UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act File Number: 811-06650

 

LORD ABBETT RESEARCH FUND, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

 

90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302-3973

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

Lawrence B. Stoller, Esq.
Vice President, Secretary, and Chief Legal Officer

90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302-3973

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (888) 522-2388

 

Date of fiscal year end: 11/30

 

Date of reporting period: 11/30/2022

 

Item 1: Report(s) to Shareholders.
 

 

LORD ABBETT
ANNUAL REPORT

 

Lord Abbett

 

Dividend Growth Fund

 

Growth Opportunities Fund

 

Small Cap Value Fund

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022

 

Table of Contents

 

1   A Letter to Shareholders
     
13   Investment Comparisons
     
17   Information About Your Fund’s Expenses and Holdings Presented by Sector
     
    Schedules of Investments:
     
25   Dividend Growth Fund
     
28   Growth Opportunities Fund
     
32   Small Cap Value Fund
     
36   Statements of Assets and Liabilities
     
38   Statements of Operations
     
40   Statements of Changes in Net Assets
     
42   Financial Highlights
     
54   Notes to Financial Statements
     
71   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
     
72   Supplemental Information to Shareholders
 

 

 

Lord Abbett Research Fund

Lord Abbett Dividend Growth Fund,

Lord Abbett Growth Opportunities Fund, and

Lord Abbett Small Cap Value Fund
Annual Report

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022

 

 

From left to right: James L.L. Tullis, Independent Chair of the Lord Abbett Funds and Douglas B. Sieg Director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Lord Abbett Funds.

Dear Shareholders: We are pleased to provide you with this overview of the performance of the Funds for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022. On this page and the following pages, we discuss the major factors that influenced fiscal year performance. For detailed and timely information about the Funds, please visit our website at www.lordabbett.com, where you can also access the quarterly commentaries that provide updates on each Fund’s performance and other portfolio related updates.

Thank you for investing in Lord Abbett mutual funds. We value the trust that you place in us and look forward to serving your investment needs in the years to come.

 

Best regards,

 

Douglas B. Sieg

Director, President and Chief Executive Officer


 

 

Lord Abbett Dividend Growth Fund

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Fund returned -5.30%, reflecting performance at the net asset value (“NAV”) of Class A shares with all distributions reinvested, compared to its benchmark, the S&P 500® Index1, which returned -9.21% over the same period.

U.S. markets faced many challenges throughout the twelve-month period

ending November 30, 2022, including the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, supply chain dislocations, labor shortages, inflationary pressures, tighter fiscal and monetary policy, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 2.48% and the S&P 500® Index1 fell -9.21%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite lost -25.59%. Value stocks2 significantly outperformed growth stocks3 (1.95%


 

1

 

 

 

vs -21.59%), while large cap stocks4 outperformed small cap stocks5 (-10.66% vs -13.01%).

In November 2021, just prior to the start of the period, the World Health Organization designated the newly discovered Omicron variant as a “variant of concern”, leading to one of the largest selloffs of U.S. risk assets since the start of the pandemic, amid fears that the world would succumb to a new wave of infections. U.S. cases hit the highest levels of the pandemic in December, rising above 580,000 new cases in the last week of the month, more than doubling the previous record high. Yet, negative sentiment quickly reversed as cases proved to be generally less severe than prior strains. Market sentiment also increased after the Center for Disease Control shortened its suggested isolation policy for those infected from 10 days to five.

Inflationary concerns began to take focus towards the end of 2021 and became a dominant story throughout the period. Headline consumer price index (CPI) readings had hovered a little above 5% year-over-year for most of 2021, which led investors to question whether this period of rising prices would be more persistent than originally thought. This debate was intensified by November’s headline consumer price index rising 6.8% year-over-year, the fastest pace since 1982. The sharp increase in prices was generally due to supply and demand imbalances across multiple industries, led initially by energy, food, and used cars.

Inflation readings continued to climb throughout the first half of 2022, peaking at 9.1% year-over-year in June.

Energy costs were the primary driver of inflation for the period, rising more than 30% year-over-year by the end of June. The energy sector, which had been subject to rising consumer demand as global economies reopened from lockdowns induced by COVID-19, faced added friction with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Investors were concerned about the secondary effects of the war, particularly from a commodity and supply chain standpoint. Russia has been a large exporter of oil and certain minerals, and the various sanctions set on Russia from Western nations led to a surge in commodity prices, with crude oil reaching over $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014.

The surge in prices forced the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) into a more aggressive approach to combating inflation. After remaining mostly consistent in its messaging that price pressures would likely be transitory, elevated and more persistent inflation pressures caused the Fed to move the target federal funds rate into more restrictive territory. This resulted in a 25-basis point (bps) hike in the federal funds rate at the March Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the first hike in more than three years. Five additional rate hikes of 50 bps, 75 bps, 75 bps, 75 bps, and 75 bps, respectively, followed in the succeeding months as inflation prints continued to come in hotter than expected, resulting in a


 

2

 

 

 

federal funds rate of 4.00% by November 2, 2022. Bond yields shot up in response to this aggressive policy, leading to a bearish curve flattening and ultimately a yield curve inversion, as shorter-term yields moved higher than longer-term yields.

Separately, global markets faced increased geopolitical tensions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 23rd. Tensions remained elevated for the remainder of the twelve-month period, as Russia continued to weaponize energy flows, annexed four Ukrainian regions, and ratcheted up its nuclear warnings. In addition, the rhetoric between the U.S. and China over Taiwan further heated up after U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August. China responded to the trip with large-scale military drills, which led to a pledge by U.S. President Joe Biden to defend the democratically governed island.

Key macroeconomic indicators mostly trended lower throughout the period, with the U.S. reporting negative gross domestic product of -1.6% in the first quarter of 2022 and -0.9% in the second quarter before returning to growth in the third quarter. Worries among investors that a recession was pending continued to grow, leading to a decline in consumer sentiment to lower levels than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis of 2008 as measured by the consumer confidence index.

Despite rising recessionary signs, select bright spots in the U.S. economy supported

the idea that a potential recession would be shallow. For example, one positive development was the peak inflation narrative, which included a 99 day stretch of declines in U.S. gasoline prices and October CPI coming in better than expected on both the headline and core numbers. In addition, apartment rents fell for the first time in nearly two years in July, and lumber prices declined by more than 70% from their March peak late in the third quarter, falling back to pre-COVID levels. The second quarter of 2022 earnings season also generated a lot of “better-than-feared” takeaways, including a common theme of relatively stable demand and pricing power protecting margins. Third-quarter earnings were slightly below expectations but provided evidence of healthy consumer spending. Capital return and capital expenditures were also mentioned as relative bright spots as companies flagged easing labor shortages and supply chain constraints. The U.S. labor market also remained strong over the period, with the national unemployment rate at 3.7% as of the end of November.

In terms of the Fund’s key performance drivers, over the 12-month period ending November 30, 2022, security selection within the industrials sector contributed to the Fund’s relative performance. Within the industrials sector, Northrop Grumman Corp., a defense contractor, contributed most to relative performance. The ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine built


 

3

 

 

 

up momentum in the defense sector and the U.S. government is Northrop Grumman’s largest customer. We expect Northrop Grumman to be the fastest growing U.S. defense contractor based on its large and ramping growth platforms that serve critical U.S. needs including Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) and satellites. The Fund’s position in AbbVie, Inc., a research-based biopharmaceutical company, also contributed to relative performance. Shares rallied in the first half of the year, up almost 50% at the peak in early April. The stock price move was supported by the company’s strong fourth quarter earnings and fiscal year guidance, which came in above expectations. The Fund’s position in McDonald’s Corporation, a multinational fast-food chain, contributed to relative performance. Shares rallied after the company reported strong third quarter earnings that demonstrated broad-based business momentum as global comparable sales increased nearly 10%. The company also increased the quarterly dividend by more than 10%.

Conversely, one of the largest detractors from relative performance during the 12-month period ending November 30, 2022, was NVIDIA Corp., an American multinational technology company. The company’s gaming segment was adversely impacted by material economic slowdowns in China and Europe, which led to a selloff in shares of NVIDIA. Government restrictions were introduced in September, which

limited the company’s ability to sell certain products into China, which compounded the sell off. Within the health care sector, the Fund’s allocation to West Pharmaceutical, which manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines and consumer healthcare products, was one of the largest detractors from relative performance. The company reported first quarter earnings that were modestly ahead of expectations, coupled with an earnings guidance increase. Despite the better-than-expected quarter, shares sold off as the company continued to face foreign exchange rate headwinds as the U.S. dollar strengthened and investors worried that a faster-than-expected fall-off in COVID-19 related order flow would result in underutilization of new capacity. The Fund’s position in Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., which engages in the manufacturing of skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, detracted from relative performance. Shares sold off following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. After suspending The Estée Lauder Companies’ business investments and initiatives in Russia, the company also decided to suspend all commercial activity in Russia, including closing every store it owns and operates, as well as its brand sites and shipments to any of its retailers in Russia.

 

Lord Abbett Growth Opportunities Fund

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Fund returned -27.23%,


 

4

 

 

 

reflecting performance at the net asset value (“NAV”) of Class A shares with all distributions reinvested, compared to its benchmark, the Russell Midcap® Growth Index,6 which returned -21.77% over the same period.

U.S. markets faced many challenges throughout the twelve-month period ending November 30, 2022, including the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, supply chain dislocations, labor shortages, inflationary pressures, tighter fiscal and monetary policy, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 2.48% and the S&P 500® Index1 fell -9.21%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite lost -25.59%. Value stocks2 significantly outperformed growth stocks3 (1.95% vs -21.59%), while large cap stocks4 outperformed small cap stocks5 (-10.66% vs -13.01%).

In November 2021, just prior to the start of the period, the World Health Organization designated the newly discovered Omicron variant as a “variant of concern”, leading to one of the largest selloffs of U.S. risk assets since the start of the pandemic, amid fears that the world would succumb to a new wave of infections. U.S. cases hit the highest levels of the pandemic in December, rising above 580,000 new cases in the last week of the month, more than doubling the previous record high. Yet, negative sentiment quickly reversed as cases proved to be generally less severe than prior strains. Market sentiment also increased after the

Center for Disease Control shortened its suggested isolation policy for those infected from 10 days to five.

Inflationary concerns began to take focus towards the end of 2021 and became a dominant story throughout the period. Headline consumer price index (CPI) readings had hovered a little above 5% year-over-year for most of 2021, which led investors to question whether this period of rising prices would be more persistent than originally thought. This debate was intensified by November’s headline consumer price index rising 6.8% year-over-year, the fastest pace since 1982. The sharp increase in prices was generally due to supply and demand imbalances across multiple industries, led initially by energy, food, and used cars. Inflation readings continued to climb throughout the first half of 2022, peaking at 9.1% year-over-year in June.

Energy costs were the primary driver of inflation for the period, rising more than 30% year-over-year by the end of June. The energy sector, which had been subject to rising consumer demand as global economies reopened from lockdowns induced by COVID-19, faced added friction with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Investors were concerned about the secondary effects of the war, particularly from a commodity and supply chain standpoint. Russia has been a large exporter of oil and certain minerals, and the various sanctions set on Russia from Western nations led to a surge in commodity prices, with crude oil reaching over $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014.


 

5

 

 

 

The surge in prices forced the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) into a more aggressive approach to combating inflation. After remaining mostly consistent in its messaging that price pressures would likely be transitory, elevated and more persistent inflation pressures caused the Fed to move the target federal funds rate into more restrictive territory. This resulted in a 25-basis point (bps) hike in the federal funds rate at the March Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the first hike in more than three years. Five additional rate hikes of 50 bps, 75 bps, 75 bps, 75 bps, and 75 bps, respectively, followed in the succeeding months as inflation prints continued to come in hotter than expected, resulting in a federal funds rate of 4.00% by November 2, 2022. Bond yields shot up in response to this aggressive policy, leading to a bearish curve flattening and ultimately a yield curve inversion, as shorter-term yields moved higher than longer-term yields.

Separately, global markets faced increased geopolitical tensions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 23rd. Tensions remained elevated for the remainder of the twelve-month period, as Russia continued to weaponize energy flows, annexed four Ukrainian regions, and ratcheted up its nuclear warnings. In addition, the rhetoric between the U.S. and China over Taiwan further heated up after U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August. China

responded to the trip with large-scale military drills, which led to a pledge by U.S. President Joe Biden to defend the democratically governed island.

Key macroeconomic indicators mostly trended lower throughout the period, with the U.S. reporting negative gross domestic product of -1.6% in the first quarter of 2022 and -0.9% in the second quarter before returning to growth in the third quarter. Worries among investors that a recession was pending continued to grow, leading to a decline in consumer sentiment to lower levels than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis of 2008 as measured by the consumer confidence index.

Despite rising recessionary signs, select bright spots in the U.S. economy supported the idea that a potential recession would be shallow. For example, one positive development was the peak inflation narrative, which included a 99 day stretch of declines in U.S. gasoline prices and October CPI coming in better than expected on both the headline and core numbers. In addition, apartment rents fell for the first time in nearly two years in July, and lumber prices declined by more than 70% from their March peak late in the third quarter, falling back to pre-COVID levels. The second quarter of 2022 earnings season also generated a lot of “better-than-feared” takeaways, including a common theme of relatively stable demand and pricing power protecting margins. Third-quarter earnings were


 

6

 

 

 

slightly below expectations but provided evidence of healthy consumer spending. Capital return and capital expenditures were also mentioned as relative bright spots as companies flagged easing labor shortages and supply chain constraints. The U.S. labor market also remained strong over the period, with the national unemployment rate at 3.7% as of the end of November.

Over the 12-month period ending November 30, 2022, Lord Abbett made the strategic decision to offer a single style of growth investing, led by our Innovation Growth team, which is directed by F. Thomas O’Halloran, J.D., CFA, Partner & Portfolio Manager, and Matthew DeCicco, CFA, Partner & Director of Equities. As a result of this enhanced focus, the investment strategy, philosophy and process of the Growth Opportunities Fund changed to become consistent with the rest of the innovation growth suite of products. As such, the Fund’s portfolio management team seeks to invest in the stocks of companies with strong business models, management, and competitive positions that are targeting markets that appear most likely to benefit from increased innovation.

As a result of supply chain dislocations, labor shortages, inflationary pressures, tighter fiscal and monetary policy, and the war in Ukraine, high innovation small and midcap companies, particularly those aggressively reinvesting in research and development to drive future revenues and

earnings, underperformed lower growth, lower valuation names within the index during the period as the market has largely expressed a technical preference for companies with positive earnings today, compared to larger growth potential in the future. As such, the portfolio’s exposure to small and midcap secular growth companies, such as MongoDB, Inc., a general-purpose database platform, was a primary drag on relative performance.

In addition, having no exposure to stock of companies related to the oil, gas, and consumable fuel industry throughout the first few months of 2022 was also a primary detractor from relative performance, as geopolitical tensions that ultimately culminated in the Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in oil prices rising above $120 per barrel in March as the market anticipated a supply shortage.

The Fund’s position in Roku, Inc., a manufacturer of digital media players for video streaming, was the largest individual detractor from relative performance. In February, shares of the stock fell after the company reported a revenue miss for the fourth quarter of 2021 and gave first-quarter 2022 guidance that was below analysts’ expectations. Management blamed the slowing revenue growth on continued supply chain disruptions impacting the U.S. television market.

The Fund’s position in Enphase Energy, Inc., an energy technology company that develops and manufactures solar micro-inverters, battery energy storage, and


 

7

 

 

 

electric vehicle charging stations, was a prominent contributor to relative performance over the period. Enphase has benefited greatly from increased demand for solar solutions in Europe as a result of persistent energy shortages. In the company’s most recent quarterly earnings report, management reported top- and bottom-line earnings results that exceeded consensus expectations. Notably, Enphase’s reported strong revenue growth driven by growth in microinverter and IQ Battery shipments. As of the end of the fiscal year, Enphase is one of the portfolio’s top active overweights.

The Fund’s position in Intra-Cellular Therapies, a developer of innovative treatments for individuals with neuropsychiatric and neurologic disorders, was also a notable contributor to relative performance. Shares soared following the FDA’s approval of CAPLYTA®, the first and only FDA-approved treatment for depressive episodes in adults with bipolar I or II disorders. Positive momentum of the stock continued into 2022 as a result of the drug’s successful initial launch, as well as the company reporting strong first quarter 2022 earnings.

 

Lord Abbett Small Cap Value Fund

 

For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2022, the Fund returned -9.18% reflecting performance at the net asset value (“NAV”) of Class A shares with all distributions reinvested, compared to its benchmark, the

Russell 2000 Value® Index7, which returned -4.75% over the same period.

U.S. markets faced many challenges throughout the twelve-month period ending November 30, 2022, including the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, supply chain dislocations, labor shortages, inflationary pressures, tighter fiscal and monetary policy, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 2.48% and the S&P 500® Index1 fell -9.21%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite lost -25.59%. Value stocks2 significantly outperformed growth stocks3 (1.95% vs -21.59%), while large cap stocks4 outperformed small cap stocks5 (-10.66% vs -13.01%).

In November 2021, just prior to the start of the period, the World Health Organization designated the newly discovered Omicron variant as a “variant of concern”, leading to one of the largest selloffs of U.S. risk assets since the start of the pandemic, amid fears that the world would succumb to a new wave of infections. U.S. cases hit the highest levels of the pandemic in December, rising above 580,000 new cases in the last week of the month, more than doubling the previous record high. Yet, negative sentiment quickly reversed as cases proved to be generally less severe than prior strains. Market sentiment also increased after the Center for Disease Control shortened its suggested isolation policy for those infected from 10 days to five.


 

8

 

 

 

Inflationary concerns began to take focus towards the end of 2021 and became a dominant story throughout the period. Headline consumer price index (CPI) readings had hovered a little above 5% year-over-year for most of 2021, which led investors to question whether this period of rising prices would be more persistent than originally thought. This debate was intensified by November’s headline consumer price index rising 6.8% year-over-year, the fastest pace since 1982. The sharp increase in prices was generally due to supply and demand imbalances across multiple industries, led initially by energy, food, and used cars. Inflation readings continued to climb throughout the first half of 2022, peaking at 9.1% year-over-year in June.

Energy costs were the primary driver of inflation for the period, rising more than 30% year-over-year by the end of June. The energy sector, which had been subject to rising consumer demand as global economies reopened from lockdowns induced by COVID-19, faced added friction with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Investors were concerned about the secondary effects of the war, particularly from a commodity and supply chain standpoint. Russia has been a large exporter of oil and certain minerals, and the various sanctions set on Russia from Western nations led to a surge in commodity prices, with crude oil reaching over $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014.

The surge in prices forced the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) into a more

aggressive approach to combating inflation. After remaining mostly consistent in its messaging that price pressures would likely be transitory, elevated and more persistent inflation pressures caused the Fed to move the target federal funds rate into more restrictive territory. This resulted in a 25-basis point (bps) hike in the federal funds rate at the March Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the first hike in more than three years. Five additional rate hikes of 50 bps, 75 bps, 75 bps, 75 bps, and 75 bps, respectively, followed in the succeeding months as inflation prints continued to come in hotter than expected, resulting in a federal funds rate of 4.00% by November 2, 2022. Bond yields shot up in response to this aggressive policy, leading to a bearish curve flattening and ultimately a yield curve inversion, as shorter-term yields moved higher than longer-term yields.

Separately, global markets faced increased geopolitical tensions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 23rd. Tensions remained elevated for the remainder of the twelve-month period, as Russia continued to weaponize energy flows, annexed four Ukrainian regions, and ratcheted up its nuclear warnings. In addition, the rhetoric between the U.S. and China over Taiwan further heated up after U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August. China responded to the trip with large-scale military drills, which led to a pledge


 

9

 

 

 

by U.S. President Joe Biden to defend the democratically governed island.

Key macroeconomic indicators mostly trended lower throughout the period, with the U.S. reporting negative gross domestic product of -1.6% in the first quarter of 2022 and -0.9% in the second quarter before returning to growth in the third quarter. Worries among investors that a recession was pending continued to grow, leading to a decline in consumer sentiment to lower levels than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis of 2008 as measured by the consumer confidence index.

Despite rising recessionary signs, select bright spots in the U.S. economy supported the idea that a potential recession would be shallow. For example, one positive development was the peak inflation narrative, which included a 99 day stretch of declines in U.S. gasoline prices and October CPI coming in better than expected on both the headline and core numbers. In addition, apartment rents fell for the first time in nearly two years in July, and lumber prices declined by more than 70% from their March peak late in the third quarter, falling back to pre-COVID levels. The second quarter of 2022 earnings season also generated a lot of “better-than-feared” takeaways, including a common theme of relatively stable demand and pricing power protecting margins. Third-quarter earnings were slightly below expectations but provided evidence of healthy consumer spending.

Capital return and capital expenditures were also mentioned as relative bright spots as companies flagged easing labor shortages and supply chain constraints. The U.S. labor market also remained strong over the period, with the national unemployment rate at 3.7% as of the end of November.

In terms of the Fund’s key performance drivers during the 12-month period ending November 30, 2022, the Fund’s position in Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., a consumer products and home essentials company, detracted from relative performance. Shares fell after Assa Abloy, which engages in the provision of intelligent lock and security solutions, issued a statement regarding the U.S. DOJ’s blocking of Assa Abloys’s proposed acquisition of the hardware and home improvement division of Spectrum Brands. The Fund’s position in Customers Bancorp, Inc., a bank holding company, also detracted from relative performance. Amid the flattening of the yield curve and skepticism around global growth prospects, banks have come under pressure. Shares continued to fall following two consecutive quarters of lower-than-expected earnings per share. The Fund’s position in Century Aluminum Co., a producer of aluminum and operator of aluminum reduction facilities, or smelters, in the United States and Iceland, detracted from relative performance. Shares fell as power costs increased early in the year, with the expectation that higher prices


 

10

 

 

 

would continue through the summer. Electricity prices typically comprise approximately 1/3 of smelter costs. In addition to this, it became evident there was a much smaller global aluminum supply deficit than anticipated, largely due to weaker China demand and excess supply.

Conversely, the largest contributor to relative performance during the 12-month period ending November 30, 2022, was International Money Express, Inc, a leading money remittance services company. Shares rallied after the company reported fourth quarter earnings above expectations, followed by another strong first quarter earnings report. The company subsequently increased second quarter earnings guidance. We believe their valuation remains attractive and they are well positioned for further growth. The Fund’s position in Cars.com, Inc., a leading automotive marketplace platform, contributed to relative performance. Shares rallied after the company reported strong second quarter earnings where revenue and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and

amortization (EBITDA) beat expectations. Subsequently, the company issued third quarter guidance stating they expect revenue growth to accelerate and projected growth of 6-8% year-over-year in the second half of 2022. The Fund’s position in Silicon Motion Technology, which engages in the development, manufacturing, and supply of semiconductor products for the electronics market, was the largest contributor to relative performance within the sector. Silicon Motion Technology was a significant contributor to relative performance in the first half of the year. Shares rallied following the announcement that MaxLinear, which provides highly integrated radio-frequency analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products for broadband communications applications, would acquire Silicon Motion Technology.

Each Fund’s portfolio is actively managed and, therefore, holdings and the weightings of a particular issuer or particular sector as a percentage of portfolio assets are subject to change. Sectors may include many industries.


 

1    The S&P 500® Index is widely regarded as the standard for measuring large cap U.S. stock market performance and includes a representative sample of leading companies in leading industries.

2    As represented by the Russell 3000® Value Index as of 11/30/2022.

3    As represented by the Russell 3000® Growth Index as of 11/30/2022.

4    As represented by the Russell 1000® Index as of 11/30/2022.

5    As represented by the Russell 2000® Index as of 11/30/2022.

6    The Russell Midcap® Growth Index measures the performance of those Russell Midcap® companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values.

7    The Russell 2000 Value® Index measures the performance of those stocks of the Russell 2000® Index with lower price-to-book ratios and lower relative forecasted growth rates.

Indices are unmanaged, do not reflect the deduction of fees or expenses, and an investor cannot invest directly in an index.


 

11

 

 

 

Unless otherwise specified, indexes reflect total return, with all dividends reinvested. Indexes are unmanaged, do not reflect the deduction of fees or expenses, and are not available for direct investment.

 

Important Performance and Other Information Performance data quoted in the following pages reflect past performance and are no guarantee of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the performance quoted. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Funds will fluctuate so that shares, on any given day or when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month end by calling Lord Abbett at 888-522-2388 or referring to www.lordabbett.com.

 

Except where noted, comparative Fund performance does not account for the deduction of sales charges and would be different if sales charges were included. Each Fund offers classes of shares with distinct pricing options. For a full description of the differences in pricing alternatives, please see each Fund’s prospectus.

During certain periods shown, expense waivers and reimbursements were in place. Without such waivers and expense reimbursements, the Funds’ returns would have been lower.

 

The annual commentary above discusses the views of the Funds’ management and various portfolio holdings of the Funds as of November 30, 2022. These views and portfolio holdings may have changed after this date. Information provided in the commentary is not a recommendation to buy or sell securities. Because the Funds’ portfolios are actively managed and may change significantly, the Funds may no longer own the securities described above or may have otherwise changed their positions in the securities. For more recent information about the Funds’ portfolio holdings, please visit www.lordabbett.com.

 

A Note about Risk: See Notes to Financial Statements for a discussion of investment risks. For a more detailed discussion of the risks associated with each Fund, please see each Fund’s prospectus.

 

Mutual funds are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, banks, and are subject to investment risks including possible loss of principal amount invested.


 

12

 

Dividend Growth Fund

 

Investment Comparison

 

Below is a comparison of a $10,000 investment in Class A shares with the same investment in the S&P 500® Index, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The performance of the other classes will be greater than or less than the performance shown in the graph below due to different sales loads and expenses applicable to such classes. The graph and performance table below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. During certain periods, expenses of the Fund have been waived or reimbursed by Lord Abbett; without such waiver or reimbursement of expenses, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns at Maximum Applicable
Sales Charge for the Periods Ended November 30, 2022

    1 Year   5 Years   10 Years   Life of Class  
Class A3   -10.76%   8.49%   11.03%    
Class C4   -6.88%   8.95%   10.85%    
Class F5   -5.05%   10.05%   11.92%    
Class F36   -4.95%   10.13%     11.34%  
Class I5   -5.04%   10.05%   11.97%    
Class P5   -5.46%   9.55%   11.46%    
Class R25   -5.64%   9.39%   11.29%    
Class R35   -5.53%   9.51%   11.42%    
Class R47   -5.30%   9.78%     10.96%  
Class R57   -5.09%   10.06%     11.23%  
Class R67   -5.00%   10.14%     11.32%  


 

13

 

 

 

1    Reflects the deduction of the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%.

2    Performance for the unmanaged index does not reflect any fees or expenses. The performance of each index is not necessarily representative of the Fund’s performance.

3    Total return, which is the percentage change in net asset value, after deduction of the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% applicable to Class A shares, with all dividends and distributions reinvested for the periods shown ended November 30, 2022, is calculated using the SEC-required uniform method to compute such return.

4    The 1% CDSC for Class C shares normally applies before the first anniversary of the purchase date. Performance for other periods is at net asset value.

5    Performance is at net asset value.

6    Commenced operations and performance for the Class began on April 4, 2017. Performance is at net asset value.

7    Commenced operations and performance for the Class began on June 30, 2015. Performance is at net asset value.


 

14

 

Growth Opportunities Fund

 

Investment Comparison

 

Below is a comparison of a $10,000 investment in Class A shares with the same investment in both the Russell Midcap® Growth Index and the Russell Midcap® Index, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The performance of the other classes will be greater than or less than the performance shown in the graph below due to different sales loads and expenses applicable to such classes. The graph and performance table below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. During certain periods, expenses of the Fund have been waived or reimbursed by Lord Abbett; without such waiver or reimbursement of expenses, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns at Maximum Applicable
Sales Charge for the Periods Ended November 30, 2022

   1 Year  5 Years  10 Years  Life of Class  
Class A3   -31.41%   6.32%   9.87%    
Class C4   -28.27%   6.79%   9.73%    
Class F5   -27.09%   7.75%   10.71%    
Class F36   -26.98%   7.93%     9.82%  
Class I5   -27.03%   7.86%   10.82%    
Class P5   -27.35%   7.38%   10.33%    
Class R25   -27.44%   7.22%   10.16%    
Class R35   -27.39%   7.32%   10.27%    
Class R47   -27.19%   7.59%     7.34%  
Class R57   -27.01%   7.86%     7.61%  
Class R67   -26.96%   7.93%     7.71%  

 

1   Reflects the deduction of the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%.

2   Performance for each unmanaged index does not reflect any fees or expenses. The performance of each index is not necessarily representative of the Fund’s performance.

3   Total return, which is the percentage change in net asset value, after deduction of the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% applicable to Class A shares, with all dividends and distributions reinvested for the periods shown ended November 30, 2022, is calculated using the SEC–required uniform method to compute such return.

4   The 1% CDSC for Class C shares normally applies before the first anniversary of the purchase date. Performance for other periods is at net asset value.

5   Performance is at net asset value.

6   Commenced operations and performance for the Class began on April 4, 2017. Performance is at net asset value.

7   Commenced operations and performance for the Class began on June 30, 2015. Performance is at net asset value.


 

15

 

Small Cap Value Fund

 

Investment Comparison

 

Below is a comparison of a $10,000 investment in Class A shares with the same investment in both the Russell 2000® Value Index, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. The performance of the other classes will be greater than or less than the performance shown in the graph below due to different sales loads and expenses applicable to such classes. The graph and performance table below do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. During certain periods, expenses of the Fund have been waived or reimbursed by Lord Abbett; without such waiver or reimbursement of expenses, the Fund’s returns would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Returns at Maximum Applicable
Sales Charge for the Periods Ended November 30, 2022

   1 Year  5 Years  10 Years  Life of Class  
Class A3   -14.38%   1.16%   6.63%    
Class C4   -10.55%   1.57%   6.46%    
Class F5   -8.99%   2.53%   7.44%    
Class F36   -8.85%   2.71%     3.86%  
Class I5   -8.95%   2.63%   7.54%    
Class P5   -9.33%   2.17%   7.06%    
Class R25   -9.46%   2.02%   6.90%    
Class R35   -9.41%   2.13%   7.02%    
Class R47   -9.14%   2.38%     4.44%  
Class R57   -8.93%   2.63%     4.71%  
Class R67   -8.81%   2.72%     4.80%  

 

1   Reflects the deduction of the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75%.

2   Performance for each unmanaged index does not reflect any fees or expenses. The performance of each index is not necessarily representative of the Fund’s performance.

3   Total return, which is the percentage change in net asset value, after deduction of the maximum initial sales charge of 5.75% applicable to Class A shares, with all dividends and distributions reinvested for the periods shown ended November 30, 2022, is calculated using the SEC-required uniform method to compute such return.

4   The 1% CDSC for Class C shares normally applies before the first anniversary of the purchase date. Performance for other periods is at net asset value.

5   Performance is at net asset value.

6   Commenced operations and performance for the Class began on April 4, 2017. Performance is at net asset value.

7   Commenced operations and performance for the Class began on June 30, 2015. Performance is at net asset value.


 

16

 

 

 

Expense Example

 

As a shareholder of a Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments (these charges vary among the share classes); and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees (these charges vary among the share classes); and other Fund expenses. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in each Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (June 1, 2022 through November 30, 2022).

 

Actual Expenses

For each class of each Fund, the first line of the applicable table on the following pages provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading titled “Expenses Paid During Period 6/1/22 – 11/30/22” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

For each class of each Fund, the second line of the applicable table on the following pages provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in each 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.

 

17

 

Dividend Growth Fund

 

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). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
    6/1/22   11/30/22   6/1/22 –
11/30/22
 
Class A                    
Actual    $1,000.00       $1,037.90          $4.70       
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.46    $4.66   
Class C                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,033.90    $8.51   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.70    $8.44   
Class F                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,039.50    $3.43   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.71    $3.40   
Class F3                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,039.80    $3.07   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,022.06    $3.04   
Class I                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,039.40    $3.43   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.71    $3.40   
Class P                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,037.00    $5.72   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,019.45    $5.67   
Class R2                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,035.80    $6.48   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.70    $6.43   
Class R3                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,036.80    $5.97   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,019.20    $5.92   
Class R4                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,038.00    $4.70   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.46    $4.66   
Class R5                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,039.40    $3.43   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.71    $3.40   
Class R6                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,039.80    $3.07   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,022.06    $3.04   

 

   For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (0.92% for Class A, 1.67% for Class C, 0.67% for Class F, 0.60% for Class F3, 0.67% for Class I, 1.12% for Class P, 1.27% for Class R2, 1.17% for Class R3, 0.92% for Class R4, 0.67% for Class R5 and 0.60% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

18

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

November 30, 2022

 

Sector*  %**
Consumer Discretionary  9.22%  
Consumer Staples  7.42%  
Energy  4.86%  
Financials  16.37%  
Health Care  14.55%  
Industrials  11.29%  
Information Technology  22.88%  
Materials  6.22%  
Real Estate  2.49%  
Utilities  3.44%  
Repurchase Agreements  1.26%  
Total  100.00%  

 

*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments, which excludes derivatives.

 

19

 

Growth Opportunities Fund

 

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). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
    6/1/22   11/30/22   6/1/22 –
11/30/22
 
Class A*                    
Actual    $1,000.00       $1,004.20          $5.12       
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,019.95    $5.16   
Class C*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,000.90    $8.88   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,016.19    $8.95   
Class F*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,005.40    $4.42   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.66    $4.46   
Class F3*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,006.00    $3.47   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.61    $3.50   
Class I*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,005.60    $4.02   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.06    $4.05   
Class P*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,003.90    $6.13   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.95    $6.17   
Class R2*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,002.90    $6.88   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.20    $6.93   
Class R3*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,003.40    $6.38   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.70    $6.43   
Class R4                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,004.80    $5.13   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,019.95    $5.16   
Class R5*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,005.60    $3.87   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.21    $3.90   
Class R6*                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $1,006.40    $3.47   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,021.61    $3.50   

 

   For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.02% for Class A, 1.77% for Class C, 0.88% for Class F, 0.69% for Class F3, 0.80% for Class I, 1.22% for Class P, 1.37% for Class R2, 1.27% for Class R3, 1.02% for Class R4, 0.77% for Class R5 and 0.69% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect one-half year period).

*   The annualized expense ratios have been updated to 0.96% for Class A, 1.71% for Class C, 0.81% for Class F, 0.63% for Class F3, 0.71% for class I, 1.16% for Class P, 1.31% for Class R2, 1.21% for Class R3, 0.96% for Class R4, 0.71% for Class R5, and 0.63% for Class R6. Had these updated expense ratios been in place throughout the most recent fiscal half-year, expenses paid during the period would have been:

 

20

 

 

 

    Actual         Hypothetical
(5% Return
Before Expenses)
Class A   $4.82   $4.86
Class C   $8.58   $8.64
Class F   $4.07   $4.10
Class F3   $3.17   $3.19
Class I   $3.57   $3.60
Class P   $5.83   $5.87
Class R2   $6.59   $6.63
Class R3   $6.08   $6.12
Class R4   $4.83   $4.86
Class R5   $3.57   $3.60
Class R6   $3.17   $3.19

 

21

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

November 30, 2022

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services  1.55%  
Consumer Discretionary  20.81%  
Consumer Staples  1.30%  
Energy  2.84%  
Financials  1.92%  
Health Care  19.63%  
Industrials  13.12%  
Information Technology  35.03%  
Materials  1.20%  
Real Estate  1.11%  
Repurchase Agreements  0.85%  
Money Market Funds(a)  0.58%  
Time Deposits(a)  0.06%  
Total  100.00%  
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments, which excludes derivatives.
(a)   Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

22

 

Small Cap Value Fund

 

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). Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

    Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
    6/1/22   11/30/22   6/1/22 –
11/30/22
 
Class A                 
Actual    $1,000.00       $986.90           $6.13        
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.90   $6.23   
Class C                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $982.10   $9.84   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,015.14   $10.00   
Class F                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $987.80   $5.38   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,019.65   $5.47   
Class F3                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $988.60   $4.44   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.61   $4.51   
Class I                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $987.90   $4.88   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.16   $4.96   
Class P                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $985.60   $7.12   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.90   $7.23   
Class R2                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $985.30   $7.86   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.15   $7.99   
Class R3                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $985.70   $7.37   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,017.65   $7.49   
Class R4                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $986.90   $6.08   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,018.95   $6.17   
Class R5                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $987.90   $4.88   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.16   $4.96   
Class R6                 
Actual  $1,000.00   $989.10   $4.44   
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00   $1,020.61   $4.51   

 

   For each class of the Fund, net expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for such class (1.23% for Class A, 1.98% for Class C, 1.08% for Class F, 0.89% for Class F3, 0.98% for Class I, 1.43% for Class P, 1.58% for Class R2, 1.48% for Class R3, 1.22% for Class R4, 0.98% for Class R5 and 0.89% for Class R6) multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 183/365 (to reflect one-half year period).

 

23

 

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

November 30, 2022

 

Sector*  %**
Communication Services  4.90%  
Consumer Discretionary  7.63%  
Consumer Staples  6.31%  
Energy  6.72%  
Financials  23.97%  
Health Care  5.65%  
Industrials  20.09%  
Information Technology  9.02%  
Materials  6.44%  
Real Estate  5.86%  
Utilities  2.31%  
Repurchase Agreements  0.81%  
Money Market Funds(a)  0.26%  
Time Deposits(a)  0.03%  
Total  100.00%  
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments, which excludes derivatives.
(a)   Securities were purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.

 

24

 

Schedule of Investments

DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND November 30, 2022

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 98.55%         
           
COMMON STOCKS 98.55%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 4.37%          
Northrop Grumman Corp.   141,100   $75,247,219 
Raytheon Technologies Corp.   875,141    86,393,920 
Total        161,641,139 
           
Banks 3.69%          
Bank of America Corp. 3,601,334        136,310,492 
           
Beverages 2.73%          
Coca-Cola Co. (The)   1,589,379    101,100,398 
           
Biotechnology 2.42%          
AbbVie, Inc.   554,807    89,423,792 
           
Capital Markets 7.16%          
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.   290,600    96,464,670 
Morgan Stanley   1,038,500    96,653,195 
S&P Global, Inc.   203,800    71,900,640 
Total        265,018,505 
           
Chemicals 2.10%          
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.   250,400    77,664,064 
           
Construction Materials 1.98%          
Vulcan Materials Co.   398,605    73,076,255 
           
Containers & Packaging 1.23%          
Avery Dennison Corp.   234,452    45,326,605 
           
Electric: Utilities 3.04%          
NextEra Energy, Inc.   1,326,049    112,316,350 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 2.49%      
American Tower Corp.   319,800    70,755,750 
Prologis, Inc.   180,351    21,243,544 
Total        91,999,294 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Food & Staples Retailing 4.17%          
Costco Wholesale Corp.   140,028   $75,510,099 
Walmart, Inc.   516,770    78,766,083 
Total        154,276,182 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.77%      
Abbott Laboratories   610,200    65,645,316 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 4.66%      
Humana, Inc.   74,756    41,108,324 
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.   239,700    131,298,072 
Total        172,406,396 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 3.01%      
Churchill Downs, Inc.   131,635    29,217,705 
McDonald’s Corp.   169,726    46,299,555 
Starbucks Corp.   350,848    35,856,666 
Total        111,373,926 
           
Industrial Conglomerates 2.27%          
Honeywell International, Inc.   383,100    84,109,605 
           
Information Technology Services 5.79%      
Accenture plc Class A (Ireland)(a)   158,500    47,697,405 
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.   260,000    49,231,000 
Mastercard, Inc. Class A   328,659    117,134,068 
Total        214,062,473 
           
Insurance 5.49%          
Allstate Corp. (The)   516,967    69,221,881 
American Financial Group, Inc./OH   225,300    32,042,166 
Arthur J Gallagher & Co.   294,753    58,688,270 
Chubb Ltd. (Switzerland)(a)   196,900    43,237,271 
Total        203,189,588 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 25
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND November 30, 2022

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Life Sciences Tools & Services 2.63%      
Danaher Corp.   252,400   $69,008,684 
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.   120,200    28,206,132 
Total        97,214,816 
           
Machinery 2.11%          
Parker-Hannifin Corp.   260,891    77,990,756 
           
Metals & Mining 0.91%          
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.   158,700    33,531,723 
           
Multi-Utilities 0.39%          
CMS Energy Corp.   239,100    14,601,837 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 4.85%      
Exxon Mobil Corp.   1,161,830    129,358,152 
Marathon Petroleum Corp.   411,100    50,076,091 
Total        179,434,243 
           
Personal Products 0.50%          
Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (The) Class A   78,419    18,490,416 
           
Pharmaceuticals 3.04%          
Eli Lilly & Co.   200,432    74,376,307 
Zoetis, Inc.   247,900    38,211,306 
Total        112,587,613 
           
Professional Services 0.81%          
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.   282,727    30,082,153 
           
Road & Rail 1.70%          
Union Pacific Corp.   289,600    62,967,728 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 4.58% 
Analog Devices, Inc.   293,400    50,438,394 
KLA Corp.   89,700    35,265,555 
NVIDIA Corp.   152,900    25,875,267 
Texas Instruments, Inc.   320,800    57,891,568 
Total        169,470,784 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Software 9.51%          
Intuit, Inc.   91,000   $37,090,690 
Microsoft Corp.   971,200    247,791,968 
Roper Technologies, Inc.   152,284    66,835,925 
Total        351,718,583 
           
Specialty Retail 5.42%          
Home Depot, Inc. (The)   185,600    60,132,544 
Lowe’s Cos., Inc.   369,375    78,510,656 
TJX Cos., Inc. (The)   774,900    62,030,745 
Total        200,673,945 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 2.96% 
Apple, Inc.   740,003    109,542,644 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.77%     
NIKE, Inc. Class B   259,900    28,508,431 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $3,003,430,736)
        3,645,756,052 
           
    Principal
Amount
      
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 1.26%      
           
Repurchase Agreements 1.26%       
Repurchase Agreement dated 11/30/2022, 1.75% due 12/1/2022 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $49,320,100, of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.00% due 5/31/2024; value: $47,391,585; proceeds: $46,464,591
(cost $46,462,332)
  $46,462,332    46,462,332 
Total Investments in Securities 99.81%
(cost $3,049,893,068)
        3,692,218,384 
Other Assets and Liabilities – Net(b) 0.19%        7,099,025 
Net Assets 100.00%       $3,699,317,409 

 

(a)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.
(b)   Other Assets and Liabilities include net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts as follows:


 

26 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (concluded)

DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND November 30, 2022

 

Futures Contracts at November 30, 2022:

 

Type  Expiration  Contracts  Position  Notional
Amount
   Notional
Value
   Unrealized
Appreciation
 
E-Mini S&P 500 Index   December 2022  185  Long   $36,013,386    $37,751,562    $1,738,176 

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of November 30, 2022 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Long-Term Investments                    
Common Stocks  $3,645,756,052   $   $   $3,645,756,052 
Short-Term Investments                    
Repurchase Agreements       46,462,332        46,462,332 
Total  $3,645,756,052   $46,462,332   $   $3,692,218,384 
                     
Other Financial Instruments                    
Futures Contracts                    
Assets  $1,738,176   $   $   $1,738,176 
Liabilities                
Total  $1,738,176   $   $   $1,738,176 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(i) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. When applicable each Level 3 security is identified on the Schedule of Investments along with the valuation technique utilized.

 

A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented when the Fund has a material amount of Level 3 investments at the beginning or end of the year in relation to the Fund’s net assets.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 27
 

Schedule of Investments

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND November 30, 2022

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 99.08%          
           
COMMON STOCKS 99.08%          
           
Aerospace & Defense 4.30%          
Axon Enterprise, Inc.*   49,850   $9,173,896 
Parsons Corp.*   77,254    3,824,073 
TransDigm Group, Inc.   11,898    7,477,893 
Total        20,475,862 
           
Beverages 1.31%          
Brown-Forman Corp. Class B   33,458    2,443,103 
Celsius Holdings, Inc.*   34,044    3,790,459 
Total        6,233,562 
           
Biotechnology 9.17%          
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*   21,264    4,690,626 
Argenx SE ADR*   22,172    8,823,791 
Biogen, Inc.*   12,704    3,876,880 
Cytokinetics, Inc.*   141,144    5,998,620 
Genmab A/S ADR*   105,821    4,923,851 
Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.*   26,827    6,312,661 
Krystal Biotech, Inc.*   46,698    3,630,302 
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.*   44,147    5,421,693 
Total        43,678,424 
           
Capital Markets 1.93%          
MSCI, Inc.   10,459    5,311,394 
Raymond James Financial, Inc.   33,412    3,905,863 
Total        9,217,257 
           
Chemicals 1.21%          
Albemarle Corp.   20,748    5,767,737 
           
Communications Equipment 4.28%          
Arista Networks, Inc.*   74,850    10,426,605 
Calix, Inc.*   139,486    9,945,352 
Total        20,371,957 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Construction & Engineering 2.69%          
Comfort Systems USA, Inc.   41,303   $5,235,568 
Quanta Services, Inc.   50,570    7,579,432 
Total        12,815,000 
           
Electrical Equipment 2.35%          
AMETEK, Inc.   52,611    7,492,859 
Hubbell, Inc.   14,509    3,686,156 
Total        11,179,015 
           
Entertainment 0.74%          
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Class A   43,873    3,504,575 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 1.12%      
SBA Communications Corp.   17,848    5,341,906 
           
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 7.89%      
Axonics, Inc.*   48,035    3,289,437 
DexCom, Inc.*   91,990    10,696,597 
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*   5,862    2,496,450 
Inspire Medical Systems, Inc.*   12,043    2,909,227 
Insulet Corp.*   39,130    11,714,348 
Lantheus Holdings, Inc.*   60,045    3,727,594 
Shockwave Medical, Inc.*   10,852    2,752,067 
Total        37,585,720 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 6.04%       
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.*   7,783    12,662,630 
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.   42,174    6,014,856 
Planet Fitness, Inc. Class A*   75,139    5,887,892 
Wingstop, Inc.   25,344    4,194,685 
Total        28,760,063 


 

28 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND November 30, 2022

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Information Technology Services 4.83%      
Block, Inc.*   65,030   $4,407,083 
Cloudflare, Inc. Class A*   76,120    3,740,537 
Shopify, Inc. Class A (Canada)*(a)   236,312    9,660,435 
Toast, Inc. Class A*   284,428    5,222,098 
Total        23,030,153 
           
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail 4.74%      
Coupang, Inc. (South Korea)*(a)   403,505    7,860,278 
Etsy, Inc.*   46,343    6,121,447 
MercadoLibre, Inc. (Uruguay)*(a)   9,241    8,603,232 
Total        22,584,957 
           
Life Sciences Tools & Services 1.68%      
Agilent Technologies, Inc.   37,349    5,788,348 
Repligen Corp.*   12,479    2,231,744 
Total        8,020,092 
           
Machinery 1.40%          
Fortive Corp.   60,607    4,094,003 
Xylem, Inc.   22,863    2,568,658 
Total        6,662,661 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 2.85%          
Antero Resources Corp.*   64,418    2,354,478 
Cheniere Energy, Inc.   50,415    8,840,774 
EQT Corp.   56,624    2,401,424 
Total        13,596,676 
           
Pharmaceuticals 1.00%          
Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.*   87,707    4,755,474 
           
Professional Services 1.72%          
Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp.   32,114    3,416,930 
CoStar Group, Inc.*   59,053    4,785,655 
Total        8,202,585 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 12.14% 
Enphase Energy, Inc.*   43,924   $14,081,595 
First Solar, Inc.*   20,726    3,575,857 
GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Inc.*(b)   51,660    3,324,321 
KLA Corp.   12,248    4,815,301 
Lattice Semiconductor Corp.*   108,089    7,872,122 
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.   17,770    6,787,429 
ON Semiconductor Corp.*   80,953    6,087,666 
Rambus, Inc.*   136,934    5,255,527 
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (Israel)*(a)   11,248    3,361,577 
Wolfspeed, Inc.*   29,227    2,657,319 
Total        57,818,714 
           
Software 13.49%          
Aspen Technology, Inc.*   23,713    5,465,846 
Bentley Systems, Inc. Class B   88,949    3,523,270 
Bill.com Holdings, Inc.*   28,150    3,389,823 
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*   15,341    2,639,266 
Clear Secure, Inc. Class A   231,652    7,199,744 
Crowdstrike Holdings, Inc. Class A*   40,701    4,788,473 
CyberArk Software Ltd. (Israel)*(a)   28,425    4,237,315 
Datadog, Inc. Class A*   30,596    2,318,565 
DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc.*   149,813    3,925,100 
Gitlab, Inc. Class A*   55,447    2,192,929 
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*   15,167    2,576,873 
Paycom Software, Inc.*   17,848    6,052,257 
Paylocity Holding Corp.*   15,847    3,451,952 
Roper Technologies, Inc.   8,925    3,917,093 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 29
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND November 30, 2022

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Software (continued)          
Synopsys, Inc.*   7,731   $2,624,984 
Trade Desk, Inc. (The) Class A*   74,862    3,903,305 
Zscaler, Inc.*   15,260    2,036,447 
Total        64,243,242 
           
Specialty Retail 3.15%          
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.   33,702    4,030,085 
Tractor Supply Co.   22,145    5,011,635 
Ulta Beauty, Inc.*   12,880    5,987,139 
Total        15,028,859 
           
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals 1.32% 
Pure Storage, Inc. Class A*   215,776    6,298,501 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 6.99%          
Crocs, Inc.*   112,453    11,357,753 
Deckers Outdoor Corp.*   19,832    7,910,588 
Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (Canada)*(a)   36,923    14,042,186 
Total        33,310,527 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors 0.74%          
WW Grainger, Inc.   5,844    3,524,283 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $392,695,204)
        472,007,802 
           
Investments  Principal
Amount
   Fair
Value
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 1.49%          
           
Repurchase Agreements 0.85%          
Repurchase Agreement dated 11/30/2022, 1.75% due 12/1/2022 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $4,414,700, of U.S. Treasury Note at 0.25% due 6/15/2024; value: $4,129,707; proceeds: $4,048,900
(cost $4,048,703)
  $4,048,703   $4,048,703 
           
    Shares      
Money Market Funds 0.58%          
Fidelity Government Portfolio(c)
(cost $2,767,050)
   2,767,050    2,767,050 
           
Time Deposits 0.06%          
CitiBank N.A.(c)
(cost $307,450)
   307,450    307,450 
Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $7,123,203)
        7,123,203 
Total Investments in Securities 100.57%
(cost $399,818,407)
        479,131,005 
Other Assets and Liabilities – Net (0.57)%        (2,729,998)
Net Assets 100.00%       $476,401,007 

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.
(b)   All or a portion of this security is temporarily on loan to unaffiliated broker/dealers.
(c)   Security was purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.


 

30 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (concluded)

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND November 30, 2022

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of November 30, 2022 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Long-Term Investments                    
Common Stocks  $472,007,802   $   $   $472,007,802 
Short-Term Investments                    
Repurchase Agreements       4,048,703        4,048,703 
Money Market Funds   2,767,050            2,767,050 
Time Deposits       307,450        307,450 
Total  $474,774,852   $4,356,153   $   $479,131,005 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(i) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. When applicable each Level 3 security is identified on the Schedule of Investments along with the valuation technique utilized.

 

A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented when the Fund has a material amount of Level 3 investments at the beginning or end of the year in relation to the Fund’s net assets.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 31
 

Schedule of Investments

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND November 30, 2022

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 99.20%        
         
COMMON STOCKS 99.20%        
         
Aerospace & Defense 2.00%        
Curtiss-Wright Corp.   46,221   $8,164,940 
           
Auto Components 1.86%          
Dorman Products, Inc.*   45,505    4,079,068 
Gentherm, Inc.*   49,267    3,527,025 
Total        7,606,093 
           
Banks 11.91%          
Bancorp, Inc. (The)*   171,667    5,144,860 
Eastern Bankshares, Inc.   214,867    4,213,542 
First BanCorp   677,245    10,416,012 
Heritage Financial Corp.   243,292    8,004,307 
Prosperity Bancshares, Inc.   85,184    6,437,355 
SouthState Corp.   78,479    6,894,380 
Wintrust Financial Corp.   82,700    7,561,261 
Total        48,671,717 
           
Building Products 1.67%          
Masonite International Corp.*   90,803    6,834,742 
           
Capital Markets 4.07%          
Bridge Investment Group Holdings, Inc. Class A   404,071    6,162,083 
CI Financial Corp.(a)   459,700    4,863,049 
Moelis & Co. Class A   130,106    5,623,181 
Total        16,648,313 
           
Chemicals 3.97%          
Avient Corp.   138,289    4,786,182 
Element Solutions, Inc.   212,497    4,156,442 
Valvoline, Inc.   220,452    7,270,507 
Total        16,213,131 
           
Commercial Banks 1.36%          
WSFS Financial Corp.   114,710    5,564,582 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Commercial Services & Supplies 1.45%     
SP Plus Corp.*   169,675   $5,919,961 
           
Construction & Engineering 2.08%          
EMCOR Group, Inc.   54,868    8,499,053 
           
Construction Materials 1.62%          
Eagle Materials, Inc.   48,677    6,636,622 
           
Containers & Packaging 0.87%          
Pactiv Evergreen, Inc.   305,990    3,561,724 
           
Diversified Financial Services 1.48%          
Compass Diversified Holdings   308,987    6,043,786 
           
Electric: Utilities 2.31%          
IDACORP, Inc.   47,664    5,268,302 
Portland General Electric Co.   85,058    4,187,405 
Total        9,455,707 
           
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components 3.05% 
Belden, Inc.   105,352    8,474,515 
Mirion Technologies, Inc.*   624,482    3,984,195 
Total        12,458,710 
           
Energy Equipment & Services 2.00%      
TechnipFMC PLC (United Kingdom)*(b)   658,320    8,163,168 
           
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts 4.68%      
National Storage Affiliates Trust   129,333    5,148,747 
Physicians Realty Trust   231,268    3,452,831 
STAG Industrial, Inc.   161,200    5,305,092 
Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc.   474,973    5,219,953 
Total        19,126,623 
           
Food Products 1.70%          
Vita Coco Co., Inc. (The)*(c)   585,971    6,937,897 


 

32 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND November 30, 2022

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 1.11%        
CONMED Corp.   54,688   $4,530,901 
           
Health Care Providers & Services 2.77%          
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.*   47,638    5,892,821 
Tenet Healthcare Corp.*   118,100    5,453,858 
Total        11,346,679 
           
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 3.68%          
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, Inc.*   102,154    4,051,427 
Marcus Corp. (The)   402,258    6,532,670 
SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.*   78,129    4,458,041 
Total        15,042,138 
           
Household Durables 0.80%          
Helen of Troy Ltd.*   33,303    3,281,678 
           
Household Products 2.75%          
Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.   172,775    5,521,889 
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.   107,129    5,706,762 
Total        11,228,651 
           
Information Technology Services 2.90%          
Euronet Worldwide, Inc.*   35,084    3,261,058 
International Money Express, Inc.*   396,383    8,609,439 
Total        11,870,497 
           
Insurance 5.22%          
Kemper Corp.   149,126    8,488,252 
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.   26,740    5,051,453 
Selective Insurance Group, Inc.   33,192    3,190,415 
Stewart Information Services Corp.   104,475    4,624,064 
Total        21,354,184 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Interactive Media & Services 2.27%        
Cars.com, Inc.*   627,111   $9,268,701 
           
Machinery 6.83%          
Alamo Group, Inc.   47,190    7,102,095 
Columbus McKinnon Corp.   220,674    7,112,323 
Crane Holdings Co.   78,590    8,325,825 
Miller Industries, Inc.   195,584    5,396,162 
Total        27,936,405 
           
Media 1.05%          
Criteo SA ADR*   158,942    4,300,970 
           
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 4.74%          
Chesapeake Energy Corp.   49,346    5,107,311 
MEG Energy Corp.*(a)   396,100    5,639,010 
Permian Resources Corp.   851,205    8,648,243 
Total        19,394,564 
           
Personal Products 1.89%          
BellRing Brands, Inc.*   309,505    7,709,769 
           
Pharmaceuticals 1.78%          
Organon & Co.   279,322    7,267,958 
           
Professional Services 2.94%          
ICF International, Inc.   59,100    6,404,667 
TrueBlue, Inc.*   260,293    5,617,123 
Total        12,021,790 
           
Real Estate Management & Development 1.20%    
Marcus & Millichap, Inc.   131,658    4,902,944 
           
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 1.29%    
FormFactor, Inc.*   228,223    5,265,105 
           
Software 1.81%          
CommVault Systems, Inc.*   112,172    7,403,352 


 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 33
 

Schedule of Investments (continued)

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND November 30, 2022

 

Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Specialty Retail 1.05%        
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.*   64,000   $4,310,400 
           
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 1.86%          
Deckers Outdoor Corp.*   13,112    5,230,114 
Kontoor Brands, Inc.   54,295    2,359,118 
Total        7,589,232 
           
Trading Companies & Distributors 3.18%          
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.   47,870    6,342,296 
MRC Global, Inc.*   565,618    6,651,668 
Total        12,993,964 
Total Common Stocks
(cost $386,648,387)
        405,526,651 
           
    Principal
Amount
      
           
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 1.11%          
           
Repurchase Agreements 0.82%          
Repurchase Agreement dated 11/30/2022, 1.75% due 12/1/2022 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $3,631,500, of U.S. Treasury Note at 0.25% due 6/15/2024; value: $3,397,067; proceeds: $3,330,535
(cost $3,330,373)
  $3,330,373    3,330,373 
Investments  Shares   Fair
Value
 
Money Market Funds 0.26%          
Fidelity Government Portfolio(d)
(cost $1,067,763)
   1,067,763   $1,067,763 
           
Time Deposits 0.03%          
CitiBank N.A.(d)
(cost $118,640)
   118,640    118,640 
Total Short-Term Investments
(cost $4,516,776)
        4,516,776 
Total Investments in Securities 100.31%
(cost $391,165,163)
        410,043,427 
Other Assets and Liabilities – Net (0.31)%        (1,256,519)
Net Assets 100.00%       $408,786,908 

 

ADR   American Depositary Receipt.
*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.
(b)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.
(c)   All or a portion of this security is temporarily on loan to unaffiliated broker/dealers.
(d)   Security was purchased with the cash collateral from loaned securities.


 

34 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (concluded)

SMALL CAP VALUE FUND November 30, 2022

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of November 30, 2022 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Long-Term Investments                    
Common Stocks  $405,526,651   $   $   $405,526,651 
Short-Term Investments                    
Repurchase Agreements       3,330,373        3,330,373 
Money Market Funds   1,067,763            1,067,763 
Time Deposits       118,640        118,640 
Total  $406,594,414   $3,449,013   $   $410,043,427 

 

(1)   Refer to Note 2(i) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
(2)   See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. When applicable each Level 3 security is identified on the Schedule of Investments along with the valuation technique utilized.

 

A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented when the Fund has a material amount of Level 3 investments at the beginning or end of the year in relation to the Fund’s net assets.

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 35
 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

November 30, 2022

 

   Dividend
Growth Fund
   Growth
Opportunities
Fund
   Small Cap
Value Fund
 
ASSETS:            
Investments in securities, at cost  $3,049,893,068     $399,818,407   $391,165,163 
Investments in securities, at fair value including $0, $3,043,755 and $1,193,496, respectively, of securities loaned  $3,692,218,384     $479,131,005   $410,043,427 
Cash   6           
Deposits with brokers for futures collateral   1,961,000           
Receivables:                 
Investment securities sold   14,143,626      394,488     
Interest and dividends   7,656,969      174,406    658,800 
Capital shares sold   3,217,643      1,177,026    126,147 
Variation margin for futures contracts   1,102,931           
From advisor (See Note 3)   14,597      58,274     
Securities lending income receivable         201    786 
Prepaid expenses and other assets   114,667      67,844    66,224 
Total assets   3,720,429,823      481,003,244    410,895,384 
LIABILITIES:                 
Payables:                 
Investment securities purchased   14,390,089           
Capital shares reacquired   3,705,299      786,193    115,615 
Management fee   1,520,608      245,067    244,990 
12b-1 distribution plan   549,180      93,641    68,511 
Directors’ fees   365,086      111,871    252,567 
Fund administration   116,080      15,081    13,066 
Payable for collateral due to broker for securities lending         3,074,500    1,186,403 
Foreign currency overdraft
(cost $0, $101,856 and $0, respectively)
         106,372     
Distributions payable         15     
Accrued expenses   466,072      169,497    227,324 
Total liabilities   21,112,414      4,602,237    2,108,476 
NET ASSETS  $3,699,317,409     $476,401,007   $408,786,908 
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:                 
Paid-in capital  $2,914,633,361     $468,306,147   $378,319,316 
Total distributable earnings (loss)   784,684,048      8,094,860    30,467,592 
Net Assets  $3,699,317,409     $476,401,007   $408,786,908 
   
36 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (concluded)

November 30, 2022

 

   Dividend
Growth Fund
   Growth
Opportunities
Fund
   Small Cap
Value Fund
 
                
Net assets by class:               
Class A Shares  $2,213,259,487   $356,219,171   $191,439,887 
Class C Shares  $158,789,480   $15,433,781   $4,973,880 
Class F Shares  $184,824,327   $16,775,039   $5,666,869 
Class F3 Shares  $295,541,804   $48,091,419   $27,967,475 
Class I Shares  $812,893,030   $14,741,937   $157,172,546 
Class P Shares  $912,960   $2,643,413   $12,171,490 
Class R2 Shares  $1,206,542   $857,735   $520,673 
Class R3 Shares  $10,852,408   $10,319,164   $2,662,775 
Class R4 Shares  $4,194,434   $2,037,844   $458,187 
Class R5 Shares  $291,113   $65,386   $283,432 
Class R6 Shares  $16,551,824   $9,216,118   $5,469,694 
Outstanding shares by class:               
Class A Shares (538.13, 198 and 378 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   119,347,771    18,793,449    14,102,669 
Class C Shares (40, 40 and 30 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   8,708,538    1,415,213    1,509,659 
Class F Shares (144.38, 66 and 63 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   9,910,386    826,479    411,628 
Class F3 Shares (88.13, 66 and 63 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   15,632,394    2,044,600    1,538,961 
Class I Shares (144.38, 131 and 315 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   43,288,220    633,569    8,739,157 
Class P Shares (20, 20 and 50 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   48,872    146,808    985,447 
Class R2 Shares (30, 30 and 30 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   64,231    49,940    43,173 
Class R3 Shares (30, 43.5 and 82.75 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   588,812    578,440    214,348 
Class R4 Shares (30, 43.5 and 82.75 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   226,414    107,508    33,671 
Class R5 Shares (30, 43.5 and 82.75 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   15,508    2,807    15,733 
Class R6 Shares (30, 43.5 and 82.75 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)   875,739    391,918    301,096 
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share (Net assets divided by outstanding shares):               
Class A Shares-Net asset value   $18.54    $18.95    $13.57 
Class A Shares-Maximum offering price (Net asset value plus sales charge of 5.75%)   $19.67    $20.11    $14.40 
Class C Shares-Net asset value   $18.23    $10.91    $  3.29 
Class F Shares-Net asset value   $18.65    $20.30    $13.77 
Class F3 Shares-Net asset value   $18.91    $23.52    $18.17 
Class I Shares-Net asset value   $18.78    $23.27    $17.98 
Class P Shares-Net asset value   $18.68    $18.01    $12.35 
Class R2 Shares-Net asset value   $18.78    $17.18    $12.06 
Class R3 Shares-Net asset value   $18.43    $17.84    $12.42 
Class R4 Shares-Net asset value   $18.53    $18.96    $13.61 
Class R5 Shares-Net asset value*   $18.77    $23.30    $18.01 
Class R6 Shares-Net asset value   $18.90    $23.52    $18.17 
   
* Net asset value may not recalculate due to rounding of fractional shares.
   
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 37
 

Statements of Operations

For the Year Ended November 30, 2022

 

   Dividend
Growth Fund
   Growth
Opportunities
Fund
   Small Cap
Value Fund
 
Investment income:               
Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $333,689, $22,144 and $72,088, respectively)  $60,531,956   $4,332,195   $7,017,042 
Securities lending net income   5,500    14,770    81,865 
Interest and other   257,186    32,950    14,808 
Interest earned from Interfund Lending (See Note 11)   3,245    2,754     
Total investment income   60,797,887    4,382,669    7,113,715 
Expenses:               
Management fee   17,103,368    4,869,360    3,647,791 
12b-1 distribution plan–Class A   5,502,721    990,387    512,928 
12b-1 distribution plan–Class C   1,699,445    178,705    57,192 
12b-1 distribution plan–Class F   299,951    28,832    9,696 
12b-1 distribution plan–Class P   4,224    12,645    57,763 
12b-1 distribution plan–Class R2   7,936    5,640    3,471 
12b-1 distribution plan–Class R3   56,783    56,488    18,065 
12b-1 distribution plan–Class R4   10,564    5,222    1,602 
Shareholder servicing   2,294,929    594,525    482,787 
Fund administration   1,298,234    265,029    194,549 
Registration   250,561    159,578    150,410 
Reports to shareholders   248,792    61,342    43,815 
Professional   90,936    62,208    47,333 
Directors’ fees   62,052    14,349    10,220 
Custody   39,993    18,227    26,801 
Other   120,929    103,365    99,289 
Gross expenses   29,091,418    7,425,902    5,363,712 
Expense reductions (See Note 9)   (27,197)   (4,194)   (2,394)
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed (See Note 3)   (339,943)   (923,988)   (26,801)
Net expenses   28,724,278    6,497,720    5,334,517 
Net investment income (loss)   32,073,609    (2,115,051)   1,779,198 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss):               
Net realized gain (loss) on investments   175,803,502    (66,660,462)   12,609,516 
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts   (4,498,043)        
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions   57,662    14,150    (16,909)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments   (356,024,195)   (186,562,839)   (61,677,429)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts   2,562,889         
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   (1,672)   (4,632)    
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)   (182,099,857)   (253,213,783)   (49,084,822)
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $(150,026,248)  $(255,328,834)  $(47,305,624)
   
38 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

This page is intentionally left blank.

 

39

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

   Dividend Growth Fund
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS  For the Year Ended
November 30, 2022
   For the Year Ended
November 30, 2021
 
Operations:                        
Net investment income (loss)    $32,073,609                $26,530,101 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, futures contracts and foreign currency related transactions     171,363,121      264,222,967 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, futures contracts and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies     (353,462,978)     348,692,200 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations     (150,026,248)     639,445,268 
Distributions to shareholders:              
Class A     (187,316,611)     (62,184,970)
Class C     (14,168,143)     (4,393,123)
Class F     (36,016,325)     (11,594,433)
Class F3     (25,251,736)     (8,434,571)
Class I     (7,544,889)     (1,611,206)
Class P     (82,023)     (32,305)
Class R2     (106,750)     (27,292)
Class R3     (1,044,575)     (407,344)
Class R4     (354,030)     (133,545)
Class R5     (48,541)     (13,459)
Class R6     (1,526,187)     (589,053)
Total distributions to shareholders     (273,459,810)     (89,421,301)
Capital share transactions (Net of share conversions) (See Note 15):
Net proceeds from sales of shares     1,264,274,921      534,740,311 
Reinvestment of distributions     258,637,094      84,578,057 
Cost of shares reacquired     (855,467,499)     (469,209,381)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital share transactions     667,444,516      150,108,987 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets     243,958,458      700,132,954 
NET ASSETS:              
Beginning of year    $3,455,358,951     $2,755,225,997 
End of year    $3,699,317,409     $3,455,358,951 
   
40 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
  Growth Opportunities Fund     Small Cap Value Fund
For the Year Ended
November 30, 2022
   For the Year Ended
November 30, 2021
   For the Year Ended
November 30, 2022
   For the Year Ended
November 30, 2021
 
                          
  $(2,115,051)  $(5,758,308)  $1,779,198     $2,945,791 
                          
   (66,646,312)     158,735,768      12,592,607      135,342,990 
                          
   (186,567,471)     (59,478,291)     (61,677,429)     24,002,366 
                          
   (255,328,834)     93,499,169      (47,305,624)     162,291,147 
                          
   (83,797,875)     (69,456,146)     (35,765,288)     (2,209,466)
   (6,139,071)     (5,338,174)     (3,064,012)     (138,140)
   (7,283,725)     (5,797,936)     (2,266,439)     (116,358)
   (7,914,378)     (3,409,214)     (3,663,260)     (273,146)
   (28,674,260)     (23,573,196)     (45,096,355)     (3,521,033)
   (605,809)     (513,944)     (2,352,057)     (145,738)
   (217,049)     (163,328)     (101,786)     (3,908)
   (2,462,358)     (2,478,074)     (783,204)     (40,717)
   (414,079)     (278,864)     (239,313)     (13,387)
   (25,821)     (11,783)     (39,639)     (275)
   (1,672,402)     (1,374,852)     (969,024)     (83,256)
   (139,206,827)     (112,395,511)     (94,340,377)     (6,545,424)
                          
   165,563,531      194,671,173      40,339,547      97,448,899 
   134,800,683      108,512,857      91,210,871      6,312,296 
   (348,001,750)     (183,210,072)     (273,202,509)     (169,372,531)
                          
   (47,637,536)     119,973,958      (141,652,091)     (65,611,336)
   (442,173,197)     101,077,616      (283,298,092)     90,134,387 
                          
$918,574,204     $817,496,588     $692,085,000     $601,950,613 
  $476,401,007     $918,574,204     $408,786,908     $692,085,000 
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 41
 

Financial Highlights

DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income(a) 
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class A                                   
11/30/2022      $21.23          $0.17           $(1.20)         $(1.03)         $(0.18)          $(1.48)          $(1.66)    
11/30/2021   17.82    0.16    3.83    3.99    (0.15)   (0.43)   (0.58)
11/30/2020   16.38    0.17    2.17    2.34    (0.20)   (0.70)   (0.90)
11/30/2019   15.75    0.25    1.64    1.89    (0.23)   (1.03)   (1.26)
11/30/2018   16.26    0.24    0.48    0.72    (0.24)   (0.99)   (1.23)
Class C                                   
11/30/2022   20.90    0.03    (1.17)   (1.14)   (0.05)   (1.48)   (1.53)
11/30/2021   17.55    0.01    3.78    3.79    (0.01)   (0.43)   (0.44)
11/30/2020   16.14    0.06    2.13    2.19    (0.08)   (0.70)   (0.78)
11/30/2019   15.54    0.13    1.62    1.75    (0.12)   (1.03)   (1.15)
11/30/2018   16.06    0.12    0.47    0.59    (0.12)   (0.99)   (1.11)
Class F                                   
11/30/2022   21.32    0.22    (1.20)   (0.98)   (0.21)   (1.48)   (1.69)
11/30/2021   17.87    0.21    3.84    4.05    (0.17)   (0.43)   (0.60)
11/30/2020   16.41    0.21    2.18    2.39    (0.23)   (0.70)   (0.93)
11/30/2019   15.77    0.29    1.63    1.92    (0.25)   (1.03)   (1.28)
11/30/2018   16.26    0.28    0.49    0.77    (0.27)   (0.99)   (1.26)
Class F3                                   
11/30/2022   21.60    0.24    (1.22)   (0.98)   (0.23)   (1.48)   (1.71)
11/30/2021   18.11    0.23    3.89    4.12    (0.20)   (0.43)   (0.63)
11/30/2020   16.62    0.23    2.20    2.43    (0.24)   (0.70)   (0.94)
11/30/2019   15.96    0.30    1.66    1.96    (0.27)   (1.03)   (1.30)
11/30/2018   16.45    0.30    0.48    0.78    (0.28)   (0.99)   (1.27)
Class I                                   
11/30/2022   21.48    0.25    (1.24)   (0.99)   (0.23)   (1.48)   (1.71)
11/30/2021   18.02    0.22    3.86    4.08    (0.19)   (0.43)   (0.62)
11/30/2020   16.55    0.21    2.20    2.41    (0.24)   (0.70)   (0.94)
11/30/2019   15.91    0.29    1.65    1.94    (0.27)   (1.03)   (1.30)
11/30/2018   16.41    0.29    0.48    0.77    (0.28)   (0.99)   (1.27)
Class P                                   
11/30/2022   21.37    0.14    (1.20)   (1.06)   (0.15)   (1.48)   (1.63)
11/30/2021   17.93    0.12    3.86    3.98    (0.11)   (0.43)   (0.54)
11/30/2020   16.48    0.14    2.18    2.32    (0.17)   (0.70)   (0.87)
11/30/2019   15.83    0.22    1.65    1.87    (0.19)   (1.03)   (1.22)
11/30/2018   16.34    0.21    0.48    0.69    (0.21)   (0.99)   (1.20)

 

42 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
                   
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return(b)
(%)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                      
$18.54    (5.30)   0.92    0.92    0.95   $2,213,259    47 
 21.23    22.95    0.91    0.91    0.82    2,368,031    39 
 17.82    15.10    0.95    0.95    1.10    1,925,498    59 
 16.38    13.59    0.95    0.95    1.62    1,731,882    51 
 15.75    4.72    0.94    0.97    1.57    1,627,633    51 
                            
 18.23    (6.00)   1.67    1.67    0.19    158,789    47 
 20.90    22.07    1.66    1.66    0.07    193,493    39 
 17.55    14.21    1.70    1.70    0.37    176,775    59 
 16.14    12.72    1.70    1.70    0.87    216,647    51 
 15.54    3.90    1.70    1.73    0.81    230,385    51 
                            
 18.65    (5.05)   0.67    0.77    1.16    184,824    47 
 21.32    23.29    0.66    0.76    1.07    467,768    39 
 17.87    15.38    0.70    0.80    1.35    330,470    59 
 16.41    13.81    0.70    0.80    1.87    296,993    51 
 15.77    5.00    0.70    0.82    1.82    241,282    51 
                            
 18.91    (4.95)   0.60    0.60    1.26    295,542    47 
 21.60    23.34    0.60    0.60    1.14    314,607    39 
 18.11    15.50    0.62    0.62    1.43    240,767    59 
 16.62    13.90    0.63    0.63    1.95    205,183    51 
 15.96    5.07    0.62    0.65    1.91    188,484    51 
                            
 18.78    (5.04)   0.67    0.67    1.39    812,893    47 
 21.48    23.27    0.66    0.66    1.08    70,953    39 
 18.02    15.42    0.70    0.70    1.35    44,354    59 
 16.55    13.87    0.70    0.70    1.87    42,809    51 
 15.91    4.93    0.69    0.72    1.82    42,698    51 
                            
 18.68    (5.46)   1.12    1.12    0.74    913    47 
 21.37    22.72    1.12    1.12    0.61    1,074    39 
 17.93    14.83    1.15    1.15    0.90    1,092    59 
 16.48    13.36    1.15    1.15    1.42    1,137    51 
 15.83    4.48    1.15    1.17    1.36    1,663    51 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 43
 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

DIVIDEND GROWTH FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income(a) 
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total
from
invest-
ment
opera-
tions
  Net
investment
income
  Net
realized
gain
  Total
distri-
butions
Class R2                                   
11/30/2022      $21.48          $0.11           $(1.22)           $(1.11)          $(0.11)           $(1.48)          $(1.59)    
11/30/2021   18.02    0.10    3.87    3.97    (0.08)   (0.43)   (0.51)
11/30/2020   16.55    0.12    2.19    2.31    (0.14)   (0.70)   (0.84)
11/30/2019   15.90    0.19    1.67    1.86    (0.18)   (1.03)   (1.21)
11/30/2018   16.40    0.19    0.49    0.68    (0.19)   (0.99)   (1.18)
Class R3                                   
11/30/2022   21.11    0.13    (1.19)   (1.06)   (0.14)   (1.48)   (1.62)
11/30/2021   17.72    0.11    3.81    3.92    (0.10)   (0.43)   (0.53)
11/30/2020   16.29    0.13    2.16    2.29    (0.16)   (0.70)   (0.86)
11/30/2019   15.67    0.21    1.63    1.84    (0.19)   (1.03)   (1.22)
11/30/2018   16.19    0.20    0.47    0.67    (0.20)   (0.99)   (1.19)
Class R4                                   
11/30/2022   21.21    0.17    (1.18)   (1.01)   (0.19)   (1.48)   (1.67)
11/30/2021   17.80    0.16    3.82    3.98    (0.14)   (0.43)   (0.57)
11/30/2020   16.36    0.18    2.16    2.34    (0.20)   (0.70)   (0.90)
11/30/2019   15.74    0.25    1.63    1.88    (0.23)   (1.03)   (1.26)
11/30/2018   16.25    0.25    0.48    0.73    (0.25)   (0.99)   (1.24)
Class R5                                   
11/30/2022   21.47    0.21    (1.20)   (0.99)   (0.23)   (1.48)   (1.71)
11/30/2021   18.01    0.22    3.86    4.08    (0.19)   (0.43)   (0.62)
11/30/2020   16.55    0.21    2.19    2.40    (0.24)   (0.70)   (0.94)
11/30/2019   15.90    0.29    1.66    1.95    (0.27)   (1.03)   (1.30)
11/30/2018   16.40    0.29    0.48    0.77    (0.28)   (0.99)   (1.27)
Class R6                                   
11/30/2022   21.59    0.23    (1.21)   (0.98)   (0.23)   (1.48)   (1.71)
11/30/2021   18.11    0.22    3.89    4.11    (0.20)   (0.43)   (0.63)
11/30/2020   16.62    0.23    2.20    2.43    (0.24)   (0.70)   (0.94)
11/30/2019   15.96    0.30    1.66    1.96    (0.27)   (1.03)   (1.30)
11/30/2018   16.44    0.30    0.49    0.79    (0.28)   (0.99)   (1.27)

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

44 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
                   
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return(b)
(%)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimbursements
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
invest-
ment
income
(%)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                   
$18.78    (5.64   1.27    1.27     0.60   $1,207    47 
 21.48    22.56    1.26    1.26    0.49    1,427    39 
 18.02    14.67    1.30    1.30    0.76    951    59 
 16.55    13.16    1.30    1.30    1.26    1,045    51 
 15.90    4.38    1.30    1.32    1.22    1,267    51 
 
 18.43    (5.53)   1.17    1.17    0.69    10,852    47 
 21.11    22.66    1.16    1.16    0.56    13,953    39 
 17.72    14.81    1.20    1.20    0.86    13,802    59 
 16.29    13.31    1.20    1.20    1.37    16,221    51 
 15.67    4.48    1.19    1.22    1.31    17,079    51 
 
 18.53    (5.30)   0.92    0.92    0.94    4,194    47 
 21.21    22.96    0.91    0.91    0.80    4,441    39 
 17.80    15.10    0.95    0.95    1.12    4,144    59 
 16.36    13.54    0.95    0.95    1.62    5,504    51 
 15.74    4.75    0.94    0.97    1.61    4,331    51 
 
 18.77    (5.09)   0.67    0.67    1.14    291    47 
 21.47    23.28    0.66    0.66    1.09    620    39 
 18.01    15.36    0.70    0.70    1.34    395    59 
 16.55    13.87    0.70    0.70    1.89    272    51 
 15.90    5.00    0.69    0.72    1.84    248    51 
 
 18.90    (5.00)   0.60    0.60    1.26    16,552    47 
 21.59    23.34    0.60    0.60    1.13    18,992    39 
 18.11    15.50    0.62    0.62    1.43    16,977    59 
 16.62    13.97    0.63    0.63    1.95    13,012    51 
 15.96    5.06    0.62    0.65    1.89    11,344    51 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 45
 

Financial Highlights

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:        
      Investment Operations:  Distributions to
shareholders
from:
   
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
(loss)(a) 
  Net
realized and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
realized
gain
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class A                              
11/30/2022      $31.15          $(0.08)          $(7.20)          $(7.28)           $(4.92)            $18.95    
11/30/2021   32.07    (0.22)   3.82    3.60    (4.52)   31.15 
11/30/2020   24.97    (0.11)   8.56    8.45    (1.35)   32.07 
11/30/2019   21.46    (0.09)   4.74    4.65    (1.14)   24.97 
11/30/2018   22.21    (0.11)   1.20    1.09    (1.84)   21.46 
Class C                              
11/30/2022   20.21    (0.14)   (4.24)   (4.38)   (4.92)   10.91 
11/30/2021   22.45    (0.30)   2.58    2.28    (4.52)   20.21 
11/30/2020   18.01    (0.20)   5.99    5.79    (1.35)   22.45 
11/30/2019   15.93    (0.19)   3.41    3.22    (1.14)   18.01 
11/30/2018   17.08    (0.20)   0.89    0.69    (1.84)   15.93 
Class F                              
11/30/2022   32.95    (0.06)   (7.67)   (7.73)   (4.92)   20.30 
11/30/2021   33.64    (0.18)   4.01    3.83    (4.52)   32.95 
11/30/2020   26.09    (0.08)   8.98    8.90    (1.35)   33.64 
11/30/2019   22.33    (0.06)   4.96    4.90    (1.14)   26.09 
11/30/2018   23.00    (0.08)   1.25    1.17    (1.84)   22.33 
Class F3                              
11/30/2022   37.32    (0.02)   (8.86)   (8.88)   (4.92)   23.52 
11/30/2021   37.47    (0.14)   4.51    4.37    (4.52)   37.32 
11/30/2020   28.86    (0.05)   10.01    9.96    (1.35)   37.47 
11/30/2019   24.53    (0.02)   5.49    5.47    (1.14)   28.86 
11/30/2018   25.05    (0.04)   1.36    1.32    (1.84)   24.53 
Class I                              
11/30/2022   37.00    (0.02)   (8.79)   (8.81)   (4.92)   23.27 
11/30/2021   37.21    (0.17)   4.48    4.31    (4.52)   37.00 
11/30/2020   28.69    (0.02)   9.89    9.87    (1.35)   37.21 
11/30/2019   24.41    (0.04)   5.46    5.42    (1.14)   28.69 
11/30/2018   24.95    (0.05)   1.35    1.30    (1.84)   24.41 
Class P                              
11/30/2022   29.90    (0.12)   (6.85)   (6.97)   (4.92)   18.01 
11/30/2021   31.01    (0.27)   3.68    3.41    (4.52)   29.90 
11/30/2020   24.24    (0.15)   8.27    8.12    (1.35)   31.01 
11/30/2019   20.90    (0.13)   4.61    4.48    (1.14)   24.24 
11/30/2018   21.72    (0.15)   1.17    1.02    (1.84)   20.90 

 

46 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
       
Total
return(b)
(%)
  Total expenses after
waivers and/or
reimbursements
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
(loss)
(%)
  Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                      
 (27.23)      1.05             1.19     (0.40   $356,219    118   
 12.09    1.06    1.17    (0.71)   531,845    68 
 35.75    1.10    1.19    (0.42)   492,772    50 
 23.48    1.16    1.16    (0.39)   385,588    27 
 5.41    1.18    1.18    (0.51)   333,638    55 
                            
 (27.73)   1.80    1.94    (1.16)   15,434    118 
 11.24    1.81    1.92    (1.47)   25,235    68 
 34.73    1.85    1.94    (1.15)   26,782    50 
 22.58    1.91    1.91    (1.14)   26,860    27 
 4.61    1.93    1.93    (1.27)   26,130    55 
                            
 (27.09)   0.90    1.04    (0.29)   16,775    118 
 12.22    0.91    1.02    (0.57)   48,943    68 
 35.95    0.94    1.04    (0.28)   42,530    50 
 23.69    1.01    1.01    (0.24)   23,271    27 
 5.53    1.03    1.03    (0.36)   20,840    55 
                            
 (26.98)   0.71    0.85    (0.06)   48,091    118 
 12.44    0.73    0.84    (0.39)   59,660    68 
 36.18    0.77    0.86    (0.15)   26,711    50 
 23.90    0.86    0.86    (0.08)   7,986    27 
 5.73    0.85    0.85    (0.18)   6,804    55 
                            
 (27.03)   0.81    0.94    (0.06)   14,742    118 
 12.35    0.81    0.92    (0.48)   217,472    68 
 36.08    0.86    0.94    (0.05)   193,878    50 
 23.81    0.91    0.91    (0.15)   374,814    27 
 5.67    0.91    0.91    (0.20)   373,708    55 
                            
 (27.35)   1.25    1.39    (0.60)   2,643    118 
 11.86    1.26    1.37    (0.92)   3,657    68 
 35.51    1.30    1.39    (0.60)   3,432    50 
 23.23    1.36    1.36    (0.58)   3,286    27 
 5.19    1.38    1.38    (0.71)   2,789    55 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 47
 

Financial Highlights (concluded)

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:        
      Investment Operations:   Distributions to 
shareholders
from:
   
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
investment
(loss)(a) 
  Net
realized and
unrealized
gain (loss)
  Total from
investment
operations
  Net
realized
gain
  Net asset
value,
end of
period
Class R2                              
11/30/2022      $28.79          $(0.14)          $(6.55)          $(6.69)          $(4.92)            $17.18    
11/30/2021   30.06    (0.31)   3.56    3.25    (4.52)   28.79 
11/30/2020   23.57    (0.18)   8.02    7.84    (1.35)   30.06 
11/30/2019   20.39    (0.16)   4.48    4.32    (1.14)   23.57 
11/30/2018   21.26    (0.18)   1.15    0.97    (1.84)   20.39 
Class R3                              
11/30/2022   29.68    (0.13)   (6.79)   (6.92)   (4.92)   17.84 
11/30/2021   30.83    (0.28)   3.65    3.37    (4.52)   29.68 
11/30/2020   24.11    (0.16)   8.23    8.07    (1.35)   30.83 
11/30/2019   20.81    (0.14)   4.58    4.44    (1.14)   24.11 
11/30/2018   21.64    (0.16)   1.17    1.01    (1.84)   20.81 
Class R4                              
11/30/2022   31.15    (0.08)   (7.19)   (7.27)   (4.92)   18.96 
11/30/2021   32.07    (0.22)   3.82    3.60    (4.52)   31.15 
11/30/2020   24.97    (0.11)   8.56    8.45    (1.35)   32.07 
11/30/2019   21.46    (0.09)   4.74    4.65    (1.14)   24.97 
11/30/2018   22.21    (0.11)   1.20    1.09    (1.84)   21.46 
Class R5                              
11/30/2022   37.03    (0.06)   (8.75)   (8.81)   (4.92)   23.30 
11/30/2021   37.24    (0.17)   4.48    4.31    (4.52)   37.03 
11/30/2020   28.71    (0.05)   9.93    9.88    (1.35)   37.24 
11/30/2019   24.43    (0.04)   5.46    5.42    (1.14)   28.71 
11/30/2018   24.97    (0.06)   1.36    1.30    (1.84)   24.43 
Class R6                              
11/30/2022   37.31    (0.02)   (8.85)   (8.87)   (4.92)   23.52 
11/30/2021   37.46    (0.15)   4.52    4.37    (4.52)   37.31 
11/30/2020   28.86    (0.03)   9.98    9.95    (1.35)   37.46 
11/30/2019   24.53    (0.03)   5.50    5.47    (1.14)   28.86 
11/30/2018   25.05    (0.07)   1.39    1.32    (1.84)   24.53 

 

(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return for Classes A and C does not consider the effects of sales loads and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Total return for all other classes assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

48 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:
       
Total
return(b)
(%)
  Total expenses after
waivers and/or
reimbursements
(%)
  Total
expenses
(%)
  Net
investment
(loss)
(%)
  Net assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)
                
 (27.44)   1.40         1.54      (0.77)   $     858    118    
 11.68    1.41