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OMB
APPROVAL |
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OMB
Number: |
3235-0570 |
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Expires: |
September 30, 2025 |
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UNITED
STATES |
Estimated
average burden hours per response. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.7.8 |
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SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
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Washington,
D.C. 20549 |
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FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment
Company Act file number |
811-22955 |
|
Tekla
Healthcare Opportunities Fund |
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in charter) |
|
100
Federal Street, 19th Floor, Boston, MA |
|
02110 |
(Address
of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip
code) |
|
Laura
Woodward, Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President of Fund
Administration
100 Federal Street, 19th Floor, Boston,
MA 02110 |
(Name
and address of agent for service) |
|
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: |
617-772-8500 |
|
|
Date
of fiscal year end: |
September
30 |
|
|
Date
of reporting period: |
October
1, 2021 to September 30, 2022 |
|
|
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ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND

TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Distribution policy: The Fund has implemented a managed
distribution policy (the Policy) that provides for monthly
distributions at a rate set by the Board of Trustees. Under the
current Policy, the Fund intends to make monthly distributions at a
rate of $0.1125 per share to shareholders of record. The Policy
would result in a return of capital to shareholders, if the amount
of the distribution exceeds the Fund's net investment income and
realized capital gains. A return of capital may occur, for example,
when some or all of the money that you invested in the Fund is paid
back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily
reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be
confused with "yield" or "income."
The amounts and sources of distributions reported in the Fund's
notices pursuant to Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of
1940 are only estimates and are not being provided for tax
reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts
for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment
experience during its fiscal year and may be subject to changes
based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV
for the calendar year that tells you how to report distributions
for federal income tax purposes.
You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment
performance from the amount of distributions pursuant to the Policy
or from the terms of the Policy. The Policy has been established by
the Trustees and may be changed or terminated by them without
shareholder approval. The Trustees regularly review the Policy and
the frequency and rate of distributions considering the purpose and
effect of the Policy, the financial market environment, and the
Fund's income, capital gains and capital available to pay
distributions. The suspension or termination of the Policy could
have the effect of creating a trading discount or widening an
existing trading discount. At this time there are no reasonably
foreseeable circumstances that might cause the Trustees to
terminate the Policy.
Consider these risks before investing: As with any
investment company that invests in equity securities, the Fund is
subject to market risk—the possibility that the prices of equity
securities will decline over short or extended periods of time. As
a result, the value of an investment in the Fund's shares will
fluctuate with the market generally and market sectors in
particular. You could lose money over short or long periods of
time. Political and economic news can influence market-wide trends
and can cause disruptions in the U.S. or world financial markets.
Other factors may be ignored by the market as a whole but may cause
movements in the price of one company's stock or the stock of
companies in one or more industries. All of these factors may have
a greater impact on initial public offerings and emerging company
shares. Different types of equity securities tend to shift into and
out of favor with investors, depending on market and economic
conditions. The performance of funds that invest in equity
securities of healthcare companies may at times be better or worse
than the performance of funds that focus on other types of
securities or that have a broader investment style.
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Dear Shareholders,
We are in an unusual economic moment during which stock market
performance is being driven in large part by macroeconomics. On the
one hand we have low unemployment while, on the other hand, we are
seeing multi-decade high inflation and appear to be moving toward a
low growth economy. This situation has put the U.S. Federal
Reserve, which has a dual mandate to pursue maximum employment and
price stability, in a position where it believes that it must
aggressively increase rates and otherwise engage in quantitative
tightening to hopefully quell inflation. Typically, times of
increasing interest rates are associated with reduced spending,
investment and, frequently, stock market retracement while times of
low unemployment are traditionally associated with increased
spending, investment, and frequently, stock market advancement. We
believe this dichotomous situation has led to volatility and
recently to a downward trajectory in the stock market.
Given these dynamics, we would argue that it would be beneficial to
invest in a sector that can perform well in both defensive (e.g.
rising interest rate) environments and in growth centric (i.e.,
decreasing interest rate and high employment) environments.
Healthcare can be such a sector. It is large, containing almost
1,500 individual public companies in the U.S. alone and, we
estimate, a similar number of private U.S. companies. On a global
basis, Bloomberg reports there are more than 4,000 global public
healthcare companies. As such there are always individual names
that, based on fundamentals, are poised to perform well (or
poorly). The sector is also diverse and is comprised of multiple
subsectors, some of which can perform well in defensive markets and
others that can perform well in permissive markets.
As noted, healthcare is large, and it is also growing. According to
the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), national
health expenditure reached $4.1 trillion in 2020. This accounts for
spending of $12,350 per person and accounted for 19.7% of U.S.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to CMS, such spending is
expected to grow by 5.4% per year, 1.1% faster than overall GDP,
and reach $6.2 trillion by 2028.
Sector diversity is also impressive. We break down the sector into
individual subsectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology,
medical devices, life science tools, managed care, healthcare
facilities, healthcare services, healthcare supplies, healthcare
distributors, healthcare REITs and healthcare technology. In our
experience, almost all economic
1
environments provide an opportunity for the right companies in one
or more sectors to thrive. The following are several examples of
the kinds of relationships we often see, though many other
fundamental and market factors can have an impact on our analysis,
investment decisions and portfolio construction.
Pharmaceuticals
These companies tend to be large, well-managed, well-capitalized,
multi-product companies that pay attractive dividends. In our
experience, such entities tend to be defensive and perform best, on
a relative basis, in flat, down or risk-off markets typified by
rising rates or slowing growth.
Biotechnology Large
biotech companies tend to perform similarly to pharmaceuticals
though they can be a bit more volatile and may pay lower dividends.
In our experience, during bull markets, large biotech companies can
outperform pharmaceuticals. By contrast, Small- and Mid-sized
(SMID) "biotechs" can perform well during bull markets. Conversely,
SMID biotechs can underperform in risk-off bear markets, including
during periods when rates are rising.
Medical Devices In
our experience, "Medtech" company performance varies, particularly
in the COVID-19 era. Traditionally, these companies, which
typically sell therapeutic medical implant or function-assisting
products, perform well in periods of increased utilization. This
can occur when the economy is growing and/or when rates are low or
decreasing.
Life Science Tools
In our experience, this group often does well when global growth is
thought to be accelerating. In recent years, performance of the
group has been impacted by perceptions of Chinese growth
rates.
Managed Care and Healthcare
Facilities Performance of these groups is often inversely
linked, in our experience. In general, healthcare facilities (e.g.,
hospitals) which perform medical procedures perform well when
medical procedure growth is positive. Procedure growth tends to be
positive when rates are declining and employment is high and/or
growing. Managed care (e.g., HMOs), which pay for such procedures,
do less well during such times.
Healthcare
Distributors In our experience, this group typically
exhibits strong free cash flow growth and is often thought of as
being a defensive investment option. In recent years, the
distributor group has benefitted from the advent and growth of
biosimilar drugs, which it typically distributes.
Healthcare REITs
This group borrows liberally to fund capital acquisition and, as
such is highly interest rate dependent. Healthcare REITs tend to
perform well in decreasing or low-rate environments.
2
Healthcare
Technology Healthcare Technology companies have
traditionally focused on system sales to hospitals and other
providers. In recent years, the group has diversified into
providing more broad value-based core services. In our experience,
the group can perform well in periods of high growth.
References:
www.cms.gov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/NationalHealthExpendData/NHE-Fact-Sheet
Be well,
Daniel R. Omstead
President and Portfolio Manager
3
Fund Essentials
Objective of the Fund
The Fund's investment objective is to seek current income and
long-term capital appreciation.
Description of the Fund
Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund ("THQ") is a non-diversified
closed-end healthcare fund traded on the New York Stock Exchange
under the ticker THQ. THQ employs a versatile growth and income
investment strategy investing across all healthcare sub-sectors and
across a company's full capital structure.
Investment Philosophy
Tekla Capital Management LLC, the Investment Adviser to the Fund,
believes that:
• Aging demographics and adoption of new medical
products and services may provide long-term tailwinds for
healthcare companies
• Late stage biotechnology product pipeline could lead
to significant increases in biotechnology sales
• Investment opportunity spans 11 sub-sectors including
biotechnology, healthcare technology, managed care and healthcare
REITs
• Robust M&A activity in healthcare may create
additional investment opportunities
Fund Overview and Characteristics as of 9/30/22
Market Price1
|
|
$18.12 |
|
NAV2
|
|
$20.20 |
|
Premium/(Discount)
|
|
-10.30% |
|
Average 30 Day Volume
|
|
91,483 |
|
Net Assets
|
|
$835,567,271 |
|
Managed Assets
|
|
$1,060,567,271 |
|
Leverage Outstanding
|
|
$225,000,000 |
|
Total Leverage Ratio3
|
|
21.22% |
|
Ticker
|
|
THQ
|
|
NAV Ticker
|
|
XTHQX
|
|
Commencement of
Operations Date |
|
7/31/14
|
|
Fiscal Year to Date
Distributions
per Share |
|
$1.35 |
|
1 The closing price at which the Fund's shares were
traded on the exchange.
2 Per-share dollar value of the Fund, calculated by
dividing the total value of all the securities in its portfolio,
plus any other assets and less liabilities, by the number of Fund
shares outstanding.
3 As a percentage of managed assets
Holdings of the Fund
(Data is based on net assets)
Asset Allocation as of 9/30/22

Sector Diversification as of 9/30/22

This data is subject to change on a daily basis.
4
Largest Holdings by Issuer
(Excludes Short-Term Investments)
As of September 30, 2022
Issuer – Sector |
|
% of Net
Assets |
|
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. – Health Care Providers &
Services |
|
|
12.3
|
%
|
|
Johnson & Johnson – Pharmaceuticals |
|
|
10.0
|
%
|
|
Abbott Laboratories – Health Care Equipment &
Supplies |
|
|
6.8
|
%
|
|
Cigna Corp. – Health Care Providers &
Services |
|
|
6.1
|
%
|
|
AbbVie, Inc. – Biotechnology |
|
|
5.8
|
%
|
|
Eli Lilly & Co. – Pharmaceuticals |
|
|
5.6
|
%
|
|
Pfizer, Inc. – Pharmaceuticals |
|
|
4.9
|
%
|
|
Merck & Co., Inc. – Pharmaceuticals |
|
|
4.6
|
%
|
|
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. –
Pharmaceuticals |
|
|
4.2
|
%
|
|
Humana, Inc. – Health Care Providers &
Services |
|
|
4.1
|
%
|
|
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. – Life Sciences Tools
& Services |
|
|
3.4
|
%
|
|
Stryker Corp. – Health Care Equipment &
Supplies |
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
Elevance Health, Inc. – Health Care Providers &
Services |
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
Danaher Corp. – Medical Devices and
Diagnostics |
|
|
2.5
|
%
|
|
Amgen, Inc. – Biotechnology |
|
|
2.5
|
%
|
|
Gilead Sciences, Inc. – Biotechnology |
|
|
2.4
|
%
|
|
Molina Healthcare, Inc. – Health Care Providers &
Services |
|
|
2.2
|
%
|
|
CVS Health Corp. – Health Care Providers &
Services |
|
|
2.2
|
%
|
|
Boston Scientific Corp. – Medical Devices and
Diagnostics |
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
|
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. – Health Care Equipment
& Supplies |
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
Fund Performance
THQ is a closed-end fund which invests predominantly in healthcare
companies. Subject to regular consideration, the Trustees of THQ
have instituted a policy of making monthly distributions to
shareholders.
The Fund invests in equity and debt of healthcare companies. The
Fund seeks to benefit from the earnings growth of the healthcare
industry while capturing income. Income is derived from multiple
sources including equity dividends, fixed income coupons, real
estate investment trust distributions, convertible securities
coupons and selective equity covered call writing premiums. In
order to accomplish its objectives, THQ often holds a majority of
its assets in equities. Allocation of assets to various healthcare
sectors can vary significantly as can the percentage of the
portfolio which is overwritten.
The Fund may invest up to 20 percent of managed assets, measured at
the time of investment, in the debt of healthcare companies. It may
also invest up to 25 percent of managed assets in healthcare REITs.
The Fund may also hold up to 30 percent of managed assets in
convertible securities
5
and may invest a portion of its assets in restricted securities. In
order to generate additional "current" income THQ often sells (or
writes) calls against a material portion of its equity assets. The
portion of equity assets overwritten can vary, but usually
represents less than 20 percent of managed assets. At times, the
overwritten portion of assets is materially less than 20 percent of
managed assets. The use of covered calls is intended to produce
"current" income but may limit upside in bullish markets. The Fund
may also use leverage to enhance yield. The Fund may incur leverage
up to 20 percent of managed assets at the time of borrowing.
"Managed Assets" means the total assets of the Fund (including any
assets attributable to borrowings for investment purposes) minus
the sum of the Fund's accrued liabilities (other than liabilities
representing borrowings for investment purposes).
The Fund considers investments in companies of all sizes and in all
healthcare subsectors, including but not limited to, biotechnology,
pharmaceuticals, healthcare equipment, healthcare supplies, life
science tools and services, healthcare distributors, managed
healthcare, healthcare technology, and healthcare facilities. The
Fund emphasizes innovation, investing both in public and pre-public
venture companies. The Fund considers its pre-public and other
restricted investments to be a differentiating characteristic.
Among the various healthcare subsectors, THQ has considered the
biotechnology subsector, including both pre-public and public
companies, to be a key contributor to the healthcare sector. The
Fund holds biotech assets, including both public and pre-public,
often representing 15-30% of net assets.
There is no commonly published index which matches the investment
strategy of THQ. With respect to the Fund's equity investments, THQ
often holds 15-30% of its managed assets, measured at the time of
investment, in biotechnology, the S&P Composite
1500® Health Care REITs Index* (S15HCRT) consists of
approximately 180 companies representing most or all of the
healthcare subsectors in which THQ typically invests; biotechnology
often represents 15-20% of this index. By contrast, the NASDAQ
Biotechnology Index®* (NBI), which contains over 350
constituents, is much more narrowly constructed. The vast majority
of this index is comprised of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and
life science tools companies. In recent years, biotechnology has
often represented 72-82% of the NBI. Neither the S15HLTH nor NBI
indices contain any material amount of pre-public company
assets.
The S&P 500® Health Care Corporate Bond Index*
(SP5HCBIT) measures the performance of U.S. corporate debt issued
by constituents in the healthcare sector of the S&P
500® Index* (SPX). This index is generally reflective of
the debt assets in which THQ invests though the Fund invests in the
SPX debt components as well as those of smaller capitalization
companies.
6
The S15HCRT is comprised of U.S. publicly traded REITs in the
healthcare sector. This index is generally reflective of the REITs
in which THQ invests.
Given the circumstances, we present both NAV and stock returns for
the Fund in comparison to several commonly published indices. We
note that THQ is a dynamically configured multi-asset class
healthcare growth and income fund. There is no readily available
index comprised of similar characteristics to THQ and to which THQ
can directly be compared. Therefore, we provide returns for a
number of indices representing the major components of THQ's
assets. Having said this, we note that there are no readily
available indices representing the covered call strategy employed
by THQ or the restricted security components of THQ.
Fund Performance for the Period Ended September 30,
2022
Period
|
|
THQ NAV
|
|
THQ MKT
|
|
NBI
|
|
S15HLTH
|
|
SPX
|
|
SP5HCBIT
|
|
S15HCRT
|
|
6 month |
|
|
-12.45
|
|
|
|
-15.82
|
|
|
|
-9.14
|
|
|
|
-11.23
|
|
|
|
-20.21
|
|
|
|
-11.92
|
|
|
|
-29.14
|
|
|
1 year |
|
|
-9.08
|
|
|
|
-14.84
|
|
|
|
-25.24
|
|
|
|
-4.91
|
|
|
|
-15.50
|
|
|
|
-18.23
|
|
|
|
-21.35
|
|
|
5 year |
|
|
7.43
|
|
|
|
6.82
|
|
|
|
2.17
|
|
|
|
10.06
|
|
|
|
9.22
|
|
|
|
0.28
|
|
|
|
-0.64
|
|
|
inception
|
|
|
8.45
|
|
|
|
6.36
|
|
|
|
4.89
|
|
|
|
10.61
|
|
|
|
9.66
|
|
|
|
1.77
|
|
|
|
1.67
|
|
|
Inception date July 29, 2014

Change in the value of a $10,000 investment
Cumulative total return from inception to 9/30/2022

7
All performance over one-year has been annualized. Performance
data quoted represents past performance, which is no guarantee of
future results, and current performance may be lower or higher than
the figures shown. The NAV total return takes into account the
Fund's total annual expenses and does not reflect transaction
charges. If transaction charges were reflected, NAV total return
would be reduced. All distributions are assumed to be reinvested
either in accordance with the dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) for
market price returns or NAV for NAV returns. Until the DRIP price
is available from the Plan Agent, the market price returns reflect
the reinvestment at the closing market price on the last business
day of the month. Once the DRIP is available around mid-month, the
market price returns are updated to reflect reinvestment at the
DRIP price. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of
taxes a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the sale of
fund shares.
Risk Adjusted NASDAQ Biotechnology Index® computed by
Tekla using Bloomberg data for the NBI and applying the fund's
computed 0.90 beta to NBI performance to reflect the fund's lower
historical risk
Portfolio Management Commentary
Fund and Benchmark Performance and Other Influencing
Factors
For the 12-month period ending September 30, 2022, the Fund net
asset value was down 9.1% and market value down 14.8%, including
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Over the same period,
the S15HLTH was down 4.9%, the SP5HCBIT was down 18.2%, and the
S15HCRT was down 21.3%, including reinvestment of
dividends.
The largest positive contribution to Fund relative performance was
an overweight allocation to and positive company stock selection
within managed care and healthcare distributors. The managed care
subindustry was up 28% and distributors up 34% while the broader
healthcare index declined in the period. The Fund gained relative
performance from an overweight allocation to these two industries.
In particular, Fund benefitted from positions in McKesson Corp.
(MCK), up 72%, UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), up 31%, and Cigna
Corp. (CI), up 41%. Issue selection in both the fixed income and
real estate investment trust portions of the portfolio also added
positively to Fund relative performance. Finally, the Fund
benefitted from its asset allocation, in particular its underweight
to fixed income, as the reference healthcare bond index declined
18% in the period.
The largest negative contribution to Fund relative performance was
company stock selection, an underweight allocation to
pharmaceuticals, and the use of leverage. In the reporting period,
the U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates aggressively and
amid a slowing U.S. economy, the defensive high dividend yield
pharmaceuticals industry outperformed with 9% performance. A Fund
underweight to pharmaceuticals including companies such as Pfizer
Inc. (PFE), up 5%, detracted from relative performance. Stock
selection in biotechnology also negatively impacted
8
performance, in particular an overweight to Horizon Therapeutics
plc (HZNP), down 44% in the period. Finally, the Fund saw negative
performance from its use of leverage due to negative returns for
equities, bonds and reits in the time period.
Portfolio Highlights as of September 30, 2022
Among other investments, Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund's
performance benefitted in the past year by the
following:
McKesson Corp. (MCK) distributes pharmaceutical and
medical-surgical supplies and also provides specialty pharmacy and
biopharma services. The Company is benefiting from the renewal of
its U.S. government contract to distribute COVID-19 vaccines and
supplies, which helped accelerate earnings growth over the past few
years. Investor sentiment has also improved thanks to better
visibility around the Company's opioid liability exposure. The Fund
was overweight MCK, which delivered strong stock gains during the
reporting period.
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (UNH) is a large diversified
managed care company with exposure in the commercial, Medicare and
Medicaid markets. The vertically integrated company also operates a
large PBM (Pharmacy Benefit Manager), has expansive care delivery
capabilities and offers a broad suite of healthcare IT solutions.
The Fund was overweight UNH, which had a strong positive return
during this reporting period.
Molina Healthcare, Inc. (MOH) provides Medicaid managed care
services and also has some exposure to Medicare and state health
insurance exchanges. During the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting
Public Health Emergency declaration in the U.S., Molina has
benefited from significant growth in the number of Americans
covered by Medicaid due to the halt in state Medicaid
redeterminations. The Company has also been successful at
integrating accretive tuck-in acquisitions and winning new State
Medicaid RFPs. The Fund benefited from being overweight MOH during
this period of outperformance.
Among other examples, Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund's
performance was negatively impacted by the following
investments:
Horizon Therapeutics plc (HZNP) is a specialty
pharmaceuticals company transitioning to a focused orphan disease
business model centered around two key products, one for gout and
the other for thyroid disease. Despite a strong early launch for
the Company's thyroid disease product Tepezza, sales growth slowed
during the reporting period. As a result, the Company's stock
underperformed while the Fund was overweight.
9
Pfizer, Inc. (PFE), while a large, diversified
pharmaceutical company, has at times traded primarily on the
outlook for its COVID-19 products. In late 2021, Pfizer stock price
appreciated after the Company reported strong data for its
antiviral Paxlovid and again when the drug received emergency use
authorization. The Fund had an underweight position in the stock
leading to underperformance.
Guardant Health, Inc. (GH) is a leading precision oncology
company focused on using liquid biopsy for cancer detection and
diagnostics through its proprietary blood tests, vast data sets,
and advanced analytics. The Fund has maintained an overweight
position in the stock as it underperformed in part driven by the
poor performance of high growth life science stocks in the period,
or those with a valuation reliant upon high sales growth
expectations. Furthermore, Guardant Health plans to announce
results of an important study with its colon cancer test in late
2022, which we think reads out positively. In the current risk-off
environment, investors often wait to buy a stock until after such
an event.
Distributions
The Fund intends to make monthly distributions at a rate of $0.1125
per share. The Fund intends to use net realized capital gains when
making quarterly distributions, if available, but would make return
of capital distributions if the amount of the distribution exceeds
the Fund's net investment income and realized capital gains. During
the last fiscal year, the Fund made quarterly distributions
totaling $1.3500 per share, which were characterized as $0.0391 per
share of net investment income and $1.3109 per share of net
realized long-term capital gains. Final determination of the tax
character of the distributions paid by the Fund in 2022 will be
reported to shareholders in January 2023.
Distributions of return of capital decrease the Fund's total assets
and total assets per share and, therefore, could have the effect of
increasing the Fund's expense ratio. In general, the policy of
making monthly distributions at a fixed rate does not affect the
Fund's investment strategy. However, in order to make these
distributions, the Fund might need to sell portfolio securities at
a less than opportune time.
*The trademarks NASDAQ Biotechnology Index®, S&P
Composite 1500® Health Care Index, S&P
500® Index, S&P 500® Health Care
Corporate Bond Index, SPDR® S&P® Biotech
ETF and S&P Composite 1500® Health Care REITs Index
referenced in this report are the property of their respective
owners. These trademarks are not owned by or associated with the
Fund or its service providers, including Tekla Capital Management
LLC.
10
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
SHARES
|
|
CONVERTIBLE PREFERREDS
(Restricted) (a) (b) - 1.4% of Net
Assets |
|
VALUE
|
|
|
|
|
|
Biotechnology - 0.5%
|
|
|
|
|
294,259
|
|
|
Oculis SA, Series B2, 6.00% (c)
|
|
$
|
3,130,916
|
|
|
|
79,934
|
|
|
Oculis SA, Series C, 6.00% (c)
|
|
|
850,498
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,981,414
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 0.1%
|
|
|
189,858
|
|
|
IO Light Holdings, Inc. Series A2
|
|
|
640,771
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals - 0.8%
|
|
|
|
|
616,645
|
|
|
Aristea Therapeutics, Inc. Series B, 8.00%
|
|
|
3,399,995
|
|
|
|
742,138
|
|
|
Endeavor Biomedicines, Inc. Series B, 8.00%
|
|
|
3,499,997
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,899,992
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE PREFERREDS (Cost
$10,860,130) |
|
|
11,522,177
|
|
|
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT |
|
NON-CONVERTIBLE NOTES - 18.3%
of Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Biotechnology - 2.8%
|
|
$
|
3,245,000
|
|
|
AbbVie, Inc., 3.20% due 05/14/26
|
|
|
3,034,450
|
|
|
|
5,303,000
|
|
|
AbbVie, Inc., 4.25% due 11/14/28
|
|
|
4,985,369
|
|
|
|
3,080,000
|
|
|
AbbVie, Inc., 4.45% due 05/14/46
|
|
|
2,503,439
|
|
|
|
2,200,000
|
|
|
Amgen, Inc., 3.20% due 11/02/27
|
|
|
2,018,710
|
|
|
|
2,795,000
|
|
|
Amgen, Inc., 2.00% due 01/15/32
|
|
|
2,133,125
|
|
|
|
10,000,000
|
|
|
Gilead Sciences, Inc., 2.95% due 03/01/27
|
|
|
9,120,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,795,326
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 2.9%
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
Abbott Laboratories, 3.40% due 11/30/23
|
|
|
2,074,462
|
|
|
|
10,498,000
|
|
|
Abbott Laboratories, 4.75% due 11/30/36
|
|
|
10,233,149
|
|
|
|
2,413,000
|
|
|
Becton, Dickinson and Co., 3.70%
due 06/06/27 |
|
|
2,246,551
|
|
|
|
1,760,000
|
|
|
DH Europe Finance II Sarl, 3.25%
due 11/15/39 |
|
|
1,334,537
|
|
|
|
3,500,000
|
|
|
Stryker Corp., 3.65% due 03/07/28
|
|
|
3,295,269
|
|
|
|
6,000,000
|
|
|
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., 4.25%
due 08/15/35 |
|
|
5,085,105
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,269,073
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Providers & Services - 7.5%
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
Cigna Corp., 3.50% due 06/15/24
|
|
|
2,057,643
|
|
|
|
1,504,000
|
|
|
Cigna Corp., 4.38% due 10/15/28
|
|
|
1,419,900
|
|
|
|
5,800,000
|
|
|
Cigna Corp., 2.38% due 03/15/31
|
|
|
4,608,906
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
11
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT |
|
Health Care Providers & Services -
continued |
|
VALUE
|
|
$
|
8,250,000
|
|
|
Cigna Corp., 6.13% due 11/15/41
|
|
$
|
8,212,175
|
|
|
|
789,000
|
|
|
CVS Health Corp., 4.30% due 03/25/28
|
|
|
745,889
|
|
|
|
4,400,000
|
|
|
CVS Health Corp., 1.88% due 02/28/31
|
|
|
3,350,071
|
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
CVS Health Corp., 4.78% due 03/25/38
|
|
|
1,841,311
|
|
|
|
3,700,000
|
|
|
CVS Health Corp., 5.05% due 03/25/48
|
|
|
3,246,082
|
|
|
|
10,500,000
|
|
|
Elevance Health, Inc., 3.50% due 08/15/24
|
|
|
10,272,392
|
|
|
|
2,975,000
|
|
|
Elevance Health, Inc., 4.10% due 03/01/28
|
|
|
2,813,299
|
|
|
|
5,800,000
|
|
|
Elevance Health, Inc., 2.55% due 03/15/31
|
|
|
4,674,217
|
|
|
|
2,325,000
|
|
|
Elevance Health, Inc., 4.65% due 08/15/44
|
|
|
1,998,803
|
|
|
|
1,132,000
|
|
|
Tenet Healthcare Corp., 4.63% due 07/15/24
|
|
|
1,094,621
|
|
|
|
1,460,000
|
|
|
UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 3.85%
due 06/15/28 |
|
|
1,373,002
|
|
|
|
4,970,000
|
|
|
UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 3.88%
due 12/15/28 |
|
|
4,643,223
|
|
|
|
10,940,000
|
|
|
UnitedHealth Group, Inc., 4.20%
due 05/15/32 |
|
|
10,155,691
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,507,225
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Healthcare Services - 0.6%
|
|
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings,
3.60% due 02/01/25 |
|
|
2,026,626
|
|
|
|
4,100,000
|
|
|
Syneos Health, Inc., 3.63% due 01/15/29 (d)
|
|
|
3,264,748
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,291,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals - 4.5%
|
|
|
|
|
4,750,000
|
|
|
AstraZeneca plc, 6.45% due 09/15/37 (c)
|
|
|
5,115,191
|
|
|
|
7,500,000
|
|
|
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 3.20% due 06/15/26
|
|
|
7,100,516
|
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., 3.40% due 07/26/29
|
|
|
1,908,685
|
|
|
|
1,290,000
|
|
|
IQVIA, Inc., 5.00% due 05/15/27 (d)
|
|
|
1,202,925
|
|
|
|
2,200,000
|
|
|
Johnson & Johnson, 2.90% due 01/15/28
|
|
|
2,026,778
|
|
|
|
4,200,000
|
|
|
Merck & Co., Inc., 2.80% due 05/18/23
|
|
|
4,162,020
|
|
|
|
2,100,000
|
|
|
Merck & Co., Inc., 2.75% due 02/10/25
|
|
|
2,013,466
|
|
|
|
4,000,000
|
|
|
Merck & Co., Inc., 3.40% due 03/07/29
|
|
|
3,667,475
|
|
|
|
8,100,000
|
|
|
Pfizer, Inc., 3.45% due 03/15/29
|
|
|
7,456,246
|
|
|
|
3,200,000
|
|
|
Pfizer, Inc., 4.00% due 12/15/36
|
|
|
2,827,357
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,480,659
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL NON-CONVERTIBLE NOTES (Cost
$167,723,798) |
|
|
153,343,657
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
12
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
SHARES
|
|
COMMON STOCKS - 105.3% of Net Assets
|
|
VALUE
|
|
|
|
Biotechnology - 14.6%
|
|
|
283,278
|
|
|
AbbVie, Inc. (e)
|
|
$
|
38,018,741
|
|
|
|
72,998
|
|
|
Amgen, Inc.
|
|
|
16,453,749
|
|
|
|
15,207
|
|
|
Argenx SE ADR (b) (e)
|
|
|
5,368,831
|
|
|
|
26,568
|
|
|
Biogen, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
|
7,093,656
|
|
|
|
14,319
|
|
|
Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b) (c)
|
|
|
43,100
|
|
|
|
7,160
|
|
|
Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Restricted) (a) (b)
(c)
|
|
|
19,397
|
|
|
|
314,430
|
|
|
Galera Therapeutics, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
547,108
|
|
|
|
176,832
|
|
|
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
|
|
|
10,908,766
|
|
|
|
43,738
|
|
|
I-Mab ADR (b)
|
|
|
175,389
|
|
|
|
56,451
|
|
|
Moderna, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
|
6,675,331
|
|
|
|
599,390
|
|
|
Rallybio Corp. (b) (f)
|
|
|
8,673,173
|
|
|
|
11,738
|
|
|
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
8,085,956
|
|
|
|
27,171
|
|
|
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
3,003,482
|
|
|
|
24,556
|
|
|
United Therapeutics Corp. (b) (e)
|
|
|
5,141,535
|
|
|
|
40,299
|
|
|
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
11,668,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
121,876,387
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment & Supplies - 16.1%
|
|
|
|
|
461,598
|
|
|
Abbott Laboratories (e)
|
|
|
44,664,223
|
|
|
|
138,441
|
|
|
DexCom, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
|
11,150,038
|
|
|
|
93,958
|
|
|
Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (b)
|
|
|
7,763,750
|
|
|
|
74,536
|
|
|
Guardant Health, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
|
4,012,273
|
|
|
|
23,673
|
|
|
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
7,712,663
|
|
|
|
97,496
|
|
|
Lantheus Holdings, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
6,856,894
|
|
|
|
211,627
|
|
|
Medtronic plc (e)
|
|
|
17,088,880
|
|
|
|
16,669
|
|
|
STERIS plc
|
|
|
2,771,721
|
|
|
|
101,434
|
|
|
Stryker Corp. (e)
|
|
|
20,544,442
|
|
|
|
115,213
|
|
|
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (e)
|
|
|
12,045,519
|
|
|
|
|
|
134,610,403
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Providers & Services - 27.7%
|
|
|
|
|
20,815
|
|
|
1Life Healthcare, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
356,977
|
|
|
|
105,220
|
|
|
Acadia Healthcare Co., Inc. (b)
|
|
|
8,226,100
|
|
|
|
65,800
|
|
|
Addus HomeCare Corp. (b)
|
|
|
6,266,792
|
|
|
|
19,912
|
|
|
Alerislife, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
18,915
|
|
|
|
30,749
|
|
|
Charles River Laboratories International,
Inc. (b) |
|
|
6,051,403
|
|
|
|
124,343
|
|
|
Cigna Corp. (e)
|
|
|
34,501,452
|
|
|
|
79,635
|
|
|
Community Health Systems, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
171,215
|
|
|
|
93,621
|
|
|
CVS Health Corp.
|
|
|
8,928,635
|
|
|
|
8,200
|
|
|
Elevance Health, Inc.
|
|
|
3,724,768
|
|
|
|
72,063
|
|
|
HCA Healthcare, Inc. (e)
|
|
|
13,244,459
|
|
|
|
50,653
|
|
|
HealthEquity, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
3,402,362
|
|
|
|
69,931
|
|
|
Humana, Inc. (e)
|
|
|
33,929,822
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
13
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
SHARES
|
|
Health Care Providers & Services -
continued |
|
VALUE
|
|
|
56,235
|
|
|
Molina Healthcare, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
$
|
18,548,552
|
|
|
|
64,975
|
|
|
Option Care Health, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
2,044,763
|
|
|
|
117,522
|
|
|
Owens & Minor, Inc.
|
|
|
2,832,280
|
|
|
|
132,254
|
|
|
R1 RCM, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
2,450,667
|
|
|
|
171,893
|
|
|
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (e)
|
|
|
86,812,841
|
|
|
|
|
|
231,512,003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health Care Technology - 0.6%
|
|
|
|
|
338,217
|
|
|
Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
5,151,045
|
|
|
|
|
Healthcare Services - 0.5%
|
|
|
19,824
|
|
|
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
|
|
|
4,060,154
|
|
|
|
|
Life Sciences Tools & Services - 5.1%
|
|
|
43,191
|
|
|
Agilent Technologies, Inc. (e)
|
|
|
5,249,866
|
|
|
|
2,800
|
|
|
ICON plc (b) (c)
|
|
|
514,584
|
|
|
|
46,656
|
|
|
Illumina, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
|
8,901,498
|
|
|
|
55,562
|
|
|
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
|
|
|
28,180,491
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,846,439
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medical Devices and Diagnostics - 7.1%
|
|
|
|
|
11,617
|
|
|
Align Technology, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
|
2,405,997
|
|
|
|
449,570
|
|
|
Boston Scientific Corp. (b) (e)
|
|
|
17,411,846
|
|
|
|
80,528
|
|
|
Danaher Corp.
|
|
|
20,799,577
|
|
|
|
54,159
|
|
|
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
|
10,151,563
|
|
|
|
40,610
|
|
|
ResMed, Inc. (e)
|
|
|
8,865,163
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,634,146
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals - 30.7%
|
|
|
|
|
410,575
|
|
|
Assertio Holdings, Inc. (b)
|
|
|
932,005
|
|
|
|
130,916
|
|
|
AstraZeneca plc ADR (e)
|
|
|
7,179,433
|
|
|
|
362,354
|
|
|
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (e)
|
|
|
25,759,746
|
|
|
|
145,954
|
|
|
Eli Lilly & Co.
|
|
|
47,194,226
|
|
|
|
91,835
|
|
|
Horizon Therapeutics plc (b) (e)
|
|
|
5,683,668
|
|
|
|
35,133
|
|
|
IQVIA Holdings, Inc. (b) (e)
|
|
|
6,363,992
|
|
|
|
49,859
|
|
|
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (b)
|
|
|
6,645,706
|
|
|
|
497,517
|
|
|
Johnson & Johnson (e)
|
|
|
81,274,377
|
|
|
|
5,257
|
|
|
McKesson Corp.
|
|
|
1,786,697
|
|
|
|
330,944
|
|
|
Merck & Co., Inc.
|
|
|
28,500,897
|
|
|
|
28,292
|
|
|
Perrigo Co. plc
|
|
|
1,008,893
|
|
|
|
694,625
|
|
|
Pfizer, Inc.
|
|
|
30,396,790
|
|
|
|
77,704
|
|
|
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. ADR (b)
|
|
|
627,071
|
|
|
|
89,682
|
|
|
Zoetis, Inc. (e)
|
|
|
13,298,944
|
|
|
|
|
|
256,652,445
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
14
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
SHARES
|
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts - 2.9%
|
|
VALUE
|
|
|
293,879
|
|
|
Diversified Healthcare Trust REIT
|
|
$
|
290,970
|
|
|
|
31,668
|
|
|
Global Medical REIT, Inc.
|
|
|
269,811
|
|
|
|
25,119
|
|
|
Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.
|
|
|
523,731
|
|
|
|
66,791
|
|
|
Healthpeak Properties, Inc.
|
|
|
1,530,850
|
|
|
|
135,390
|
|
|
LTC Properties, Inc.
|
|
|
5,070,356
|
|
|
|
266,557
|
|
|
Medical Properties Trust, Inc.
|
|
|
3,161,366
|
|
|
|
5,596
|
|
|
National Health Investors, Inc.
|
|
|
316,342
|
|
|
|
235,358
|
|
|
Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
|
|
|
6,940,707
|
|
|
|
419,879
|
|
|
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.
|
|
|
5,508,812
|
|
|
|
3,075
|
|
|
Universal Health Realty Income Trust
|
|
|
132,871
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,745,816
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $817,220,626) |
|
|
880,088,838
|
|
|
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT |
|
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 2.1% of Net Assets
|
|
|
|
$
|
16,130,000
|
|
|
Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing
Corp., repurchase value $16,131,116, 0.83%,
dated 09/30/22, due 10/03/22 (collateralized by
U.S. Treasury Notes 0.125%, due 07/15/24,
market value $16,452,680) |
|
|
16,130,000
|
|
|
SHARES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,306,850
|
|
|
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money
Market Fund, Institutional
Class, 2.91% (g) |
|
|
1,306,850
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (Cost
$17,436,850) |
|
|
17,436,850
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE MILESTONE
INTEREST - 127.1% (Cost $1,013,241,404) |
|
|
1,062,391,522
|
|
|
INTERESTS
|
|
MILESTONE INTEREST (Restricted) (a) (b) - 0.0%
of Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Biotechnology - 0.0%
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
Rainier Therapeutics Milestone Interest
|
|
|
268,893
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MILESTONE INTEREST (Cost $277,782) |
|
|
268,893
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
15
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
(100 SHARES
EACH)/
NOTIONAL
AMOUNT ($)
|
|
OPTION CONTRACTS WRITTEN - (0.1)%
of Net Assets
|
|
VALUE
|
|
|
|
Call Option Contracts Written - (0.1)%
|
|
449/(4,714,500)
|
|
Abbott Laboratories Nov22 105 Call
|
|
$
|
(62,860
|
)
|
|
439/(4,829,000)
|
|
Abbott Laboratories Oct22 110 Call
|
|
|
(6,585
|
)
|
|
189/(2,835,000)
|
|
AbbVie, Inc. Nov22 150 Call
|
|
|
(19,845
|
)
|
|
192/(2,880,000)
|
|
AbbVie, Inc. Oct22 150 Call
|
|
|
(3,648
|
)
|
|
13/(312,000)
|
|
Align Technology, Inc. Nov22 240 Call
|
|
|
(11,440
|
)
|
|
22/(880,000)
|
|
Argenx SE Nov22 400 Call
|
|
|
(21,780
|
)
|
|
194/(1,164,000)
|
|
AstraZeneca plc Nov22 60 Call
|
|
|
(15,326
|
)
|
|
190/(1,187,500)
|
|
AstraZeneca plc Oct22 62.5 Call
|
|
|
(1,520
|
)
|
|
39/(1,170,000)
|
|
Biogen, Inc. Nov22 300 Call
|
|
|
(25,272
|
)
|
|
219/(941,700)
|
|
Boston Scientific Corp. Nov22 43 Call
|
|
|
(13,140
|
)
|
|
219/(941,700)
|
|
Boston Scientific Corp. Oct22 43 Call
|
|
|
(2,190
|
)
|
|
356/(2,670,000)
|
|
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Nov22 75 Call
|
|
|
(40,940
|
)
|
|
348/(2,610,000)
|
|
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Oct22 75 Call
|
|
|
(10,440
|
)
|
|
119/(3,570,000)
|
|
Cigna Corp. Nov22 300 Call
|
|
|
(61,880
|
)
|
|
120/(3,600,000)
|
|
Cigna Corp. Oct22 300 Call
|
|
|
(13,800
|
)
|
|
66/(627,000)
|
|
DexCom, Inc. Nov22 95 Call
|
|
|
(14,850
|
)
|
|
65/(617,500)
|
|
DexCom, Inc. Oct22 95 Call
|
|
|
(3,250
|
)
|
|
72/(504,000)
|
|
Guardant Health, Inc. Oct22 70 Call
|
|
|
(7,560
|
)
|
|
70/(1,470,000)
|
|
HCA Healthcare, Inc. Nov22 210 Call
|
|
|
(26,600
|
)
|
|
70/(1,540,000)
|
|
HCA Healthcare, Inc. Oct22 220 Call
|
|
|
(5,600
|
)
|
|
87/(609,000)
|
|
Horizon Therapeutics plc Nov22 70 Call
|
|
|
(17,400
|
)
|
|
88/(616,000)
|
|
Horizon Therapeutics plc Oct22 70 Call
|
|
|
(3,960
|
)
|
|
34/(1,768,000)
|
|
Humana, Inc. Nov22 520 Call
|
|
|
(44,438
|
)
|
|
34/(1,768,000)
|
|
Humana, Inc. Oct22 520 Call
|
|
|
(11,220
|
)
|
|
46/(1,058,000)
|
|
Illumina, Inc. Nov22 230 Call
|
|
|
(29,440
|
)
|
|
25/(550,000)
|
|
Illumina, Inc. Oct22 220 Call
|
|
|
(10,750
|
)
|
|
39/(819,000)
|
|
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Nov22 210 Call
|
|
|
(20,397
|
)
|
|
36/(792,000)
|
|
Intuitive Surgical, Inc. Oct22 220 Call
|
|
|
(3,060
|
)
|
|
34/(663,000)
|
|
IQVIA Holdings, Inc. Nov22 195 Call
|
|
|
(18,020
|
)
|
|
738/(12,546,000)
|
|
Johnson & Johnson Nov22 170 Call
|
|
|
(228,780
|
)
|
|
737/(12,529,000)
|
|
Johnson & Johnson Oct22 170 Call
|
|
|
(88,440
|
)
|
|
131/(1,146,250)
|
|
Medtronic plc Nov22 87.5 Call
|
|
|
(15,720
|
)
|
|
225/(2,137,500)
|
|
Medtronic plc Oct22 95 Call
|
|
|
(1,350
|
)
|
|
55/(770,000)
|
|
Moderna, Inc. Nov22 140 Call
|
|
|
(27,500
|
)
|
|
47/(752,000)
|
|
Moderna, Inc. Oct22 160 Call
|
|
|
(1,269
|
)
|
|
54/(1,944,000)
|
|
Molina Healthcare, Inc. Nov22 360 Call
|
|
|
(36,720
|
)
|
|
55/(1,980,000)
|
|
Molina Healthcare, Inc. Oct22 360 Call
|
|
|
(15,400
|
)
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
16
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
NUMBER OF
CONTRACTS
(100 SHARES
EACH)/
NOTIONAL
AMOUNT ($) |
|
Call Option Contracts Written -
continued |
|
VALUE
|
|
59/(1,416,000) |
|
ResMed, Inc. Nov22 240 Call
|
|
$
|
(26,550
|
)
|
|
58/(1,392,000) |
|
ResMed, Inc. Oct22 240 Call
|
|
|
(9,425
|
)
|
|
98/(2,156,000) |
|
Stryker Corp. Nov22 220 Call
|
|
|
(51,450
|
)
|
|
98/(2,352,000) |
|
Stryker Corp. Oct22 240 Call
|
|
|
(5,684
|
)
|
|
23/(529,000) |
|
United Therapeutics Corp. Nov22 230 Call
|
|
|
(10,810
|
)
|
|
24/(552,000) |
|
United Therapeutics Corp. Oct22 230 Call
|
|
|
(3,720
|
)
|
|
170/(9,350,000) |
|
UnitedHealth Group, Inc. Nov22 550 Call
|
|
|
(129,200
|
)
|
|
111/(1,276,500) |
|
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. Nov22 115 Call
|
|
|
(25,530
|
)
|
|
110/(1,320,000) |
|
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. Oct22 120 Call
|
|
|
(2,475
|
)
|
|
86/(1,376,000) |
|
Zoetis, Inc. Nov22 160 Call
|
|
|
(30,960
|
)
|
|
85/(1,402,500) |
|
Zoetis, Inc. Oct22 165 Call
|
|
|
(7,650
|
)
|
|
|
|
TOTAL OPTION CONTRACTS WRITTEN (Premiums received
$(1,742,738)) |
|
|
(1,245,844
|
)
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 127.0% (Cost
$1,011,776,448) |
|
|
1,061,414,571
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF
ASSETS - (27.0)% |
|
|
(225,847,300
|
)
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS - 100%
|
|
$
|
835,567,271
|
|
|
(a) Security fair valued using significant
unobservable inputs. See Investment Valuation and Fair Value
Measurements.
(b) Non-income producing
security.
(c) Foreign security.
(d) Security exempt from registration under
Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These
securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration,
normally to qualified institutional buyers.
(e) A portion of security is pledged as
collateral for call options written. See Note 1.
(f) All or a portion of this security is on
loan as of September 30, 2022
(g) This security represents the investment
of cash collateral received for securities lending and is a
registered investment company advised by State Street Global
Advisors. The rate shown is the annualized seven-day yield as of
September 30, 2022
ADR American Depository Receipt
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
17
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
ASSETS:
|
|
Investments, at value (cost 1,013,241,404),
including $1,282,042 of securities loaned |
|
$
|
1,062,391,522
|
|
|
Milestone interests, at value (cost $277,782)
|
|
|
268,893
|
|
|
Total investments
|
|
|
1,062,660,415
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
|
919
|
|
|
Dividends and interest receivable
|
|
|
2,082,641
|
|
|
Securities lending income receivable
|
|
|
697
|
|
|
Receivable for investments sold
|
|
|
1,187,464
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
81,699
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
1,066,013,835
|
|
|
LIABILITIES:
|
|
Accrued advisory fee
|
|
|
960,613
|
|
|
Accrued investor support service fees
|
|
|
48,031
|
|
|
Accrued shareholder reporting fees
|
|
|
45,952
|
|
|
Payable upon return of securities loaned
|
|
|
1,306,850
|
|
|
Loan payable
|
|
|
225,000,000
|
|
|
Options written, at value (premium received $1,742,738)
|
|
|
1,245,844
|
|
|
Income distribution payable
|
|
|
83,081
|
|
|
Interest payable
|
|
|
1,418,298
|
|
|
Accrued other
|
|
|
337,895
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
230,446,564
|
|
|
Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 1)
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS
|
|
$
|
835,567,271
|
|
|
SOURCES OF NET ASSETS:
|
|
Shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per share,
unlimited number of shares authorized, amount
paid in on 41,356,058 shares issued and outstanding |
|
$
|
413,561
|
|
|
Additional paid-in-capital
|
|
|
791,957,998
|
|
|
Total distributable earnings (loss)
|
|
|
43,195,712
|
|
|
Total net assets (equivalent to $20.20 per share
based on 41,356,058 shares outstanding) |
|
$
|
835,567,271
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
18
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
INVESTMENT INCOME:
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
$
|
13,180,755
|
|
|
Interest and other income
|
|
|
4,901,142
|
|
|
Securities lending, net
|
|
|
59,911
|
|
|
Total investment income
|
|
|
18,141,808
|
|
|
EXPENSES:
|
|
Advisory fees
|
|
|
11,745,209
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
3,825,640
|
|
|
Investor support service fees
|
|
|
587,260
|
|
|
Administration fees
|
|
|
246,003
|
|
|
Custodian fees
|
|
|
233,313
|
|
|
Legal fees
|
|
|
224,949
|
|
|
Trustees' fees and expenses
|
|
|
174,256
|
|
|
Shareholder reporting
|
|
|
158,556
|
|
|
Professional services fees
|
|
|
83,975
|
|
|
Transfer agent fees
|
|
|
29,207
|
|
|
Other (see Note 2)
|
|
|
363,522
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
17,671,890
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
469,918
|
|
|
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) on:
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
43,461,494
|
|
|
Closed or expired option contracts written
|
|
|
7,972,024
|
|
|
Net realized gain
|
|
|
51,433,518
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
(138,671,312
|
)
|
|
Milestone interests
|
|
|
(8,889
|
)
|
|
Option contracts written
|
|
|
524,306
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
|
|
|
(138,155,895
|
)
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
|
|
|
(86,722,377
|
)
|
|
Net decrease in net assets resulting from
operations |
|
($
|
86,252,459
|
)
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
19
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
|
|
Year ended
September 30,
2022 |
|
Year ended
September 30,
2021 |
|
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET
ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS: |
|
Net investment income
|
|
$
|
469,918
|
|
|
$
|
6,514,975
|
|
|
Net realized gain
|
|
|
51,433,518
|
|
|
|
56,728,790
|
|
|
Change in net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) |
|
|
(138,155,895
|
)
|
|
|
131,409,592
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net
assets resulting from operations |
|
|
(86,252,459
|
)
|
|
|
194,653,357
|
|
|
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
(See Note 1): |
|
|
(55,828,080
|
)
|
|
|
(55,811,401
|
)
|
|
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
|
|
Reinvestment of distributions
(11,624 and 3,987 shares, respectively) |
|
|
283,494
|
|
|
|
93,699
|
|
|
Total capital share transactions
|
|
|
283,494
|
|
|
|
93,699
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets
|
|
|
(141,797,045
|
)
|
|
|
138,935,655
|
|
|
NET ASSETS:
|
|
Beginning of year
|
|
|
977,364,316
|
|
|
|
838,428,661
|
|
|
End of year
|
|
$
|
835,567,271
|
|
|
$
|
977,364,316
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
20
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
Purchases of portfolio securities
|
|
($
|
591,631,182
|
)
|
|
Securities lending income
|
|
|
59,244
|
|
|
Purchases to close option contracts written
|
|
|
(70,000
|
)
|
|
Net maturities of short-term investments
|
|
|
42,878,846
|
|
|
Sales of portfolio securities
|
|
|
589,572,067
|
|
|
Proceeds from option contracts written
|
|
|
12,939,290
|
|
|
Interest income received
|
|
|
4,847,076
|
|
|
Dividend income received
|
|
|
13,502,130
|
|
|
Other operating receipts (expenses paid)
|
|
|
(16,541,369
|
)
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities
|
|
|
55,556,102
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
Cash distributions paid
|
|
|
(55,556,115
|
)
|
|
Net cash used for financing activities
|
|
|
(55,556,115
|
)
|
|
NET DECREASE IN CASH
|
|
|
(13
|
)
|
|
CASH AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
|
|
932
|
|
|
CASH AT END OF YEAR
|
|
$
|
919
|
|
|
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS TO NET CASH
PROVIDED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
|
|
($
|
86,252,459
|
)
|
|
Purchases of portfolio securities
|
|
|
(591,631,182
|
)
|
|
Purchases to close option contracts written
|
|
|
(70,000
|
)
|
|
Net maturities of short-term investments
|
|
|
42,878,846
|
|
|
Sales of portfolio securities
|
|
|
589,572,067
|
|
|
Proceeds from option contracts written
|
|
|
12,939,290
|
|
|
Accretion of discount
|
|
|
312,636
|
|
|
Net realized (gain) on investments and options
|
|
|
(51,433,518
|
)
|
|
Decrease in net unrealized (appreciation)
depreciation on investments and options |
|
|
138,155,895
|
|
|
Increase in dividends and interest receivable
|
|
|
(45,327
|
)
|
|
Increase in securities lending income receivable
|
|
|
(667
|
)
|
|
Increase in accrued other expenses
|
|
|
45,816
|
|
|
Increase in interest payable
|
|
|
1,073,641
|
|
|
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
11,064
|
|
|
Net cash provided from operating activities
|
|
$
|
55,556,102
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure: Cash paid for interest
|
|
$
|
2,751,999
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
21
TEKLA HEALTHCARE OPPORTUNITIES FUND
|
|
For the years ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2022
|
|
2021
|
|
2020
|
|
2019
|
|
2018
|
|
OPERATING PERFORMANCE FOR A
SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT
EACH YEAR |
|
Net asset value per share, beginning of year
|
|
$
|
23.64
|
|
|
$
|
20.28
|
|
|
$
|
18.80
|
|
|
$
|
21.11
|
|
|
$
|
20.12
|
|
|
Net investment income (1)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
0.16
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
|
|
|
(2.10
|
)
|
|
|
4.55
|
|
|
|
2.69
|
|
|
|
(1.06
|
)
|
|
|
2.15
|
|
|
Total increase (decrease) from investment
operations |
|
|
(2.09
|
)
|
|
|
4.71
|
|
|
|
2.82
|
|
|
|
(0.99
|
)
|
|
|
2.28
|
|
|
Distributions to shareholders from:
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
(0.04
|
)
|
|
|
(0.91
|
)
|
|
|
(0.71
|
)
|
|
|
(0.15
|
)
|
|
|
(0.58
|
)
|
|
Net realized capital gains
|
|
|
(1.31
|
)
|
|
|
(0.44
|
)
|
|
|
(0.64
|
)
|
|
|
(1.20
|
)
|
|
|
(0.77
|
)
|
|
Total distributions
|
|
|
(1.35
|
)
|
|
|
(1.35
|
)
|
|
|
(1.35
|
)
|
|
|
(1.35
|
)
|
|
|
(1.35
|
)
|
|
Increase resulting from shares repurchased
(1)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
Net asset value per share, end of year
|
|
$
|
20.20
|
|
|
$
|
23.64
|
|
|
$
|
20.28
|
|
|
$
|
18.80
|
|
|
$
|
21.11
|
|
|
Per share market value, end of year
|
|
$
|
18.12
|
|
|
$
|
22.65
|
|
|
$
|
18.09
|
|
|
$
|
17.46
|
|
|
$
|
18.74
|
|
|
Total investment return at market value
|
|
|
(14.84
|
%)
|
|
|
33.28
|
%
|
|
|
11.71
|
%
|
|
|
0.63
|
%
|
|
|
9.00
|
%
|
|
Total investment return at net asset value
|
|
|
(9.08
|
%)
|
|
|
24.14
|
%
|
|
|
16.30
|
%
|
|
|
(3.81
|
%)
|
|
|
13.32
|
%
|
|
RATIOS
|
|
Net investment income to average net assets
|
|
|
0.05
|
%
|
|
|
0.69
|
%
|
|
|
0.63
|
%
|
|
|
0.39
|
%
|
|
|
0.69
|
%
|
|
Expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
1.87
|
%
|
|
|
1.66
|
%
|
|
|
2.05
|
%
|
|
|
2.42
|
%
|
|
|
2.21
|
%
|
|
Expenses, excluding interest expense,
to average net assets |
|
|
1.46
|
%
|
|
|
1.44
|
%
|
|
|
1.48
|
%
|
|
|
1.50
|
%
|
|
|
1.49
|
%
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
|
|
Net assets at end of year (in millions)
|
|
$
|
836
|
|
|
$
|
977
|
|
|
$
|
838
|
|
|
$
|
780
|
|
|
$
|
888
|
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
49.15
|
%
|
|
|
57.85
|
%
|
|
|
59.42
|
%
|
|
|
55.92
|
%
|
|
|
39.59
|
%
|
|
Senior securities (loan facility) outstanding
(in millions) |
|
$
|
225
|
|
|
$
|
225
|
|
|
$
|
225
|
|
|
$
|
225
|
|
|
$
|
225
|
|
|
Asset coverage ratio on revolving credit
facility at year end |
|
|
471
|
%
|
|
|
534
|
%
|
|
|
473
|
%
|
|
|
447
|
%
|
|
|
495
|
%
|
|
Asset coverage per $1,000 on revolving
credit facility at year end |
|
$
|
4,714
|
|
|
$
|
5,344
|
|
|
$
|
4,726
|
|
|
$
|
4,465
|
|
|
$
|
4,948
|
|
|
(1) Computed using average shares
outstanding.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
22
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(1) Organization and Significant Accounting
Policies
Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is a Massachusetts
business trust formed on April 2, 2014 and registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified closed-end
management investment company. The Fund commenced operations on
July 31, 2014. The Fund's investment objective is to seek current
income and long-term capital appreciation through investments in
U.S. and non-U.S. companies in the healthcare industry (including
equity securities, debt securities and pooled investment vehicles).
The Fund invests primarily in securities of public and private
companies believed by the Fund's Investment Adviser, Tekla Capital
Management LLC (the Adviser), to have significant potential for
above-average growth. The Fund may invest in private companies and
other restricted securities, including private investments in
public equity and venture capital investments, if these securities
would currently comprise 10% or less of Managed Assets.
The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of
certain estimates by management in determining the Fund's assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ
from these estimates and such differences could be material. The
following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed
by the Fund, which are in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The Fund
is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting
guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting
Standards Codification 946. Events or transactions occurring after
September 30, 2022, through the date that the financial statements
were issued, have been evaluated in the preparation of these
financial statements.
The market value of the Fund's investments will move up and down,
sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, based upon political,
regulatory, market, economic, and social conditions, as well as
developments that impact specific economic sectors, industries, or
segments of the market, including conditions that directly relate
to the issuers of the Fund's investments, such as management
performance, financial condition, and demand for the issuers' goods
and services. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical
events will adversely affect global economies and markets. War,
terrorism, and related geopolitical events have led, and in the
future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may
have adverse long-term effects on global economies and markets.
Likewise, natural and environmental disasters and epidemics or
pandemics may be highly disruptive to economies and markets. This
means that the Fund may lose money on its
23
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
investment due to unpredictable drops in a security's value or
periods of below-average performance in a given security or in the
securities market as a whole.
Investment Valuation
Shares of publicly traded companies listed on national securities
exchanges or trading in the over-the-counter market are typically
valued at the last sale price, as of the close of trading,
generally 4 p.m., Eastern Time. The Board of Trustees of the Fund
(the Trustees) has established and approved fair valuation policies
and procedures with respect to securities for which quoted prices
may not be available or which do not reflect fair value.
Convertible, corporate and government bonds are valued using a
third-party pricing service. Convertible bonds are valued using
this pricing service only on days when there is no sale reported.
Puts and calls generally are valued at the close of regular trading
on the securities or commodities exchange on which they are
primarily traded. Options on securities generally are valued at
their last bid price in the case of exchange traded options or, in
the case of OTC-traded options, the average of the last bid price
as obtained from two or more dealers unless there is only one
dealer, in which case that dealer's price is used. Forward foreign
currency contracts are valued on the basis of the value of the
underlying currencies at the prevailing currency forward exchange
rate. Restricted securities of companies that are publicly traded
are typically valued based on the closing market quote on the
valuation date adjusted for the impact of the restriction as
determined in good faith by the Adviser also using fair valuation
policies and procedures approved by the Trustees described below.
Non-exchange traded warrants of publicly traded companies are
generally valued using the Black-Scholes model, which incorporates
both observable and unobservable inputs. Short-term investments
with a maturity of 60 days or less are generally valued at
amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
Convertible preferred shares, warrants or convertible note
interests in private companies, milestone interests and other
restricted securities, as well as shares of publicly traded
companies for which market quotations are not readily available,
such as stocks for which trading has been halted or for which there
are no current day sales, or which do not reflect fair value, are
typically valued in good faith, based upon the recommendations made
by the Adviser pursuant to fair valuation policies and procedures
approved by the Trustees.
The Adviser has a Valuation Sub-Committee comprised of senior
management which reports to the Valuation Committee of the Board at
least quarterly. Each fair value determination is based on a
consideration of relevant factors, including both observable and
unobservable inputs. Observable and unobservable
24
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
inputs may include (i) the existence of any contractual
restrictions on the disposition of securities; (ii) information
obtained from the company, which may include an analysis of the
company's financial statements, products, intended markets or
technologies; (iii) the price of the same or similar security
negotiated at arm's length in an issuer's completed subsequent
round of financing; (iv) the price and extent of public trading in
similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; or (v)
a probability and time value adjusted analysis of contractual
terms. Where available and appropriate, multiple valuation
methodologies are applied to confirm fair value. Significant
unobservable inputs identified by the Adviser are often used in the
fair value determination. A significant change in any of these
inputs may result in a significant change in the fair value
measurement. Due to the uncertainty inherent in the valuation
process, such estimates of fair value may differ significantly from
the values that would have been used had a ready market for the
investments existed, and differences could be material.
Additionally, changes in the market environment and other events
that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains
or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different
from the valuations used at the date of these financial
statements.
Milestone Interests
The Fund holds financial instruments which reflect the current
value of future milestone payments the Fund may receive as a result
of contractual obligations from other parties. The value of such
payments are adjusted to reflect the estimated risk based on the
relative uncertainty of both the timing and the achievement of
individual milestones. A risk to the Fund is that the milestones
will not be achieved and no payment will be received by the Fund.
The milestone interests were received as part of the proceeds from
the sale of one private company. Any payments received are treated
as a reduction of the cost basis of the milestone interests with
payments received in excess of the cost basis treated as a realized
gain. The contractual obligations with respect to the milestone
interests provide for payments at various stages of the development
of Rainier Therapeutics, Inc. principal product candidate as of the
date of the sale.
The following is a summary of the impact of the milestone interests
on the financial statements as of and for the year ended September
30, 2022:
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Milestone interests, at
value
|
|
$
|
268,893
|
|
|
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Total distributable
earnings
|
|
($
|
8,889
|
)
|
|
Statement of Operations, Change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation)
on Milestone interests |
|
($
|
8,889
|
)
|
|
25
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
Options on Securities
An option contract is a contract in which the writer (seller) of
the option grants the buyer of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to purchase from (call option) or sell to (put
option) the writer a designated instrument at a specified price
within a specified period of time. Certain options, including
options on indices, will require cash settlement by the Fund if the
option is exercised.
The Fund's obligation under an exchange traded written option or
investment in an exchange traded purchased option is valued at the
last sale price or in the absence of a sale, the mean between the
closing bid and asked prices. Gain or loss is recognized when the
option contract expires, is exercised or is closed.
If the Fund writes a covered call option, the Fund foregoes, in
exchange for the premium, the opportunity to profit during the
option period from an increase in the market value of the
underlying security above the exercise price. If the Fund writes a
put option it accepts the risk of a decline in the market value of
the underlying security below the exercise price. Over-the-counter
options have the risk of the potential inability of counterparties
to meet the terms of their contracts. The Fund's maximum exposure
to purchased options is limited to the premium initially paid. In
addition, certain risks may arise upon entering into option
contracts including the risk that an illiquid secondary market will
limit the Fund's ability to close out an option contract prior to
the expiration date and that a change in the value of the option
contract may not correlate exactly with changes in the value of the
securities or currencies hedged.
All options on securities and securities indices written by the
Fund are required to be covered. When the Fund writes a call
option, this means that during the life of the option the Fund may
own or have the contractual right to acquire the securities subject
to the option or may maintain with the Fund's custodian in a
segregated account appropriate liquid securities in an amount at
least equal to the market value of the securities underlying the
option. The prices provided by a pricing service take into account
broker dealer market price quotations for institutional size
trading in similar groups of securities, yields or securities with
similar characteristics, security quantity, maturity, coupon and
other security characteristics as well as any developments related
to the specific securities. The pricing service may use a matrix
approach, regarding securities
26
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
with similar characteristics to determine the valuation for a
security. When the Fund writes a put option, this means that the
Fund will maintain with the Fund's custodian in a segregated
account appropriate liquid securities in an amount at least equal
to the exercise price of the option.
The average number of outstanding call options written for the year
ended September 30, 2022 was 3,516.
Derivatives not accounted
for as hedging instruments
under ASC 815 |
|
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location |
|
Statement of Operations Location
|
|
Equity Contracts
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities, options
written,
at value |
|
|
$1,245,844 |
|
|
Net realized gain on
closed or expired option
contracts written |
|
|
$7,972,024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in unrealized
appreciation (depreciation)
on option contracts written |
|
|
$524,306 |
|
|
Investment Transactions and Income
Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Gains
and losses from sales of investments are recorded using the
"identified cost" method. Interest income is recorded on the
accrual basis, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion
of discounts. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date,
less any foreign taxes withheld. Upon notification from issuers,
some of the dividend income received may be redesignated as a
reduction of cost of the related investment if it represents a
return of capital.
The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of
investment securities (other than short-term investments) for the
year ended September 30, 2022 totaled $556,683,609 and
$588,470,990, respectively.
Securities Lending
The Fund may lend its securities to approved borrowers to earn
additional income. The Fund receives cash collateral from the
borrower and the initial collateral received by the fund is
required to have a value of at least 102% of the current value of
the loaned securities traded on U.S. exchanges, and a value of at
least 105% for all other securities. The Fund will invest its cash
collateral in State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money
Market Fund (SAHXX), which is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) as an investment company. SAHXX invests
substantially all of its assets in the State Street U.S. Government
Money Market Portfolio. The Fund will receive the benefit
of
27
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
any gains and bear any losses generated by SAHXX with respect to
the cash collateral.
The Fund has the right to recall loaned securities on demand. If a
borrower fails to return loaned securities when due, then the
lending agent is responsible and indemnifies the Fund for the lent
securities. The lending agent uses the collateral received from the
borrower to purchase replacement securities of the same issue,
type, class and series of the loaned securities. If the value of
the collateral is less than the purchase cost of replacement
securities, the lending agent is responsible for satisfying the
shortfall but only to the extent that the shortfall is not due to
any decrease in the value of SAHXX.
Although the risk of loss on securities lent is mitigated by
receiving collateral from the borrower and through lending agent
indemnification, the Fund could experience a delay in recovering
securities or could experience a lower than expected return if the
borrower fails to return the securities on a timely basis. The Fund
receives compensation for lending its securities by retaining a
portion of the return on the investment of the collateral and
compensation from fees earned from borrowers of the securities.
Securities lending income received by the Fund is net of fees
retained by the securities lending agent. Net income received from
SAHXX is a component of securities lending income as recorded on
the Statement of Operations.
Obligations to repay collateral received by the Fund are shown on
the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as Payable upon return of
securities loaned and are secured by the loaned securities. As of
September 30, 2022, the Fund loaned securities valued at $1,282,042
and received $1,306,850 of cash collateral.
Repurchase Agreements
In managing short-term investments the Fund may from time to time
enter into transactions in repurchase agreements. In a repurchase
agreement, the Fund's custodian takes possession of the underlying
collateral securities from the counterparty, the market value of
which is at least equal to the principal, including accrued
interest, of the repurchase transaction at all times. In the event
of default or bankruptcy by the other party to the agreement,
realization and/or retention of the collateral by the Fund may be
delayed. The Fund may enter into repurchase transactions with any
broker, dealer, registered clearing agency or bank. Repurchase
agreement transactions are not counted for purposes of the
limitations imposed on the Fund's investment in debt
securities.
28
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
Distribution Policy
Pursuant to a Securities and Exchange Commission exemptive order
the Fund may make periodic distributions that include capital gains
as frequently as 12 times in any one taxable year in respect of its
common shares, and the Fund has implemented a managed distribution
policy (the Policy) providing for monthly distributions at a rate
set by the Trustees. Under the current Policy, the Fund intends to
make monthly distributions at a rate of $0.1125 per share to
shareholders of record. If taxable income and net long-term
realized gains exceed the amount required to be distributed under
the Policy, the Fund will at a minimum make distributions necessary
to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. The
Policy has been established by the Trustees and may be changed by
them without shareholder approval. The Trustees regularly review
the Policy and the frequency and distribution rate considering the
purpose and effect of the Policy, the financial market environment,
and the Fund's income, capital gains and capital available to pay
distributions.
Share Repurchase Program
In March 2022, the Trustees approved the renewal of the repurchase
program to allow the Fund to repurchase up to 12% of its
outstanding shares in the open market for a one-year period ending
July 14, 2023. Prior to this renewal, in March 2021, the Trustees
approved the renewal of the share repurchase program to allow the
Fund to repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares for a one
year period ending July 14, 2022. The share repurchase program is
intended to enhance shareholder value and potentially reduce the
discount between the market price of the Fund's shares and the
Fund's net asset value.
During the years ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021,
the Fund did not repurchase any shares through the repurchase
program.
Federal Taxes
It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies
and to distribute to its shareholders substantially all of its
taxable income and its net realized capital gains, if any.
Therefore, no Federal income or excise tax provision is
required.
As of September 30, 2022, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions
that would require financial statement recognition or disclosure.
The Fund's federal tax returns are subject to examination by the
Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years.
29
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
Distributions
The Fund records all distributions to shareholders on the
ex-dividend date. Such distributions are determined in conformity
with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These
differences include temporary and permanent differences from losses
on wash sale transactions, partnership basis adjustments,
distribution re-designations, distributions from real estate
investment trusts, ordinary loss netting to reduce short-term
capital gains, dividends payable, book to tax difference due to
merger, losses disallowed on straddles and premium amortization
accruals. Reclassifications are made to the Fund's capital accounts
to reflect income and gains available for distribution under income
tax regulations. At September 30, 2022, the Fund reclassified
($55,369,691) from accumulated net realized loss on investment and
$55,369,691 to undistributed net investment income for current
period book/tax differences.
The tax basis components of distributable earnings and the tax cost
as of September 30, 2022 were as follows:
Cost of investments for tax purposes
|
|
$
|
1,023,166,334
|
|
|
Gross tax unrealized appreciation
|
|
$
|
127,270,069
|
|
|
Gross tax unrealized depreciation
|
|
($
|
87,279,095
|
)
|
|
Net tax unrealized depreciation on investments
|
|
$
|
39,990,974
|
|
|
Undistributed long-term capital gains
|
|
$
|
3,287,819
|
|
|
The Fund has designated the distributions for its taxable years
ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 as follows:
Distributions paid from:
|
|
2022
|
|
2021
|
|
Ordinary income (includes short-term capital gain)
|
|
$
|
1,615,977
|
|
|
$
|
37,528,641
|
|
|
Long-term capital gain
|
|
$
|
54,212,103
|
|
|
$
|
18,282,760
|
|
|
Statement of Cash Flows
The cash and restricted cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash
Flows is the amount included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and
Liabilities and represents cash and restricted cash on hand at
September 30, 2022.
Commitments and Contingencies
Under the Fund's organizational documents, its officers and
Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and
expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the
Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund
enters into agreements with service providers that may contain
indemnification clauses. The Fund's maximum exposure under these
agreements
30
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made
against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on
experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be
remote.
Loan Payable
The Fund maintains a $225,000,000 line of credit with the Bank of
Nova Scotia (the "Line of Credit") which expires on January 28,
2023. As of September 30, 2022, the Fund had drawn down
$225,000,000 from the Line of Credit, which was the maximum
borrowing outstanding during the period. Through January 28, 2022,
the Fund was charged interest at the rate of 0.75% above the
relevant LIBOR rate adjusted by the Statutory Reserve Rate for
borrowing (per annum). Starting January 29, 2022, the Fund is
charged interest at the rate of 0.75% and a SOFR Adjustment above
the relevant SOFR rate. The Fund is also charged a commitment fee
on the daily unused balance of the line of credit at the rate of
0.10% (per annum). Per the Line of Credit agreement, the Fund paid
an upfront fee of 0.05% on the total line of credit balance, which
is being amortized through January 29, 2023. The Fund pledges its
investment securities as the collateral for the line of credit per
the terms of the agreement. The weighted average interest rate and
the average outstanding loan payable for the period from October 1,
2021 to September 30, 2022 were 1.6795% and $225,000,000,
respectively. The stated carrying amount of the line of credit
approximates its fair value based upon the short term nature of the
borrowings and the interest rates being based upon the market
terms. The borrowings under the line of credit would be considered
as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (See Note 3) at September
30, 2022.
Investor Support Services
The Fund has retained Destra Capital Advisors LLC (Destra) to
provide investor support services in connection with the ongoing
operation of the Fund. The Fund pays Destra a fee in an annual
amount equal to 0.05% of the average aggregate daily value of the
Fund's Managed Assets pursuant to the investor support services
agreement.
(2) Investment Advisory and Other Affiliated
Fees
The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the
Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser. Pursuant to the terms of the
Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee at the
rate when annualized of 1.00% of the average daily value of the
Fund's Managed Assets. Managed Assets means
31
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
the total assets of the Fund minus the Fund's liabilities other
than the loan payable.
The Fund has entered into a Services Agreement (the Agreement) with
the Adviser. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Fund
reimburses the Adviser for certain services related to a portion of
the payment of salary and provision of benefits to the Fund's Chief
Compliance Officer. During the year ended September 30, 2022, these
payments amounted to $111,837 and are included in the Other
category of expenses in the Statement of Operations, together with
insurance and other expenses incurred to unaffiliated entities.
Expenses incurred pursuant to the Agreement as well as certain
expenses paid for by the Adviser are allocated to the Fund in an
equitable fashion as approved by the Trustees or officers of the
Fund who are also officers of the Adviser.
The Fund pays compensation to Independent Trustees in the form of a
retainer, attendance fees and additional compensation to Board and
Committee chairpersons. The Fund does not pay compensation directly
to Trustees or officers of the Fund who are also officers of the
Adviser.
(3) Fair Value Measurements
The Fund uses a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the assumptions,
referred to as inputs, used in valuation techniques to measure fair
value. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the
three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active
markets for identical investments. Level 2 includes prices
determined using other significant observable inputs (including
quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, credit risk,
etc.). The independent pricing vendor may value bank loans and debt
securities at an evaluated bid price by employing methodologies
that utilize actual market transactions, broker-supplied
valuations, and/or other methodologies designed to identify the
market value for such securities and such securities are considered
Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Level 3 includes prices
determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the
Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of
investments). These inputs or methodology used for valuing
securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated
with investing in those securities.
For the year ended September 30, 2022, there were no transfers
between levels.
32
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
The following is a summary of the levels used as of September 30,
2022 to value the Fund's investments.
Assets at Value
|
|
Level 1
|
|
Level 2
|
|
Level 3
|
|
Total
|
|
Convertible Preferreds
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,981,414
|
|
|
$
|
3,981,414
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment & Supplies
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
640,771
|
|
|
|
640,771
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
6,899,992
|
|
|
|
6,899,992
|
|
|
Non-convertible Notes
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
23,795,326
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
23,795,326
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment & Supplies
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
24,269,073
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
24,269,073
|
|
|
Health Care Providers & Services
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
62,507,225
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
62,507,225
|
|
|
Healthcare Services
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
5,291,374
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
5,291,374
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
37,480,659
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
37,480,659
|
|
|
Common Stocks
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
|
121,856,990
|
|
|
|
19,397
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
121,876,387
|
|
|
Health Care Equipment & Supplies
|
|
|
134,610,403
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
134,610,403
|
|
|
Health Care Providers & Services
|
|
|
231,512,003
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
231,512,003
|
|
|
Health Care Technology
|
|
|
5,151,045
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,151,045
|
|
|
Healthcare Services
|
|
|
4,060,154
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
4,060,154
|
|
|
Life Sciences Tools & Services
|
|
|
42,846,439
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
42,846,439
|
|
|
Medical Devices and Diagnostics
|
|
|
59,634,146
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
59,634,146
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
|
256,652,445
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
256,652,445
|
|
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts
|
|
|
23,745,816
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
23,745,816
|
|
|
Short-term Investments
|
|
|
1,306,850
|
|
|
|
16,130,000
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
17,436,850
|
|
|
Milestone interest
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
268,893
|
|
|
|
268,893
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
881,376,291
|
|
|
$
|
169,493,054
|
|
|
$
|
11,791,070
|
|
|
$
|
1,062,660,415
|
|
|
Other Financial Instruments
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
Call Options Contracts Written
|
|
($
|
1,245,844
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
($
|
1,245,844
|
)
|
|
Total
|
|
($
|
1,245,844
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
($
|
1,245,844
|
)
|
|
33
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which
significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair
value.
Investments in
Securities |
|
Balance as of
September 30,
2021 |
|
Net realized
gain (loss) and
change in
unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation) |
|
Cost of
purchases
and
conversions |
|
Proceeds
from
sales and
conversions |
|
Net
transfers
into
(out of)
Level 3 |
|
Balance
as of
September 30,
2022 |
|
Convertible Preferreds
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
$
|
3,981,414
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
3,981,414
|
|
|
Health Care
Equipment &
Supplies |
|
|
640,771
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
640,771
|
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
|
|
3,399,995
|
|
|
|
(4,346
|
)
|
|
|
3,504,343
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
6,899,992
|
|
|
Milestone Interest
|
|
Biotechnology
|
|
|
372,893
|
|
|
|
(8,889
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(95,111
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
268,893
|
|
|
Other Assets
|
|
|
13,862
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2,370
|
|
|
|
(16,232
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
8,408,935
|
|
|
($
|
13,235
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,506,713
|
|
|
($
|
111,343
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
11,791,070
|
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from
investments still held as of September 30, 2022 |
|
($
|
13,235
|
)
|
|
The following is a quantitative disclosure about significant
unobservable inputs used in the determination of the fair value of
Level 3 assets.
|
|
Fair Value at
September 30,
2022 |
|
Valuation Technique
|
|
Unobservable Input
|
|
Range
(Weighted Average) |
|
Convertible Preferreds
|
|
$
|
11,522,177
|
|
|
Transaction price
|
|
(a)
|
|
N/A
|
|
Milestone Interest
|
|
|
268,893
|
|
|
Probability adjusted
value |
|
Probability of events
Timing of events |
|
39.00%-99.00% (66.14%)
2.00-13.00 (4.80) years |
|
|
|
$
|
11,791,070
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) The valuation technique used as a basis to approximate fair
value of these investments is based on a transaction price or
subsequent financing rounds.
(4) Private Companies and Other Restricted
Securities
The Fund may invest in private companies and other restricted
securities if these securities would currently comprise 10% or less
of Managed Assets. The value of these securities represented 1% of
the Fund's Managed Assets at September 30, 2022.
34
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
(continued)
The following table details the acquisition date, cost, carrying
value per unit, and value of the Fund's private companies and other
restricted securities at September 30, 2022. The Fund on its own
does not have the right to demand that such securities be
registered.
Security (#)
|
|
Acquisition
Date |
|
Cost
|
|
Carrying Value
per Unit |
|
Value
|
|
Aristea Therapeutics, Inc. Series B Cvt. Pfd
|
|
07/27/21
|
|
$
|
3,399,996
|
|
|
$
|
5.51
|
|
|
$
|
3,399,995
|
|
|
Endeavor Biomedicines, Inc. Series B Cvt. Pfd
|
|
01/21/22
|
|
|
3,504,343
|
|
|
|
4.72
|
|
|
|
3,499,997
|
|
|
Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Common
|
|
09/20/22
|
|
|
0
|
|
|
|
2.71
|
|
|
|
19,397
|
|
|
IO Light Holdings, Inc.
|
|
Series A2 Cvt. Pfd
|
|
04/30/20, 05/17/21, 09/15/21†
|
|
|
628,047
|
|
|
|
3.38
|
|
|
|
640,771
|
|
|
Oculis SA
|
|
Series B2 Cvt. Pfd
|
|
01/16/19, 12/23/19
|
|
|
2,477,246
|
|
|
|
10.64
|
|
|
|
3,130,916
|
|
|
Series C Cvt. Pfd
|
|
04/07/21
|
|
|
850,498
|
|
|
|
10.64
|
|
|
|
850,498
|
|
|
Rainier Therapeutics Milestone Interest
|
|
09/28/21
|
|
|
277,782
|
|
|
|
268,893.00
|
|
|
|
268,893
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,137,912
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,810,467
|
|
|
(#) See Schedule of Investments and
corresponding footnotes for more information on each
issuer.
† Interest received as part of a corporate
action for a previously owned security.
35
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
To the Shareholders and the Board of Trustees of Tekla
Healthcare Opportunities Fund:
Opinion on the Financial
Statements and Financial Highlights
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and
liabilities of Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund (the "Fund"),
including the schedule of investments, as of September 30, 2022,
the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year
then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the
two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for
each of the five years in the period then ended, and the related
notes. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial
highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of the Fund as of September 30, 2022, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the
changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period
then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years
in the period then ended in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for
Opinion
These financial statements and financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Fund's financial statements and financial
highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with
respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements and financial highlights are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its
internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we
are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund's internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such
opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of
material misstatement of the financial statements and financial
highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing
procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included
examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights.
Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial
highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of securities
owned as of September 30, 2022 by correspondence with the custodian
and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we
performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
November 21, 2022
We have served as the auditor of one or more Tekla investment
companies since 2004.
36
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Name, Address1, Date of Birth,
Length of Time Served, Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years and Other Directorship Held |
|
Position(s) Held with Fund,
Term of Office2 |
|
Number of Portfolios
in Fund Complex
Overseen by Trustee |
|
Jeffrey A. Bailey, Born: 4/1962 |
|
Trustee since 2020
|
|
4
|
|
CEO, IlluminOss Inc. (2018-2020); Board Chairman, Aileron
Therapeutics Inc. (since 2018); Director, Madison Vaccines, Inc.
(since 2018); Director, BioDelivery Systems, Inc. (since
2020).
|
|
Kathleen L. Goetz, Born: 4/1966 |
|
Trustee since 2021
|
|
4
|
|
Independent Consultant (since 2020); Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Vice
President and Head of Sales (2017-2019), Executive Director of
Strategic Account Management (2015-2016).
|
|
Rakesh K. Jain, Ph.D., Born: 12/1950 |
|
Trustee since 2014
|
|
4
|
|
Director, Steele Lab of Tumor Biology at Massachusetts General
Hospital (since 1991); A.W. Cook Professor of Tumor Biology
(Radiation Oncology) at Harvard Medical School (since 1991); Ad hoc
Consultant/Scientific Advisory Board Member for
pharmaceutical/biotech companies (various times since 2002); Ad hoc
Consultant, Gershon Lehman Group (since 2004); Director,
Co-Founder, XTuit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2012-2018).
|
|
Thomas M. Kent, CPA, Born: 6/1953 |
|
Trustee since 2017
|
|
4
|
|
Director, Principal Global Investors Trust Co. (since 2014);
Trustee, Thayer Academy (2009-2018); Director, New England Canada
Business Council (since 2017).
|
|
W. Mark Watson, CPA., Born: 7/1950 |
|
Trustee since 2022
|
|
4
|
|
Director, BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (2017-2022);
Director, Inhibitor Therapeutics, Inc. (since 2014); Director,
Global Health MCS, (since 2014); Director, Sykes Enterprises, Inc.
(2018-2021); Director, The Moffitt Cancer Center (since
2009).
|
|
INTERESTED TRUSTEE
Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D.3, Born: 7/1953
|
|
President since 2014,
Trustee since 2014 |
|
4
|
|
President of the Fund (since 2015), Tekla Healthcare Investors
(HQH) (since 2001), Tekla Life Sciences Investors (HQL) (since
2001), Tekla World Healthcare Fund (THW) (since 2015); President,
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Member of Tekla Capital
Management LLC (since 2002); Director: Hotspot Therapeutics, Inc.
(since 2021); IlluminOss Medical, Inc. (2011-2020); Dynex
Corporation (2011-2017); Neurovance, Inc. (2015-2017); EBI Life
Sciences, Inc. (2015-2017); Euthymics Biosciences, Inc.
(2015-2017); Veniti, Inc. (2015-2018); Joslin Diabetes Center
(2016-2019); Decipher Biosciences, Inc. (2016-2018).
|
|
1 The Address for each Trustee is: c/o Tekla
Healthcare Opportunities Fund, 100 Federal Street, 19th Floor,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, 617-772-8500.
2 Each Trustee currently is serving a three
year term.
3 Trustee considered to be an "interested
person" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act"), through position or affiliation with
the Adviser.
37
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
Name, Address1, Date of Birth,
Principal Occupation(s)
During Past 5 Years |
|
Position(s) Held with
Fund, Term of Office2 Length of Time
Served |
|
Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D., Born: 7/1953 |
|
President since 2014
|
|
President of the Fund, of HQH (since 2001), of HQL (since 2001) of
THW (since 2015); President, Chief Executive Officer and Managing
Member of Tekla Capital Management LLC (since 2002).
|
|
Laura Woodward, CPA, Born: 11/1968
|
|
Chief Compliance Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
since 2014 |
|
Chief Compliance Officer, Secretary and Treasurer of the Fund, HQH
(since 2009), HQL (since 2009), THW (Since 2015); Chief Compliance
Officer and Vice President of Fund Administration, Tekla Capital
Management LLC (since 2009).
|
|
1 The Address for each officer is: c/o Tekla
Healthcare Opportunities Fund; 100 Federal Street, 19th Floor,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, 617-772-8500.
2 Each officer serves in such capacity for an
indefinite period of time at the pleasure of the
Trustees.
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information includes additional
information about the Fund's Trustees and is available without
charge, upon request by calling (617) 772-8500 or writing to Tekla
Capital Management LLC at 100 Federal Street, 19th Floor, Boston,
MA 02110.
38
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
ANNUAL MEETING REPORT: An Annual Meeting of Shareholders was
held on June 9, 2022. Shareholders voted to elect Trustees of the
Fund to hold office for a term of three years or until their
respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.
The following votes were cast with respect to each of the
nominees:
|
|
For
|
|
Withheld
|
|
Rakesh K. Jain, Ph.D.
|
|
|
32,485,705
|
|
|
|
540,411
|
|
|
Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D.
|
|
|
32,660,201
|
|
|
|
365,915
|
|
|
Rakesh K. Jain, Ph.D. and Daniel R. Omstead were elected to serve
until the 2025 Annual Meeting.
Trustees serving until the 2023 Annual Meeting are Jeffrey A.
Bailey and Thomas M. Kent, CPA.
Trustees serving until the 2024 Annual Meeting are Kathleen L.
Goetz and W. Mark Watson, CPA.
Shareholders ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP
as the independent registered public accountants of the Fund for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022 by the following
votes:
For |
|
Against/
Withheld |
|
Abstain
|
|
|
32,661,079 |
|
|
|
178,689
|
|
|
|
186,348
|
|
|
FOR MORE INFORMATION: A description of the Fund's proxy
voting policies and procedures and information on how the Fund
voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most
recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without
charge, upon request by calling 1-800-451-2597; (ii) by writing to
Tekla Capital Management LLC at 100 Federal Street, 19th Floor,
Boston, MA 02110; (iii) on the Fund's website at www.teklacap.com;
and (iv) on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
The Fund's complete Schedule of Investments for the first and third
quarters of its fiscal year will be filed with the SEC on Form
N-PORT. This Schedule of Investments will also be available on the
Fund's website at www.teklacap.com or the SEC's website at
www.sec.gov.
You can find information regarding the Fund at the Fund's website,
www.teklacap.com. The Fund regularly posts information to its
website, including information regarding daily share pricing,
distributions, press releases and links to the Fund's SEC filings.
The Fund currently publishes and distributes quarterly fact cards,
which include performance, portfolio holdings and sector
39
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
information for each fiscal quarter. These fact cards will be
available on the Fund's website and by request from the Fund's
marketing and investor support services agent, Destra Capital
Advisors LLC, at 1-877 855-3434
FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION (unaudited): Certain information for
the Fund is required to be provided to shareholders based on the
Fund's income and distributions for the taxable year ended December
31, 2022. In February 2023, shareholders will receive Form
1099-DIV, which will include their share of qualified dividends and
capital gains and return of capital distributed during the calendar
year 2022. Shareholders are advised to check with their tax
advisors for information on the treatment of these amounts on their
individual tax returns.
For corporate shareholders, 100% of ordinary income dividends paid
by the Fund qualified for the dividends received deduction during
the year ended September 30, 2022.
Under Section 854(b)(2) of the Code, the Fund designated
$10,172,768 as qualified dividends for the year ended September 30,
2022.
DISTRIBUTION POLICY: The Fund has a managed distribution
policy as described in the Notes to Financial Statements. For more
information contact your financial adviser.
SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM: In March 2022, the Trustees
reauthorized the share repurchase program to allow the Fund to
repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares for a one year
period ending July 14, 2023.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D., Jason C.
Akus, M.D./M.B.A., Timothy Gasperoni, M.B.A., Ph.D., Ashton L.
Wilson, Christopher Abbott, Robert Benson, Richard Goss, Loretta
Tse, Ph.D., Jack Liu, M.B.A., Ph.D., Christopher Seitz, M.B.A.,
Graham Attipoe, M.B.A., M.D. and Kelly Girskis, Ph.D. are members
of a team that analyzes investments on behalf of the Fund. Dr.
Omstead exercises ultimate decision making authority with respect
to investments.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND
STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Reinvestment of Distributions. Under the Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, dividends and/or
distributions to a Shareholder will automatically be reinvested in
additional Shares of the Fund. Each registered Shareholder may
elect to have dividends and distributions distributed in cash
(i.e., "opt-out") rather than participate in the Dividend
Reinvestment and Stock Purchase
40
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND
STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(continued)
Plan. For any registered Shareholder that does not so elect,
dividends and/or distributions on such Shareholder's Shares will be
reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the "Plan Agent"),
as agent for Shareholders in additional Shares, as set forth below.
Participation in the Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
is completely voluntary, and may be terminated or resumed at any
time without penalty by internet, telephone or notice if received
and processed by the Plan Agent prior to the dividend record date;
otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with
respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other
distribution. Participants who hold their Shares through a broker
or other nominee and who wish to elect to receive any dividends and
distributions in cash must contact their broker or
nominee.
The Plan Agent's fees for the handling of the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions will be paid by the Fund. Each
participant will pay a per Share fee (currently $0.05 per Share)
incurred in connection with open market purchases. If a participant
elects to have the Plan Agent sell all or a part of his or her
Shares and remit the proceeds to the participant, the Plan Agent is
authorized to deduct a $15 sales fee per trade and a per Share fee
of $0.12 from such proceeds. All per Share fees include any
applicable brokerage commissions the Plan Agent is required to pay.
The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve
Participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be
payable (or required to be withheld) on such dividend.
The Plan Agent will acquire shares for participants' accounts by
purchasing either newly issued shares from the Fund or outstanding
shares in the open market, depending upon the circumstances. If on
the payment date of a dividend or distribution the NAV per share is
equal to or less than the closing market price (plus estimated per
share fees in connection with the purchase of shares), the Plan
Agent will invest the dividend or distribution in newly issued
shares. The number of newly issued shares to be credited to each
participant's account will be determined by dividing the amount of
the participant's cash dividend or distribution by the greater of
the NAV per share on the payment date or 95% of the closing market
price per share on the payment date. If on the payment date the NAV
per share is greater than the closing market price per share (plus
per share fees), the Plan Agent will invest the dividend or
distribution in shares acquired in open-market purchases. The per
share price for open-market purchases will be the weighted average
price of the shares on the payment date.
41
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND
STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(continued)
Stock Purchase Plan. All registered shareholders can
voluntarily purchase additional shares in the Fund at any time
through the Plan Agent. The minimum investment under this option is
$50. Participants can make an investment online or by sending a
check to the Plan Agent. Each investment will entail a transaction
fee of $5.00 plus $0.05 per share purchased. Shareholders can also
authorize the Plan Agent to make automatic withdrawals from a bank
account.
Each automatic transaction will entail a fee of $2.50 plus $0.05
per share purchased. There is a $25 charge for each returned check
or rejected electronic funds transfer.
Amendment or Termination of Plan. The Fund reserves the
right to amend or terminate the Plan upon notice in writing to each
participant at least 30 days prior to any record date for the
payment of any dividend or distribution by the Fund.
Plan Agent. You can contact the Plan Agent at
www.computershare.com/investor, at P.O. Box 30170, College Station,
TX 77842-3170 or at 1-800-426-5523.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
The following information in this annual report is a summary of
certain information about the Fund and changes since September 30,
2021. This information may not reflect all of the changes that have
occurred since you purchased the Fund.
Investment Objective and Policies
There have been no changes in the Fund's investment objective and
policies since September 30, 2021 that have not been approved by
shareholders.
The Fund's investment objective is to seek current income and
long-term capital appreciation.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects to invest at least
80% of its Managed Assets in U.S. and non-U.S. companies engaged in
the healthcare industry ("Healthcare Companies") including equity
securities, debt securities, and pooled investment vehicles.
"Managed Assets" means the total assets of the Fund (including any
assets attributable to borrowings for investment purposes) minus
the sum of the Fund's accrued liabilities (other than
liabilities
42
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
representing borrowings for investment purposes). The Fund's 80%
policy may not be changed without 60 days' prior notice to the
Fund's shareholders (the "Shareholders").
A company will be deemed to be a Healthcare Company if, at the time
the Fund makes an investment in the company, 50% or more of such
company's sales, earnings or assets arise from or are dedicated to
healthcare products or services or medical technology activities.
Healthcare Companies may include companies in one or more of the
following sub-sectors: pharmaceuticals, biotechnology (with respect
to which the Fund will invest not more than 40% of its Managed
Assets as measured at the time of investment), managed care, life
science and tools, healthcare technology, healthcare services,
healthcare supplies, healthcare facilities, healthcare equipment,
healthcare distributors and Healthcare REITs (as defined herein).
The Investment Adviser determines, in its discretion, whether a
company is a Healthcare Company.
The Fund expects to invest 55-90% of its Managed Assets in equity
securities (which may include common stock, preferred stock,
convertible securities, and warrants or other rights to acquire
common or preferred stock) as measured at the time of investment.
Of the 55-90% of its Managed Assets that are invested in equity
securities, the Fund will not invest more than 20%, as measured at
the time of investment, in convertible securities, but in no event
will the Fund's investment in convertible securities exceed 30%.
The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its Managed Assets as
measured at the time of investment in debt securities, including
corporate debt obligations and debt securities that are rated
non-investment grade (that is, rated Ba or lower by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), BB+ or lower by Standard &
Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P"), or BB by Fitch, Inc. ("Fitch") or
comparably rated by another nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO"), or, if unrated, determined by the
Investment Adviser to be of comparable credit quality). The Fund's
investments in non-investment grade investments and those deemed to
be of similar quality are considered speculative with respect to
the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal and are
commonly referred to as "junk" or "high yield"
securities.
The Fund will not invest more than 30% of its Managed Assets (the
total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to
borrowings for investment purposes) minus the sum of the Fund's
accrued liabilities (other than liabilities representing borrowings
for investment purposes)) as measured at the time of
43
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
investment in derivatives, including options, futures, options on
futures, forwards, swaps, options on swaps and other derivatives.
The Fund employs a strategy of writing (selling) covered call
options on a portion of the common stocks in its portfolio, writing
(selling) put options on a portion of the common stocks in its
portfolio and, to a lesser extent, writing (selling) covered call
and writing (selling) put options on indices of securities and
sectors of securities generally within the healthcare industry.
This option strategy is intended to generate current income from
option premiums as a means to enhance distributions payable to the
Fund's Shareholders. Over time, as the Fund's portfolio becomes
more seasoned, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation may
become more limited, and the Fund will lose money to the extent
that it writes covered call options and the securities on which it
writes the option appreciates above the exercise price of the
option by an amount that exceeds the exercise price of the option.
Therefore, over time, the Investment Adviser may choose to decrease
its use of the option writing strategy to the extent that it may
negatively impact the Fund's ability to benefit from capital
appreciation. Other than the Fund's option strategy, the Fund may
invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in derivatives. Derivative
instruments can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase
losses, and may have a potentially large adverse impact on Fund
performance.
The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its Managed Assets as
measured at the time of investment in non-U.S. securities, which
may include securities denominated in the U.S. dollars or in
non-U.S. currencies or multinational currency units. The Fund may
invest in non-U.S. securities of so-called emerging market issuers.
For purposes of the Fund, the Investment Adviser determines, in its
discretion, whether a company is a non-U.S. company using an
independent analysis of one or more classifications assigned by
third parties. These classifications are generally based on a
number of criteria, including a company's country of domicile, the
primary stock exchange on which a company's securities trade, the
location from which the majority of a company's revenue is derived,
and a company's reporting currency. Non-U.S. securities markets
generally are not as developed or efficient as those in the United
States. Securities of some non-U.S. issuers are less liquid and
more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Similarly, volume and liquidity in most non-U.S. securities markets
are less than in the United States and, at times, price volatility
can be greater than in the United States.
44
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its Managed Assets as
measured at the time of investment in restricted securities,
including private investments in public equity
("PIPEs").
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its Managed Assets as measured at
the time of investment in real estate investment Funds that derive
their income from the ownership, leasing, or financing of
properties in the healthcare sector ("Healthcare
REITs").
The Fund may from time-to-time lend its portfolio
securities.
Changes to Risk Factors During the Prior Fiscal
Year
There have been no material changes to the Fund's Risk Factors
since September 30, 2021.
Risk Factors
Investing in any investment company security involves risk,
including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your
investment or even that you may lose part or all of your
investment. Investors should consider the following Risk Factors
and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund's
shares.
Portfolio Market Risk. As with any investment company that
invests in equity securities, the Fund is subject to market
risk—the possibility that the prices of equity securities will
decline over short or extended periods of time. As a result, the
value of an investment in the Fund's shares will fluctuate with the
market. You could lose some or all of your investment over short or
long periods of time.
Political and economic news can influence market-wide trends and
can cause disruptions in the U.S. or world financial markets. Other
factors may be ignored by the market as a whole but may cause
movements in the price of one company's stock or the stock of
companies in one or more industries. All of these factors may have
a greater impact on initial public offerings and emerging company
shares.
Security Market Risk—Discount to NAV. Discount to NAV.
Market price risk is a risk separate and distinct from the risk
that the Fund's NAV will decrease. The Fund's shares have traded in
the market below NAV per share
45
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
(a discount), at NAV per share and above NAV per share (premium)
since the commencement of the Fund's operations. There can be no
assurance that the Fund's shares will trade at a premium in the
future or that any such premium will be sustainable. The Fund
cannot predict whether the shares will trade in the future at,
above or below their NAV.
Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is non-diversified,
meaning that the Fund is permitted to invest more of its assets in
fewer issuers than "diversified" funds. Thus, the Fund may be more
susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer
held in its portfolio, and may be more susceptible to greater
losses because of these developments.
Equity Securities Risk. The Fund expects to invest 55-90% of
its Managed Assets in equity securities. Equity risk is the risk
that equity securities held by the Fund will fall due to general
market or economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries
in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate,
changes in interest rates, and the particular circumstances and
performance of particular companies whose securities the Fund
holds. The price of an equity security of an issuer may be
particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market, or
a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of
the equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, equity
securities held by the Fund may decline in price if the issuer
fails to make anticipated distributions or dividend payments
because, among other reasons, the issuer experiences a decline in
its financial condition.
Selection Risk. Different types of equity securities tend to
shift into and out of favor with investors, depending on market and
economic conditions. The performance of funds that invest in
healthcare industry equity securities may at times be better or
worse than the performance of funds that focus on other types of
securities or that have a broader investment style.
Concentration in the Healthcare Industries. Under normal
market conditions, the Fund expects to invest at least 80% of its
Managed Assets in securities of Healthcare Companies. As a result,
the Fund's portfolio will likely be more sensitive to, and possibly
more adversely affected by, regulatory, economic or political
factors or trends relating to the healthcare, agricultural and
environmental technology industries than a portfolio of companies
representing a larger number of industries. This risk is in
addition to the risks normally associated with any strategy seeking
capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of equity
securities. As a result of its concentration policy, the
Fund's
46
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
investments may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuation
than a fund that has securities representing a broader range of
investments. The healthcare industries can be volatile. The Fund
may occasionally make investments in any company with the objective
of controlling or influencing the management and policies of that
company, which could potentially make the Fund more susceptible to
declines in the value of the company's stock. The Investment
Adviser may seek control in public companies only occasionally and
most often in companies with a small capitalization.
Healthcare Companies have in the past been characterized by limited
product focus, rapidly changing technology and extensive government
regulation. In particular, technological advances can render an
existing product, which may account for a disproportionate share of
a company's revenue, obsolete. Obtaining governmental approval from
agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") for
new products can be lengthy, expensive and uncertain as to outcome.
Such delays in product development may result in the need to seek
additional capital, potentially diluting the interests of existing
investors such as the Fund. In addition, governmental agencies may,
for a variety of reasons, restrict the release of certain
innovative technologies of commercial significance. These various
factors may result in abrupt advances and declines in the
securities prices of particular companies and, in some cases, may
have a broad effect on the prices of securities of companies in
particular healthcare industries.
A concentration of investments in any healthcare industry or in
Healthcare Companies generally may increase the risk and volatility
of an investment company's portfolio. Such volatility is not
limited to the biotechnology industry, and companies in other
industries may be subject to similar abrupt movements in the market
prices of their securities. No assurance can be given that future
declines in the market prices of securities of companies in the
industries in which the Fund may invest will not occur, or that
such declines will not adversely affect the NAV or the price of the
shares.
Intense competition exists within and among certain healthcare
industries, including competition to obtain and sustain proprietary
technology protection, including patents, trademarks and other
intellectual property rights, upon which Healthcare Companies can
be highly dependent for maintenance of profit margins and market
exclusivity. The complex nature of the technologies involved can
lead to patent disputes, including litigation that may be costly
and that could result in a company losing an exclusive right to a
patent.
47
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
With respect to healthcare industries, cost containment measures
already implemented by national governments, state or provincial
governments and the private sector have adversely affected certain
sectors of these industries. The implementation of the Affordable
Care Act ("ACA") has created increased demand for healthcare
products and services, but potential changes to the ACA and future
healthcare laws and regulations may impact demand for healthcare
products and services and has had or may have an adverse effect on
some companies in the healthcare industries. Increased emphasis on
managed care in the United States and a shift toward value based
payment models may put pressure on the price and usage of products
sold by Healthcare Companies in which the Fund may invest and may
adversely affect the sales and revenues of Healthcare
Companies.
Product development efforts by Healthcare Companies may not result
in commercial products for many reasons, including, but not limited
to, failure to achieve acceptable clinical trial results, limited
effectiveness in treating the specified condition or illness,
harmful side effects, failure to obtain regulatory approval, and
high manufacturing costs. Even after a product is commercially
released, governmental agencies may require additional clinical
trials or change the labeling requirements for products if
additional product side effects are identified, which could have a
material adverse effect on the market price of the securities of
those Healthcare Companies.
Certain Healthcare Companies in which the Fund may invest may be
exposed to potential product liability risks that are inherent in
the testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of pharmaceuticals,
medical devices or other products. There can be no assurance that a
product liability claim would not have a material adverse effect on
the business, financial condition or securities prices of a company
in which the Fund has invested.
All of these factors as well as others may cause the value of the
Fund's shares to fluctuate significantly over relatively short
periods of time.
Pharmaceutical Sector Risk. The success of companies in the
pharmaceutical sector is highly dependent on the development,
procurement and marketing of drugs. The values of pharmaceutical
companies are also dependent on the development, protection and
exploitation of intellectual property rights and other proprietary
information, and the profitability of pharmaceutical companies may
be significantly affected by such things as the expiration of
patents or the loss of, or the inability to enforce, intellectual
property rights.
48
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
The research and other costs associated with developing or
procuring new drugs and the related intellectual property rights
can be significant, and the results of such research and
expenditures are unpredictable. There can be no assurance that
those efforts or costs will result in the development of a
profitable drug. Pharmaceutical companies may be susceptible to
product obsolescence. Pharmaceutical companies also face challenges
posed by the increased presence of counterfeit pharmaceutical
products, which may negatively impact revenues and patient
confidence. Many pharmaceutical companies face intense competition
from new products and less costly generic products. Moreover, the
process for obtaining regulatory approval by the FDA or other U.S.
and non U.S. governmental regulatory authorities is long and costly
and there can be no assurance that the necessary approvals will be
obtained or maintained.
The pharmaceutical sector is also subject to rapid and significant
technological change and competitive forces that may make drugs
obsolete or make it difficult to raise prices and, in fact, may
result in price discounting. Companies in the pharmaceutical sector
may also be subject to expenses and losses from extensive
litigation based on intellectual property, product liability and
similar claims. Failure of pharmaceutical companies to comply with
applicable laws and regulations can result in the imposition of
civil and criminal fines, penalties and, in some instances,
exclusion of participation in government sponsored programs such as
Medicare and Medicaid.
Companies in the pharmaceutical sector may be adversely affected by
government regulation and changes in reimbursement rates. The
ability of many pharmaceutical companies to commercialize and
monetize current and any future products depends in part on the
extent to which reimbursement for the cost of such products and
related treatments are available from third party payors, such as
Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance plans and health
maintenance organizations. Third-party payors are increasingly
challenging the price and cost-effectiveness of many medical
products.
Significant uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of
health care products, and there can be no assurance that adequate
third-party coverage will be available for pharmaceutical companies
to obtain satisfactory price levels for their products.
The international operations of many pharmaceutical companies
expose them to risks associated with instability and changes in
economic and political conditions, foreign currency fluctuations,
changes in foreign regulations and other
49
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
risks inherent to international business. Additionally, a
pharmaceutical company's valuation can often be based largely on
the potential or actual performance of a limited number of
products. A pharmaceutical company's valuation can also be greatly
affected if one of its products proves unsafe, ineffective or
unprofitable. Such companies also may be characterized by thin
capitalization and limited markets, financial resources or
personnel, as well as dependence on wholesale distributors. The
stock prices of companies in the pharmaceutical industry have been
and will likely continue to be extremely volatile.
Biotechnology Industry Risk. The success of biotechnology
companies is highly dependent on the development, procurement
and/or marketing of drugs. The values of biotechnology companies
are also dependent on the development, protection and exploitation
of intellectual property rights and other proprietary information,
and the profitability of biotechnology companies may be
significantly affected by such things as the expiration of patents
or the loss of, or the inability to enforce, intellectual property
rights.
The research and other costs associated with developing or
procuring new drugs, products or technologies and the related
intellectual property rights can be significant, and the results of
such research and expenditures are unpredictable. There can be no
assurance that those efforts or costs will result in the
development of a profitable drug, product or technology. Moreover,
the process for obtaining regulatory approval by the FDA or other
governmental regulatory authorities is long and costly and there
can be no assurance that the necessary approvals will be obtained
or maintained.
The biotechnology sector is also subject to rapid and significant
technological change and competitive forces that may make drugs,
products or technologies obsolete or make it difficult to raise
prices and, in fact, may result in price discounting. Companies in
the biotechnology sector may also be subject to expenses and losses
from extensive litigation based on intellectual property, product
liability and similar claims. Failure of biotechnology companies to
comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in the
imposition of civil and/or criminal fines, penalties and, in some
instances, exclusion of participation in government sponsored
programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Companies in the biotechnology sector may be adversely affected by
government regulation and changes in reimbursement rates.
Healthcare providers, principally hospitals, that transact with
companies in the biotechnology industry, often rely on third party
payors, such as Medicare, Medicaid, private health
50
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
insurance plans and health maintenance organizations to reimburse
all or a portion of the cost of healthcare related products or
services. Biotechnology companies will continue to be affected by
the efforts of governments and third party payors to contain or
reduce health care costs. For example, certain foreign markets
control pricing or profitability of biotechnology products and
technologies. In the United States, there has been, and there will
likely continue to be, a number of federal and state proposals to
implement similar controls.
A biotechnology company's valuation could be based on the potential
or actual performance of a limited number of products and could be
adversely affected if one of its products proves unsafe,
ineffective or unprofitable. Such companies may also be
characterized by thin capitalization and limited markets, financial
resources or personnel. The stock prices of companies involved in
the biotechnology sector have been and will likely continue to be
extremely volatile.
Managed Care Sector Risk. Companies in the managed care
sector often assume the risk of both medical and administrative
costs for their customers in return for monthly premiums. The
profitability of these products depends in large part on the
ability of such companies to predict, price for, and effectively
manage medical costs. Managed care companies base the premiums they
charge and their Medicare bids on estimates of future medical costs
over the fixed contract period; however, many factors may cause
actual costs to exceed what was estimated and reflected in premiums
or bids. These factors may include medical cost inflation,
increased use of services, increased cost of individual services,
natural catastrophes or other large-scale medical emergencies,
epidemics, the introduction of new or costly treatments and
technology, new mandated benefits (such as the expansion of
essential benefits coverage) or other regulatory changes and
insured population characteristics. Relatively small differences
between predicted and actual medical costs or utilization rates as
a percentage of revenues can result in significant changes in
financial results.
Managed care companies are regulated at the federal, state, local
and international levels. Insurance and Health Maintenance
Organizations ("HMOs") subsidiaries must be licensed by and are
subject to the regulations of the jurisdictions in which they
conduct business. U.S. health plans and insurance companies are
also regulated under state insurance holding company regulations,
and some of their activities may be subject to other health
care-related regulations. The health care industry is also
regularly subject to negative publicity, including as a result of
governmental investigations, adverse media coverage and political
debate surrounding industry regulation. Negative
publicity
51
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
may adversely affect stock price, damage the reputation of managed
care companies in various markets or foster an increasingly active
regulatory environment, which, in turn, could further increase the
regulatory burdens under which such companies operate and their
costs of doing business.
The evolution of the ACA and other regulatory reforms could
materially and adversely affect the manner in which U.S. managed
care companies conduct business and their results of operations,
financial position and cash flows. The ACA includes guaranteed
coverage and expanded benefit requirements, eliminates pre-existing
condition exclusions and annual and lifetime maximum limits,
restricts the extent to which policies can be rescinded,
establishes minimum medical loss ratios, creates a federal premium
review process, imposes new requirements on the format and content
of communications (such as explanations of benefits) between health
insurers and their members, grants to members new and additional
appeal rights, and imposes new and significant taxes on health
insurers and health care benefits.
New laws or regulations could drive substantial change to the way
healthcare products and services are currently delivered and paid
for in the United States. Health plans and insurance companies
could face meaningful disruption or disintermediation if the U.S.
migrates to a single payer healthcare system where the government
acts as the sole payer of healthcare services for the entire
population. A transformative overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system
could impact the financial viability of managed care companies in
which the Fund may invest.
Managed care companies contract with physicians, hospitals,
pharmaceutical benefit service providers, pharmaceutical
manufacturers, and other health care providers for services. Such
companies' results of operations and prospects are substantially
dependent on their continued ability to contract for these services
at competitive prices. Failure to develop and maintain satisfactory
relationships with health care providers, whether in-network or
out-of-network, could materially and adversely affect business,
results of operations, financial position and cash
flows.
Life Science and Tools Industry Risk. Life sciences
industries are characterized by limited product focus, rapidly
changing technology and extensive government regulation. In
particular, technological advances can render an existing product,
which may account for a disproportionate share of a company's
revenue, obsolete. Obtaining governmental approval from agencies
such as the
52
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
FDA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other U.S. and non-U.S.
governmental agencies for new products can be lengthy, expensive
and uncertain as to outcome. Such delays in product development may
result in the need to seek additional capital, potentially diluting
the interests of existing investors such as the Fund. In addition,
governmental agencies may, for a variety of reasons, restrict the
release of certain innovative technologies of commercial
significance, such as genetically altered material. These various
factors may result in abrupt advances and declines in the
securities prices of particular companies and, in some cases, may
have a broad effect on the prices of securities of companies in
particular life sciences industries.
Intense competition exists within and among certain life sciences
industries, including competition to obtain and sustain proprietary
technology protection. Life sciences companies can be highly
dependent on the strength of patents, trademarks and other
intellectual property rights for maintenance of profit margins and
market share. The complex nature of the technologies involved can
lead to patent disputes, including litigation that could result in
a company losing an exclusive right to a patent. Competitors of
life sciences companies may have substantially greater financial
resources, more extensive development, manufacturing, marketing and
service capabilities, and a larger number of qualified managerial
and technical personnel. Such competitors may succeed in developing
technologies and products that are more effective or less costly
than any that may be developed by life sciences companies in which
the Fund invests and may also prove to be more successful in
production and marketing. Competition may increase further as a
result of potential advances in health services and medical
technology and greater availability of capital for investment in
these fields.
With respect to healthcare, cost containment measures already
implemented by the federal government, state governments and the
private sector have adversely affected certain sectors of these
industries. Increased emphasis on managed care in the United States
may put pressure on the price and usage of products sold by life
sciences companies in which the Fund may invest and may adversely
affect the sales and revenues of life sciences
companies.
Product development efforts by life sciences companies may not
result in commercial products for many reasons, including, but not
limited to, failure to achieve acceptable clinical trial results,
limited effectiveness in treating the specified condition or
illness, harmful side effects, failure to obtain
regulatory
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(continued)
approval, and high manufacturing costs. Even after a product is
commercially released, governmental agencies may require additional
clinical trials or change the labeling requirements for products if
additional product side effects are identified, which could have a
material adverse effect on the market price of the securities of
those life sciences companies.
Certain life sciences companies in which the Fund may invest may be
exposed to potential product liability risks that are inherent in
the testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of pharmaceuticals,
medical devices or other products. There can be no assurance that a
product liability claim would not have a material adverse effect on
the business, financial condition or securities prices of a company
in which the Fund has invested.
Healthcare Technology Sector Risk. Companies in the
healthcare technology sector may incur substantial costs related to
product-related liabilities. Many of the software solutions, health
care devices or services developed by such companies are intended
for use in collecting, storing and displaying clinical and health
care-related information used in the diagnosis and treatment of
patients and in related health care settings such as admissions,
billing, etc. The limitations of liability set forth in the
companies' contracts may not be enforceable or may not otherwise
protect these companies from liability for damages. Healthcare
technology companies may also be subject to claims that are not
covered by contract, such as a claim directly by a patient.
Although such companies may maintain liability insurance coverage,
there can be no assurance that such coverage will cover any
particular claim that has been brought or that may be brought in
the future, that such coverage will prove to be adequate or that
such coverage will continue to remain available on acceptable
terms, if at all.
Healthcare technology companies may experience interruption at
their data centers or client support facilities. The business of
such companies often relies on the secure electronic transmission,
data center storage and hosting of sensitive information, including
protected health information, financial information and other
sensitive information relating to clients, company and workforce.
In addition, such companies may perform data center and/or hosting
services for certain clients, including the storage of critical
patient and administrative data and support services through
various client support facilities. If any of these systems are
interrupted, damaged or breached by an unforeseen event or actions
of a third party, including a cyber-attack, or fail for any
extended period
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of time, it could have a material adverse impact on the results of
operations for such companies.
The proprietary technology developed by healthcare technology
companies may be subject to claims for infringement or
misappropriation of intellectual property rights of others, or may
be infringed or misappropriated by others. Despite protective
measures and intellectual property rights, such companies may not
be able to adequately protect against theft, copying,
reverse-engineering, misappropriation, infringement or unauthorized
use or disclosure of their intellectual property, which could have
an adverse effect on their competitive position. In addition, these
companies are routinely involved in intellectual property
infringement or misappropriation claims and it is expected that
this activity will continue or even increase as the number of
competitors, patents and patent enforcement organizations in the
healthcare technology market increases, the functionality of
software solutions and services expands, the use of open-source
software increases and new markets such as health care device
innovation, health care transactions, revenue cycle, population
health management and life sciences are entered into. These claims,
even if not meritorious, are expensive to defend and are often
incapable of prompt resolution.
The success of healthcare technology companies depends upon the
recruitment and retention of key personnel. To remain competitive,
such companies must attract, motivate and retain highly skilled
managerial, sales, marketing, consulting and technical personnel,
including executives, consultants, programmers and systems
architects skilled in healthcare technology, health care devices,
health care transactions, population health management, revenue
cycle and life sciences industries and the technical environments
in which solutions, devices and services are needed. Competition
for such personnel in the healthcare technology sector is intense
in both the United States and abroad. The failure to attract
additional qualified personnel could have a material adverse effect
on healthcare technology companies' prospects for long-term
growth.
Healthcare Services Sector Risk. The operations of
healthcare services companies are subject to extensive federal,
state and local government regulations, including Medicare and
Medicaid payment rules and regulations, federal and state
anti-kickback laws, the physician self-referral law ("Stark Law")
and analogous state self-referral prohibition statutes, Federal
Acquisition Regulations, the False Claims Act and federal and state
laws regarding the collection, use and disclosure of patient health
information and the storage, handling and
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administration of pharmaceuticals. The Medicare and Medicaid
reimbursement rules related to claims submission, enrollment and
licensing requirements, cost reporting, and payment processes
impose complex and extensive requirements upon dialysis providers
as well. A violation or departure from any of these legal
requirements may result in government audits, lower reimbursements,
significant fines and penalties, the potential loss of
certification, recoupment efforts or voluntary repayments. If
healthcare services companies fail to adhere to all of the complex
government regulations that apply to their businesses, such
companies could suffer severe consequences that would substantially
reduce revenues, earnings, cash flows and stock prices.
A substantial percentage of a healthcare services company's service
revenues may be generated from patients who have state Medicaid or
other non-Medicare government-based programs, such as coverage
through the Department of Veterans Affairs ("VA"), as their primary
coverage. As state governments and other governmental organizations
face increasing budgetary pressure, healthcare services companies
may in turn face reductions in payment rates, delays in the receipt
of payments, limitations on enrollee eligibility or other changes
to the applicable programs.
Adverse economic conditions could adversely affect the business and
profitability of healthcare services companies. Among other things,
the potential decline in federal, non-U.S. government and state
revenues that may result from such conditions may create additional
pressures to contain or reduce reimbursements for services from
Medicare, Medicaid and other government sponsored programs.
Increasing job losses or slow improvement in the unemployment rate
in the United States and elsewhere as a result of adverse or recent
economic conditions may result in a smaller percentage of patients
being covered by an employer group health plan and a larger
percentage being covered by lower paying Medicare and Medicaid
programs. Employers may also select more restrictive commercial
plans with lower reimbursement rates. To the extent that payors are
negatively impacted by a decline in the economy, healthcare
services companies may experience further pressure on commercial
rates, a further slowdown in collections and a reduction in the
amounts they expect to collect. In addition, uncertainty in the
financial markets could adversely affect the variable interest
rates payable under credit facilities or could make it more
difficult to obtain or renew such facilities or to obtain other
forms of financing in the future, if at all. Any or all of these
factors, as well as other
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consequences of the adverse economic conditions which cannot
currently be anticipated, could have a material adverse effect on a
healthcare services company's revenues, earnings and cash flows and
otherwise adversely affect its financial condition.
Healthcare Supplies Sector Risk. If healthcare supplies
companies are unable to successfully expand their product lines
through internal research and development and acquisitions, their
business may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if
these companies are unable to successfully grow their businesses
through marketing partnerships and acquisitions, their business may
be materially and adversely affected.
Consolidation of healthcare providers has increased demand for
price concessions and caused the exclusion of suppliers from
significant market segments. It is expected that market demand,
government regulation, third-party reimbursement policies,
government contracting requirements and societal pressures will
continue to change the worldwide healthcare industry, resulting in
further business consolidations and alliances among customers and
competitors. This may exert further downward pressure on the prices
of healthcare supplies companies' products and adversely impact
their businesses, financial conditions or results of
operations.
Quality is extremely important to healthcare supplies companies and
their customers due to the serious and costly consequences of
product failure. Quality certifications are critical to the
marketing success of their products and services. If a healthcare
supplies company fails to meet these standards or fails to adapt to
evolving standards, its reputation could be damaged, it could lose
customers, and its revenue and results of operations could
decline.
Healthcare Facilities Sector Risk. A healthcare facility's
ability to negotiate favorable contracts with HMOs, insurers
offering preferred provider arrangements and other managed care
plans significantly affects the revenues and operating results of
such healthcare facilities. In addition, private payers are
increasingly attempting to control health care costs through direct
contracting with hospitals to provide services on a discounted
basis, increased utilization reviews and greater enrollment in
managed care programs, such as HMOs and Preferred Provider
Organizations ("PPOs"). The trend toward consolidation among
private managed care payers tends to increase their bargaining
power over prices and fee structures. Non-government payers may
increasingly demand reduced fees. If a healthcare facility is
unable to enter into and
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(continued)
maintain managed care contractual arrangements on acceptable terms,
if it experiences material reductions in the contracted rates
received from managed care payers, or if it has difficulty
collecting from managed care payers, its results of operations
could be adversely affected.
Further changes in the Medicare and Medicaid programs or other
government health care programs could have an adverse effect on a
healthcare facility's business. In addition to the changes affected
by the ACA, the Medicare and Medicaid programs are subject to other
statutory and regulatory changes, administrative rulings,
interpretations and determinations concerning patient eligibility
requirements, funding levels and the method of calculating payments
or reimbursements, among other things, requirements for utilization
review, and federal and state funding restrictions. All of these
could materially increase or decrease payments from government
programs in the future, as well as affect the cost of providing
services to patients and the timing of payments to facilities,
which could in turn adversely affect a healthcare facility's
overall business, financial condition, results of operations or
cash flows.
Healthcare facilities are adversely affected by uninsured and
underinsured patients, as well as a growing mix of Medicare and
Medicaid patients that typically have lower reimbursement rates
than commercial managed care patients As a result, healthcare
facilities continue to experience a shift in payer mix and a high
level of uncollectible accounts, which could worsen if there is an
increase in unemployment. Healthcare facilities may continue to
experience significant levels of bad debt expense and may have to
provide uninsured discounts and charity care for undocumented
immigrants who are not permitted to enroll in a health insurance
exchange or government health care program. The trend of higher
co-pays and deductibles and a focus on migrating healthcare
utilization to lower cost sites of care, may also pressure volumes
and revenue at certain healthcare facilities which could adversely
impact the financial condition of hospitals and facilities with
high fixed cost structures.
Healthcare Equipment Sector Risk. The medical device markets
are highly competitive and a healthcare equipment company many be
unable to compete effectively. These markets are characterized by
rapid change resulting from technological advances and scientific
discoveries.
Development by other companies of new or improved products,
processes, or technologies may make a healthcare equipment
company's products or
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proposed products less competitive. In addition, these companies
face competition from providers of alternative medical therapies
such as pharmaceutical companies.
Medical devices and related business activities are subject to
rigorous regulation, including by the FDA, U.S. Department of
Justice ("DOJ"), and numerous other federal, state, and foreign
governmental authorities. These authorities and members of Congress
have been increasing their scrutiny of the healthcare equipment
industry. In addition, certain states have passed or are
considering legislation restricting healthcare equipment companies'
interactions with health care providers and requiring disclosure of
certain payments to them. It is anticipated that governmental
authorities will continue to scrutinize this industry closely, and
that additional regulation may increase compliance and legal costs,
exposure to litigation, and other adverse effects to
operations.
Healthcare equipment companies are substantially dependent on
patent and other proprietary rights and failing to protect such
rights or to be successful in litigation related to such rights may
result in the payment of significant monetary damages and/or
royalty payments, may negatively impact the ability of healthcare
equipment companies to sell current or future products, or may
prohibit such companies from enforcing their patent and other
proprietary rights against others.
Quality problems with the processes, goods and services of a
healthcare equipment company could harm the company's reputation
for producing high-quality products and erode its competitive
advantage, sales and market share. Quality is extremely important
to healthcare equipment companies and their customers due to the
serious and costly consequences of product failure. Quality
certifications are critical to the marketing success of goods and
services. If a healthcare equipment company fails to meet these
standards, its reputation could be damaged, it could lose
customers, and its revenue and results of operations could
decline.
Healthcare Distributors Sector Risk. Companies in the
healthcare distribution sector operate in markets that are highly
competitive. Because of competition, many of these companies face
pricing pressures from customers and suppliers. If these companies
are unable to offset margin reductions caused by pricing pressures
through steps such as effective sourcing and enhanced cost control
measures, the financial condition of such companies could be
adversely affected. In addition, the healthcare industry has
continued to consolidate.
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Further consolidation among customers and suppliers (including
branded pharmaceutical manufacturers) could give the resulting
enterprises greater bargaining power, which may adversely impact
the financial condition of companies in the healthcare distribution
sector.
Fewer generic pharmaceutical launches or launches that are less
profitable than those previously experienced may have an adverse
effect on the profits of companies in the healthcare distribution
sector. Additionally, prices for existing generic pharmaceuticals
generally decline over time, although this may vary. Price
deflation on existing generic pharmaceuticals may have an adverse
effect on company profits. With respect to branded pharmaceutical
price appreciation, if branded manufacturers increase prices less
frequently or by amounts that are smaller than have been
experienced historically, healthcare distribution companies may
profit less from branded pharmaceutical agreements.
The healthcare industry is highly regulated, and healthcare
distribution companies are subject to regulation in the United
States at both the federal and state level and in foreign
countries. If healthcare distribution companies fail to comply with
these regulatory requirements, the financial condition of such
companies could be adversely affected.
Due to the nature of the business of healthcare distribution
companies, such companies may from time to time become involved in
disputes or legal proceedings. For example, some of the products
that these companies distribute may be alleged to cause personal
injury or violate the intellectual property rights of another
party, subjecting such companies to product liability or
infringement claims. Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and
the unfavorable resolution of one or more of these legal
proceedings could adversely affect the cash flows and balance
sheets of healthcare distribution companies. Pharmaceutical
distributors currently face lawsuits related to the abuse of opioid
medications in the United States. The allegations include that
pharmaceutical distributors failed to provide effective controls
around the quantities of opioid medications distributed to certain
pharmacies, failed to properly prevent the diversion of medications
and failed to report suspicious orders. Pharmaceutical distributors
are in discussions with federal, state and local jurisdictions
related to their role in the distribution of opioid pharmaceuticals
and it is possible that they will be required to pay multi-billion
dollar settlements related to the ongoing litigation.
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Healthcare distribution companies depend on the availability of
various components, compounds, raw materials and energy supplied by
others for their operations. Any of these supplier relationships
could be interrupted due to events beyond the control of such
companies, including pandemics, epidemics or natural disasters, or
could be terminated. A sustained supply interruption could have an
adverse effect on business.
Risks Associated with Regulatory and Policy
Changes
At any time after the date hereof,-U.S. and non-U.S. governmental
agencies and other regulators may implement additional regulations
and legislators may pass new laws that affect the investments held
by the Fund, the strategies used by the Fund or the level of
regulations or taxation applying to the Fund. These regulations and
laws impact the investment strategies, performance, cost and
operations of the Fund, as well as the way investments in, and
shareholders of, the Fund are taxed. In particular, changes to U.S
healthcare policy could affect the Fund and its investments. The
affordability of healthcare in the U.S. will remain a topic of
debate, and proposals, laws and regulations to reduce the costs of
healthcare products and services could adversely impact healthcare
companies that the Fund invests in.
Interest Rate Risk. Prices of fixed-income securities
generally rise and fall in response to interest rate changes.
Generally, the prices of fixed-rate instruments held by the Fund
will tend to fall as interest rates rise. Conversely, when interest
rates decline, the value of fixed-rate instruments held by the Fund
can be expected to rise. The Fund may be subject to greater risk of
rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low
interest rates. Expectations of higher inflation generally cause
interest rates to rise. The longer the duration, or price
sensitivity to changes in interest rates, of the security, the more
sensitive the security is to this risk. In typical market interest
rate environments, the prices of longer-term fixed-rate instruments
tend to fluctuate more in price in response to changes in market
interest rates than prices of shorter-term fixed-rate instruments.
A 1% increase in interest rates would reduce the value of a $100
note by approximately one dollar if it had a one-year
duration.
Credit/Default Risk. Loans and other debt obligation
investments are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled
principal and interest. Changes in economic conditions or other
circumstances may reduce the capacity of the party obligated to
make principal and interest payments on such instruments and may
lead to defaults. Such non-payments and defaults may reduce
the
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value of the shares and income distributions. The value of loans
and other income investments also may decline because of concerns
about the issuer's ability to make principal and interest payments.
In addition, the credit ratings of loans or other income
investments may be lowered if the financial condition of the party
obligated to make payments with respect to such instruments
changes. Because the Fund will invest in non-investment grade
securities, it will be exposed to a greater amount of credit risk
than a Fund which invests solely in investment grade securities.
The prices of lower grade instruments are generally more sensitive
to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer's
revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of
higher grade instruments. Credit ratings assigned by rating
agencies are based on a number of factors and do not necessarily
reflect the issuer's current financial condition or the volatility
or liquidity of the security. In the event of bankruptcy of the
issuer of loans or other income investments, the Fund could
experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to
realize the benefits of any collateral securing the instrument. In
order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, bankruptcy
or similar situation, the Fund may be required to retain legal or
similar counsel and incur additional costs.
REIT Risk. REITs whose underlying properties are
concentrated in a particular industry, such as the healthcare
industry, or geographic region are subject to risks affecting such
industries or regions. The securities of REITs involve greater
risks than those associated with larger, more established companies
and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements
because of interest rate changes, economic conditions and other
factors. Securities of such issuers may lack sufficient market
liquidity to enable the Fund to effect sales at an advantageous
time or without a substantial drop in price.
Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in
securities that are rated, at the time of investment,
non-investment grade quality (rated "Ba/BB" or below), or
securities that are unrated but determined to be of comparable
quality by the Investment Adviser. Securities of non-investment
grade quality are regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
interest and repay principal, and are commonly referred to as "junk
bonds." Non-investment grade securities and unrated securities of
comparable credit quality are subject to the increased risk of an
issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payment
obligations. The value of high yield, lower quality bonds is
affected by the creditworthiness of the issuers of the securities
and by general economic and specific industry
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conditions. These securities may be subject to greater price
volatility due to such factors as specific corporate or municipal
developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of
the junk bond markets generally and less secondary market
liquidity. Issuers of high yield bonds are not as strong
financially as those with higher credit ratings. These issuers are
more vulnerable to financial setbacks and recession than more
creditworthy issuers, which may impair their ability to make
interest and principal payments. Noninvestment grade securities may
be particularly susceptible to economic downturns, specific
corporate or municipal developments, interest rate sensitivity,
negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less
secondary market liquidity. An economic recession could disrupt
severely the market for such securities and may have an adverse
impact on the value of such securities. In addition, any such
economic downturn could adversely affect the ability of the issuers
of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon and
increase the incidence of default for such securities.
Non-investment grade securities, though higher yielding, are
characterized by high risk. They may be subject to certain risks
with respect to the issuing entity and to greater market
fluctuations than certain lower yielding, higher rated securities.
The retail secondary market for non-investment grade securities may
be less liquid than that for higher rated securities. Adverse
conditions could make it difficult at times for the Fund to sell
certain securities or could result in lower prices than those used
in calculating the Fund's NAV. Because of the substantial risks
associated with investments in noninvestment grade securities, you
could lose money on your investment in shares of the Fund, both in
the short-term and the long-term.
Derivatives Risk. The Fund will invest no more than 30% of
its Managed Assets as measured at the time of investment in
derivative instruments including options, futures, options on
futures, forwards, swaps, options on swaps and other derivatives,
although suitable derivative instruments may not always be
available to the Investment Adviser for these purposes. The Fund
employs a strategy of writing (selling) covered call options on a
portion of the common stocks in its portfolio, writing (selling)
put options on a portion of the common stocks in its portfolio and,
to a lesser extent, writing (selling) covered call and writing
(selling) put options on indices of securities and sectors of
securities generally within the healthcare industry. This option
strategy is intended to generate current income from option
premiums as a means to enhance distributions payable to the Fund's
Shareholders. Over time, as the Fund's portfolio becomes more
seasoned, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation may
become more limited and the Fund will lose money to the extent that
it writes
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covered call options and the securities on which it writes the
option appreciates above the exercise price of the option by an
amount that exceeds the exercise price of the option. To the extent
the Fund writes a covered put option, the Fund has assumed the
obligation during the option period to purchase the security or
securities from the put buyer at the option's exercise price if the
put buyer exercises its option, regardless of whether the value of
the underlying investment falls below the exercise price. This
means that a Fund that writes a put option may be required make
payment for such investment at the exercise price. This may result
in losses to the Fund and may result in the Fund holding securities
for some period of time when it is disadvantageous to do so.
Therefore, over time, the Investment Adviser may choose to decrease
its use of the option writing strategy to the extent that it may
negatively impact the Fund's ability to benefit from capital
appreciation. Other than the Fund's option strategy, the Fund may
invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in derivatives. Derivative
instruments can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase
losses, and may have a potentially large adverse impact on Fund
performance.
Although both over-the-counter ("OTC") and exchange-traded
derivatives markets may experience a lack of liquidity, OTC
non-standardized derivative transactions are generally less liquid
than exchange-traded instruments. The illiquidity of the
derivatives markets may be due to various factors, including
congestion, disorderly markets, limitations on deliverable
supplies, the participation of speculators or their withdrawal from
the markets, government regulation and intervention, and technical
and operational or system failures. In addition, daily limits on
price fluctuations and speculative position limits on exchanges on
which the Fund may conduct its transactions in derivative
instruments may prevent the Fund from liquidating these positions
at an advantageous time or price, subjecting the Fund to the
potential of greater losses. Losses from investments in derivative
instruments can result from a lack of correlation between changes
in the value of derivative instruments and the portfolio assets (if
any) being hedged, the potential illiquidity of the markets for
derivative instruments, the failure of the counterparty to perform
its contractual obligations, or the risks arising from margin
requirements and related leverage factors associated with such
transactions. Losses may also arise if the Fund receives cash
collateral under the transactions and some or all of that
collateral is invested in the market. To the extent that cash
collateral is so invested, such collateral will be subject to
market depreciation or appreciation, and the Fund may be
responsible for any loss that might result from its investment of
the counterparty's cash collateral. The use of these derivatives
trading
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techniques also involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser
is incorrect in its expectation of the timing or level of
fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or currency
prices. Investments in derivative instruments may be harder to
value, subject to greater volatility and more likely subject to
changes in tax treatment than other investments. For these reasons,
the Investment Adviser's use of derivative instruments may not be
successful. Trading in derivative instruments can increase the
Fund's exposure to leverage. Thus, the leverage offered by trading
in derivative instruments will magnify the gains and losses
experienced by the Fund and could cause the Fund's net asset value
to be subject to wider fluctuations than would be the case if the
Fund did not use the leverage feature in derivative
instruments.
Derivatives markets have been subject to increased regulation over
the past several years, which may continue, and consequently, may
make derivatives trading more costly, may limit the availability of
and reduce the liquidity of derivatives or may otherwise adversely
affect the value or performance of derivatives. Such potential
adverse future developments could increase the risks reduce the
effectiveness of the Fund's derivative transactions, and cause the
Fund to lose value. For instance, the SEC has adopted new
regulations related to a registered investment company's use of
derivatives and related instruments. These regulations may
significantly impact the Fund's ability to invest in derivatives
and other instruments, limit the Fund's ability to employ certain
strategies that use derivatives and/or adversely affect the Fund's
performance, efficiency in implementing its strategy, liquidity
and/or ability to pursue its investment objectives.
Risks Associated with the Fund's Option Strategy. The
ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective is
partially dependent on the successful implementation of its option
strategy. There are several risks associated with transactions in
options on securities used in connection with the Fund's option
strategy. For example, there are significant differences between
the securities and options markets that could result in an
imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given
transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to
whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill
and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be
unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or
unexpected events.
As the writer of a call option covered with a security held by the
Fund, the Fund forgoes, during the option's life, the opportunities
to profit from increases
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in the market value of the security covering the call option above
the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call but retains
the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security
decline. As the Fund writes such covered calls over more of its
portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes
more limited. To the extent the Fund writes call options that are
not fully covered by securities in its portfolio (such as calls on
an index or sector), it will lose money if the portion of the
security or securities underlying the option that is not covered by
securities in the Fund's portfolio appreciate in value above the
exercise price of the option by an amount that exceeds the premium
received on the option. The amount of this loss theoretically could
be unlimited. The writer of an option has no control over the time
when it may be required to fulfill its obligations as a writer of
the option.
When the Fund writes put options, it bears the risk of loss if the
value of the underlying stock declines below the exercise price
minus the put premium. If the option is exercised, the Fund could
incur a loss if it is required to purchase the stock underlying the
put option at a price greater than the market price of the stock at
the time of exercise plus the put premium the Fund received when it
wrote the option. While the Fund's potential gain as the writer of
a covered put option is limited to the premium received from the
purchaser of the put option, the Fund risks a loss equal to the
entire exercise price of the option minus the put
premium.
Counterparty Risk. Many of the protections afforded to
participants on some organized exchanges, such as the performance
guarantee of a clearing house, might not be available in connection
with uncleared OTC transactions. Therefore, in those instances in
which the Fund enters into uncleared OTC transactions, the Fund
will be subject to the risk that its direct counterparty will not
perform its obligations under the transactions and that the Fund
will sustain losses. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt, the Fund
may experience significant delays in obtaining recovery (if at all)
under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization
proceeding; if the Fund's claim is unsecured, the Fund will be
treated as a general creditor of such prime broker or counterparty
and will not have any claim with respect to the underlying
security. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain
no recovery in such circumstances. The counterparty risk for
cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC
derivatives since generally a clearing organization becomes
substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative and, in
effect, guarantees the parties' performance under the contract as
each party to a trade
66
TEKLA HEALTHCARE
OPPORTUNITIES FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND
RISK FACTORS
(continued)
looks only to the clearing house for performance of financial
obligations. However, there can be no assurance that the clearing
house, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to the
Fund.
Regulation as a "Commodity Pool". The Investment Adviser has
claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity
pool operator" with respect to the Fund pursuant to Regulation 4.5
promulgated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the
"CFTC"). For the Investment Adviser to continue to qualify for the
exclusion under CFTC Regulation 4.5, the aggregate initial margin
and premiums required to establish our positions in derivative
instruments subject to the jurisdiction of the Commodity Exchange
Act of 1936, as amended ("CEA") (other than positions entered into
for hedging purposes) may not exceed five percent of the Fund's
liquidation value or, alternatively, the net notional value of the
Fund's aggregate investments in CEA-regulated derivative
instruments (other than positions entered into for hedging
purposes) may not exceed 100% of the Fund's liquidation value. In
the event the Investment Adviser fails to qualify for the exclusion
with respect to the Fund and is required to register as a
"commodity pool operator", it will become subject to additional
disclosure, recordkeeping and reporting requirements with respect
to the Fund, which may increase the Fund's expenses.
Failure of Futures Commission Merchants and Clearing
Organizations. The Fund may deposit funds required to margin
open positions in derivative instruments subject to the CEA with a
clearing broker registered as a "futures commission merchant"
("FCM"). The CEA requires an FCM to segregate all funds received
from customers with respect to any orders for the purchase or sale
of U.S. domestic futures contracts and cleared swaps from the FCM's
proprietary assets. Similarly, the CEA requires each FCM to hold in
a separate secure account all funds received from customers with
respect to any orders for the purchase or sale of foreign futures
contracts and segregate any such funds from the funds received with
respect to domestic futures contracts. However, all funds and other
property received by a clearing broker from its customers are held
by the clearing broker on a commingled basis in an omnibus account
and may be freely accessed by the clearing broker, which may also
invest any such funds in certain instruments permitted under the
applicable regulation. There is a risk that assets deposited by the
Fund with any swaps or futures clearing broker as margin for
futures contracts