UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-08795

HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

BROOKFIELD PLACE

250 VESEY STREET, 15 th Floor

NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10281-1023

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

KIM G. REDDING, PRESIDENT

HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

BROOKFIELD PLACE

250 VESEY STREET, 15 th Floor

NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10281-1023

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (855) 777-8001

Date of fiscal year end: June 30, 2014

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2013


Item 1. Reports to Shareholders.


LOGO


LOGO


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Letter to Shareholders

     1   

Management Discussion of Fund Performance

     2   

Portfolio Characteristics

     5   

Schedule of Investments

     6   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

     11   

Statement of Operations

     12   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     13   

Statement of Cash Flows

     14   

Financial Highlights

     15   

Notes to Financial Statements

     16   

Compliance Certification

     26   

Proxy Results

     27   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     28   

Board Considerations Relating to the Investment Advisory Agreement

     29   

Joint Notice of Privacy Policy

     31   

This report is for shareholder information. This is not a prospectus intended for the use in the purchase or sale of Fund shares.

 

NOT FDIC INSURED    MAY LOSE VALUE    NOT BANK GUARANTEED

© Copyright 2013. Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


 

 

[THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

 


LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

 

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to provide the Semi-Annual Report for Helios High Yield Fund (the “Fund”) for the six month period ended December 31, 2013.

Overall capital market performance was mixed during the second half of the year, as the positive catalyst of an improving economic environment was offset by concerns over rising interest rates. Accordingly, equity markets generally produced attractive results while fixed income markets were more challenged. The U.S. economy gained further strength in the latter half of 2013, driven largely by an improving labor market, an expansion in household net worth and continued recovery of both the residential and commercial property markets. This positive momentum led the U.S. Federal Reserve to begin tapering its asset purchase program in a move that had been widely discussed and debated in the marketplace for months. Importantly, the Federal Reserve also reiterated its commitment to maintaining a low interest rate environment for the foreseeable future and to providing sufficient support as needed. As a result, market volatility following the announcement was minimal and we believe implementation will serve to reduce uncertainty moving forward. We also note that despite the recent increase in interest rates, yields remain near historic lows and supportive of economic growth.

In this environment, demand for yield-oriented investments was pressured by rising interest rates, leading to capital outflows from certain fixed income markets. However, as historically occurs during periods of rising rates, high yield bonds outperformed investment-grade corporate bonds, Treasury bonds and emerging market bonds. Although high yield spreads tightened over the period, prices generally held firm and performance was positive. Additionally, investors continued to allocate capital to high yield mutual funds, as risk tolerance levels improved.

Importantly, corporate credit conditions among high yield borrowers remained very strong throughout 2013. With defaults at multi-year lows and leverage at modest levels, we believe credit conditions will remain favorable for the foreseeable future, particularly as re-risking activity continues to be moderate.

Moving forward, we anticipate a period of normalizing interest rates and economic growth in the medium term. We expect accommodative monetary policy to continue in the U.S. and across many developed markets, providing further support for the global economic recovery. We maintain our positive outlook for the high yield market, as robust corporate cash flows and solid credit continue to provide a positive fundamental backdrop. We acknowledge potential challenges to future performance, from global monetary policy actions and geopolitical risks to above par pricing in the high yield market. However, yield spreads remain attractive for this part of the economic cycle and corporate earnings are generally positive, suggesting high yield bonds will continue to offer a compelling source of current income.

Our experience suggests that a diversified portfolio of income producing corporate bonds with a conservative risk profile should support an attractive dividend stream for investors. We continue to believe the Fund is well-positioned to generate sustainable yields over the course of an entire market cycle.

In addition to performance information, this report provides an overview of market conditions and a discussion of factors affecting the Fund’s investment performance, together with the Fund’s unaudited financial statements and schedule of investments as of December 31, 2013.

We welcome your questions and comments, and encourage you to contact our Investor Relations team at (855) 777-8001 or visit us at www.brookfieldim.com for more information. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Kim G. Redding

President

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             1


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

Helios High Yield Fund (the “Fund”) seeks a primary objective of high current income. The Fund will also seek capital growth to the extent it is consistent with its primary investment objective. The Fund is a non-diversified fund that will invest primarily in high yield bonds, debentures, notes, corporate loans, convertible debentures and other debt instruments rated below-investment grade or determined by the Fund’s investment manager to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in the securities, including high yield obligations, of issuers domiciled outside of the United States. The Fund may also invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities that are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or in default.

Investment Risks: Investors in any bond fund should anticipate fluctuations in price. Bond prices and the value of bond funds decline as interest rates rise. Bonds with longer-term maturities generally are more vulnerable to interest rate risk than bonds with shorter-term maturities. Below-investment grade bonds involve greater credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments when due. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the ability of issuers, especially issuers of below-investment grade debt, to service primary obligations, and an unanticipated default could cause the Fund to experience a reduction in the value of its shares. Below-investment grade bonds also are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher-rated debt securities. Leverage creates an opportunity for an increased return to common shareholders, but unless the income and capital appreciation, if any, on securities acquired with leverage proceeds exceed the costs of the leverage, the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of the Fund’s shares. Use of leverage also may increase the likelihood that the net asset value of the Fund and the market value of its common shares will be more volatile, and the yield and total return to common shareholders will tend to fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates and creditworthiness.

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE

For the six months ended December 31, 2013, Helios High Yield Fund (NYSE: HHY) had a total return based on net asset value of 8.51% and a total return based on market price of 5.80%, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and is exclusive of brokerage commissions. Based on the NYSE closing price of $9.70 on December 31, 2013, the Fund’s shares had a dividend yield of 9.28%. The dividend yield is calculated as the annualized amount of the reporting period’s most recent monthly dividend declared divided by the stated stock price.

During the period, the Fund was overweight in the Basic Industry, Automotive and Capital Goods sectors. These allocations benefited performance during the semi-annual period as strong cash flows drove bond prices higher. In particular, positive security selection in the Chemical sub-sector was beneficial. In the Automotive sector, the Fund saw strong performance in the Auto Parts subsector. The Capital Goods overweight was a slight drag on performance, primarily due to unfavorable security selection where the fund’s lower-risk names underperformed.

The Fund’s underweights include Financial Services, Banking, and Technology. The underweight in Banking detracted from the Fund’s performance as the Fund’s more conservative holdings lagged the strong performance in the sector. The underweight in Financial Services was a slight drag on performance due to strong performance in the un-owned Brokerage and Commercial Leasing subsectors. Technology proved to be beneficial for performance due to strong security selection in the Technology Services subsector.

HIGH YIELD MARKET OVERVIEW

Tapering Begins, Interest Rates Rise at Year-End

Proving the point that markets look forward, the Federal Reserve finally began the dreaded tapering of its bond buying program, and markets applauded. The equity market rose almost 15% in the six months leading up to year-end 2013, setting a new record high. Interest rates continued to move higher on the combination of the tapering news and stronger year-end economic growth in North America. Even Washington got in the act with Congress passing a budget bill that should help avoid another disconcerting government shutdown. With relative calm out of Europe, all of the macroeconomic worries ended the year on a quiescent note.

 

2              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

The high yield market produced a positive return of 5.83% 1 for the six-month period ended December 31. Lower quality names outperformed, as is typical in a high-yield rally. Higher-quality names tend to be more interest rate sensitive, while lower quality names tend to be more equity market sensitive. The combination of higher interest rates and strong equity markets impacted the high yield bond market by affecting investors’ risk tolerance. In general, investors were comfortable taking risks, resulting in outperformance by equities, CCC-rated bonds and European high yield bonds. Leveraged loans, which tend to be lower risk due to shorter duration and greater seniority, underperformed high-yield bonds.

High Yield Continues Solid Performance in 2013

Investors continued to place money into high yield mutual funds in the period to the tune of $10.1 billion 2 , reversing heavy redemptions seen in the six-month period ended June 2013. New issue activity cooled in the six-month period, totaling $179 billion; down from $220 billion in the prior two quarters. 3

In 2013, the high yield market significantly outperformed investment-grade corporates, Treasury bonds, and emerging market bonds, which all saw negative returns. 4 We have noted in the past that high yield bonds have historically outperformed other fixed income investments in periods of rising interest rates, and that remained true in 2013. The high yield market absorbed the higher treasury rates in its spread without having to drop in price to match higher treasury yields. We believe this was possible due to the wider than normal spreads enjoyed by high yield investors a year ago.

Credit Conditions Remain Positive Despite Signs of Re-Risking

Credit conditions remain positive, with the trailing twelve-month default rate at 0.7% 5 , the lowest since 2007. Defaults have been modest since 2010, and have been declining for high yield bond investors (while defaults are moving higher for leveraged loans.) We believe defaults will remain low for the foreseeable future since we are seeing only modest re-risking on the part of high yield companies. Investors saw strong improvement in the upgrade-to-downgrade ratio as measured by the bond rating agencies. This ratio, which in June 2013 fell below 1.0, ended the twelve-month period at 1.33 6 . This suggests that credit is continuing to improve as measured by the rating agencies.

Our investment team remains positively disposed toward credit. We continue to carefully monitor credit trends and are beginning to see some signs of re-risking taking place. However, in our opinion, re-risking is moderate and does not yet warrant particular concern on the part of investors. Lower rated new issue volume as a percent of total issuance was 18.8%, narrowly exceeding the post-recession peak set in 2010 of 18.0% 7 . To put this into context, during periods of heavy re-risking in leveraged credit, this number may rise to well over 20%, as companies seek to re-lever their balance sheets.

Refinancing as a percent of new issue proceeds fell to 56% at the end of 2013 from 60% at the end of 2012 8 . Refinancing tends to reduce credit risk by extending maturities and reducing the issuers’ dependence on financial markets for basic survival. We also saw a modest increase in the issuance of PIK/toggle bonds where the issuer has the option to make some interest payments in bonds rather than cash. By contrast, the portion of new issues going to finance leveraged buyouts was 17%, which is below the post-recession peak of 22% set in 2011.

OUTLOOK

Due to strong credit conditions, low defaults, and modest leverage, we continue to believe that the primary risks facing high yield investors today are worldwide geopolitical and macroeconomic risks rather than credit specific risks. Investors saw positive trends from all of the macroeconomic risks in the fourth quarter, with the added bonus of accelerating economic growth in the United States as the year drew to a close. We are seeing more signs of re-risking in the high yield market, but we believe remain at the early stage of the re-risking phase of the credit cycle. As evidenced by the rising default rate for leveraged loans (in contrast to the declining default rate of the high yield bond market), we continue to observe more re-risking in the leveraged loan market than the high yield bond market.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             3


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

 

 

The high yield market is currently trading at a premium to par, which limits upside price potential. Spreads narrowed considerably in 2013 and are now at the level where we would expect the high yield market to become more sensitive to interest rates than it has been since the recession. The combination of relatively high dollar prices and relatively narrower spreads tempers our enthusiasm for the market. We believe, however, that spreads remain wider than we typically see at this point in the cycle and expect future returns roughly in line with current yields.

Forward-Looking Information

This management discussion contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements that are based on various assumptions (some of which are beyond our control) may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “should,” “intend,” or similar terms or variations on those terms or the negative of those terms. Although we believe that the expectations contained in any forward-looking statement are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained. We do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation, to publicly release any update or supplement to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Disclosure

The Fund’s portfolio holdings are subject to change without notice. The mention of specific securities is not a recommendation or solicitation for any person to buy, sell or hold any particular security. There is no assurance that the Helios High Yield Fund currently holds these securities.

Performance data quoted represents past performance results and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. These views represent the opinions of Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and are not intended to predict or depict the performance of any investment. These views are as of the close of business on December 31, 2013 and subject to change based on subsequent developments.

 

 

1  

The BofA/Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index tracks the performance of U.S. dollar denominated below investment-grade corporate debt publicly issued in the U.S. domestic market. Qualifying securities must have a below investment-grade rating (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch) and an investment grade rated country of risk (based on an average of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch foreign currency long term sovereign debt ratings). In addition, qualifying securities must have at least one year remaining term to final maturity, a fixed coupon schedule and a minimum amount outstanding of $100 million. Original issue zero coupon bonds, “global” securities (debt issued simultaneously in the Eurobond and U.S. domestic bond markets), 144A securities and pay-in-kind securities, including toggle notes, qualify for inclusion in the Index. Callable perpetual securities qualify provided they are at least one year from the first call date. Fixed-to-floating rate securities also qualify provided they are callable within the fixed rate period and are at least one year from the last call prior to the date the bond transitions from a fixed to a floating rate security. DRD-eligible and defaulted securities are excluded from the index.

2  

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Default Monitor, January 2, 2014, page 17.

3  

J.P. Morgan, High-Yield Market Monitor, January 2, 2014, page 17.

4  

J.P. Morgan, High-Yield Market Monitor, January 2, 2014, page 2.

5  

J.P. Morgan, High-Yield Market Monitor, January 2, 2014, page 2.

6  

J.P. Morgan, High-Yield Market Monitor, January 2, 2014, page 11.

7  

J.P. Morgan, High-Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013.

8  

J.P. Morgan, High-Yield Market Monitor, January 2, 2014, page 13.

 

4              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Portfolio Characteristics (Unaudited)

December 31, 2013

 

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

        

Annualized dividend yield 1

     9.28

Weighted average coupon

     8.11

Weighted average life

     4.65 years   

Percentage of leveraged assets

     28.04

Total number of holdings

     134   

CREDIT QUALITY 2

        

BBB

     4

BB

     14

B

     53

CCC

     25

Unrated

     4

Total

     100

ASSET ALLOCATION

        

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

     5

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     126

Term Loans

     3

Common Stocks

     2

Warrants and Short Term Investments

     1

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets

     (37 %) 

Total

     100

 

1  

Dividends may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The dividend yield referenced above is calculated as the annualized amount of the most recent monthly dividend declared divided by December 31, 2013 stock price.

2  

Includes only invested assets; excludes cash.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             5


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

December 31, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
    

Value

(Note 2)

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS – 131.7%

          

Automotive – 7.6%

          

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. 1

     6.25     03/15/21       $ 1,225       $ 1,301,563   

Chrysler Group LLC/CG Co-Issuer, Inc. 1

     8.25        06/15/21         1,000         1,137,500   

Ford Motor Co. 1

     6.50        08/01/18         1,000         1,155,763   

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC 2,3,4

     8.13        05/15/21         750         853,125   

Motors Liquidation Co. 5,6

     8.38        07/15/33         2,500         250   

Servus Luxembourg Holding SCA 2,3,4

     7.75        06/15/18       725         1,049,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Automotive

             5,497,451   
          

 

 

 

Banking – 0.7%

          

Ally Financial, Inc. 7
(Acquired 12/02/08, Cost $7,451, 0.0%)

     6.75        12/01/14         8         7,847   

Bilbao Luxembourg SA 4

     10.50        12/01/18         350         471,867   
          

 

 

 

Total Banking

             479,714   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 23.1%

          

AK Steel Corp. 1

     7.63        05/15/20         750         748,125   

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.

     6.25        06/01/21         1,100         940,500   

Arch Coal, Inc. 1

     7.25        06/15/21         1,650         1,262,250   

Associated Materials LLC/AMH New Finance, Inc. 1

     9.13        11/01/17         1,000         1,067,500   

Cascades, Inc. 1,4

     7.75        12/15/17         1,000         1,042,500   

FMG Resources August 2006 Property Ltd. 2,3,4

     6.88        04/01/22         675         735,750   

Georgia-Pacific LLC 1

     7.38        12/01/25         1,000         1,233,980   

Hexion US Finance Corp. 1

     9.00        11/15/20         1,000         997,500   

Huntsman International LLC 1

     8.63        03/15/21         1,000         1,130,000   

INEOS Group Holdings SA 2,3,4

     6.13        08/15/18         1,000         1,005,000   

Masonite International Corp. 1,2,3,4

     8.25        04/15/21         1,000         1,100,000   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc.

     8.25        02/15/18         895         953,175   

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

     7.63        03/15/20         500         542,500   

Tembec Industries, Inc. 1,4

     11.25        12/15/18         1,000         1,095,000   

Trinseo Materials Operating SCA/Trinseo Materials Finance, Inc. 2,3,4

     8.75        02/01/19         775         800,187   

USG Corp. 1

     9.75        01/15/18         1,000         1,182,500   

Xerium Technologies, Inc.

     8.88        06/15/18         790         829,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             16,665,967   
          

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 11.3%

          

AAR Corp.

     7.25        01/15/22         375         401,250   

AAR Corp. 2,3

     7.25        01/15/22         150         160,500   

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC 2,3,4

     7.00        11/15/20         1,000         1,010,000   

Berry Plastics Corp. 1

     9.50        05/15/18         1,000         1,072,500   

Coleman Cable, Inc. 1

     9.00        02/15/18         1,010         1,060,500   

Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. 1

     7.38        12/15/26         1,000         1,105,000   

Mueller Water Products, Inc.

     7.38        06/01/17         625         640,625   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC 1

     9.00        04/15/19         1,110         1,190,475   

Tekni-Plex, Inc. 2,3

     9.75        06/01/19         400         454,000   

Terex Corp.

     6.50        04/01/20         375         401,250   

Terex Corp.

     6.00        05/15/21         625         646,094   
          

 

 

 

Total Capital Goods

             8,142,194   
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
    

Value

(Note 2)

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Consumer Cyclical – 6.8%

          

ACCO Brands Corp.

     6.75     04/30/20       $ 1,000       $ 987,500   

DineEquity, Inc. 1

     9.50        10/30/18         1,000         1,110,000   

Levi Strauss & Co. 1

     7.63        05/15/20         1,000         1,097,500   

Limited Brands, Inc. 1

     7.60        07/15/37         1,000         1,016,250   

New Albertsons, Inc.

     7.75        06/15/26         900         729,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Cyclical

             4,940,250   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 2.7%

          

C&S Group Enterprises LLC 2,3

     8.38        05/01/17         844         894,640   

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. 1

     9.75        12/01/16         1,000         1,047,510   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Non-Cyclical

             1,942,150   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 17.5%

          

Atlas Pipeline Partners LP/Atlas Pipeline Finance Corp. 2,3

     5.88        08/01/23         1,100         1,047,750   

BreitBurn Energy Partners LP/BreitBurn Finance Corp. 1

     8.63        10/15/20         1,000         1,075,000   

Calfrac Holdings LP 1,2,3

     7.50        12/01/20         1,000         1,020,000   

Crosstex Energy LP/Crosstex Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.88        02/15/18         1,000         1,051,250   

Encore Acquisition Co. 5,7
(Acquired 02/19/10, Cost $497, 0.0%)

     6.00        07/15/15         1         500   

EV Energy Partners LP/EV Energy Finance Corp.

     8.00        04/15/19         975         979,875   

Ferrellgas Partners LP/Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

     8.63        06/15/20         100         105,250   

GMX Resources, Inc. 1,6

     11.00        12/01/17         388         341,205   

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co. 2,3

     8.00        02/15/20         850         920,125   

Key Energy Services, Inc.

     6.75        03/01/21         525         538,125   

Linn Energy LLC/Linn Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.63        04/15/20         1,000         1,080,000   

Linn Energy LLC/Linn Energy Finance Corp.

     7.75        02/01/21         250         264,375   

National Oilwell Varco, Inc. 7
(Acquired 03/25/08, Cost $6,954, 0.0%)

     6.13        08/15/15         7         7,008   

Niska Gas Storage US LLC/Niska Gas Storage Canada ULC 1

     8.88        03/15/18         1,000         1,040,000   

Precision Drilling Corp. 4

     6.63        11/15/20         375         400,312   

RKI Exploration & Production LLC 2,3

     8.50        08/01/21         675         710,438   

Trinidad Drilling Ltd. 1,2,3,4

     7.88        01/15/19         620         658,750   

Venoco, Inc. 1

     8.88        02/15/19         1,000         985,000   

W&T Offshore, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         365         385,987   
          

 

 

 

Total Energy

             12,610,950   
          

 

 

 

Finance & Investment – 0.9%

          

Numericable Finance & Company SCA

     12.38        02/15/19         406         681,834   
          

 

 

 

Healthcare – 10.0%

          

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.

     7.13        07/15/20         975         1,011,562   

DJO Finance LLC/DJO Finance Corp.

     9.88        04/15/18         700         752,500   

HCA, Inc. 1

     8.00        10/01/18         1,000         1,181,250   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 2,3

     11.00        08/15/18         390         344,175   

Jaguar Holding Company II/Jaguar Merger Sub, Inc. 1,2,3

     9.50        12/01/19         925         1,040,625   

Kindred Healthcare, Inc. 1

     8.25        06/01/19         975         1,038,375   

Polymer Group, Inc. 1

     7.75        02/01/19         1,000         1,066,250   

Service Corporation International 1

     6.75        04/01/16         700         763,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Healthcare

             7,197,737   
          

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             7


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
    

Value

(Note 2)

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Media – 8.9%

          

Cablevision Systems Corp. 1

     8.63     09/15/17       $ 1,000       $ 1,165,000   

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

     8.13        04/30/20         835         905,975   

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp.

     7.25        10/30/17         250         264,688   

Cenveo Corp. 1

     8.88        02/01/18         1,000         1,000,000   

Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 1

     9.00        03/01/21         1,000         1,010,000   

Cumulus Media Holdings, Inc.

     7.75        05/01/19         550         580,250   

Mediacom LLC/Mediacom Capital Corp. 1

     9.13        08/15/19         1,025         1,108,281   

National CineMedia LLC

     6.00        04/15/22         350         361,375   
          

 

 

 

Total Media

             6,395,569   
          

 

 

 

Real Estate – 1.5%

          

Realogy Corp. 1,2,3

     7.88        02/15/19         1,000         1,097,500   
          

 

 

 

Services – 22.7%

          

AMC Entertainment, Inc. 1

     8.75        06/01/19         1,000         1,068,750   

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc. 1

     8.25        01/15/19         1,000         1,090,000   

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc.

     5.50        04/01/23         500         484,375   

Boyd Gaming Corp. 1

     9.00        07/01/20         1,000         1,095,000   

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. 1

     7.75        02/15/19         1,275         1,306,875   

Chester Downs & Marina LLC 1,2,3

     9.25        02/01/20         1,025         1,027,563   

GLP Capital LP/GLP Financing II, Inc. 2,3

     5.38        11/01/23         575         564,938   

Iron Mountain, Inc. 1

     8.38        08/15/21         1,000         1,077,500   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     6.00        08/15/23         500         512,500   

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

     5.88        03/15/21         500         491,250   

KM Germany Holdings GmbH

     8.75        12/15/20         400         613,564   

Legrand France SA 4

     8.50        02/15/25         750         967,565   

MGM Resorts International 1

     7.63        01/15/17         675         767,812   

MGM Resorts International 7
(Acquired 10/07/10, Cost $478, 0.0%)

     5.88        02/27/14         1         503   

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority 7
(Acquired 10/27/09, Cost $500, 0.0%)

     7.13        08/15/14         1         498   

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 1

     11.50        08/01/19         953         1,059,380   

Palace Entertainment Holdings LLC/Palace Entertainment

          

Holdings Corp. 1,2,3

     8.88        04/15/17         1,000         1,000,000   

PulteGroup, Inc. 1

     6.38        05/15/33         1,000         905,000   

RPG Byty, s.r.o

     6.75        05/01/20         350         487,515   

Sotheby’s 2,3

     5.25        10/01/22         500         468,750   

United Rentals North America, Inc. 1

     10.25        11/15/19         675         764,775   

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     8.25        02/01/21         325         366,437   

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     7.63        04/15/22         200         222,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Services

             16,342,800   
          

 

 

 

Technology & Electronics – 4.0%

          

First Data Corp. 1,2,3

     11.25        01/15/21         1,200         1,324,500   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 1

     8.05        02/01/20         1,000         1,075,000   

ION Geophysical Corp. 2,3

     8.13        05/15/18         550         456,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Technology & Electronics

             2,856,000   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 12.7%

          

CenturyLink, Inc. 1

     7.65        03/15/42         1,000         892,500   

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
    

Value

(Note 2)

 

 

 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Cincinnati Bell, Inc. 1

     8.75     03/15/18       $ 1,000       $ 1,050,000   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 2,3

     8.75        08/15/19         600         636,000   

Frontier Communications Corp. 1

     7.13        03/15/19         1,250         1,346,875   

Intelsat Luxembourg SA 1,2,3,4

     7.75        06/01/21         1,000         1,072,500   

Level 3 Communications, Inc. 1

     8.88        06/01/19         1,000         1,092,500   

Level 3 Communications, Inc. 2,3

     6.13        01/15/21         225         227,250   

MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. 1,2,3

     6.63        04/01/23         1,000         1,032,500   

PAETEC Holding Corp.

     9.88        12/01/18         500         558,750   

Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.

     6.88        07/15/28         250         229,375   

Windstream Corp.

     7.50        06/01/22         975         996,937   
          

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

             9,135,187   
          

 

 

 

Utility – 1.3%

          

Dynegy Holdings LLC 5,6,7
(Acquired 04/11/11, Cost $0, 0.0%)

     8.38        05/01/16         8         75   

Edison Mission Energy 6,7
(Acquired 12/06/11, Cost $7,445, 0.0%)

     7.50        06/15/13         8         5,663   

NRG Energy, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         850         907,375   
          

 

 

 

Total Utility

             913,113   

 

 

Total CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $90,544,215)

             94,898,416   

 

 

TERM LOANS – 2.6%

          

Albertson, Inc. 8

     4.75        03/21/19         348         349,845   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 8

     7.50        02/14/19         546         563,479   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 8

     7.50        08/04/16         675         666,563   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 8

     4.68        10/10/17         53         36,946   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 8

     4.74        10/10/17         235         162,163   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 8

     4.77        10/10/17         141         97,376   

 

 

Total TERM LOANS
(Cost $1,938,723)

             1,876,372   

 

 
                  Shares     

Value

(Note 2)

 

 

 

COMMON STOCKS – 1.7%

          

Services – 0.3%

          

Iron Mountain, Inc.

          6,750         204,863   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 1.4%

          

AT&T, Inc.

          7,715         271,259   

CenturyLink, Inc.

          7,630         243,016   

Frontier Communications Corp.

          106,109         493,407   
          

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

             1,007,682   
          

 

 

 

Utility – 0.0%

          

Dynegy, Inc. 9

          185         3,981   

 

 

Total COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $1,228,102)

             1,216,526   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             9


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

                Shares     

Value

(Note 2)

 

 

 

WARRANTS – 0.7%

          

Automotive – 0.7%

          

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

          

Expiration: July 2016

          

Exercise Price: $10.00

          9,239       $ 287,887   

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

          

Expiration: July 2019

          

Exercise Price: $10.00

          9,239         213,698   
          

 

 

 

Total Automotive

             501,585   

 

 

Total WARRANTS
(Cost $480,581)

             501,585   

 

 
     Interest
Rate
               

Value

(Note 2)

 

 

 

SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS – 0.1%

          

STIT Liquid Assets Portfolio, Institutional Class 8

     0.07        56,822         56,822   

 

 

Total SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $56,822)

             56,822   

 

 

Total Investments – 136.8%
(Cost $94,248,443)

             98,549,721   

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (36.8)%

             (26,499,078

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%

           $ 72,050,643   

 

 

 

The following notes should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Schedule of Investments.

1

 

  

Portion or entire principal amount pledged as collateral for credit facility.

2

 

  

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of December 31, 2013, the total value of all such securities was $22,712,316 or 31.5% of net assets.

3

 

  

Private Placement.

4

 

  

Foreign security or a U.S. security of a foreign company.

5

 

  

Security fair valued in good faith pursuant to the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. As of December 31, 2013, the total value of all such securities was $825 or 0.0% of net assets.

6

 

  

Issuer is currently in default on its regularly scheduled interest payment.

7

 

  

Restricted Illiquid Securities – Securities that the Adviser has deemed illiquid pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. The values in the parenthesis represent the acquisition date, cost and the percentage of net assets, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the total value of all such securities was $22,093 or 0.0% of net assets.

8

 

  

Variable rate security – Interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of December 31, 2013.

9

 

  

Non-income producing security.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited)

December 31, 2013

 

 

Assets:

  

Investments in securities, at value (Note 2)

   $ 98,492,899   

Investments in short term securities, at value

     56,822   
  

 

 

 

Total investments, at value

     98,549,721   

Cash

     13,604   

Foreign currency

     15,511   

Interest and dividends receivable

     1,810,575   

Receivable for investments sold

     1,375   

Prepaid expenses

     4,352   
  

 

 

 

Total assets.

     100,395,138   
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Payable for credit facility (Note 7)

     28,150,000   

Payable for credit facility interest (Note 7)

     1,791   

Payable for open forward foreign currency contracts (Note 2)

     74,956   

Investment advisory fee payable (Note 4)

     59,329   

Shareholder servicing fee payable (Note 4)

     1,695   

Trustees fees payable

     7,927   

Accrued expenses

     48,797   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     28,344,495   
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 72,050,643   
  

 

 

 

Composition of Net Assets:

  

Capital stock, at par value ($0.001 par value, unlimited shares authorized) (Note 8)

   $ 6,848   

Additional paid-in capital (Note 8)

     75,793,166   

Undistributed net investment income

     253,332   

Accumulated net realized loss on investments, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

     (8,229,628

Net unrealized appreciation on investments, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

     4,226,925   
  

 

 

 

Net assets applicable to capital stock outstanding

   $ 72,050,643   
  

 

 

 

Total investments at cost

   $ 94,248,443   
  

 

 

 

Foreign currency at cost

   $ 15,559   
  

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding and Net Asset Value Per Share:

  

Shares outstanding

     6,847,565   

Net asset value per share

   $ 10.52   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             11


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2013

 

 

Investment Income (Note 2):

  

Interest

   $ 3,954,260   

Dividends

     43,154   
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     3,997,414   
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Investment advisory fees (Note 4)

     357,688   

Shareholder servicing fees (Note 4)

     51,098   

Fund accounting servicing fees (Note 5)

     50,173   

Reports to shareholders

     22,096   

Trustees’ fees

     21,677   

Audit and tax services

     21,257   

Registration fees

     12,072   

Legal fees

     11,906   

Insurance

     9,927   

Custodian fees (Note 5)

     8,107   

Transfer agency fees (Note 5)

     7,438   

Miscellaneous

     4,107   
  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     577,546   

Interest expense on credit facility (Note 7)

     176,750   
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     754,296   

Less expenses waived by the investment adviser (Note 4)

     (40,879
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     713,417   
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     3,283,997   
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments, Foreign Currency Transactions and Forward Foreign Currency Contracts (Note 2):

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investments

     594,347   

Foreign currency transactions

     (4,724

Forward foreign currency contracts

     (24,434
  

 

 

 

Net realized gain on investments, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

     565,189   
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

  

Investments

     2,031,191   

Foreign currency and foreign currency translations

     677   

Forward foreign currency contracts

     (74,956
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

     1,956,912   
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain on investments, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

     2,522,101   
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations.

   $ 5,806,098   
  

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     

For the Six

Months Ended
December 31, 2013
(Unaudited)

    For the Fiscal
Year Ended
June 30, 2013
 

Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $ 3,283,997      $ 6,288,213   

Net realized gain on investments, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

     565,189        1,588,951   

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

     1,956,912        293,852   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     5,806,098        8,171,016   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders (Note 2):

    

Net investment income

     (3,218,356     (6,230,324
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Stock Transactions (Note 8):

    

Reinvestment of distributions

            31,261   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     2,587,742        1,971,953   

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of period

     69,462,901        67,490,948   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 72,050,643      $ 69,462,901   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(including undistributed net investment income of)

   $ 253,332      $ 187,691   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   

Share Transactions:

    

Reinvested shares

            3,045   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             13


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended December 31, 2013

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash:

  

Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities:

  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 5,806,098   

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities

  

Purchases of long-term portfolio investments

     (11,387,688

Proceeds from disposition of long-term portfolio investments

     13,175,100   

Sales of short-term portfolio investments, net

     1,068,120   

Return of capital distributions from portfolio investments

     5,862   

Increase in interest and dividends receivable

     (10,487

Decrease in receivable for investments sold

     548,219   

Decrease in prepaid expenses

     12,233   

Decrease in payable for credit facility interest

     (2,157

Decrease in payable for investments purchased

     (1,212,625

Increase in payable for open forward currency exchange contracts

     74,956   

Increase in investment advisory fee payable

     1,113   

Increase in shareholder servicing fee payable

     32   

Increase in trustees fee payable

     5,177   

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (32,003

Net amortization on investments

     (40,291

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments

     (2,031,191

Net realized gain on investments

     (594,347
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     5,386,121   
  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for financing activities:

  

Net cash used for credit facility

     (2,250,000

Distributions paid to shareholders, net of reinvestments

     (3,218,356
  

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

     (5,468,356
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash

     (82,235

Cash at the beginning of period

     111,350   
  

 

 

 

Cash at the end of period

   $ 29,115   
  

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

Interest payments for the six months ended December 31, 2013, totaled $178,907.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Financial Highlights

 

 

    

For the Six Months
Ended

December 31,

2013

(Unaudited)

    For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30,  
                                  
       2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  
   

Per Share Operating Performance:

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 10.14      $ 9.86      $ 9.92      $ 9.25      $ 8.34      $ 9.78   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income 1

     0.48        0.92        0.91        0.93        0.67        0.67   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions, forward foreign currency contracts and foreign currency translations

     0.37        0.27        (0.03     0.69        0.80        (1.44
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net asset value resulting from operations

     0.85        1.19        0.88        1.62        1.47        (0.77
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions from net investment income

     (0.47     (0.91     (0.94     (0.95     (0.56     (0.65

Return of capital distributions

                                        (0.02
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions paid

     (0.47     (0.91     (0.94     (0.95     (0.56     (0.67
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 10.52      $ 10.14      $ 9.86      $ 9.92      $ 9.25      $ 8.34   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Market price, end of period

   $ 9.70      $ 9.62      $ 10.00      $ 9.90      $ 8.45      $ 7.01   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Return

     5.80 % 5       5.12     11.37     29.77     29.31     (8.56 )% 

Ratios to Average Net Assets/

    Supplementary Data:

            

Net assets, end of period (000s)

   $ 72,051      $ 69,463      $ 67,491      $ 67,871      $ 63,263      $ 57,050   

Operating expenses

     1.61 % 4       1.63     1.71     1.65     1.72     2.08

Interest expense 3

     0.49 % 4       0.53     0.62     0.42     0.11     0.30

Total expenses 2

     2.10 % 4       2.16     2.33     2.07     1.83     2.38

Net expenses, including fee waivers and reimbursement and excluding interest expense

     1.50 % 4       1.52     1.59     1.53     1.63     1.77 % 4  

Net investment income

     9.15 % 4       8.87     9.45     9.36     7.33     8.23

Net investment income, excluding the effect of fee waivers and reimbursement 3

     9.04 % 4       8.76     9.33     9.25 % 4       7.24     7.92 % 4  

Portfolio turnover rate

     12 % 5       28     24     46     67     20

Loans Outstanding, end of period

   $ 28,150      $ 30,400      $ 30,400      $ 29,400      $ 18,662      $   

Asset Coverage per $1,000 unit of senior indebtedness 6

   $ 3,560      $ 3,280      $ 3,220      $ 3,310      $ 4,390      $   

 

 

Total investment return is computed based upon the New York Stock Exchange market price of the Fund’s shares and excludes the effect of broker commissions. Dividends and distributions are assumed to be reinvested at the prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.

1  

Per share amounts presented are based on average shares outstanding throughout the period indicated.

2  

The Fund’s Shareholder Servicing Agent and Former Adviser contractually agreed to waive a portion of their respective fees as discussed in Note 4.

3  

Certain re-classifications have been made to the financial highlights for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009 to conform to the presentation followed in the preparation of the financial highlights for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010, June 30, 2011, June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2013 and for the six months ended December 31, 2013.

4  

Annualized.

5  

Not Annualized.

6  

Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities (not including borrowings) from the Fund’s total assets and dividing by the total number of senior indebtedness units, where one unit equals $1,000 of senior indebtedness.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             15


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

December 31, 2013

 

1. Organization

Helios High Yield Fund (the “Fund”) was organized as a business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on June 2, 1998, and commenced operations on July 31, 1998. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified, closed-end management investment company with its own investment objective.

Brookfield Investment Management Inc. (“BIM” or “Adviser”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and serves as investment adviser to the Fund.

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek a high level of current income with capital growth as a secondary investment objective. No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.

2. Significant Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Valuation of Investments: Debt securities, including U.S. government securities, listed corporate bonds, other fixed income and asset-backed securities, and unlisted securities and private placement securities, are generally valued at the bid prices furnished by an independent pricing service or, if not valued by an independent pricing service, using bid prices obtained from active and reliable market makers in any such security or a broker-dealer. The broker-dealers or pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the broker-dealers or pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the broker-dealers or pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market transactions in comparable securities and the various relationships between securities in determining fair value and/or market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, option-adjusted spreads, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon-rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair values. Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less are valued at cost with interest accrued or discount accreted to the date of maturity, unless such valuation, in the judgment of the Adviser’s Valuation Committee, does not represent market value.

Investments in equity securities listed or traded on any securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the trade price as of the close of business on the valuation date. Equity securities for which no sales were reported for that date are valued at “fair value” as determined in good faith by the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. Investments in open-end registered investment companies, if any, are valued at the net asset value (“NAV”) as reported by those investment companies.

When price quotations for certain securities are not readily available, or if the available quotations are not believed to be reflective of market value by the Adviser, those securities will be valued at “fair value” as determined in good faith by the Adviser’s Valuation Committee using procedures adopted by and under the supervision of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”). There can be no assurance that the Fund could purchase or sell a portfolio security at the price used to calculate the Fund’s NAV.

Fair valuation procedures may be used to value a substantial portion of the assets of the Fund. The Fund may use the fair value of a security to calculate its NAV when, for example, (1) a portfolio security is not traded in a public market or the principal market in which the security trades is closed, (2) trading in a portfolio security is suspended

 

16              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

and not resumed prior to the normal market close, (3) a portfolio security is not traded in significant volume for a substantial period, or (4) the Adviser determines that the quotation or price for a portfolio security provided by a broker-dealer or an independent pricing service is inaccurate.

The “fair value” of securities may be difficult to determine and thus judgment plays a greater role in the valuation process. The fair valuation methodology may include or consider the following guidelines, as appropriate: (1) evaluation of all relevant factors, including but not limited to, pricing history, current market level, supply and demand of the respective security; (2) comparison to the values and current pricing of securities that have comparable characteristics; (3) knowledge of historical market information with respect to the security; (4) other factors relevant to the security which would include, but not be limited to, duration, yield, fundamental analytical data, the Treasury yield curve, and credit quality.

The values assigned to fair valued investments are based on available information and do not necessarily represent amounts that might ultimately be realized, since such amounts depend on future developments inherent in long-term investments. Changes in the fair valuation of portfolio securities may be less frequent and of greater magnitude than changes in the price of portfolio securities valued at their last sale price, by an independent pricing service, or based on market quotations. Imprecision in estimating fair value can also impact the amount of unrealized appreciation or depreciation recorded for a particular portfolio security and differences in the assumptions used could result in a different determination of fair value, and those differences could be material.

The Board has adopted procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s securities and has delegated the day to day responsibilities for valuation determinations under these procedures to the Adviser. The Board has reviewed and approved the valuation procedures utilized by the Adviser and regularly reviews the application of the procedures to the securities in the Fund’ portfolios. Securities are valued using unadjusted quoted market prices, when available, as supplied primarily by third party pricing services or dealers. If a market value or price cannot be determined for a security or a significant event has occurred that would materially affect the value of the security, the security is fair valued by the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. The Adviser’s Valuation Committee is comprised of senior members of the Adviser’s management team.

The Fund has established methods of fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP. Fair value denotes the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. A three-tier hierarchy has been established to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including such a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad levels listed below.

 

  •   Level 1 -

quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

  •   Level 2 -

quoted prices in markets that are not active or other significant observable inputs (including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices based on recently executed transactions, interest rates, credit risk, etc.)

  •   Level 3 -

significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of assets or liabilities)

The Adviser’s valuation policy, as previously stated, establishes parameters for the sources and types of valuation analysis, as well as, the methodologies and inputs the Adviser uses in determining fair value, including the use of

the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. If the Adviser’s Valuation Committee determines that additional techniques, sources or inputs are appropriate or necessary in a given situation, such additional work will be undertaken.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             17


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

Significant increases or decreases in any of the unobservable inputs in isolation may result in a lower or higher fair value measurement.

To assess the continuing appropriateness of security valuations, the Adviser (or its third party service provider, who is subject to oversight by the Adviser), regularly compares one of its prior day prices, prices on comparable securities and sale prices to the current day prices and challenges those prices that exceed certain tolerance levels with the third party pricing service or broker source. For those securities valued by fair valuations, the Adviser’s Valuation Committee reviews and affirms the reasonableness of the valuations based on such methodologies and fair valuation determinations on a regular basis after considering all relevant information that is reasonably available.

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

The following table summarizes the Fund’s investments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy as of December 31, 2013:

 

Assets    Corporate
Bonds
     Term Loans      Common
Stocks
     Warrants      Short Term
Investments
     Total  
   

Level 1 — Quoted Prices

   $       $       $ 1,216,526       $ 501,585       $ 56,822       $ 1,774,933   

Level 2 — Quoted Prices in Inactive Markets or Other Significant Observable Inputs

     94,897,591         1,876,372                                 96,773,963   

Level 3 — Significant Unobservable Inputs

     825                                         825   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 94,898,416       $ 1,876,372       $ 1,216,526       $ 501,585       $ 56,822       $ 98,549,721   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Valuation Inputs    Other Financial
Instruments*
 
   

Level 1 — Quoted Prices

   $   

Level 2 — Quoted Prices in Inactive Markets or Other Significant Observable Inputs

     (74,956

Level 3 — Significant Unobservable Inputs

       
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (74,956
  

 

 

 

 

*

Other financial instruments includes forward foreign currency contracts.

The following table provides quantitative information about the Fund’s Level 3 values, as well as their inputs, as of December 31, 2013. The table is not all-inclusive, but provides information on the significant Level 3 inputs.

 

     Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  
Assets    Fair Value as of
December 31,
2013
     Valuation
Methodology
   Significant
Unobservable
Input
     Price  
   

Corporate Bonds

   $ 825       Market

Comparable

    Companies

    

 

Discounted

    Cash Flow

  

  

   $ 0.01   

 

18              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of assets in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

 

Investments in Securities    Corporate
Bonds
   Total
   

Balance at June 30, 2013

     $ 825        $ 825  

Accrued Discounts (Premiums)

                 

Realized Gain/(Loss)

                 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation

                 

Purchases at Cost

                 

Sales proceeds

                 

Transfers out of Level 3

                 
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

     $ 825        $ 825  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     $        $  
    

 

 

      

 

 

 

For the six months ended December 31, 2013, there was no security transfer activity between Level 1 and Level 2. The basis for recognizing and valuing transfers is as of the end of the period in which transfers occur.

Investment Transactions and Investment Income: Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses from securities transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities are accreted and amortized, respectively, using the effective yield to maturity method adjusted based on management’s assessment of the collectability of such interest. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.

Taxes: The Fund intends to continue to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income or excise tax provision is required. The Fund may incur an excise tax to the extent it has not distributed all of its taxable income on a calendar year basis.

GAAP provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. An evaluation of tax positions taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the taxing authority is required. Tax benefits of positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be booked as a tax expense in the current year and recognized as: a liability for unrecognized tax benefits; a reduction of an income tax refund receivable; a reduction of a deferred tax asset; an increase in a deferred tax liability; or a combination thereof. As of December 31, 2013, the Fund has determined that there are no uncertain tax positions or tax liabilities required to be accrued.

The Fund has reviewed all taxable years that are open for examination (i. e. , not barred by the applicable statute of limitations) by taxing authorities of all major jurisdictions, including the Internal Revenue Service. As of December 31, 2013, open taxable years consisted of the taxable years ended June 30, 2010 through June 30, 2013. No examination of the Fund’s tax returns is currently in progress.

Expenses: Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged directly to the Fund, while expenses which are attributable to more than one Fund are allocated among the respective Funds based upon relative net assets.

Dividends and Distributions: The Fund declares and pays dividends monthly from net investment income. To the extent that these distributions exceed net investment income, they may be classified as return of capital. The Fund also pays a distribution at least annually from its net realized capital gains, if any. Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. All common shares have equal dividend and other distribution rights. A notice disclosing the source(s) of a distribution will be provided if payment is made from any source other than net investment income. Any such notice would be provided only for informational purposes in order to comply with the requirements of Section 19(a) of the 1940 Act and not for tax reporting purposes. The tax composition of the Fund’s distributions for each calendar year is reported on IRS Form 1099-DIV.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             19


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

Dividends from net investment income and distributions from realized gains from investment transactions have been determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations and may differ from net investment income and realized gains recorded by the Fund for financial reporting purposes. These differences, which could be temporary or permanent in nature may result in reclassification of distributions; however, net investment income, net realized gains and losses and net assets are not affected.

Foreign Currency Translations: Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts on the respective dates of such transactions. The Fund isolates the portion of realized gains or losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on securities from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. The Fund does not isolate the portion of unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on securities from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held.

Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of securities, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid.

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts: A forward foreign currency contract (“forward contract”) is an agreement between two parties to buy or sell a currency at an agreed upon price for settlement at a future date. During the period the forward contract is in existence changes in the value of the forward contract will fluctuate with changes in the currency exchange rates. The forward contract is marked to market daily and these changes are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. Gain or loss on the purchase or sale of a forward contract is realized on the settlement date.

The Fund invests in forward contracts to hedge against fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies caused by changes in the prevailing currency exchange rates. The use of forward contracts involves the risk that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of their contracts and may be negatively impacted from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.

All contracts were done with Bank of New York Mellon as the counterparty. As of December 31, 2013, the following forward contracts were outstanding:

 

Settlement

Date

   Currency to be Delivered    U.S. $ Value at
December 31,
2013
     Currency to be Received    U.S. $ Value at
December 31,
2013
     Unrealized
Depreciation
 
   

01/13/14

     2,580,000       Euros    $ 3,549,264         3,475,420       U.S. Dollars    $ 3,475,420       $ (73,844

01/13/14

     331,276       U.S. Dollars      331,276         240,000       Euros      330,164         (1,112

The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund’s derivative instruments:

 

Derivatives Not Accounted for
as Hedging Instruments
   Statement of Assets and Liabilities    Unrealized Depreciation
as of December 31, 2013
 

Forward Contracts            

   Payable for open forward foreign currency contracts    $ (74,956
     

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the six months ended December 31, 2013:

 

Derivatives Not Accounted for

as Hedging Instruments

   Location of Gains (Losses) on
Derivatives Recognized in Income
   Net Realized Loss on
Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts
    Net Change in
Unrealized Depreciation
on Forward Foreign
Currency Contracts
 
   

Forward Contracts

   Forward foreign currency contracts    $ (24,434   $ (74,956
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

20              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

Below is the gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as well as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement:

 

                        Gross Amounts not offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
        
     Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
    Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
     Net Amounts
Presented in
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
    Financial
Instruments
    Collateral
Pledged
(Received)
     Net
Amount
 
   

Description

              

Forward Contracts

   $ (74,956   $       $ (74,956   $ (74,956   $       $ (74,956

The Fund has elected to not offset derivative assets and liabilities or financial assets, including cash, that may be received or paid as part of collateral arrangements, even when an enforceable master netting agreement is in place that provides the Fund, in the event of counterparty default, the right to liquidate collateral and the right to offset a counterparty’s rights and obligations.

Cash Flow Information: The Fund invests in securities and distributes dividends and distributions which are paid in cash or are reinvested at the discretion of shareholders. These activities are reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. Additional information on cash receipts and cash payments is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. Cash, as used in the Statement of Cash Flows, is the amount reported as “Cash” in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, and does not include short-term investments. Accounting practices that do not affect reporting activities on a cash basis include carrying investments at value and accreting discounts and amortizing premiums on debt obligations.

3. Risks of Investing in Below-Investment Grade Securities

The Fund has investments in below-investment grade debt securities. Below-investment grade securities involve a higher degree of credit risk than investment grade debt securities. In the event of an unanticipated default, the Fund would experience a reduction in its income, a decline in the market value of the securities so affected and a decline in the NAV of its shares. During an economic downturn or period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged and other below-investment grade issuers frequently experience financial stress that could adversely affect their ability to service principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing. The market prices of below-investment grade debt securities are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments but are more sensitive to adverse economic or political changes or individual developments specific to the issuer than higher-rated investments. Periods of economic or political uncertainty and change can be expected to result in significant volatility of prices for these securities. Rating services consider these securities to be speculative in nature.

Below-investment grade securities may be subject to market conditions, events of default or other circumstances which cause them to be considered “distressed securities.” Distressed securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding. The Fund may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover its investments in certain distressed securities. Therefore, to the extent the Fund seeks capital growth through investment in such securities, the Fund’s ability to achieve current income for its shareholders may be diminished. The Fund is also subject to significant uncertainty as to when and in what manner and for what value the obligations evidenced by distressed securities will eventually be satisfied (e. g. , through a liquidation of the obligor’s assets, an exchange offer or plan of reorganization involving the securities or a payment of some amount in satisfaction of the obligation). In addition, even if an exchange offer is made or a plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to distressed securities held by the Fund, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by the Fund in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made. Moreover, any

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             21


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

securities received by the Fund upon completion of an exchange offer or plan of reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of the Fund’s participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of such securities, the Fund may be restricted from disposing of distressed securities.

4. Investment Advisory Agreement and Related Party Transactions

The Fund has entered into an Investment Management and Administration Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) with the Adviser under which the Adviser is responsible for the management of the Fund’s portfolio and provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary to the operations of the Fund. The Advisory Agreement provides, among other things, that the Adviser will bear all expenses of its employees and overhead incurred in connection with the performance of its duties under the Advisory Agreement, and will pay all salaries of the Fund’s trustees and officers who are affiliated persons (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Adviser. The Advisory Agreement also provides that the Fund shall pay the Adviser a monthly fee for its services at the annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund’s average weekly value of the total assets of the Fund minus the sum of accrued liabilities (other than the aggregate indebtedness constituting financial leverage) (“Managed Assets”).

For the six months ended December 31, 2013, the Adviser earned $357,688 in investment advisory fees under the Advisory Agreement.

Effective August 26, 2009, the Fund entered into a Shareholder Servicing Agreement with the Adviser to act as the shareholder servicing agent to the Fund. As compensation for its services, the Fund has agreed to pay the Adviser a fee computed daily and payable monthly at an annualized rate of 0.10% of the Fund’s Managed Assets. The Adviser has contractually agreed to reduce the shareholder servicing fees with respect to the Fund to an annualized rate of 0.02% of the Fund’s Managed Assets until June 30, 2014. For the six months ended December 31, 2013, the Adviser earned $51,098 in shareholder servicing fees of which $40,879 was waived.

Certain officers and/or Trustees of the Fund are officers and/or directors of the Adviser.

5. Service Agreements

In addition to the services provided by the Adviser, which are discussed in Note 4 above, effective July 1, 2009, the Fund has entered into a Fund Accounting Servicing Agreement with U.S. Bancorp Fund Services LLC (“USBFS”). For its services, USBFS receives a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of 0.10% of the first $100 million of average daily net assets; 0.08% of the next $200 million of average daily net assets; and 0.04% of average daily net assets in excess of $300 million, subject to a minimum annual fee of $80,000 plus certain out of pocket expenses. For the six months ended December 31, 2013, USBFS earned $50,173 in fund accounting servicing fees.

Effective July 1, 2009, the Fund has entered into a Closed-End Fund Custody Agreement with U.S. Bank, National Association. (“USB”). For its services, USB receives a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of 0.004% of the average daily market value of the Fund’s assets plus portfolio transaction fees, subject to a minimum annual fee of $6,000. For the six months ended December 31, 2013, USB earned $8,107 in custodian fees.

The Fund has contracted for transfer agency and certain shareholder services, including the administration of the Fund’s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan with Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc. (collectively, the “Transfer Agent”). For the six months ended December 31, 2013, the Transfer Agent earned $7,438 in transfer agency fees.

 

22              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

6. Purchases and Sales of Investments

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, the credit facility and U.S. Government securities, for the six months ended December 31, 2013, were $11,387,688 and $13,175,100, respectively. For the six months ended December 31, 2013, there were no transactions in U.S. Government securities.

7. Borrowings

Credit facility: The Fund has established a line of credit with BNP Paribas for investment purposes subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act for borrowings by registered investment companies. The Fund pays interest in the amount of 0.80% plus the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate on the amount outstanding and 0.80% on the line of credit that is unused.

For the six months ended December 31, 2013, the average interest rate paid under the line of credit was 1.03% of the total line of credit amount available to the Fund.

 

Total line of credit amount available

   $ 34,000,000   

Line of credit outstanding at December 31, 2013

     28,150,000   

Line of credit amount unused at December 31, 2013

     5,850,000   

Average balance outstanding during the period

     30,150,815   

Interest expense incurred on line of credit during the period

     176,750   

8. Shares of Beneficial Interest

The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares with a par value of $0.001 per share. The Fund’s Board of Trustees in their discretion may, from time to time without the vote of the Fund’s shareholders, issue shares, in addition to the then issued and outstanding shares and shares held in the treasury, to such party or parties and for such amount and type of consideration, including cash or property, at such time and on such terms as the Trustees may deem best, subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act. Shares of the Fund do not entitle the holder to preference, preemptive, appraisal, conversion or exchange rights. Each whole share is entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional share is entitled to a proportionate fractional vote, except that shares held in the treasury of the Fund as of the record date, as determined in accordance with the By-Laws of the Fund, shall not be voted. There is no cumulative voting in the election of Trustees. For the six months ended December 31, 2013, the Fund did not issue any shares for the reinvestment of distributions.

9. Federal Income Tax Information

Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

The tax character of distributions for the six months ended December 31, 2013 is expected to be from ordinary income but will be determined at the end of the Fund’s current fiscal year.

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, the tax character of the $6,230,324 of distributions paid was all from ordinary income. Total ordinary income distributions paid may differ from amounts shown in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets because for tax purposes dividends are recognized when actually paid.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             23


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

At June 30, 2013, the Fund’s most recently completed tax year-end, the components of net assets (excluding paid-in capital) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 186,016   

Capital loss carryforward 1,2

     (8,794,192

Unrealized appreciation

     2,271,063   
  

 

 

 
   $ (6,337,113
  

 

 

 

 

 

1  

To the extent that future capital gains are offset by capital loss carryforwards, such gains will not be distributed.

2  

Capital losses incurred after October 31 (“post-October losses”) within the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Fund’s next taxable year.

As of June 30, 2013, the Fund’s capital loss carryforwards were as follows:

 

Expiring In:       
   

2017

   $ 5,576,521   

2018

     3,217,671   

Federal Income Tax Basis: The Federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments, not including foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts at December 31, 2013 was as follows:

 

Cost of Investments    Gross Unrealized Appreciation    Gross Unrealized Depreciation   Net Unrealized Appreciation
 

$94,248,443

   $5,287,887    $(986,609)   $4,301,278

Capital Account Reclassifications: Because Federal income tax regulations differ in certain respects from GAAP, income and capital gain distributions, if any, determined in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for wash sales and partnership adjustments. Permanent book and tax differences, if any, relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in-capital or to undistributed capital gains. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share. Any undistributed net income and realized gain remaining at fiscal year end is distributed in the following year.

10. Indemnification

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with its vendors and others that provide for indemnification. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, since this would involve the resolution of certain claims, as well as future claims that may be made, against the Fund. Thus, an estimate of the financial impact, if any, of these arrangements cannot be made at this time. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss due to these warranties and indemnities to be unlikely.

11. Subsequent Events

GAAP requires recognition in the financial statements of the effects of all subsequent events that provide additional evidence about conditions that existed at the date of the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For non-recognized subsequent events that must be disclosed to keep the financial statements from being misleading, the Fund is required to disclose the nature of the event as well as an estimate of its financial effect, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made.

 

24              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

Dividends: The Fund’s Board of Trustees declared the following monthly dividends:

 

Dividend Per Share   Record Date               Payable Date            
   

$0.0750

      January 16, 2014                      January 30, 2014               

$0.0750

      February 20, 2014                      February 27, 2014               

At a special shareholder meeting held on January 31, 2014, shareholders of the Fund approved the redomestication of the Fund to a Maryland corporation and amendments to the Fund’s governing documents. Additionally, shareholders approved a new investment advisory agreement between the Fund and Brookfield Investment Management. The redomestication and implementation of the new investment advisory agreement is expected to be consummated on or about February 28, 2014. In addition, the Fund will change its name to “Brookfield High Income Fund Inc.” effective March 1, 2014. The table below shows the number of shares voted:

 

          Shares Voted
For
     Shares Voted
Against
     Shares Voted
Abstain
 
   

1

   An Agreement and Plan of Reorganization that provides for the reorganization of the Fund.      3,644,440         194,783         97,705   
   

2

   A charter and bylaw provision regarding the vote required to elect a director.      3,639,016         208,514         89,398   
   

3

   A charter provision regarding the vote required to remove a director.      3,449,908         404,119         82,901   
   

4

   A charter provision regarding the vote required for certain extraordinary transactions.      3,348,003         488,627         100,298   
   

5

   A charter provision regarding the vote required for certain amendments to the charter.      3,372,797         460,934         103,197   
   

6

   A charter and bylaw provision regarding amendments to the bylaws.      3,518,902         313,204         91,088   
   

7

   A bylaw provision regarding a shareholder’s right to call a special meeting.      3,437,195         396,655         89,344   
   

8

   A bylaw provision regarding advance notice for shareholder nominees for director and other shareholder proposals.      3,563,336         87,649         87,649   
   

9

   A new investment advisory agreement between the Fund and Brookfield Investment Management Inc.      3,570,900         83,593         83,593   
   

Management has evaluated subsequent events in the preparation of the Fund’s financial statements and has determined that other than the items listed herein, there are no events that require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             25


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Compliance Certification (Unaudited)

December 31, 2013

 

On April 17, 2013, the Fund submitted a CEO annual certification to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on which the Fund’s principal executive officer certified that he was not aware, as of that date, of any violation by the Fund of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards. In addition, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Fund’s principal executive and principal financial officers have made quarterly certifications, included in filings with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q relating to, among other things, the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, as applicable.

 

26              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Proxy Results (Unaudited)

December 31, 2013

 

The shareholders of the Helios High Yield Fund voted on the following proposals at a shareholder meeting on November 21, 2013. The description of the proposal and number of shares voted are as follows:

 

          Shares Voted
For
     Shares Voted
Against
     Shares Voted
Abstain
 
   

1

   To elect to the Fund’s Board of Trustees Rodman L. Drake      6,101,808         233,683           
   

2

   To elect to the Fund’s Board of Trustees Heather Goldman      6,076,189         259,302           
   

3

   To elect to the Fund’s Board of Trustees Edward A. Kuczmarski      6,107,254         228,237           
   

4

   To elect to the Fund’s Board of Trustees Kim G. Redding      6,104,987         230,504           
   

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             27


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited)

 

A Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”) is available to shareholders of the Fund pursuant to which they may elect to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc. (the “Plan Agent”) in additional Fund shares. Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the Fund’s Custodian, as Dividend Disbursing Agent.

The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan. After the Fund declares a dividend or determines to make a capital gain distribution, payable in cash, if (1) the market price is lower than the net asset value, the participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in Fund shares valued at the market price determined as of the time of purchase (generally, the payment date of the dividend or distribution); or if (2) the market price of the shares on the payment date of the dividend or distribution is equal to or exceeds their net asset value, participants will be issued Fund shares at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the market price. This discount reflects savings in underwriting and other costs that the Fund otherwise will be required to incur to raise additional capital. If the net asset value exceeds the market price of the Fund shares on the payment date or the Fund declares a dividend or other distribution payable only in cash (i. e. , if the Board of Trustees precludes reinvestment in Fund shares for that purpose), the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, receive the cash payment and use it to buy Fund shares in the open market, on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the net asset value of the Fund’s shares, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the net asset value of the Fund’s shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the dividend or distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund. The Fund will not issue shares under the Plan below net asset value.

Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to the Plan Agent. When a participant withdraws from the Plan or upon termination of the Plan by the Fund, certificates for whole shares credited to his or her account under the Plan will be issued and a cash payment will be made for any fraction of a share credited to such account.

There is no charge to participants for reinvesting dividends or capital gain distributions, except for certain brokerage commissions, as described below. The Plan Agent’s fees for handling the reinvestment of dividends and distributions are paid by the Fund. There are no brokerage commissions charged with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and distributions.

The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any federal income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

A brochure describing the Plan is available from the Plan Agent, by calling 1-212-936-5100.

If you wish to participate in the Plan and your shares are held in your name, you may simply complete and mail the enrollment form in the brochure. If your shares are held in the name of your brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, you should ask them whether or how you can participate in the Plan. Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee and are participating in the Plan may not be able to continue participating in the Plan if they transfer their shares to a different brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, since such shareholders may participate only if permitted by the brokerage firm, bank or other nominee to which their shares are transferred.

 

28              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Board Considerations Relating to the Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)

December 31, 2013

 

On November 21, 2013, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, considered and approved the New Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. In approving the New Advisory Agreement, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, determined that the fee structure was fair and reasonable and that approval of the New Advisory Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. At a prior Board meeting, the Board of Trustees considered a wide range of information, including information regularly received from the Adviser at the quarterly Board meetings. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses the primary factors relevant to the Board’s decision.

NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICES. The Board considered the level and depth of knowledge of the Adviser. In evaluating the quality of services provided by the Adviser, the Board took into account its familiarity with the Adviser’s management through board meetings, conversations and reports. The Board noted that the Adviser is responsible for managing the Fund’s investment program, the general operations and the day-to-day management of the Fund and for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. The Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the overall services provided by the Adviser and its affiliates are satisfactory. The Board’s conclusion was based, in part, upon services provided to the Fund such as quarterly reports provided by the Adviser: 1) comparing the performance of the Fund with a peer group, 2) showing that the investment policies and restrictions for the Fund were followed, and 3) covering matters such as the compliance of investment personnel and other access persons with the Adviser’s and the Fund’s codes of ethics, the adherence to fair value pricing procedures established by the Board, the monitoring of portfolio compliance and presentations regarding the economic environment. The Board also considered the experience of the Adviser as an investment adviser and the experience of the team of portfolio managers that manages the Fund, and its current experience in acting as investment adviser to other investment funds and institutional clients.

INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund in view of its importance to shareholders. While consideration was given to performance reports and discussions at Board meetings throughout the year, particular attention in assessing the performance was given to a presentation that compared the Fund’s performance with its Morningstar category peers for the 1, 3, 5 and 10 year periods ending April 30, 2013, as well as the year-to-date period. The Board noted that the Fund performed above the median of its Morningstar category peers for the 1, 3 and 10 year, as well as the year-to-date periods, while it performed below the median for the 5 year period. The Board also reviewed updated performance information for the Fund through September 30, 2013, and noted that the Fund outperformed its index for the 1 and 3 year periods, as well as for the period since August 26, 2009, when the Adviser began managing the Fund. Based on the Adviser’s explanation of the current market, the Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

PROFITABILITY. The Board also considered the level of profits expected to be realized by the Adviser and its affiliates in connection with the operation of the Fund. In this regard, the Board reviewed the Fund profitability analysis addressing the overall profitability of the Adviser for its management of the Helios fund family, as well as its expected profits and that of its affiliates for providing administrative support for the Fund. The Board further noted that the methodology followed in allocating costs to the Fund appeared reasonable, while also recognizing that allocation methodologies are inherently subjective. The Board concluded that the expected profitability to the Adviser from the Fund was reasonable.

MANAGEMENT FEE AND TOTAL EXPENSES. The Board also placed significant emphasis on the review of the Fund’s expenses. The Board compared the advisory fee and total expense ratio of the Fund with various comparative data that it had been provided. The Board noted that the Fund’s total expenses and the Fund’s total advisory and administrative fee were higher than the median of the Fund’s Morningstar category peer group. The Board also noted that the fees and expenses payable by the Fund were comparable to those payable by other client accounts managed by the Adviser and concluded that the Fund’s management fee and total expenses were reasonable.

ECONOMIES OF SCALE. The Board considered the potential economies of scale that may be realized if the assets of the Fund grow. The Board noted that shareholders might benefit from lower operating expenses as a result of an increasing amount of assets being spread over the fixed expenses of the Fund, but noted that, as a closed-end fund, the Fund was unlikely to grow significantly.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             29


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Board Considerations Relating to the Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited) (continued)

December 31, 2013

 

 

In considering the approval of the New Advisory Agreement, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, did not identify any single factor as controlling. Based on the Board’s evaluation of all factors that it deemed to be relevant, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the Adviser has demonstrated that it possesses the capability and resources necessary to perform the duties required of it under the New Advisory Agreement; performance of the Fund is satisfactory; and the proposed advisory fees are fair and reasonable, given the nature, extent and quality of the services to be rendered by the Adviser.

After carefully reviewing all of these factors, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, unanimously approved the New Advisory Agreement.

 

30              Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

  


HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND

Joint Notice of Privacy Policy (Unaudited)

 

Brookfield Investment Management Inc. (“BIM”), on its own behalf and on behalf of the funds managed by BIM and its affiliates, recognizes and appreciates the importance of respecting the privacy of our clients and shareholders. Our relationships are based on integrity and trust and we maintain high standards to safeguard your non-public personal information (“Personal Information”) at all times. This privacy policy (“Policy”) describes the types of Personal Information we collect about you, the steps we take to safeguard that information and the circumstances in which it may be disclosed.

If you hold shares of a Fund through a financial intermediary, such as a broker, investment adviser, bank or trust company, the privacy policy of your financial intermediary will also govern how your Personal Information will be shared with other parties.

WHAT INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT?

We collect the following Personal Information about you:

 

   

Information we receive from you in applications or other forms, correspondence or conversations, including but not limited to name, address, phone number, social security number, assets, income and date of birth.

 

   

Information about transactions with us, our affiliates, or others, including but not limited to account number, balance and payment history, parties to transactions, cost basis information, and other financial information.

 

   

Information we may receive from our due diligence, such as your creditworthiness and your credit history.

WHAT IS OUR PRIVACY POLICY?

We may share your Personal Information with our affiliates in order to provide products or services to you or to support our business needs. We will not disclose your Personal Information to nonaffiliated third parties unless 1) we have received proper consent from you; 2) we are legally permitted to do so; or 3) we reasonably believe, in good faith, that we are legally required to do so. For example, we may disclose your Personal Information with the following in order to assist us with various aspects of conducting our business, to comply with laws or industry regulations, and/or to effect any transaction on your behalf;

 

   

Unaffiliated service providers (e. g. transfer agents, securities broker-dealers, administrators, investment advisors or other firms that assist us in maintaining and supporting financial products and services provided to you);

 

   

Government agencies, other regulatory bodies and law enforcement officials (e. g. for reporting suspicious transactions);

 

   

Other organizations, with your consent or as directed by you; and

 

   

Other organizations, as permitted or required by law (e. g. for fraud protection)

When we share your Personal Information, the information is made available for limited purposes and under controlled circumstances designed to protect your privacy. We require third parties to comply with our standards for security and confidentiality.

HOW DO WE PROTECT CLIENT INFORMATION?

We restrict access to your Personal Information to those persons who require such information to assist us with providing products or services to you. It is our practice to maintain and monitor physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard client nonpublic personal information. We regularly train our employees on privacy and information security and on their obligations to protect client information.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions concerning our Privacy Policy, please contact our client services representative at 1-855-777-8001.

 

   2013 Semi-Annual Report             31


 

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

 

Investment Adviser and Administrator

Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

Brookfield Place

250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor

New York, New York 10281-1023

www.brookfieldim.com

Please direct your inquiries to:

Investor Relations

Phone: 1-855-777-8001

E-mail: funds@brookfield.com

Transfer Agent

Shareholder inquiries relating to distributions, address changes and shareholder account information should be directed to the Fund’s transfer agent:

Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc.

250 Royall Street

Canton, Massachusetts 02021

1-800-426-5523

Fund Accounting Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Sub-Administrator

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

1201 South Alma School Road, Suite 3000

Mesa, Arizona 85210

Legal Counsel

Paul Hastings LLP

75 East 55th Street

New York, New York 10022

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association

1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

Trustees of the Fund  

Rodman L. Drake

 

Chairman

Louis P. Salvatore

 

Audit Committee Chairman

Edward P. Kuczmarski  

 

Trustee

Stuart A. McFarland

 

Trustee

Heather Goldman

 

Trustee (Interested)

Kim G. Redding

 

Trustee (Interested)

Officers of the Fund  

Kim G. Redding

 

President

Dana E. Erikson

 

Vice President

Richard M. Cryan

 

Vice President

Mark Shipley

 

Vice President

Angela W. Ghantous

 

Treasurer

Jonathan C. Tyras

 

Secretary

Seth Gelman

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

(“CCO”)

 

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, the Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

You may obtain a description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures, information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, without charge, upon request by calling 1-855-777-8001, or go to the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.


LOGO


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

Please see Item 1.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

There has been no change as of the date of this filing, in the portfolio managers identified in response to paragraph (a)(1) of this Item in the Registrant’s most recently filed annual report to Form N-CSR.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

None.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

None.

 

2


Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Registrant’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective, based on their evaluation of such Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report on Form N-CSR.

(b) As of the date of filing this Form N-CSR, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Not applicable .

(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is attached as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

(3) None.

(b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is attached as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

 

3


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

HELIOS HIGH YIELD FUND
By:   /s/ Kim G. Redding
 

Kim G. Redding

 

President and Principal Executive Officer

Date: March 7, 2014

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By:   /s/ Kim G. Redding
 

Kim G. Redding

 

Principal Executive Officer

Date: March 7, 2014

 

By:   /s/ Angela W. Ghantous
 

Angela W. Ghantous

 

Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

Date: March 7, 2014

 

4

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