N-CSRS 1 d626651dncsrs.htm HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC. Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-21487

HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

BROOKFIELD PLACE, 250 VESEY STREET, 15TH FLOOR

NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10281-1023

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

KIM G. REDDING, PRESIDENT

HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

BROOKFIELD PLACE, 250 VESEY STREET, 15TH FLOOR

NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10281-1023

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 1-800-497-3746

Date of fiscal year end: March 31, 2014

Date of reporting period: September 30, 2013


Item 1. Reports to Shareholders.


LOGO


IN PROFILE

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is a global alternative asset manager with over $183 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2013. Brookfield has over a 100-year history of owning and operating assets with a focus on property, renewable power, infrastructure and private equity. The company offers a range of public and private investment products and services, which leverage its expertise and experience and provide it with a competitive advantage in the markets where it operates. On behalf of its clients, Brookfield is also an active investor in the public securities markets, where its experience extends over 30 years. Over this time, the company has successfully developed several investment operations and built expertise in the management of institutional portfolios, retail mutual funds, and structured product investments.

Brookfield’s public market activities are conducted by Brookfield Investment Management, a registered investment adviser. These activities complement Brookfield’s core competencies and include global listed real estate and infrastructure equities, corporate high yield investments, opportunistic credit strategies and a dedicated insurance asset management division. Headquartered in New York, NY, Brookfield Investment Management maintains offices and investment teams in Toronto, Chicago, Boston and London and has over $10 billion of assets under management as of September 30, 2013.

 

LOGO


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Letter to Stockholders

     1   

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

  

Management Discussion of Fund Performance

     2   

Portfolio Characteristics

     6   

Schedule of Investments

     7   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

  

Management Discussion of Fund Performance

     12   

Portfolio Characteristics

     16   

Schedule of Investments

     17   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

  

Management Discussion of Fund Performance

     22   

Portfolio Characteristics

     26   

Schedule of Investments

     27   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

  

Management Discussion of Fund Performance

     32   

Portfolio Characteristics

     36   

Schedule of Investments

     37   

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

     43   

Statements of Operations

     44   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

     45   

Statement of Cash Flows.

     47   

Financial Highlights

  

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

     51   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

     52   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

     53   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

     54   

Notes to Financial Statements

     55   

Compliance Certification

     71   

Proxy Results

     72   

Board Considerations Relating to the Investment Advisory Agreements.

     73   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     75   

Joint Notice of Privacy Policy

     77   

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

NOT FDIC INSURED            MAY LOSE VALUE            NOT BANK GUARANTEED

© Copyright 2013. Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


LETTER TO STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

Dear Stockholders,

I am pleased to provide the Semi-Annual Report for Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc., Helios High Income Fund, Inc., Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc. and Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc. (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds”) for the six month period ended September 30, 2013.

The global investment landscape continued to follow a volatile path during the course of the period, with several large swings in market performance and investor confidence. While the global economic recovery continued to advance, sentiment was heavily influenced by the potential for the U.S. Federal Reserve to begin tapering its asset purchase program. Following initial indications that tapering may commence later this year, interest rates rose sharply and capital markets began to falter.

Fortunately, signs of stabilization began to emerge as the third quarter drew to a close. The U.S. Federal Reserve decided to maintain its current level of bond purchases and more clearly defined the parameters around which monetary stimulus would be narrowed, indicating that such activity would be dependent upon economic growth and that interest rate policy would remain accommodative for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, interest rates settled into a ‘new-normal’ range and investor focus began to shift towards the positive catalysts underlying the U.S. economy. When combined with improving global economic data-points, particularly within China, and relative calm within European peripheral countries, this renewed confidence led to increased demand for risk assets.

Despite rising U.S. Treasury rates over the period, high yield corporate bonds produced modestly positive results, outperforming other fixed income alternatives. Capital flows were volatile, reflecting overall market sentiment, as significant redemptions during the second quarter were partially offset by meaningful inflows during the month of September. Importantly, credit conditions remained positive and corporate liquidity levels remained strong.

Moving forward, we expect the current slow growth, low rate environment to persist, driven by continued central bank liquidity and the lack of catalysts for a more robust economic recovery. In this environment, we expect demand for higher-yielding investments to continue, particularly as interest rates and inflation remain muted. We maintain our belief that the high yield market represents value, as robust corporate cash flows, significant capital liquidity and credit discipline remain supportive of the market. We acknowledge potential challenges to future performance, including political and economic risks in North America and Europe and the eventual moderation of central bank activity as well as low nominal yields and above par pricing in the high yield market. Additionally, we are closely monitoring early signs of re-risking among high yield issuers. However, yield spreads remain attractive and corporate earnings are generally positive, suggesting high yield bonds continue to offer a compelling source of current income.

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

In addition to performance information, this report provides an overview of market conditions and a discussion of factors affecting the Funds’ investment performance, together with the Funds’ unaudited financial statements and schedules of investments as of September 30, 2013.

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

Sincerely,

 

 

LOGO

Kim G. Redding

President

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            1


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc. seeks a high level of current income. The Fund seeks capital growth as a secondary investment objective when consistent with its primary investment objective. The Fund invests a majority of its total assets in below-investment grade debt securities that offer attractive yield and capital appreciation potential. The Fund also may invest in investment grade debt securities, up to 15% of its total assets in foreign debt and foreign equity securities and up to 25% of its total assets in domestic equity securities, including common and preferred stocks. The Fund invests in a wide range of below-investment grade debt securities, including corporate bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, and municipal and foreign government obligations, as well as securities of companies in bankruptcy reorganization proceedings or otherwise in the process of debt restructuring. (Below-investment grade debt securities are rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, comparably rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined by the Fund’s investment advisor to be of comparable quality.) The Fund may use leverage through bank borrowings, reverse repurchase agreements or other transactions involving indebtedness or through the issuance of preferred shares. The Fund may leverage one third of its total assets (in each case including the amount borrowed.) The Fund may vary its use of leverage in response to changing market conditions.

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

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: HAV) had a total return based on net asset value of 4.51% and a total return based on market price of 0.31%, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and is exclusive of brokerage commissions. Based on the NYSE closing price of $8.52 on September 30, 2013, the Fund’s shares had a dividend yield of 8.80%. The dividend yield is calculated as the annualized amount of the reporting period’s most recent monthly dividend declared divided by the stated stock price.

The Fund was overweight in the Basic Industry, Automotive and Capital Goods sectors. The Basic Industry sector benefited from improving economic growth, but performance was offset by weak security selection. Specifically, coal company bonds moved lower during the period due to price competition from cheap natural gas, which is pressuring coal prices. The Automotive overweight added to performance, especially due to strong security selection in Auto Parts bonds, which benefited from stronger production in North America and Europe.

The Fund was underweight in the Financial Services, Banking, and Technology Sectors. Since Financial Services underperformed the market, our lack of exposure added to performance. By contrast, the Banking sector

 

2            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

outperformed the market, causing our underweight to serve as a drag on performance. The Technology sector also outperformed, causing our underweight to negatively impact performance, although positive security selection offset some of the drag on performance.

HIGH YIELD MARKET COMMENTARY

Global macroeconomic concerns moved to center stage for high yield investors in the second quarter when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested that the Fed’s stimulative bond buying program may begin tapering in the near future. Investors panicked at the prospect of losing a large fixed income buyer and reacted by heavily redeeming fixed income mutual funds, especially exchange traded funds. Interest rates rose sharply, and most spread products, such as high yield, exhibited wider spreads. Calm returned in the third quarter when the Fed retreated and promised to continue buying bonds, due to modest economic growth and the market’s reaction to the suggestion of tapering. Investors grew more confident about fixed income securities, and money resumed flowing into high yield mutual funds after record redemptions in the second quarter when investors enjoyed higher levels of interest rates overall.

As measured by the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index, the high yield market produced a modestly positive return of 0.87% for the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, despite a 76 basis point increase in U.S. Treasury yields. The second quarter correction was localized to fixed income markets and did not spread to equity markets. Consequently, in the high yield market, the more interest rate-sensitive BB-rated bonds were basically flat for the period, while more equity-sensitive CCC-rated bonds returned 2.8%, during the period. The high yield spread absorbed a portion of the higher treasury rates and narrowed 20 basis points, ending the period at 478 basis points.

Investors placed money into high yield mutual funds in the third quarter to the tune of $6.6 billion,1 recovering about half of the $15.9 billion redeemed in the second quarter. Reflecting the general pace of renewed confidence, mutual fund flows were back-end loaded, with September representing $5.2 billion of the overall flow. The high yield market significantly outperformed investment-grade corporates, Treasury bonds, and emerging market bonds, which were all down year-to-date.2

Credit conditions remain positive, with the trailing twelve-month default rate at 1.1%.3 Defaults have been modest since 2010, and we believe defaults will remain low for the foreseeable future. Investors saw improvement in the upgrade-to-downgrade ratio as measured by the bond rating agencies. We remain positively disposed toward credit as we see continued positive trends in the new issue market.

Most of the parameters we monitor remain positive, but indicate the market is in the early stages of re-risking. Lower-rated new issue volume, as a percentage of total issuance year-to-date, which was 16.7%4 in June grew to 18.8%.5 Refinancing, as a percentage of new issuance remains high, but is decreasing. Overall, refinancing represented 58%6 of all new issuance so far this year, a decline from 63% in June, but up from a post-recession low of 55% seen in 20114. We believe that a greater degree of re-risking is occurring in the leveraged loan market, repeating the pattern seen in the last credit cycle. In contrast to the low and declining trend in defaults for bonds, loan default rates are increasing and are now at the highest level since November 2010.3

OUTLOOK

While we continue to see generally responsible behavior on the part of high yield borrowers, we are beginning to see some signs of re-risking. However, we believe we remain at the early stage of the re-risking phase of the credit cycle. The leveraged buyout of Dell computer in September 2013 may represent a bellwether for future leveraged buyouts, and an increasing percentage of new issues will pay dividends to equity sponsors or are coming from lower rated companies.

As in past quarters, we remain primarily concerned about global political and economic risks more than high yield specific risks. While we saw a relief from these concerns in the third quarter, the risks remain potent. At the end of the period, the U.S. Congress was gridlocked over a shutdown of the federal government and faced a serious debt

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            3


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

limit increase in mid-October. The three primary macroeconomic risks remain the same: the pace of economic expansion (China and Europe being most concerning), the risk of a fiscal policy error as governments seek to rein in ballooning budget deficits and manage out of control retirement and healthcare costs (the U.S. and Europe are most concerning here), and the ever present question of tightening monetary policy by either the Federal Reserve or another central bank. Many economists are seeing the beginnings of a possible synchronized global expansion which may relieve concerns about growth, but political risks remain very high across the world.

We have noted in the past that the high yield market is trading at a premium to par, which limits upside price potential. The market remains lower than its first quarter peak, thereby regaining some upside potential. Spreads have widened in the correction and yields have come off all-time lows. This has restored some value to the market. However, spreads remain tighter than they were at the end of last year. Consequently, we remain positively disposed toward high yield investments, but continue to caution that – like all risk assets – they remain vulnerable to investor sentiment and that investors would be prudent to keep future expected returns roughly in line with current yields.

 

 

1 

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013, page 17.

2 

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013, page 2.

3 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 2.

4 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, July 1, 2013, p. 11.

5 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 12.

6 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 13.

Forward-Looking Information

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

Disclosure

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

The Fund may utilize leverage to seek to enhance the yield and net asset value of its common stock, through bank borrowings, issuance of short-term debt securities or shares of preferred stock, or a combination thereof. However, these objectives cannot be achieved in all interest rate environments. While leverage may result in a higher yield for the Fund, the use of leverage involves risk, including the potential for higher volatility of the NAV, fluctuations of dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund and the market price of the Fund’s common stock, among others. Certain funds may invest assets in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, including issuers from emerging markets. Foreign investing involves special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments.

This may contain information obtained from third parties, including ratings from credit ratings agencies such as Standard & Poor’s. Reproduction and distribution of third party content in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the related third party. Third party content providers do not guarantee the accuracy,

 

4            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

completeness, timeliness or availability of any information, including ratings, and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the case, of the results obtained from the use of such content. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS GIVE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, COMPENSATORY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, LEGAL FEES, OR LOSSES (INCLUDING LOST INCOME OR PROFITS AND OPPORTUNITY COSTS OR LOSSES CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE) IN CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THEIR CONTENT, INCLUDING RATINGS. Credit ratings are statements of opinions and are not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, hold or sell securities. They do not address the suitability of securities or the suitability of securities for investment purposes, and should not be relied on as investment advice.

Performance data quoted represents past performance results and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

These views represent the opinions of Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and are not intended to predict or depict the performance of any investment. These views are as of the close of business on September 30, 2013 and subject to change based on subsequent developments.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            5


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

Portfolio Characteristics (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

  

Annualized dividend yield1

     8.80

Weighted average coupon

     8.11

Weighted average life

     4.96 years   

Percentage of leveraged assets

     27.66

Total number of holdings

     132   
  

 

 

 

CREDIT QUALITY

  

A

     1

BBB

     2

BB

     13

B

     57

CCC

     22

Unrated

     4

Cash

     1
  

 

 

 

Total

     100
  

 

 

 

ASSET ALLOCATION2

  

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

     3

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     93

Term Loans, Common Stocks and Warrants

     4
  

 

 

 

Total

     100
  

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Dividends may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The dividend yield referenced above is calculated as the annualized amount of the most recent monthly dividend declared divided by September 30, 2013 stock price.

2

Includes only invested assets; excludes cash.

 

6            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS – 4.4%

          

Automotive – 1.2%

          

Ford Motor Co. 1

     6.50     08/01/18       $ 650       $ 748,994   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 1.0%

          

Georgia-Pacific LLC

     7.25        06/01/28         230         280,674   

Georgia-Pacific LLC

     7.38        12/01/25         270         339,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             619,924   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 0.9%

          

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     6.65        03/15/17         500         576,413   
          

 

 

 

Services – 1.3%

          

Legrand France SA 1,2

     8.50        02/15/25         600         762,470   
          

 

 

 

Total INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $2,320,932)

             2,707,801   
          

 

 

 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS – 124.0%

          

Automotive – 6.8%

          

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. 1

     6.25        03/15/21         1,025         1,055,750   

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

     8.25        06/15/21         800         896,000   

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC 2,3,4

     8.13        05/15/21         575         639,687   

Motors Liquidation Co. 5,6

     8.38        07/15/33         1,750         175   

Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC 3,4

     8.50        04/15/16         775         796,313   

Servus Luxembourg Holding SCA 2,3,4

     7.75        06/15/18         600         824,048   
          

 

 

 

Total Automotive

             4,211,973   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 22.2%

          

AK Steel Corp. 1

     7.63        05/15/20         600         504,000   

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. 1

     6.25        06/01/21         900         738,000   

Arch Coal, Inc. 1

     7.25        06/15/21         1,400         1,057,000   

Associated Materials LLC/AMH New Finance, Inc. 1

     9.13        11/01/17         775         823,437   

Building Materials Corporation of America 3,4

     6.75        05/01/21         375         403,125   

Cascades, Inc. 2

     7.75        12/15/17         275         287,375   

Cascades, Inc. 2

     7.88        01/15/20         500         527,500   

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

     6.88        04/01/22         500         500,000   

Hexion US Finance Corp.

     9.00        11/15/20         800         782,000   

Huntsman International LLC 1

     8.63        03/15/21         1,000         1,110,000   

INEOS Group Holdings SA 1,2,3,4

     6.13        08/15/18         875         855,313   

Masonite International Corp. 1,2,3,4

     8.25        04/15/21         775         850,562   

Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. 2

     8.50        04/01/21         200         202,000   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc.

     8.25        02/15/18         693         741,510   

Steel Dynamics, Inc.

     7.63        03/15/20         425         459,531   

Tembec Industries, Inc. 1,2

     11.25        12/15/18         775         842,813   

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

     8.75        02/01/19         650         645,125   

USG Corp. 1

     9.75        01/15/18         800         926,000   

Verso Paper Holdings LLC/Verso Paper, Inc.

     11.75        01/15/19         800         826,000   

Xerium Technologies, Inc.

     8.88        06/15/18         650         666,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             13,747,541   
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            7


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Capital Goods – 10.6%

          

AAR Corp.

     7.25     01/15/22       $ 300       $ 312,750   

AAR Corp. 3,4

     7.25        01/15/22         125         130,313   

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC 2,3,4

     7.00        11/15/20         850         816,000   

Berry Plastics Corp. 1

     9.50        05/15/18         775         838,937   

Coleman Cable, Inc. 1

     9.00        02/15/18         550         584,375   

Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. 1

     7.38        12/15/26         975         1,072,500   

Mueller Water Products, Inc. 1

     7.38        06/01/17         775         794,375   

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

     9.00        04/15/19         775         813,750   

Tekni-Plex, Inc. 3,4

     9.75        06/01/19         308         346,500   

Terex Corp.

     6.00        05/15/21         500         505,625   

Terex Corp.

     6.50        04/01/20         300         315,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Capital Goods

             6,530,125   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical – 6.5%

          

DineEquity, Inc. 1

     9.50        10/30/18         750         834,375   

Levi Strauss & Co. 1

     7.63        05/15/20         750         808,125   

Limited Brands, Inc.

     7.60        07/15/37         475         476,781   

Limited Brands, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         300         357,750   

New Albertsons, Inc.

     7.75        06/15/26         750         611,250   

Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc.

     6.88        11/15/19         475         520,125   

YCC Holdings LLC/Yankee Finance, Inc. 7

     10.25        02/15/16         400         410,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Cyclical

             4,018,406   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 3.1%

          

C&S Group Enterprises LLC 3,4

     8.38        05/01/17         633         675,727   

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. 1

     9.75        12/01/16         650         689,007   

Jarden Corp. 1

     7.50        05/01/17         500         570,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Non-Cyclical

             1,934,734   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 17.5%

          

AmeriGas Partners LP

     7.00        05/20/22         400         416,000   

Atlas Pipeline Partners, LP 3,4

     5.88        08/01/23         900         846,000   

BreitBurn Energy Partners LP/BreitBurn Finance Corp. 1

     8.63        10/15/20         775         817,625   

Calfrac Holdings LP 1,3,4

     7.50        12/01/20         800         806,000   

Crosstex Energy LP/Crosstex Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.88        02/15/18         675         717,188   

EV Energy Partners LP/EV Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.00        04/15/19         775         775,000   

FTS International Services LLC/FTS International
Bonds, Inc.
3,4

     8.13        11/15/18         292         316,820   

GMX Resources, Inc. 6

     11.00        12/01/17         292         257,008   

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co. 3,4

     8.00        02/15/20         550         594,000   

Key Energy Services, Inc.

     6.75        03/01/21         500         495,000   

Linn Energy LLC/Linn Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.63        04/15/20         800         827,000   

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

     8.88        03/15/18         750         776,250   

Precision Drilling Corp. 1,2

     6.63        11/15/20         750         793,125   

RKI Exploration & Production LLC 3,4

     8.50        08/01/21         550         552,750   

Trinidad Drilling Ltd. 1,2,3,4

     7.88        01/15/19         760         801,800   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Venoco, Inc. 1

     8.88     02/15/19       $ 750       $ 755,625   

W&T Offshore, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         255         270,300   
          

 

 

 

Total Energy

             10,817,491   
          

 

 

 

Finance & Investment – 1.4%

          

Numericable Finance & Company SCA 2

     12.38        02/15/19         525         845,193   
          

 

 

 

Healthcare – 8.7%

          

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.

     7.13        07/15/20         425         429,250   

DJO Finance LLC/DJO Finance Corp.

     9.88        04/15/18         575         609,500   

HCA, Inc. 1

     8.00        10/01/18         775         891,250   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 3,4

     11.00        08/15/18         300         240,750   

Jaguar Holding Company II/Jaguar Merger Sub, Inc. 1,3,4

     9.50        12/01/19         775         870,906   

Kindred Healthcare, Inc.

     8.25        06/01/19         800         852,000   

Polymer Group, Inc. 1

     7.75        02/01/19         750         801,563   

Service Corporation International 1

     6.75        04/01/16         600         650,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Healthcare

             5,345,469   
          

 

 

 

Media – 10.2%

          

ARC Document Solutions, Inc. 1

     10.50        12/15/16         750         783,750   

Cablevision Systems Corp. 1

     8.63        09/15/17         800         918,000   

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 1

     8.13        04/30/20         975         1,060,312   

Cenveo Corp.

     8.88        02/01/18         825         820,875   

Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 1

     9.00        03/01/21         800         774,000   

Cumulus Media Holdings, Inc.

     7.75        05/01/19         800         830,000   

Mediacom LLC/Mediacom Capital Corp. 1

     9.13        08/15/19         775         846,688   

National CineMedia LLC

     6.00        04/15/22         275         280,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Media

             6,314,125   
          

 

 

 

Real Estate – 1.4%

          

Realogy Corp. 1,3,4

     7.88        02/15/19         775         846,687   
          

 

 

 

Services – 18.5%

          

AMC Entertainment, Inc. 1

     8.75        06/01/19         875         940,625   

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

     5.50        04/01/23         400         370,000   

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

     8.25        01/15/19         775         840,875   

Boyd Gaming Corp. 1

     9.00        07/01/20         800         868,000   

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. 1

     7.75        02/15/19         1,000         995,000   

Chester Downs & Marina LLC 1,3,4

     9.25        02/01/20         850         856,375   

CityCenter Holdings LLC/CityCenter Finance Corp. 1

     7.63        01/15/16         750         785,625   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     5.75        08/15/24         500         450,000   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     8.38        08/15/21         325         349,375   

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

     5.88        03/15/21         500         468,750   

MGM Resorts International 1

     7.63        01/15/17         775         866,062   

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 1

     11.50        08/01/19         803         881,265   

Palace Entertainment Holdings LLC/Palace Entertainment
Holdings Corp.
1,3,4

     8.88        04/15/17         775         788,563   

PulteGroup, Inc. 1

     6.38        05/15/33         750         669,375   

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     7.63        04/15/22         425         462,188   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            9


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     8.25     02/01/21       $ 450       $ 499,500   

United Rentals North America, Inc. 1

     10.25        11/15/19         325         367,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Services

             11,458,828   
          

 

 

 

Technology & Electronics – 3.7%

          

First Data Corp. 1,3,4

     11.25        01/15/21         1,000         1,045,000   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 1

     8.05        02/01/20         775         815,688   

ION Geophysical Corp. 3,4

     8.13        05/15/18         450         418,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Technology & Electronics

             2,279,188   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 11.5%

          

CenturyLink, Inc. 1

     7.65        03/15/42         800         712,000   

Cincinnati Bell, Inc. 1

     8.75        03/15/18         825         871,406   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 3,4

     8.75        08/15/19         250         254,375   

Frontier Communications Corp. 1

     7.13        03/15/19         1,300         1,379,625   

Intelsat Luxembourg SA 2,3,4

     7.75        06/01/21         800         828,000   

Level 3 Communications, Inc. 1

     8.88        06/01/19         800         856,000   

MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. 1,3,4

     6.63        04/01/23         825         827,063   

PAETEC Holding Corp.

     9.88        12/01/18         500         556,250   

Windstream Corp.

     7.50        06/01/22         800         798,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

             7,082,719   
          

 

 

 

Utility – 1.9%

          

Calpine Corp. 1,3,4

     7.25        10/15/17         585         606,937   

NRG Energy, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         550         589,875   
          

 

 

 

Total Utility

             1,196,812   
          

 

 

 

Total HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $73,894,161)

             76,629,291   
          

 

 

 

TERM LOANS – 3.1%

          

Albertson, Inc. 4,8

     4.75        03/21/19         299         297,569   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 4,8

     7.50        02/14/19         448         450,611   

Four Seasons Holdings, Inc. 4,8

     6.25        12/13/20         375         382,500   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 4,8

     7.50        08/04/16         575         553,437   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.68        10/10/17         221         148,501   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.68        10/10/17         3         2,265   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.77        10/10/17         110         73,734   
          

 

 

 

Total TERM LOANS
(Cost $1,962,218)

             1,908,617   
          

 

 

 
                  Shares      Value
(Note 2)
 

COMMON STOCKS – 1.8%

          

Services – 0.2%

          

Iron Mountain, Inc.

          5,650         152,663   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 1.6%

          

AT&T, Inc.

          6,430         217,462   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Shares      Value
(Note 2)
 

COMMON STOCKS (continued)

     

CenturyLink, Inc.

     6,360       $ 199,577   

Frontier Communications Corp.

     108,500         452,445   

Windstream Holdings, Inc.

     11,050         88,400   
     

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

        957,884   
     

 

 

 

Total COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $1,329,466)

        1,110,547   
     

 

 

 

WARRANTS – 0.5%

     

Automotive – 0.5%

     

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

     

Expiration: July 2016

     

Exercise Price: $10.00

     7,393         195,323   

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

     

Expiration: July 2019

     

Exercise Price: $18.33

     7,393         137,510   
     

 

 

 

Total Automotive

        332,833   
     

 

 

 

Total WARRANTS
(Cost $432,026)

        332,833   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments – 133.8%
(Cost $79,938,803)

        82,689,089   

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (33.8)%

        (20,900,532
     

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%

      $ 61,788,557   
     

 

 

 

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

 

1

 

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

2

 

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

3

 

   Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2013, the total value of all such investments was $18,983,239 or 30.7% of net assets.

4

 

   Private Placement.

5

 

   Security fair valued in good faith pursuant to the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2013, the total value of all such securities was $175 or 0.0% of net assets. The Adviser has deemed these securities illiquid pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Directors. The security was acquired on April 21, 2011 with a cost of $0.01.

6

 

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

7

 

   Payment in kind security.

8

 

   Variable rate security – Interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of September 30, 2013.

9

 

   Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            11


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

Helios High Income Fund, Inc. seeks a high level of current income. The Fund seeks capital growth as a secondary investment objective when consistent with its primary investment objective. The Fund invests a majority of its total assets in below-investment grade debt securities that offer attractive yield and capital appreciation potential. The Fund also may invest in investment grade debt securities, up to 15% of its total assets in foreign debt and foreign equity securities and up to 25% of its total assets in domestic equity securities, including common and preferred stocks. The Fund invests in a wide range of below-investment grade debt securities, including corporate bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, and municipal and foreign government obligations, as well as securities of companies in bankruptcy reorganization proceedings or otherwise in the process of debt restructuring. (Below-investment grade debt securities are rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, comparably rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined by the Fund’s investment advisor to be of comparable quality.) The Fund may use leverage through bank borrowings, reverse repurchase agreements or other transactions involving indebtedness or through the issuance of preferred shares. The Fund may leverage one third of its total assets (in each case including the amount borrowed.) The Fund may vary its use of leverage in response to changing market conditions.

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

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, Helios High Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: HIH) had a total return based on net asset value of 4.79% and a total return based on market price of 1.22%, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and is exclusive of brokerage commissions. Based on the NYSE closing price of $8.30 on September 30, 2013, the Fund’s shares had a dividend yield of 8.67%. The dividend yield is calculated as the annualized amount of the reporting period’s most recent monthly dividend declared divided by the stated stock price.

The Fund was overweight in the Basic Industry, Automotive and Capital Goods sectors. The Basic Industry sector benefited from improving economic growth, but performance was offset by weak security selection. Specifically, coal company bonds moved lower during the period due to price competition from cheap natural gas, which is pressuring coal prices. The Automotive overweight added to performance, especially due to strong security selection in Auto Parts bonds, which benefited from stronger production in North America and Europe.

The Fund was underweight in the Financial Services, Banking, and Technology Sectors. Since Financial Services underperformed the market, our lack of exposure added to performance. By contrast, the Banking sector

 

12            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

outperformed the market, causing our underweight to serve as a drag on performance. The Technology sector also outperformed, causing our underweight to negatively impact performance, although positive security selection offset some of the drag on performance.

HIGH YIELD MARKET COMMENTARY

Global macroeconomic concerns moved to center stage for high yield investors in the second quarter when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested that the Fed’s stimulative bond buying program may begin tapering in the near future. Investors panicked at the prospect of losing a large fixed income buyer and reacted by heavily redeeming fixed income mutual funds, especially exchange traded funds. Interest rates rose sharply, and most spread products, such as high yield, exhibited wider spreads. Calm returned in the third quarter when the Fed retreated and promised to continue buying bonds, due to modest economic growth and the market’s reaction to the suggestion of tapering. Investors grew more confident about fixed income securities, and money resumed flowing into high yield mutual funds after record redemptions in the second quarter when investors enjoyed higher levels of interest rates overall.

As measured by the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index, the high yield market produced a modestly positive return of 0.87% for the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, despite a 76 basis point increase in U.S. Treasury yields. The second quarter correction was localized to fixed income markets and did not spread to equity markets. Consequently, in the high yield market, the more interest rate-sensitive BB-rated bonds were basically flat for the period, while more equity-sensitive CCC-rated bonds returned 2.8%, during the period. The high yield spread absorbed a portion of the higher treasury rates and narrowed 20 basis points, ending the period at 478 basis points.

Investors placed money into high yield mutual funds in the third quarter to the tune of $6.6 billion,1 recovering about half of the $15.9 billion redeemed in the second quarter. Reflecting the general pace of renewed confidence, mutual fund flows were back-end loaded, with September representing $5.2 billion of the overall flow. The high yield market significantly outperformed investment-grade corporates, Treasury bonds, and emerging market bonds, which were all down year-to-date.2

Credit conditions remain positive, with the trailing twelve-month default rate at 1.1%.3 Defaults have been modest since 2010, and we believe defaults will remain low for the foreseeable future. Investors saw improvement in the upgrade-to-downgrade ratio as measured by the bond rating agencies. We remain positively disposed toward credit as we see continued positive trends in the new issue market.

Most of the parameters we monitor remain positive, but indicate the market is in the early stages of re-risking. Lower-rated new issue volume, as a percentage of total issuance year-to-date, which was 16.7%4 in June grew to 18.8%.5 Refinancing, as a percentage of new issuance remains high, but is decreasing. Overall, refinancing represented 58%6 of all new issuance so far this year, a decline from 63% in June, but up from a post-recession low of 55% seen in 20114. We believe that a greater degree of re-risking is occurring in the leveraged loan market, repeating the pattern seen in the last credit cycle. In contrast to the low and declining trend in defaults for bonds, loan default rates are increasing and are now at the highest level since November 2010.3

OUTLOOK

While we continue to see generally responsible behavior on the part of high yield borrowers, we are beginning to see some signs of re-risking. However, we believe we remain at the early stage of the re-risking phase of the credit cycle. The leveraged buyout of Dell computer in September 2013 may represent a bellwether for future leveraged buyouts, and an increasing percentage of new issues will pay dividends to equity sponsors or are coming from lower rated companies.

As in past quarters, we remain primarily concerned about global political and economic risks more than high yield specific risks. While we saw a relief from these concerns in the third quarter, the risks remain potent. At the end of the period, the U.S. Congress was gridlocked over a shutdown of the federal government and faced a serious debt

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            13


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

limit increase in mid-October. The three primary macroeconomic risks remain the same: the pace of economic expansion (China and Europe being most concerning), the risk of a fiscal policy error as governments seek to rein in ballooning budget deficits and manage out of control retirement and healthcare costs (the U.S. and Europe are most concerning here), and the ever present question of tightening monetary policy by either the Federal Reserve or another central bank. Many economists are seeing the beginnings of a possible synchronized global expansion which may relieve concerns about growth, but political risks remain very high across the world.

We have noted in the past that the high yield market is trading at a premium to par, which limits upside price potential. The market remains lower than its first quarter peak, thereby regaining some upside potential. Spreads have widened in the correction and yields have come off all-time lows. This has restored some value to the market. However, spreads remain tighter than they were at the end of last year. Consequently, we remain positively disposed toward high yield investments, but continue to caution that – like all risk assets – they remain vulnerable to investor sentiment and that investors would be prudent to keep future expected returns roughly in line with current yields.

 

 

1 

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013, page 17.

2 

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013, page 2.

3 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 2.

4 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, July 1, 2013, p. 11.

5 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 12.

6 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 13.

Forward-Looking Information

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

Disclosure

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

The Fund may utilize leverage to seek to enhance the yield and net asset value of its common stock, through bank borrowings, issuance of short-term debt securities or shares of preferred stock, or a combination thereof. However, these objectives cannot be achieved in all interest rate environments. While leverage may result in a higher yield for the Fund, the use of leverage involves risk, including the potential for higher volatility of the NAV, fluctuations of dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund and the market price of the Fund’s common stock, among others. Certain funds may invest assets in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, including issuers from emerging markets. Foreign investing involves special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments.

This may contain information obtained from third parties, including ratings from credit ratings agencies such as Standard & Poor’s. Reproduction and distribution of third party content in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the related third party. Third party content providers do not guarantee the accuracy,

 

14            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

completeness, timeliness or availability of any information, including ratings, and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the case, of the results obtained from the use of such content. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS GIVE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, COMPENSATORY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, LEGAL FEES, OR LOSSES (INCLUDING LOST INCOME OR PROFITS AND OPPORTUNITY COSTS OR LOSSES CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE) IN CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THEIR CONTENT, INCLUDING RATINGS. Credit ratings are statements of opinions and are not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, hold or sell securities. They do not address the suitability of securities or the suitability of securities for investment purposes, and should not be relied on as investment advice.

Performance data quoted represents past performance results and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

These views represent the opinions of Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and are not intended to predict or depict the performance of any investment. These views are as of the close of business on September 30, 2013 and subject to change based on subsequent developments.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            15


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Portfolio Characteristics (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

  

Annualized dividend yield1

     8.67

Weighted average coupon

     8.16

Weighted average life

     4.86 years   

Percentage of leveraged assets

     28.45

Total number of holdings

     130   
  

 

 

 

CREDIT QUALITY

  

A

     2

BBB

     2

BB

     12

B

     56

CCC

     23

Unrated

     4

Cash

     1
  

 

 

 

Total

     100
  

 

 

 

ASSET ALLOCATION2

  

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

     4

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     92

Term Loans, Common Stocks and Warrants

     4
  

 

 

 

Total

     100
  

 

 

 

 

 

1

Dividends may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The dividend yield referenced above is calculated as the annualized amount of the most recent monthly dividend declared divided by September 30, 2013 stock price.

2 

Includes only invested assets; excludes cash.

 

 

16             Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS – 5.0%

          

Automotive – 1.3%

          

Ford Motor Co. 1

     6.50     08/01/18       $ 475       $ 547,342   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 1.3%

          

Georgia-Pacific LLC

     7.25        06/01/28         220         268,471   

Georgia-Pacific LLC

     7.38        12/01/25         255         320,403   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             588,874   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 0.9%

          

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     6.65        03/15/17         350         403,489   
          

 

 

 

Services – 1.5%

          

Legrand France SA 1,2

     8.50        02/15/25         500         635,391   
          

 

 

 

Total INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $1,862,644)

             2,175,096   
          

 

 

 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS – 125.0%

          

Automotive – 6.3%

          

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

     6.25        03/15/21         465         478,950   

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

     8.25        06/15/21         600         672,000   

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC 2,3,4

     8.13        05/15/21         400         445,000   

Motors Liquidation Co. 5,6

     8.38        07/15/33         1,250         125   

Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC 1,3,4

     8.50        04/15/16         575         590,812   

Servus Luxembourg Holding SCA 2,3,4

     7.75        06/15/18         425         583,701   
          

 

 

 

Total Automotive

             2,770,588   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 21.9%

          

AK Steel Corp.

     7.63        05/15/20         455         382,200   

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. 1

     6.25        06/01/21         700         574,000   

Arch Coal, Inc. 1

     7.25        06/15/21         1,000         755,000   

Associated Materials LLC/AMH New Finance, Inc. 1

     9.13        11/01/17         550         584,375   

Building Materials Corporation of America 3,4

     6.75        05/01/21         275         295,625   

Cascades, Inc. 1,2

     7.75        12/15/17         550         574,750   

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

     6.88        04/01/22         375         375,000   

Hexion US Finance Corp.

     9.00        11/15/20         600         586,500   

Huntsman International LLC 1

     8.63        03/15/21         500         555,000   

INEOS Group Holdings SA 1,2,3,4

     6.13        08/15/18         625         610,938   

Masonite International Corp. 1,2,3,4

     8.25        04/15/21         575         631,062   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc.

     8.25        02/15/18         492         526,440   

Steel Dynamics, Inc. 1

     7.63        03/15/20         300         324,375   

Tembec Industries, Inc. 1,2

     11.25        12/15/18         550         598,125   

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

     8.75        02/01/19         450         446,625   

USG Corp. 1

     9.75        01/15/18         600         694,500   

Verso Paper Holdings LLC/Verso Paper, Inc.

     11.75        01/15/19         550         567,875   

Xerium Technologies, Inc.

     8.88        06/15/18         460         471,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             9,553,890   
          

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 10.7%

          

AAR Corp.

     7.25        01/15/22         200         208,500   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            17


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

AAR Corp. 1,3,4

     7.25     01/15/22       $ 100       $ 104,250   

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC 2,3,4

     7.00        11/15/20         600         576,000   

Berry Plastics Corp. 1

     9.50        05/15/18         550         595,375   

Coleman Cable, Inc.

     9.00        02/15/18         300         318,750   

Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. 1

     7.38        12/15/26         700         770,000   

Mueller Water Products, Inc. 1

     7.38        06/01/17         625         640,625   

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

     9.00        04/15/19         550         577,500   

Tekni-Plex, Inc. 3,4

     9.75        06/01/19         217         244,125   

Terex Corp.

     6.00        05/15/21         400         404,500   

Terex Corp.

     6.50        04/01/20         200         210,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Capital Goods

             4,649,625   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical – 7.3%

          

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

     7.75        11/15/19         200         223,000   

DineEquity, Inc. 1

     9.50        10/30/18         525         584,062   

Levi Strauss & Co. 1

     7.63        05/15/20         500         538,750   

Limited Brands, Inc.

     7.60        07/15/37         300         301,125   

Limited Brands, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         250         298,125   

Michaels Stores, Inc.

     7.75        11/01/18         450         483,750   

New Albertsons, Inc.

     7.75        06/15/26         550         448,250   

YCC Holdings LLC/Yankee Finance, Inc. 7

     10.25        02/15/16         300         307,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Cyclical

             3,184,562   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 2.3%

          

C&S Group Enterprises LLC 3,4

     8.38        05/01/17         476         508,130   

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. 1

     9.75        12/01/16         475         503,505   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Non-Cyclical

             1,011,635   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 18.1%

          

AmeriGas Partners LP

     7.00        05/20/22         300         312,000   

Atlas Pipeline Partners, LP 3,4

     5.88        08/01/23         650         611,000   

BreitBurn Energy Partners LP/BreitBurn Finance Corp. 1

     8.63        10/15/20         550         580,250   

Calfrac Holdings LP 1,3,4

     7.50        12/01/20         600         604,500   

Crosstex Energy LP/Crosstex Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.88        02/15/18         500         531,250   

EV Energy Partners LP/EV Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.00        04/15/19         550         550,000   

FTS International Services LLC/FTS International Bonds, Inc. 3,4

     8.13        11/15/18         218         236,530   

GMX Resources, Inc. 1,6

     11.00        12/01/17         206         180,896   

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co. 1,3,4

     8.00        02/15/20         500         540,000   

Key Energy Services, Inc.

     6.75        03/01/21         400         396,000   

Linn Energy LLC/Linn Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.63        04/15/20         600         620,250   

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

     8.88        03/15/18         525         543,375   

Precision Drilling Corp. 2

     6.63        11/15/20         450         475,875   

RKI Exploration & Production LLC 3,4

     8.50        08/01/21         400         402,000   

Trinidad Drilling Ltd. 1,2,3,4

     7.88        01/15/19         550         580,250   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Venoco, Inc. 1

     8.88     02/15/19       $ 525       $ 528,938   

W&T Offshore, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         190         201,400   
          

 

 

 

Total Energy

             7,894,514   
          

 

 

 

Finance & Investment – 1.4%

          

Numericable Finance & Company SCA 2

     12.38        02/15/19         375         603,710   
          

 

 

 

Healthcare – 9.3%

          

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.

     7.13        07/15/20         300         303,000   

DJO Finance LLC/DJO Finance Corp.

     9.88        04/15/18         400         424,000   

HCA, Inc. 1

     8.00        10/01/18         550         632,500   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 3,4

     11.00        08/15/18         215         172,537   

Jaguar Holding Company II/Jaguar Merger Sub, Inc. 1,3,4

     9.50        12/01/19         500         561,875   

Kindred Healthcare, Inc. 1

     8.25        06/01/19         575         612,375   

Polymer Group, Inc. 1

     7.75        02/01/19         525         561,094   

Service Corporation International 1

     6.75        04/01/16         750         812,813   
          

 

 

 

Total Healthcare

             4,080,194   
          

 

 

 

Media – 10.9%

          

ARC Document Solutions, Inc. 1

     10.50        12/15/16         525         548,625   

Cablevision Systems Corp. 1

     8.63        09/15/17         750         860,625   

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 1

     8.13        04/30/20         750         815,625   

Cenveo Corp.

     8.88        02/01/18         575         572,125   

Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 1

     9.00        03/01/21         600         580,500   

Cumulus Media Holdings, Inc. 1

     7.75        05/01/19         575         596,562   

Mediacom LLC/Mediacom Capital Corp. 1

     9.13        08/15/19         550         600,875   

National CineMedia LLC

     6.00        04/15/22         200         204,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Media

             4,778,937   
          

 

 

 

Real Estate – 1.4%

          

Realogy Corp. 1,3,4

     7.88        02/15/19         550         600,875   
          

 

 

 

Services – 17.1%

          

AMC Entertainment, Inc. 1

     8.75        06/01/19         800         860,000   

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

     5.50        04/01/23         300         277,500   

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

     8.25        01/15/19         550         596,750   

Boyd Gaming Corp. 1

     9.00        07/01/20         600         651,000   

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. 1

     7.75        02/15/19         775         771,125   

Chester Downs & Marina LLC 3,4

     9.25        02/01/20         600         604,500   

CityCenter Holdings LLC/CityCenter Finance Corp.

     7.63        01/15/16         100         104,750   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     5.75        08/15/24         350         315,000   

Iron Mountain, Inc. 1

     8.38        08/15/21         250         268,750   

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

     5.88        03/15/21         350         328,125   

MGM Resorts International 1

     7.63        01/15/17         550         614,625   

MTR Gaming Group, Inc.

     11.50        08/01/19         553         606,867   

Palace Entertainment Holdings LLC/Palace Entertainment
Holdings Corp.
1,3,4

     8.88        04/15/17         550         559,625   

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     7.63        04/15/22         275         299,063   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            19


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     8.25     02/01/21       $ 300       $ 333,000   

United Rentals North America, Inc. 1

     10.25        11/15/19         250         282,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Services

             7,473,180   
          

 

 

 

Technology & Electronics – 3.7%

          

First Data Corp. 1,3,4

     11.25        01/15/21         700         731,500   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 1

     8.05        02/01/20         550         578,875   

ION Geophysical Corp. 3,4

     8.13        05/15/18         325         302,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Technology & Electronics

             1,612,625   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 12.3%

          

CenturyLink, Inc. 1

     7.65        03/15/42         600         534,000   

Cincinnati Bell, Inc. 1

     8.75        03/15/18         600         633,750   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 3,4

     8.75        08/15/19         175         178,063   

Frontier Communications Corp. 1

     7.13        03/15/19         950         1,008,187   

Intelsat Luxembourg SA 2,3,4

     7.75        06/01/21         600         621,000   

Level 3 Communications, Inc. 1

     8.88        06/01/19         600         642,000   

MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. 1,3,4

     6.63        04/01/23         575         576,437   

PAETEC Holding Corp.

     9.88        12/01/18         300         333,750   

Windstream Corp.

     7.50        06/01/22         575         573,563   

Zayo Group LLC

     10.13        07/01/20         250         286,875   
          

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

             5,387,625   
          

 

 

 

Utility – 2.3%

          

Calpine Corp. 1,3,4

     7.25        10/15/17         450         466,875   

NRG Energy, Inc. 1

     8.50        06/15/19         500         536,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Utility

             1,003,125   
          

 

 

 

Total HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $52,655,963)

             54,605,085   
          

 

 

 

TERM LOANS – 3.2%

          

Albertson, Inc. 4,8

     4.75        03/21/19         199         198,379   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 4,8

     7.50        02/14/19         323         325,441   

Four Seasons Holdings, Inc. 4,8

     6.25        12/13/20         300         306,000   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 4,8

     7.50        08/04/16         425         409,062   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.68        10/10/17         174         116,680   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.68        10/10/17         3         1,779   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.77        10/10/17         86         57,934   
          

 

 

 

Total TERM LOANS
(Cost $1,457,458)

             1,415,275   
          

 

 

 
                  Shares      Value
(Note 2)
 

COMMON STOCKS – 1.8%

          

Services – 0.2%

          

Iron Mountain, Inc.

          4,000         108,080   
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Shares      Value
(Note 2)
 

COMMON STOCKS (continued)

     

Telecommunications – 1.6%

     

AT&T, Inc.

     4,590       $ 155,234   

CenturyLink, Inc.

     4,530         142,151   

Frontier Communications Corp.

     77,300         322,341   

Windstream Holdings, Inc.

     8,300         66,400   
     

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

        686,126   
     

 

 

 

Total COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $989,031)

        794,206   
     

 

 

 

WARRANTS – 0.6%

     

Automotive – 0.6%

     

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

     

Expiration: July 2016

     

Exercise Price: $10.00

     5,546         146,525   

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

     

Expiration: July 2019

     

Exercise Price: $18.33

     5,546         103,156   
     

 

 

 

Total Automotive

        249,681   
     

 

 

 

Total WARRANTS
(Cost $336,207)

        249,681   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments – 135.6%
(Cost $57,301,303)

        59,239,343   

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (35.6)%

        (15,559,785 ) 
     

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%

      $ 43,679,558   
     

 

 

 

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

 

1

  

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

2

  

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

3

  

   Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2013, the total value of all such investments was $13,761,085 or 31.5% of net assets.

4

  

   Private Placement.

5

  

   Security fair valued in good faith pursuant to the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2013, the total value of all such securities was $125 or 0.0% of net assets. The Adviser has deemed these securities illiquid pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Directors. The security was acquired on April 21, 2011 with a cost of $0.01.

6

  

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

7

  

   Payment in kind security.

8

  

   Variable rate security – Interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of September 30, 2013.

9

  

   Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            21


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc. seeks a high level of current income. The Fund seeks capital growth as a secondary investment objective when consistent with its primary investment objective. The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio consisting primarily of debt securities that offer attractive yield and capital appreciation potential. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests a majority of its total assets in below-investment grade debt securities, including up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets in distressed securities. The Fund maintains the flexibility to invest up to 50% of its total assets in investment grade debt securities. The Fund invests up to 30% of its total assets in equity securities of both domestic and foreign issuers and up to 15% of its total assets in a combination of foreign debt and foreign equity securities. The Fund invests in a wide range of debt securities including, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, convertible debt securities, distressed securities, including securities of companies in bankruptcy reorganization proceedings or otherwise in the process of debt restructuring, U.S. government and municipal obligations and foreign government obligations. (Below-investment grade debt securities are rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, comparably rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined by the Fund’s investment advisor to be of comparable quality.) The Fund may use leverage through bank borrowings, reverse repurchase agreements or other transactions involving indebtedness or through the issuance of preferred shares. The Fund may leverage one third of its total assets (in each case including the amount borrowed.) The Fund may vary its use of leverage in response to changing market conditions.

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

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: HMH) had a total return based on net asset value of 5.10% and a total return based on market price of -1.77%, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and is exclusive of brokerage commissions. Based on the NYSE closing price of $5.81 on September 30, 2013, the Fund’s shares had a dividend yield of 8.78%. The dividend yield is calculated as the annualized amount of the reporting period’s most recent monthly dividend declared divided by the stated stock price.

The Fund was overweight in the Basic Industry, Automotive and Capital Goods sectors. The Basic Industry sector benefited from improving economic growth, but performance was offset by weak security selection. Specifically, coal company bonds moved lower during the period due to price competition from cheap natural gas, which is pressuring coal prices. The Automotive overweight added to performance, especially due to strong security selection in Auto Parts bonds, which benefited from stronger production in North America and Europe.

 

22            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

The Fund was underweight in the Financial Services, Banking and Technology Sectors. Since Financial Services underperformed the market, our lack of exposure added to performance. By contrast, the Banking sector outperformed the market, causing our underweight to serve as a drag on performance. The Technology sector also outperformed, causing our underweight to negatively impact performance, although positive security selection offset some of the drag on performance.

HIGH YIELD MARKET COMMENTARY

Global macroeconomic concerns moved to center stage for high yield investors in the second quarter when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested that the Fed’s stimulative bond buying program may begin tapering in the near future. Investors panicked at the prospect of losing a large fixed income buyer and reacted by heavily redeeming fixed income mutual funds, especially exchange traded funds. Interest rates rose sharply, and most spread products, such as high yield, exhibited wider spreads. Calm returned in the third quarter when the Fed retreated and promised to continue buying bonds, due to modest economic growth and the market’s reaction to the suggestion of tapering. Investors grew more confident about fixed income securities, and money resumed flowing into high yield mutual funds after record redemptions in the second quarter when investors enjoyed higher levels of interest rates overall.

As measured by the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index, the high yield market produced a modestly positive return of 0.87% for the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, despite a 76 basis point increase in U.S. Treasury yields. The second quarter correction was localized to fixed income markets and did not spread to equity markets. Consequently, in the high yield market, the more interest rate-sensitive BB-rated bonds were basically flat for the period, while more equity-sensitive CCC-rated bonds returned 2.8%, during the period. The high yield spread absorbed a portion of the higher treasury rates and narrowed 20 basis points, ending the period at 478 basis points.

Investors placed money into high yield mutual funds in the third quarter to the tune of $6.6 billion,1 recovering about half of the $15.9 billion redeemed in the second quarter. Reflecting the general pace of renewed confidence, mutual fund flows were back-end loaded, with September representing $5.2 billion of the overall flow. The high yield market significantly outperformed investment-grade corporates, Treasury bonds, and emerging market bonds, which were all down year-to-date.2

Credit conditions remain positive, with the trailing twelve-month default rate at 1.1%.3 Defaults have been modest since 2010, and we believe defaults will remain low for the foreseeable future. Investors saw improvement in the upgrade-to-downgrade ratio as measured by the bond rating agencies. We remain positively disposed toward credit as we see continued positive trends in the new issue market.

Most of the parameters we monitor remain positive, but indicate the market is in the early stages of re-risking. Lower-rated new issue volume, as a percentage of total issuance year-to-date, which was 16.7%4 in June grew to 18.8%.5 Refinancing, as a percentage of new issuance remains high, but is decreasing. Overall, refinancing represented 58%6 of all new issuance so far this year, a decline from 63% in June, but up from a post-recession low of 55% seen in 20114. We believe that a greater degree of re-risking is occurring in the leveraged loan market, repeating the pattern seen in the last credit cycle. In contrast to the low and declining trend in defaults for bonds, loan default rates are increasing and are now at the highest level since November 2010.3

OUTLOOK

While we continue to see generally responsible behavior on the part of high yield borrowers, we are beginning to see some signs of re-risking. However, we believe we remain at the early stage of the re-risking phase of the credit cycle. The leveraged buyout of Dell computer in September 2013 may represent a bellwether for future leveraged buyouts, and an increasing percentage of new issues will pay dividends to equity sponsors or are coming from lower rated companies.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            23


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

As in past quarters, we remain primarily concerned about global political and economic risks more than high yield specific risks. While we saw a relief from these concerns in the third quarter, the risks remain potent. At the end of the period, the U.S. Congress was gridlocked over a shutdown of the federal government and faced a serious debt limit increase in mid-October. The three primary macroeconomic risks remain the same: the pace of economic expansion (China and Europe being most concerning), the risk of a fiscal policy error as governments seek to rein in ballooning budget deficits and manage out of control retirement and healthcare costs (the U.S. and Europe are most concerning here), and the ever present question of tightening monetary policy by either the Federal Reserve or another central bank. Many economists are seeing the beginnings of a possible synchronized global expansion which may relieve concerns about growth, but political risks remain very high across the world.

We have noted in the past that the high yield market is trading at a premium to par, which limits upside price potential. The market remains lower than its first quarter peak, thereby regaining some upside potential. Spreads have widened in the correction and yields have come off all-time lows. This has restored some value to the market. However, spreads remain tighter than they were at the end of last year. Consequently, we remain positively disposed toward high yield investments, but continue to caution that – like all risk assets – they remain vulnerable to investor sentiment and that investors would be prudent to keep future expected returns roughly in line with current yields.

 

 

1 

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013, page 17.

2 

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013, page 2.

3 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 2.

4 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, July 1, 2013, p. 11.

5 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 12.

6 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 13.

Forward-Looking Information

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

Disclosure

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

The Fund may utilize leverage to seek to enhance the yield and net asset value of its common stock, through bank borrowings, issuance of short-term debt securities or shares of preferred stock, or a combination thereof. However, these objectives cannot be achieved in all interest rate environments. While leverage may result in a higher yield for the Fund, the use of leverage involves risk, including the potential for higher volatility of the NAV, fluctuations of dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund and the market price of the Fund’s common stock, among others. Certain funds may invest assets in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, including issuers from emerging markets. Foreign investing involves special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments.

 

24            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

This may contain information obtained from third parties, including ratings from credit ratings agencies such as Standard & Poor’s. Reproduction and distribution of third party content in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the related third party. Third party content providers do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or availability of any information, including ratings, and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the case, of the results obtained from the use of such content. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS GIVE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, COMPENSATORY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, LEGAL FEES, OR LOSSES (INCLUDING LOST INCOME OR PROFITS AND OPPORTUNITY COSTS OR LOSSES CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE) IN CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THEIR CONTENT, INCLUDING RATINGS. Credit ratings are statements of opinions and are not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, hold or sell securities. They do not address the suitability of securities or the suitability of securities for investment purposes, and should not be relied on as investment advice.

Performance data quoted represents past performance results and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

These views represent the opinions of Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and are not intended to predict or depict the performance of any investment. These views are as of the close of business on September 30, 2013 and subject to change based on subsequent developments.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            25


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Portfolio Characteristics (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

  

Annualized dividend yield1

     8.78

Weighted average coupon

     8.15

Weighted average life

     5.02 years   

Percentage of leveraged assets

     28.39

Total number of holdings

     134   
  

 

 

 

CREDIT QUALITY

  

A

     1

BBB

     2

BB

     12

B

     56

CCC

     23

Unrated

     4

Cash

     2
  

 

 

 

Total

     100
  

 

 

 

ASSET ALLOCATION2

  

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

     4

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     92

Term Loans, Common Stocks and Warrants

     4
  

 

 

 

Total

     100
  

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Dividends may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The dividend yield referenced above is calculated as the annualized amount of the most recent monthly dividend declared divided by September 30, 2013 stock price.

2 

Includes only invested assets; excludes cash.

 

26            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS – 4.7%

          

Automotive – 1.2%

          

Ford Motor Co. 1

     6.50     08/01/18       $ 525       $ 604,957   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 1.3%

          

Georgia-Pacific LLC

     7.25        06/01/28         240         292,877   

Georgia-Pacific LLC

     7.38        12/01/25         285         358,098   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             650,975   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 0.9%

          

Pioneer Natural Resources Co.

     6.65        03/15/17         400         461,130   
          

 

 

 

Services – 1.3%

          

Legrand France SA 1,2

     8.50        02/15/25         500         635,391   
          

 

 

 

Total INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $2,002,963)

             2,352,453   
          

 

 

 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS – 124.8%

          

Automotive – 6.1%

          

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

     6.25        03/15/21         475         489,250   

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

     8.25        06/15/21         625         700,000   

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC 2,3,4

     8.13        05/15/21         475         528,437   

Motors Liquidation Co. 5,6

     8.38        07/15/33         1,500         150   

Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC 1,3,4

     8.50        04/15/16         675         693,563   

Servus Luxembourg Holding SCA 2,3,4

     7.75        06/15/18         475         652,372   
          

 

 

 

Total Automotive

             3,063,772   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 22.4%

          

AK Steel Corp. 1

     7.63        05/15/20         500         420,000   

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. 1

     6.25        06/01/21         750         615,000   

Arch Coal, Inc. 1

     7.25        06/15/21         1,100         830,500   

Associated Materials LLC/AMH New Finance, Inc. 1

     9.13        11/01/17         625         664,062   

Building Materials Corporation of America 3,4

     6.75        05/01/21         300         322,500   

Cascades, Inc. 1,2

     7.75        12/15/17         625         653,125   

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

     6.88        04/01/22         400         400,000   

Hexion US Finance Corp. 1

     9.00        11/15/20         850         830,875   

Huntsman International LLC 1

     8.63        03/15/21         550         610,500   

INEOS Group Holdings SA 1,2,3,4

     6.13        08/15/18         700         684,250   

Masonite International Corp. 1,2,3,4

     8.25        04/15/21         625         685,937   

Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. 2

     8.50        04/01/21         325         328,250   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc.

     8.25        02/15/18         559         598,130   

Steel Dynamics, Inc. 1

     7.63        03/15/20         325         351,406   

Tembec Industries, Inc. 1,2

     11.25        12/15/18         625         679,687   

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

     8.75        02/01/19         525         521,063   

USG Corp. 1

     9.75        01/15/18         675         781,313   

Verso Paper Holdings LLC/Verso Paper, Inc. 1

     11.75        01/15/19         625         645,313   

Xerium Technologies, Inc.

     8.88        06/15/18         525         538,125   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             11,160,036   
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            27


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Capital Goods – 10.2%

          

AAR Corp.

     7.25     01/15/22       $ 225       $ 234,563   

AAR Corp. 3,4

     7.25        01/15/22         125         130,313   

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC 2,3,4

     7.00        11/15/20         675         648,000   

Berry Plastics Corp. 1

     9.50        05/15/18         625         676,562   

Coleman Cable, Inc.

     9.00        02/15/18         300         318,750   

Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. 1

     7.38        12/15/26         775         852,500   

Mueller Water Products, Inc. 1

     7.38        06/01/17         625         640,625   

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

     9.00        04/15/19         625         656,250   

Tekni-Plex, Inc. 3,4

     9.75        06/01/19         253         284,625   

Terex Corp.

     6.00        05/15/21         425         429,781   

Terex Corp.

     6.50        04/01/20         225         236,250   
          

 

 

 

Total Capital Goods

             5,108,219   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical – 9.0%

          

ACCO Brands Corp.

     6.75        04/30/20         500         500,625   

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

     7.75        11/15/19         275         306,625   

DineEquity, Inc. 1

     9.50        10/30/18         600         667,500   

Levi Strauss & Co. 1

     7.63        05/15/20         675         727,313   

Limited Brands, Inc.

     7.60        07/15/37         375         376,406   

Limited Brands, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         250         298,125   

Michaels Stores, Inc.

     7.75        11/01/18         475         510,625   

New Albertsons, Inc.

     7.75        06/15/26         600         489,000   

Sally Holdings LLC/Sally Capital, Inc.

     6.88        11/15/19         250         273,750   

YCC Holdings LLC/Yankee Finance, Inc. 7

     10.25        02/15/16         325         333,125   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Cyclical

             4,483,094   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 2.3%

          

C&S Group Enterprises LLC 3,4

     8.38        05/01/17         534         570,045   

Easton-Bell Sports, Inc. 1

     9.75        12/01/16         525         556,505   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Non-Cyclical

             1,126,550   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 17.3%

          

AmeriGas Partners LP

     7.00        05/20/22         325         338,000   

Atlas Pipeline Partners, LP 3,4

     5.88        08/01/23         725         681,500   

BreitBurn Energy Partners LP/BreitBurn Finance Corp. 1

     8.63        10/15/20         625         659,375   

Calfrac Holdings LP 1,3,4

     7.50        12/01/20         650         654,875   

Crosstex Energy LP/Crosstex Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.88        02/15/18         550         584,375   

EV Energy Partners LP/EV Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.00        04/15/19         625         625,000   

FTS International Services LLC/FTS International Bonds, Inc. 3,4

     8.13        11/15/18         250         271,250   

GMX Resources, Inc. 1,6

     11.00        12/01/17         233         205,084   

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co. 1,3,4

     8.00        02/15/20         675         729,000   

Key Energy Services, Inc.

     6.75        03/01/21         375         371,250   

Linn Energy LLC/Linn Energy Finance Corp. 1

     8.63        04/15/20         660         682,275   

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

     8.88        03/15/18         600         621,000   

Precision Drilling Corp. 2

     6.63        11/15/20         225         237,937   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

RKI Exploration & Production LLC 3,4

     8.50     08/01/21       $ 450       $ 452,250   

Trinidad Drilling Ltd. 1,2,3,4

     7.88        01/15/19         625         659,375   

Venoco, Inc.

     8.88        02/15/19         600         604,500   

W&T Offshore, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         220         233,200   
          

 

 

 

Total Energy

             8,610,246   
          

 

 

 

Finance & Investment – 1.4%

          

Numericable Finance & Company SCA 2

     12.38        02/15/19         425         684,204   
          

 

 

 

Healthcare – 8.4%

          

CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.

     7.13        07/15/20         350         353,500   

DJO Finance LLC/DJO Finance Corp.

     9.88        04/15/18         475         503,500   

HCA, Inc. 1

     8.00        10/01/18         625         718,750   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 3,4

     11.00        08/15/18         245         196,612   

Jaguar Holding Company II/Jaguar Merger Sub, Inc. 1,3,4

     9.50        12/01/19         625         702,344   

Kindred Healthcare, Inc. 1

     8.25        06/01/19         650         692,250   

Polymer Group, Inc. 1

     7.75        02/01/19         600         641,250   

Service Corporation International 1

     6.75        04/01/16         325         352,219   
          

 

 

 

Total Healthcare

             4,160,425   
          

 

 

 

Media – 10.3%

          

ARC Document Solutions, Inc. 1

     10.50        12/15/16         600         627,000   

Cablevision Systems Corp. 1

     8.63        09/15/17         750         860,625   

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 1

     8.13        04/30/20         675         734,062   

Cenveo Corp. 1

     8.88        02/01/18         675         671,625   

Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 1

     9.00        03/01/21         650         628,875   

Cumulus Media Holdings, Inc. 1

     7.75        05/01/19         650         674,375   

Mediacom LLC/Mediacom Capital Corp. 1

     9.13        08/15/19         625         682,813   

National CineMedia LLC

     6.00        04/15/22         225         229,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Media

             5,108,875   
          

 

 

 

Real Estate – 1.4%

          

Realogy Corp. 1,3,4

     7.88        02/15/19         625         682,812   
          

 

 

 

Services – 17.9%

          

AMC Entertainment, Inc. 1

     8.75        06/01/19         600         645,000   

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

     5.50        04/01/23         350         323,750   

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

     8.25        01/15/19         625         678,125   

Boyd Gaming Corp. 1

     9.00        07/01/20         650         705,250   

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. 1

     7.75        02/15/19         825         820,875   

Chester Downs & Marina LLC 1,3,4

     9.25        02/01/20         700         705,250   

CityCenter Holdings LLC/CityCenter Finance Corp. 1

     7.63        01/15/16         600         628,500   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     5.75        08/15/24         375         337,500   

Iron Mountain, Inc. 1

     8.38        08/15/21         275         295,625   

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

     5.88        03/15/21         350         328,125   

MGM Resorts International 1

     7.63        01/15/17         475         530,812   

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 1

     11.50        08/01/19         628         689,592   

Palace Entertainment Holdings LLC/Palace Entertainment
Holdings Corp.
1,3,4

     8.88        04/15/17         625         635,938   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            29


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

PulteGroup, Inc. 1

     6.38     05/15/33       $ 600       $ 535,500   

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     7.63        04/15/22         325         353,438   

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     8.25        02/01/21         350         388,500   

United Rentals North America, Inc. 1

     10.25        11/15/19         275         310,750   
          

 

 

 

Total Services

             8,912,530   
          

 

 

 

Technology & Electronics – 3.6%

          

First Data Corp. 1,3,4

     11.25        01/15/21         800         836,000   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 1

     8.05        02/01/20         625         657,813   

ION Geophysical Corp. 3,4

     8.13        05/15/18         350         325,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Technology & Electronics

             1,819,313   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 12.0%

          

CenturyLink, Inc. 1

     7.65        03/15/42         650         578,500   

Cincinnati Bell, Inc. 1

     8.75        03/15/18         650         686,563   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 3,4

     8.75        08/15/19         200         203,500   

Frontier Communications Corp. 1

     7.13        03/15/19         1,050         1,114,312   

Intelsat Luxembourg SA 2,3,4

     7.75        06/01/21         650         672,750   

Level 3 Communications, Inc. 1

     8.88        06/01/19         650         695,500   

MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. 1,3,4

     6.63        04/01/23         650         651,625   

PAETEC Holding Corp.

     9.88        12/01/18         375         417,187   

Windstream Corp.

     7.50        06/01/22         650         648,375   

Zayo Group LLC

     10.13        07/01/20         250         286,875   
          

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

             5,955,187   
          

 

 

 

Utility – 2.5%

          

Calpine Corp. 1,3,4

     7.25        10/15/17         495         513,562   

NRG Energy, Inc. 1

     8.50        06/15/19         675         723,938   
          

 

 

 

Total Utility

             1,237,500   
          

 

 

 

Total HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $59,944,034)

             62,112,763   
          

 

 

 

TERM LOANS – 3.2%

          

Albertson, Inc. 4,8

     4.75        03/21/19         224         223,177   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 4,8

     7.50        02/14/19         373         375,509   

Four Seasons Holdings, Inc. 4,8

     6.25        12/13/20         325         331,500   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 4,8

     7.50        08/04/16         475         457,188   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.68        10/10/17         189         127,287   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.68        10/10/17         3         1,941   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 4,8

     4.77        10/10/17         94         63,200   
          

 

 

 

Total TERM LOANS
(Cost $1,625,628)

             1,579,802   
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

30            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Shares      Value
(Note 2)
 

COMMON STOCKS – 1.8%

     

Services – 0.2%

     

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     4,500       $ 121,590   
     

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 1.6%

     

AT&T, Inc.

     5,200         175,864   

CenturyLink, Inc.

     5,140         161,293   

Frontier Communications Corp.

     87,786         366,068   

Windstream Holdings, Inc.

     9,200         73,600   
     

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

        776,825   
     

 

 

 

Total COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $1,093,665)

        898,415   
     

 

 

 

WARRANTS – 0.6%

     

Automotive – 0.6%

     

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

     

Expiration: July 2016

     

Exercise Price: $10.00

     6,469         170,911   

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

     

Expiration: July 2019

     

Exercise Price: $18.33

     6,469         120,323   
     

 

 

 

Total Automotive

        291,234   
     

 

 

 

Total WARRANTS
(Cost $384,116)

        291,234   
     

 

 

 

Total Investments – 135.1%
(Cost $65,050,406)

        67,234,667   

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (35.1)%

        (17,455,092
     

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%

      $ 49,779,575   
     

 

 

 

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

 

1

     

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

2

     

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

3

     

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2013, the total value of all such investments was $15,695,248 or 31.5% of net assets.

4

     

Private Placement.

5

     

Security fair valued in good faith pursuant to the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2013, the total value of all such securities was $150 or 0.0% of net assets. The Adviser has deemed these securities illiquid pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Directors. The security was acquired on April 21, 2011 with a cost of $0.01.

6

     

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

7

     

Payment in kind security.

8

     

Variable rate security – Interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of September 30, 2013.

9

     

Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            31


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

OBJECTIVE & STRATEGY

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc. seeks a high level of current income. The Fund seeks capital growth as a secondary investment objective when consistent with its primary investment objective. The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of securities that offers attractive yield and capital appreciation potential and consists primarily of debt securities and secondarily of equity securities. The Advisor will continually analyze the markets for income-producing securities and will periodically reallocate the Fund’s investments among various fixed-income and equity asset classes and between investment grade and below-investment grade debt securities to pursue its investment objectives. As a result, a majority of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in investment grade securities at some times and in below-investment grade debt securities at other times. The Fund invests in a wide range of debt securities, including corporate bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, and municipal and foreign government obligations, as well as securities of companies in bankruptcy reorganization proceedings or otherwise in the process of debt restructuring. The Fund also invests in other securities providing the potential for high income or a combination of high income and capital growth. (Below-investment grade debt securities are rated Ba1 or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., BB+ or lower by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, comparably rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated, determined by the Fund’s investment advisor to be of comparable quality.) The Fund may use leverage through bank borrowings, reverse repurchase agreements or other transactions involving indebtedness or through the issuance of preferred shares. The Fund may leverage up to one third of its total assets (in each case including the amount borrowed.) The Fund may vary its use of leverage in response to changing market conditions.

Investment Risks: Investors in any bond fund should anticipate fluctuations in price. Bond prices and the value of bond funds decline as interest rates rise. Bonds with longer-term maturities generally are more vulnerable to interest rate risk than bonds with shorter-term maturities. Below-investment grade bonds involve greater credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments when due. An economic downturn or period of rising interest rates could adversely affect the ability of issuers, especially issuers of below-investment grade debt, to service primary obligations and an unanticipated default could cause the Fund to experience a reduction in value of its shares. The Fund’s investments in mortgage-backed or asset-backed securities that are “subordinated” to other interests in the same pool may increase credit risk to the extent that the Fund, as a holder of those securities, may only receive payments after the pools’ obligations to other investors have been satisfied. Below-investment grade bonds are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher-rated debt securities. The value of U.S. and foreign equity securities in which the Fund invests will change based on changes in a company’s financial condition and in overall market and economic conditions. Leverage creates an opportunity for an increased return to common stockholders, but unless the income and capital appreciation, if any, on securities acquired with leverage proceeds exceed the costs of the leverage, the use of leverage will diminish the net investment performance of the Fund’s shares. Use of leverage also may increase the likelihood that the net asset value of the Fund and market value of its common shares will be more volatile, and the yield and total return to common stockholders will tend to fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates and creditworthiness.

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION OF FUND PERFORMANCE

For the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: HSA) had a total return based on net asset value of 3.48% and a total return based on market price of 2.34%, which assumes the reinvestment of dividends and is exclusive of brokerage commissions. Based on the NYSE closing price of $6.35 on September 30, 2013, the Fund’s shares had a dividend yield of 7.56%. The dividend yield is calculated as the annualized amount of the reporting period’s most recent monthly dividend declared divided by the stated stock price.

The Fund was overweight in the Basic Industry, Real Estate and Automotive sectors. The Basic Industry sector benefited from improving economic growth, but performance was offset by weak security selection. Specifically, coal company bonds moved lower during the period due to price competition from cheap natural gas, which is pressuring coal prices. The Real Estate overweight resulted in a drag on performance, as the bonds of several

 

32            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

REITS declined due to higher interest rates. The Automotive overweight added to performance, especially due to strong security selection in Auto Parts bonds, which benefited from stronger production in North America and Europe.

The Fund was underweight in the Energy, Financial Services and Healthcare sectors. Since the Energy sector underperformed the market, our lack of exposure added to performance. Additionally, very strong security selection boosted returns in the Energy sector. Similarly, since Financial Services underperformed the market, our lack of exposure contributed to positive performance. The underweight in Healthcare was a neutral contributor to performance; however, very strong security selection allowed the Fund to outperform in the sector.

HIGH YIELD MARKET COMMENTARY

Global macroeconomic concerns moved to center stage for high yield investors in the second quarter when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke suggested that the Fed’s stimulative bond buying program may begin tapering in the near future. Investors panicked at the prospect of losing a large fixed income buyer and reacted by heavily redeeming fixed income mutual funds, especially exchange traded funds. Interest rates rose sharply, and most spread products, such as high yield, exhibited wider spreads. Calm returned in the third quarter when the Fed retreated and promised to continue buying bonds, due to modest economic growth and the market’s reaction to the suggestion of tapering. Investors grew more confident about fixed income securities, and money resumed flowing into high yield mutual funds after record redemptions in the second quarter when investors enjoyed higher levels of interest rates overall.

As measured by the BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Master II Index, the high yield market produced a modestly positive return of 0.87% for the six-month period ended September 30, 2013, despite a 76 basis point increase in U.S. Treasury yields. The second quarter correction was localized to fixed income markets and did not spread to equity markets. Consequently, in the high yield market, the more interest rate-sensitive BB-rated bonds were basically flat for the period, while more equity-sensitive CCC-rated bonds returned 2.8%, during the period. The high yield spread absorbed a portion of the higher treasury rates and narrowed 20 basis points, ending the period at 478 basis points.

Investors placed money into high yield mutual funds in the third quarter to the tune of $6.6 billion,1 recovering about half of the $15.9 billion redeemed in the second quarter. Reflecting the general pace of renewed confidence, mutual fund flows were back-end loaded, with September representing $5.2 billion of the overall flow. The high yield market significantly outperformed investment-grade corporates, Treasury bonds, and emerging market bonds, which were all down year-to-date.2

Credit conditions remain positive, with the trailing twelve-month default rate at 1.1%.3 Defaults have been modest since 2010, and we believe defaults will remain low for the foreseeable future. Investors saw improvement in the upgrade-to-downgrade ratio as measured by the bond rating agencies. We remain positively disposed toward credit as we see continued positive trends in the new issue market.

Most of the parameters we monitor remain positive, but indicate the market is in the early stages of re-risking. Lower-rated new issue volume, as a percentage of total issuance year-to-date, which was 16.7%4 in June grew to 18.8%.5 Refinancing, as a percentage of new issuance remains high, but is decreasing. Overall, refinancing represented 58%6 of all new issuance so far this year, a decline from 63% in June, but up from a post-recession low of 55% seen in 20114. We believe that a greater degree of re-risking is occurring in the leveraged loan market, repeating the pattern seen in the last credit cycle. In contrast to the low and declining trend in defaults for bonds, loan default rates are increasing and are now at the highest level since November 2010.3

OUTLOOK

While we continue to see generally responsible behavior on the part of high yield borrowers, we are beginning to see some signs of re-risking. However, we believe we remain at the early stage of the re-risking phase of the credit cycle. The leveraged buyout of Dell computer in September 2013 may represent a bellwether for future leveraged buyouts, and an increasing percentage of new issues will pay dividends to equity sponsors or are coming from lower rated companies.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            33


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

As in past quarters, we remain primarily concerned about global political and economic risks more than high yield specific risks. While we saw a relief from these concerns in the third quarter, the risks remain potent. At the end of the period, the U.S. Congress was gridlocked over a shutdown of the federal government and faced a serious debt limit increase in mid-October. The three primary macroeconomic risks remain the same: the pace of economic expansion (China and Europe being most concerning), the risk of a fiscal policy error as governments seek to rein in ballooning budget deficits and manage out of control retirement and healthcare costs (the U.S. and Europe are most concerning here), and the ever present question of tightening monetary policy by either the Federal Reserve or another central bank. Many economists are seeing the beginnings of a possible synchronized global expansion which may relieve concerns about growth, but political risks remain very high across the world.

We have noted in the past that the high yield market is trading at a premium to par, which limits upside price potential. The market remains lower than its first quarter peak, thereby regaining some upside potential. Spreads have widened in the correction and yields have come off all-time lows. This has restored some value to the market. However, spreads remain tighter than they were at the end of last year. Consequently, we remain positively disposed toward high yield investments, but continue to caution that – like all risk assets – they remain vulnerable to investor sentiment and that investors would be prudent to keep future expected returns roughly in line with current yields.

 

 

1 

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013, page 17.

2 

J.P. Morgan, High Yield Market Monitor, October 1, 2013, page 2.

3 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 2.

4 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, July 1, 2013, p. 11.

5 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 12.

6 

J.P. Morgan, Default Monitor, October 1, 2013, p. 13.

Forward-Looking Information

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

Disclosure

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

The Fund may utilize leverage to seek to enhance the yield and net asset value of its common stock, through bank borrowings, issuance of short-term debt securities or shares of preferred stock, or a combination thereof. However, these objectives cannot be achieved in all interest rate environments. While leverage may result in a higher yield for the Fund, the use of leverage involves risk, including the potential for higher volatility of the NAV, fluctuations of dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund and the market price of the Fund’s common stock, among others. Certain funds may invest assets in securities of issuers domiciled outside the United States, including issuers from emerging markets. Foreign investing involves special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments.

 

34            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

 

 

This may contain information obtained from third parties, including ratings from credit ratings agencies such as Standard & Poor’s. Reproduction and distribution of third party content in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the related third party. Third party content providers do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or availability of any information, including ratings, and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the case, of the results obtained from the use of such content. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS GIVE NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. THIRD PARTY CONTENT PROVIDERS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, COMPENSATORY, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, LEGAL FEES, OR LOSSES (INCLUDING LOST INCOME OR PROFITS AND OPPORTUNITY COSTS OR LOSSES CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE) IN CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THEIR CONTENT, INCLUDING RATINGS. Credit ratings are statements of opinions and are not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, hold or sell securities. They do not address the suitability of securities or the suitability of securities for investment purposes, and should not be relied on as investment advice.

Performance data quoted represents past performance results and does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted.

These views represent the opinions of Brookfield Investment Management Inc. and are not intended to predict or depict the performance of any investment. These views are as of the close of business on September 30, 2013 and subject to change based on subsequent developments.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            35


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Portfolio Characteristics (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

PORTFOLIO STATISTICS

  

Annualized dividend yield1

     7.56

Weighted average coupon

     7.54

Weighted average life

     5.78 years   

Percentage of leveraged assets

     28.74

Total number of holdings

     126   
  

 

 

 

CREDIT QUALITY

  

A

     1

BBB

     24

BB

     10

B

     36

CCC

     20

Unrated

     8

Cash

     1
  

 

 

 

Total

     100
  

 

 

 

ASSET ALLOCATION2

  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     3

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

     28

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     62

Term Loans, Common Stocks and Warrants

     7
  

 

 

 

Total

     100
  

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Dividends may include net investment income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The dividend yield referenced above is calculated as the annualized amount of the most recent monthly dividend declared divided by September 30, 2013 stock price.

2 

Includes only invested assets; excludes cash.

 

36            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES – 3.7%

          

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates
Class A4, Series 2007-C9
1

     5.99     12/10/49       $ 500       $ 568,796   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust
Class A5, Series 2007-C30

     5.34        12/15/43         890         984,641   
          

 

 

 

Total COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
(Cost $1,460,615)

             1,553,437   
          

 

 

 

INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS – 37.9%

          

Automotive – 1.2%

          

Ford Motor Co. 2

     6.50        08/01/18         450         518,535   
          

 

 

 

Banking – 1.3%

          

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

     3.63        01/22/23         575         549,848   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 5.3%

          

Alcoa, Inc. 2

     5.55        02/01/17         1,000         1,073,262   

The Dow Chemical Co. 2

     5.70        05/15/18         1,000         1,154,268   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             2,227,530   
          

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 5.1%

          

AGCO Corp. 2

     5.88        12/01/21         525         570,159   

Bank of America Corp.

     3.30        01/11/23         575         538,637   

DP World Sukuk Ltd 3,4,5

     6.25        07/02/17         400         438,000   

Tyco Electronics Group S.A. 2,5

     6.55        10/01/17         500         576,533   
          

 

 

 

Total Capital Goods

             2,123,329   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical – 4.4%

          

International Game Technology

     7.50        06/15/19         250         292,246   

Macy’s Retail Holdings, Inc.

     2.88        02/15/23         575         517,015   

Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.

     4.00        06/15/22         525         523,552   

Wyndham Worldwide Corp.

     4.25        03/01/22         525         517,058   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Cyclical

             1,849,871   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 4.0%

          

Altria Group, Inc. 2

     9.70        11/10/18         169         223,422   

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc. 2

     7.75        01/15/19         1,000         1,258,293   

DP World Ltd 3,4,5

     6.85        07/02/37         200         201,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Non-Cyclical

             1,682,715   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 1.3%

          

SESI LLC

     7.13        12/15/21         500         546,250   
          

 

 

 

Finance & Investment – 3.8%

          

HCP, Inc.

     3.15        08/01/22         550         506,320   

KKR Group Finance Company LLC 3,4

     6.38        09/29/20         475         539,557   

Morgan Stanley

     4.88        11/01/22         550         550,290   
          

 

 

 

Total Finance & Investment

             1,596,167   
          

 

 

 

Media – 1.4%

          

Time Warner Cable, Inc. 2

     8.25        04/01/19         500         578,801   
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            37


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Real Estate – 1.3%

          

Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp.

     3.25     08/15/22       $ 575       $ 537,144   
          

 

 

 

Services – 2.7%

          

Legrand France SA 2,5

     8.50        02/15/25         450         571,852   

Wynn Las Vegas LLC/Wynn Las Vegas Capital Corp. 3,4

     4.25        05/30/23         600         550,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Services

             1,122,352   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 6.1%

          

DIRECTV Holdings LLC/DIRECTV Financing Company, Inc.

     3.80        03/15/22         550         513,342   

Qwest Corp. 2

     6.88        09/15/33         1,000         968,696   

Symantec Corp.

     3.95        06/15/22         550         541,329   

WPP Finance 2010 5

     3.63        09/07/22         550         522,027   
          

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

             2,545,394   
          

 

 

 

Total INVESTMENT GRADE CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $15,313,044)

             15,877,936   
          

 

 

 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS – 85.7%

          

Automotive – 3.8%

          

Chrysler Group LLC/CG Co-Issuer, Inc. 2

     8.25        06/15/21         525         588,000   

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC 2,3,4,5

     8.13        05/15/21         400         445,000   

Motors Liquidation Co. 6,7

     8.38        07/15/33         1,250         125   

Pittsburgh Glass Works LLC 2,3,4

     8.50        04/15/16         530         544,575   
          

 

 

 

Total Automotive

             1,577,700   
          

 

 

 

Basic Industry – 15.3%

          

AK Steel Corp. 2

     7.63        05/15/20         325         273,000   

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. 2

     6.25        06/01/21         625         512,500   

Arch Coal, Inc. 2

     7.25        06/15/21         950         717,250   

Associated Materials LLC/AMH New Finance, Inc. 2

     9.13        11/01/17         525         557,812   

Cascades, Inc. 2,5

     7.88        01/15/20         525         553,875   

Hexion US Finance Corp. 2

     9.00        11/15/20         575         562,063   

INEOS Group Holdings SA 2,3,4,5

     6.13        08/15/18         600         586,500   

Masonite International Corp. 2,3,4,5

     8.25        04/15/21         530         581,675   

Ply Gem Industries, Inc.

     8.25        02/15/18         220         235,400   

Tembec Industries, Inc. 5

     11.25        12/15/18         375         407,812   

Trinseo Materials Operating SCA/Trinseo Materials
Finance, Inc.
3,4,5

     8.75        02/01/19         450         446,625   

Verso Paper Holdings LLC/Verso Paper, Inc. 2

     11.75        01/15/19         525         542,063   

Xerium Technologies, Inc. 2

     8.88        06/15/18         425         435,625   
          

 

 

 

Total Basic Industry

             6,412,200   
          

 

 

 

Capital Goods – 6.7%

          

Ardagh Packaging Finance PLC 3,4,5

     7.00        11/15/20         575         552,000   

Berry Plastics Corp. 2

     9.50        05/15/18         525         568,312   

Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc. 2

     7.38        12/15/26         500         550,000   

Mueller Water Products, Inc. 2

     7.38        06/01/17         350         358,750   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc./Reynolds Group Issuer LLC 2

     9.00        04/15/19         525         551,250   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

38            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Tekni-Plex, Inc. 3,4

     9.75     06/01/19       $ 198       $ 222,750   
          

 

 

 

Total Capital Goods

             2,803,062   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Cyclical – 4.0%

          

American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.

     7.75        11/15/19         175         195,125   

Levi Strauss & Co. 2

     7.63        05/15/20         475         511,812   

Limited Brands, Inc. 2

     7.60        07/15/37         350         351,313   

New Albertsons, Inc.

     7.75        06/15/26         500         407,500   

YCC Holdings LLC/Yankee Finance, Inc. 8

     10.25        02/15/16         200         205,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Consumer Cyclical

             1,670,750   
          

 

 

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 1.0%

          

C&S Group Enterprises LLC 2,3,4

     8.38        05/01/17         400         427,000   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 12.7%

          

Atlas Pipeline Partners, LP 3,4

     5.88        08/01/23         625         587,500   

BreitBurn Energy Partners LP/BreitBurn Finance Corp.

     8.63        10/15/20         525         553,875   

Calfrac Holdings LP 2,3,4

     7.50        12/01/20         525         528,937   

Crosstex Energy LP/Crosstex Energy Finance Corp. 2

     8.88        02/15/18         475         504,688   

EV Energy Partners LP/EV Energy Finance Corp. 2

     8.00        04/15/19         525         525,000   

FTS International Services LLC/FTS International Bonds, Inc. 3,4

     8.13        11/15/18         143         155,155   

GMX Resources, Inc. 2,7

     11.00        12/01/17         194         171,041   

Hilcorp Energy I LP/Hilcorp Finance Co. 2,3,4

     8.00        02/15/20         475         513,000   

Linn Energy LLC/Linn Energy Finance Corp.

     8.63        04/15/20         140         144,725   

Niska Gas Storage US LLC/Niska Gas Storage Canada ULC 2

     8.88        03/15/18         250         258,750   

RKI Exploration & Production LLC 3,4

     8.50        08/01/21         375         376,875   

Trinidad Drilling Ltd. 2,3,4,5

     7.88        01/15/19         310         327,050   

Venoco, Inc. 2

     8.88        02/15/19         500         503,750   

W&T Offshore, Inc.

     8.50        06/15/19         185         196,100   
          

 

 

 

Total Energy

             5,346,446   
          

 

 

 

Healthcare – 4.8%

          

DJO Finance LLC/DJO Finance Corp.

     9.88        04/15/18         300         318,000   

HCA, Inc. 2

     8.00        10/01/18         525         603,750   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 3,4

     11.00        08/15/18         205         164,513   

Jaguar Holding Company II/Jaguar Merger Sub, Inc. 2,3,4

     9.50        12/01/19         300         337,125   

Kindred Healthcare, Inc. 2

     8.25        06/01/19         550         585,750   
          

 

 

 

Total Healthcare

             2,009,138   
          

 

 

 

Media – 9.0%

          

ARC Document Solutions, Inc. 2

     10.50        12/15/16         500         522,500   

Cablevision Systems Corp. 2

     8.63        09/15/17         475         545,062   

CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp. 2

     8.13        04/30/20         550         598,125   

Cenveo Corp.

     8.88        02/01/18         550         547,250   

Clear Channel Communications, Inc. 2

     9.00        03/01/21         500         483,750   

Cumulus Media Holdings, Inc. 2

     7.75        05/01/19         475         492,813   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            39


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

          

Mediacom LLC/Mediacom Capital Corp. 2

     9.13     08/15/19       $ 525       $ 573,562   
          

 

 

 

Total Media

             3,763,062   
          

 

 

 

Real Estate – 1.4%

          

Realogy Corp. 2,3,4

     7.88        02/15/19         525         573,563   
          

 

 

 

Services – 13.2%

          

AMC Entertainment, Inc. 2

     8.75        06/01/19         600         645,000   

Avis Budget Car Rental LLC/Avis Budget Finance, Inc. 2

     8.25        01/15/19         525         569,625   

Boyd Gaming Corp. 2

     9.00        07/01/20         575         623,875   

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. 2

     7.75        02/15/19         725         721,375   

Chester Downs & Marina LLC 3,4

     9.25        02/01/20         575         579,313   

Iron Mountain, Inc.

     8.38        08/15/21         225         241,875   

MGM Resorts International 2

     7.63        01/15/17         400         447,000   

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 2

     11.50        08/01/19         528         579,265   

Palace Entertainment Holdings LLC/Palace Entertainment Holdings
Corp.
2,3,4

     8.88        04/15/17         525         534,187   

United Rentals North America, Inc.

     8.25        02/01/21         275         305,250   

United Rentals North America, Inc. 2

     10.25        11/15/19         250         282,500   
          

 

 

 

Total Services

             5,529,265   
          

 

 

 

Technology & Electronics – 3.7%

          

First Data Corp. 2,3,4

     11.25        01/15/21         700         731,500   

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 2

     8.05        02/01/20         525         552,563   

ION Geophysical Corp. 3,4

     8.13        05/15/18         300         279,000   
          

 

 

 

Total Technology & Electronics

             1,563,063   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 8.9%

          

Cincinnati Bell, Inc. 2

     8.75        03/15/18         575         607,344   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 3,4

     8.75        08/15/19         100         101,750   

Frontier Communications Corp. 2

     7.13        03/15/19         725         769,406   

Intelsat Luxembourg SA 3,4,5

     7.75        06/01/21         550         569,250   

Level 3 Communications, Inc. 2

     8.88        06/01/19         525         561,750   

MetroPCS Wireless, Inc. 3,4

     6.63        04/01/23         290         290,725   

PAETEC Holding Corp.

     9.88        12/01/18         250         278,125   

Windstream Corp.

     7.50        06/01/22         550         548,625   
          

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

             3,726,975   
          

 

 

 

Utility – 1.2%

          

NRG Energy, Inc. 2

     8.50        06/15/19         475         509,437   
          

 

 

 

Total HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BONDS
(Cost $34,609,270)

             35,911,661   
          

 

 

 

TERM LOANS – 2.5%

          

Albertson, Inc. 1,4

     4.75        03/21/19         199         198,379   

Fairpoint Communications, Inc. 1,4

     7.50        02/14/19         299         300,407   

inVentiv Health, Inc. 1,4

     7.50        08/04/16         400         385,000   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 1,4

     4.68        10/10/17         158         106,072   

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 1,4

     4.68        10/10/17         2         1,618   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

40            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Principal
Amount
(000s)
     Value
(Note 2)
 

TERM LOANS (continued)

          

Texas Competitive Electric Holdings Company LLC 1,4

     4.77     10/10/17       $ 78       $ 52,667   
          

 

 

 

Total TERM LOANS
(Cost $1,090,827)

             1,044,143   
          

 

 

 
                  Shares      Value
(Note 2)
 

COMMON STOCKS – 6.7%

          

Consumer Staples – 1.6%

          

B&G Foods, Inc.

          20,000         691,000   
          

 

 

 

Energy – 1.4%

          

BreitBurn Energy Partners LP 2

          13,075         239,665   

Crosstex Energy LP

          7,800         155,220   

Niska Gas Storage Partners LLC

          12,500         193,125   
          

 

 

 

Total Energy

             588,010   
          

 

 

 

Services – 0.2%

          

Iron Mountain, Inc.

          3,800         102,676   
          

 

 

 

Telecommunications – 3.5%

          

AT&T, Inc.

          8,500         287,470   

CenturyLink, Inc.

          9,500         298,110   

Frontier Communications Corp.

          73,500         306,495   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

          7,500         349,950   

Windstream Holdings, Inc.

          26,350         210,800   
          

 

 

 

Total Telecommunications

             1,452,825   
          

 

 

 

Total COMMON STOCKS
(Cost $2,585,736)

             2,834,511   
          

 

 

 

WARRANTS – 0.6%

          

Automotive – 0.6%

          

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

          

Expiration: July 2016

          

Exercise Price: $10.00

          5,546         146,525   

General Motors Financial Company, Inc. 9

          

Expiration: July 2019

          

Exercise Price: $18.33

          5,546         103,156   
          

 

 

 

Total Automotive

             249,681   
          

 

 

 

Total WARRANTS
(Cost $336,207)

             249,681   
          

 

 

 

Total Investments – 137.1%
(Cost $55,395,699)

             57,471,369   

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (37.1)%

             (15,556,397 ) 
          

 

 

 

TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.0%

           $ 41,914,972   
          

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            41


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

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

 

1

     

Variable rate security – Interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of September 30, 2013.

2

     

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

3

     

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. As of September 30, 2013, the total value of all such investments was $12,184,625 or 29.1% of net assets.

4

     

Private Placement.

5

     

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

6

     

Security fair valued in good faith pursuant to the fair value procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. As of September 30, 2013, the total value of all such securities was $125 or 0.0% of net assets. The Adviser has deemed these securities illiquid pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund’s Board of Directors. The security was acquired on April 21, 2011 with a cost of $0.01.

7

     

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

8

     

Payment in kind security.

9

     

Non-income producing security.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

42            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Statements of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

     Helios
Advantage
Income

Fund, Inc.
    Helios High
Income

Fund, Inc.
    Helios Multi-
Sector High
Income

Fund, Inc.
    Helios
Strategic
Income
Fund, Inc.
 

Assets:

        

Investments in securities, at value (Note 2)

   $ 82,689,089      $ 59,239,343      $ 67,234,667      $ 57,471,369   

Cash

     1,187,610        700,663        1,021,175        415,602   

Interest and dividends receivable

     1,789,666        1,290,621        1,477,354        1,087,672   

Prepaid expenses

     7,684        5,430        6,161        5,183   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

     85,674,049        61,236,057        69,739,357        58,979,826   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Payable for credit facility (Note 6)

     23,700,000        17,425,000        19,800,000        16,950,000   

Payable for credit facility interest (Note 6)

     3,063        2,176        2,510        2,164   

Payable for open forward foreign currency contracts (Note 2)

     46,849        33,406        37,479        —     

Investment advisory fee payable (Note 4)

     45,425        32,469        36,920        31,172   

Administration fee payable (Note 4)

     10,483        7,493        8,520        7,194   

Directors fee payable

     7,516        7,516        7,516        7,516   

Accrued expenses

     72,156        48,439        66,837        66,808   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     23,885,492        17,556,499        19,959,782        17,064,854   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

   $ 61,788,557      $ 43,679,558      $ 49,779,575      $ 41,914,972   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Composition of Net Assets:

        

Capital stock, at par value ($0.0001 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized) (Note 8)

   $ 655      $ 486      $ 760      $ 593   

Additional paid-in capital (Note 8)

     455,810,521        338,160,024        493,873,834        402,153,393   

Undistributed net investment income

     895,394        395,473        891,929        852,313   

Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions

     (397,622,021     (296,781,465     (447,134,185     (363,166,997

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

     2,704,008        1,905,040        2,147,237        2,075,670   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net assets applicable to capital stock outstanding

   $ 61,788,557      $ 43,679,558      $ 49,779,575      $ 41,914,972   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments at cost

   $ 79,938,803      $ 57,301,303      $ 65,050,406      $ 55,395,699   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding and Net Asset Value Per Share:

        

Shares outstanding

     6,553,393        4,856,958        7,595,018        5,930,400   

Net asset value per share

   $ 9.43      $ 8.99      $ 6.55      $ 7.07   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            43


HELIOS FUNDS

Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

 

     Helios
Advantage
Income

Fund, Inc.
    Helios High
Income

Fund, Inc.
    Helios Multi-
Sector High
Income

Fund, Inc.
    Helios
Strategic
Income

Fund, Inc.
 

Investment Income (Note 2):

        

Interest

   $ 3,186,623      $ 2,267,469      $ 2,578,684      $ 1,910,300   

Dividends

     34,893        24,781        28,142        53,608   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment income

     3,221,516        2,292,250        2,606,826        1,963,908   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expenses:

        

Investment advisory fees (Note 4)

     277,075        197,838        224,703        189,811   

Administration fees (Note 4)

     63,940        45,655        51,855        43,803   

Legal fees

     77,675        38,913        63,223        53,146   

Fund accounting fees

     24,442        24,251        24,377        24,240   

Audit and tax services

     22,412        22,412        22,412        22,412   

Directors’ fees

     21,559        21,559        21,559        21,559   

Reports to stockholders

     18,280        15,222        16,170        15,668   

Transfer agent fees

     13,478        13,906        13,370        13,421   

Registration fees

     11,908        11,908        11,908        11,908   

Insurance

     10,220        7,196        8,156        6,977   

Miscellaneous

     6,204        5,102        5,627        5,915   

Custodian fees

     5,027        5,188        4,965        5,075   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     552,220        409,150        468,325        413,935   

Interest expense on credit facility (Note 6)

     142,059        101,026        116,464        99,255   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     694,279        510,176        584,789        513,190   

Other income from litigation settlement*

     499,622        361,405        404,435        347,673   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     3,026,859        2,143,479        2,426,472        1,798,391   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

        

Net realized gain (loss) on:

        

Investments

     1,334,598        1,030,383        1,100,227        549,279   

Litigation settlement*

     689,493        499,772        792,403        605,197   

Foreign currency transactions

     (19,399     (13,714     (15,509     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     2,004,692        1,516,441        1,877,121        1,154,476   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on:

        

Investments

     (2,435,412     (1,696,550     (1,907,089     (1,510,529

Foreign currency translations

     571        406        455        —     

Forward foreign currency contracts

     (46,849     (33,406     (37,479     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     (2,481,690     (1,729,550     (1,944,113     (1,510,529
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions

     (476,998     (213,109     (66,992     (356,053
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 2,549,861      $ 1,930,370      $ 2,359,480      $ 1,442,338   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

*

Litigation settlement after attorney’s fees amounted to $4.2 million. Each Fund’s expenses that were incurred as a result of the litigation were reimbursed. The remaining balance was allocated to each Fund on a pro rata basis based on each Fund’s losses as a percentage of the total losses incurred by all four Funds.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

44            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.     Helios High Income Fund, Inc.  
     Six Months Ended
September  30,
2013

(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
March 31, 2013
    Six Months Ended
September  30,
2013

(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
March 31, 2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 3,026,859      $ 4,864,329      $ 2,143,479      $ 3,430,802   

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     2,004,692        1,385,779        1,516,441        1,078,304   

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

     (2,481,690     1,958,453        (1,729,550     1,295,471   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     2,549,861        8,208,561        1,930,370        5,804,577   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Stockholders
(Note 2):

        

Net investment income

     (2,457,523     (4,911,337     (1,748,506     (3,464,450

Return of capital

     —          —          —          (28,702
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions paid

     (2,457,523     (4,911,337     (1,748,506     (3,493,152
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Stock Transactions (Note 8):

        

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     —          119,536        —          117,071   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     92,338        3,416,760        181,864        2,428,496   

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     61,696,219        58,279,459        43,497,694        41,069,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period.

   $ 61,788,557      $ 61,696,219      $ 43,679,558      $ 43,497,694   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(including undistributed net investment income of)

   $ 895,394      $ 326,058      $ 395,473      $ 500   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share Transactions (Note 8):

        

Reinvested shares

     —          13,262        —          13,611   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            45


HELIOS FUNDS

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

 

     Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund,  Inc.     Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.  
     Six Months Ended
September 30,

2013
(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
March 31, 2013
    Six Months Ended
September  30,
2013

(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
March 31, 2013
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations:

        

Net investment income

   $ 2,426,472      $ 3,897,739      $ 1,798,391      $ 2,812,307   

Net realized gain on investment and foreign currency transactions

     1,877,121        1,088,811        1,154,476        1,164,477   

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

     (1,944,113     1,718,954        (1,510,529     1,294,723   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     2,359,480        6,705,504        1,442,338        5,271,507   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Stockholders (Note 2):

        

Net investment income

     (1,936,729     (3,872,058     (1,423,295     (2,609,376
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions paid

     (1,936,729     (3,872,058     (1,423,295     (2,609,376
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Stock Transactions (Note 8):

        

Reinvestment of dividends and distributions

     —          40,192        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total increase in net assets

     422,751        2,873,638        19,043        2,662,131   

Net Assets:

        

Beginning of period

     49,356,824        46,483,186        41,895,929        39,233,798   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 49,779,575      $ 49,356,824      $ 41,914,972      $ 41,895,929   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(including undistributed net investment income of)

   $ 891,929      $ 402,186      $ 852,313      $ 477,217   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Share Transactions (Note 8):

        

Reinvested shares

     —          6,480        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

46            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash:

  

Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities:

  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 2,549,861   

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

  

Purchases of long-term investments.

     (14,900,128

Proceeds from disposition of long-term investments

     15,179,503   

Increase in interest and dividends receivable

     (108,007

Decrease in prepaid expenses

     1,848   

Decrease in payable for investments purchased

     (873,500

Decrease in payable for credit facility interest

     (874

Increase in payable for open forward foreign currency contracts

     46,849   

Decrease in investment advisory fee payable

     (1,641

Decrease in administration fee payable

     (378

Increase in directors fee payable

     3,936   

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (16,490

Net amortization on investments

     (7,695

Unrealized depreciation on investments

     2,435,412   

Net realized gain on investments

     (1,334,598

Net realized gain on litigation settlement

     (689,493
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,284,605   
  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for financing activities:

  

Dividends and distributions paid to stockholders

     (2,457,523
  

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

     (2,457,523
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash

     (172,918

Cash at the beginning of period

     1,360,528   
  

 

 

 

Cash at the end of period

   $ 1,187,610   
  

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

Interest payments for the six months ended September 30, 2013, totaled $142,933.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            47


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash:

  

Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities:

  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 1,930,370   

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

  

Purchases of long-term investments

     (10,909,638

Proceeds from disposition of long-term investments

     11,154,034   

Increase in interest and dividends receivable

     (85,935

Decrease in prepaid expenses

     1,280   

Decrease in payable for investments purchased

     (624,000

Decrease in payable for credit facility interest

     (624

Increase in payable for open forward foreign currency contracts

     33,406   

Decrease in investment advisory fee payable

     (1,072

Decrease in administration fee payable

     (247

Increase in directors fee payable

     3,936   

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (26,784

Net amortization on investments

     (2,337

Unrealized depreciation on investments

     1,696,550   

Net realized gain on investments

     (1,030,383

Net realized gain on litigation settlement

     (499,772
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,638,784   
  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for financing activities:

  

Dividends and distributions paid to stockholders

     (1,748,506
  

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

     (1,748,506
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash

     (109,722

Cash at the beginning of period

     810,385   
  

 

 

 

Cash at the end of period

   $ 700,663   
  

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

Interest payments for the six months ended September 30, 2013, totaled $101,650.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

48            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash:

  

Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities:

  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 2,359,480   

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

  

Purchases of long-term investments

     (12,437,878

Proceeds from disposition of long-term investments

     12,902,139   

Increase in interest and dividends receivable

     (92,791

Decrease in prepaid expenses

     1,443   

Decrease in payable for investments purchased

     (698,875

Decrease in payable for credit facility interest

     (717

Increase in payable for open forward foreign currency contracts

     37,479   

Decrease in investment advisory fee payable

     (1,161

Decrease in administration fee payable

     (268

Increase in directors fee payable

     3,936   

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (12,956

Net accretion on investments

     3,821   

Unrealized depreciation on investments

     1,907,089   

Net realized gain on investments

     (1,100,227

Net realized gain on litigation settlement

     (792,403
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,078,111   
  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for financing activities:

  

Dividends and distributions paid to stockholders

     (1,936,729
  

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

     (1,936,729
  

 

 

 

Net increase in cash

     141,382   

Cash at the beginning of period

     879,793   
  

 

 

 

Cash at the end of period

   $ 1,021,175   
  

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

Interest payments for the six months ended September 30, 2013, totaled $117,181.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            49


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2013

 

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash:

  

Cash flows provided by (used for) operating activities:

  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 1,442,338   

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash used for operating activities

  

Purchases of long-term investments.

     (9,215,930

Proceeds from disposition of long-term investments

     7,969,228   

Increase in interest and dividends receivable

     (81,306

Decrease in prepaid expenses

     1,330   

Decrease in payable for investments purchased.

     (751,260

Decrease in payable for credit facility interest

     (469

Decrease in investment advisory fee payable

     (682

Decrease in administration fee payable

     (157

Increase in directors fee payable

     3,936   

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (11,897

Net amortization on investments

     (9,008

Unrealized depreciation on investments

     1,510,529   

Net realized gain on investments

     (549,279

Net realized gain on litigation settlement

     (605,197
  

 

 

 

Net cash used for operating activities.

     (297,824
  

 

 

 

Cash flows used for financing activities:

  

Net cash provided by credit facility

     1,000,000   

Dividends and distributions paid to stockholders

     (1,423,295
  

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

     (423,295
  

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash

     (721,119

Cash at the beginning of period

     1,136,721   
  

 

 

 

Cash at the end of period

   $ 415,602   
  

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

Interest payments for the six months ended September 30, 2013, totaled $99,724.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

50            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS ADVANTAGE INCOME FUND, INC.

Financial Highlights

 

 

     For the Six
Months
Ended September 30,
2013

(Unaudited)
    For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,  
       2013     2012     2011     2010     20091,4  

Per Share Operating Performance:

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 9.41      $ 8.91      $ 8.45      $ 7.50      $ 6.20      $ 15.55   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     0.47 *      0.74        0.76        0.74        0.70        1.75   

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

     (0.07 )*      0.51        0.42        0.93        1.40        (8.85
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     0.40        1.25        1.18        1.67        2.10        (7.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.38     (0.75     (0.72     (0.72     (0.70     (1.20

Return of capital distributions

     —          —          —          —          (0.10     (1.05
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions paid

     (0.38     (0.75     (0.72     (0.72     (0.80     (2.25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 9.43      $ 9.41      $ 8.91      $ 8.45      $ 7.50      $ 6.20   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Market price, end of period

   $ 8.52      $ 9.09      $ 9.30      $ 7.70      $ 7.00      $ 5.00   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Return

     0.31 %2      6.22     32.08     21.39     58.73     -61.80

Ratios to Average Net
Assets/ Supplementary Data:

            

Net assets, end of period (000s)

     $61,789      $ 61,696      $ 58,279      $ 55,243      $ 49,017      $ 40,676   

Operating expenses

     1.80 %3      1.87     1.93     2.30     2.22     2.44

Interest expense

     0.46 %3      0.52     0.55     0.37     0.52     0.03

Total expenses

     2.26 %3      2.39     2.48     2.67     2.74     2.47

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

     1.80 %3      1.87     1.93     2.24     1.40     1.23

Net investment income

     9.85 %*,3      8.17     8.89     9.44     9.97     19.66

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

     9.85 %*,3      8.17     8.89     9.38     9.15     18.91

Portfolio turnover rate

     18 %2      28     29     62     45     89

 

 

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

* 

Amounts include litigation settlement.

1 

Brookfield Investment Management Inc. became the Adviser of the Fund on July 29, 2008.

2 

Not Annualized.

3 

Annualized.

4 

The Fund had a 1:5 reverse stock split with ex-dividend and payable dates of August 31, 2009 and September 1, 2009, respectively. Prior year net asset values and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split. (See Notes to Financial Statements). The net asset value and market price reported at the original dates prior to the reverse stock split were as follows:

 

For the Year Ended March 31,

   2009  

Net Asset Value (prior to reverse stock split)

   $ 1.24   

Market Price (prior to reverse stock split)

   $ 1.00   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            51


HELIOS HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Financial Highlights

 

 

     For the Six
Months Ended
September 30, 2013
(Unaudited)
    For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,  
       2013     2012     2011     2010     20091,4  

Per Share Operating Performance:

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 8.96      $ 8.48      $ 8.03      $ 7.66      $ 6.25      $ 15.60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     0.44 *      0.70        0.73        0.69        0.72        1.95   

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

     (0.05 )*      0.50        0.44        0.40        1.49        (9.05
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     0.39        1.20        1.17        1.09        2.21        (7.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.36     (0.71     (0.72     (0.69     (0.72     (1.40

Return of capital distributions

     —          (0.01     —          (0.03     (0.08     (0.85
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions paid

     (0.36     (0.72     (0.72     (0.72     (0.80     (2.25
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 8.99      $ 8.96      $ 8.48      $ 8.03      $ 7.66      $ 6.25   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Market price, end of period

   $ 8.30      $ 8.77      $ 8.90      $ 7.62      $ 7.19      $ 4.95   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Return

     1.22 %2      7.10     27.89     17.00     64.29     -64.25

Ratios to Average Net
Assets/ Supplementary Data:

            

Net assets, end of period (000s)

   $ 43,680      $ 43,498      $ 41,069      $ 38,829      $ 37,040      $ 30,190   

Operating expenses

     1.88 %3      2.00     2.13     2.51     2.28     2.30

Interest expense

     0.47 %3      0.52     0.57     0.38     0.49     0.04

Total expenses

     2.35 %3      2.52     2.70     2.89     2.77     2.34

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

     1.88 %3      2.00     2.13     2.36     1.30     1.24

Net investment income

     9.88 %*,3      8.18     8.92     8.91     10.10     22.35

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

     9.88 %*,3      8.18     8.92     8.75     9.12     21.37

Portfolio turnover rate

     18 %2      28     29     60     48     88

 

 

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

* 

Amounts include litigation settlement.

1 

Brookfield Investment Management Inc. became the Adviser of the Fund on July 29, 2008.

2 

Not Annualized.

3 

Annualized.

4 

The Fund had a 1:5 reverse stock split with ex-dividend and payable dates of August 31, 2009 and September 1, 2009, respectively. Prior year net asset values and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split. (See Notes to Financial Statements). The net asset value and market price reported at the original dates prior to the reverse stock split were as follows:

 

For the Year Ended March 31,

   2009  

Net Asset Value (prior to reverse stock split)

   $ 1.25   

Market Price (prior to reverse stock split)

   $ 0.99   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

52            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS MULTI-SECTOR HIGH INCOME FUND, INC.

Financial Highlights

 

 

     For the Six
Months Ended
September 30, 2013

(Unaudited)
    For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,  
       2013     2012     2011     2010     20091,4  

Per Share Operating Performance:

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 6.50      $ 6.13      $ 5.68      $ 5.38      $ 4.40      $ 13.55   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     0.33 *      0.51        0.52        0.49        0.50        1.50   

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

     (0.02 )*      0.37        0.41        0.29        1.01        (8.35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     0.31        0.88        0.93        0.78        1.51        (6.85
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.26     (0.51     (0.48     (0.48     (0.50     (1.20

Return of capital distributions

     —          —          —          —          (0.03     (1.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions paid

     (0.26     (0.51     (0.48     (0.48     (0.53     (2.30
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 6.55      $ 6.50      $ 6.13      $ 5.68      $ 5.38      $ 4.40   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Market price, end of period

   $ 5.81      $ 6.26      $ 6.07      $ 5.15      $ 5.00      $ 3.55   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Return

     -1.77 %2      11.99     28.69     13.33     58.59     -72.05

Ratios to Average Net Assets/ Supplementary Data:

            

Net assets, end of period (000s)

   $ 49,780      $ 49,357      $ 46,483      $ 43,120      $ 40,852      $ 33,460   

Operating expenses

     1.90 %3      1.96     2.06     2.43     2.23     2.59

Interest expense

     0.47 %3      0.53     0.57     0.39     0.51     0.06

Total expenses

     2.37 %3      2.49     2.63     2.82     2.74     2.65

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

     1.90 %3      1.96     2.06     2.32     1.30     1.20

Net investment income

     9.85 %*,3      8.20     8.90     9.00     10.03     20.53

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

     9.85 %*,3      8.20     8.90     8.89     9.10     19.65

Portfolio turnover rate

     18 %2      26     30     64     49     75

 

 

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

* 

Amounts include litigation settlement.

1 

Brookfield Investment Management Inc. became the Adviser of the Fund on July 29, 2008.

2 

Not Annualized.

3 

Annualized.

4 

The Fund had a 1:5 reverse stock split with ex-dividend and payable dates of August 31, 2009 and September 1, 2009, respectively. Prior year net asset values and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split. (See Notes to Financial Statements). The net asset value and market price reported at the original dates prior to the reverse stock split were as follows:

 

For the Year Ended March 31,

   2009  

Net Asset Value (prior to reverse stock split)

   $ 0.88   

Market Price (prior to reverse stock split)

   $ 0.71   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            53


HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.

Financial Highlights

 

 

     For the Six
Months Ended
September 30, 2013

(Unaudited)
    For the Fiscal Years Ended March 31,  
       2013     2012     2011     2010     20091,4  

Per Share Operating Performance:

            

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 7.06      $ 6.62      $ 6.07      $ 5.90      $ 5.05      $ 14.35   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net investment income

     0.30 *      0.47        0.47        0.48        0.51        2.20   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investment transactions

     (0.05 )*      0.41        0.50        0.17        1.00        (9.10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

     0.25        0.88        0.97        0.65        1.51        (6.90
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.24     (0.44     (0.42     (0.45     (0.51     (1.70

Return of capital distributions

     —          —          —          (0.03     (0.15     (0.70
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions paid

     (0.24     (0.44     (0.42     (0.48     (0.66     (2.40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of period

   $ 7.07      $ 7.06      $ 6.62      $ 6.07      $ 5.90      $ 5.05   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Market price, end of period

   $ 6.35      $ 6.44      $ 5.94      $ 5.31      $ 5.46      $ 4.10   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Investment Return

     2.34 %2      16.22     20.55     6.24     51.23     -65.85

Ratios to Average Net
Assets/ Supplementary Data:

            

Net assets, end of period (000s)

   $ 41,915      $ 41,896      $ 39,234      $ 35,983      $ 34,970      $ 29,816   

Operating expenses

     1.99 %3      2.03     2.14     2.54     2.34     2.24

Interest expense

     0.47 %3      0.51     0.55     0.37     0.47     0.21

Total expenses

     2.46 %3      2.54     2.69     2.91     2.81     2.45

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

     1.99 %3      2.03     2.14     2.38     1.30     1.27

Net investment income

     8.64 %*,3      6.95     7.38     7.60     9.05     26.85

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

     8.64 %*,3      6.95     7.38     7.44     8.02     25.93

Portfolio turnover rate

     13 %2      36     36     55     43     71

 

 

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

* 

Amounts include litigation settlement.

1 

Brookfield Investment Management Inc. became the Adviser of the Fund on July 29, 2008.

2 

Not Annualized.

3 

Annualized.

4

The Fund had a 1:5 reverse stock split with ex-dividend and payable dates of August 31, 2009 and September 1, 2009, respectively. Prior year net asset values and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of the reverse stock split. (See Notes to Financial Statements). The net asset value and market price reported at the original dates prior to the reverse stock split were as follows:

 

For the Year Ended March 31,

   2009  

Net Asset Value (prior to reverse stock split)

   $ 1.01   

Market Price (prior to reverse stock split)

   $ 0.82   

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

54            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

1. Organization

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc., Helios High Income Fund, Inc., Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc. and Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc. (each a “Fund” and, collectively, the “Funds” or the “Helios Funds”) were organized as separate Maryland corporations on September 7, 2004, April 16, 2003, November 14, 2005 and January 16, 2004, respectively. Each Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as a diversified, closed-end management investment company with its own investment objective.

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

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

2. Significant Accounting Policies

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

Valuation of Investments: Debt securities, including U.S. government securities, listed corporate bonds, other fixed income and asset-backed securities, and unlisted securities and private placement securities, are generally valued at the bid prices furnished by an independent pricing service or, if not valued by an independent pricing service, using bid prices obtained from at least two active and reliable market makers in any such security or a broker-dealer. Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less are valued at cost with interest accrued or discount accreted to the date of maturity, unless such valuation, in the judgment of the Adviser’s Valuation Committee, does not represent market value.

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

The Boards of Directors have adopted procedures for the valuation of the Funds’ securities and has designated the day to day responsibilities for valuation determinations under these procedures to the Adviser. The Board has reviewed and approved the valuation procedures utilized by the Adviser and regularly reviews the application of the procedures to the securities in the Funds’ portfolios. Securities are valued using unadjusted quoted market prices, when available, as supplied primarily by third party pricing services or dealers. When price quotations for certain securities are not readily available or cannot be determined, a significant event has occurred that would materially affect the value of the security, or if the available quotations are not believed to be reflective of the market value by the Adviser, those securities will be valued at “fair value” as determined in good faith by the Adviser’s Valuation Committee using procedures adopted by and under the supervision of the Funds’ Boards of Directors. The Valuation Committee is comprised of senior members of the Adviser’s management team. There can be no assurance that the Funds could purchase or sell a portfolio security at the price used to calculate the Funds’ NAVs.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            55


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Fair valuation procedures may be used to value a substantial portion of the assets of each Fund. A Fund may use the fair value of a security to calculate its NAV when, for example, (1) a portfolio security is not traded in a public market or the principal market in which the security trades is closed, (2) trading in a portfolio security is suspended and not resumed prior to the normal market close, (3) a portfolio security is not traded in significant volume for a substantial period, or (4) the Adviser determines that the quotation or price for a portfolio security provided by a broker-dealer or an independent pricing service is inaccurate.

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

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

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

 

 

  

Level 1 -

 

quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

  

Level 2 -

 

quoted prices in markets that are not active or other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

  

Level 3 -

 

significant unobservable inputs (including each Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

The Adviser’s valuation policy, as previously stated, establishes parameters for the sources and types of valuation analysis, as well as, the methodologies and inputs the Adviser uses in determining fair value, including the use of the Adviser’s Valuation Committee. If the Valuation Committee determines that additional techniques, sources or inputs are appropriate or necessary in a given situation, such additional work will be undertaken.

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

 

56            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

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

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

The following table summarizes the Fund’s investments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy as of September 30, 2013:

 

Valuation Inputs

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

   $ —         $ 2,707,801       $ —         $ 2,707,801   

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     —           76,629,116         175         76,629,291   

Term Loans

     —           1,908,617         —           1,908,617   

Common Stocks

     1,110,547         —           —           1,110,547   

Warrants

     332,833         —           —           332,833   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,443,380       $ 81,245,534       $ 175       $ 82,689,089   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Valuation Inputs

   Other Financial
Instruments*
 

Level 1 — Quoted Prices

   $ —     

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

     (46,849

Level 3 — Significant Unobservable Inputs

     —     
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (46,849
  

 

 

 

 

*

Other financial instruments includes forward foreign currency contracts.

The following table provides quantitative information about the Fund’s Level 3 values, as well as their inputs, as of September 30, 2013. The table is not all-inclusive, but provides information on the significant Level 3 inputs.

 

     Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  

Assets

   Fair Value as of
September 30, 2013
     Valuation
Methodology
   Significant
Unobservable

Input
   Price  

High Yield Corporate Bonds

   $ 175       Discounted
cash flow
   Estimated residual
value
   $ 0.01   

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

 

Investments in Securities

   High Yield
Corporate
Bonds
    Total  

Balance as of March 31, 2013

   $ 200      $ 200   

Accrued Discounts (Premiums)

     —          —     

Realized Gain/(Loss)

     (25     (25

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     —          —     

Purchases at cost

     —          —     

Sales proceeds

     —          —     

Transfers out of Level 3

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2013

   $ 175      $ 175   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            57


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

The following table summarizes the Fund’s investments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy as of September 30, 2013:

 

Valuation Inputs

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

   $ —         $ 2,175,096       $ —         $ 2,175,096   

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     —           54,604,960         125         54,605,085   

Term Loans

     —           1,415,275         —           1,415,275   

Common Stocks

     794,206         —           —           794,206   

Warrants

     249,681         —           —           249,681   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,043,887       $ 58,195,331       $ 125       $ 59,239,343   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Valuation Inputs

   Other Financial
Instruments*
 

Level 1 — Quoted Prices

   $ —     

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

     (33,406

Level 3 — Significant Unobservable Inputs

     —     
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (33,406
  

 

 

 

 

*

Other financial instruments includes forward foreign currency contracts.

The following table provides quantitative information about the Fund’s Level 3 values, as well as their inputs, as of September 30, 2013. The table is not all-inclusive, but provides information on the significant Level 3 inputs.

 

     Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  

Assets

   Fair Value as of
September 30,
2013
     Valuation
Methodology
   Significant
Unobservable

Input
   Price  

High Yield Corporate Bonds

   $ 125       Discounted
cash flow
   Estimated residual
value
   $ 0.01   

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

 

Investments in Securities

   Residential
Mortgage-
Backed
Securities
    High Yield
Corporate
Bonds
    Total  

Balance as of March 31, 2013

   $ 37,162      $ 150      $ 37,312   

Accrued Discounts (Premiums)

     —          —          —     

Realized Gain/(Loss)

     120,571        (25     120,546   

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     —          —          —     

Purchases at cost

     —          —          —     

Sales proceeds

     (157,733     —          (157,733

Transfers out of Level 3

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2013

   $ —        $ 125      $ 125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ —        $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

58            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

The following table summarizes the Fund’s investments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy as of September 30, 2013:

 

Valuation Inputs

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

   $ —         $ 2,352,453       $ —         $ 2,352,453   

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     —           62,112,613         150         62,112,763   

Term Loans

     —           1,579,802         —           1,579,802   

Common Stocks

     898,415         —           —           898,415   

Warrants

     291,234         —           —           291,234   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,189,649       $ 66,044,868       $ 150       $ 67,234,667   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Valuation Inputs

   Other Financial
Instruments*
 

Level 1 — Quoted Prices

   $ —     

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

     (37,479

Level 3 — Significant Unobservable Inputs

     —     
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ (37,479
  

 

 

 

 

*

Other financial instruments includes forward foreign currency contracts.

The following table provides quantitative information about the Fund’s Level 3 values, as well as their inputs, as of September 30, 2013. The table is not all-inclusive, but provides information on the significant Level 3 inputs.

 

     Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  

Assets

   Fair Value as of
September 30,
2013
     Valuation
Methodology
   Significant
Unobservable

Input
   Price  

High Yield Corporate Bonds

   $ 150       Discounted
cash flow
   Estimated residual
value
   $ 0.01   

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

 

Investments in Securities

   Residential
Mortgage-
Backed
Securities
    High Yield
Corporate
Bonds
    Total  

Balance as of March 31, 2013

   $ 37,162      $ 175      $ 37,337   

Accrued Discounts (Premiums)

     —          —          —     

Realized Gain/(Loss)

     120,571        (25     120,546   

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     —          —          —     

Purchases at cost

     —          —          —     

Sales proceeds

     (157,733     —          (157,733

Transfers out of Level 3

     —          —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2013

   $ —        $ 150      $ 150   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ —        $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            59


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

The following table summarizes the Fund’s investments categorized in the disclosure hierarchy as of September 30, 2013:

 

Valuation Inputs

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

   $ —         $ 1,553,437       $ —         $ 1,553,437   

Investment Grade Corporate Bonds

     —           15,877,936         —           15,877,936   

High Yield Corporate Bonds

     —           35,911,536         125         35,911,661   

Term Loans

     —           1,044,143         —           1,044,143   

Common Stocks

     2,834,511         —           —           2,834,511   

Warrants

     249,681         —           —           249,681   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,084,192       $ 54,387,052       $ 125       $ 57,471,369   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table provides quantitative information about the Fund’s Level 3 values, as well as their inputs, as of September 30, 2013. The table is not all-inclusive, but provides information on the significant Level 3 inputs.

 

     Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  

Assets

   Fair Value as of
September 30,
2013
     Valuation
Methodology
   Significant
Unobservable

Input
   Price  

High Yield Corporate Bonds

   $ 125       Discounted
cash flow
   Estimated residual
value
   $ 0.01   

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

 

Investments in Securities

   High Yield
Corporate
Bonds
    Total  

Balance as of March 31, 2013

   $ 150      $ 150   

Accrued Discounts (Premiums)

     —          —     

Realized Gain/(Loss)

     (25     (25

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     —          —     

Purchases at cost

     —          —     

Sales proceeds

     —          —     

Transfers out of Level 3

     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of September 30, 2013

   $ 125      $ 125   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   $ —        $ —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

For the six months ended September 30, 2013, there was no security transfer activity between Level 1 and Level 2. The basis for recognizing and valuing transfers is as of the end of the period in which the transfers occur.

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

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

 

60            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

GAAP provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. An evaluation of tax positions taken in the course of preparing the Funds’ tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the taxing authority is required. Tax benefits of positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be booked as a tax expense in the current year and recognized as: a liability for unrecognized tax benefits; a reduction of an income tax refund receivable; a reduction of a deferred tax asset; an increase in deferred tax liability; or a combination thereof. As of September 30, 2013, the Funds have determined that there are no uncertain tax positions or tax liabilities required to be accrued.

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

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

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

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

When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions: The Funds may engage in when-issued or delayed delivery transactions. The Funds record when-issued securities on the trade date and maintain security positions such that sufficient liquid assets will be available to make payment for the securities purchased. Securities purchased on a when issued or delayed delivery basis are marked to market daily and begin earning interest on the settlement date. Losses may occur on these transactions due to changes in market conditions or the failure of counterparties to perform under the contract.

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

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

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            61


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

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

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

All contracts were done with Bank of New York Mellon as the counterparty. As of September 30, 2013, the following forward contracts were outstanding:

 

Fund

   Settlement
Date
     Currency to
be Delivered
     U.S. $
Value at
September 30,
2013
     Currency to
be Received
     U.S. $
Value at
September  30,
2013
     Unrealized
Depreciation
 

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

     10/25/13         1,150,000         Euros       $ 1,509,023         1,555,872         U.S. Dollars       $ 1,555,872       $ (46,849

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

     10/25/13         820,000         Euros         1,075,999         1,109,405         U.S. Dollars         1,109,405         (33,406

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

     10/25/13         920,000         Euros         1,207,219         1,244,698         U.S. Dollars         1,244,698         (37,479

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

 

Fund

   Derivatives Not Accounted for
as Hedging Instruments
  

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

   Unrealized
Depreciation as of
September 30, 2013
 

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   Forward Contracts   

Payable for open forward foreign currency contracts

   $ 46,849   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

   Forward Contracts   

Payable for open forward foreign currency contracts

     33,406   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

   Forward Contracts   

Payable for open forward foreign currency contracts

     37,479   

 

62            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

The following tables set forth the effect of derivative instruments on the Statements of Operations for the six months ended September 30, 2013:

 

Fund

 

Derivatives Not Accounted for
as Hedging Instruments

  

Location of Gain (Losses) on
Derivatives Recognized in Income

  Net Realized Gains
on

Forward  Foreign
Currency Contracts
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Depreciation on
Forward Foreign
Currency  Contracts
 

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

  Forward Contracts   

Forward foreign currency contracts

  $ —        $ (46,849

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

  Forward Contracts   

Forward foreign currency contracts

    —          (33,406

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

  Forward Contracts   

Forward foreign currency contracts

    —          (37,479

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

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

 

                  

Gross Amounts not offset in the

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
      Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
     Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statements of
Assets and
Liabilities
     Net Amounts
Presented in
the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
     Financial
Instruments
     Collateral
Pledged
(Received)
     Net Amount  

Description

                 

Forward Contracts

   $ 46,849       $ —         $ 46,849       $ 46,849       $ —         $ 46,849   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

 

                  

Gross Amounts not offset in the

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
     Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities
     Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
     Net Amounts
Presented in
the Statement
of Statements
of Assets and
Liabilities
     Financial
Instruments
     Collateral
Pledged
(Received)
     Net Amount  

Description

                 

Forward Contracts

   $ 33,406       $ —         $ 33,406       $ 33,406       $ —         $ 33,406   

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            63


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

 

                   

Gross Amounts not offset in the

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

 
     

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities

    

Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities

    

Net Amounts
Presented in

the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities

    

Financial
Instruments

    

Collateral
Pledged
(Received)

    

Net Amount

 

Description

                 

Forward Contracts

   $ 37,479       $ —         $ 37,479       $ 37,479       $ —         $ 37,479   

 

 

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

Cash Flow Information: Each Fund invests in securities and distributes dividends and distributions which are paid in cash or are reinvested at the discretion of stockholders. These activities are reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. Additional information on cash receipts and cash payments is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. Cash, as used in the Statement of Cash Flows, is the amount reported as “Cash” in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, and does not include short-term investments.

Accounting practices that do not affect reporting activities on a cash basis include carrying investments at value and accreting discounts and amortizing premiums on debt obligations.

3. Risks of Investing in Asset-Backed Securities and Below-Investment Grade Securities

The value of asset-backed securities may be affected by, among other factors, changes in: interest rates, the market’s assessment of the quality of the underlying assets or the creditworthiness of the servicer for the underlying assets, information concerning the originator of the underlying assets or the creditworthiness or rating of the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds, derivative instruments, or other credit enhancement. The value of asset-backed securities also will be affected by the exhaustion, termination or expiration of any credit enhancement.

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

Below-investment grade securities may be subject to market conditions, events of default or other circumstances which cause them to be considered “distressed securities.” Distressed securities frequently do not produce income while they are outstanding. The Funds may be required to bear certain extraordinary expenses in order to protect and recover their investments in certain distressed securities. Therefore, to the extent the Funds seek capital growth through investment in such securities, the Funds’ ability to achieve current income for their stockholders may be diminished. The Funds also are subject to significant uncertainty as to when and in what manner and for what value the obligations evidenced by distressed securities will eventually be satisfied (e.g., through a liquidation of the obligor’s assets, an exchange offer or plan of reorganization involving the securities or a payment of some

 

64            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

amount in satisfaction of the obligation). In addition, even if an exchange offer is made or a plan of reorganization is adopted with respect to distressed securities held by the Funds, there can be no assurance that the securities or other assets received by the Funds in connection with such exchange offer or plan of reorganization will not have a lower value or income potential than may have been anticipated when the investment was made. Moreover, any securities received by the Funds upon completion of an exchange offer or plan or reorganization may be restricted as to resale. As a result of the Funds’ participation in negotiations with respect to any exchange offer or plan of reorganization with respect to an issuer of such securities, the Funds may be restricted from disposing of distressed securities.

4. Investment Advisory Agreements and Affiliated Transactions

Each Fund has entered into a separate Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreements”) with the Adviser under which the Adviser is responsible for the management of each Fund’s portfolio and provides the necessary personnel, facilities, equipment and certain other services necessary to the operations of each Fund. The Advisory Agreements provide, among other things, that the Adviser will bear all expenses of its employees and overhead incurred in connection with the performance of its duties under the Advisory Agreements, and will pay all salaries of the Funds’ directors and officers who are affiliated persons (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Adviser. The Advisory Agreements provide that each Fund shall pay the Adviser a monthly fee for its services at an annual rate of 0.65% of each Fund’s average daily total assets minus liabilities (other than aggregate indebtedness entered into for purposes of leverage) (“Managed Assets”).

During the six months ended September 30, 2013, the Adviser earned the following in investment advisory fees under the Advisory Agreements.

 

Fund

   Investment
Advisory Fees
 

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 277,075   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

     197,838   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

     224,703   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

     189,811   

Each Fund entered into separate Administration Agreements with the Adviser. The Adviser entered into a sub-administration agreement with U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC. The Adviser and the Sub-administrator perform administrative services necessary for the operation of the Funds, including maintaining certain books and records of the Funds and preparing reports and other documents required by federal, state and other applicable laws and regulations, and providing the Funds with administrative office facilities. For its services under the Administration Agreements, the Adviser receives from each Fund, respectively, an annual fee equal to 0.15% of its average daily managed assets, payable monthly in arrears.

During the six months ended September 30, 2013, the Adviser earned the following in Administration fees:

 

Fund

   Administration
Fees
 

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 63,940   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

     45,655   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

     51,855   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

     43,803   

Certain officers and/or directors of the Funds are officers and/or directors of the Adviser.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            65


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

5. Purchases and Sales of Investments

Purchases and sales of investments, excluding short-term securities, credit facility and U.S. Government securities, for the six months ended September 30, 2013 were as follows:

 

Fund

   Purchases      Sales  

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 14,900,128       $ 14,461,217   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

     10,909,638         10,642,436   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

     12,437,878         12,090,525   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

     9,215,930         7,303,474   

During the six months ended September 30, 2013, there were no transactions in U.S. Government securities.

6. Borrowings

Credit facility: The Funds established a line of credit with BNP Paribas for investment purposes subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act for borrowings by registered investment companies. Each Fund pays interest in the amount of 0.80% plus the 3-month London Interbank Offered Rate on the amount outstanding and 0.80% on the line of credit that is unused. For the six months ended September 30, 2013, the average interest rate paid under the line of credit was 1.05% for Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc., 1.06% for Helios High Income Fund, Inc., 1.06% for Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc. and 1.10% for Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

 

      Helios Advantage
Income Fund, Inc.
     Helios High
Income Fund, Inc.
     Helios
Multi-Sector  High
Income Fund, Inc.
     Helios Strategic
Income Fund, Inc.
 

Total line of credit amount available

   $ 27,000,000       $ 19,000,000       $ 22,000,000       $ 18,000,000   

Line of credit outstanding at September 30, 2013

     23,700,000         17,425,000         19,800,000         16,950,000   

Line of credit amount unused at September 30, 2013

     3,300,000         1,575,000         2,200,000         1,050,000   

Average balance outstanding during the period

     23,700,000         17,425,000         19,800,000         16,747,814   

Interest expense incurred on line of credit during the period

     142,059         101,026         116,464         99,255   

7. Reverse Stock Split

Effective September 1, 2009, each Fund affected a 1 for 5 reverse stock split for its respective shares. All share transactions in capital stock and per share data prior to September 1, 2009, have been restated to give effect of the reverse stock split. The reverse stock split had no impact on the overall value of a stockholder’s investment in each Fund.

8. Capital Stock

Each Fund is authorized to issue 1,000,000,000 shares of capital stock with a par value of $0.0001 per share. The Funds’ Boards of Directors are authorized to classify and reclassify any unissued shares of capital stock from time to time by setting or changing any preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, or, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, or terms or conditions for the redemption of such shares by the Funds. The common shares have no preemptive, conversion, exchange or redemption rights. All common shares have equal voting, dividend, distribution and liquidation rights. The common shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable. Common stockholders are entitled to one vote per share and all voting rights for the election of directors are non-cumulative. The Funds have no present intentions of offering additional shares, except as described in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan on page 75.

 

66            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

9. Federal Income Tax Information

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

The tax character of distributions for the six months ended September 30, 2013 is expected to be from ordinary income but will be determined at the end of each Fund’s current fiscal year.

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 were as follows:

 

      Helios Advantage
Income Fund, Inc.
     Helios High Income
Fund, Inc.
     Helios Multi-Sector
High Income

Fund, Inc.
     Helios Strategic
Income Fund,  Inc.
 

Ordinary income(1)

   $ 4,911,337       $ 3,464,450       $ 3,872,058       $ 2,609,376   

Return of capital

     —           28,702         —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total distributions

   $ 4,911,337       $ 3,493,152       $ 3,872,058       $ 2,609,376   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are considered ordinary income distributions.

At March 31, 2013, each Fund’s most recently completed tax year-end, the components of net assets (excluding paid-in capital) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

      Helios Advantage
Income Fund, Inc.
    Helios High Income
Fund, Inc.
    Helios Multi-Sector
High Income

Fund, Inc.
    Helios Strategic
Income Fund, Inc.
 

Undistributed ordinary income

   $ 325,358      $ —        $ 401,620      $ 481,750   

Capital loss carryforward (1)

     (399,626,713     (298,297,906     (449,011,306     (364,326,728

Unrealized appreciation

     5,186,398        3,635,090        4,091,916        3,586,921   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ (394,114,957   $ (294,662,816   $ (444,517,770   $ (360,258,057
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

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

As of March 31, 2013, the Funds’ capital loss carryforwards were as follows:

 

Fund

   Expiring in
2014
     Expiring in
2015
     Expiring in
2016
     Expiring in
2017
     Expiring in
2018
 

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   $ —         $ —         $ 52,921,831       $ 175,931,140       $ 170,773,742   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

     —           —           41,268,836         130,227,458         126,801,612   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

     —           —           60,411,774         205,725,327         182,874,205   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

     197,496         193,592         59,889,208         152,878,554         151,167,878   

Federal Income Tax Basis: The federal income tax basis of the Funds’ investments, not including foreign currency translation translations and forward foreign currency contracts at September 30, 2013 was as follows:

 

Fund

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

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 79,938,803       $ 4,042,858       $ (1,292,572   $ 2,750,286   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

     57,301,303         2,945,617         (1,007,577     1,938,040   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

     65,050,406         3,273,693         (1,089,432     2,184,261   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

     55,395,699         3,465,035         (1,389,365     2,075,670   

Capital Account Reclassifications: Because federal income tax regulations differ in certain respects from GAAP, income and capital gain distributions, if any, determined in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for wash sales, partnership income/expense and return of capital. Permanent book and

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            67


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

tax differences, if any, relating to stockholder distributions will result in reclassifications to paid-in-capital or to undistributed capital gains. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share. Any undistributed net income and realized gain remaining at fiscal year-end is distributed in the following year.

10. Indemnification

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

11. Pending Litigation

Beginning in late 2007, lawsuits were filed in state and federal courts in Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, Louisiana, New York and Texas relating to certain fixed income funds managed by the Adviser, including the Funds. Certain of the cases were filed as putative class actions on behalf of investors who purchased shares of the Funds from December 2004 through February 2008 and other cases were filed as actions on behalf of one or more individuals or trusts. The complaints name various entities and individuals as defendants including, among others, the Funds, the former adviser, Morgan Asset Management, Inc. (“MAM”), Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. (“Morgan Keegan”), Regions Financial Corporation and several affiliates (“Regions”), certain former directors and former officers of the Funds and the Funds’ former portfolio managers. The complaints generally allege that the defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts relating to portfolio composition, fair valuation, liquidity and risk in Fund registration statements and other documents. The plaintiffs sought damages in amounts to be determined at trial and reasonable costs and, in some cases, attorneys’ fees. An answer was filed in a state court case, Burke v. Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. pending in the circuit court of Jefferson County, Alabama, on behalf of Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc. and Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc. Other than the Burke case and the class action and certain opt-out actions discussed below, no responses to the complaints have been filed in the actions pending against the Funds.

On March 18, 2010, four derivative actions were filed on behalf of each of the Funds. The complaints in these actions allege, among other things, that defendants MAM, and certain former officers and directors of the Funds breached their fiduciary duties and mismanaged the Funds in connection with portfolio composition, fair valuation, liquidity, risk management and disclosure. The complaints sought equitable relief, damages in an amount to be determined at trial and reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees. On November 5, 2010, the Court granted plaintiff’s unopposed motion for consolidation of these actions, and on December 6, 2010, plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. The Boards of the Funds undertook an investigation of the underlying allegations in the consolidated amended complaint to determine whether pursuit of such claims was in the best interest of the Funds. Following the Board’s investigation, the Board authorized derivative plaintiffs’ counsel to pursue the derivative claims on behalf of the Closed-End Funds.

On May 8, 2012, the parties notified the Court that a settlement in principle had been reached in the derivative action, and on May 9, 2012 the Court granted the parties’ joint motion to stay the action pending finalization and documentation of the settlement terms. On January 4, 2013, the Court entered an order preliminarily approving the settlement and set forth the schedule for notice of the settlement to shareholders and scheduled a hearing for final approval of the settlement on April 12, 2013. On September 5, 2013, the Court entered an order approving the derivative settlement and award of attorney’s fees and expenses. The approved Stipulation of Settlement settled and provided for the dismissal of the derivatives claims filed on behalf of the Closed-End Funds in the Litigation in exchange for a settlement payment to the Closed-End Funds by Regions Financial Corp. and several Morgan Keegan affiliated entities, as defined in the Stipulation, in the amount of $6.0 million, less an attorneys’ fee award in the amount of $1.8 million. Each of the Closed-End Funds’ share of the settlement, after the attorneys’

 

68            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

fee award was deducted, was approximately the amounts reflected below, based upon an allocation of the settlement to the Closed-End Funds approved by the Closed-End Funds’ Boards of Directors:

 

Fund

   Amount Received      Per Share  

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 1,189,115       $ 0.18   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 861,177       $ 0.18   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 1,196,838       $ 0.16   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 952,870       $ 0.16   

On September 23, 2008, many of the cases pending in federal court in the Western District of Tennessee were consolidated into a single proceeding encaptioned In re Regions Morgan Keegan Closed End Fund Litigation. On May 8, 2012, the parties notified the Court that a settlement in principle had been reached in the securities class action, and on May 9, 2012 the Court granted the parties’ joint motion to stay the action pending finalization and documentation of the settlement terms. On August 5, 2013, the Court entered an order approving the proposed settlement and award of attorney’s fees. The settlement provided for a release of securities claims alleged against the Closed-End Funds and other defendants, in exchange for a payment of $62 million by the non-Fund defendants to the class plaintiffs. The Stipulation of Settlement does not require any payment made by the Closed-End Funds in connection with the settlement of the securities class action. The settlement contemplates the possibility that class members may opt out, and that certain parties have the ability to terminate the settlement if a designated level of opt outs occur.

Five opt out actions have been filed against the Closed-End Funds to date in the Western District of Tennessee: Warwick et al. v. RMK High Income Fund, Inc. et al., Small v. RMK High Income Fund, Inc. et al., Adkins et al. v. Regions Morgan Keegan Select High Income Fund, Inc., et al., Starnes et al. v. Regions Morgan Keegan Select High Income Fund, Inc., et al., and Stein et al. v. Regions Morgan Keegan Select High Income Fund, Inc., et al. The complaints generally allege that defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts relating to portfolio composition, fair valuation, liquidity and risk in Fund registration statements and other documents. The Warwick and Small complaints claim damages in excess of $2.7m and $1.6m respectively. On November 12, 2013, defendants, including the Closed-End Funds, filed separate motions to dismiss the Warwick and Small complaints. The Adkins, Starnes and Stein complaints are brought on behalf of 93, 6 and 3 investors, respectively, and seek compensatory damages against all defendants, jointly and severally, in an amount to be proven at trial. No responsive pleadings have been filed to date with respect to the Adkins, Starnes and Stein complaints.

On February 12, 2009, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (“Judicial Panel”) issued an order transferring related actions pending in other federal courts to the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee and directing that the transferred cases be coordinated or consolidated with the above-described actions relating to the Funds (the “MDL proceeding”).

On June 18 and June 23, 2010, respectively, two actions were filed in the Northern District of Alabama against Morgan Keegan, MK Holding, Inc., the Funds, and certain other defendants. These complaints generally allege that the defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts relating to portfolio composition, fair valuation, liquidity and risk in Fund prospectuses and registration statements. The plaintiffs seek damages in amounts to be determined at trial and attorneys’ fees. On July 28, 2010, joint motions were filed by plaintiffs, Morgan Keegan and MK Holding, Inc. in these proceedings for temporary stays pending transfer to the Western District of Tennessee for consolidated or coordinated pretrial proceedings as part of the MDL proceeding. The Court entered the MDL transfer order consolidating the two actions on August 31, 2010. In the action Francis et al. v. Morgan Keegan & Co Inc. et al., on June 18, 2013, the defendants filed a motion to compel arbitration and for stay pending arbitration. In the action Duncan et al. v. Morgan Keegan & Co, Inc. et al., on October 1, 2013, the defendants filed motion to compel arbitration and for stay pending arbitration.

No estimate of the effect, if any, of these pending lawsuits on the Funds can be made at this time.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            69


HELIOS FUNDS

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

12. Exclusion for Definition of Commodity Pool Operator

Pursuant to amendments by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to Rule 4.5 under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”), the Adviser has filed a notice of exemption from registering as a “commodity pool operator” with respect to the Funds. The Funds and the Adviser are therefore not subject to registration or regulation as a pool operator under the CEA. Effective December 31, 2012, in order to claim the Rule 4.5 exemption, the Funds are limited in their ability to invest in commodity futures, options, swaps (including securities futures, broad-based stock index futures and financial futures contracts). The Funds will limit their transactions in such instruments (excluding transactions entered into for “bona fide hedging purposes,” as defined under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulations) such that either: (i) the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish its futures, options on futures and swaps do not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the Funds’ portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions; or (ii) the aggregate net notional value of its futures, options on futures and swaps does not exceed 100% of the liquidation value of the Funds’ portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on such positions. The Funds and the Adviser do not believe that complying with the amended rule will limit the Funds’ ability to use commodity futures, options and swaps to the extent that it has used them in the past. These limitations, however, may have an impact on the ability of the Adviser to manage the Funds in the future and on each Fund’s performance.

13. Subsequent Events

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

Dividends: The Funds’ Boards of Directors declared the following monthly dividends:

 

Fund

   Dividend Per Share      Record Date      Payable Date  

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 0.0625         October 17, 2013         October 31, 2013   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 0.0600         October 17, 2013         October 31, 2013   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 0.0425         October 17, 2013         October 31, 2013   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 0.0400         October 17, 2013         October 31, 2013   

Fund

   Dividend Per Share      Record Date      Payable Date  

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 0.0625         November 14, 2013         November 29, 2013   

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 0.0600         November 14, 2013         November 29, 2013   

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 0.0425         November 14, 2013         November 29, 2013   

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

   $ 0.0400         November 14, 2013         November 29, 2013   

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

 

70            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Compliance Certification (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

On August 23, 2013, the Funds submitted a CEO annual certification to the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) on which the Funds’ principal executive officer certified that he was not aware, as of that date, of any violation by the Funds of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards. In addition, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Funds’ principal executive and principal financial officers have made quarterly certifications, included in filings with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q relating to, among other things, the Funds’ disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, as applicable.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            71


HELIOS FUNDS

Proxy Results (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

During the six months ended September 30, 2013, the stockholders of the Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc., Helios High Income Fund, Inc., Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc., and Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc. voted on the following proposals at a stockholder meeting on August 22, 2013. The description of the proposal and number of shares voted are as follows:

 

Helios Advantage Income Fund, Inc.

   Shares Voted
For
     Shares Voted
Against
     Shares Voted
Abstain
 

1 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Rodman L. Drake

     5,813,128         171,594         —     

2 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Heather Goldman

     5,710,656         274,066         —     

3 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Edward A. Kuczmarski

     5,768,555         216,167         —     

4 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Kim G. Redding

     5,813,051         171,671         —     

Helios High Income Fund, Inc.

   Shares Voted
For
     Shares Voted
Against
     Shares Voted
Abstain
 

1 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Rodman L. Drake

     4,201,115         171,419         —     

2 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Heather Goldman

     4,219,977         152,557         —     

3 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Edward A. Kuczmarski

     4,236,226         136,308         —     

4 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Kim G. Redding

     4,238,539         133,995         —     

Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund, Inc.

   Shares Voted
For
     Shares Voted
Against
     Shares Voted
Abstain
 

1 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Rodman L. Drake

     6,714,704         179,515         —     

2 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Heather Goldman

     6,563,950         330,269         —     

3 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Edward A. Kuczmarski

     6,669,295         224,924         —     

4 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Kim G. Redding

     6,719,304         174,915         —     

Helios Strategic Income Fund, Inc.

   Shares Voted
For
     Shares Voted
Against
     Shares Voted
Abstain
 

1 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Rodman L. Drake

     5,308,876         102,777         —     

2 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Heather Goldman

     5,299,145         112,508         —     

3 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Edward A. Kuczmarski

     5,291,919         119,734         —     

4 To elect to the Funds’ Board of Directors Kim G. Redding

     5,308,198         103,455         —     

 

72            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Board Considerations Relating to the Investment Advisory Agreements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2013

 

 

At a meeting held on May 21, 2013, the Board, including a majority of the Disinterested Directors, considered and approved the continuation of the investment advisory agreements (the “Advisory Agreements”) between Brookfield Investment Management Inc. (the “Adviser”) and the Funds. In approving the Advisory Agreements, the Board, including a majority of the Disinterested Directors, determined that the fee structures were fair and reasonable and that approval of the Advisory Agreements was in the best interests of each Fund and its stockholders. The Board of Directors considered a wide range of information, including information regularly received from the Adviser at the quarterly Board meetings. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses the primary factors relevant to the Board’s decision.

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

INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. The Boards placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Funds in view of its importance to shareholders. While consideration was given to performance reports and discussions at Board meetings throughout the year, particular attention in assessing the performance was given to presentations that compared each of the Funds’ performance with its Morningstar category peers for the 1, 3 and 5 year and year-to-date periods ending April 30, 2013. The Boards noted that each Fund performed below the median of its Morningstar category peers for the 5 year period, while each Fund performed above the median for the year-to-date and 3 year periods. The Boards further noted that Helios Advantage Income Fund and Helios Strategic Income Fund performed below the median, while Helios High Income Fund performed at the median and Helios Multi-Sector High Income Fund performed above the median for the 1 year period. The Boards noted the improvement in the performance of each Fund since July 29, 2008, when the Adviser began managing the Funds. Based on the Adviser’s discussion of the current market and its positioning of each Fund’s portfolio, the Boards concluded that each Fund’s performance after the Adviser began its services as investment manager was satisfactory.

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

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

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            73


HELIOS FUNDS

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

September 30, 2013

 

 

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

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

After carefully reviewing all of these factors, the Boards, including the Disinterested Directors, unanimously approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreements.

 

74            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited)

 

 

The Funds offer a dividend reinvestment plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to which stockholders, unless they elect otherwise, automatically have dividends and other distributions reinvested in common shares of the Fund by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc. (together, the “Plan Agent”). Stockholders who elect not to participate in the Plan receive all distributions in cash paid by wire or check mailed directly to the recordholder by the Plan Agent.

How the Plan Works

After a Fund declares a dividend or determines to make other distributions, the Plan Agent will acquire shares for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of newly-issued shares of the Fund or (ii) by open-market purchases as follows:

 

 

If, on the payment date, the NAV is equal to or less than the market price per share plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Agent will invest the distribution amount in newly-issued shares on behalf of the participants. The number of newly-issued shares to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by the NAV on the date the shares are issued. However, if the NAV is less than 95% of the market price on the payment date, the dollar amount of the distribution will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date. Because common shares may be issued at less than their market price, Plan participants may get a benefit that non-participants do not.

 

 

If, on the payment date, the NAV is greater than the market value per share plus estimated brokerage commissions, the Plan Agent will invest the distribution amount in shares acquired on behalf of the participants in open-market purchases, which may be made on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), in the over-the-counter market or in negotiated transactions and may be on such terms as to price, delivery and otherwise as the Plan Agent shall determine. It is possible that the market price for the shares may increase before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases. Therefore, the average purchase price per share the Plan Agent pays may exceed the market price thereof on the payment date. If the market price per share increases so that it equals or exceeds the NAV per share (minus estimated brokerage commissions), the Plan Agent will cease its purchases. Otherwise, the Plan Agent will use all distributions received in cash to purchase shares in the open market on or shortly after the payment date, but in no event more than thirty (30) days after the payment date, except where temporary curtailment or suspension of purchases is necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. If the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full amount through open-market purchases during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will request that, with respect to the uninvested portion of such amount, the Fund issue new shares at the close of business on the earlier of the last day of the purchase period or the first day during the purchase period on which the NAV per share (minus estimated brokerage commissions) equals or is less than the market price per share.

Costs of the Plan

The Plan Agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will be paid by the Funds. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open-market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions. If a participant elects to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or her shares and remit the proceeds, the participant will be subject to a $15.00 service fee and a $0.12 per share sold processing fee (which includes applicable brokerage commissions the Plan Agent is required to pay). The participant will not be charged any other fees for this service. However, each Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service fee payable by the participant.

Tax-Implications

The automatic reinvestment of dividends or other distributions does not relieve participants of any taxes that may be payable on such distributions. Participants will receive tax information annually for their personal records and to help them prepare their federal income tax returns. For further information as to the tax consequences of participation in the Plan, participants should consult with their own tax advisors.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            75


HELIOS FUNDS

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited)

 

 

Right to Withdraw

Participants may withdraw from the Plan by calling the Plan Agent at 800-426-5523, writing to the Plan Agent at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021 or completing and returning the transaction form attached to each Plan statement. The withdrawal will be effective immediately if the participant’s notice is received by the Plan Agent not less than ten days prior to any dividend or other distribution record date. Otherwise, the withdrawal will be effective the first trading day after the payment date for the dividend or other distribution with respect to any subsequent dividend or other distribution.

 

76            Brookfield Investment Management Inc.


HELIOS FUNDS

Joint Notice of Privacy Policy (Unaudited)

 

 

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

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

WHAT INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT?

We collect the following Personal Information about you:

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

WHAT IS OUR PRIVACY POLICY?

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

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

HOW DO WE PROTECT CLIENT INFORMATION?

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions concerning our Privacy Policy, please contact our client services representative at 1-800-497-3746.

 

2013 Semi-Annual Report            77


CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

 

Investment Adviser and Administrator

Brookfield Investment Management Inc.

Brookfield Place

250 Vesey Street

New York, New York 10281-1023

www.brookfieldim.com

Please direct your inquiries to:

Investor Relations

Phone: 1-800-497-3746

E-mail: funds@brookfield.com

Transfer Agent

Stockholder inquiries relating to distributions, address changes and stockholder account information should be directed to the Funds’ transfer agent:

Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc.

250 Royall Street

Canton, Massachusetts 02021

1-800-426-5523

Fund Accounting Agent

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 East Michigan Street

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Sub-Administrator

U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

1201 South Alma School Road, Suite 3000

Mesa, Arizona 85210

Legal Counsel

Paul Hastings LLP

75 East 55th Street

New York, New York 10022

Custodian

U.S. Bank National Association

1555 North River Center Drive, Suite 302

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212

Directors of the Fund  
Rodman L. Drake   Chairman
Louis P. Salvatore   Audit Committee Chairman
Edward A. Kuczmarski   Director
Stuart A. McFarland   Director
Heather Goldman   Director (Interested)
Kim G. Redding   Director (Interested)
Officers of the Fund  
Kim G. Redding   President
Dana E. Erikson   Vice President
Richard M. Cryan   Vice President
Mark Shipley   Vice President
Steven M. Pires   Treasurer

Jonathan C. Tyras

 

Secretary

Seth Gelman

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

 

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

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


LOGO


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrant.

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

Please see Item 1.

 

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

Not applicable for semi-annual reports.

 

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

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

 

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

None.

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

None.


Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

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

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

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1)   None.

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

     (3)   None.

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


SIGNATURES

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

 

HELIOS STRATEGIC INCOME FUND, INC.
By:   /s/ Kim G. Redding
  Kim G. Redding
  President and Principal Executive Officer

Date:  December 4, 2013

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

 

By:   /s/ Kim G. Redding
  Kim G. Redding
  President and Principal Executive Officer

Date:  December 4, 2013

 

By:   /s/ Steven M. Pires
  Steven M. Pires
  Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

Date:  December 4, 2013