915,365 | |
| |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations | $ | 150,653,550 | |
(1)Amount consists of $513,328 and $624,831 for Class I and Class II, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
| | | | | | | | |
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED) AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | June 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
Operations | | |
Net investment income (loss) | $ | 7,738,185 | | $ | 16,693,354 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | 54,932,079 | | (8,518,950) | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | 87,983,286 | | (6,256,984) | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | 150,653,550 | | 1,917,420 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders | | |
From earnings: | | |
Class I | (3,627,342) | | (16,985,871) | |
Class II | (4,111,073) | | (18,974,868) | |
Decrease in net assets from distributions | (7,738,415) | | (35,960,739) | |
| | |
Capital Share Transactions | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions (Note 5) | 688,799 | | (35,137,220) | |
| | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets | 143,603,934 | | (69,180,539) | |
| | |
Net Assets | | |
Beginning of period | 818,785,279 | | 887,965,818 | |
End of period | $ | 962,389,213 | | $ | 818,785,279 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Notes to Financial Statements |
JUNE 30, 2021 (UNAUDITED)
1. Organization
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. (the corporation) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as an open-end management investment company and is organized as a Maryland corporation. VP Value Fund (the fund) is one fund in a series issued by the corporation. The fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital growth. Income is a secondary objective. The fund offers Class I and Class II.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the fund in preparation of its financial statements. The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This may require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Management evaluated the impact of events or transactions occurring through the date the financial statements were issued that would merit recognition or disclosure.
Investment Valuations — The fund determines the fair value of its investments and computes its net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular trading (usually 4 p.m. Eastern time) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on each day the NYSE is open. The Board of Directors has adopted valuation policies and procedures to guide the investment advisor in the fund’s investment valuation process and to provide methodologies for the oversight of the fund’s pricing function.
Equity securities that are listed or traded on a domestic securities exchange are valued at the last reported sales price or at the official closing price as provided by the exchange. Equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges are generally valued at the closing price of such securities on the exchange where primarily traded or at the close of the NYSE, if that is earlier. If no last sales price is reported, or if local convention or regulation so provides, the mean of the latest bid and asked prices may be used. Securities traded over-the-counter are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices, the last sales price, or the official closing price. Equity securities initially expressed in local currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the mean of the appropriate currency exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
Open-end management investment companies are valued at the reported NAV per share. Repurchase agreements are valued at cost, which approximates fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean of the appropriate forward exchange rate at the close of the NYSE as provided by an independent pricing service.
If the fund determines that the market price for an investment is not readily available or the valuation methods mentioned above do not reflect an investment’s fair value, such investment is valued as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or its delegate, in accordance with policies and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. In its determination of fair value, the fund may review several factors including, but not limited to, market information regarding the specific investment or comparable investments and correlation with other investment types, futures indices or general market indicators. Circumstances that may cause the fund to use these procedures to value an investment include, but are not limited to: an investment has been declared in default or is distressed; trading in a security has been suspended during the trading day or a security is not actively trading on its principal exchange; prices received from a regular pricing source are deemed unreliable; or there is a foreign market holiday and no trading occurred.
The fund monitors for significant events occurring after the close of an investment’s primary exchange but before the fund’s NAV per share is determined. Significant events may include, but are not limited to: corporate announcements and transactions; governmental action and political unrest that could impact a specific investment or an investment sector; or armed conflicts, natural disasters and similar events that could affect investments in a specific country or region. The fund also monitors for significant fluctuations between domestic and foreign markets, as evidenced by the U.S. market or such other indicators that the Board of Directors, or its delegate, deems appropriate. The fund may apply a model-derived factor to the closing price of equity securities traded on foreign securities exchanges. The factor is based on observable market data as provided by an independent pricing service.
Security Transactions — Security transactions are accounted for as of the trade date. Net realized gains and losses are determined on the identified cost basis, which is also used for federal income tax purposes.
Investment Income — Dividend income less foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded as of the ex-dividend date. Distributions received on securities that represent a return of capital or long-term capital gain are recorded as a reduction of cost of investments and/or as a realized gain. The fund may estimate the components of distributions received that may be considered nontaxable distributions or long-term capital gain distributions for income tax purposes. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and includes accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Securities lending income is net of fees and rebates earned by the lending agent for its services.
Foreign Currency Translations — All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates at period end. The fund may enter into spot foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions denominated in a foreign currency. Purchases and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, spot foreign currency exchange contracts, and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Net realized and unrealized foreign currency exchange gains or losses related to investment securities are a component of net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.
Repurchase Agreements — The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with institutions that American Century Investment Management, Inc. (ACIM) (the investment advisor) has determined are creditworthy pursuant to criteria adopted by the Board of Directors. The fund requires that the collateral, represented by securities, received in a repurchase transaction be transferred to the custodian in a manner sufficient to enable the fund to obtain those securities in the event of a default under the repurchase agreement. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities transferred to ensure the value, including accrued interest, of the securities under each repurchase agreement is equal to or greater than amounts owed to the fund under each repurchase agreement.
Joint Trading Account — Pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the fund, along with certain other funds in the American Century Investments family of funds, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or more repurchase agreements that are collateralized by U.S. Treasury or Agency obligations.
Segregated Assets — In accordance with the 1940 Act, the fund segregates assets on its books and records to cover certain types of investment securities and other financial instruments. ACIM monitors, on a daily basis, the securities segregated to ensure the fund designates a sufficient amount of liquid assets, marked-to-market daily. The fund may also receive assets or be required to pledge assets at the custodian bank or with a broker for collateral requirements.
Income Tax Status — It is the fund’s policy to distribute substantially all net investment income and net realized gains to shareholders and to otherwise qualify as a regulated investment company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes. The fund files U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns as applicable. The fund's tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authority until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years from the date of filing but can be longer in certain jurisdictions. At this time, management believes there are no uncertain tax positions which, based on their technical merit, would not be sustained upon examination and for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months.
Multiple Class — All shares of the fund represent an equal pro rata interest in the net assets of the class to which such shares belong, and have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except for class specific expenses and exclusive rights to vote on matters affecting only individual classes. Income, non-class specific expenses, and realized and unrealized capital gains and losses of the fund are allocated to each class of shares based on their relative net assets.
Distributions to Shareholders — Distributions from net investment income, if any, are generally declared and paid quarterly. Distributions from net realized gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually.
Indemnifications — Under the corporation’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the fund enters into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against a fund. The risk of material loss from such claims is considered by management to be remote.
Securities Lending — Securities are lent to qualified financial institutions and brokers. State Street Bank & Trust Co. serves as securities lending agent to the fund pursuant to a Securities Lending Agreement. The lending of securities exposes the fund to risks such as: the borrowers may fail to return the loaned securities, the borrowers may not be able to provide additional collateral, the fund may experience delays in recovery of the loaned securities or delays in access to collateral, or the fund may experience losses related to the investment collateral. To minimize certain risks, loan counterparties pledge collateral in the form of cash and/or securities. The lending agent has agreed to indemnify the fund in the case of default of any securities borrowed. Cash collateral received is invested in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, a money market mutual fund registered under the 1940 Act. The loans may also be secured by U.S. government securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned, plus accrued interest and dividends, determined on a daily basis and adjusted accordingly. By lending securities, the fund seeks to increase its net investment income through the receipt of interest and fees. Such income is reflected separately within the Statement of Operations. The value of loaned securities and related collateral outstanding at period end, if any, are shown on a gross basis within the Schedule of Investments and Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The following table reflects a breakdown of transactions accounted for as secured borrowings, the gross obligation by the type of collateral pledged, and the remaining contractual maturity of those transactions as of June 30, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Remaining Contractual Maturity of Agreements |
| Overnight and Continuous | <30 days | Between 30 & 90 days | >90 days | Total |
Securities Lending Transactions(1) | | | | |
Common Stocks | $ | 206,245 | | — | | — | | — | | $ | 206,245 | |
Gross amount of recognized liabilities for securities lending transactions | $ | 206,245 | |
(1)Amount represents the payable for cash collateral received for securities on loan. This will generally be in the Overnight and Continuous column as the securities are typically callable on demand.
3. Fees and Transactions with Related Parties
Certain officers and directors of the corporation are also officers and/or directors of American Century Companies, Inc. (ACC). The corporation’s investment advisor, ACIM, the corporation's distributor, American Century Investment Services, Inc. (ACIS), and the corporation’s transfer agent, American Century Services, LLC, are wholly owned, directly or indirectly, by ACC.
Management Fees — The corporation has entered into a management agreement with ACIM, under which ACIM provides the fund with investment advisory and management services in exchange for a single, unified management fee (the fee) per class. The agreement provides that ACIM will pay all expenses of managing and operating the fund, except brokerage expenses, taxes, interest, fees and expenses of the independent directors (including legal counsel fees), extraordinary expenses, and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on each class's daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The difference in the fee among the classes is a result of their separate arrangements for non-Rule 12b-1 shareholder services. It is not the result of any difference in advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the management of the fund’s assets, which do not vary by class. The rate of the fee is determined by applying a fee rate calculation formula. This formula takes into account the fund’s assets as well as certain assets, if any, of other clients of the investment advisor outside the American Century Investments family of funds (such as subadvised funds and separate accounts) that use very similar investment teams and strategies (strategy assets). From January 1, 2021 through July 31, 2021, the investment advisor agreed to waive 0.25% of the fund's management fee. Effective August 1, 2021, the stepped annual management fee schedule will be terminated, and the investment advisor agreed to decrease the amount of the waiver from 0.25% to 0.10% of the fund's management fee. The investment advisor expects this waiver to continue until July 31, 2022 and cannot terminate it prior to such date without the approval of the Board of Directors.
The management fee schedule range and the effective annual management fee before and after waiver for each class for the period ended June 30, 2021 are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Effective Annual Management Fee |
| Management Fee Schedule Range* | Before Waiver | After Waiver |
Class I | 0.90% to 1.00% | 0.98% | 0.73% |
Class II | 0.80% to 0.90% | 0.88% | 0.63% |
*Effective August 1, 2021 the annual management fee will be 0.83% for Class I and 0.73% for Class II.
Distribution Fees — The Board of Directors has adopted the Master Distribution Plan (the plan) for Class II, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act. The plan provides that Class II will pay ACIS an annual distribution fee equal to 0.25%. The fee is computed and accrued daily based on the Class II daily net assets and paid monthly in arrears. The distribution fee provides compensation for expenses incurred in connection with distributing shares of Class II including, but not limited to, payments to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions that have entered into sales agreements with respect to shares of the fund. Fees incurred under the plan during the period ended June 30, 2021 are detailed in the Statement of Operations.
Directors' Fees and Expenses — The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the investment advisor’s management and operations of the fund. The directors receive detailed information about the fund and its investment advisor regularly throughout the year, and meet at least quarterly with management of the investment advisor to review reports about fund operations. The fund’s officers do not receive compensation from the fund.
Interfund Transactions — The fund may enter into security transactions with other American Century Investments funds and other client accounts of the investment advisor, in accordance with the 1940 Act rules and procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The rules and procedures require, among other things, that these transactions be effected at the independent current market price of the security. During the period, the interfund purchases and sales were $1,188,431 and $440,742, respectively. The effect of interfund transactions on the Statement of Operations was $(84,562) in net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term investments, for the period ended June 30, 2021 were $263,834,532 and $261,529,903, respectively.
5. Capital Share Transactions
Transactions in shares of the fund were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six months ended June 30, 2021 | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount |
Class I/Shares Authorized | 600,000,000 | | | 600,000,000 | | |
Sold | 1,564,335 | | $ | 19,784,951 | | 4,214,178 | | $ | 39,736,970 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 273,829 | | 3,538,564 | | 1,966,537 | | 16,497,988 | |
Redeemed | (3,291,370) | | (41,556,042) | | (9,405,931) | | (93,999,897) | |
| (1,453,206) | | (18,232,527) | | (3,225,216) | | (37,764,939) | |
Class II/Shares Authorized | 350,000,000 | | | 350,000,000 | | |
Sold | 4,281,401 | | 54,798,345 | | 6,169,177 | | 59,368,566 | |
Issued in reinvestment of distributions | 317,693 | | 4,111,073 | | 2,260,685 | | 18,974,868 | |
Redeemed | (3,177,767) | | (39,988,092) | | (7,679,501) | | (75,715,715) | |
| 1,421,327 | | 18,921,326 | | 750,361 | | 2,627,719 | |
Net increase (decrease) | (31,879) | | $ | 688,799 | | (2,474,855) | | $ | (35,137,220) | |
6. Fair Value Measurements
The fund’s investments valuation process is based on several considerations and may use multiple inputs to determine the fair value of the investments held by the fund. In conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the inputs used to determine a valuation are classified into three broad levels.
•Level 1 valuation inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in an active market for identical investments.
•Level 2 valuation inputs consist of direct or indirect observable market data (including quoted prices for comparable investments, evaluations of subsequent market events, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.). These inputs also consist of quoted prices for identical investments initially expressed in local currencies that are adjusted through translation into U.S. dollars.
•Level 3 valuation inputs consist of unobservable data (including a fund’s own assumptions).
The level classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair valuation measurement. The valuation inputs are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in these securities or other financial instruments.
The following is a summary of the level classifications as of period end. The Schedule of Investments provides additional information on the fund’s portfolio holdings.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
Assets | | | |
Investment Securities | | | |
Common Stocks | | | |
Aerospace and Defense | $ | 7,594,296 | | $ | 5,088,489 | | — | |
Automobiles | 5,516,656 | | 5,612,484 | | — | |
Banks | 112,828,017 | | 6,709,075 | | — | |
Food and Staples Retailing | 8,728,856 | | 9,897,531 | | — | |
Food Products | 31,113,538 | | 13,388,811 | | — | |
Hotels, Restaurants and Leisure | — | | 6,662,737 | | — | |
Industrial Conglomerates | 21,274,526 | | 10,939,851 | | — | |
Machinery | — | | 8,354,044 | | — | |
Metals and Mining | — | | 6,466,600 | | — | |
Oil, Gas and Consumable Fuels | 55,626,436 | | 15,762,734 | | — | |
Paper and Forest Products | — | | 7,791,062 | | — | |
Personal Products | — | | 11,544,791 | | — | |
Pharmaceuticals | 71,665,269 | | 8,588,134 | | — | |
Other Industries | 509,563,547 | | — | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments | 3,679,443 | | 19,656,322 | | — | |
Temporary Cash Investments - Securities Lending Collateral | 206,245 | | — | | — | |
| $ | 827,796,829 | | $ | 136,462,665 | | — | |
Other Financial Instruments | | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | — | | $ | 379,543 | | — | |
7. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Currency Risk — The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. The value of foreign investments held by a fund may be significantly affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The dollar value of a foreign security generally decreases when the value of the dollar rises against the foreign currency in which the security is denominated and tends to increase when the value of the dollar declines against such foreign currency. A fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce a fund's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual commitments held by a fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or depreciation are determined daily. Realized gain or loss is recorded upon settlement of the contract. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses occurring during the holding period of forward foreign currency exchange contracts are a component of net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, respectively. A fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign currency exchange rate underlying the forward contract. Additionally, losses, up to the fair value, may arise if the counterparties do not perform under the contract terms. The fund's average U.S. dollar exposure to foreign currency risk derivative instruments held during the period was $82,293,685.
The value of foreign currency risk derivative instruments as of June 30, 2021, is disclosed on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset of $379,543 in unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the effect of foreign currency risk derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations was $1,053,493 in net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contract transactions and $651,925 in change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
8. Risk Factors
The value of the fund’s shares will go up and down, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, based on the performance of the securities owned by the fund and other factors generally affecting the securities market. Market risks, including political, regulatory, economic and social developments, can affect the value of the fund’s investments. Natural disasters, public health emergencies, terrorism and other unforeseeable events may lead to increased market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on world economies and markets generally.
There are certain risks involved in investing in foreign securities. These risks include those resulting from political events (such as civil unrest, national elections and imposition of exchange controls), social and economic events (such as labor strikes and rising inflation), and natural disasters. Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile. Investing a significant portion of assets in one country or region may accentuate these risks.
9. Federal Tax Information
The book-basis character of distributions made during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences reflect the differing character of certain income items and net realized gains and losses for financial statement and tax purposes, and may result in reclassification among certain capital accounts on the financial statements.
As of period end, the components of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | |
Federal tax cost of investments | $ | 710,561,898 | |
Gross tax appreciation of investments | $ | 261,869,638 | |
Gross tax depreciation of investments | (8,172,042) | |
Net tax appreciation (depreciation) of investments | $ | 253,697,596 | |
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales.
As of December 31, 2020, the fund had accumulated long-term capital losses of $(13,186,520), which represent net capital loss carryovers that may be used to offset future realized capital gains for federal income tax purposes. The capital loss carryovers may be carried forward for an unlimited period. Future capital loss carryover utilization in any given year may be subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a Share Outstanding Throughout the Years Ended December 31 (except as noted) |
Per-Share Data | | | | | Ratios and Supplemental Data |
| | Income From Investment Operations: | Distributions From: | | | Ratio to Average Net Assets of: | | |
| Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period | Net Investment Income (Loss)(1) | Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) | Total From Investment Operations | Net Investment Income | Net Realized Gains | Total Distributions | Net Asset Value, End of Period | Total Return(2) | Operating Expenses | Operating Expenses (before expense waiver) | Net Investment Income (Loss) | Net Investment Income (Loss) (before expense waiver) | Portfolio Turnover Rate | Net Assets, End of Period (in thousands) |
Class I | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $11.17 | 0.11 | 1.97 | 2.08 | (0.11) | — | (0.11) | $13.14 | 18.65% | 0.73%(4) | 0.98%(4) | 1.78%(4) | 1.53%(4) | 30% | $423,444 | |
2020 | $11.72 | 0.23 | (0.29) | (0.06) | (0.23) | (0.26) | (0.49) | $11.17 | 0.98% | 0.75% | 0.98% | 2.34% | 2.11% | 57% | $376,355 | |
2019 | $10.01 | 0.23 | 2.36 | 2.59 | (0.23) | (0.65) | (0.88) | $11.72 | 27.03% | 0.77% | 0.98% | 2.11% | 1.90% | 45% | $432,639 | |
2018 | $11.21 | 0.19 | (1.20) | (1.01) | (0.19) | —(5) | (0.19) | $10.01 | (9.15)% | 0.78% | 0.97% | 1.70% | 1.51% | 51% | $374,518 | |
2017 | $10.48 | 0.18 | 0.73 | 0.91 | (0.18) | — | (0.18) | $11.21 | 8.75% | 0.80% | 0.97% | 1.71% | 1.54% | 30% | $462,812 | |
2016 | $8.85 | 0.17 | 1.62 | 1.79 | (0.16) | — | (0.16) | $10.48 | 20.48% | 0.81% | 0.98% | 1.77% | 1.60% | 46% | $461,586 | |
Class II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2021(3) | $11.19 | 0.10 | 1.97 | 2.07 | (0.10) | — | (0.10) | $13.16 | 18.53% | 0.88%(4) | 1.13%(4) | 1.63%(4) | 1.38%(4) | 30% | $538,945 | |
2020 | $11.74 | 0.21 | (0.29) | (0.08) | (0.21) | (0.26) | (0.47) | $11.19 | 0.83% | 0.90% | 1.13% | 2.19% | 1.96% | 57% | $442,431 | |
2019 | $10.02 | 0.21 | 2.37 | 2.58 | (0.21) | (0.65) | (0.86) | $11.74 | 26.92% | 0.92% | 1.13% | 1.96% | 1.75% | 45% | $455,327 | |
2018 | $11.22 | 0.18 | (1.21) | (1.03) | (0.17) | —(5) | (0.17) | $10.02 | (9.28)% | 0.93% | 1.12% | 1.55% | 1.36% | 51% | $404,210 | |
2017 | $10.49 | 0.17 | 0.72 | 0.89 | (0.16) | — | (0.16) | $11.22 | 8.58% | 0.95% | 1.12% | 1.56% | 1.39% | 30% | $485,136 | |
2016 | $8.86 | 0.15 | 1.63 | 1.78 | (0.15) | — | (0.15) | $10.49 | 20.28% | 0.96% | 1.13% | 1.62% | 1.45% | 46% | $489,026 | |
| | |
Notes to Financial Highlights |
(1)Computed using average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(2)Total returns are calculated based on the net asset value of the last business day. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. The total returns presented do not include the fees and charges assessed with investments in variable insurance products, those charges are disclosed in the separate account prospectus. The inclusion of such fees and charges would lower total return.
(3)Six months ended June 30, 2021 (unaudited).
(4)Annualized.
(5)Per-share amount was less than $0.005.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Approval of Management Agreement |
At a meeting held on June 30, 2021, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") unanimously approved the renewal of the management agreement pursuant to which American Century Investment Management, Inc. (the “Advisor”) acts as the investment advisor for the Fund. Under Section 15(c) of the Investment Company Act, contracts for investment advisory services are required to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by a majority of a fund’s directors (the “Directors”), including a majority of the independent Directors, each year.
Prior to its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Directors requested and reviewed extensive data and information compiled by the Advisor and certain independent providers of evaluation data concerning the Fund and the services provided to the Fund by the Advisor. This review was in addition to the oversight and evaluation undertaken by the Board and its committees on a continual basis and the information received was supplemental to the extensive information that the Board and its committees receive and consider throughout the year.
In connection with its consideration of the renewal of the management agreement, the Board’s review and evaluation of the services provided by the Advisor and its affiliates included, but was not limited to, the following:
•the nature, extent, and quality of investment management, shareholder services, and other services provided and to be provided to the Fund including without limitation portfolio management and trading services, shareholder and intermediary services, compliance and legal services, fund accounting and financial reporting, and fund share distribution;
•the wide range of other programs and services provided and to be provided to the Fund and its shareholders on a routine and non-routine basis;
•the Fund’s investment performance, including data comparing the Fund's performance to appropriate benchmarks and/or a peer group of other mutual funds with similar investment objectives and strategies;
•the cost of owning the Fund compared to the cost of owning similar funds;
•the compliance policies, procedures, and regulatory experience of the Advisor and the Fund's service providers;
•the Advisor’s strategic plans, COVID-19 pandemic response, vendor management practices, and social justice initiatives;
•the Advisor’s business continuity plans and cyber security practices;
•financial data showing the cost of services provided to the Fund, the profitability of the Fund to the Advisor, and the overall profitability of the Advisor;
•possible economies of scale associated with the Advisor’s management of the Fund and other accounts;
•services provided and charges to the Advisor's other investment management clients;
•acquired fund fees and expenses;
•payments and practices in connection with financial intermediaries holding shares of the Fund and the services provided by intermediaries in connection therewith; and
•possible collateral benefits to the Advisor from the management of the Fund.
The Board held two meetings to consider the renewal. The independent Directors also met in private session three times to review and discuss the information provided in response to their request. The independent Directors held active discussions with the Advisor regarding the renewal of the management agreement, requesting supplemental information, and reviewing information provided by the Advisor in response thereto. The independent Directors had the benefit of the advice of their independent counsel throughout the process.
Factors Considered
The Directors considered all of the information provided by the Advisor, the independent data providers, and independent counsel in connection with the approval. They determined that the information was sufficient for them to evaluate the management agreement for the Fund. In connection with their review, the Directors did not identify any single factor as being all-important or controlling, and each Director may have attributed different levels of importance to different factors. In deciding to renew the management agreement, the Board based its decision on a number of factors, including without limitation the following:
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services — Generally. Under the management agreement, the Advisor is responsible for providing or arranging for all services necessary for the operation of the Fund. The Board noted that the Advisor provides or arranges at its own expense a wide variety of services which include the following:
•constructing and designing the Fund
•portfolio research and security selection
•initial capitalization/funding
•securities trading
•Fund administration
•custody of Fund assets
•daily valuation of the Fund’s portfolio
•liquidity monitoring and management
•risk management, including cyber security
•shareholder servicing and transfer agency, including shareholder confirmations, recordkeeping, and communications
•legal services (except the independent Directors’ counsel)
•regulatory and portfolio compliance
•financial reporting
•marketing and distribution (except amounts paid by the Fund under Rule 12b-1 plans)
The Board noted that many of these services have expanded over time in terms of both quantity and complexity in response to shareholder demands, competition in the industry, changing distribution channels, and the changing regulatory environment.
Investment Management Services. The nature of the investment management services provided to the Fund is quite complex and allows Fund shareholders access to professional money management, instant diversification of their investments within an asset class, the opportunity to easily diversify among asset classes by investing in or exchanging among various American Century Investments funds, and liquidity. In evaluating investment performance, the Board expects the Advisor to manage the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives and approved strategies. Further, the Directors recognize that the Advisor has an obligation to monitor trading activities, and in particular to seek the best execution of fund trades, and to evaluate the use of and payment for research. In providing these services, the Advisor utilizes teams of investment professionals (portfolio managers, analysts, research assistants, and securities traders) who require extensive information technology, research, training, compliance, and other systems to conduct their business. The Board, directly and through its Fund Performance Review Committee, provides oversight of the investment performance process. It regularly reviews investment performance information for the Fund, together with comparative information for appropriate benchmarks and/or peer groups of similarly-managed funds, over different time horizons. The Directors also review investment performance information during the management agreement renewal process. If performance concerns are identified, the Fund receives special reviews until performance improves, during which the Board discusses with the Advisor the reasons for such results (e.g., market conditions, security selection) and any efforts being undertaken to improve performance. The Fund’s performance was below its benchmark for the one-, three-, and five-year periods, and above its benchmark for the ten-year period reviewed by the Board. The Board discussed the Fund's performance with the Advisor, including steps being taken to address underperformance, and was satisfied with the efforts being undertaken by the Advisor. The Board
found the investment management services provided by the Advisor to the Fund to be satisfactory and consistent with the management agreement.
Shareholder and Other Services. Under the management agreement, the Advisor provides the Fund with a comprehensive package of transfer agency, shareholder, and other services. The Board, directly and through its various committees, regularly reviews reports and evaluations of such services at its regular meetings. These reports include, but are not limited to, information regarding the operational efficiency and accuracy of the shareholder and transfer agency services provided, staffing levels, shareholder satisfaction, technology support (including cyber security), new products and services offered to Fund shareholders, securities trading activities, portfolio valuation services, auditing services, and legal and operational compliance activities. The Board found the services provided by the Advisor to the Fund under the management agreement to be competitive and of high quality.
Costs of Services and Profitability. The Advisor provides detailed information concerning its cost of providing various services to the Fund, its profitability in managing the Fund (pre- and post-distribution), its overall profitability, and its financial condition. The Directors have reviewed with the Advisor the methodology used to prepare this financial information. This information is considered in evaluating the Advisor’s financial condition, its ability to continue to provide services under the management agreement, and the reasonableness of the current management fee. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Ethics. The Board generally considers the Advisor’s commitment to providing quality services to shareholders and to conducting its business ethically. They noted that the Advisor’s practices generally meet or exceed industry best practices.
Economies of Scale. The Board also reviewed information provided by the Advisor regarding the possible existence of economies of scale in connection with the management of the Fund. The Board concluded that economies of scale are difficult to measure and predict with precision, especially on a fund-by-fund basis. The Board concluded that the Advisor is sharing economies of scale, to the extent they exist, through its competitive fee structure, offering competitive fees from fund inception, and through reinvestment in its business, infrastructure, investment capabilities and initiatives to provide shareholders additional content and services.
Comparison to Other Funds’ Fees. The management agreement provides that the Fund pays the Advisor a single, all-inclusive (or unified) management fee for providing all services necessary for the management and operation of the Fund, other than brokerage expenses, expenses attributable to short sales, taxes, interest, extraordinary expenses, fees and expenses of the Fund’s independent Directors (including their independent legal counsel), and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of shareholder services and distribution services under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act. Under the unified fee structure, the Advisor is responsible for providing all investment advisory, custody, audit, administrative, compliance, recordkeeping, marketing and shareholder services, or arranging and supervising third parties to provide such services. By contrast, most other funds are charged a variety of fees, including an investment advisory fee, a transfer agency fee, an administrative fee, distribution charges, and other expenses. Other than their investment advisory fees and any applicable Rule 12b-1 distribution fees, all other components of the total fees charged by these other funds may be increased without shareholder approval. The Board believes the unified fee structure is a benefit to Fund shareholders because it clearly discloses to shareholders the cost of owning Fund shares, and, since the unified fee cannot be increased without a vote of Fund shareholders, it shifts to the Advisor the risk of increased costs of operating the Fund and provides a direct incentive to minimize administrative inefficiencies. Part of the Board’s analysis of fee levels involves reviewing certain evaluative data compiled by an independent provider comparing the Fund’s unified fee to the total expense ratios of its peers. The unified fee charged to shareholders of the Fund was above the median of the total expense ratios of the Fund’s peer expense universe. In addition, the Board reviewed the Fund’s position relative to the narrower set of its expense group peers. The Board and the Advisor agreed to both a permanent change to the Fund's fee schedule that should have the effect of lowering the Fund's annual unified management fee by approximately 0.15%, beginning August 1, 2021, and a temporary reduction of the Fund's annual unified
management fee of 0.10% (e.g., the Class I unified fee will be reduced from 0.98% to 0.73%) for at least one year, beginning August 1, 2021. The Board concluded that the management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor under the management agreement is reasonable in light of the services provided to the Fund.
Comparison to Fees and Services Provided to Other Clients of the Advisor. The Board also requested and received information from the Advisor concerning the nature of the services, fees, costs, and profitability of its advisory services to advisory clients other than the Fund. They observed that these varying types of client accounts require different services and involve different regulatory and entrepreneurial risks than the management of the Fund. The Board analyzed this information and concluded that the fees charged and services provided to the Fund were reasonable by comparison.
Payments to Intermediaries. The Directors also requested and received a description of payments made to intermediaries by the Fund and the Advisor and services provided in response thereto. These payments include various payments made by the Fund or the Advisor to different types of intermediaries and recordkeepers for distribution and service activities provided for the Fund. The Directors reviewed such information and received representations from the Advisor that all such payments by the Fund were made pursuant to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 Plan and that all such payments by the Advisor were made from the Advisor’s resources and reasonable profits. The Board found such payments to be reasonable in scope and purpose.
Collateral or “Fall-Out” Benefits Derived by the Advisor. The Board considered the possible existence of collateral benefits the Advisor may receive as a result of its relationship with the Fund. They concluded that the Advisor’s primary business is managing funds and it generally does not use fund or shareholder information to generate profits in other lines of business, and therefore does not derive any significant collateral benefits from them. To the extent there are potential collateral benefits, the Board has been advised and has taken this into consideration in its review of the management contract with the Fund. The Board noted that additional assets from other clients may offer the Advisor some benefit from increased leverage with service providers and counterparties. Additionally, the Advisor may receive proprietary research from broker-dealers that execute fund portfolio transactions, which the Board concluded is likely to benefit other clients of the Advisor, as well as Fund shareholders. The Board also determined that the Advisor is able to provide investment management services to certain clients other than the Fund, at least in part, due to its existing infrastructure built to serve the fund complex. The Board concluded that appropriate allocation methodologies had been employed to assign resources and the cost of those resources to these other clients.
Existing Relationship. The Board also considered whether there was any reason for not continuing the existing arrangement with the Advisor. In this regard, the Board was mindful of the potential disruptions of the Fund’s operations and various risks, uncertainties, and other effects that could occur as a result of a decision not to continue such relationship. In particular, the Board recognized that most shareholders have invested in the Fund on the strength of the Advisor’s industry standing and reputation and in the expectation that the Advisor will have a continuing role in providing advisory services to the Fund.
Conclusion of the Directors. As a result of this process, the Board, including all of the independent Directors, taking into account all of the factors discussed above and the information provided by the Advisor and others in connection with its review and throughout the year, determined that the management fee is fair and reasonable in light of the services provided and that the investment management agreement between the Fund and the Advisor should be renewed.
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Liquidity Risk Management Program |
The Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “program”). The Fund’s Board of Directors (the "Board") has designated American Century Investment Management, Inc. (“ACIM”) as the administrator of the program. Personnel of ACIM or its affiliates conduct the day-to-day operation of the program pursuant to policies and procedures administered by those members of the ACIM’s Investment Oversight Committee who are members of the ACIM’s Investment Management and Global Analytics departments.
Under the program, ACIM manages the Fund’s liquidity risk, which is the risk that the Fund could not meet shareholder redemption requests without significant dilution of remaining shareholders’ interests in the Fund. This risk is managed by monitoring the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments, limiting the amount of the Fund’s illiquid investments, and utilizing various risk management tools and facilities available to the Fund for meeting shareholder redemptions, among other means. ACIM’s process of determining the degree of liquidity of the Fund’s investments is supported by one or more third-party liquidity assessment vendors.
The Board reviewed a report prepared by ACIM regarding the operation and effectiveness of the program for the period December 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. No significant liquidity events impacting the Fund were noted in the report. In addition, ACIM provided its assessment that the program had been effective in managing the Fund’s liquidity risk.
Proxy Voting Policies
A description of the policies that the fund's investment advisor uses in exercising the voting rights associated with the securities purchased and/or held by the fund is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. It is also available on American Century Investments’ website at americancentury.com/proxy and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov. Information regarding how the investment advisor voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available on americancentury.com/proxy. It is also available at sec.gov.
Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure
The fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These portfolio holdings are available on the fund's website at ipro.americancentury.com (for Investment Professionals) and, upon request, by calling 1-800-378-9878. The fund’s Form N-PORT reports are available on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.
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Contact Us | americancentury.com | |
Automated Information Line | 1-800-345-8765 | |
Investment Professional Service Representatives | 1-800-345-6488 | |
Telecommunications Relay Service for the Deaf | 711 | |
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American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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Investment Advisor: American Century Investment Management, Inc. Kansas City, Missouri | |
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This report and the statements it contains are submitted for the general information of our shareholders. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus. | |
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©2021 American Century Proprietary Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. CL-SAN-92977 2108 | |
(b) None.
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
Not applicable for semiannual report filings.
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
Not applicable for semiannual report filings.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Not applicable for semiannual report filings.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
Not applicable for semiannual report filings.
ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS.
(a) The schedule of investments is included as part of the report to stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
During the reporting period, there were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board.
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) are effective based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Not applicable for semiannual report filings.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(a)(4) Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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Registrant: | American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. | |
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By: | /s/ Patrick Bannigan | |
| Name: | Patrick Bannigan | |
| Title: | President | |
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Date: | August 24, 2021 | |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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By: | /s/ Patrick Bannigan | |
| Name: | Patrick Bannigan | |
| Title: | President | |
| | (principal executive officer) | |
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Date: | August 24, 2021 | |
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By: | /s/ R. Wes Campbell | |
| Name: | R. Wes Campbell | |
| Title: | Treasurer and | |
| | Chief Financial Officer | |
| | (principal financial officer) | |
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Date: | August 24, 2021 | |