Half-year Report

RNS Number : 2299H
NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund
16 August 2016
 

Company Overview          

 

NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund Limited (the "Company")

 

The Company is a closed-ended investment company incorporated and registered in Guernsey with registered number 53155. It is a non-cellular company limited by shares and has been declared by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission to be a registered closed-ended collective investment scheme. On 20 April 2011 the Company was admitted to the Official List of the U.K. Listing Authority with a premium listing trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange ("LSE"). The Company was admitted to the FTSE 250 in March 2012.

 

Alternative Investment Fund Manager ("AIFM") and Manager

 

Investment management services are provided to the Company by Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (the "AIFM") and Neuberger Berman Europe Limited (the "Manager"), collectively the "Investment Manager". The AIFM is responsible for risk management and discretionary management of the Company's portfolio and the the Manager provides certain administrative services to the Company.

 

Investment Objective

 

The Company's investment objective is to provide its shareholders with regular dividends, at levels that are sustainable, whilst preserving the capital value of its investment portfolio, utilising the investment skills of the Investment Manager.

 

Investment Policy

 

To pursue its investment objective, the Company invests mainly in floating rate senior secured loans issued in United States Dollars ("U.S. Dollars"), Pound Sterling and Euros by primarily North American and European Union corporations, partnerships and other business issuers.  These loans are at the time of investment often non-investment grade. The Company may also make investments in senior bonds on an opportunistic basis if the Investment Manager believes that such investments are attractively valued up to a maximum in aggregate of 20% of the net asset value at the time of investment. The Company considers debt instruments to be non-investment grade if, at the time of investment, they are rated below the four highest categories (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa) by at least two independent credit ratings agencies or, if unrated, are deemed by the Investment Manager to be of comparable quality.

 

The Company will generally seek to focus on loans of issuers that the Investment Manager believes have the ability to generate cash flow through a full business cycle, maintain adequate liquidity, possess an enterprise value in excess of senior debt and have access to both debt and equity capital.

 

Capital Structure

 

As at 30 June 2016 the Company's share capital comprised 1,138,569,603 Sterling Ordinary Shares of no par value (of which 91,519,621 were held in treasury) and 45,139,393 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares of no par value (of which 2,972,627 were held in treasury).

 

For the purposes of efficient portfolio management, the Company has established a wholly-owned Luxembourg incorporated subsidiary, NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 1 S.à.r.l. which in turn holds a wholly-owned subsidiary, NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 2 S.à.r.l. Part of the portfolio of the Company is held through NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 2 S.à.r.l. All references to the Company in this document refer to the Company together with its wholly-owned Luxembourg subsidiaries.

 

Company Numbers

 

Sterling Ordinary Shares

LSE ISIN code: GG00B3KX4Q34

Bloomberg code: NBLS:LN

 

U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares

LSE ISIN code: GG00B3P7S359

Bloomberg code: NBLU:LN

 

Dividends

 

Paid quarterly in respect of each calendar quarter.

 

Rolling 12 month dividend yield (based on the previous four quarterly dividends paid and share price as at 30 June 2016):

·      Sterling Ordinary Shares - 4.39%

·      U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares - 4.40%

 

Website

 

www.nbgfrif.com

 

Non-Mainstream Pooled Investments

 

The Company currently conducts its affairs so that the shares issued by the Company can be recommended by Independent Financial Advisers to ordinary retail investors in accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority's ("FCA") rules in relation to non-mainstream investment products and intends to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. 

 

The Company's shares are excluded from the FCA's restrictions which apply to non-mainstream investment products because they are shares in an investment company, which if it were domiciled in the United Kingdom, would qualify as an investment trust.

 

 

Key Figures

 

(US$ in millions, except per share data)

 

 

 

As at 30 June 2016

As at 31 December 2015

 

 

 

Net Asset Value

 

 

          - Sterling Ordinary Shares*

 $1,337.0

 $1,665.3

          - U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares*

 $40.5

 $49.7

 

 

 

Net Asset Value per share

 

 

          - Sterling Ordinary Shares

 £0.9552

 £0.9422

          - U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares

 $0.9615

 $0.9490

 

 

 

Investments

 $1,447.0

 $1,715.0

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

$73.6

 $80.1

 

 

 

12 month rolling dividend yield

 

 

- Sterling Ordinary Shares **

4.39%

4.13%

- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares **

4.40%

4.11%

 

 

 

Share price

 

 

- Sterling Ordinary Shares

 £0.9105

 £0.9175

- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares

 $0.9138

 $0.9238

 

 

 

Discount to Net Asset Value

 

 

- Sterling Ordinary Shares

(4.68%)

(2.63%)

- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares

(4.96%)

(2.66%)

 

 

 

Total Return

 

 

- Sterling Ordinary Shares***

3.62%

0.32%

- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares***

3.54%

0.08%

 

 

 

Total Expense Ratio

 

 

- Sterling Ordinary Shares***

0.48%

0.87%

- U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares***

0.46%

0.84%

 

* In the six months to 30 June 2016, the Company repurchased 157.0 million Sterling Ordinary Shares at a total U.S. Dollar equivalent cost of $200.0m and 3.3 million U.S. Dollar Shares at a total cost of $3.0m.

 

** The 30 June 2016 dividend yield is presented on an annual basis and calculated on the four quarterly dividends paid up to 30 June 2016. This is a change from prior years where the dividend yield to 30 June was previously presented on a half-year basis and calculated on the two quarterly dividends paid up to 30 June. The  2015 comparative relates to dividends paid during the year from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.

 

*** 2016 figures relate to the period 1 January to 30 June 2016 while 2015 comparative relates to the year 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.The total return is the NAV return per share plus dividends paid during the period.

 

Chairman's Statement

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

It is my pleasure to present to you the Report of the Company for the six months ended 30 June 2016.

 

Background

 

The six months under review will be remembered by most for the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union ("Brexit"). One might therefore be forgiven for forgetting some of the preceding macroeconomic headwinds such as continued Chinese currency depreciation, weakening oil prices and further loosening of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy, all of which added to heightened volatility and general concern over the state of the global economy. Despite this political and macroeconomic backdrop, United States ("U.S.") and European senior secured floating rate loans performed well during the period. Fears over increasing default rates failed to materialise and the defaults that were seen in the market came in easily identifiable sectors, such as commodities, reinforcing floating rate loans' credentials as a stable and resilient asset class with attractive risk-adjusted return characteristics.

 

Portfolio and Company Performance

 

Your Board is pleased with the Investment Manager's performance during the period with the Company's net asset value ("NAV") per share rising modestly by 1.38% and 1.32% for the Sterling Ordinary Shares and U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares respectively. With the inclusion of dividends declared during the period, the Company's total return per share was 3.62% for the Sterling Ordinary Shares and 3.54% for the U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares. During the same period the Company's share price return was -0.76% per Sterling Ordinary Share and -1.08% per U.S. Dollar Share reflecting a widening of the Company's discount from 2.63% per Sterling Ordinary Share and 2.66% per U.S. Dollar Share to 4.68% per Sterling Ordinary Share and 4.96% per U.S. Dollar Share. This is disappointing given the underlying performance of the portfolio, although it is perhaps not surprising given the proximity of the period end to the U.K.'s referendum result. As at the latest practicable date prior to publication of this report the Company's Sterling Ordinary Shares and the U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares trade at a discount of 4.84% and 2.09% respectively.

 

Your Board notes that recent market events have led to heightened volatility in the Company's discount and, for large periods in the year, both share classes have traded at a discount wider than the Board's previously stated target of 3% in normal market conditions. Throughout this period the Board has continued to address temporary imbalances between supply and demand for shares in the Company by proactively repurchasing such shares. In the six months to 30 June 2016, the Company repurchased 157.0 million Sterling Ordinary Shares at  a total cost £140.0m and 3.3 million U.S. Dollar Shares at a total cost of $3.0m representing 13.1% and 6.2% of the share capital (less shares held in treasury) at the start of the period respectively. Since the period end and up to the latest practicable date prior to publication of this report, the Company has repurchased a further 15.8 million Sterling Ordinary Shares at £14.5m and 0.7 million U.S. Dollar Shares at $0.7m.  Your Board maintains its target discount of 3% in normal conditions and will continue to seek to address any temporary imbalances of supply and demand through the use of further buybacks in line with this policy. Your Board is reassured that the Company is of sufficient size to pursue its buyback policy and weather these volatile periods of the cycle without being at risk of becoming subscale and making a material impact to the Company's total expense ratio.

 

As at the latest practicable date prior to publication of this report, the Company's current dividend yield is 4.37% and 4.22% per Sterling Ordinary Share and U.S. Dollar Share respectively (calculated as the last four quarterly dividends paid up to 30 June 2016 expressed as a percentage of the share price). Your Board believes this represents attractive value on both an absolute and a risk-adjusted basis given the current low interest rate environment and taking account of the prudent investment approach taken by the Investment Manager.

 

The Company's Sterling Ordinary Share class hedges all U.S. Dollar and Euro exposure back to Pound Sterling.

 

As previously announced, in anticipation of currency volatility following the U.K.'s referendum on the continued membership of the European Union, the Company renewed its foreign exchange hedges early in June with settlement in September.  Accordingly, the Board does not expect the current volatility in the foreign exchange markets as a reaction to the U.K.'s referendum result to impact materially on the Company's NAV.

 

Outlook and Impact of Brexit

 

Your Board believes that Brexit has created considerable uncertainty and volatility across global markets and this is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Such events may contribute to worsening economic conditions not only in the U.K., but also Europe and the rest of the world. Your Board notes, by way of example, the significant downward move in the U.K. ten year gilt rate since the U.K. referendum result. The downward shift in yields (the U.K. ten year gilt rate is 0.55% at the time of writing) reflects the attractive yield pick up offered by owning the Company's shares. At a portfolio level, your Board expects the impact of Brexit to be limited given the robust investment process the Investment Manager has always adopted and its positioning in better rated, performing issuers. At the Company level the impact could be felt more directly through continued volatility of the Company's share price; however, your Board will continue to address any imbalances in supply and demand through the use of further share buybacks in line with its stated policy.

 

Your Board believes the Company continues to offer an attractive risk-adjusted return, and is pleased with the Investment Manager's performance to date and with the strategy. The Investment Manager will continue to update you on the Company's progress by way of the quarterly fact sheets and Investment Manager updates.

 

I would like to close by thanking you for your commitment and support.

 

 

______________________

William Frewen

Chairman

15 August 2016

 

Investment Manager's Report

 

Market Environment

 

The U.S. loan market, as measured by the S&P/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index (the "Index"), gained 4.51% for the reporting period. The first two months of the year were certainly "risk off" with investors tempering global growth expectations and evidencing concern around volatile commodity prices. The year-to-date February return was actually -1.18%, but as sentiment improved from March onwards the Index rallied significantly as investors appeared to cast the macro doubts aside and focus on issuer fundamentals. From this slow start the result was made all the more impressive when we consider the Brexit outcome in the U.K. in the final week of the period although this really had a negligible impact in the U.S. market. From a demand perspective, collaterised loan obligation ("CLO") issuance started to improve post February with $22.3bn coming to market as opposed to $3.4bn in the first two months of the year.  The $25.7bn total was still some way behind the $59.3bn we saw in the same period last year.  Retail flows also slowed as the period progressed with $5.5bn of outflows in total of which 90% occurred in January and February. Supply was reasonable with $126.8bn of institutional issuance seen, about 10% down on last year, but when combined with repayments received by accounts, tipped the scales in favour of issuers in the final few weeks of the period which meant we saw some more opportunistic proposals.  

 

In Europe, the loan market, as measured by the S&P European Leveraged Loan Index ("ELLI"), gained 1.89% during the reporting period. Similar to the U.S., the first two months were weak, with -1.10% recorded. Not surprisingly, Brexit had more of an impact on performance and the ELLI lost 0.60% in June. CLO issuance improved post February with €8.1bn recorded for the period, marginally ahead of the first half of 2015. From an issuance perspective, this has been steady and, at €21bn, was almost exactly in line with the same period last year.

 

Default activity remains low, below historical annual averages and in identifiable sectors. At the end of the six-month period, the U.S. trailing 12-month default rate was 1.97% and 2.22% by amount and issuer respectively. These defaults were concentrated in commodities with 9 out of the 15 filings year to date coming from these sectors. With regards to Europe, the default rates were 2.54% and 2.39% by amount and issuers, respectively. The largest component was the default of Solocal, a legacy Yellow Pages issuer that defaulted in June and accounted for 88bp of the amount.

 

Portfolio

 

During the period the portfolio has remained very much weighted towards U.S. issuers, which accounted for 93.43% (all numbers excluding cash) of NAV as at the end of June. Our bond allocation continued to remain low at 4.14% against the 20% of NAV allowable within the Company's investment limits, as we focused on keeping duration low and limiting potential areas of volatility. The key movement was in the portfolio allocation by rating where we continue to allocate to better rated assets. As such, the BBB/BB weighting increased from 48.18% of NAV at the end of December 2015 to 54.17% as at the period end, which should mean the portfolio remains more defensive.

 

Market Outlook

 

Our outlook for the loan market remains positive. Generally we feel that issuers are performing steadily, leverage is being controlled and cash cover metrics are strong.

 

As at the end of July, the market is pricing in a default rate of around 4%, which is well beyond our 2016 expectations of 2-3%. We believe that U.S. GDP growth will continue in its recent range. In the absence of rate rises we continue to believe that loans are attractive given the returns on offer, the expected low volatility compared to other risk asset classes and their senior secured nature.

 

 

 

 

Neuberger Berman

 

Neuberger Berman

Investment Advisers LLC

 

Europe Limited

15 August 2016               

 

15 August 2016

 

Portfolio Analyses

 

Top 10 Issuers as at 30 June 2016

 

Issuer

Sector

Portfolio Weight

First Data

Financial Intermediaries

2.1%

Valeant Pharma

Drugs

2.1%

Avago Technologies

Electronics

2.0%

Scientific Games

Hotels & Casinos

1.4%

Community Health Systems

Health Care

1.3%

Cablevision Systems

Cable Television

1.2%

Dynegy

Utilities

1.2%

Numericable

Cable Television

1.1%

Univision Communications

Broadcast Radio & Television

1.1%

Mohegan Tribal Gaming

Hotels & Casinos

1.1%

 

Top 10 S&P Sector Breakdown (ex Cash)

 

Sector

30 June 2016 Weight

31 December 2015 Comparative Weight

Business Equipment & Services

11.6%

11.8%

Financial Intermediaries

8.8%

7.6%

Hotels & Casinos

8.0%

9.2%

Health Care

7.9%

7.6%

Electronics

7.6%

7.2%

Cable Television

6.7%

5.8%

Containers & Glass

5.7%

6.3%

Retailers

4.8%

4.7%

Drugs

4.3%

2.8%

Telecoms

4.2%

3.4%

 

Key Statistics as at 30 June 2016

 

Current Gross Portfolio Yield*

4.78%

Number of Investments

312

Number of Issuers

236

 

*The Company's Current Gross Portfolio Yield is a market-value weighted average of the current yields of the holdings in the portfolio, calculated as the coupon (base rate plus spread) divided by current price. The calculation does not take into account any fees, fund expenses or sales charges paid, which would reduce the results. The Current Gross Portfolio Yield for the Company will fluctuate from month to month. The Current Gross Portfolio Yield should be regarded as an estimate of the Company's rate of investment income, and it will not equal the realised distribution rate for each share class.

 

Currency Breakdown

 

 

30 June 2016 Weight

31 December 2015 Comparative Weight

EUR

4.7%

4.6%

GBP

1.9%

1.8%

USD

93.4%

93.6%

 

100.0%

100.0%

 

Rating Breakdown

 

 

30 June 2016 Weight

31 December 2015 Comparative Weight

B

38.7%

43.8%

BB

46.0%

42.9%

BBB

8.2%

5.3%

CCC & Below

4.0%

5.0%

NR

3.1%

3.0%

 

100.0%

100.0%

  

Security Breakdown

 

 

30 June 2016 Weight

31 December 2015 Comparative Weight

Secured Loans

95.9%

95.4%

Fixed Rate Bonds

0.2%

1.1%

Floating Rate Bonds

3.9%

3.5%

 

100.0%

100.0%

 

Interim Management Report and Responsibility Statement

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

 

The principal risks faced by the Company fall into the following broad categories: credit risk, liquidity risk, fund performance, level of discount or premium, operational risk and switch of administrator. The Board reported on each of these principal risks and uncertainties in the Strategic Report of the Company's latest annual report and audited financial statement for the year ended 31 December 2015, which can be found on the Company's website at www.nbgfrif.com under "Investor Information" then "Fund Documents". The Board's view is that these risks remain appropriate for the remainder of 2016, save the risk of the switch of administrator, which the Board no longer deems to be a principal risk of the Company due to the tenor of the existing administrator exceeding twelve months. In addition, the Board has considered the specific risks and uncertainties faced by the Company as a result of Brexit and its conclusions are outlined in the Outlook section of the Chairman's Statement .

 

Going Concern

 

Having reassessed the principal risks, the Directors considered it appropriate to prepare the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (the "Financial Statements") on a going concern basis.

 

Related Party Transactions

 

Other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business, there have been no material transactions with related parties, which have affected the financial position or performance of the Company in the six month financial period to 30 June 2016. Additional related party disclosures are given in Note 3.

 

Directors' Responsibilities Statement

 

The Board of Directors confirms that, to the best of its knowledge:

 

The Financial Statements, which have been prepared in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP") and the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 270' "Interim Reporting", gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profits/(losses) of the Company, as required by DTR 4.2.4R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("DTR") of the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA").

 

The combination of the Chairman's Statement, the Investment Manager's Report and this Interim Management Report meet the requirements of an Interim Management Report, and include a fair review of the information required by:

 

1. DTR 4.2.7R of the DTR, of the U.K.'s FCA, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the year and their impact on the set of Financial Statements; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and

 

2. DTR 4.2.8R of the DTR, of the U.K.'s FCA, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during that period; and any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report.

 

 

William Frewen                                                   Richard Battey

Chairman                                                              Director

15 August 2016                                                   15 August 2016

 

Independent Review Report to the Directors of NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund Limited

 

Introduction

 

We have been engaged by the Company to review the interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2016, which comprises the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 30 June 2016 and the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations, the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets, the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Schedule of Investments, Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash flows for the period then ended and related notes. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements.

 

Directors' responsibilities

 

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half-yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

 

As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The interim financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 270, "Interim Reporting".

 

Our responsibility

 

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report based on our review. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the Company for the purpose of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in producing this report, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

 

Scope of review

 

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements  2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

 

Conclusion

 

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2016 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 270, "Interim Reporting" and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP
Chartered Accountants, Guernsey, Channel Islands
15 August 2016  
 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 

As at 30 June 2016 and 31 December 2015

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

 

Notes

30 June 2016 (unaudited)

31 December 2015 (audited)

 

 

 

$

$

Assets

 

 

 

 

Investments, at fair value (2016; cost of $1,486,826,788; 2015: cost of $1,818,256,912)

 

5

1,446,983,045

1,715,009,535

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

 

 

 

- Pound Sterling

 

 

7,119,508

23,070,349

- Euro

 

 

11,002,842

13,386,247

- U.S. Dollar

 

 

55,508,515

43,678,399

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

 

73,630,865

80,134,995

 

 

 

1,520,613,910

1,795,144,530

Other assets

 

 

 

 

Receivables for investments sold

 

 

45,034,238

39,438,655

Interest receivable

 

 

5,422,460

7,018,000

Other receivables and prepayments

 

 

74,114

74,689

Derivative assets

 

5

5,344,281

468,544

 

 

 

55,875,093

46,999,888

Total assets

 

 

1,576,489,003

1,842,144,418

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Payables for investments purchased

 

 

70,287,715

88,842,683

Payables to Investment Manager and affiliates

 

3

2,804,551

3,378,212

Derivative liabilities

 

5

125,544,769

33,603,715

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

3

289,758

1,346,955

Total liabilities

 

 

198,926,793

127,171,565

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets less liabilities

 

 

1,377,562,210

1,714,972,853

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

 

9

1,731,884,173

1,934,737,971

Accumulated reserves

 

 

(354,321,963)

(219,765,118)

Total net assets

 

 

1,377,562,210

1,714,972,853

                                                                                                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

30 June 2016

 

Net Asset Value

Number of Shares

NAV per Share

U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares

 

$40,542,781

42,166,766

$0.9615

 

 

 

 

 

Sterling Ordinary Shares

 

£1,000,164,145

1,047,049,982

£0.9552

 

 

 

 

 

Sterling Ordinary Shares (in U.S. Dollar)

 

$1,337,019,429

1,047,049,982

$1.2769

 

The Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 15 August 2016, and signed on its behalf by:

 

________________                                                                  _________________

William Frewen                                                                                                                   Richard Battey

Chairman                                                                                                                              Director

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Condensed Schedule of Investments

 

As at 30 June 2016 (Unaudited)

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

Cost

Fair Value

Fair Value as % of Net Assets

 

$

$

 

Portfolio of investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial investments

 

 

 

-       Floating rate senior secured loans

       1,421,970,325

       1,387,963,663

100.76

-       Fixed rate bonds

              2,285,677

              2,198,179

0.16

-       Floating rate bonds

            62,570,786

            56,821,203

4.12

Total financial investments

       1,486,826,788

       1,446,983,045

105.04

 

 

 

 

Total portfolio of investments

       1,486,826,788

       1,446,983,045

105.04

 

 

 

 

 Forward currency contracts

 

 

 

Euro to U.S. Dollar

 

                 655,967

0.05

U.S. Dollar to Pound Sterling

 

         (128,612,379)

(9.34)

Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

 

              7,755,924

0.56

 

 

(120,200,488)

(8.73)

 

 

 

 

 

Cost

Fair Value

Fair Value as % of Net Assets

 

$

$

 

Geographic diversity of investment portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

       1,320,082,931

1,288,013,492

93.50

Australia / Oceania

              3,987,012

              3,808,094

0.28

Europe

162,756,845

155,161,459

11.26

 

       1,486,826,788

       1,446,983,045

                   105.04

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

As at 31 December 2015 (audited)

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

Cost

Fair Value

Fair Value as % of Net Assets

 

$

$

 

Portfolio of investments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial investments

 

 

 

Floating rate senior secured loans

1,731,526,854

1,636,279,673

95.41

Fixed rate bonds

20,995,808

18,941,703

1.10

Floating rate bonds

65,734,250

59,788,159

3.49

Total financial investments

1,818,256,912

1,715,009,535

100.00

 

 

 

 

Total portfolio of investments

1,818,256,912

1,715,009,535

100.00

Forwards

 

 

 

Euro to U.S. Dollar

 

(41,093)

(0.00)

U.S. Dollar to Pound Sterling

 

(35,174,950)

(2.05)

Pound Sterling to U.S. Dollar

 

2,081,691

0.12

U.S. Dollar to Euro

 

(819)

0.00

 

 

(33,135,171)

(1.93)

 

 

Cost

Fair Value

Fair Value as % of Net Assets

 

$

$

 

Geographic diversity of investment portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North America

1,610,452,329

1,522,961,203

88.80

Australia / Oceania

16,978,974

12,546,553

0.73

Europe

190,825,609

179,501,779

10.47

 

1,818,256,912

1,715,009,535

100.00

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

As at 30 June 2016 (Unaudited)

 (Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

30 June 2016

31 December 2015

 

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Industry diversity of Investment Portfolio

Cost ($)

Fair Value ($)

Cost ($)

Fair Value ($)

Aerospace & Defence

11,469,239

11,418,714

14,460,494

13,824,176

Air Transport

14,037,341

13,935,946

13,045,566

12,906,699

Automotive

16,546,450

16,144,512

15,365,520

15,064,712

Broadcast Radio and Television

32,396,252

28,658,237

50,339,926

42,236,587

Business Equipment & Services

171,222,905

167,744,775

213,306,917

203,831,062

Building & Development

44,747,259

44,773,027

67,500,426

66,896,657

Cable & Satellite Television

99,214,858

96,682,328

106,571,956

100,139,678

Chemicals & Plastics

34,067,062

33,869,111

51,756,550

49,883,530

Conglomerates

2,556,832

2,551,907

5,066,865

5,001,279

Containers & Glass Products

82,222,889

81,757,140

109,863,504

107,237,924

Cosmetics/Toiletries

1,525,143

1,526,103

2,698,345

2,685,382

Drugs

62,131,258

61,623,359

48,671,778

47,510,155

Ecological Services & Equipment

12,482,202

12,339,369

12,507,519

12,220,584

Electronics/Electrical

111,751,646

109,530,731

130,791,787

124,016,321

Equipment Leasing

2,264,131

2,253,649

-

-

Financial Intermediaries

135,528,612

127,206,282

134,552,390

126,846,725

Food Products

31,901,092

29,276,409

24,033,541

22,055,988

Food Service

27,190,812

27,455,029

13,110,754

13,121,113

Food/Drug Retailers

14,528,207

14,467,859

23,046,480

22,780,423

Health Care

115,559,557

114,138,106

132,702,488

129,604,321

Home Furnishings

1,689,093

1,686,913

11,079,666

11,015,393

Hotels and Casinos

116,513,068

115,069,172

164,545,616

160,508,425

Industrial Equipment

54,640,436

51,354,773

81,061,029

75,489,595

Insurance

8,762,887

8,631,905

12,551,126

11,663,886

Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies

37,102,199

36,066,484

51,765,232

49,253,953

Nonferrous Metals/Minerals

                           - 

-                               - 

1,577,226

1,508,157

Oil & Gas

16,174,385

16,830,472

27,632,895

13,209,814

Publishing

12,906,111

12,818,020

28,195,132

27,641,895

Retailers (except food & drug)

74,174,330

69,937,541

89,635,685

81,031,018

Steel

12,606,787

11,956,976

30,858,354

23,961,671

Surface Transport

7,512,685

7,476,519

10,165,070

10,108,918

Telecommunications

63,192,287

60,160,805

68,913,714

63,692,382

Utilities

58,208,773

57,640,872

70,883,361

68,061,112

 

1,486,826,788

1,446,983,045

1,818,256,912

1,715,009,535

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

As at 30 June 2016 (Unaudited)

 (Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

As at 30 June 2016, issuers with the following investments comprised of greater than 1% of NAV:

 

Securities

Country

Industry

Fair Value

%

FIRST DATA CORPORATION

 

 

30,447,661

2.21%

First Data Corp T/L 24/03/2021

United States

Financial Intermediaries

21,817,677

1.58%

First Data Corp 1L T/L B Usd  08/07/2022

United States

Financial Intermediaries

5,603,895

0.41%

First Data Corporation T/L B 07/08/2022

United States

Financial Intermediaries

3,026,089

0.22%

 

 

 

 

 

VALEANT PHARMACEUTICALS

 

 

30,224,673

2.19%

Valeant Pharmaceuticals T/ L - F1 04/01/2022

Canada

Drugs

30,224,673

2.19%

 

 

 

 

 

AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES

 

 

28,240,932

2.05%

Avago Tech 1L T/L-B1 02/01/2023

Cayman Islands

Electronics/Electrical

27,409,214

1.99%

Avago Tech 1L Tl-B1 Euro 02/01/2023

Cayman Islands

Electronics/Electrical

831,718

0.06%

 

 

 

 

 

SCIENTIFIC GAMES

 

 

19,866,371

1.44%

Scientific Games T/L B-2  10/01/2021

United States

Hotels & Casinos

14,781,194

1.07%

Scientific Games Tl B 18/10/2020

United States

Hotels & Casinos

5,085,177

0.37%

 

COMMUNITY HEALTH INCREMENTAL

 

 

18,427,846

1.34%

Community Health Incremental T/L H 27/01/2021

United States

Health Care

11,235,569

0.82%

Community Health Incremental T/ L G 31/12/2019

United States

Health Care

6,092,635

0.44%

Chs/Community Health Systems 1L Tl-F1  31/12/2018

United States

Health Care

1,099,642

0.08%

 

 

 

 

 

CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION

 

 

17,009,165

1.23%

Cablevision Systems Corp T/L B 10/09/2022

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

17,009,165

1.23%

 

 

 

 

 

DYNERGY HOLDINGS INC

 

 

16,803,869

1.22%

Dynegy Holdings Inc Dynegy 1L T/L B 27/06/2023

United States

Utilities

13,314,293

0.97%

Dynergy Holdings Inc Tl B-2 23/04/2020

United States

Utilities

3,489,576

0.25%

 

 

 

 

 

NUMERICABLE

 

 

16,507,288

1.21%

Numericable_Altice T/B  EUR  30/01/2023

France

Cable & Satellite Television

10,021,972

0.73%

Numericable / Ypso 4/16 (Eur) 15/04/2023

France

Cable & Satellite Television

6,485,316

0.48%

 

 

 

 

 

UNIVISION COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

16,361,614

1.19%

Univision Communication T/L C 03/01/2020

United States

Broadcast Radio and Television

13,551,853

0.99%

Univision Com Re T/L 1st Lien 03/01/2020

United States

Broadcast Radio and Television

2,809,761

0.20%

 

 

 

 

 

MOHEGAN

 

 

15,585,624

1.13%

Mohegan Tribal Gaming T/L B 15/06/2018

United States

Hotels & Casinos

15,585,624

1.13%

 

 

 

 

 

ENERGY TRANSFER EQUITY

 

 

                     15,336,723

        1.11%

Energy Transfer Equity T/L C 12/02/2019

United States

Oil & Gas

10,075,949

0.73%

Energy Transfer Equity T/L B 12/02/2019

United States

Oil & Gas

5,260,774

0.38%

 

 

 

 

 

PETSMART

 

 

14,161,834

1.03%

PetSmart Inc T/L B 03/11/2022

United States

Retailers (except food and drug)

14,161,834

1.03%

 

 

 

 

 

LEVEL 3 COMMUNICATIONS

 

 

14,041,062

1.02%

Level 3 Communications T/L B4 15/01/2020

United States

Telecommunications

14,041,062

1.02%

 

 

 

 

 

INTELSAT JACKSON

 

 

13,836,152

1.00%

Intelsat Jackson T/L B2 30/06/2019

Luxembourg

Telecommunications

13,836,152

1.00%

 

 

 

266,850,814

19.37%

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

As at 31 December 2015 (audited)

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

As at 31 December 2015, issuers with the following investments comprised of greater than 1% of NAV:

 

Securities

Country

Industry

Fair Value

%

NUMERICABLE

 

 

 34,419,144

2.01%

Numericable Altice TLB EUR

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

 11,823,328

0.69%

YPSO Holding SA TL B11L 21/05/2020

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

 6,474,234

0.38%

YPSO Holding SA TL B1 EUR 21/05/2020

France

Cable & Satellite Television

 5,607,058

0.33%

Numericable B4 (2014)

France

Cable & Satellite Television

5,663,656

0.33%

Numericable U.S. LLC Term Loan B2

France

Cable & Satellite Television

4,850,868

0.28%

 

 

 

 

 

AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES

 

 

29,434,329

1.71%

Avago Technologies 1L Tl-B1 

United States

Electronics/Electrical

27,138,990

1.58%

Avago Technologies 1L Tl-B1 

European Union

Electronics/Electrical

2,295,339

0.13%

 

 

 

 

 

VALEANT PHARMACEUTICALS

 

 

28,005,025

1.63%

Valeant Pharmaceuticals Term Loan - F1

Canada

Drugs

28,005,025

1.63%

 

 

 

 

 

SCIENTIFIC GAMES

 

 

26,920,057

1.57%

Scientific Games T/L B-2 17/09/2021

United States

Lodging & Casinos

17,674,867

1.03%

Scientific Games T/L B 24/05/2020

United States

Lodging & Casinos

9,245,190

0.54%

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST DATA CORPORATION

 

 

25,179,730

1.46%

First Data Corp T/L 24/03/2017

United States

Financial Intermediaries

9,516,578

0.55%

First Data Corp T/L C 24/03/2018

United States

Financial Intermediaries

7,397,603

0.43%

First Data Corp 2018B New T/L 21/10/2017

United States

Financial Intermediaries

3,156,925

0.18%

First Data Corp Term B

United States

Financial Intermediaries

5,108,624

0.30%

 

 

 

 

 

PETSMART

 

 

 21,169,320

1.23%

Petsmart Inc Term Loan B US

United States

Retailers

21,169,320

1.23%

 

 

 

 

 

MOHEGAN

 

 

 20,185,551

1.18%

Mohegan Tribal Gaming T/L B 19/11/2019

United States

Lodging & Casinos

 20,185,551

1.18%

 

 

 

 

 

ADVANTAGE SALES AND MARKETING

 

 

18,882,209

1.11%

Advant Sal&Markt T/L B DD 11/07/2021

United States

Business Equipment & Services

12,963,441

0.76%

Advant Sal&Markt T/L 2nd Lien 15/07/2022

United States

Business Equipment & Services

5,918,768

0.35%

 

 

 

 

 

BERLIN PACKAGING

 

 

18,037,123

1.05%

Berlin Pckg 1St Ln Cov-Lt T/L 24/09/2021

United States

Containers & Glass Products

11,318,173

0.66%

Berlin Pack LLC T/L 2nd Lien 11/09/2022

United States

Containers & Glass Products

6,718,950

0.39%

 

 

 

 

 

CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION

 

 

17,954,320

1.05%

Cablevision Systems Corp Tlb

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

17,954,320

1.05%

 

 

 

 

 

UNIVISION COMMUNICAITONS

 

 

17,863,755

1.04%

Univision Communication T/L C 01/03/2020

United States

Broadcast Radio and Television

15,086,144

0.88%

Univision Com Re T/L 01/03/2020

United States

Broadcast Radio and Television

2,777,611

0.16%

 

 

 

 

 

WALTER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

 

 

          17,590,862

1.03%

Walter Inv Mang Corp New T/L 11/12/2020

United States

Financial Intermediaries

17,590,862

1.03%

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNITY HEALTH INCREMENTAL

 

 

17,541,357

1.02%

Community Health Incremental 2021 Term H

United States

Health Care

11,404,519

0.66%

Community Health Incremental 2019 Term G

United States

Health Care

6,136,838

0.36%

 

 

 

 

 

MITCHELL INTERNATIONAL

 

 

17,318,566

1.01%

Mitchell Intl Inc T/L B 01/10/2020

United States

Business Equipment & Services

10,452,267

0.61%

Mitchell Intl Inc T/L 01/10/2021

United States

Business Equipment & Services

 6,866,299

0.40%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

310,501,348

18.10%

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

As at 30 June 2016 (unaudited), the largest 50 investments based on the NAV were:

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

Securities

Country

Industry

 Fair value

%

Valeant Pharmaceuticals T/ L - F1 04/01/2022

Canada

Drugs

30,224,673

2.19%

Avago Technologies 1L T/L-B1 (First-Lien)  02/01/2023

Cayman Islands

Electronics/Electrical

27,409,214

1.99%

First Data Corp T/L 24/03/2021

United States

Financial Intermediaries

21,817,677

1.58%

Cablevision Systems Corp T/L B (First-Lien)  10/09/2022

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

17,009,165

1.23%

Mohegan Tribal Gaming T/L B  15/06/2018

United States

Hotels & Casinos

15,585,624

1.13%

Scientific Games T/L B-2  10/01/2021

United States

Hotels & Casinos

14,781,194

1.07%

PetSmart Inc T/L B 03/11/2022

United States

Retailers (except food and drug)

14,161,834

1.03%

Level 3 Communications T/L B4 15/01/2020

United States

Telecommunications

14,041,062

1.02%

Intelsat Jackson T/L B2 30/06/2019

Luxembourg

Telecommunications

13,836,152

1.00%

Presidio Inc T/L B 02/02/2022

United States

Business Equipment & Services

13,650,009

0.99%

Endo Pharma T/L B  26/09/2022

United States

Drugs

13,580,122

0.99%

Univision Communication T/L C 0 03/01/2020

United States

Broadcast Radio and Television

13,551,853

0.98%

Charter Communications Operating 5/16 T/L 24/01/2023

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

13,518,688

0.98%

Dynegy Holdings Inc Dynegy 1L T/L B 27/06/2023

United States

Utilities

13,314,293

0.97%

Zebra Technologies 1L T/L B  (First-Lien) 27/10/2021

United States

Electronics/Electrical

13,181,083

0.96%

Wide Open West Tranche B-1 T/L (First-Lien) 04/01/2019

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

12,960,628

0.94%

Pharmaceutical Product Development Inc. T/L B  18/08/2022

United States

Health Care

12,913,091

0.94%

Burger King Corporation T/L B  12/10/2021

Canada

Food Service

12,167,777

0.88%

Walter Inv. Man. Corp T/L 11/12/2020

United States

Financial Intermediaries

11,691,484

0.85%

The Serm Co 1St Ln Cov T/L  07/01/2021

United States

Business Equipment & Services

11,491,496

0.83%

Hca Inc. T/L B 18/03/2023

United States

Health Care

11,299,929

0.82%

Community Health Incremental T/L H  27/01/2021

United States

Health Care

11,235,569

0.82%

Virgin Media T/L E  30/06/2023

United Kingdom

Cable & Satellite Television

10,674,402

0.77%

Information Res Inc T/L B  30/09/2020

United States

Business Equipment & Services

10,621,263

0.77%

Aristocrat Leisure T/L B 20/10/2021

United States

Hotels & Casinos

10,469,497

0.76%

Energy Transfer Equity T/L C 12/02/2019

United States

Oil & Gas

10,075,949

0.73%

Datatel-Sophia LP TL B (First-Lien) 09/10/2022

United States

Electronics/Electrical

10,062,610

0.73%

Numericable_Altice T/B (First-Lien) EUR  30/01/2023

France

Cable & Satellite Television

10,021,972

0.73%

Multiplan  Inc. T/L B 16/05/2023

United States

Health Care

9,646,656

0.70%

Reynolds Grp Hold Inc US T/L 12/01/2018

United States

Containers & Glass Products

9,547,622

0.69%

Cowlitz Tribal Gaming Authority T/L B 12/06/2021

United States

Hotels & Casinos

9,416,200

0.68%

Acosta Holdco Inc  T/L  26/09/2021

United States

Business Equipment & Services

9,377,707

0.68%

Bway Intermediate Co Inc T/L  14/08/2020

United States

Containers & Glass Products

8,984,379

0.65%

Cequel Communications  Llc T/L B 14/12/2022

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

8,970,004

0.65%

Michaels Stores Inc T/L B 0 28/01/2020

United States

Retailers (except food and drug)

8,864,531

0.64%

Amscan Holdings  Inc. T/L B (First-Lien)  19/08/2022

United States

Retailers (except food and drug)

8,700,192

0.63%

Iasis Hlthcare Corp T/L B  05/03/2018

United States

Health Care

8,664,693

0.63%

Advant Sal & Markt T/L B DD  23/07/2021

United States

Business Equipment & Services

8,607,908

0.62%

99 Cents Only Stores T/L  01/11/2019

United States

Retailers (except food and drug)

8,607,812

0.62%

Verallia Sa Tranche B T/L (First-Lien) Eur 31/10/2022

France

Containers & Glass Products

8,571,635

0.62%

Formula One Hldgs Ltd T/L  30/07/2021

Luxembourg

Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies

8,524,828

0.62%

Citycenter Holdings Llc T/L B  16/10/2020

United States

Hotels & Casinos

8,505,202

0.62%

Station Casinos T/L B 19/05/2023

United States

Hotels & Casinos

8,481,656

0.62%

Dell T/L B 24/05/2023

United States

Electronics/Electrical

8,409,784

0.61%

Team Health  Inc. T/L B 23/11/2023

United States

Health Care

8,407,971

0.61%

Tpf Ii Power Llc T/L B 10/02/2021

United States

Utilities

8,373,577

0.61%

Twin River Mgt Grp T/L B 1L  07/10/2020

United States

Hotels & Casinos

8,364,246

0.61%

Emerald Expositions Hldg T/L B  17/06/2020

United States

Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies

7,832,100

0.58%

DTZ T/L B 11/04/2021

United States

Building & Development

7,822,680

0.58%

Berry Plastics T/L 10/03/2022

United States

Containers & Glass Products

    7,647,197

0.57%

 

 

 

585,676,890

42.52%

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

As at 31 December 2015 (audited), the largest 50 investments based on the NAV were:

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

Securities

Country

Industry

Fair Value              

   %

Valeant Pharmaceuticals T/ L - F1 04/01/2022

Canada

Drugs

28,005,025

1.63

Avago Technologies 1L T/L-B1 (First-Lien) 11/11/2022

Cayman Islands

Electronics/Electrical

27,138,990

1.58

PetSmart Inc T/L B 03/11/2022

United States

Retailers

21,169,320

1.23

Mohegan Tribal Gaming T/L B 19/11/2019

United States

Hotels & Casinos

20,185,551

1.18

Cablevision Systems Corp T/L B (First-Lien) 15/04/2016

United States

Cable & Satellite Television

17,954,320

1.05

Scientific Games T/L B-2 17/09/2021

United States

Hotels & Casinos

17,674,867

1.03

Walter Inv. Man. Corp T/L 11/12/2020

United States

Financial Intermediaries

17,590,862

1.03

Univision Communication T/L C 01/03/2020

United States

Broadcast Radio and Television

15,086,144

0.88

Virgin Media T/L E 07/06/2023

United Kingdom

Cable & Satellite Television

14,793,702

0.86

Pharmaceutical  Product  Development  Inc. T/L B 29/02/2016

United States

Health Care

14,741,783

0.86

Acosta Holdco Inc  T/L 13/08/2021

United States

14,531,882

0.85

Rite Aid Corp T/L 2Nd Lien 11/06/2021

United States

Food/Drug Retailers

14,505,927

0.85

The Serm Co 1St Ln Cov T/L 25/06/2021

United States

Business Equipment & Services

14,482,682

0.84

Bway Intermediate Co Inc T/L 07/08/2020

United States

Containers & Glass Products

14,137,693

0.82

Emerald Expositions Hldg T/L B 12/06/2020

United States

Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies

14,113,831

0.82

Level 3 Communications T/L B4 15/01/2020

United States

Telecommunication/Cellular Communications

14,005,201

0.82

Zebra Technologies Corp T/L  30/09/2021

United States

Electronics/Electrical

13,879,625

0.81

Endo Pharma T/L B 09/26/2022

United States

Drugs

13,692,411

0.80

Burger King Corporation T/L B 30/09/2021

Canada

13,121,113

0.77

Twin River Mgt Grp T/L B 1L 30/06/2020

United States

Hotels & Casinos

12,983,630

0.76

Advant Sal & Markt T/L B DD 11/07/2021

United States

Business Equipment & Services

12,963,441

0.76

Station Casinos Llc T/L B 25/02/2020

United States

Hotels & Casinos

12,572,770

0.73

Springer Sci & Bus Med T/L B3 14/08/2020

Germany

Publishing

12,572,051

0.73

Fmg Res (Aug06) Pty Lc Nw T/L 30/06/2019

Australia

Steel

12,546,553

0.73

Jeld - Wen Inc T/L B 09/09/2021

United States

Building & Development

12,275,770

0.72

Formula One Hldgs Ltd T/L 31/07/2021

Luxembourg

Leisure Goods/Activities/Movies

12,256,440

0.71

Intelsat Jackson T/L B2 30/06/2019

Luxembourg

Telecommunication/Cellular Communications

12,169,321

0.71

Citycenter Holdings Llc T/L B 09/10/2020

United States

Hotels & Casinos

11,985,139

0.70

Dell Inc T/L B 24/03/2020

United States

Electronics/Electrical

11,909,444

0.69

Cumulus Media Holdings T/L B 18/12/2020

United States

Broadcast Radio and Television

11,876,146

0.69

Energy Fut Int Hldg Dip T/L 12/19/2016

United States

Utilities

11,858,404

0.69

Numericable_Altice T/B (First-Lien) EUR 01/30/2023

France

Cable & Satellite Television

11,823,328

0.69

Iasis Hlthcare Corp T/L B 03/05/2018

United States

Health Care

11,797,565

0.69

Amscan Holdings  Inc. T/L B (First-Lien) 08/19/2022

United States

Retailers

11,729,498

0.68

Filtration Gr Co T/L (First-Lien) 13/11/2020

United States

Industrial Equipment

11,625,589

0.68

99 Cents Only Stores T/L 11/01/2019

United States

Retailers

11,488,636

0.67

Community Health Incremental T/L H 01/27/2021

United States

Health Care

11,404,519

0.66

Berlin Pckg (First-Lien) COV-LT T/L 24/09/2021

United States

Containers & Glass Products

11,318,173

0.66

Immucor Inc T/L B2 19/08/2018

United States

11,027,384

0.64

Spin Holdco Inc T/L 30/11/2019

United States

Retailers

10,811,650

0.63

Information Res Inc T/L B 26/09/2020

United States

Business Equipment & Services

10,670,227

0.62

La Frontera Generation T/L 30/09/2020

United States

Utilities

10,634,442

0.62

DTZ T/L B 11/04/2021

United States

Building & Development

10,575,051

0.62

Citco III LTD T/L B 16/04/2018

United States

Financial Intermediaries

10,566,688

0.62

Michaels Stores Inc T/L B 01/02/2020

United States

Retailers

10,512,595

0.61

Brand ENR & INF SER Inc T/L B 22/11/2020

United States

Business Equipment & Services

10,481,260

0.61

Mitchell Intl Inc T/L B 01/10/2020

United States

Business Equipment & Services

10,452,267

0.61

Aristocrat Leisure T/L B 31/10/2021

United States

Hotels & Casinos

10,404,098

0.61

Kronos Incremental T/L 30/10/2019

United States

Business Equipment & Services

10,372,839

0.60

Datatel-Sophia LP TL B (First-Lien) 09/10/2022

United States

Electronics/Electrical

10,116,482

0.59

 

 

 

676,592,329

39.44

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2016

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

1 January 2016 to

30 June 2016 (unaudited)

1 January 2015 to

31 December 2015 (audited)

 

$

$

Income

 

 

Interest income (net of withholding taxes, 2016: $Nil; 2015:$Nil)

               37,346,946

85,020,107

Other income from investments

                    338,889

1,887,346

Total income

               37,685,835

86,907,453

 

 

 

Expenses

 

 

Investment management and services

               (5,755,932)

(13,959,247)

Administration and professional

               (1,470,261)

(1,801,969)

Directors' fees and travel expenses

                  (138,561)

(279,807)

Total expenses

               (7,364,754)

(16,041,023)

 

 

 

Net investment income

               30,321,081

70,866,430

 

 

 

Realised and unrealised loss

 

 

Net realised loss on investments

             (50,664,925)

(28,216,093)

Net realised loss on derivatives

             (55,970,907)

(102,456,812)

Total net realised loss

           (106,635,832)

(130,672,905)

 

 

 

Net change in unrealised profit/(loss) on investments

               63,403,635

(47,887,136)

Net change in unrealised (loss)/profit on derivatives

             (87,065,317)

18,342,698

Total net unrealised loss

             (23,661,682)

(29,544,438)

 

 

 

Realised and unrealised loss on foreign currency

                  (809,118)

(4,373,332)

 

 

 

Net realised and unrealised loss

           (131,106,632)

(164,590,675)

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

           (100,785,551)

(93,724,245)

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2016

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

30 June 2016

 

 

Ordinary Shares ($)

Total ($)

 

 

(unaudited)

 

Net assets as at 1 January 2016

 

1,714,972,853

1,714,972,853

Dividends

 

 (33,771,305)

 (33,771,305)

Share buybacks

 

 (202,853,787)

 (202,853,787)

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

 

 (100,785,551)

 (100,785,551)

Net assets as at 30 June 2016

 

1,377,562,210

1,377,562,210

 

31 December 2015

 

 

Ordinary Shares ($)

Total ($)

 

 

(audited)

 

Net assets as at 1 January 2015

 

1,950,175,572

1,950,175,572

Scrip issue

 

1,657,755

1,657,755

Dividends

 

 (74,489,003)

(74,489,003)

Share buybacks

 

 (68,647,226)

(68,647,226)

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

 

(93,724,245)

(93,724,245)

Net assets as at 31 December 2015

 

1,714,972,853

1,714,972,853

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2016

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars)

 

 

1 January 2016 to

30 June 2016 (unaudited)

1 January 2015 to

31 December 2015 (audited)

 

$

$

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

           (100,785,551)

(93,724,245)

 

 

 

Adjustment to reconcile net decrease in net assets resulting from operations to net cash generated from operating activities:

 

 

Net realised loss on investments

              50,664,925

              28,216,093

Net change in unrealised loss on investments and derivatives

              23,661,682

              29,544,438

Changes in receivables for investments sold

               (5,595,583)

              23,176,247

Changes in interest receivables

                1,595,540

                4,594,370

Changes in other receivables and prepayments

                          575

                     10,268

Changes in payables for investments purchased

             (18,554,968)

               (4,147,795)

Changes in payables to Investment Manager and affiliates

               (1,057,197)

                  (326,827)

Changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities

                  (573,661)

                   807,899

Purchase of investments

           (406,583,889)

        (1,061,002,337)

Sale of investments

            687,349,089

         1,247,782,688

Net cash generated from operating activities

            230,120,962

            174,930,799

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

Share buybacks

           (202,853,787)

 (68,647,226)

Dividends paid

             (33,771,305)

(72,831,259)

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

           (236,625,092)

(141,478,485)

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

               (6,504,130)

33,452,314

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

              80,134,995

46,682,681

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

              73,630,865

80,134,995

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Financial Statements

 

Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Financial Statements

 

For the period ended 30 June 2016

 

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

The Company is a closed-ended investment company incorporated and registered in Guernsey with registered number 53155. It is a non-cellular company limited by shares and has been declared by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission to be a registered closed-ended collective investment scheme. On 20 April 2011 the Company was admitted to the Official List of the U.K. Listing Authority with a premium listing trading on the Main Market of the LSE.

 

On 30 September 2011, the Company raised an additional $187 million by means of a Placing and Offer for Subscription of C Shares and were admitted to trading on the Main Market of the LSE on 5 October 2011. On 21 March 2013 and 24 October 2013 the Company raised an additional $550 million and $705 million by means of a Placing and Offer for Subscription of C Shares that were admitted to trading on the Main Market of the LSE on 26 March 2013 and 29 October 2013 respectively. On 22 July 2013, through a tap issue, the Company raised gross proceeds of $69 million. The Sterling C Shares issued on 21 March 2013 were converted into 360,521,605 Sterling Ordinary Shares on 16 July 2013 and the Sterling Ordinary Shares issued on 24 October 2013 were converted into 421,103,481 Sterling Ordinary Shares on 21 January 2014.

 

At the Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company held in June 2016, the Directors were granted the general authority to purchase in the market up to 14.99% of the Ordinary Shares of each class in issue (as at 15 June 2016). This authority will expire at the next AGM in 2017. Pursuant to this authority, and subject to the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 and the discretion of the Directors, the Company may purchase shares of any of its classes in the market on an on-going basis with a view to addressing any imbalance between the supply of and demand for such shares and thereby increasing the NAV per share of the shares and assisting in managing the discount to NAV per share of the shares in relation to the price at which the shares of such class may be trading.

 

The Company re-purchased 156,976,848 Sterling Ordinary Shares in 116 tranches between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2016, 16,090,000 of which were repurchased for cancellation and 140,886,848 were held in treasury. The Company also re-purchased 3,305,000 U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares in 47 tranches between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2016, of which 335,000 were repurchased for cancellation and 2,970,000 were  held in treasury.

 

On the 9 March 2016, the Company cancelled 58,609,241 Sterling Ordinary Shares held in treasury. On 11 April 2016 the Company cancelled 43,111,620 Sterling Ordinary Shares held in treasury. This represented approximately 4.73% and 3.64% of the Company's issued Sterling Ordinary Shares respectively.

 

The Company's investment objective is to provide its shareholders with regular dividends, at levels that are sustainable, whilst preserving the capital value of its investment portfolio, utilising the investment skills of the Investment Manager to pursue its investment objective. The Company invests mainly in floating rate senior secured loans issued in U.S. Dollars, Pound Sterling and Euros by primarily North American and European Union corporations, partnerships and other business issuers. These loans will at the time of investment often be non-investment grade. The Company considers debt instruments to be non-investment grade if, at the time of investment, they are rated below the four highest categories (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa) by at least two independent credit rating agencies or, if unrated, are deemed by the Investment Manager to be of comparable quality.

 

For the purposes of efficient portfolio management, the Company has established a wholly-owned Luxembourg incorporated subsidiary, NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 1 S.à.r.l. which in turn holds a wholly-owned subsidiary, NB Global Floating Rate Income Fund (Lux) 2 S.à.r.l. All references to the Company in this document refer to the Company and its wholly owned Luxembourg subsidiaries. The directors of these companies are unrelated to the Directors of the Company.

 

The Company's share capital is denominated in Pound Sterling and U.S. Dollars and consists of Sterling Ordinary Shares and U.S Dollar Ordinary Shares as at 30 June 2016.

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of preparation

 

The accompanying Financial Statements have been presented on a going concern basis and on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with US GAAP. The Company is regarded as an Investment Company and it follows the accounting and reporting requirements of the FASB ASC 946. The Board believes that the underlying assumptions are appropriate and that the Company's Financial Statements therefore present a true and fair financial position.

 

Basis of consolidation

 

The Financial Statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary undertakings as at 30 June 2016. The Company and all its wholly owned subsidiaries have U.S. Dollars as their functional and reporting currency. The results of the subsidiary undertakings are included in the Unaudited Consolidated Interim Statement of Operations. 

 

All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses are eliminated in full.

 

Use of estimates

 

The preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with US GAAP requires that the Directors make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Such estimates and associated assumptions are generally based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and form the basis of making the judgments about attributing values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may vary from such accounting estimates in amounts that may have a material impact on the financial information of the Company.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Interest earned on debt instruments is accounted for net of applicable withholding taxes and is recognised as income over the terms of the loans. Discounts received or premiums paid in connection with the acquisition of loans are amortised into interest income using the effective interest method over the contractual life of the related loan. If a loan pays off prior to maturity, the recognition of the fees and costs is accelerated as appropriate. The Company raises a provision when the collection of interest is deemed doubtful. 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company's cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and demand deposits and highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than 90 days that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near maturity that they represent insignificant risk of changes in value.

 

Valuation of investments

 

The Company carries investments on its Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities at fair value in accordance with US GAAP, with changes in fair value recognised within the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations in each reporting period. Quoted investments are valued according to their bid price as at the close of the relevant reporting date. Investments in private securities are priced at the bid price using a pricing service for private loans. Asset backed securities are valued according to their bid price. If a price cannot be ascertained from the above sources, the Company will seek bid prices from third party broker/dealer quotes for the investments. The Investment Manager believes that bid price is the best estimate of fair value and is in line with the valuation policy adopted by the Company.

 

In cases where no third party price is available, or where the Investment Manager determines that the provided price is not an accurate representation of the fair value of the investment, the Investment Manager determines the valuation based on the Investment Manager's fair valuation policy. The overall criterion for fair value is a price at which the securities involved would change hands in a transaction between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under compulsion to buy or sell and both having the same knowledge of the relevant facts.

 

Consistent with the above criterion, the following criteria is considered when applicable:

·      Valuation of other securities by the same issuer for which market quotations are available;

·      Reasons for absence of market quotations;

·      The credit quality of the issuer and the related economics;

·      Recent sales prices and/or bid and ask quotations for the security;

·      Value of similar securities of issuers in the same or similar industries for which market quotations are available;

·      Economic outlook of the industry;

·      Issuer's position in the industry;

·      The financial information of the issuer; and

·      The nature and duration of any restriction on disposition of the security.

 

Derivative financial instruments

 

The Company may, from time to time, hold derivative financial instruments for the purposes of hedging foreign currency exposure. These derivatives are measured at fair value in accordance with US GAAP, with changes in fair value recognised within the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations in each reporting period. 

 

Depending on the product and the terms of the transaction, the fair value of the OTC derivative products, such as foreign exchange contracts, can be modelled taking into account the counterparties' credit worthiness and using a series of techniques, including simulation models.

 

Many pricing models do not entail material subjectivity because the methodologies employed do not necessitate significant judgments and the pricing inputs are observed from actively quoted markets. The forward exchange contracts valued by the Company using pricing models fall into this category and are categorised within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

As shares are denominated in U.S. Dollars and Pound Sterling and investments are denominated in U.S. Dollars, Euro or Pound Sterling. Holders of any class of shares are subject to foreign currency fluctuations between the currency in which such shares are denominated and the currency of the investments made by the Company. Consequently, the Investment Manager seeks to engage in currency hedging between the U.S. Dollar and any other currency in which the assets of the Company or a class of shares is denominated, subject to suitable hedging contracts such as forward currency exchange contracts being available in a timely manner and on terms acceptable to the Investment Manager, in their sole and absolute discretion. 

 

Note 5 details the gross and net derivative asset and liability position by contract type and the amount for those derivative contracts for which netting is permissible under US GAAP. The derivative assets and liabilities have been netted where an enforceable master netting arrangement is in place.

 

Realised gains and losses on investments

 

All investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Upon sale or maturity, the difference between the consideration received and the cost of the investment is recognised as a realised gain or loss. The cost is determined based on the average cost method.

 

Operating expenses

 

Operating expenses are recognised on an accruals basis. Operating expenses include amounts directly or indirectly incurred by the Company as part of its operations.

 

Buyback costs

 

Any costs incurred as a result of a share buyback will be allocated to the relevant share class.

 

Currency translation

 

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than U.S. Dollars are translated into U.S. Dollar equivalents using spot rates as at the reporting period end date. On initial recognition, a foreign currency transaction is recorded and translated at the spot exchange rate at the transaction date. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are translated at the historic exchange rate. There were no non-monetary assets held during the period. Transactions during the period, including purchases and sales of securities, income and expenses, are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. The rates of exchange against U.S. Dollars at 30 June 2016 were 1.33680 USD: 1 GBP and 1.11095 USD: 1 EUR (31 December 2015 1.47390 USD: 1 GBP and 1.08630 USD: 1EUR).

 

NOTE 3 - AGREEMENTS AND RELATED PARTIES

 

Investment Management Agreement

 

The Board is responsible for managing the business affairs of the Company but delegated certain functions to the Investment Manager under the Investment Management Agreement ("the Agreement") dated 18 March 2011.

 

The Manager of the Company is Neuberger Berman Europe Limited (which is a related party), an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of NB Group. On 17 July 2014, the Company, the Manager and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC (which was the Sub Investment Manager) made certain classificatory amendments to the Agreement for the purposes of the AIFM Directive.

 

The Sub-Investment Management Agreement was terminated on 17 July 2014 and the Sub-Investment Manager was appointed as the AIFM per the amended and restated IMA dated 17 July 2014. The Manager, Neuberger Berman Europe Limited, was appointed under the same agreement.  In accordance with the terms of the IMA, the Manager shall pay a fee to the AIFM out of the Investment Management fee received from the Company. The Company does not pay any fees to the AIFM.

 

The AIFM is responsible for risk management and the discretionary management of the assets held in the Company's  portfolio and will conduct the day-to-day management of the Company's assets (including un-invested cash).The AIFM is not required to and generally will not submit individual investment decisions for approval by the Board. The Manager provides certain administrative services to the Company.

 

As per the IMA dated 17 July 2014, the Manager is entitled to a management fee, which shall accrue daily, and be payable quarterly in arrears, at the following rate per annum of the Company's NAV:

 

On first £1bn of the NAV                                                     0.75%

On £1bn - £2bn of the NAV                                                0.70%

Any amount greater than £2bn of the NAV                      0.65%

 

For the period ended 30 June 2016, the management fee expense was $5,755,932 (31 December 2015: $13,959,247), of which $2,804,551 (31 December 2015: $3,378,212) was unpaid at the period-end.

 

The Manager is not entitled to a performance fee.

 

Administration, Custody and Company Secretary Agreement

 

BNP Paribas Securities Services S.C.A., Guernsey Branch ("BNPP") was the Administrator, Custodian and Designated Manager until 28 February 2015. Effective 1 March 2015, the Company entered into an Administration and Sub-Administrator agreement with U.S. Bancorp Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited ("Administrator") and Quintillion Limited ("Sub-Administrator"), both wholly owned subsidiaries of U.S. Bancorp. Under the terms of the agreement, Sub-Administration services are delegated to Quintillion Limited.

 

The Sub-Administrator is responsible, amongst other things, for the day-to-day administration of the Company (including but not limited to the calculation and publication of the estimated daily NAV).

 

For the period from 1 January 2015 to 28 February 2015, BNPP was entitled to an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears, in accordance with the schedule below and subject to an annual minimum of £100,000.

 

On first $100m of the NAV                                                                 0.08%

On $100m - $250m of the NAV                                                         0.06%

On $250m - $500m of the NAV                                                         0.03%

Any amount greater than $500m of the NAV                                  0.015%

 

From 1 March 2015, the Administrator is entitled to an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly in arrears, in accordance with the schedule below and subject to an annual minimum of $75,000.

 

On first $250m of the NAV                                                                 0.05%

On $250m - $500m of the NAV                                                         0.04%

On $500m - $1bn of the NAV                                                            0.03%

Any amount greater than $1bn of the NAV                                      0.02%

 

For the period ended 30 June 2016, the administration fee was $282,206 (31 December 2015: $617,740) of which $45,011 (31 December 2015: $50,529) was unpaid at the period end.

 

C.L. Secretaries Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carey Commercial Limited, as Company Secretary is entitled to an annual fee of £63,300 plus out of pocket expenses.

 

For the period ended 30 June 2016, the secretarial fee was $92,720, of which $46,650 related to administration of the on-going programme of buybacks, (31 December 2015: $42,745) of which $21,039 (31 December 2015: $1,014) was prepaid at the period-end.

 

For the period from 1 January 2015 to 28 February 2015, BNPP was entitled to a custodian fee of 0.02 per cent of the market value of the portfolio and a fee of 0.045% per annum on the market value of the loan assets (adjusted to 0.035% per annum if assets exceeded $500m), with a minimum annual fee of £50,000 in respect of portfolio and loan administration.

 

Effective 1 March 2015, US Bank National Association ("Custodian") became the Custodian of the Company

 

For the period from 1 March 2015 to 31 December 2015, the Custodian is entitled to a fee of 0.025 per cent of the Market Value of the portfolio per annum, with a minimum annual fee of $25,000 in respect of portfolio and loan administration.

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2016, the custodian fee was $197,872 (31 December 2015: $411,704) of which $56,597 (31 December 2015: $190,090) was unpaid, all of which was due to US Bank National Association at the period end.

 

Registrar's Agreement

 

Capita Registrars (Guernsey) Limited has been appointed as registrar of the Company. The fee charged is at a rate of £2.00 per holder of shares appearing on the registry during the fee period, with a minimum charge per annum of £9,000. For the period ended 30 June 2016, the Registrars fees amounted to $41,302. Of these, $12,682 was unpaid at the period end.

 

NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Directors

 

The Directors are related parties and are remunerated for their services at a fee of £35,000 per annum (£45,000 for the Chairman). In addition, the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee receives an additional £5,000 for his services in this role. The Chairman of the Management Engagement Committee and the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee receive an additional £2,500 each per annum. The Directors' fee for the two Luxembourg subsidiaries, whose Directors are unrelated to the Guernsey Board members, amounts to €14,700 per annum per subsidiary. Of these, $22,745 were payable at the period end. For the period ended 30 June 2016, the Guernsey Directors' fees and travel expenses amounted to $114,331 (31 December 2015: $273,850). Of these, $nil were prepaid at the period end (31 December 2015: $2,074 was prepaid). As at 30 June 2016, Mr Battey, Mrs Platts, Mr Dorey and Mr Frewen had 30,077, 10,069, 20,000 and 9,895 Sterling Ordinary Shares in the Company respectively (31 December 2015: Mr Battey, Mrs Platts, Mr Dorey and Mr Frewen 30,077, 10,069, 20,000 and 9,895 Sterling Ordinary Shares in the Company respectively)

 

Neuberger Berman Europe Limited and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC.

 

The contracts with Neuberger Berman Europe Limited and Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC are classified as related party transactions. Other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business and the additional fees disclosed in Note 3, there have been no material transactions with related parties, which have affected the financial position or performance of the Company in the financial period.

 

NOTE 5 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

A financial instrument is defined by FASB ASC 825, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver to or receive cash or another financial instrument from a second entity on potentially favourable terms. Fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time, based on relevant market data, information about the financial instruments, and other factors.

 

Fair value was determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. Estimates of fair value of financial instruments without quoted market prices are subjective in nature and involve various assumptions and estimates that are matters of judgment. Accordingly, fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amounts realised on disposition of financial instruments. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on estimated fair value amounts.

 

The following estimates and assumptions were used at 30 June 2016 to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:

 

§  Valuation of financial investments - The loans and bonds are valued at bid price. The Investment Manager believes that bid price is the best estimate of fair value and is in line with the valuation policy adopted by the Company.

 

§  Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

 

§  Receivables for investments sold - The carrying value reasonably approximates fair value as they reflect the value at which investments are sold to a willing buyer and settlement period on their balances is short term.

 

§  Interest receivables - The carrying value reasonably approximates fair value

 

§  Other receivables and prepayments - The carrying value reasonably approximates fair value.

 

§  Derivatives - The Company estimates fair values of derivatives based on the latest available forward exchange rates.

 

§  Payables for investments purchased - The carrying value reasonably approximates fair value as they reflect the value at which investments are purchased from a willing seller and settlement period on their balances is short term.

 

§  Payables to the Investment Manager and affiliates - The carrying value reasonably approximates fair value.

 

§  Accrued expenses and other liabilities - The carrying value reasonably approximates fair value.

 

A fair value hierarchy that prioritises the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value is established under FASB ASC Topic 820. The objective of a fair value measurement is to determine the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). Accordingly, the fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation (Level 3). The levels of the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC Topic 820-10-35-39 to 55 are as follows:

 

The guidance establishes three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:

 

Level 1: price quotations in active markets/exchanges for identical securities;

 

Level 2: other observable inputs (including but not limited to:  quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs); and

 

Level 3: unobservable inputs based on the best information available in the circumstance, to the extent observable inputs are not available (including the Company's own assumption used in determining the fair value of investments).

 

The Company has adopted the authoritative guidance contained in FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, for estimating the fair value of the financial instruments that have calculated NAV per share in accordance with FASB ASC 946-10.

 

The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

The following table details the Company's financial instruments that were accounted for at fair value as at 30 June 2016.

 

Financial Instruments at Fair Value as at 30 June 2016

 

Financial investments

 

Level 1 ($)

Level 2 ($)

Level 3 ($)

Total ($)

Floating rate senior secured loans

 

-

1,325,751,922

62,211,741

1,387,963,663

Fixed rate bonds/corporate loans

 

-

2,198,179

-

2,198,179

Floating rate bonds/corporate loans

 

-

52,778,911

4,042,292

56,821,203

Total financial investments

 

-

1,380,729,012

66,254,033

1,446,983,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1 ($)

Level 2 ($)

Level 3 ($)

Total ($)

Balance at start of the period

 

-

1,669,812,289

45,197,246

1,715,009,535

Purchases during the period

 

-

392,499,296

14,084,593

406,583,889

Sales during the period

 

-

(674,921,296)

(12,427,793)

(687,349,089)

Realised loss on investments

 

-

(44,725,564)

(5,939,361)

(50,664,925)

Unrealised  gain on revaluation

 

-

56,757,480

6,646,155

63,403,635

Transfer between Level 2 and Level 3

 

-

(17,962,630)

17,962,630

-

Balance at end of the period

 

-

1,381,459,576

65,523,469

1,446,983,045

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1 ($)

Level 2 ($)

Level 3 ($)

Total ($)

Financial Assets

No. of contracts

 

 

 

 

Derivatives (for hedging purposes only)

20

-

5,344,281

-

5,344,281

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives (for hedging purposes only)

20

 

(125,544,769)

 

(125,544,769)

Total

40

-

(120,200,488)

-

(120,200,488)

 

Financial Instruments at Fair Value as at 31 December 2015

 

Financial investments

 

Level 1 ($)

Level 2 ($)

Level 3 ($)

Total ($)

Floating rate senior secured loans

 

-

1,591,082,427

45,197,246

1,636,279,673

Fixed rate bonds / corporate loans

 

-

18,941,703

-

18,941,703

Floating rate bonds / corporate loans

 

-

59,788,159

-

59,788,159

Total financial investments

 

-

1,669,812,289

45,197,246

1,715,009,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1 ($)

Level 2 ($)

Level 3 ($)

Total ($)

Balance at start of the year

 

-

1,977,893,115

-

1,977,893,115

Purchases during the year

 

-

1,051,483,783

9,518,554

1,061,002,337

Sales during the year

 

-

(1,247,671,303)

(111,385)

(1,247,782,688)

Realised loss on investments

 

-

(28,215,707)

(386)

(28,216,093)

Unrealised  loss on revaluation

 

-

(45,910,469)

(1,976,667)

(47,887,136)

Transfer between Level 2 and Level 3

 

-

(37,767,130)

37,767,130

-

Balance at end of the year

 

-

1,669,812,289

45,197,246

1,715,009,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1 ($)

Level 2 ($)

Level 3 ($)

Total ($)

Financial Assets

No. of contracts

 

 

 

 

Derivatives (for hedging purposes only)

16

-

468,544

-

468,544

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives (for hedging purposes only)

16

-

(33,603,715)

-

(33,603,715)

Total

32

-

(33,135,171)

-

(33,135,171)

 

The derivatives assets and liabilities are offset in accordance with the guidance in sections 210-20-45 and 815-10-45 to determine the net amounts presented in the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. All derivative trades have an enforceable master netting agreement so the net amount based on this is the same as the net amount disclosed in the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities. As at 30 June 2016, there were two counterparties for the Forwards (31 December 2015: two).

 

The following table presents the impact of derivative instruments on the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations in conformity with US GAAP.

 

Primary underlying risk

For the year ended

31 December 2015

 

$

$

Net realised (loss) on derivatives

(55,970,907)

(102,456,812)

Net change in unrealised (loss)/ profit on derivatives

(87,065,317)

18,342,698

Total

(143,036,224)

(84,114,114)

 

Primary underlying risks (credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk) associated with the derivatives are explained in Note 6.

 

There is no collateral for forward contracts.

 

The Company presents the gain or loss on derivatives in the Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

The Company uses independent third party vendors to price its portfolio. As part of its valuation process, the Alternative Investment Fund Manager evaluates the number of broker quotes that combine to make up the valuation provided by these vendors and if it believes that the number of broker quotes is not sufficient to ensure a Level 2 price it designates those positions Level 3. As at 30 June 2016 the Alternative Investment Fund Manager designated 17 (31 December 2015: 10) of its floating rate senior secured loans and 1 of its floating rate bonds (31 December 2015: Nil) at Level 3.   

 

NOTE 6 - RISKS

 

The Company is subject to various financial risks, including, but not limited to, market risk (including foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk, geographic concentration risk and liquidity risk. The Investment Manager attempts to monitor and manage these risks on an ongoing basis. 

 

Market Risk

Market risk is the potential for changes in the value of investments. Market risk includes interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and price risk. Interest rate risk primarily results from exposures to changes in the level, slope and curvature of the yield curve, the volatility of interest rates and credit spreads. Floating rate investments, such as senior secured loans, typically receive a fixed coupon which is linked to a variable base rate, usually LIBOR or EURIBOR. As such income earned will be affected by changes in the variable component albeit downward moves are likely to be capped by the LIBOR/EURIBOR floors that are prevalent in the majority of transactions. The Company invests predominantly in floating rate investments, however, it does have some exposure to fixed rate investments which are subject to interest rate risk through movements in their market price when interest rates change.

 

Price risk is the risk that the price of the security will fall. The Investment Manager manages the exposure to price risk by diversifying the portfolio.

 

Foreign exchange risk arises from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to Pound Sterling and Euro investments and share issue proceeds. The Company makes use of hedging techniques, as part of its risk management strategy, including but not limited to the use of forward exchange contracts to mitigate its exposure to this risk. These instruments involve market risk, credit risk, or both kinds of risks. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movement in currency and securities values and interest rates.

 

Credit Risk

The Company maintains positions in a variety of securities, derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents in accordance with its investment strategy and guidelines. The Company's trading activities expose the Company to counterparty credit risk from brokers, dealers and other financial institutions (collectively, "counterparties") with which it transacts business. "Counterparty credit risk" is the risk that a counterparty to a trade will fail to meet an obligation that it has entered into with the Company, resulting in a financial loss to the Company.

 

The Company's policy with respect to counterparty credit risk is to minimize its exposure to counterparties with perceived higher risk of default by dealing only with counterparties that meet the credit standards set out by the Investment Manager.

 

All the Company's assets other than derivative financial instruments were held by the Custodian. The Custodian segregates the assets of the Company from the Custodian's assets and other Custodian clients. The Investment Manager believes the risk is low with respect to any losses as a result of this concentration. The Company conducts its trading activities with respect to non-derivative positions with a number of counterparties.  Counterparty credit risk borne by these transactions is mitigated by trading with multiple counterparties.

 

In addition, the Company trades in over-the-counter ("OTC") derivative instruments. The Company is subject to counterparty credit risk related to the potential inability of counterparties to these derivative transactions to perform their obligations to the Company.  The Company's exposure to counterparty credit risk associated with counterparty nonperformance is generally limited to the fair value (derivative assets and liabilities) of OTC derivatives reported as net assets, net of collateral received or paid, pursuant to agreements with each counterparty. The Investment Manager attempts to reduce the counterparty credit risk of the Company by establishing certain credit terms in its ISDA Master Agreements (with netting terms) with counterparties, and through credit policies and monitoring procedures.  Under ISDA Master Agreements in certain circumstances (e.g., when a credit event such as a default occurs) all outstanding transactions under the agreement are terminated, the termination value is assessed and only a single net amount is due or payable in settlement of all transactions. The Company receives and gives collateral in the form of cash and marketable securities and it is subject to the ISDA Master Agreement Credit Support Annex. This means that securities received/given as collateral can be pledged or sold during the term of the transaction. The terms also give each party the right to terminate the related transactions on the other party's failure to post collateral.

 

The Company may invest in a range of bank debt investments and corporate and other bonds. Until such investments are sold or are paid in full at maturity, the Company is exposed to issuer credit risk, relating to whether the issuer will make interest and/or principal payments on their debt obligations.

 

Geographic Concentration Risk

The Company may invest a relatively large percentage of its assets in issuers located in a single country, a small number of countries, or a particular geographic region. As a result, the Company's performance may be closely aligned with the market, currency or economic, political or regulatory conditions and developments in those countries or that region, and could be more volatile than the performance of more geographically diversified investments.

 

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will not be able to meet its obligations as and when these fall due. Liquidity risk is managed by the Investment Manager to ensure that the Company maintains sufficient working capital in cash or near cash form so as to be able to meet the Company's ongoing requirements as they fall due.

 

Participation Commitments

With respect to the senior secured loans the Company may: 1) invest in assignments; 2) act as a participant in primary lending syndicates; or 3) invest in participations. If a Company purchases a participation of a senior secured loan interest, the Company would typically enter into a contractual agreement with the lender or other third party selling the participation, rather than directly with the borrower. As such, the Company not only assumes the credit risk of the borrower, but also that of the selling participant or other persons inter positioned between the Company and the borrower. As of 30 June 2016, there were no such outstanding participation commitments in the Company.

 

Other Risks

Legal, tax and regulatory changes could occur during the term of the Company that may adversely affect the Company. The regulatory environment for alternative investment companies is evolving, and changes in the regulation of investment companies may adversely affect the value of investments held by the Company or the ability of the Company to pursue its trading strategies. The effect of any future regulatory change on the Company could be substantial and adverse. The Board has considered the specific risks faced by the Company as a result of Brexit. At the portfolio level, the Board expects the impact of Brexit to be limited given the hedging arrangements in place and the robust investment process the Investment Manager has always adopted and its positioning in better rated, performing issuers. At the Company level the impact could be felt more directly through volatility of the Company's share price. The Board seeks to mitigate this risk by continuing to address any imbalances in supply and demand of the Company's shares through the use of further share buybacks in line with its stated policy.

 

NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES

 

The Company is exempt from Guernsey tax on income derived from non-Guernsey sources. However, certain of its underlying investments may generate income that is subject to tax in other jurisdictions, principally in the United States. The Company files tax returns for its Luxembourg entities.

 

In accordance with US GAAP, management is required to determine whether a tax position of the Company is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognised is measured as the largest amount of benefit that it has 50% or higher chance of being realised upon ultimate settlement. De-recognition of a tax benefit previously recognised could result in the Company recording a tax liability that would reduce net assets. This policy also provides guidance on thresholds, measurement, de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in periods, disclosure, and transition that intends to provide better financial statement comparability among different entities.

 

As of 30 June 2016, the Company has recorded no liability for net unrecognised tax benefits relating to uncertain tax positions it has taken or expects to take in future tax returns (31 December 2015: Nil).

 

NOTE 8 - FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

30 June 2016

Per share operating performance

U.S. Dollar

Ordinary Share as at 30 June 2016

Sterling

Ordinary Share as at

30 June 2016

$

£

NAV per share at the beginning of the period

0.9490

0.9422

Shareholder activity during the period

0.0064

0.0978

 

 

 

Income from investment operations (a)

 

 

Net income per share for the period (b)

0.0188

0.0185

Net realised and unrealised loss from investments

0.0083

(0.0822)

Foreign currency translation

-

(0.0005)

Total gain from operations

0.0271

(0.0642)

Distribution per share during the period

(0.0210)

(0.0206)

NAV per share at the end of the period

0.9615

0.9552

Ratios to average net assets (b)

 

 

Total return* (b)

 

 

Total return*

3.54%

3.62%

Net income

1.98%

1.96%

Expenses

(0.46%)

(0.48%)

 

(a) Average shares outstanding were used for calculation.

(b) An individual shareholder's return may vary from these returns based on the timing of the shareholder's investments in the Company.

 

*The total return is the NAV return per share plus dividends paid during the period. This figure is for the period ended 30 June 2016.

 

31 December 2015

Per share operating performance

U.S. Dollar

Ordinary Share as at 31 December 2015

Sterling

Ordinary Share as at 31 December 2015

$

£

NAV per share at the beginning of the year

0.9862

0.9770

Shareholder activity during the year

(0.0158)

0.0091

 

 

 

Income from investment operations (a)

 

 

Net income per share for the year (b)

0.0412

0.0376

Net realised and unrealised loss from investments

(0.0247)

(0.0891)

Foreign currency translation

-

0.0455

Total gain from operations

0.0165

(0.0060)

Distribution per share during the year

(0.0379)

(0.0379)

NAV per share at the end of the year

0.9490

0.9422

Ratios to average net assets (b)

 

 

Total return* (b)

 

 

Total return*

0.08%

0.32%

Net income

3.76%

3.91%

Expenses

(0.84%)

(0.87%)

 

(a) Average shares outstanding were used for calculation.

(b) An individual shareholder's return may vary from these returns based on the timing of the shareholder's investments in the Company.

 

*The total return is the NAV return per share plus dividends paid during the year. This figure is for the 12 month period to 31 December 2015.

 

NOTE 9 - SHARE CAPITAL

 

The share capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of Ordinary Shares of no par value, which upon issue the Directors may classify as:

 

(i)  U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares, Sterling Ordinary Shares or Euro Ordinary Shares or as shares of such other classes as the Directors may determine;

 

(ii)  B Shares of such classes denominated in such currencies as the Directors may determine; and

 

(iii) C Shares of such classes denominated in such currencies as the Directors may determine.

 

The rights attached to the above shares are one vote in respect of each share held and, in the case of a general meeting of all shareholders:

 

(a)  1.6 votes in respect of each Sterling Ordinary Share held by the shareholder and

 

(b)  One vote in respect of each U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share held by the shareholder and

 

(c) In respect of a Share of a class denominated in any currency other than U.S. Dollars or Pound Sterling held by the shareholder, such number of votes per Share of such class as shall be determined by the Directors in their absolute discretion upon the issue for the first time of shares of the relevant class.

 

The Directors may effect distributions of capital proceeds attributable to the Ordinary Shares to holders of Ordinary Shares by issuing B Shares of a particular class to holders of Ordinary Shares of a particular class pro-rata to their holding of Ordinary Shares of such class.

 

The B Shares are issued on terms that each B Share shall be compulsorily redeemed by the Company shortly following issue and the redemption proceeds paid to the holders of such B Shares on such terms and in such manner as the Directors may from time to time determine.

 

The Directors are authorised to issue C Shares of such classes (and denominated in such currencies) as they may determine in accordance with Article 4 and with C Shares of each such class being convertible into Ordinary Shares of such class as the Directors may determine at the time of issue of such C Shares.

 

The C Shares will not carry the right to attend and receive notice of any general meetings of the Company, nor will they carry the right to vote at such meetings.

 

The C Shares will be entitled to participate in a winding-up of the Company or on a return of capital in relation to the C share surplus as defined in the Prospectus.

 

The C Shares will be entitled to receive such dividends as the Directors may resolve to pay to such holders out of the assets attributable to such class of C Shares.

 

There were no Euro Ordinary Shares in issue as at 30 June 2016 (31 December 2015: No Euro Ordinary Shares).

 

As at 30 June 2016, there were no C Shares in issue (31 December 2015: No C Shares were in issue).

 

From 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2016

U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares

Sterling

Ordinary Shares

 

Total

Balance as at 1 January 2016

52,380,402

1,199,095,966

1,251,476,368

Scrip issue *

-

-

-

Monthly conversions**

(6,908,636)

4,930,864

(160,281,848)

Shares buybacks

(3,305,000)

(156,976,848)

(1,977,772)

Balance as at 30 June 2016

42,166,7661

1,047,049,9822

1,089,216,748

 

From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015

U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares

Sterling

Ordinary Shares

 

Total

Balance as at 1 January 2015

60,166,690

1,241,163,626

1,301,330,316

Scrip issue *

65,325

1,045,029

1,110,354

Monthly conversions**

(6,496,359)

4,237,945

(2,258,414)

Shares buybacks

(1,355,254)

(47,350,634)

(48,705,888)

Balance as at 31 December 2015

52,380,4023

1,199,095,9664

1,251,476,368

 

Treasury Shares

 

As at 30 June 2016, the Company held the following shares in treasury.

 

 

30 June 2016

 31 December 2015

Sterling Ordinary Shares held in treasury***

 

91,519,621

47,350,634

U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares held in treasury***

 

2,972,627

1,355,254

 

The shares of no par value had the following issue proceeds net of any issue costs:

 

1 $40,745,803

2 $1,691,138,370 (£1,233,910,524)

3 $50,195,134

4 $1,884,542,826 (£1,369,372,479)

 

* At the time of each quarterly dividend declaration, the Company offered a scrip dividend alternative for the distribution to those shareholders who wish to receive additional Ordinary Shares in lieu of a cash payment. On 21 December 2015, due to the current discount, the Board decided to replace the Scrip Dividend option with a Dividend Re-investment Plan, whereby the shareholders have the option to re-invest their cash dividend in the Company's shares on an efficient basis.

 

** The Company offers a monthly conversion facility pursuant to which shareholders may elect to convert some or all of their shares of a class into shares of any other class.

 

*** The Company has an approved share buyback programme and may elect to buyback Ordinary Shares at certain times during the period. Any shares purchased under this programme may be cancelled or held in treasury. During the period, the Company purchased 44 tranches of U.S. Dollar Ordinary Shares with a high price of $0.9400 and a low price of $0.8450, and 117 tranches of Sterling Ordinary Shares with a high price of £0.9305 and a low price of £0.8450.

 

NOTE 10 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

 

On 13 July 2016, the Company announced the cancellation of 16,519,621 Ordinary Sterling Shares held in treasury. This represented approximately 1.46 per cent of the Company's issued Ordinary Sterling Shares.

 

NOTE 11 - DIVIDENDS

 

The following dividends were declared for shareholders of Ordinary and C Shares since inception:

 

 

Period

Date Declared

Payment Date

Dividend per U.S. Dollar Share

Dividend per Sterling Share

 

 

 

 

 

Period 20 April 2011 to 30 September 2011

12 October 2011

9 December 2011

$0.01486

£0.01486

Quarter ended 31 December 2011

5 January 2012

24 February 2012

$0.01187

£0.01187

Quarter ended 31 December 2011- C Shares

5 January 2012

24 February 2012

$0.00323

£0.00323

Quarter ended 31 March  2012

12 April 2012

25 May 2012

$0.01260

£0.01260

Quarter ended 30 June 2012

5 July 2012

24 August 2012

$0.01310

£0.01310

Quarter ended 30 September 2012

3 October 2012

23 November 2012

$0.01210

£0.01210

Quarter ended 31 December 2012

9 January 2013

22 February 2013

$0.01160

£0.01160

Quarter ended 31 March 2013

8 April 2013

24 May 2013

$0.01220

£0.01220

Quarter ended 30 June 2013

4 July 2013

16 August 2013

$0.01110

£0.01110

Quarter ended 30 June 2013 - C Shares

4 July 2013

26 July 2013

-

£0.00550

Quarter ended 30 September 2013

7 October 2013

22 November 2013

$0.00890

£0.00890

Quarter ended 31 December 2013

6 January 2014

21 February 2014

$0.00940

£0.00940

Quarter ended 31 December 2013- C Shares

6 January 2014

7 February 2014

-

£0.00200

Quarter ended 31 March 2014

4 April 2014

27 May 2014

$0.00860

£0.00860

Quarter ended 30 June 2014

3 July 2014

15 August 2014

$0.00890

£0.00890

Quarter ended 30 September 2014

3 October 2014

21 November 2014

$0.00950

£0.00950

Quarter ended 31 December 2014

7 January 2015

20 February 2015

$0.00960

£0.00960

Quarter ended 31 March 2015

7 April 2015

26 May 2015

$0.00890

£0.00890

Quarter ended 30 June 2015

3 July 2015

15 August 2015

$0.01030

£0.01030

Quarter ended 30 September 2015

5 October 2015

23 October 2015

$0.00910

£0.00910

Quarter ended 31 December 2015

6 January 2016

19 February 2016

$0.00990

£0.00990

Quarter ended 31 March 2016

5 April 2016

25 May 2016

$0.01030

£0.01030

Quarter ended 30 June 2016

6 July 2016

19 August 2016

$0.01080

£0.01080

 

The Company has issued the following Ordinary Shares under Scrip Dividend Alternative since inception.

 

 

Period

Number of U.S. Dollar

Ordinary

Shares

Number of Sterling

Ordinary

Shares

Rate per U.S. Dollar Ordinary Share

Rate per Sterling Ordinary Share

 

 

 

 

 

Quarter ended 30 September 2011

91,565

710,833

$0.95880

£0.96320

Quarter ended 31 December 2011

68,398

592,380

$0.95300

£0.95760

Quarter ended 31 March 2012

84,444

14,653

$0.99300

£1.00020

Quarter ended 30 June 2012

97,572

792,651

$0.97840

£0.97160

Quarter ended 30 September 2012

91,479

567,376

$1.00400

£0.99030

Quarter ended 31 December 2012

29,500

821,100

$1.02000

£1.00650

Quarter ended 31 March 2013

69,213

38,805

$1.05700

£1.05080

Quarter ended 30 June 2013

28,237

221,317

$1.06700

£1.03880

Quarter ended 30 September 2013

58,190

365,543

$1.03870

£1.03360

Quarter ended 31 December 2013

67,590

217,354

$1.06900

£1.04880

Quarter ended 31 March 2014

67,228

668,002

$1.03950

£0.99010

Quarter ended 30 June 2014

27,941

341,872

$1.00280

£0.99390

Quarter ended 30 September 2014

28,942

233,785

$0.98230

£0.97500

Quarter ended 31 December 2014

30,277

181,999

$0.99520

£0.97040

Quarter ended 31 March 2015

23,310

202,637

$0.99600

£0.98790

Quarter ended 30 June 2015

6,507

609,773

$0.98890

£0.98110

Quarter ended 30 September 2015

5,231

50,620

$0.96770

£0.96010

 

Due to the current discount, the Board decided to replace the Scrip Dividend option with a Dividend Re-investment Plan, whereby the shareholders have the option to re-invest their cash dividend in the Company's shares on an efficient basis as explained in Note 9.

 

NOTE 12 - OTHER

 

The Company has determined that no accrual or loss contingency is required in the Financial statements.

 

Directors, Managers and Advisers

 

Directors

 

William Frewen (Chairman)

Sandra Platts

Richard Battey

Rupert Dorey

All c/o the Company's registered office.

 

Registered Office

 

1st & 2nd Floors, Elizabeth House

Les Ruettes Brayes

St Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 1EW

Alternative Investment Fund Manager

 

Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC

190 S LaSalle Street

Chicago IL 60603

United States of America

 

Manager

 

Neuberger Berman Europe Limited

4th Floor, 57 Berkeley Square

London

United Kingdom

W1J 6ER

 

Designated Manager and Administrator

 

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services (Guernsey), Limited

1st Floor

Tudor House

Le Bordage

St Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 1DB

 

Sub - Administrator

 

Quintillion

24/26 City Quay

Dublin

Ireland

 

 

 

                          

Custodian and Principal Bankers

 

US Bank National Association

214 North Tryon Street

26th Floor, Charlotte

North Carolina 28202

 

Company Secretary

 

C.L. Secretaries Limited

1st & 2nd Floors, Elizabeth House

Les Ruettes Brayes

St Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 1EW

 

Joint Financial Adviser and Joint Corporate Broker

 

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited

150 Cheapside

London

United Kingdom

EC2V 6ET

 

Financial Adviser and Joint Corporate Broker

 

Fidante Capital

1 Tudor Street

London

United Kingdom

EC4Y 0AH

Solicitors to the Company (as to English law and U.S. securities law)

 

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP
Exchange House
Primrose Street
London

United Kingdom

EC2A 2HS

Advocates to the Company (as to Guernsey law)

 

Carey Olsen

PO Box 98

Carey House

Les Banques

St. Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 4BZ

 

Independent Auditors

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers CI LLP

Royal Bank Place

1 Glategny Esplanade

St. Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 4ND

Registrar

 

Capita Registrars (Guernsey) Limited

Mont Crevelt House

Bulwer Avenue

St. Sampson

Guernsey

GY2 4LH

 

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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