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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSRS
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act File Number 811-22554
Carlyle Credit Income Fund
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400
New York, New York 10017
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Joshua Lefkowitz, Esq.
Chief Legal Officer, Carlyle Credit Income Fund
One Vanderbilt Avenue, Suite 3400
New York, New York 10017
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 813-4900
Date of fiscal year end: September 30
Date of reporting period: March 31, 2024
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders
The semi-annual report to stockholders for the six months ended March 31, 2024 is filed herewith pursuant to Rule 30e -1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
MARCH 31, 2024
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
About Carlyle Credit Income Fund
Carlyle Credit Income Fund is an externally managed closed-end fund focused on primarily investing in equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs"). The CLOs are collateralized by a portfolio consisting primarily of U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. With Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C. ("Carlyle" or “CGCIM”) as its investment adviser, the Fund draws upon the significant scale and resources of Carlyle and its affiliates as one of the world's largest CLO managers. For more information, visit www.carlylecreditincomefund.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This report may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Fund’s filings with the SEC. The Fund undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report.
Table of Contents
| | | | | |
Section | Page |
Letter to Shareholders and Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance | |
Summary of Certain Unaudited Portfolio Characteristics | |
Fees and Expenses | |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Schedule of Investments | |
Statement of Operations | |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | |
Statement of Cash Flows | |
Notes to Financial Statements | |
Financial Highlights | |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan | |
Portfolio Proxy Voting Policies and Proxy Voting Record | |
Additional Information | |
Letter to Shareholders and Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance
FUND REVIEW & DISCUSSION OF PERFORMANCE
On May 29, 2024, Carlyle Credit Income Fund (“we,” “us,” “our,” “CCIF” or the “Fund”) (NYSE: CCIF) announced via press release the financial results for the second quarter ending March 31, 2024. Over the past six months the fund has successfully implemented the following:
•We leveraged the fund through the issuance of 8.75% Series A Term Preferred Stock due 2028 with a total of $52 million.
•The current portfolio consists of 41 unique collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) investments managed by 24 different collateral managers with exposure to 2,197 separate loans. The weighted average GAAP yield of the portfolio is 20.80% as of March 31, 2024.
•We increased the dividend on February 29, 2024, by 5.63% to $0.1050 per common share for March, April, and May. We maintained such dividend for June, July, and August. This equates to a 15.95% annualized dividend based on the share price as of May 28, 2024. .
•The Fund initiated an at-the-market (“ATM”) offering program to issue common shares at a premium to NAV for net proceeds of $4.5 million for the second quarter ending March 31, 2024. We continue to believe the implementation of the ATM offering program at a premium to NAV is an efficient and accretive way to grow the Fund.
As of March 31, 2024, the net asset value of the Fund is $7.88 per share.
While CCIF has completed the reallocation of the portfolio into equity tranches of the CLOs, in line with the strategy and mandate of the Fund, there continues to be one legacy real estate asset in the portfolio. The fair market value of the loan is $2 million and the third party we engaged to sell the position continues to work through the process in order to maximize proceeds.
We believe Carlyle’s 15 years of CLO investment experience and its team of over 30 credit investment professionals across the U.S. and Europe provide differentiated insights into the CLO market. Carlyle remains one of the largest CLO managers globally with over $50 billion AUM and $2.3 billion in third party managed CLO investments.1
MARKET REVIEW
Leveraged loans experienced a robust start to 2024 as the LSTA U.S. Leveraged Loan Index (the “Index”) returned 2.46% through Q1 2024 compared to 1.47% for high yield bonds and -0.40% for investment grade bonds.2,3 This is the second strongest start over the past five years for leveraged loans, trailing only the 3.23% recorded in Q1 2023.2 In March, the LSTA Index reached a bid price of $96.76, which is its highest level since May 2022.2
Institutional loan issuance through Q1 2024 totaled $325.4 billion which is more than quadruple Q1 2023’s $77.4 billion.4 Borrowers capitalized on supportive secondary loan prices to reprice $150.8 billion of existing debt and also extend out maturities.4 However, excluding refinancings and repricings, new issue loan volume remained muted at just $55.7 billion, $29.1 billion of which was leveraged buyout or M&A activity primarily for incremental, tuck-in acquisitions.4
The CLO market remained very active, as a decline in the cost of CLO debt spurred record-high broadly syndicated loan (“BSL”) CLO new issue of $39.1 billion in Q1 2024.2 The weighted average cost of debt for BSL CLO issuance declined from 197 basis points (“bps”) in Q1 2023 to 157 bps in Q1 2024.2 As a result, CLO refinancing and reset volume of $14.0 billion and $24.4 billion, respectively, in Q1 2024 already surpassed full-year 2023 volumes of $5.0 billion and $19.6 billion.2
The fundamental backdrop of the loan market generally continued to moderate since the start of 2024 despite the implications of a potential higher-for-longer rate environment. The last twelve month default rate of the Index decreased from 1.54% at the end of 2023 to 1.14% at the end of Q1 2024, excluding distressed exchanges.2 Accounting for distressed exchanges, the par-weighted leveraged loan default rate has increased to 3.52% in Q1 2024 from 3.29% at 2023 year-end.5 Distressed exchanges remain significant due to continued activity in out-of-court restructurings where loose loan documentation can create opportunities for companies to strip assets from its lender group. Separately, as the 600+ loan borrowers in Carlyle-managed CLOs finalized Q4 2023 reporting, approximately 70% of borrowers experienced positive free cash flow generation alongside 8% average EBITDA growth and 5% revenue growth.6 We believe this data, and Q1 2024 credit metrics as borrowers report, are valuable proxies for assessing third-party managed CLOs.
1 Carlyle Internal Sources as of March 31, 2024.
2 Leveraged Commentary & Data (“LCD”) as of March 31, 2024.
3 Bloomberg as of March 31, 2024.
4 LevFin Insights as of March 31, 2024.
5 J.P. Morgan Research as of March 31, 2024.
6 Carlyle Internal Sources as of December 31, 2023.
With the increase in loan prices, CLO equity investors are capitalizing on elevated NAVs and liquidating older vintage CLOs at a faster pace. In addition, the increase in loan activity has resulted in higher loan repayment rates which correspond to higher amortization rates for CLOs out of reinvestment period (“RP”). CLO research desks estimate there has been approximately $25 billion in CLO liquidations and amortizations YTD 2024.7 Proceeds from these transactions could support CLO demand as investors look to deploy received proceeds.
CLO equity continues to benefit from elevated base rates. In Q1 2024, the median market cash-on-cash distribution was 3.8% based on par purchase price, in line with its 10-year average of 3.8%.8
STRATEGY & OUTLOOK
We remain pleased with the diversified portfolio that we have created and the successful implementation of the ATM offering program.
The market interest rate outlook has pivoted and is now pricing in 1.72 Federal Reserve rate cuts compared to 6.90 at the beginning of the year, in line with Carlyle’s initial 2024 prediction. While underlying senior secured loan borrowers can be pressured by elevated interest rates, we gain comfort from borrower statistics we observe in the portfolios of Carlyle-managed CLOs. For example, only 2% of these borrowers have interest coverage ratios of less than 1.0x.6 Furthermore, we have positioned CCIF’s portfolio defensively with higher quality managers and deals with enhanced structural subordination, as evidenced by the portfolio’s weighted average junior overcollateralization cushion of 4.54%.
We believe a number of investment opportunities may emerge in the coming months based on YTD 2024 CLO market activity. CLO managers should continue to capitalize on tighter CLO debt spreads to refinance and reset existing CLOs as (1) CLOs issued in 2022 and 2023 with wider CLO debt spreads will continue to roll off their non-call periods and (2) a large percentage of the CLO market, approximately 35%, remains out of RP.8
Given various investment considerations, we believe CLO managers with a structured, cycle-tested investment process will better capitalize on market volatility while mitigating downside risk. With a bottom-up, 14-step CLO investment process, we believe we can identify top-performing CLO managers and actively monitor the existing portfolio of CLO equity.
7 Nomura Research as of March 31, 2024.
8 Bank of America Global Research as of March 31, 2024.
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN UNAUDITED PORTFOLIO CHARACTERISTICS
The information presented below is on a look-through basis to the collateralized loan obligation, or “CLO”, equity and related investments held by the Fund as of March 31, 2024, and reflects the aggregate underlying exposure of the Fund based on the portfolios of those investments. The data is estimated, unaudited, and derived from CLO trustee reports received by the Fund as of and for the six months ended March 31, 2024 and from custody statements and/or other information received from CLO collateral managers, or third party sources.
Portfolio Investment Breakdown as of March 31, 2024
(Excludes cash equivalents and other assets)
| | | | | |
Summary of Underlying Portfolio |
Number of Unique Underlying Loan Obligors | 1,554 |
Number of Underlying Loans | 2,197 |
Aggregate Balance of Underlying Loans | $20.65 Billion |
Average Individual Loan Obligor Exposure | 0.06 | % |
Currency: USD Exposure | 97.97 | % |
Aggregate Indirect Exposure to Senior Secured Loans | 96.30 | % |
Weighted Average Junior OC Cushion | 4.54 | % |
Weighted Average Market Value of Loan Collateral | 97.38 |
Weighted Average Remaining CLO Reinvestment Period | 2.4 years |
Last 12 Month Default Rate of Underlying Loans | 1.31 | % |
| | | | | |
Top 10 Underlying Obligors |
Obligor | % Total |
Asurion | 0.56 | % |
Altice France | 0.53 | % |
Caesars Entertainment | 0.52 | % |
TransDigm | 0.51 | % |
Virgin Media | 0.51 | % |
UKG | 0.49 | % |
Mozart Debt Merger Sub | 0.47 | % |
Peraton | 0.46 | % |
1011778 BC ULC Burger King Corporation | 0.44 | % |
Citadel Securities LP | 0.43 | % |
Total | 4.92 | % |
| | | | | |
Top 10 Industries of Underlying Obligors |
Industry | % Total |
High Tech | 12.80 | % |
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals | 12.18 | % |
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.69 | % |
Services: Business | 7.54 | % |
Hotels, Gaming & Leisure | 5.36 | % |
Chemicals, Plastics & Rubber | 4.74 | % |
Construction & Building | 4.74 | % |
Capital Equipment | 4.46 | % |
Telecommunications | 4.20 | % |
Media: Broadcasting & Subscription | 3.92 | % |
Total | 68.63 | % |
Weighted Average Rating Distribution Weighted Average Maturity Distribution
Wtd Avg = B+ Wtd Avg = 4.4 yrs
Weighted Average Price Distribution Weighted Average Spread Distribution
Wtd Avg = 97.5 - 100 Wtd Avg = 3.5 - 4.0%
FEES AND EXPENSES
The following table is intended to assist in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor in our common shares will bear, directly or indirectly, based on the assumptions set forth below. The expenses shown in the table under “Annual Expenses” are estimated amounts based on historical fees and expenses, as appropriate. We caution that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this table contains a reference to our fees or expenses, we will pay such fees and expenses out of our net assets and, consequently, shareholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in the Fund.
| | | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION FEES | | |
Sales load | — | % | (1) |
Offering expenses borne by the Fund | — | % | (2) |
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses | — | % | (3) |
Total shareholder transaction fees | — | % | (4) |
| | | | | | | | |
ESTIMATED ANNUAL FUND EXPENSES (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares) | | |
Management Fee | 2.58 | % | (5) |
Incentive Fee payable under Investment Advisory Agreement (17.5%) | 3.30 | % | (6) |
Interest payments and fees on borrowed funds | 4.42 | % | (7) |
Other Expenses | 2.21 | % | (8) |
Total annual fund expenses | 12.51 | % |
|
1.In the event that the Fund sells its securities publicly through underwriters or agents the related prospectus supplement will disclose the applicable sales load.
2.In the event that the Fund sells its securities publicly through underwriters or agents the related prospectus supplement will disclose the estimated amount of total offering expenses (which may include offering expenses borne by third parties on the Fund’s behalf), the offering price and the offering expenses borne by the Fund as a percentage of the offering price.
3.The expenses of administering the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “DRP”) are included in “Other Expenses.” Investors will pay brokerage charges if they direct their broker or the DRP Plan agent to sell their Common Shares that they acquired pursuant to the DRP. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
4.The related prospectus supplement will disclose the offering price and the total stockholder transaction expenses as a percentage of the offering price.
5.The Management Fee is calculated and payable monthly in arrears at the annual rate of 1.75% of the month-end value of the Fund’s managed Assets. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to any preferred shares or to indebtedness) minus the Fund’s liabilities other than liabilities relating to indebtedness.
6.The Fund shall pay CGCIM an Incentive Fee calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based upon the Fund’s “pre-incentive fee net investment income” for the immediately preceding quarter, and is subject to a hurdle rate, expressed as a rate of return on the Fund’s net assets, equal to 2.00% per quarter (or an annualized hurdle rate of 8.00%), subject to a “catch-up” feature. For this purpose, “pre-incentive fee net investment income” means interest income, dividend income, income generated from original issue discounts, payment-in-kind income, and any other income earned or accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Fund’s operating expenses (which, for this purpose shall not include any distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees, litigation, any extraordinary expenses or Incentive Fee) for the quarter. For purposes of computing the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, the calculation methodology will look through total return swaps as if the Fund owned the referenced assets directly. As a result, the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income includes net interest, if any, associated with a derivative or swap, which is the difference between (a) the interest income and transaction fees related to the reference assets and (b) all interest and other expenses paid by the Fund to the derivative or swap counterparty. Net assets means the total assets of the Fund minus the Fund’s liabilities. For purposes of the Incentive Fee, net assets are calculated for the relevant quarter as the weighted average of the net asset value of the Fund as of the first business day of each month therein. The weighted average net asset value shall be calculated for each month by multiplying the net asset value as of the beginning of the first business day of the month times the number of days in that month, divided by the number of days in the applicable calendar quarter.
The calculation of the Incentive Fee for each calendar quarter is as follows:
•No Incentive Fee is payable to CGCIM if the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets in respect of the relevant calendar quarter, does not exceed the quarterly hurdle rate of 2.00%;
•100% of the portion of the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 2.4242% (the “catch-up”) is payable to CGCIM if the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets in respect of the relevant calendar quarter, exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 2.4242% (9.6968% annualized). The “catch-up” provision is intended to provide CGCIM with an incentive fee
of 17.5% on all of the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income when the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income reaches 2.4242% of net assets; and
•17.5% of the portion of the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income that exceeds the “catch-up” is payable to CGCIM if the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets in respect of the relevant calendar quarter, exceeds 2.4242% (9.6968% annualized). As a result, once the hurdle rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 17.5% of all the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income thereafter is allocated to CGCIM.
7.The Fund may issue preferred shares or debt securities. The above figure assumes an aggregate of $52 million of preferred shares with an interest rate of 8.75% per annum. In the event that the Fund were to issue additional preferred shares or debt securities, the Fund’s borrowing costs, and correspondingly its total annual expenses, including, in the case of such preferred shares, the base management fee as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets attributable to common shares, would increase.
8.“Other expenses” includes the Fund’s overhead expenses, including payments under the Administration Agreement based on the Fund’s allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by Administrator, and payment of fees in connection with outsourced administrative functions, and are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. “Other expenses” also includes the ongoing administrative expenses to the independent accountants and legal counsel of the Fund, compensation of independent directors, and costs and expenses relating to rating agencies.
The following examples illustrate the hypothetical expenses that would be paid on a $1,000 investment assuming annual expenses attributable to common shares remain unchanged and common shares earn a 5% annual return:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Example | 1 Year | 3 Years | 5 Years | 10 Years |
Expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return | $128 | $355 | $548 | $913 |
The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of the Fund’s future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes a 5.0% annual return, as required by the SEC, the Fund’s performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of March 31, 2024
(expressed in U.S. dollars)
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited)
As of March 31, 2024
(expressed in U.S. dollars)
| | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, 2024 | |
ASSETS | | | |
Investments, at fair value (cost $149,142,840) | | $ | 142,100,289 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | 2,205,398 | | |
Cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies (cost of $205,531) | | 204,726 | | |
Interest receivable | | 5,642,386 | | |
Prepaid expenses | | 378,940 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Other assets | | 71,625 | | |
Total assets | | $ | 150,603,364 | | |
| | | |
LIABILITIES | | | |
| | | |
Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares (net of unamortized deferred issuance costs of $1,907,714) (Note 7) | | $ | 50,092,286 | | |
Payable for investments purchased | | 1,773,750 | | |
Incentive fee payable | | 838,913 | | |
Management fee payable | | 221,929 | | |
Professional fees payable | | 327,726 | | |
Administration fees payable | | 91,221 | | |
Other payables and accrued expenses | | 162,912 | | |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | $ | 53,508,737 | | |
| | | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8) | | | |
| | | |
Net Assets | | $ | 97,094,627 | | |
| | | |
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS | | | |
| | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 116,833,376 | | |
Total distributable earnings (losses) | | (19,738,749) | | |
Total net Assets | | $ | 97,094,627 | | |
Common shares outstanding (no par value) | | 12,328,523 | | |
Net asset value per share of common stock | | $ | 7.88 | | |
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited)
As of March 31, 2024
(expressed in U.S. dollars)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuer (1)(6) | Investment Description | Acquisition Date (2) | Principal Amount | Cost | Fair Value (3) | % of Net Assets |
CLO - Equity(4)(5) | | | | | | |
522 Funding CLO 2021-7, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 20.59%, 4/23/2034) | 7/27/2023 | $ | 4,505,000 | | $ | 2,758,657 | | $ | 2,395,618 | | 2.47 | % |
Aimco CLO 10, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 26.29%, 7/22/2032) | 11/27/2023 | 7,693,500 | | 4,142,783 | | 4,023,113 | | 4.14 | % |
Aimco CLO 14, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 15.97%, 4/20/2034) | 7/17/2023 | 5,850,000 | | 4,376,364 | | 4,306,939 | | 4.44 | % |
Ares LIX CLO, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 20.76%, 4/25/2034) | 12/07/2023 | 8,000,000 | | 4,989,615 | | 5,144,685 | | 5.30 | % |
Ares LVI CLO, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 20.86%, 10/25/2034) | 8/24/2023 | 3,900,000 | | 2,566,185 | | 2,630,914 | | 2.71 | % |
Ares LX CLO, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 22.78%, 7/18/2034) | 11/29/2023 | 1,600,000 | | 856,510 | | 964,358 | | 0.99 | % |
Bain Capital Credit CLO 2021-1, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 25.78%, 4/18/2034) | 7/17/2023 | 4,150,000 | | 2,469,125 | | 2,083,925 | | 2.15 | % |
Ballyrock CLO 15, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 17.42%, 4/15/2034) | 8/16/2023 | 5,000,000 | | 3,499,096 | | 3,303,490 | | 3.40 | % |
Ballyrock CLO 18, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 17.08%, 1/15/2035) | 8/16/2023 | 2,500,000 | | 1,813,445 | | 1,699,033 | | 1.75 | % |
Barings CLO, Ltd. 2019-III | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 35.03%, 4/20/2031) | 12/13/2023 | 5,250,000 | | 2,563,511 | | 2,322,231 | | 2.39 | % |
Barings CLO, Ltd. 2021-I | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 22.24%, 4/25/2034) | 7/17/2023 | 3,400,000 | | 2,125,813 | | 2,130,490 | | 2.19 | % |
Benefit Street Partners CLO XXIII, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 20.59%, 4/25/2034) | 8/02/2023 | 10,000,000 | | 7,222,780 | | 7,781,931 | | 8.01 | % |
BlueMountain CLO XXXV, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 18.78%, 7/22/2035) | 8/07/2023 | 7,800,295 | | 5,752,485 | | 5,161,398 | | 5.32 | % |
CIFC Funding 2020-III, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 17.45%, 10/20/2034) | 9/20/2023 | 8,750,000 | | 6,900,206 | | 6,693,503 | | 6.89 | % |
Elmwood CLO 16, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 16.05%, 4/20/2034) | 8/10/2023 | 6,000,000 | | 3,669,693 | | 4,064,314 | | 4.19 | % |
Elmwood CLO VI, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 18.63%, 10/20/2034) | 7/17/2023 | 2,000,000 | | 1,429,669 | | 1,480,714 | | 1.53 | % |
Elmwood CLO VII, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 23.42%, 1/17/2034) | 7/17/2023 | 2,000,000 | | 1,151,788 | | 1,235,533 | | 1.27 | % |
Galaxy XXII CLO, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 25.46%, 4/16/2034) | 12/15/2023 | 3,560,000 | | 1,955,149 | | 1,810,488 | | 1.86 | % |
Invesco CLO 2021-1, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 20.67%, 4/15/2034) | 9/20/2023 | 3,000,000 | | 1,998,042 | | 1,844,781 | | 1.90 | % |
Invesco CLO 2022-1, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 21.45%, 4/20/2035) | 10/25/2023 | 5,500,000 | | 3,397,499 | | 3,325,009 | | 3.42 | % |
Invesco CLO, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 19.89%, 4/15/2034) | 9/14/2023 | 2,000,000 | | 1,356,281 | | 1,231,008 | | 1.27 | % |
KKR CLO 25, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 23.28%, 7/15/2034) | 12/11/2023 | 2,500,000 | | 1,687,068 | | 1,711,376 | | 1.76 | % |
KKR CLO 31, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 21.15%, 4/20/2034) | 12/7/2023 | 6,000,000 | | 4,322,247 | | 4,289,840 | | 4.42 | % |
KKR CLO 33, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 21.25%, 7/20/2034) | 9/13/2023 | 5,000,000 | | 3,410,355 | | 3,451,468 | | 3.55 | % |
Madison Park Funding LXII, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 17.32%, 7/17/2036) | 7/25/2023 | 12,000,000 | | 8,881,864 | | 7,425,469 | | 7.65 | % |
Magnetite XIX, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 18.76%, 4/17/2034) | 9/15/2023 | 8,614,583 | | 5,573,985 | | 5,084,453 | | 5.24 | % |
MidOcean Credit CLO XI, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 26.04%, 10/18/2033) | 1/12/2024 | 6,250,000 | | 4,015,625 | | 3,865,392 | | 3.98 | % |
MidOcean Credit CLO XIV, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 15.41%, 4/15/2037) | 2/15/2024 | 6,750,000 | | 4,819,500 | | 4,819,500 | | 4.96 | % |
Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 38, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 20.07%, 10/20/2035) | 8/1/2023 | 9,500,000 | | 5,828,175 | | 5,717,750 | | 5.89 | % |
Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 41, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 18.98%, 4/15/2034) | 11/1/2023 | 4,500,000 | | 2,896,417 | | 2,682,277 | | 2.76 | % |
Niagara Park CLO, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 34.21%, 7/17/2032) | 12/1/2023 | 6,850,000 | | 3,681,440 | | 3,599,409 | | 3.71 | % |
OCP CLO 2015-9, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 28.42%, 1/15/2033) | 12/6/2023 | 13,000,000 | | 4,598,858 | | 4,421,967 | | 4.55 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Issuer (1)(6) | Investment Description | Acquisition Date (2) | Principal Amount | Cost | Fair Value (3) | % of Net Assets |
Octagon 55, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 21.72%, 7/20/2034) | 7/19/2023 | $ | 6,000,000 | | $ | 3,469,931 | | $ | 3,305,917 | | 3.40 | % |
OHA Credit Partners XIII, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 21.04%, 10/21/2034) | 7/17/2023 | 2,950,000 | | 1,689,336 | | 2,110,583 | | 2.17 | % |
RR 2, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 18.97%, 4/15/2036) | 1/18/2024 | 11,000,000 | | 6,850,200 | | 6,555,616 | | 6.75 | % |
Signal Peak CLO 10, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 22.19%, 1/24/2035) | 3/28/2024 | 3,000,000 | | 1,773,750 | | 1,773,750 | | 1.83 | % |
Voya CLO 2020-2, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 21.05%, 7/19/2034) | 8/2/2023 | 10,500,000 | | 8,421,322 | | 7,713,909 | | 7.95 | % |
Voya CLO 2020-3, Ltd. | Subordinated Notes (effective yield 19.60%, 10/20/2034) | 8/3/2023 | 4,000,000 | | 3,073,765 | | 2,738,938 | | 2.83 | % |
Total CLO Equity | | | | $ | 141,988,534 | | $ | 136,901,089 | | 140.99 | % |
CLO - Debt (4) | | | | | | |
Avondale Park CLO DAC | 12.58% (3M EURIBOR + 8.65%, 9/20/2034) | 9/6/2023 | € | 2,000,000 | | $ | 1,960,918 | | $ | 2,014,805 | | 2.08 | % |
Elmwood CLO 16, Ltd. | 13.32% (3M Term SOFR + 8.00%, 4/20/2037) | 2/27/2024 | $ | 1,100,000 | | $ | 1,008,480 | | $ | 1,008,480 | | 1.04 | % |
Total CLO Debt | | | | $ | 2,969,398 | | $ | 3,023,285 | | 3.12 | % |
CLO - Subordinated Fee Note (4)(5) | | | | | | |
Invesco CLO 2022-1, Ltd. | Subordinated Fee Notes (effective yield 31.79%, 4/20/2035) | 10/25/2023 | $ | 550,000 | | $ | 129,385 | | $ | 133,873 | | 0.14 | % |
Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 38, Ltd. | Subordinated Fee Notes (effective yield 21.44%, 10/20/2035) | 8/1/2023 | 69,788 | | 51,644 | | 42,042 | | 0.04 | % |
Total CLO Subordinated Fee Notes | | | | $ | 181,029 | | $ | 175,915 | | 0.18 | % |
Real Estate(7) | | | | | | |
Moores Crossing - Travis County, TX | | 7/14/2023 | $ | 4,000,000 | | $ | 4,003,879 | | $ | 2,000,000 | | 2.06 | % |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments | | | | $ | 149,142,840 | | $ | 142,100,289 | | 146.35 | % |
| | | | | | |
Cash Equivalents | | | | | | |
U.S. Bank MMDA | Money Market Deposit Account | | $ | 2,205,398 | | $ | 2,205,398 | | $ | 2,205,398 | | 2.27 | % |
| | | | | | |
Total Investments and Cash Equivalents | | | | $ | 151,348,238 | | $ | 144,305,687 | | 148.62 | % |
| | | | | | |
(1) The Fund is not affiliated with, nor does it "control" (as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")), any of the issuers listed. In general, under the 1940 Act, the Fund would be presumed to "control" an issuer if it owned 25% or more of its voting securities.
(2) Acquisition date represents the initial date of purchase or the date the investment was contributed to the Fund at the time of the Fund's formation.
(3) Fair value is determined by the Adviser in accordance with the written valuation policies and procedures, subject to oversight by the Fund's Board of Trustees, in accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act.
(4) Securities exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, and are deemed to be "restricted securities." As of March 31, 2024, the aggregate fair value of these securities is $140,100,289, or 144.29% of the Fund's net assets.
(5) CLO subordinated notes and income notes are considered CLO equity positions. CLO equity positions are entitled to recurring distributions which are generally equal to the remaining cash flow of payments made by underlying assets less contractual payments to debt holders and fund expenses. The effective yield is estimated based upon the current projection of the amount and timing of these recurring distributions in addition to the estimated amount of terminal principal payment. It is the Fund's policy to calculate the effective yield for each CLO equity position held within the Fund's portfolio at the initiation of each investment and to update it each subsequent quarter thereafter. The effective yield and investment cost may ultimately not be realized. As of March 31, 2024, the Fund's weighted average effective yield on its aggregate CLO equity positions, based on current amortized cost, was 20.94%.
(6) The fair value of the investment was determined using significant unobservable inputs. See “Note 3. Fair Value Measurements.”
(7) The Fund inherited a non-income producing defaulted real estate loan from VCIF that was not included in the legacy portfolio sale. Pursuant to a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure on August 10, 2023, the Fund has ownership of the real estate.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 (Unaudited)
(expressed in U.S. dollars)
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 |
Investment Income | | |
Interest income | | $ | 12,640,218 | |
| | |
Total investment income | | 12,640,218 | |
| | |
Expenses | | |
Interest expense | | 1,964,109 | |
Incentive fees | | 1,442,499 | |
Management fees | | 1,261,863 | |
Professional fees | | 758,733 | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Administration and custodian fees | | 139,351 | |
| | |
Trustees' fees and expenses | | 62,500 | |
Other expenses | | 210,423 | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Total expenses | | 5,839,478 | |
| | |
| | |
Net Investment Income | | 6,800,740 | |
| | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | | 1,702 | |
| | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, foreign currency, and cash equivalents | | (6,066,668) | |
Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments | | (6,064,966) | |
| | |
Net Increase in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares from Operations | | $ | 735,774 | |
| | |
See accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 and for the Year Ended September 30, 2023
(expressed in U.S. dollars)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | |
| | Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | Year Ended September 30, 2023 | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations: | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 6,800,740 | | | $ | 572,740 | | | |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions | | 1,702 | | | (10,719,160) | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, foreign currency and cash equivalents | | (6,066,668) | | | (1,675,639) | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations | | 735,774 | | | (11,822,059) | | | |
| | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders from: | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | (7,156,220) | | | (4,512,176) | | | |
Return of capital | | — | | | (4,166,758) | | | |
Total distributions to shareholders | | (7,156,220) | | | (8,678,934) | | | |
| | | | | | |
Capital share transactions | | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from beneficial interest: | | | | | | |
Issuance of common shares | | 4,508,882 | | | 10,816,451 | | | |
Reinvestment of dividends | | 255,451 | | | 605,817 | | | |
Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions | | 4,764,333 | | | 11,422,268 | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total increase (decrease) in net assets | | (1,656,113) | | | (9,078,725) | | | |
Net assets at the beginning of the period | | 98,750,740 | | | 107,829,465 | | | |
Net assets at the end of the period | | $ | 97,094,627 | | | $ | 98,750,740 | | | |
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2024
(expressed in U.S. dollars)
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 |
Cash flows from operating activities | | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 735,774 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | | |
Purchases of investments, net of change in payable for investments purchased | | (58,687,193) | |
Proceeds from disposition of investments and reductions to investment cost value (1) | | 6,175,059 | |
Net amortization on investments | | (3,945) | |
Amortization of deferred issuance costs on mandatory redeemable preferred shares | | 167,373 | |
Net realized gain on investments | | (1,702) | |
Change in unrealized depreciation on investments | | 6,066,668 | |
Increase in interest receivable | | (3,317,805) | |
Decrease in receivable for investments sold | | 1,450,000 | |
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets | | 48,318 | |
Decrease in professional fees payable | | (399,109) | |
| | |
Increase in incentive fee payable | | 838,913 | |
Increase in management fee payable | | 221,929 | |
Decrease in other payables and accrued expenses | | (75,433) | |
Net cash used in operating activities | | (46,781,153) | |
| | |
Cash flows from financing activities | | |
Proceeds from the issuance of mandatory redeemable preferred shares | | 52,000,000 | |
Deferred issuance costs for the issuance of mandatory redeemable preferred shares | | (2,075,087) | |
Proceeds from common shares issued pursuant to the "at the market" program, net of commissions and fees | | 4,508,882 | |
Dividends paid to shareholders, net of reinvestments | | (6,900,769) | |
Decrease in dividend payable | | (1,159,119) | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | 46,373,907 | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | | 1,304 | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | (405,942) | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | 2,816,066 | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | $ | 2,410,124 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Supplemental information: | | |
| | |
Cash paid for interest on preferred shares | | $ | 1,796,736 | |
Non-cash activities: | | |
Reinvestment of dividends | | $ | 255,451 | |
(1) Represents return of capital on CLO investments from recurring cash flows and refinancings. There have been no dispositions of investments during the six month period ended March 31, 2024.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
1. ORGANIZATION
Carlyle Credit Income Fund (the “Fund”) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on April 8, 2011. In addition, the Fund has elected to be treated, and intends to continue to comply with the requirements to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the “Code”). The Fund currently has one class of common shares which commenced operations on December 30, 2011. The Fund was previously named Vertical Capital Income Fund (“VCIF”) and was managed by its Adviser, Oakline Advisors LLC (“Oakline”). Effective at the close of business on July 14, 2023, the Fund is managed by its Adviser, Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C. (“CGCIM” or the “Adviser”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Carlyle Investment Management L.L.C.
On January 12, 2023, the Fund entered into a definitive agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”) with the Adviser pursuant to which, among other things, CGCIM would become the investment adviser to the Fund (the “Transaction”). Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, the investment advisory agreement between the Fund and Oakline terminated at or near the closing of the Transaction (the “Closing”). As a result, the holders of the Fund’s common shares (“Shareholders”) were asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Fund and CGCIM and to approve certain other proposals upon which the Closing was conditioned. The Shareholders approved the new Investment Advisory Agreement and the other proposals at a shareholder meeting on June 15, 2023, followed by the Closing, which occurred on July 14, 2023. In connection with Closing, (i) the Fund sold existing investments with a gross asset value equal to approximately 97% of the total gross asset value of such investments as of August 31, 2022, subject to certain exclusions; (ii) CGCIM replaced Oakline as the Fund’s new investment adviser; (iii) the Fund’s investment strategy was changed to invest primarily in debt and equity tranches issued by collateralized loan obligations; (iv) each of the Fund’s trustees and officers were replaced; (v) the Fund chan ged its name on July 14, 2023 from Vertical Capital Income Fund to Carlyle Credit Income Fund; and (vi) on July 27, 2023 the Fund’s common shares began trading on NYSE under the symbol “CCIF.” In addition, Shareholders of the Fund received a special one-time payment of $10,000,000 from CGCIM (or one of its affiliates), or approximately $0.96 per common share.
Following the closing of the Transaction and pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, (i) CG Subsidiary Holdings L.L.C., an affiliate of the Adviser (the “Purchaser”) commenced a tender offer on July 18, 2023 to purchase up to $25,000,000 of outstanding Fund common shares at the then-current net asset value per common share (the “Tender Offer”), and (ii) the Purchaser agreed to invest $15,000,000 into the Fund through the purchase of newly issued Fund common shares at a price equal to the greater of the then-current net asset value per common share and the net asset value per common share that represents the tender offer purchase price (the “New Issuance”), and through acquiring common shares in private purchases (the “Private Purchase”).
The Tender Offer expired on August 28, 2023, and the Purchaser accepted for purchase 3,012,049 common shares at a purchase price of $8.30 per common share for an aggregate purchase price of $25,000,007, excluding fees and expenses relating to the Tender Offer.
On September 12, 2023, the Fund closed the New Issuance and issued and sold 1,269,537 common shares to the Purchaser at a purchase price of $8.52 per common share, which price represented the net asset value per common share as of the closing of the New Issuance, for an aggregate purchase price of $10,816,451.
On September 12, 2023, the Purchaser closed the Private Purchase and acquired 504,042 common shares from existing shareholders of the Fund.
Prior to the close of business on July 14, 2023, the Fund’s investment objective was to generate income by primarily investing in mortgage notes secured by residential real estate. Following the closing of the Transaction, the Fund’s primary investment objective is to generate current income, with a secondary objective to generate capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing primarily in equity and junior debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations (“CLO”) that are collateralized by a portfolio consisting primarily of below investment grade U.S. senior secured loans with a large number of distinct underlying borrowers across various industry sectors. The Fund may also invest in other related securities and instruments or other securities and instruments that the Adviser believes are consistent with its investment objectives, including senior debt tranches of CLOs, loan accumulation facilities (“LAFs”) and securities issued by other securitization vehicles, such as collateralized bond obligations, or “CBOs.” LAFs are short- to medium-term facilities often provided by the bank that will serve as the placement agent or arranger on a CLO transaction. LAFs typically incur leverage between four and six times equity value prior to a CLO’s pricing. The CLO securities in which the Fund primarily seek to invest are unrated or rated below investment grade and are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. Unrated and below investment grade securities are also sometimes referred to as “junk” securities. In addition, the CLO equity and junior debt securities in which the Fund invests are highly leveraged (with CLO equity securities typically being leveraged ten times), which magnifies the Fund’s risk of loss on such investments.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
To qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and timely distribute to its shareholders generally at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each year. Pursuant to this election, the Fund generally does not have to pay corporate level taxes on any income that it distributes to shareholders, provided that the Fund satisfies those requirements.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The Fund is an investment company for the purposes of accounting and financial reporting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies (“ASC 946”). U.S. GAAP for an investment company requires investments to be recorded at fair value. The carrying value for all other assets and liabilities approximates their fair value. The Fund’s fiscal year ends on September 30, and unless otherwise noted, references to fiscal year or year are for fiscal years ended September 30.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management’s estimates are based on historical experiences and other factors, including expectations of future events that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Fund’s accounting policies.
Investments
Investment transactions are recorded as of the applicable trade date. Realized gains or losses are measured by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, and includes investments charged off during the period, net of recoveries. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments as presented in the accompanying Statement of Operations reflects the net change in the fair value of investments, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized. See Note 3. Fair Value Measurements, for further information.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and highly liquid investments (e.g., money market funds, U.S. treasury notes) with original maturities of three months or less. The Fund’s cash and cash equivalents are held at one or more large financial institutions and cash held in such financial institutions may, at times, exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limit. The Fund classifies cash equivalents as Level I in the fair value hierarchy. Cash equivalents are carried at cost or amortized cost which approximates fair value.
Interest from Investments
CLO equity investments recognize investment income by utilizing an effective interest methodology based upon an effective yield to maturity utilizing projected cash flow, as required by ASC Topic 325-40, Beneficial Interest in Securitized Financial Assets. The Fund monitors the expected residual payments, and effective yield is determined and updated periodically, as needed. Accordingly, investment income recognized on CLO equity securities in the U.S. GAAP statement of operations differs from both the tax-basis investment income and from the cash distributions actually received by the Fund during the quarterly period.
Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis and includes the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums. Discounts from and premiums to par value on debt investments purchased are accreted/amortized into interest income over the life of the respective security using the effective interest method. The amortized cost of debt investments represents the original cost, including origination fees and upfront fees received that are deemed to be an adjustment to yield, adjusted for the accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums, if any.
Interest Expense
Interest expense includes the Fund’s dividends associated with its 8.75% Series A Term Preferred Shares due October 31, 2028 (the “Series A Term Preferred Shares”). Interest expense also includes the Fund’s amortization of deferred issuance costs associated with its Series A Term Preferred Shares.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses consist primarily of insurance premiums and at-the-market (“ATM”) program expenses. See Note 9. Capital, for further information. Insurance premiums are amortized over the term of the current policy. Prepaid ATM program expenses represent fees and expenses incurred in connection with the ATM program. Such costs are allocated pro-rata based on the amount issued relative to the total respective offering amount and are charged to paid-in-capital. Any remaining prepaid expense balance associated with the ATM program is charged to expense at the earlier of the end of the program period or at the effective date of a new ATM program.
Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares (See Note 7. Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares, for further information)
The Fund authorized and issued its Series A Term Preferred Shares during the six month period ended March 31, 2024. The Fund carries its mandatory redeemable Series A Term Preferred Shares at amortized cost, and such shares are included as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Deferred Issuance Costs
Deferred issuance costs consist of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the closing of the Fund’s Series A Term Preferred Shares, and are capitalized at the time of payment. These costs are amortized over the term of the Series A Term Preferred Shares. The amortized expenses are included in interest expense in the Fund’s financial statements. The unamortized deferred issuance costs are included on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a direct deduction from the related mandatory redeemable preferred share liability.
Income Taxes
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund has elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code, and intends to make the required distributions to its shareholders as specified therein. In order to qualify as a RIC, the Fund must meet certain minimum distribution, source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. If such requirements are met, then the Fund is generally required to pay income taxes only on the portion of its taxable income and gains it does not distribute.
The minimum distribution requirements applicable to RICs require the Fund to distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income (“ICTI”), as defined by the Code, each year (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”). Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Fund may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed before the end of that next tax year through a dividend declared prior to filing the final tax return related to the year which generated such ICTI.
In addition, based on the excise distribution requirements, the Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on undistributed income unless the Fund distributes in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of its ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, in the preceding year. For this purpose, however, any ordinary income or capital gain net income retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate income tax is considered to have been distributed. The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions each taxable year to satisfy the excise distribution requirements.
Due to timing of dividends and distributions, the fiscal year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which the income or net realized gain was recorded by the Fund.
Dividends
The composition of distributions paid to common shareholders from net investment income and capital gains are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which differ from U.S. GAAP. Distributions to common shareholders can be comprised of net investment income, net realized capital gains and return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes and are intended to be paid monthly. Distributions payable to common shareholders are recorded as a liability on ex-dividend date.
The Fund has an “opt out” Dividend Reinvestment Plan that provides for reinvestment of dividends and other distributions on behalf of the shareholder, other than those shareholders who have “opted out” of the plan. As a result of adopting the plan, if the Board of Trustees authorizes, and the Fund declares, a cash dividend or distribution, the shareholders who have not elected to “opt out” of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan will have their cash dividends or distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund’s shares of beneficial interest, rather than receiving cash. Each registered shareholder may elect to have such shareholder’s dividends and distributions distributed in cash rather than participate in the plan. For any registered shareholder that does not so elect, distributions on such shareholder’s shares will be reinvested by the Transfer Agent, the Fund’s plan administrator, in additional shares. The number of shares to be issued to the
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
shareholder will be determined based on the total dollar amount of the cash distribution payable, net of applicable withholding taxes.
Functional Currency
The functional currency of the Fund is the U.S. Dollar. Investments are generally made in the local currency of the country in which the investments are domiciled and are translated into U.S. Dollars with foreign currency translation gains or losses recorded within net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in the accompanying Statement of Operations.
3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Fund applies fair value accounting in accordance with the terms of FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value as the amount that would be exchanged to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transfer between market participants at the measurement date. The Fund values securities/instruments traded in active markets on the measurement date by multiplying the bid price of such traded securities/instruments by the quantity of shares or amount of the instrument held. The Fund may also obtain quotes with respect to certain of its investments, such as its securities/instruments traded in active markets and its liquid securities/instruments that are not traded in active markets, from pricing services, brokers, or counterparties (i.e., “consensus pricing”). When doing so, the Adviser determines whether the quote obtained is sufficient according to U.S. GAAP to determine the fair value of the security. The Fund may use the quote obtained or alternative pricing sources may be utilized including valuation techniques typically utilized for illiquid securities/instruments.
The Board of Trustees has designated the Adviser as the Fund’s valuation designee for purposes of Rule 2a-5 under the Investment Company Act to perform the fair value determination of all of the Fund’s assets in accordance with the terms of ASC 820. Securities/instruments that are illiquid or for which the pricing source does not provide a valuation or methodology or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the Adviser, does not represent fair value shall each be valued as of the measurement date using all techniques appropriate under the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available. These valuation techniques may vary by investment and include comparable public market valuations, comparable precedent transaction valuations and/or discounted cash flow analyses. The Adviser engages third-party valuation firms to provide independent prices on securities/instruments. The Adviser’s Valuation Committee (the “Valuation Committee”) reviews the assessments of the third-party valuation firms and provides any recommendations with respect to changes to the fair value of each investment in the portfolio and approves the fair value of each investment in the portfolio in good faith based on the input of the third-party valuation firms. If the Adviser reasonably believes a valuation from a pricing vendor is inaccurate or unreliable, the Valuation Committee will consider an “override” of the particular valuation. The Valuation Committee will consider all available information at its disposal prior to making a valuation determination.
U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework which ranks the level of observability of market price inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. The observability of inputs is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of investment and the characteristics specific to the investment and state of the marketplace, including the existence and transparency of transactions between market participants. Investments with readily available quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from quoted prices in active markets generally have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment applied in determining fair value.
Investments measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed based on the observability of inputs used in determination of fair values, as follows:
•Level 1— inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date. The types of financial instruments included in Level 1 generally include unrestricted securities, including equities and derivatives, listed in active markets. The Adviser does not adjust the quoted price for these investments, even in situations where we hold a large position and a sale could reasonably impact the quoted price.
•Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date and are those other than quoted prices in active markets. The type of financial instruments in this category generally includes less liquid and restricted securities listed in active markets, securities traded in other than active markets, government and agency securities, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on observable inputs.
•Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to overall fair value measurement. The inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. Financial
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instruments that are included in this category generally include investments in privately held entities, non-investment grade residual interests in securitizations, collateralized loan obligations, and certain over-the-counter derivatives where the fair value is based on unobservable inputs.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Adviser’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the investment.
Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the period in which the transfers occur. During the six month period ended March 31, 2024, there were no transfers.
The following table summarizes the Fund’s investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis by the above fair value hierarchy levels as of March 31, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2024 |
| Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | | Total |
Assets | | | | | |
Cash Equivalents | $ | 2,205,398 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 2,205,398 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Collateralized Loan Obligations | — | | | — | | | 140,100,289 | | | 140,100,289 | |
Real Estate | | | — | | | 2,000,000 | | | 2,000,000 | |
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| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Investments, at Fair Value | $ | 2,205,398 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 142,100,289 | | | $ | 144,305,687 | |
| | | | | | | |
The changes in the Fund’s investments at fair value for which the Fund has classified as Level 3 for the six month period ended March 31, 2024, are as follows:
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| | | | | | | | | | For the Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 |
| | | | | | | Collateralized Loan Obligations | | Real Estate | | | | | | Total |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, beginning of period | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 91,876,730 | | | $ | 2,000,000 | | | | | | | $ | 93,876,730 | |
Purchases of investments | | | | | | | | | | | 60,460,943 | | | — | | | | | | | 60,460,943 | |
Proceeds from sales and paydowns of investments (1) | | | | | | | | | | | (6,175,059) | | | — | | | | | | | (6,175,059) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accretion of discount (premium) | | | | | | | | | | | 3,945 | | | — | | | | | | | 3,945 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | | | | | | | | | (6,066,270) | | | — | | | | | | | (6,066,270) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, end of period | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 140,100,289 | | | $ | 2,000,000 | | | | | | | $ | 142,100,289 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in earnings related to investments still held at the reporting date | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (6,066,270) | | | $ | — | | | | | | | $ | (6,066,270) | |
(1) Represents return of capital on CLO investments from recurring cash flows and refinancings.
The Fund generally uses the following framework when determining the fair value of investments that are categorized as Level 3:
The fair value of CLOs is estimated based on various valuation models from third-party pricing services. Those analyses consider the current trading activity, position size, liquidity, current financial condition of the CLOs, the third-party financing environment, reinvestment rates, recovery lags, discount rates, and default forecasts. The Fund corroborates quotations from pricing services either with other available pricing data and subsequent or recent trading information. These securities are classified as Level 3.
The following table summarizes the quantitative information related to the significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 instruments which are carried at fair value as of March 31, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair Value as of March 31, 2024 | | Valuation Techniques | | Significant Unobservable Inputs | | Range | | Weighted Average |
| Low | | High | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collateralized Loan Obligations | $ | 133,507,039 | | | Consensus Pricing | | Indicative Quotes | | 25.8 | % | | 93.4 | % | | 66.8 | % |
| 6,593,250 | | | Recent Transaction | | Trade Price | | 59.1 | % | | 71.4 | % | | 68.1 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Real Estate | 2,000,000 | | | Market Approach | | Bid Price | | 50.0 | % | | 50.0 | % | | 50.0 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
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| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Level 3 Investments | $ | 142,100,289 | | | | | | | | | | | |
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Fund’s investments in CLOs are indicative quotes. Significant decreases in indicative quotes may result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. The Fund’s Real Estate investment is being valued based on an indicative bid received.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment Advisory Agreement
On November 28, 2022, the Fund’s Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, as amended, approved the Investment Advisory Agreement, subject to Shareholder approval. The Board weighed a number of factors in reaching its decision to approve the Investment Advisory Agreement, including, without limitation, the history, reputation, and resources of CGCIM, prior performance results achieved by CGCIM, and quality of services to be provided by CGCIM. The Board considered CGCIM’s expertise in managing collateralized loan obligation securities.
The Shareholders approved the Investment Advisory Agreement on June 15, 2023 and it became effective on July 14, 2023, at which time the original Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and Oakline Advisors, LLC terminated. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, by and between the Fund and the Adviser, and in consideration of the advisory services provided by the Adviser to the Fund, the Adviser is entitled to a fee consisting of two components—a base management fee (the “Management Fee”) and an incentive fee (the “Incentive Fee”).
The Management Fee is calculated and payable monthly in arrears at the annual rate of 1.75% of the month-end value of the Fund’s Managed Assets. “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund (including any assets attributable to any preferred shares or to indebtedness) minus the Fund’s liabilities other than liabilities relating to indebtedness.
The incentive fee is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based upon the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income for the immediately preceding quarter, and is subject to a hurdle rate, expressed as a rate of return on the Fund’s net assets, equal to 2.00% per quarter (or an annualized hurdle rate of 8.00%), subject to a “catch-up” feature. For this purpose, “pre-incentive fee net investment income” means interest income, dividend income, income generated from original issue discounts, payment-in-kind income, and any other income earned or accrued during the calendar quarter, minus the Fund’s operating expenses (which, for this purpose shall not include any distribution and/or shareholder servicing fees, litigation, any extraordinary expenses or Incentive Fee) for the quarter. For purposes of computing the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, the calculation methodology will look through total return swaps as if the Fund owned the referenced assets directly. As a result, the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income includes net interest, if any, associated with a derivative or swap, which is the difference between (a) the interest income and transaction fees related to the reference assets and (b) all interest and other expenses paid by the Fund to the derivative or swap counterparty. Net assets means the total assets of the Fund minus the Fund’s liabilities. For purposes of the Incentive Fee, net assets are calculated for the relevant quarter as the weighted average of the net asset value of the Fund as of the first business day of each month therein. The weighted average net asset value shall be calculated for each month by multiplying the net asset value as of the beginning of the first business day of the month times the number of days in that month, divided by the number of days in the applicable calendar quarter.
The Fund pays its Adviser an incentive fee with respect to its pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:
•No incentive fee based on pre-incentive fee net investment income in any calendar quarter in which its pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle rate of 2.00%;
•100% of the portion of the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 2.4242% (the “catch-up”) is payable to the Adviser if the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets in respect of the relevant calendar quarter, exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 2.4242% (9.6968% annualized). The “catch-up” provision is intended to provide the Adviser with an incentive fee of 17.5% on all of the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income when the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income reaches 2.4242% of net assets; and
•17.5% of the portion of the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income that exceeds the “catch-up” will be payable to the Adviser if the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the Fund’s net assets in respect of the relevant calendar quarter, exceeds 2.4242% (9.6968% annualized). As a result, once the hurdle rate is reached and the catch-up is achieved, 17.5% of all the Fund’s pre-incentive fee net investment income thereafter is allocated to the Adviser.
During the six month period ended March 31, 2024, the management fee was $1,261,863 and incentive fee related to pre-incentive fee net investment income was $1,442,499.
As of March 31, 2024, $221,929 and $838,913 was included in management fee payable and incentive fee payable, respectively, in the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
Expense Limitation Agreement
The Adviser and the Fund entered into an Expense Limitation Agreement under which the Adviser had agreed contractually to waive its Management Fee and/or reimburse the Fund’s operating expenses on a monthly basis to the extent that the Fund’s monthly total annualized fund operating expenses (excluding (i) expenses directly related to the costs of making investments, including interest and structuring costs for borrowings and line(s) of credit, taxes, brokerage costs, the Fund’s proportionate share of expenses related to co-investments, litigation and extraordinary expenses, (ii) Incentive Fees, expenses related to equity or debt offerings, and (iii) expenses associated with the Transaction Agreement, including expenses related to the liquidation as defined therein) in respect of the relevant month not to exceed 2.50% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. The Expense Limitation Agreement terminated based on its terms on August 17, 2023, which was the date that 75% of the Fund’s gross assets were invested in collateralized loan obligation equity and debt investments.
CGCIM also has a Fee Waiver Agreement under which it has agreed to irrevocably waive the portion of its management and incentive fees on Fund managed assets invested in exchange traded funds through January 12, 2024 (the “Termination Date”), as the Fund’s portfolio transitions to the new investment strategy. CGCIM is not entitled to recoup any waived fees under the Fee Waiver Agreement. For the period from July 14, 2023, the date CGCIM replaced Oakline as the Fund’s new investment adviser, through the Termination Date, the Fund did not have any investments in exchange traded funds, and thus no management or incentive fees were waived under the Fee Waiver Agreement.
The Adviser is obligated to pay expenses associated with providing the investment services stated in the Investment Advisory Agreement, including compensation of and office space for its officers and employees connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment management of the Fund.
Board of Trustees
The Fund’s Board of Trustees currently consists of five members, three of whom are Independent Trustees. The Board of Trustees has established an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and an Independent Trustees Committee, the members of each of which consist entirely of the Fund’s Independent Trustees. The Board of Trustees may establish additional committees in the future. During the six month period ended March 31, 2024, the Fund incurred $62,500 in fees and expenses associated with its Independent Trustees' services on the Fund's Board of Trustees and its committees. As of March 31, 2024, no fees or expenses associated with the Fund’s Independent Trustees were payable.
Shareholder Concentration
Related parties owned approximately 39% of the Fund's total outstanding shares as of March 31, 2024. Related parties may include, but are not limited to, the Adviser and its affiliates, affiliated broker dealers, fund of funds, and directors or employees.
5. RISK FACTORS
Investment Risks
Portfolio Fair Value Risk
Under the Investment Company Act, the Fund is required to carry its portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value. There is not a public market for the CLO investments we target. As a result, the Adviser values these securities at least quarterly, or more frequently as may be required from time to time, at fair value. The Adviser, as valuation designee, is responsible for the valuation of the Fund’s portfolio investments and implementing the portfolio.
The Fund expects that it will hold a high proportion of Level 3 investments relative to its total investments, which is directly related to the Fund’s investment philosophy and target portfolio. The Adviser has engaged an independent valuation firm to fair value the Fund’s Level 3 investments on a monthly basis. A retained independent valuation firm will have expertise in complex valuations associated with alternative investments and utilize a variety of techniques to calculate a security’s/instrument’s valuation. The valuation approach may vary by security/instrument but may include comparable public market valuations, comparable transaction valuations and discounted cash flow analyses. All factors that might materially impact the value of an investment (e.g., operating results, financial condition, achievement of milestones, economic and/or market events and recent sales prices) may be considered. The factors and methodologies used for the valuation of such securities are not necessarily an indication of the risks associated with investing in those securities nor can it be assured that the Fund can realize the fair value assigned to a security if it were to sell the security. Because such valuations are inherently uncertain, they often reflect only periodic information received by the Adviser about such companies’ financial condition and/or business operations, which may be on a lagged basis and therefore fluctuate over time and can be based on estimates. Determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if an exchange-traded market for these securities existed.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
Potential Conflicts of Interest Risk—Allocation of Investment Opportunities
The Adviser has adopted allocation procedures that are intended to treat each fund they advise in a manner that, over a period of time, is fair and equitable. The Adviser and its affiliates currently provide investment advisory and administration services and may provide in the future similar services to other entities (collectively, “Advised Funds”). Certain existing Advised Funds have, and future Advised Funds may have, investment objectives similar to those of the Fund, and such Advised Funds will invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by the Fund. Certain other existing Advised Funds do not, and future Advised Funds may not, have similar investment objectives, but such funds may from time to time invest in asset classes similar to those targeted by the Fund. The Adviser will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, and in any event consistent with any fiduciary duties owed to the Fund and other clients and in an effort to avoid favoring one client over another and taking into account all relevant facts and circumstances, including (without limitation): (i) differences with respect to available capital, size of client, and remaining life of a client; (ii) differences with respect to investment objectives or current investment strategies, including regarding: (a) current and total return requirements, (b) emphasizing or limiting exposure to the security or type of security in question, (c) diversification, including industry or company exposure, currency and jurisdiction, or (d) rating agency ratings; (iii) differences in risk profile at the time an opportunity becomes available; (iv) the potential transaction and other costs of allocating an opportunity among various clients; (v) potential conflicts of interest, including whether a client has an existing investment in the security in question or the issuer of such security; (vi) the nature of the security or the transaction, including minimum investment amounts and the source of the opportunity; (vii) current and anticipated market and general economic conditions; (viii) existing positions in a borrower/loan/security; and (ix) prior positions in a borrower/loan/security. Nevertheless, it is possible that the Fund may not be given the opportunity to participate in certain investments made by investment funds managed by investment managers affiliated with the Adviser.
Collateralized Loan Obligations
The Fund invests in CLOs. Investments in CLO securities involve certain risks. CLOs are generally backed by an asset or a pool of assets that serve as collateral. The Fund and other investors in CLO securities ultimately bear the credit risk of the underlying collateral. Most CLOs are issued in multiple tranches, offering investors various maturity and credit risk characteristics, often categorized as senior, mezzanine and subordinated/equity according to their degree of risk. If there are defaults or the relevant collateral otherwise underperforms, scheduled payments to senior tranches of such securities take precedence over those of junior tranches which are the focus of our investment strategy, and scheduled payments to junior tranches have a priority in right of payment to subordinated/equity tranches. CLOs may present risks similar to those of the other types of debt obligations and, in fact, such risks may be of greater significance in the case of CLOs. For example, investments in junior debt and equity securities issued by CLOs, involve risks, including credit risk and market risk. Changes in interest rates and credit quality may cause significant price fluctuations. In addition to the general risks associated with investing in debt securities, CLO securities carry additional risks, including: (1) the possibility that distributions from collateral assets will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (2) the quality of the collateral may decline in value or default; (3) investments in CLO junior debt and equity tranches will likely be subordinate in right of payment to other senior classes of CLO debt; and (4) the complex structure of a particular security may not be fully understood at the time of investment and may produce disputes with the issuer or unexpected investment results. Changes in the collateral held by a CLO may cause payments on the instruments the Fund holds to be reduced, either temporarily or permanently.
Covenant-Lite Loans Risk
Covenant-lite loans may comprise a significant portion of the senior secured loans underlying the CLOs in which we invest. Over the past decade, the senior secured loan market has evolved from one in which covenant-lite loans represented a minority of the market to one in which such loans represent a significant majority of the market. Generally, covenant-lite loans provide borrower companies more freedom to negatively impact lenders because their covenants are incurrence-based, which means they are only tested and can only be breached following an affirmative action of the borrower, rather than by a deterioration in the borrower’s financial condition. Accordingly, to the extent that the CLOs that we invest in hold covenant-lite loans, our CLOs may have fewer rights against a borrower and may have a greater risk of loss on such investments as compared to investments in or exposure to loans with financial maintenance covenants.
Subordinated Securities
CLO equity and junior debt securities are subordinated to more senior tranches of CLO debt. CLO equity and junior debt securities are subject to increased risks of default relative to the holders of superior priority interests in the same CLO. In addition, at the time of issuance, CLO equity securities are under-collateralized in that the face amount of the CLO debt and CLO equity of a CLO at inception exceed its total assets. The Fund will typically be in a subordinated or first loss position with respect to realized losses on the underlying assets held by the CLOs in which we are invested.
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
High Yield Investment Risk
The CLO equity and junior debt securities are typically rated below investment grade, or in the case of CLO equity securities unrated, and are therefore considered “higher yield” or “junk” securities and are considered speculative with respect to timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. The senior secured loans and other credit-related assets underlying CLOs are also typically higher yield investments. Investing in CLO equity and junior debt securities and other high yield investments involves greater credit and liquidity risk than investment grade obligations, which may adversely impact the Fund’s performance.
Default Risk
The Fund will be subject to risks associated with defaults on an underlying asset held by a CLO.
•A default and any resulting loss, as well as other losses on an underlying asset held by a CLO may reduce the fair value of our corresponding CLO investment. A wide range of factors could adversely affect the ability of the borrower of an underlying asset to make interest or other payments on that asset. To the extent that actual defaults and losses on the collateral of an investment exceed the level of defaults and losses factored into its purchase price, the value of the anticipated return from the investment will be reduced. The more deeply subordinated the tranche of securities in which we invest, the greater the risk of loss upon a default. For example, CLO equity is the most subordinated tranche within a CLO and is therefore subject to the greatest risk of loss resulting from defaults on the CLO’s collateral, whether due to bankruptcy or otherwise. Any defaults and losses in excess of expected default rates and loss model inputs will have a negative impact on the fair value of our investments, will reduce the cash flows that the Fund receives from its investments, adversely affect the fair value of the Fund’s assets and could adversely impact the Fund’s ability to pay dividends. Furthermore, the holders of the junior equity and debt tranches typically have limited rights with respect to decisions made with respect to collateral following an event of default on a CLO. In some cases, the senior most class of notes can elect to liquidate the collateral even if the expected proceeds are not expected to be able to pay in full all classes of notes. The Fund could experience a complete loss of its investment in such a scenario.
•In addition, the collateral of CLOs may require substantial workout negotiations or restructuring in the event of a default or liquidation. Any such workout or restructuring is likely to lead to a substantial reduction in the interest rate of such asset and/or a substantial write-down or write-off of all or a portion of the principal of such asset. Any such reduction in interest rates or principal will negatively affect the fair value of the Fund’s portfolio.
Non-Diversification Risk
The Fund is a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act and expects to hold a narrower range of investments than a diversified fund under the 1940 Act.
Leverage Risk
The use of leverage, whether directly or indirectly through investments such as CLO equity or junior debt securities that inherently involve leverage, may magnify the Fund’s risk of loss. CLO equity or junior debt securities are very highly leveraged (with CLO equity securities typically being leveraged ten times), and therefore the CLO securities in which the Fund invests are subject to a higher degree of loss since the use of leverage magnifies losses.
Senior Management Personnel of the Adviser
Since the Fund has no employees, it depends on the investment expertise, skill and network of business contacts of the Adviser. The Adviser evaluates, negotiates, structures, executes, monitors and services the Fund’s investments. The Fund’s future success depends to a significant extent on the continued service and coordination of the Adviser and its senior management team. The departure of any members of the Adviser’s senior management team could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.
Conflicts of Interest Risk
The Fund’s executive officers and trustees, other current and future principals of the Adviser and certain members of the Adviser’s investment committee may serve as officers, trustees or principals of other entities and affiliates of the Adviser and funds managed by the Fund’s affiliates that operate in the same or a related line of business as the Fund does. Currently, the Fund’s executive officers, as well as the other principals of the Adviser, manage other funds affiliated with Carlyle, including other existing and future affiliated BDCs and registered closed-end funds, including Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc., Carlyle Credit Solutions, Inc. and Carlyle Tactical Private Credit Fund. In addition, the Adviser’s investment team has responsibilities
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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
for sourcing and managing private debt investments for certain other investment funds and accounts. Accordingly, they have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in the best interests of, or may be adverse to the interests of, the Fund and its Shareholders. Although the professional staff of the Adviser will devote as much time to management of the Fund as appropriate to enable the Adviser to perform its duties in accordance with the Investment Advisory Agreement, the investment professionals of the Adviser may have conflicts in allocating their time and services among the Fund, on the one hand, and investment vehicles managed by Carlyle or one or more of its affiliates on the other hand.
Liquidity Risk
Generally, there is no public market for the CLO investments the Fund targets. As such, the Fund may not be able to sell such investments quickly, or at all. If the Fund is able to sell such investments, the prices the Fund receives may not reflect the Adviser’s assessment of their fair value or the amount paid for such investments by the Fund.
The Adviser’s Incentive Fee Risk
The Investment Advisory Agreement entitles the Adviser to receive incentive compensation on income regardless of any capital losses. In such case, the Fund may be required to pay the Adviser incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio or if the Fund incurs a net loss for that quarter. Any Incentive Fee payable by the Fund that relates to its net investment income may be computed and paid on income that may include interest that has been accrued but not yet received. If an investment defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously included in the calculation of the Incentive Fee will become uncollectible. The Adviser is not under any obligation to reimburse the Fund for any part of the Incentive Fee it received that was based on accrued income that the Fund never received as a result of a default by an entity on the obligation that resulted in the accrual of such income, and such circumstances would result in the Fund’s paying an Incentive Fee on income it never received. The Incentive Fee payable by the Fund to the Adviser may create an incentive for it to make investments on the Fund’s behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The way in which the Incentive Fee payable to the Adviser is determined may encourage it to use leverage to increase the return on the Fund’s investments. In addition, the fact that the Management Fee is payable based upon the Fund’s Managed Assets, which would include any borrowings for investment purposes, may encourage the Adviser to use leverage to make additional investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor Shareholders. Such a practice could result in the Fund’s investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be in its best interests, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns.
Market Risks
The success of the Fund’s activities will be affected by general economic and market conditions, such as interest rates, availability of credit, credit defaults, inflation rates, economic uncertainty, changes in laws (including laws relating to taxation of the Fund’s investments), trade barriers, currency exchange controls, disease outbreaks, pandemics, and national and international political, environmental and socioeconomic circumstances (including wars, terrorist acts or security operations). In addition, the current U.S. political environment and the resulting uncertainties regarding actual and potential shifts in U.S. foreign investment, trade, taxation, economic, environmental and other policies under the current Administration, as well as the impact of geopolitical tension, such as a deterioration in the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and China or an escalation in conflict between Russia and Ukraine, could lead to disruption, instability and volatility in the global markets. Unfavorable economic conditions also would be expected to increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us.
Current and historic market turmoil has illustrated that market environments may, at any time, be characterized by uncertainty, volatility and instability. For example, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused materially reduced consumer demand and economic output, disrupting supply chains, resulting in market closures, travel restrictions and quarantines, and adversely impacting local and global economies. As with other serious economic disruptions, governmental authorities and regulators are responding to this crisis with significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including by providing direct capital infusions into companies, introducing new monetary programs and considerably lowering interest rates, which, in some cases resulted in negative interest rates.
Inflation Risk
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of certain assets or income from the Fund’s investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of investments and distributions can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, the dividend rates or borrowing costs associated with the Fund’s use of leverage would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to shareholders.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
Interest Rate Risk
The senior secured loans underlying the CLOs in which the Fund invests typically have floating interest rates. A rising interest rate environment may increase loan defaults, resulting in losses for the CLOs in which the Fund invests. In addition, increasing interest rates may lead to higher prepayment rates, as corporate borrowers look to avoid escalating interest payments or refinance floating rate loans. Further, a general rise in interest rates will increase the financing costs of the CLOs. However, since many of the senior secured loans within these CLOs have Benchmark floors, if the Benchmark is below the applicable Benchmark floor, there may not be corresponding increases in investment income which could result in the CLO not having adequate cash to make interest or other payments on the securities which the Fund holds.
Transition from LIBOR Risk
Although The London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is no longer published as of June 30, 2023, certain CLO securities in which we invest may continue to earn interest at (or, from the perspective of the Fund as CLO equity investor, obtain financing at) a floating rate based on LIBOR. LIBOR and other inter-bank lending rates and indices (together with LIBOR, the “IBORs”) are the subject of ongoing national and international regulatory reform. Most, but not all, LIBOR settings are now transitioned to alternative near risk-free rates (“RFRs”).
It is expected that many new financing arrangements entered into by the Fund will therefore likely reference an RFR as the applicable interest rate. The RFRs are conceptually and operationally different from LIBOR. For example, overnight rate RFRs may only be determinable on a ‘backward’ looking basis and therefore are only known at the end of an interest period, whereas LIBOR is a ‘forward’ looking rate. Moreover, certain RFRs (such as Secured Overnight Financing Rate or “SOFR” for U.S. dollar debt) are not well established in the market, and all RFRs remain novel in comparison to LIBOR. There consequently remains some uncertainty as to what the economic, accounting, commercial, tax and legal implications of the use of RFRs will be and how they will perform over significant time periods, particularly as market participants are still becoming accustomed to the use of such benchmarks. As a result, it is possible that the use of RFRs may have an adverse effect on the Fund.
Regulatory Risk
Government regulation and/or intervention may change the way the Fund is regulated, affect the expenses incurred directly by the Fund, affect the value of its investments and limit the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. Government regulation may change frequently and may have significant adverse consequences. Moreover, government regulation may have unpredictable and unintended effects. In addition to exposing the Fund to potential new costs and expenses, additional regulation or changes to existing regulation may also require changes to the Fund’s investment practices.
Credit Risk
Credit risk relates to the ability of the borrower under an instrument to make interest and principal payments as they become due. If (1) a CLO in which the Fund invests, (2) an underlying asset of any such CLO or (3) any other type of credit investment in the Fund’s portfolio declines in price or fails to pay interest or principal when due because the issuer or debtor, as the case may be, experiences a decline in its financial status, our income, NAV and/or market price would be adversely impacted.
Credit Spread Risk
Credit spread risk is the risk that credit spreads (i.e., the difference in yield between securities that is due to differences in their credit quality) may increase when the market expects below-investment-grade bonds to default more frequently. Widening credit spreads may quickly reduce the market values of below-investment-grade and unrated securities. In recent years, the U.S. capital markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption following the spread of COVID-19, which increased the spread between yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. Central banks and governments played a key role in reintroducing liquidity to parts of the capital markets. Future exits of these financial institutions from the market may reintroduce temporary illiquidity. These and future market disruptions and/or illiquidity would be expected to have an adverse effect on the Fund’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Prepayment Risk
The assets underlying the CLO securities are subject to prepayment by the underlying corporate borrowers. In addition, the CLO securities and related investments are subject to prepayment risk. If the Fund or a CLO collateral manager is unable to reinvest prepaid amounts in a new investment with an expected rate of return at least equal to that of the investment repaid, the Fund’s investment performance will be adversely impacted.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
Volatility Risk
Volatility risk refers to the magnitude of the movement, but not the direction of the movement, in a financial instrument’s price over a defined time period. Large increases or decreases in a financial instrument’s price over a relative time period typically indicate greater volatility risk, while small increases or decreases in its price typically indicate lower volatility risk.
Equity Risk
Equity risk relates to the change in value of equity securities as they relate to increases or decreases in the general market.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
Foreign exchange rate risk relates to the change in the U.S. dollar value of a security held that is denominated in a foreign currency. The U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency denominated security will decrease as the dollar appreciates against the currency, while the U.S. dollar value will increase as the dollar depreciates against the currency.
Cybersecurity Risk
Cybersecurity incidents and cyber-attacks have been occurring globally at a more frequent and severe level and will likely continue to increase in frequency in the future. The Adviser faces various security threats on a regular basis, including ongoing cyber security threats to and attacks on its information technology infrastructure that are intended to gain access to its proprietary information, destroy data or disable, degrade or sabotage its systems. These security threats could originate from a wide variety of sources, including unknown third parties outside of the Adviser. Although the Adviser is not currently aware that it has been subject to cyber-attacks or other cyber incidents which, individually or in the aggregate, have materially affected its operations or financial condition, there can be no assurance that the various procedures and controls utilized to mitigate these threats will be sufficient to prevent disruptions to its systems.
6. BORROWINGS
In accordance with the Investment Company Act, the Fund is currently only allowed to borrow amounts such that its asset coverage, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is 300% or more for leverage obtained through debt or 200% or more for leverage obtained through preferred shares. As of March 31, 2024, asset coverage on the Fund’s Series A Term Preferred Shares was 287%.
7. MANDATORY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES
On October 24, 2023, the Fund issued 1,200,000 shares of 8.75% Series A Term Preferred Shares due October 31, 2028, for aggregate gross proceeds of $30,000,000. On November 6, 2023, pursuant to the overallotment option granted to the Underwriters in the Underwriting Agreement, dated October 18, 2023, the Fund issued 80,000 additional shares for gross proceeds of $2,000,000. On November 30, 2023, the Fund issued an additional 800,000 shares for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. The shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CCIA”. The following table summarizes the details of the Fund’s Series A Term Preferred Shares:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Initial Issuance Date | Redemption Date | Dividend Rate | Share Amount | Price Per share | Total Raise |
Series A Term Preferred Shares | 10/24/2023 | 10/31/2028 | 8.75 | % | 2,080,000 | | $ | 25.00 | | $ | 52,000,000 | |
Each holder of Series A Term Preferred Shares is entitled to a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (the “Liquidation Preference”), plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest on such dividends) to, but excluding, the date fixed for such redemption. The Fund is required to redeem all outstanding shares of the Series A Term Preferred Shares on October 31, 2028 (the “Mandatory Redemption Date”), at a redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, to the date of redemption. The Fund cannot effect any modification of or repeal of the Fund’s obligation to redeem the Series A Term Preferred Shares on the Mandatory Redemption Date without the prior, unanimous approval of the holders of the Series A Term Preferred Shares. At any time on or after October 31, 2025, (the “Optional Redemption Date”), the Fund may, at its sole option, redeem the outstanding Series A Term Preferred Shares in whole or, from time to time, in part, at the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if any, on such shares.
The holders of Series A Term Preferred Shares are entitled to receive monthly dividends at a fixed annual rate of 8.75% of the Liquidation Preference ($2.1875 per share per year), or the “Dividend Rate.” Cumulative cash dividends on each share of Series A Term Preferred Shares accumulate from and include the original issue date. Dividends on the Series A Term
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
Preferred Shares are accrued daily, payable monthly in arrears, and are included in Interest expense on the Statement of Operations. For the six month period ended March 31, 2024, $1,796,736 of dividend expense was included in interest expense on the Statement of Operations. Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Series A Term Preferred Shares are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Series A Term Preferred Shares. For the six month period ended March 31, 2024, the Fund recorded $167,373 of amortization of deferred issuance costs related to the Series A Term Preferred Shares.
The Series A Term Preferred Shares are recorded net of unamortized deferred issuance costs and included as a liability on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The carrying value of the Series A Term Preferred Shares is $50,092,286. The Fund’s Series A Term Preferred Shares balances as of March 31, 2024, were as follows:
| | | | | |
| As of March 31, 2024 |
Liquidation preference | $ | 52,000,000 | |
Less: Unamortized deferred issuance costs | 1,907,714 | |
Carrying value | $ | 50,092,286 | |
Fair value (1) | $ | 52,894,400 | |
Fair value price per share (1) | $ | 25.43 | |
(1) Represents the March 31, 2024 closing market price per share of the Series A Term Preferred Shares on the New York Stock Exchange.
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Fund is not currently subject to any material legal proceedings. From time to time, the Fund may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of the Fund’s rights under contracts with its portfolio companies. While the outcomes of these legal proceedings, if any, cannot be predicted with certainty, the Fund does not expect that these proceedings will have a material effect upon its financial condition or results of operations.
9. CAPITAL
The Fund has an unlimited amount of common shares, no par value, authorized and 12,328,523 issued and outstanding. Transactions in common shares for the six month period ended March 31, 2024 were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 |
Beginning Shares | | 11,725,357 | |
Shares issued through dividend reinvestment | | 34,227 | |
Shares issued pursuant to the ATM program | | 568,939 | |
Ending Shares | | 12,328,523 | |
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At-The-Market (“ATM”) Program
On October 4, 2023, the Fund entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc, B. Riley Securities, Inc., and Oppenheimer & Co Inc. (the “Placement Agents”) that allows for the offer and sale of up to $75,000,000 aggregate amount of the Fund’s common shares, through the Placement Agents, made by an at-the-market offering as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. The minimum price on any day at which common shares may be sold will not be below the current net asset value of such common shares. For the six month period ended March 31, 2024, the Fund sold a total of 568,939 common shares pursuant to the ATM program. The total amount of capital raised under these issuances was $4,591,679 and net proceeds were $4,508,882 after deducting the Placement Agents’ commissions and offering expenses.
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)
10. TAX
The Fund has not recorded a liability for any uncertain tax positions pursuant to the provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes, as of March 31, 2024.
In the normal course of business, the Fund is subject to examination by federal and certain state, local and foreign tax regulators. As of March 31, 2024, the Fund had filed tax returns. The Fund’s federal tax returns are generally subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years after they are filed.
The Fund’s taxable income for each period is an estimate and will not be finally determined until the Fund files its tax return for each year. Therefore, the final taxable income, and the taxable income earned in each period and carried forward for distribution in the following period, may be different than this estimate. For the six month period ended March 31, 2024 the Fund made distributions of $7,156,220, in which the final tax character of income will be determined at year end.
The aggregate cost of securities and other investments and the composition of unrealized appreciation and depreciation of securities and other investments for federal income tax purposes at period end are noted in the following table.
| | | | | |
| Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 |
Federal tax cost of securities | $ | 149,142,840 | |
Gross unrealized appreciation | 1,965,929 | |
Gross unrealized depreciation | (9,008,480) | |
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | $ | (7,042,551) | |
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Unaudited)
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
For the period from April 1, 2024 to May 28, 2024, the Fund sold 470,180 of common shares, pursuant to the ATM offering, for total net proceeds to the Fund of $3,706,384. In connection with such sales, the Fund paid a total of $51,549 in Placement Agent commissions.
On April 30, 2024, the Fund paid a monthly dividend of $0.1050 per common share to holders of record on April 18, 2024. Additionally, on May 29, 2024, the Fund declared dividends of $0.1050 per common share, payable on each of June 28, 2024, July 31, 2024, and August 30, 2024, to holders of record as of June, 17, 2024, July 19, 2024, and August 20, 2024, respectively.
On April 30, 2024, the Fund paid a monthly dividend of $0.1823 per share on its 8.75% Series A Term Preferred Shares to holders of record on April 30, 2024. Additionally, on May 29, 2024, the Fund declared dividends of $0.1823 per share on its 8.75% Series A Term Preferred Shares, payable on each of June 28, 2024, July 31, 2024, and August 30, 2024, to holders of record as of June, 17, 2024, July 19, 2024, and August 20, 2024, respectively.
The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and noted no other events that require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Six Months Ended March 31, 2024 | | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2023(5) | | 2022 | | 2021 | | 2020 | |
Per Share Operating Data | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $ | 8.42 | | | $ | 10.39 | | | $ | 11.69 | | | $ | 12.05 | | | $ | 12.71 | | |
Income (loss) from investment operations: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income (1)(2) | 0.57 | | | 0.05 | | | 0.50 | | | 0.42 | | | 0.36 | | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | (0.51) | | | (1.20) | | | (0.80) | | | 0.33 | | | (0.50) | | |
Total from investment operations | 0.06 | | | (1.15) | | | (0.30) | | | 0.75 | | | (0.14) | | |
Dividends to shareholders from: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | (0.60) | | | (0.43) | | | (0.73) | | | (0.89) | | | (0.33) | | |
Net realized gains | — | | | — | | | (0.18) | | | (0.22) | | | (0.19) | | |
Return of capital | — | | | (0.39) | | | (0.09) | | | — | | | — | | |
Total dividends | (0.60) | | | (0.82) | | — | | (1.00) | | | (1.11) | | — | | (0.52) | | |
Net asset value, end of period | $ | 7.88 | | | $ | 8.42 | | | $ | 10.39 | | | $ | 11.69 | | | $ | 12.05 | | |
Per share market value at beginning of period | $ | 8.18 | | | $ | 8.92 | | | $ | 10.49 | | | $ | 9.93 | | | $ | 10.68 | | |
Per share market value at end of period | $ | 7.87 | | | $ | 8.18 | | | $ | 8.92 | | | $ | 10.49 | | | $ | 9.93 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return based on Net Asset Value (3) | 0.84 | % | | (11.75) | % | | (2.77) | % | | 6.52 | % | | (1.09) | % | |
Total Return based on Market Value (3) | 3.86 | % | | 0.39 | % | | (5.95) | % | | 17.59 | % | | (2.99) | % | |
Ratios/Supplemental Data | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) | $ | 97,095 | | | $ | 98,751 | | | $ | 107,829 | | | $ | 121,324 | | | $ | 125,034 | | |
Ratio of gross expenses to average net assets (4) | 12.21 | % | | 7.42 | % | | 3.27 | % | | 3.05 | % | | 3.06 | % | |
Ratio of net expenses to average net assets (4) | 12.21 | % | | 6.72 | % | | 3.09 | % | | 2.88 | % | | 2.73 | % | |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets (2)(4) | 14.22 | % | | 0.56 | % | | 4.53 | % | | 3.56 | % | | 2.95 | % | |
Portfolio turnover rate | 0.00 | % | | 100.91 | % | | 28.39 | % | | 14.73 | % | | 20.13 | % | |
Loan Outstanding, End of Year/Period (in thousands) (6) | N/A | | N/A | | $ | 7,455 | | | $ | 1,923 | | | $ | 13,000 | | |
Asset Coverage Ratio for Loan Outstanding (6) | N/A | | N/A | | 1546 | % | | 6409 | % | | 1062 | % | |
Asset Coverage, per $1,000 Principal Amount of Loan Outstanding (6) | N/A | | N/A | | $ | 15,463 | | | $ | 64,090 | | | $ | 10,618 | | |
Weighted Average Loans Outstanding (in thousands) (6) | N/A | | $ | 3,732 | | | $ | 8,051 | | | $ | 10,788 | | | $ | 9,796 | | |
Weighted Average Interest Rate on Loans Outstanding (6) | N/A | | 7.94 | % | | 4.50 | % | | 3.75 | % | | 3.79 | % | |
(1) Per share amounts are calculated using the annual average shares method, which more appropriately presents the per share data for the period.
(2) Ratio of net investment income is annualized except for Organizational Fees, which are one time expenses, and calculated excluding Expense Waiver. If Expense Waiver were included, the ratio would have been lower. For the six month period ended March 31, 2024, there were no expenses waived.
(3) Total returns are historical in nature and assume changes in share price, reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, and excludes the effect of sales charges. Had the Adviser not waived expenses, total returns would have been lower.
(4) Expense ratios have been annualized, except for Organizational Fees which are one time expenses, and Expense Waiver which is not annualized. If Expense Waiver had been excluded, the expense ratios would have been lower. Expenses do not include expenses from underlying funds in which the Fund has been invested. For the six month period ended March 31, 2024, there were no expenses waived.
(5) Effective at the close of business on July 14, 2023, CGCIM replaced Oakline Advisors as the Fund’s new investment adviser and the Fund’s investment strategy was changed to invest primarily in debt and equity tranches issued by collateralized loan obligations. Prior to the close of business on July 14, 2023, the investment strategy was to invest primarily in mortgage notes secured by residential real estate.
(6) As of March 31, 2024, the Fund did not have any outstanding loans. A revolving line of credit agreement between the Fund and Nexbank was terminated on July 5, 2023.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Fund operates under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”) administered by Equiniti. Pursuant to the DRP, the Fund’s Distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, are reinvested in the same class of shares of the Fund.
Shareholders automatically participate in the DRP, unless and until an election is made to withdraw from the plan on behalf of such participating Shareholder. A Shareholder who does not wish to have Distributions automatically reinvested may terminate participation in the DRP by written instructions to that effect to Equiniti. Shareholders who elect not to participate in the DRP will receive all distributions in cash paid to the Shareholder of record (or, if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee). Such written instructions must be received by Equiniti within 15 days prior to the applicable dividend payment date, or the Shareholder will receive such Distribution in shares through the DRP. Under the DRP, the Fund’s Distributions to Shareholders are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares as described below.
When the Fund declares a dividend, capital gain or other distribution (each, a “Distribution” and collectively, “Distributions”) Equiniti, on the Shareholder’s behalf, will receive additional authorized shares from the Fund either newly issued or repurchased from Shareholders by the Fund and held as treasury stock. Distributions that are reinvested through the issuance of new shares increase our Shareholders’ equity on which a management fee is payable to the Adviser. The number of shares to be received when Distributions are reinvested will be determined by dividing the amount of the Distribution by 95% of the market price per share of the Fund’s common stock at the close of regular trading on the NYSE. The newly issued shares would be issued whether our shares are trading at a premium or discount to NAV. However, the Fund reserves the right to purchase shares in the open market in connection with the implementation of the DRP to the extent that shares are trading at a price below NAV per share. Shares purchased in open market transactions by the plan administrator will be allocated to a Shareholder based on the average purchase price, excluding any brokerage charges or other charges, of all shares purchased in the open market.
Equiniti will maintain all Shareholder accounts and furnish written confirmations of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by Shareholders for personal and tax records. Equiniti will hold shares in the account of the Shareholders in non-certificated form in the name of the participant, and each Shareholder’s proxy, if any, will include those shares purchased pursuant to the DRP. Each participant, nevertheless, has the right to request certificates for whole and fractional shares owned. The Fund will issue certificates in its sole discretion. Equiniti will distribute all proxy solicitation materials, if any, to participating Shareholders.
In the case of Shareholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, that hold shares for others who are beneficial owners participating under the DRP, Equiniti will administer the DRP on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder as representing the total amount of shares registered in the Shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners participating under the DRP.
Neither Equiniti nor the Fund shall have any responsibility or liability beyond the exercise of ordinary care for any action taken or omitted pursuant to the DRP, nor shall they have any duties, responsibilities or liabilities except such as expressly set forth herein. Neither shall they be liable hereunder for any act done in good faith or for any good faith omissions to act, including, without limitation, failure to terminate a participant’s account prior to receipt of written notice of his or her death or with respect to prices at which shares are purchased or sold for the participant’s account and the terms on which such purchases and sales are made, subject to applicable provisions of the federal securities laws.
The automatic reinvestment of Distributions will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such Distributions. See “U.S. Federal Income Tax Matters.”
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the DRP upon 60 days’ notice to Shareholders. There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases under the DRP; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the DRP to include a service charge payable by the participants.
All correspondence concerning the DRP should be directed to Equiniti at 6201 15th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11219. Certain transactions can be performed by calling the toll free number (866) 277-8243.
PORTFOLIO PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROXY VOTING RECORD (Unaudited)
The Fund has delegated its proxy voting responsibility to the Adviser. The proxy voting policies and procedures of the Adviser are set forth below. The guidelines are reviewed periodically by the Adviser and the Independent Trustees and, accordingly, are subject to change.
It is the policy of the Fund to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund to the Fund’s Adviser as a part of the Adviser’s general management of the Fund’s portfolio, subject to the continuing oversight of the Board. The Board has delegated such responsibility to the Adviser, and directs the Adviser to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund consistent with the proxy voting policies and procedures. The Adviser may retain one or more vendors to review, monitor and recommend how to vote proxies in a manner consistent with the proxy voting policies and procedures, to ensure that such proxies are voted on a timely basis and to provide reporting and/or record retention services in connection with proxy voting for the Fund.
The right to vote a proxy with respect to portfolio securities held by the Fund is an asset of the Fund. The Adviser, to which authority to vote on behalf of the Fund is delegated, acts as a fiduciary of the Fund and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Fund and its Shareholders. In discharging this fiduciary duty, the Adviser must maintain and adhere to its policies and procedures for addressing conflicts of interest and must vote proxies in a manner substantially consistent with its policies, procedures and guidelines, as presented to the Board.
The Fund shall file an annual report of each proxy voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Fund during the twelve-month period ended June 30 on Form N-PX not later than August 31 of each year.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CARLYLE CREDIT INCOME FUND
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Adviser | Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C. |
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Transfer Agent | Equiniti Trust Company LLC, (formerly known as American Stock Transfer & Trust Company) |
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Legal Counsel | Dechert LLP |
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Ticker Symbols | |
Common Shares | CCIF |
Preferred Shares | CCIA |
© 2023 The Carlyle Group Inc. All rights reserved.
PRIVACY NOTICE
As a Carlyle Credit Income Fund shareholder, you are entitled to know how we protect your personal information and how we limit its disclosure.
Information Sources
We obtain non-public personal information about our shareholders from transactions with us, our affiliates, or others.
Protection of Information
We do not disclose any non-public personal information (such as names on a customer list) about current or former customers to anyone, except as permitted by law.
Disclosure of Information
We may use details about you and your investments to help us, our financial service affiliates, or firms that jointly market their financial products and services with ours, to better serve your investment needs or suggest educational material that may be of interest to you. If this requires us to provide you with an opportunity to “opt in” or “opt out” of such information sharing with a firm not affiliated with us, you will receive notification on how to do so, before any such sharing takes place.
Right of Refusal
We will not disclose your personal information to unaffiliated third parties (except as permitted by law), unless we first offer you a reasonable opportunity to refuse or “opt out” of such disclosure.
Other Security Measures
We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your personal account information. Our employees and agents have access to that information only so that they may offer you products or provide services, for example, when responding to your account questions.
Who We Are
This notice describes the privacy policy of the Carlyle Credit Income Fund. In the event it is updated or changed, we will post an updated notice on our website at www.CarlyleCreditIncomeFund.com. If you have any questions about this privacy policy, write to us at 6201 15th Ave., Brooklyn. NY 11219 or call us at (866) 277-8243.
This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
Visit Us
CarlyleCreditIncomeFund.com
Call Us
866 277 8243
The Fund’s transfer agent is Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11219
All rights reserved.
CCIFSAR 05292024
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 Companies
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments
(a)The schedule of investments is included as part of the Reports to Shareholders filed under
Item 1(a) of this report.
(b)Not applicable.
Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable.
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable.
Item 9. Proxy Disclosures for Open-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable.
Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable.
Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract
Not applicable.
Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Funds
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies
(a)(1)Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
(a)(2)Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
(a)(3)Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
(a)(4)Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers
Not applicable.
Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holder
None.
Item 16. Controls and Procedures
(a)Based on an evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this Form N-CSR, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures of the Registrant are reasonably designed to ensure that the information required in filings on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported by the filing date, including that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b)There were no significant changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
None.
Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation
(a)Not applicable.
(b)Not applicable.
Item 19. Exhibits
| | | | | |
(a)(1) | Not applicable for semi-annual reports. |
(a)(2) | Not applicable for semi-annual reports. |
(a)(3) | |
(b) | |
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.
Carlyle Credit Income Fund
/s/ Lauren Basmadjian
By: Lauren Basmadjian
Principal Executive Officer
Date: May 29, 2024
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 date indicated.
/s/ Lauren Basmadjian
By: Lauren Basmadjian
Principal Executive Officer
Date: May 29, 2024
/s/ Nelson Joseph
By: Nelson Joseph
Principal Financial Officer
Date: May 29, 2024