1. Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

    Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund

  2. Overview

    The Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund seeks capital appreciation.

    Investment Proposition

    The aim of the International Alpha Process is to produce good long-term performance by combining the specialized local knowledge of our investment teams with the experience of our most senior investors. We build the portfolio bottom up, stock by stock, without regard to the composition of the benchmark. We are aware that such an approach can lead to unconscious concentrations of risk and so we consider underlying portfolio exposures on a regular basis to ensure that the fundamental drivers of the portfolio companies are appropriately diversified.

    Performance & Portfolio

    Total returns as of month end 2/29/2024

    Gross Expense Ratio

    Net Expense Ratio

    1 Month*

    3 Months*

    YTD*

    Share Class K0.61%0.61%3.04%8.51%2.06%
    MSCI ACWI ex US Indexn/an/a2.55%6.67%1.54%
    Annualized total returns as of quarter end 12/31/2023

    Gross Expense Ratio

    Net Expense Ratio

    1 Year

    3 Years

    5 Years

    10 Years

    Share Class K0.61%0.61%18.76%-5.61%7.06%4.73%
    MSCI ACWI ex US Indexn/an/a16.21%2.05%7.60%4.32%

    Performance of Institutional Class may exceed that of Class K, this is due to rounding. Generally, on Funds which utilize a sub-transfer agency service, we expect Class K to have higher performance than Institutional Class.

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and relevant underlying index provider(s).

    Share Class launch date: April 28, 2017

    All figures quoted are in US dollars, net of fees.

    *Not annualized

     

    The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

     

    Returns are based on the K share class from April 28, 2017. Prior to that date returns are calculated based on the oldest share class of the Fund adjusted to reflect the K share class fees where these fees are higher.

     

    Expense Ratios: All mutual funds have expense ratios which represent what shareholders pay for operating expenses and management fees. Expense ratios are expressed as an annualized percentage of a fund's average net assets paid out in expenses. Expense ratio information is as of the Fund's current prospectus, as revised and supplemented from time to time. 

     

    The MSCI All Countries World ex US Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States. This unmanaged index does not reflect fees and expenses and is not available for direct investment.

    Discrete performance figures to 12/31/2023

    12/31/2018
    12/31/2019

    12/31/2019
    12/31/2020

    12/31/2020
    12/31/2021

    12/31/2021
    12/31/2022

    12/31/2022
    12/31/2023

    Share Class K32.16%26.55%-0.74%-28.65%18.76%
    MSCI ACWI ex US Index22.13%11.13%8.29%-15.57%16.21%

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and relevant underlying index provider(s).

    All figures quoted are in US dollars, net of fees.

     

    The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

     

    Returns are based on the K share class from April 28, 2017. Prior to that date returns are calculated based on the oldest share class of the Fund adjusted to reflect the K share class fees where these fees are higher.

      

    The MSCI All Countries World ex US Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States. This unmanaged index does not reflect fees and expenses and is not available for direct investment.

    Performance - 2/29/2024
    Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund - Share Class K

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and relevant underlying index provider(s), single pricing basis, total return.

    The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

    Returns are based on the K share class from April 28, 2017. Prior to that date returns are calculated based on the oldest share class of the Fund adjusted to reflect the K share class fees where these fees are higher.

    All performance figures are cumulative
    All figures quoted are in US dollars, net of fees.

    The graph is rebased to 100

    Annualized total returns as of quarter end 12/31/2023

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and relevant underlying index provider(s).
    Share Class launch date: April 28, 2017
    All figures quoted are in US dollars, net of fees.
    *Not annualized

    The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

    Returns are based on the K share class from April 28, 2017. Prior to that date returns are calculated based on the oldest share class of the Fund adjusted to reflect the K share class fees where these fees are higher.

    The Baillie Gifford Fund's performance shown assumes reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions and is net of management fees and expenses. Returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. From time to time, certain fees and/or expenses have been voluntarily or contractually waived or reimbursed, which has resulted in higher returns. Without these waivers or reimbursements, the returns would have been lower. Voluntary waivers or reimbursements may be applied or discontinued at any time without notice. Only the Board of Trustees may modify or terminate contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements. All fees are described in the fund's prospectus.

    Total returns as of month end 2/29/2024

    Gross Expense Ratio

    Net Expense Ratio

    1 Month*

    3 Months*

    YTD*

    Share Class Institutional0.71%0.71%3.01%8.53%2.12%
    MSCI ACWI ex US Indexn/an/a2.55%6.67%1.54%
    Annualized total returns as of quarter end 12/31/2023

    Gross Expense Ratio

    Net Expense Ratio

    1 Year

    3 Years

    5 Years

    10 Years

    Share Class Institutional0.71%0.71%18.60%-5.67%6.98%4.67%
    MSCI ACWI ex US Indexn/an/a16.21%2.05%7.60%4.32%

    Performance of Institutional Class may exceed that of Class K, this is due to rounding. Generally, on Funds which utilize a sub-transfer agency service, we expect Class K to have higher performance than Institutional Class.

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and relevant underlying index provider(s).

    Share Class launch date: April 28, 2017

    All figures quoted are in US dollars, net of fees.

    *Not annualized

     

    The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

     

    Returns are based on the Institutional share class from April 28, 2017. Prior to that date returns are calculated based on the oldest share class of the Fund adjusted to reflect the Institutional share class fees where these fees are higher.

     

    Expense Ratios: All mutual funds have expense ratios which represent what shareholders pay for operating expenses and management fees. Expense ratios are expressed as an annualized percentage of a fund's average net assets paid out in expenses. Expense ratio information is as of the Fund's current prospectus, as revised and supplemented from time to time. 

     

    The MSCI All Countries World ex US Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States. This unmanaged index does not reflect fees and expenses and is not available for direct investment.

    Discrete performance figures to 12/31/2023

    12/31/2018
    12/31/2019

    12/31/2019
    12/31/2020

    12/31/2020
    12/31/2021

    12/31/2021
    12/31/2022

    12/31/2022
    12/31/2023

    Share Class Institutional32.11%26.36%-0.80%-28.67%18.60%
    MSCI ACWI ex US Index22.13%11.13%8.29%-15.57%16.21%

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and relevant underlying index provider(s).

    All figures quoted are in US dollars, net of fees.

     

    The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

     

    Returns are based on the Institutional share class from April 28, 2017. Prior to that date returns are calculated based on the oldest share class of the Fund adjusted to reflect the Institutional share class fees where these fees are higher.

      

    The MSCI All Countries World ex US Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States. This unmanaged index does not reflect fees and expenses and is not available for direct investment.

    Performance - 2/29/2024
    Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund - Share Class Institutional

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and relevant underlying index provider(s), single pricing basis, total return.

     

    The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

    Returns are based on the Institutional share class from April 28, 2017. Prior to that date returns are calculated based on the oldest share class of the Fund adjusted to reflect the Institutional share class fees where these fees are higher.

    All performance figures are cumulative.
    All figures quoted are in US dollars, net of fees.

    The graph is rebased to 100.

    Annualized total returns as of quarter end 12/31/2023

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and relevant underlying index provider(s).
    Share Class launch date: April 28, 2017
    All figures quoted are in US dollars, net of fees.
    *Not annualized

    The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

    Returns are based on the Institutional share class from April 28, 2017. Prior to that date returns are calculated based on the oldest share class of the Fund adjusted to reflect the Institutional share class fees where these fees are higher.

    The Baillie Gifford Fund's performance shown assumes reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions and is net of management fees and expenses. Returns for periods less than one year are not annualized. From time to time, certain fees and/or expenses have been voluntarily or contractually waived or reimbursed, which has resulted in higher returns. Without these waivers or reimbursements, the returns would have been lower. Voluntary waivers or reimbursements may be applied or discontinued at any time without notice. Only the Board of Trustees may modify or terminate contractual fee waivers or expense reimbursements. All fees are described in the fund's prospectus.

    Stock Level Attribution

    Top and bottom 5 relative contributors
    One month to 2/29/2024

    Stock Name Contribution %
    CRH 0.32
    Adyen NV 0.29
    Coupang 0.20
    Topicus.Com Inc 0.15
    Spotify Technology SA 0.15
    MercadoLibre -0.41
    Edenred -0.32
    Amadeus IT Group SA -0.28
    Sony -0.23
    Dassault Systemes -0.23

    Holdings

    Top Ten Holdings as of month end 2/29/2024
    Company NameFund %
    1TSMC4.14
    2MercadoLibre3.94
    3SAP3.24
    4Samsung Electronics2.90
    5Ryanair2.80
    6CRH2.60
    7Atlas Copco2.29
    8AIA2.18
    9Kingspan Group2.12
    10Scout242.06
    Total 28.27%
    Sector Analysis of Total Assets - 2/29/2024
    Fund % Benchmark % Difference %
    1 Industrials 22.46 13.82 8.64
    2 Information Technology 21.58 13.09 8.49
    3 Consumer Discretionary 15.52 11.94 3.59
    4 Financials 13.66 21.33 -7.68
    5 Communication Services 7.18 5.16 2.03
    6 Materials 6.41 7.30 -0.89
    7 Consumer Staples 5.36 7.62 -2.26
    8 Health Care 3.19 9.30 -6.11
    9 Cash 2.70 0.00 2.70
    10 Energy 1.94 5.48 -3.55
    11 Real Estate 0.00 1.96 -1.96
    12 Utilities 0.00 3.01 -3.01
    Total may not sum due to rounding
    Regional Analysis of Total Assets - 2/29/2024
    Fund % Benchmark % Difference %
    1 Europe (ex UK) 48.15 33.34 14.81
    2 Emerging Markets 24.56 27.49 -2.93
    3 Developed Asia Pacific 14.52 22.31 -7.79
    4 Canada 5.25 7.54 -2.30
    5 UK 4.82 9.31 -4.49
    6 Cash 2.70 0.00 2.70
    Total may not sum due to rounding
    Country Analysis of Total Assets - 2/29/2024
    Fund % Benchmark % Difference %
    1 Japan 12.35 15.34 -2.99
    2 Germany 9.02 5.60 3.42
    3 France 8.19 7.83 0.36
    4 Ireland 7.52 0.22 7.30
    5 Netherlands 6.60 3.27 3.33
    6 China 5.38 7.12 -1.73
    7 Canada 5.25 7.54 -2.30
    8 Sweden 4.97 2.04 2.93
    9 UK 4.82 9.31 -4.49
    10 Denmark 4.73 2.31 2.42
    11 India 4.52 4.87 -0.35
    12 Taiwan 4.14 4.62 -0.48
    13 Brazil 3.94 1.51 2.43
    14 South Korea 3.80 3.46 0.34
    15 Cash 2.70 0.00 2.70
    16 Switzerland 2.59 6.17 -3.59
    17 Hong Kong 2.18 1.30 0.87
    18 Italy 1.79 1.77 0.02
    19 Spain 1.30 1.64 -0.34
    20 South Africa 0.99 0.76 0.23
    21 Finland 0.95 0.66 0.29
    22 Panama 0.73 0.00 0.73
    23 Singapore 0.56 0.85 -0.29
    24 Israel 0.50 0.48 0.01
    25 Norway 0.31 0.39 -0.07
    26 Luxembourg 0.18 0.00 0.18
    27 Colombia 0.00 0.03 -0.03
    28 Egypt 0.00 0.03 -0.03
    29 Czech Republic 0.00 0.04 -0.04
    30 Hungary 0.00 0.07 -0.07
    31 Peru 0.00 0.09 -0.09
    32 Austria 0.00 0.11 -0.11
    33 Portugal 0.00 0.12 -0.12
    34 New Zealand 0.00 0.13 -0.13
    35 Chile 0.00 0.13 -0.13
    36 Greece 0.00 0.14 -0.14
    37 Philippines 0.00 0.18 -0.18
    38 Turkey 0.00 0.19 -0.19
    39 Kuwait 0.00 0.23 -0.23
    40 Qatar 0.00 0.24 -0.24
    41 Poland 0.00 0.28 -0.28
    42 United Arab Emirates 0.00 0.34 -0.34
    43 Malaysia 0.00 0.38 -0.38
    44 Thailand 0.00 0.45 -0.45
    45 Indonesia 0.00 0.53 -0.53
    46 Belgium 0.00 0.59 -0.59
    47 Mexico 0.00 0.72 -0.72
    48 Saudi Arabia 0.00 1.21 -1.21
    49 Australia 0.00 4.70 -4.70

    As at March 3, 2022, the Russian holdings held within the Fund were valued at zero by our Fair Value Pricing Committee due to the ongoing issues in the Russian market. As a result of the 0% weighting they have been excluded from the list above. Details of the stocks can be found in the full holdings list.

    It should not be assumed that recommendations/transactions made in the future will be profitable or will equal performance of the securities mentioned. The composition of the Fund's holdings is subject to change. Percentages are based on securities at market value. Internal classifications are used for any graphs represented above.

    There is no guarantee that the investment objective of the Fund will be achieved. Stocks fluctuate in price and the value of your investment in the Fund may go down. This means that you could lose money on your investment in the Fund or the Fund may not perform as well as other possible investments. 

    Managers

    Donald Farquharson

    Donald heads the Japanese Equities Team. Donald is the co-manager for the Japan Growth strategy (and related Growth strategy segregated accounts) which he has run since its inception on 31 December 2009. He is also a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG). Donald has over 25 years’ investment experience dedicated almost entirely to Japanese equities: He spent 20 years working for Schroders as a Japanese specialist and latterly Head of the Pan Pacific equity team and manager of the Schroder Japan Growth Fund plc. Between 1991 and 1995, he headed Schroders’ research team in Tokyo. He graduated with MA (Hons) in Arabic Studies from the University of St Andrews in 1987 and is a CFA Charterholder. Donald joined Baillie Gifford in 2008 and became a Partner in 2017.

    Jenny Davis

    Jenny conducts research for International Alpha portfolios and has been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG) since 2016. She joined Baillie Gifford in 2011 and worked on two of our global equity strategies, having started her career at Neptune Investment Management. Jenny graduated MA in Music from the University of Oxford in 2008, and latterly undertook postgraduate studies in Psychotherapy at the University of Edinburgh.

    Roddy Snell

    Roddy is an investment manager in the Emerging Markets Equity Team. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2006 and became a partner of the firm in 2023. He has managed the Baillie Gifford Pacific Fund since 2010 and the Pacific Horizon Investment Trust since 2021 (having been deputy since 2013). Roddy became a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group in 2024. Prior to joining the Emerging Markets Equity Team in 2008, he also spent time in the UK and European equity teams. Roddy graduated BSc (Hons) in medical biology from the University of Edinburgh in 2006.

    Tom Walsh

    Tom conducts research for International Alpha portfolios and has been a member of the International Alpha Portfolio Construction Group (PCG) since 2018. He joined Baillie Gifford in 2009, working on the UK, European and Global Opportunities teams, as well as spending four years as a member of the International Focus PCG. Before joining Baillie Gifford, Tom worked at Fidelity International, Merrill Lynch and Deloitte & Touche. He graduated LLB (Hons) in Law & Economics from the University of Edinburgh in 1999 and is both CFA and ACA qualified.

    Steve Vaughan

    Steve joined Baillie Gifford in 2012 and is an Investment Manager in the International Smaller Companies Team. He is a CFA Charterholder. Prior to joining Baillie Gifford, Steve was an Officer in the British Army for nine years. He graduated BA (Hons) in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford in 2001 and MA in International Relations from the University of Exeter in 2012.

    Chris Davies

    Chris joined Baillie Gifford in 2012 and is an Investment Manager in the Europe Team. He graduated BA (Hons) in Music from the University of Oxford in 2009 and went on to gain an MMus in Music Performance from the Royal Welsh School of Music and Drama in 2010 and an MSc in Music, Mind and Brain from Goldsmiths College in 2011.

    TAX & DISTRIBUTIONS

    The Fund intends to pay dividends to its shareholders at least annually. Distributions will automatically be reinvested in Fund shares unless you submit a request for cash payment with at least ten days prior notice, before the record date for distribution, to the Transfer Agent. The distribution dates will appear on this page alongside the rates once they become available. The dates can be changed by the Officers of the Funds. For more information on Baillie Gifford Funds’ Distributions please see the Statutory Prospectus. 

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    The document in this link contains answers to some of the most commonly asked tax and distribution related questions regarding mutual funds.

    The below table shows the makeup of the most recent distributions paid.

    Fund Name

    Ticker

    Income Dividends

    Short-Term Capital Gains *

    Qualified Dividend Income **

    Foreign Tax Credits

    Long-Term Capital Gains

    Total Per Share

    Ex. Date

    Pay Date

    Status

    Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund Institutional Class BINSX 0.14206 0.00000 0.12880 0.02587 0.00000 0.14206 12/28/2023 12/28/2023 Final
    Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund K Class BGIKX 0.16038 0.00000 0.14541 0.02587 0.00000 0.16038 12/28/2023 12/28/2023 Final

    Source: Bank of New York Mellon and Baillie Gifford & Co

     

    *Short-Term Capital Gains are treated as ordinary income for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes.

    **Qualified Dividend Income is a subset of Income Dividends (rather than an additional category of income).

    Primary ICI File for the Baillie Gifford Mutual Funds can be found here.

    Secondary ICI File for the Baillie Gifford Mutual Funds can be found here.

     

    Fund Risks

    The most significant risks of an investment in the Baillie Gifford International Alpha Fund are Investment Style Risk, Growth Stock Risk, Long-Term Investment Strategy Risk and Non-U.S. Investment Risk. The Fund is managed on a bottom up basis and stock selection is likely to be the main driver of investment returns. Returns are unlikely to track the movements of the benchmark. The prices of growth stocks can be based largely on expectations of future earnings and can decline significantly in reaction to negative news. The Fund is managed on a long-term outlook, meaning that the Fund managers look for investments that they think will make returns over a number of years, rather than over shorter time periods. Non-U.S. securities are subject to additional risks, including less liquidity, increased volatility, less transparency, withholding or other taxes and increased vulnerability to adverse changes in local and global economic conditions. There can be less regulation and possible fluctuation in value due to adverse political conditions. Other Fund risks include: Asia Risk, China Risk, Conflicts of Interest Risk, Currency Risk, Emerging Markets Risk, Equity Securities Risk, Environmental, Social and Governance Risk, Focused Investment Risk, Geographic Focus Risk, Government and Regulatory Risk, Information Technology Risk, Initial Public Offering Risk, Japan Risk, Large-Capitialization Securities Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk, Market Risk, Service Provider Risk, Settlement Risk, Small-and Medium-Capitalization Securities Risk and Valuation Risk.

    The Baillie Gifford Mutual Funds are distributed by Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC. Investors should carefully consider the objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds before investing. This information and other information about the Funds can be found in the prospectus and the summary prospectus. For a prospectus and summary prospectus please go to the Documents section on this page. Please carefully read the Fund’s prospectus and related documents before investing.

    Index Disclaimer

    Source: MSCI. The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or redisseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or a component of any financial instruments or products or indices. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSCI information is provided on an ‘as is’ basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiliates and each other person involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating any MSCI information (collectively, the ‘MSCI Parties’) expressly disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties or originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to this information. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including, without limitation, lost profits) or any other damages (www.msci.com).

    The Baillie Gifford Mutual Funds are distributed by Baillie Gifford Funds Services LLC. Investors should carefully consider the objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds before investing. This information and other information about the Funds can be found in the prospectus and the summary prospectus. For a prospectus and summary prospectus please go here. Please carefully read the Fund’s prospectus and related documents before investing.