International Equity Fund

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Effective October 31, 2017, the Fund’s benchmark index changed from the MSCI EAFE Index to the MSCI AC World Index ex USA.  In conjunction with the change in the benchmark index, the Fund’s name also was changed to Lord Abbett International Equity Fund and the Fund’s prior emerging market exposure limit was eliminated.

A Note about Risk: The value of investments in equity securities will fluctuate in response to general economic conditions and to changes in the prospects of particular companies and/or sectors in the economy.  The foreign securities in which the Fund primarily invests generally pose greater risks than domestic securities, including greater price fluctuations and higher transaction costs.  Foreign investments also may be affected by changes in currency rates or currency controls.  With respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of withholding or other taxes, and political or social instability that could affect investments in those countries.  These risks can be greater in the case of emerging country securities.  Investments in either growth or value stocks may shift in and out of favor for long periods of time, depending on market and economic conditions.  The Fund is subject to the risks associated with derivatives, which may be different from and greater than the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments.  These factors can affect Fund performance. 

Performance data quoted is historical. Past performance is not indicative 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 Fund will fluctuate so that shares, on any given day or when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. To obtain performance data current to the most recent quarter-end, go to quarter ending performance on our Website or call Lord Abbett at (888) 522-2388.

With Sales Charge - Returns with sales charges reflect applicable fees and expenses and include all distributions reinvested.

Without Sales Charge - Returns shown are without sales charges and have all distributions reinvested. If a sales charge had been deducted, the results would have been lower.

Returns shown at less than a year reflect aggregate total returns.

Double-Digit Returns - instances of high double-digit returns were achieved primarily during favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable over time.   

The MSCI ACWI (All Country World Index) ex-U.S. Index is a subset of the MSCI ACWI Index, a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of developed and emerging markets. The MSCI ACWI Ex-U.S. Index with Gross Dividends approximates the maximum possible dividend reinvestment. The amount reinvested is the entire dividend distributed to individuals resident in the country of the company, but does not include tax credits. The MSCI ACWI Ex-U.S. Index with Net Dividends approximates the minimum possible dividend reinvestment. The dividend is reinvested after deduction of withholding tax, applying the rate to non-resident individuals who do not benefit from double taxation treaties. MSCI uses withholding tax rates applicable to Luxembourg holding companies, as Luxembourg applies the highest rates.

MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein. The MSCI data may not be further redistributed or used as a basis for other indices or any securities or financial products. This report is not approved, reviewed or produced by MSCI.

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

Lipper Category Average - Peer group averages are based on universes of funds with the same investment objectives. The average return for the peer group is based on the returns of each individual fund within the group for the period shown. This average assumes reinvestment of dividends.

Fund Expense Ratio Detail: Reflects expenses for the Fund's fiscal year-end and is subject to change. Fund expenses may fluctuate with market volatility. A substantial reduction in Fund assets (since its most recently completed fiscal year), whether caused by market conditions or significant redemptions or both, will likely cause total operating expenses (as a percentage of Fund assets) to become higher than those shown.

The Fund's portfolio is actively managed and portfolio characteristics, such as individual holdings and sector weightings may change significantly over time. The portfolio data is for information only. It does not constitute a recommendation or an offer for a particular security or fund, nor should it be taken as a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell securities or other investments.  

Dividends and Capital Gains: The information presented in this section is intended for general information and is not intended to be relied upon and should not be relied upon, as financial, legal or tax advice for any particular investor. We strongly recommend that you contact your financial, legal or tax advisor regarding your particular tax situation.

The information presented in this section is not written or intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding any tax liabilities or penalties.